By the Reincarnation Pool in the Earth Immortal Realm,
Behind Su Miao stood the disciples, fully prepared to depart.
Kong Xuan stepped out from the ranks, clad in green robes with a golden sash, his steps steady.
He walked before Su Miao, dropped to both knees, and struck his forehead against the cold ground with a dull thud.
Su Miao reached out, grasped his arm, and helped him up.
Kong Xuan rose without looking at her, his eyes lowered. Su Miao lifted a hand to straighten his collar, smoothing down its folded edge.
"Go. Take good care of your little brother.
He may be sharp-tongued, but he cares about you."
Kong Xuan's Adam's apple bobbed. He nodded hard and returned to the ranks.
Ling Zhuzi bounced over from the side, looking up at Su Miao as the Gold Ring around his neck swayed back and forth.
"Sect Master, can I grow a little taller after I reincarnate?"
Su Miao choked. "...That's not something I can control."
Ling Zhuzi's face fell.
"Then can I choose to be born into a rich family?"
This time, Su Miao answered without hesitation.
"You can."
Ling Zhuzi sprang out of his gloom, lifting his chin again like a wilted seedling revived by water.
Su Miao stood atop the high platform beside the Reincarnation Pool, looking down at the disciples.
"Coming back alive matters more than anything."
The disciples answered as one. Their souls drifted out of their bodies and plunged into the Reincarnation Pool. Golden Light flashed, and they vanished.
Their original bodies remained where they were, supported by the disciples staying behind and carried away to specially constructed Quiet Rooms.
Houtu stood at the other end of the Reincarnation Pool, personally watching over the reincarnation path of every soul. She gestured to Su Miao,