Immortal Serenade

3. The chronicler's quest

As Lin Xi entered her house, her mother looked up from her needlework, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Lin Xi, where have you been? You've been gone for two hours."

Lin Xi hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I was with Chen Rui and Hei Bai, Mother. We were just hanging out."

Her mother raised an eyebrow. "Hanging out? What does that mean?"

Lin Xi shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Just exploring, talking...you know, just stuff."

Her mother studied her for a moment before nodding. "Alright, dear. Just be careful, okay? And don't forget about your studies."

Lin Xi nodded, relieved. "I won't, Mother. I promise."

As she went to her room, Lin Xi couldn't help but smile, thinking about her adventure in the mortal realm. She couldn't wait to tell Chen Rui and Hei Bai about her conversation with Mei Lan.

The next day, Lin Xi met up with her friends in secret, eager to share her story. "Guys, you won't believe what happened yesterday," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Chen Rui and Hei Bai leaned in, curious. "What happened?" Chen Rui asked.

Lin Xi took a deep breath, launching into the tale of her meeting with Mei Lan. Her friends listened, entranced, as she described the Imperial Dancer's grace and beauty.

Hei Bai whistled. "Wow, Lin Xi, you're so lucky! I'm jealous."

Chen Rui grinned. "We should all go see her dance again. And maybe we can even learn some of her moves."

Lin Xi laughed. "I don't know about that, but I do know we have to go back to the mortal realm soon. There's still so much to explore."

And with that, the three friends began making plans for their next adventure, eager to return to the magical world of humans.

Lord Yu Huang stood before Fairy Xi and Princess Jing, his eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and concern. The other officials gathered around, their faces somber with the weight of the task at hand.

"The spell of rebirth is a powerful and ancient magic," Lord Yu Huang began, his voice low and mystical. "It will transfer your essence into the mortal realm, where you will be reborn as human infants. You will live out a mortal life, free from the burdens of our world, but also vulnerable to its dangers."

Fairy Xi and Princess Jing nodded, their faces set with resolve. They knew the risks, but they also knew the importance of their mission.

Lord Yu Huang raised his hands, and a soft, ethereal glow began to emanate from his fingers. The air around Fairy Xi and Princess Jing started to shimmer, as if the very fabric of reality was being woven and unwoven.

The spell began to take hold, and Fairy Xi and Princess Jing felt their fairy essence begin to fade. Their consciousness was pulled apart, their memories and powers stripped away, leaving only their core essence.

As the spell reached its climax, Lord Yu Huang's voice boomed out, "By the power of the ancient ones, I cast you into the mortal realm! May your journey be guided by the light of the heavens!"

With a final burst of energy, the essence of Fairy Xi and Princess Jing was sent hurtling towards the mortal realm. They would be reborn as human infants, carried by a mortal woman, and would live out a mortal life. But according to their fate, they would have the chance to become fairies again once they passed away in the mortal realm, their essence returning to the fairy world to be reborn once more with the memories of their life in the Earth.

So, Lin Xi is simply a fairy in the fairy realm, attending classes and learning about celestial magic. She doesn't have a personal connection to Fairy Xi and Princess Jing, who were reborn as humans.