Chapter Three: The Path to Recovery

In the solitude of her room, Hye-jin took advantage of her recuperation time to delve into the mysteries of her lost immortal power. As she lay on her bed, she meticulously studied her current mortal body, realizing its hidden potential for cultivating immortality. The realization brought a spark of hope to her heart, igniting a determination to start anew, despite the setback of losing all her previous cultivation.

With a focused mind, Hye-jin closed her eyes and began to meditate, seeking to connect with the depths of her inner self. She was pleasantly surprised to discover that her spatial space, a realm she once had access to as Bai Feng Hu, had reincarnated with her. However, weakened and lacking the required energy and power, she found herself unable to access it at present. Undeterred, she shifted her attention to refining her mortal body, exploring the possibilities of converting qi into immortal energy.

Meanwhile, in another part of the humble abode, Hye-ji and Byung-ho engaged in a conversation.

Byungho looked at Hyeji with a serious expression, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and trust. He placed a hand on Hyeji's shoulder, emphasizing the importance of their conversation.

"I will be gone for a few days. During this time, I need you to take care of your siblings and ensure their well-being. Can I trust you with this responsibility?"

Hyeji stood tall, his determination evident in his eyes. He nodded firmly, accepting the weight of the responsibility.

" Don't worry, Grandfather. I will take care of them. You can trust me."

Byungho's face softened, a small smile forming on his lips. He patted Hyeji's back, showing his approval and support. " I know I can trust you, Hyeji. You have always been responsible and dependable. I'm entrusting you with this responsibility because I believe in your capabilities."

"Thank you, Grandfather. I won't let you down. I will make sure that everyone is taken care of and that our daily routines continue smoothly."

"I know you will, Hyeji. You've always been a pillar of strength for our family. Now, let's gather your siblings and discuss what needs to be done."

Hyeji followed Byungho's lead, rounding up their younger siblings who were playing nearby. They gathered around, sensing the seriousness of the situation.

"Listen carefully, everyone. I have to leave for a few days, but Hye-ji will be in charge. He will take care of all of you and make sure you're safe and well."

Haneul, Han-wool, and Eun-hye looked at Hye-ji with a mixture of uncertainty and trust. Hye-ji knelt down to their eye level, reassuring them with a warm smile.

"Don't worry, my dear siblings. Grandpa has entrusted me with this responsibility, and I promise to protect and take care of each one of you. We'll stick together and get through this."

Eun-hye the youngest, tugged at Byung-ho's sleeve, her voice filled with innocence and concern.

"Will you be back soon, Grandpa? Eun-hye will miss you."

Byung-ho ruffled Eun-hye's hair gently, his voice filled with reassurance.

"I'll be back before you know it, child. Until then, make sure to look out for each other, okay?"

"Yes, Grandpa. Eun-hye will be a good girl."Eun-hye nodded her small head vigorously, her cute action almost melt Byung-ho's heart.

With a soft smile, address Hyeji once more. In his hand, he placed a few small broken pieces of silver, a meager budget for their food while he was away. "Hyeji, I have prepared some money for you to buy food and necessities while I'm away. Use it wisely and make sure everyone is taken care of."

Hyeji accepted the pouch of money from Byungho, his gratitude was evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Grandpa. I'll make sure we have enough to sustain ourselves and provide for Hye-jin's recovery."

Byungho nodded approvingly, his gaze shifting to Hye-jin's room. He knew she was still recuperating from her injuries. "Hye-jin needs rest and care. Keep an eye on her and make sure she gets the support she needs during her recovery."

"I will, Grandfather. Hye-jin is in good hands."

With a final pat on Hye-ji's shoulder, Byungho turned to leave, knowing he could trust Hyeji to fulfill his duties.

As the children bid farewell to Byung-ho, a sense of responsibility fell upon Hye-ji's shoulders. He knew he had to step up and guide his siblings in their martial arts practice. With authority, he instructed them on the basic stances, emphasizing the importance of discipline and repetition. The children followed his lead, their bodies moving in synchrony, honing their skills.

After an hour of physical training, Hye-ji led them into a state of meditation, urging them to connect with the Qi that flowed within and around them. It was a moment of stillness and introspection, allowing the children to harness their inner strength.

With Hye-jin still unwell, Hye-ji took charge of the kitchen, preparing a nourishing porridge. He carefully cooked a small chicken, infusing the broth with flavors that would aid in Hye-jin's recovery. Placing a bowl before Hye-jin, he hoped the warm meal would provide her with the nourishment she needed to regain her strength.

As the aroma of the porridge filled the room, Hye-ji's thoughts were consumed by a mixture of concern for Hye-jin's well-being and determination to fulfill his newfound responsibilities.

Haneul wiped the sweat off his brow, his gentle eyes reflecting the weariness of their circumstances. He turned to his younger brother, Han-wol, whose determined expression mirrored his fiery spirit.

"Han-wol, we did well today. Our kicks and punches are improving."

Han-wol nodded, his ragged clothes clinging to his thin frame. "Yeah, but what's the point, hyung? We train so hard, but it doesn't change anything. We're still poor, and Hye-jin unnie is sick."

Haneul's intelligent gaze softened with sadness, his hands clenching the frayed fabric of his tunic.

"I know it's tough, Han-wol. But we have to keep going. We can't give up hope. Hye-jin unnie and Hye-ji oppa are doing their best for us."

Han-wol's hot temper flared, his voice tinged with frustration and helplessness. "Their best isn't enough, Haneul-hyung! We're hungry, and our clothes are falling apart. How much longer do we have to endure this? If only mother, father, and grandfather didn't die."

Haneul's gentle demeanor held a quiet strength as he placed a hand on Han-wol's shoulder.

"I understand how you feel, Han-wol. But aren't we still have each other? We'll stick together and find a way. We won't let this hardship break us."

Han-wol's eyes welled with unshed tears, his voice trembling with both anger and love. "I'm scared, Haneul. Scared that things will never get better."

Haneul embraced his little brother, their threadbare clothes touching in a show of solidarity.

"I'm scared too, Han-wol. But we'll face it together. We'll find strength in our family and in the hope that tomorrow might bring something different."

As the brothers held each other in the fading light, their worn-out clothes and the weight of their poverty faded into insignificance. They knew that their bond, their resilience, and their unwavering love for one another would sustain them, even in the darkest of times.