El Padre, stepping forward with the grace of a seasoned warrior, crossed his arms with an air of authority. His voice cut through the tension, sharp and commanding. "Remember — each pill is of utmost importance and painstakingly rare. If not for Madam's unwavering generosity, care, and diligent effort, you would never have had the privilege to witness such remarkable medicines in your lifetime, let alone hold them."

His words hung in the air like a solemn declaration, heavy with sincerity.

Then, as if pulled by an unseen string of curiosity, Chatty tilted his head, a playful squint in his eyes. "Wait… El Padre's not getting any share?"

The entire room froze, an electric silence falling like a thick fog.

El Padre turned slowly, the corners of his mouth twitching in mock annoyance. "You! Hmph!"

The room erupted in a soft chorus of anticipation, eyes darting between the two.

Ling Li, unable to suppress a chuckle, covered her mouth with her hand, the sound ringing like the gentle chime of a distant bell. El Capitan, usually a figure of stoic silence, let out a rare, warm laugh, his broad shoulders shaking with uncharacteristic mirth.

Ling Li intervened, her tone light and teasing, still firm. "Rest assured, El Padre and El Capitan do not require any of the medicines I provided. In fact, both of them ascended to immortality much earlier than I did."

A collective gasp rippled through the room, the air thickening with astonishment.

Chatty's mouth fell open, his jaw hanging slack as he struggled to comprehend the revelation. "Immortal?! You mean — like, actual immortal like Madam?"

El Padre puffed up with pride, the golden embroidery on his coat glistening in the lantern light like a crown of honor. "Of course."

Beside him, El Capitan, ever the shadow in the background, shrugged modestly, but the flicker of pride in his eyes betrayed his facade.

Buoyed by the lively atmosphere, Chatty leaned forward with unbridled eagerness. "Then… can we see how you look in your immortal form?"

El Padre seized the moment with finesse. "In your dreams," he quipped, adjusting his collar with the kind of theatrical flair that made his retort all the more delightful.

The room erupted in bursts of laughter, a symphony of joy that chased away the shadows of worry.

Even Mushu, known for his seriousness, cracked a smile, his expression softening, while Pharsa rolled her eyes playfully, the corners of her lips betraying the amusement she couldn't contain. The twins giggled, perched on the couch like playful sprites, and Fatty clapped his hands with the exuberance of a delighted child, his infectious laughter filling the room.

In that moment, the collective tension of the past ten days unraveled, dissolving like mist under the morning sun.

And within that laughter, that shared warmth, the family rediscovered what they were truly fighting for — not merely survival, but the unbreakable bond they shared with one another.

A Mother's Gift: The Nirvana Elixir

The living room enveloped them in an intimate silence, the atmosphere thick with reverence and anticipation. Lanterns flickered like distant stars overhead, casting a warm, golden glow that danced over the polished wooden floor. The jade boxes and crystal vials Ling Li had gracefully presented pulsated softly, radiating an aura of refined qi. Yet, every gaze in the room was irresistibly drawn to the small, luminous box cradled delicately in her hands — The Nirvana Elixir.

Ling Li glided forward, her long silver hair flowing behind her like a comet's radiant tail, each strand glimmering with an ethereal light. Her robes shimmered with echoes of soul flame, embodying both elegance and power. Her expression exuded calm mastery, but her stormy, ancient eyes were locked on Shi Min, unwavering.

With a serene yet powerful gesture, she extended the radiant box toward him, their eyes locking in an understanding forged by trust and courage.

"Prepare yourself. Your tribulation is on the horizon."

Shi Min froze, as if caught in a tableau of time. His breath hitched in his throat as his gaze fell upon the jade container. Small and unassuming on the outside, yet the profound energy emanating from it was palpable — warm, potent, and intoxicatingly sacred, sending shivers cascading down his spine.

His fingers trembled, quivering like leaves caught in a gentle breeze, as he reached out hesitantly. He didn't grasp the box at once. Instead, he looked back up at his mother, his voice shaky with emotion that threatened to overwhelm him. "Mom… I made you worry. I'm sorry."

Ling Li's gaze softened, her lips parting in a tender sigh, yet she remained silent, allowing him to gather his thoughts.

Shi Min pressed on, his voice a low tremor filled with guilt and reverence. "Thank you. I know creating this elixir was beyond anyone else's capability. But gathering the materials… it must've been — "His words faltered, the enormity of his mother's sacrifices rendering him momentarily speechless.

Ling Li stepped closer, holding the box with a grace that seemed to bridge their hearts. "Shi Min," she spoke gently, her voice a soothing balm, "I'm your mother. I would do anything to protect you. Not just you — all of you."

Her voice, while steady, shimmered with unshed tears — not of weakness, but of a parent who had borne witness to the trials of her child, her spirit unyielding yet tender.

Finally, Shi Min reached for the box, clutching it as if it were a priceless relic, fragile and imbued with memories. He bowed his head, pressing the box to his forehead in a gesture steeped in reverence. "We know, Mom. I understand. And I swear — I'll do my utmost to honor your gift and not let you down."

Ling Li moved, brushing a silken strand of hair from his forehead, her fingers lingering on his cheek like the caress of a gentle breeze.

"You never have," she whispered, her breath a lullaby laced with profound love.

In the stillness surrounding them, the others stood frozen in quiet witness. Fatty fought back tears, blinking rapidly and pretending to stifle a yawn. Lily held her breath as if the very air around them had thickened. Shun's hand tightened protectively around Ren's, both feeling the weight of the moment. Even El Padre turned his gaze aside, his jaw clenched with unspoken emotions.

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