Chapter 3: Understanding the Space

Chapter 3: Understanding the Space

The soft glow of the magical space surrounded them as Lin Yue lay back on the bed, her newborns cradled protectively in her arms. Her other children huddled near her, their small, fragile forms barely covered by worn-out robes. The fabric was thin and tattered, offering little protection against the harsh world they had come from. Their limbs were slender, their cheeks hollow from the hardships they had endured.

Lin Yue's heart ached as she glanced at them. The eldest boy, Qin Ze, sat closest, his sharp, intelligent eyes scanning the room as though trying to understand where they were. Beside him, his younger siblings clung to each other: Ren An, the quiet and observant one; Jian Yu, whose curiosity shone even in the direst of circumstances; and Ling Xue, the only girl, whose wide eyes darted nervously toward Li Wei.

Li Wei stood nearby, his imposing figure making the room feel smaller.

Lin Yue's memories surged forward. She recalled the day she gave birth to her firstborns. Those inhumane bastards had fed her only water, forcing her to deliver without any assistance. When the babies were born, they were snatched away immediately. She thought they had died. When they were eventually returned, they were sickly and frail. If she hadn't managed to provide them milk, they would have perished.

Lin Yue looked ahead, her resolve hardening. I will take revenge no matter how many years it takes.

That cursed place... The compound where Lin Yue and her family had been imprisoned was a desolate, eerie facility hidden deep within a remote valley. Jagged cliffs and thick forests surrounded it, cutting it off from the outside world. The area was often shrouded in mist, adding to its oppressive atmosphere.

The compound itself was a nightmare. Its crude, fortified buildings were constructed of dark stone and reinforced wood. High walls lined with sharp spikes loomed ominously. Inside, narrow corridors and dimly lit rooms reeked of dampness and despair. The air was heavy, oppressive, and filled with the stench of unwashed bodies. Guards patrolled constantly, their cold, watchful eyes ensuring no one attempted to escape.

Lin Yue shuddered as she remembered the dungeon where she and Li Wei were kept. They had been force-fed aphrodisiacs and a strange blue liquid to ensure compliance. The guards treated them as nothing more than tools. If not for Li Wei's determination and her own strength, she might have been forced to give birth there again, only to have her children taken once more.

Li Wei's voice broke the silence, low but tense. "What is this place? How did we get here?"

Lin Yue took a deep breath, steadying herself. "It's... hard to explain," she began, her gaze flicking toward Fei Feng, who perched nearby. The creature's fiery feathers glowed faintly, casting a warm light across the room.

"Greetings, young master," Fei Feng said, its voice calm and dignified. "I am Fei Feng, the guardian of this space and your mistress's loyal servant."

Li Wei frowned, his tone sharp. "Mistress?"

"This space," Lin Yue interjected, "is mine. It's a legacy passed down through my family.

"A personal pocket space that allows humans to enter?" Li Wei asked, skepticism lacing his tone.

Lin Yue nodded. "I recently contracted it."

Fei Feng continued, its voice steady. "This realm is divided into three sections. The Housing Section, where you are now, is a place of safety and rest. Time flows normally here, and it is equipped with electricity and treasures to aid its master."

"The second section," Fei Feng added, "is the Planting Section. Time flows five times faster there, making it ideal for cultivating crops, herbs, and other resources."

Li Wei glanced toward the window, where lush greenery and neatly arranged rows of plants stretched out. "That explains the fields."

"And the final section," Fei Feng concluded, "is the Stagnant Section and also called the inventory.Time stands still there, preserving anything stored without decay or change."

Li Wei was silent for a long moment, his eyes scanning the room. The ornate furnishings and the modern amenities seemed to challenge everything he knew about the world.

"This... space," he said finally, his tone cautious. "You shouldn't tell people about it randomly."

"I know," Lin Yue admitted, adjusting the blanket over her newborns. "But you're not a random person."

Li Wei's gaze softened slightly. "Thank you," he said. "For trusting me and for believing in me, even when everything seemed hopeless. Following you was dangerous, but I'm glad I did."

"We didn't have a choice," Lin Yue replied, her voice steady. "But I also wanted to leave that place, no matter the cost."

"Mother, are we going to live here now?" Jian Yu asked, his small voice filled with wonder. "It's so beautiful. And those one-eyed monsters aren't here."

Lin Yue smiled at her third-born, brushing a hand over his hair. "Yes, Jian Yu. We'll stay here for now. And those monsters can't reach us."

She looked at her children, their faces lighting up with hope. Then she turned to Li Wei. "This house has seven bedrooms. You can take them to bathe, and Fei Feng will provide clothing from the inventory. She'll also show you how to use the bath."