Chapter 7: Mischief and Affinities

Chapter 7: Mischief and Affinities

Two months had passed in the magical space, and the ancient cabin was alive with laughter. The children's playful energy filled the air, echoing through the cozy corners as they teased their reluctant teacher, Fei Feng.

Perched on a wooden beam, Fei Feng ruffled its golden feathers, trying to maintain an air of authority despite the chaos. Its glowing eyes narrowed as it addressed the eager children.

"All right, little ones," Fei Feng began with mock seriousness. "Who's ready to learn about elemental spells?"

The children's excited cheers rang out, their faces glowing with anticipation.

Fei Feng hopped down to a table and spread its wings dramatically. "Each of you has a natural affinity. Qin Ze, you're fire."

Qin Ze's chest puffed up with pride, his grin wide. "I knew it! Fire suits me perfectly."

"Ren An, you're water," Fei Feng continued.

Ren An nodded thoughtfully, his quiet confidence shining. "Water flows with calm and strength. I like it."

"Ling Xue," Fei Feng said, tilting its head, "you're air."

Ling Xue twirled in delight, her laughter light and carefree. "Air is just right for me!"

"And Jian Yu," Fei Feng concluded, "you're earth. Solid, reliable, and strong."

Jian Yu clapped his hands, his excitement bubbling over. "Earth is the best!"

Fei Feng smirked, spreading its wings. "But don't think it's all fun and games. Mastering these elements requires practice, discipline, and—"

"Fun!" Ling Xue interrupted with a cheeky grin, twirling again.

Fei Feng huffed in exasperation. "Discipline!" it repeated, glaring at her. "Something you all clearly lack."

The children burst into laughter, and Qin Ze crossed his arms, smirking. "You're just jealous because you only have fire."

Fei Feng bristled, its feathers ruffling. "Jealous? Of you? I'm a phoenix! Fire is all I need!"

Ling Xue tilted her head, her mischievous grin growing. "Are you sure you're a phoenix? You look more like a colorful chicken to me."

"A chicken?!" Fei Feng squawked, hopping indignantly. "How dare you!"

Ren An joined in with a calm tease. "Maybe a parrot? You do talk a lot."

Jian Yu giggled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Or a crow with fancy feathers?"

Fei Feng flapped its wings furiously. "You ungrateful little hatchlings! I should roast you all!"

Qin Ze smirked and stepped closer. "You couldn't even roast a marshmallow!"

With a shared glance, the children launched their attack. Qin Ze grabbed Fei Feng's tail, Ling Xue tickled its sides, and Ren An and Jian Yu circled, giggling uncontrollably.

"Let me go, you fiends!" Fei Feng squawked, wriggling frantically. "I'll turn you into fried dumplings!"

The children only laughed harder, their giggles echoing in the cabin as they playfully tormented the phoenix.

Finally, Fei Feng managed to escape, its feathers in disarray and its pride wounded. It perched high on a beam, glaring down at them. "Fine," it grumbled. "Laugh all you want. But tomorrow, we're starting serious training. No more games!"

"Sure, Master Bird," Qin Ze teased, smirking.

"It's phoenix!" Fei Feng snapped, though its indignation was softened by the warmth of their laughter.

The cabin felt alive with joy, a stark contrast to the dark days they had left behind. For now, they were simply children, and even Fei Feng couldn't resist their infectious energy.

---

Lin Yue stood at the entrance of her house, watching her children tease Fei Feng. The sight brought a soft smile to her face. In the past two months, the children had grown more outgoing and mischievous, their spirits lifted by the safety and freedom of this space.

What she enjoyed most was watching them make fun of Fei Feng, whose mock indignation always ended in laughter. Despite being their "teacher," Fei Feng spent more time playing with them than teaching.

Lin Yue glanced around, noticing Li Wei's absence. He was probably at the back, threshing rice or tending to the space's small garden.

"Mother! Mother!" Ren An's voice called out, breaking her thoughts.

"Yes, Ren An?" she replied, turning to face him.

"We're going into the forest," Ren An announced proudly. "Fei Feng said we need to touch the grass for training."

Lin Yue chuckled at the strange excuse but didn't argue. "All right, go ahead, little ones. Be careful."

"Bye, Mommy!" the children chorused, waving as they ran off with Fei Feng leading the way.

Lin Yue watched them leave, her heart warm with affection. She noticed again how much they resembled their father—all of them had inherited Li Wei's striking features. None of them looked much like her, but she didn't mind.

Smiling to herself, she turned and headed toward the back of the house, where she knew Li Wei would be. They had plans to go outside tomorrow, and she wanted to discuss the details with him.