The Change of Worlds

Hua Qingling

A/N: All dialogues within " " are the ones being spoken in conversations while those dialogues which are in italics and within ' ' are the ones being thought mentally.

"Ah-ling? ... Ah-ling! ... Are you able to hear me?"A voice filled with sorrow echoed in Qin Xiaoling's ears, coaxing her from the depths of slumber. Her fingers twitched, and with furrowed brows, she jolted awake. As her eyes adjusted to her surroundings, she found herself in an unfamiliar place.

Across from her sat an unknown figure, her face etched with concern, and her eyes swollen from crying.Qin Xiaoling's gaze lingered for a moment before a wry smile tugged at her lips. She mused to herself, 'Not just voices now, but faces too? Ridiculous...'

However, her cynicism came to an abrupt halt as she suddenly found herself enveloped in a tight embrace. The sensation of being held so closely couldn't possibly be a figment of her imagination, could it?Doubt clouded her mind as she gently pushed the weeping girl away. "Um, excuse me? Who are you?"

The girl stared at her, disbelief mixed with fresh tears. Qin Xiaoling's patience waned – her anxiety mounting. Where was she? What was happening?!Absurdity piled upon absurdity as the room resembled something out of a historical Chinese drama, complete with its inhabitants dressed in hanfu attire.After what felt like an eternity, a tremulous voice broke the silence, "Ah-ling? You... don't remember me? Ah-ling, I'm your shijie (1), Fu Qingyan!"

'Since when did I have a sister?' The thought echoed in Qin Xiaoling's mind.

The chamber door swung open, revealing a graceful lady who emanated an air of regality. Her features were akin to those of a carved goddess. She fixed her surprised gaze on Qin Xiaoling before approaching with an inviting smile.

"Ah-ling, you're awake at last. I understand this is overwhelming, but it's fate that..." She trailed off with a sigh, leaving unfinished words hanging in the air.Strangely, Qin Xiaoling felt a surprising level of acceptance towards the bizarre situation. Whether trapped in reality or fantasy, she was prepared to face her new beginning.Fu Qingyan's tearful voice disrupted her thoughts, "Sect Leader Hua, Ah-ling... she doesn't remember me! I don't understand..."

Qin Xiaoling's eyebrows arched at the mention of 'Sect Leader.' Deciding to play along, she turned to the woman before her. "So... Sect Leader..., I am a bit confused, and am not really able to recall much...mind enlightening me?"

The older woman hesitated briefly before placing a comforting hand on Qin Xiaoling's back. "It's a lot to take in, and it seems your memory is lost. For now, know that you are Hua Qingling, and you're at the Hua Gong Palace."

Accepting the information with a nod, Qin Xiaoling thought, 'What a load of nonsense...'

Sect Leader Hua continued, "Rest well, Ah-ling."

With those words, she exited the room, leaving the two girls behind." Wait, I - ", Qin Xiaoling began, but a gentle voice cut through her words. The girl beside her wore a sad smile, her voice tinged with resignation. "You've truly forgotten, haven't you? I apologize for troubling you, sister... Hua Qingling. Get some rest."

With that, she too left the room, leaving Qin Xiaoling alone.

Chuckling at the bizarre sequence of events, she mused, 'Am I dead? Transmigration? Seems like the only thing left to happen... Not that I care...'

Amusement danced in her thoughts. While others might be tearing their hair out in confusion, she had no energy left for such interactions. With a soft thump, she settled back onto her bed, cocooned in silk.

'If I'm not dead, perhaps if I sleep and wake up, this 'dream' will finally be over...'

(1) shijie: In wuxia/xianxia settings, it's used between disciples of the same Sect and often translated as 'martial sister'.