The winds stilled. The heat in the air dulled. The tension among the gathered disciples and elders remained thick as smoke. Yet, it was something unseen—something divine—that suddenly changed everything.
The sky split.
It was not with thunder or storm, but with light—brilliant, golden-white light that bathed the Fire Clan's stone-paved ground in radiance. A streak of illumination fell from the heavens like a divine decree. It was not a meteor of rock or flame, but one of pure energy.
The meteor landed only fifty meters from the unconscious Little Fire, exploding not in chaos but in a gentle wave of luminous heat, like a summer breeze imbued with spirit essence. Sparks of glowing motes danced across the field, causing even the most prideful elder to widen his eyes in awe.
From within the fading light emerged a figure.
He was not particularly tall or broad, and he wore a robe made of stitched leaves and light-colored silk—simple, earthy, and clean. His hair was tied loosely behind his head, his eyes shimmering with layered light like polished gemstones. But what truly silenced the crowd was his aura.
It wasn't destructive, nor did it bring fear. Instead, it gave peace, clarity, and the sensation of kneeling before the will of the heavens themselves.
It was Little Life—or rather, the soul projection of Little Life, who had sent a part of his essence to aid his brother. His cultivation realm was only at the Perfect Soul Creation middle stage, yet this presence felt... beyond that. Refined. Sacred.
The moment he stepped forward, every single person present—disciples, elders, and even Fire Hornet, the Sect Leader himself—bowed instinctively.
Fire Hornet lowered his hands respectfully and greeted, "Senior, we welcome you to Fire Clan. Forgive us if we have offended you in any way."
Little Life didn't respond immediately. His gaze was fixed on the scene ahead.
There, Spirit Fairy—her elegant robes stained with ash and tears—clutched Little Fire's unconscious body. Her slender hands trembled as she tried to warm his cold cheeks. "Please… don't leave me," she whispered again and again.
Little Life stepped toward them, his steps silent on the stone. He stood before her like a divine observer, his glowing eyes resting on her pale, tear-streaked face.
He spoke gently. "Here's some advice, girl. He may not be who he appears to be. He carries another's will. Will you still accept that?"
Spirit Fairy's head jerked up in surprise.
But Little Life didn't wait for an answer. He added softly, "I don't want your answer now. But you should be clear... to yourself."
Her lips quivered. She looked down at Little Fire again, her heart tightening with the thought of losing him. She whispered, "Senior… can you save him? I'll do anything."
Little Life tilted his head with a half-smile. "Exchange your life for his?"
"Do it," she said without hesitation. "I don't care. Just save him."
Little Life laughed softly, the sound like warm wind through leaves. "I was only joking, girl. You passed."
From a few steps away, Fire Hornet, having watched everything with a solemn gaze, finally asked, "Senior… Who are you, and may I ask... can you truly save him?"
Little Life turned to face the sect leader. "I can. But first, you must vow to the heavens that you will never stand between them."
Fire Hornet took a deep breath. "Very well." He raised both hands, forming a solemn mudra.
"I, Fire Hornet of Fire Clan, vow before the heavens and the laws of cultivation that I shall never interfere with the bond between my daughter, Spirit Fairy, and the one known as Little Fire, should they walk the path together by their own will. Should I break this vow, may fire consume my soul and may my clan know disgrace for seven generations."
Thunder echoed faintly in the clouds above, a sign of heaven's recognition.
Little Life nodded and kneeled beside his brother. "Good. Let's bring him back."
He pressed a glowing hand over Little Fire's heart. His soul left his spiritual body and surged into the broken consciousness of his brother.
Inside, the landscape was cold.
Chains of obsidian and shadows coiled around Little Fire's spiritual form. He sat on his knees, bound, as dark thoughts whispered in his ears like venomous snakes. A cold poison had infected his mind, feeding off fear, rejection, and loneliness.
Little Life approached carefully. "Still so stubborn, aren't you?"
Little Fire's eyes barely opened. "...Brother?"
Little Life smiled. "Yes. I'm here now. Let me help you."
He summoned a healing technique. Golden threads of soul essence emerged from his fingertips and latched onto the black chains. They hissed and recoiled, but under his will, they began to break apart—melting like frost under sunlight.
The darkness howled, twisting in rage, but Little Life's presence purified everything it touched.
Within moments, the chains fell away, and Little Fire's soul began to stabilize.
"I'll keep you conscious for a bit longer," Little Life whispered. "Talk to her when you wake up."
Then, his soul retreated.
Back in the real world, the glow around Little Life's projection shimmered brighter before dimming. He stood, his expression calm as his spiritual body began to fade slightly.
"He's fine now," he said clearly. "He'll wake up soon."
Gasps of relief echoed around the courtyard. But the peace was short-lived.
The same elder who had attacked Little Fire earlier scoffed, voice dripping with contempt. "What kind of luck does this low-born orphan have? First our young master loses to him, and now heaven itself sends a savior?"
Several other narrow-minded elders mumbled in agreement.
But Little Life didn't respond. He wasn't even listening.
The elder turned to the sect leader. "Now that he's fine, surely there's no need to keep me sealed. I acted rashly, but no harm done in the end."
Fire Hornet narrowed his eyes. "You dare—"
But Little Life spoke gently, "Unseal him, Sect Leader."
Fire Hornet hesitated. "But—"
"He'll perish anyway," Little Life added cryptically. Then, his soul light flickered… and vanished.
A breath later, Little Fire stirred.
His eyes fluttered open, his body aching but light. The first thing he saw was Spirit Fairy's tearful face.
"You idiot!" she cried, throwing her arms around him. "I don't care what others say—so why do you care?!"
Little Fire smiled weakly, raising an arm to hug her back. "I'm sorry… I just didn't want to drag you into my mess."
She sobbed into his chest. "Too late for that. You're stuck with me now."
Fire Hornet turned to the elder and, reluctantly, released the seal.
The elder stretched his limbs, acting triumphant despite the shame earlier.
But instead of silence, he opened his mouth again. "Bah! All this fuss over an orphan. The girl's future ruined, the clan's name soiled—"
Before he could finish, a powerful wave of spiritual pressure burst toward him.
It was Spirit Fairy.
"Shut up!" she yelled, summoning her blade. She slashed out with a Water Fire Slash, the attack blazing with emotion. It sliced through the air, dazzling to look at—but when it hit the elder, it merely dissolved against his superior cultivation.
He laughed coldly. "Childish."
The tension rose again, but before anyone could react—
A soft rain began to fall.
Gentle droplets pitter-pattered onto the dry stone courtyard. The air cooled, the fire in hearts simmered.
Then, a voice—clear, smooth, and elegant—drifted into the space, causing every head to turn.
"May I help you, Miss?"
---[To Be Continued]---