The twin flames of warmth and chill pulsed in quiet unity.
The sphere which had cradled Little Fire and Spirit Fairy through their night of dual cultivation began to shimmer softly, its once dim, cocoon-like walls now glowing faintly under the morning sunlight. The warmth of the sun filtered through the clouds over Fireland, casting a golden sheen upon the mountains and flowing rivers around the Fire Clan's inner grounds. Birds chirped their early melodies, and petals floated gently from the spring trees dotting the sect's perimeter.
Inside the sphere, two figures lay silently in the aftermath of the night—cuddled close, wrapped in each other's presence. Spirit Fairy stirred gently, her face still flushed with warmth, while Little Fire blinked his eyes open, his expression torn between awkwardness and newfound clarity.
He quietly stood from the bed formed by spirit energy, quickly throwing on his white dual cultivator robe. The soft fabric draped over him in flowing layers, accentuating the calm energy he now radiated. As he adjusted his sleeves, he took one last glance at Spirit Fairy, who remained curled under the light blanket, her breathing even and serene.
He exited the sphere gently, stepping into the chamber beyond. There, sitting amidst the golden radiance of the early morning, were Little Water's incarnation and Spirit Fairy's grandfather—the ancestor of the Fire Clan—engaged in an intense game of chess. The pieces glowed faintly with aura, each move echoing subtle fluctuations of elemental energy.
Little Fire bowed respectfully. "Senior, Ancestor."
Little Water's incarnation looked up and blinked. His calm expression shifted to one of slight disapproval. "Go wear something less... revealing. You're not attending a heavenly spirit ritual."
The ancestor sighed, rubbing his temple. "You younglings... go, go."
Before Little Fire could reply, the Sect Leader—Su Linglong—walked over with an amused expression. "Come, let's head to the nearby branch hall. They keep proper disciple robes stocked."
With no further comment, the two walked off.
Meanwhile, inside the sphere, Spirit Fairy awoke. She stretched slowly, the ethereal Phoenix Feather robe sliding down her shoulders before she gathered it around herself. The fabric was beautiful—one side deep ocean blue, the other light sky—a symbol of her harmony with Little Fire. She glanced around, a faint smile on her lips, then stepped out.
She walked gracefully into the chamber and offered a proper bow.
Her grandfather looked up and narrowed his eyes. "So, I'm a stranger now? You've found your love, and I am forgotten?"
Spirit Fairy laughed lightly. "Grandfather, don't tease me."
She rushed to his side and hugged his arm. He patted her head gently, his expression soft. "My granddaughter has grown up."
A few moments later, Little Fire returned, dressed now in the Fire Clan's disciple robe—white laced with fire-red trims. It was humble yet dignified, a perfect balance. He bowed again, then turned to Little Water's incarnation.
"Senior... who are you really? Why are you helping me like this?"
Little Water's incarnation lifted his tea, stirring it gently. After a long pause, he finally answered.
"Brother... do you not recognize me?"
The voice struck Little Fire like a thunderclap.
"That voice... it's... Little Wind?" he asked, eyes wide.
Little Wind smiled. "Yes, it's me. It's been a long time. How are you, brother?"
"I... I'm fine," Little Fire said slowly. "But why do you have water aura? You cultivated wind, the purest wind I've ever seen."
Little Wind turned slightly. "Let's sit. I'll explain."
The group—ancestor, Sect Leader, Spirit Fairy, Little Fire, and Little Wind—all sat quietly in the chamber, the morning light catching on their robes.
Little Wind spoke. "I am dead, Brother. This is only an incarnation made by Little Water. My will, my memory, and the remainder of my cultivation live here. But my true body—it's long gone."
Little Fire clenched his fists. "Did someone kill you? Tell me who it was, I'll avenge you!"
Little Wind laughed—a deep, calming sound.
"You don't need to. Little Water already took care of them. He not only killed the one who took my life, but their entire bloodline. Their soul line was erased."
The chill in the air deepened, and everyone looked at Little Water's incarnation in silence.
"He didn't take my memory or power for himself," Little Wind continued. "Instead, he made this incarnation at great risk to his own cultivation and told me, 'Live your own life, even if it's only a remnant.'"
The room fell quiet again.
"I have only one request. I need help."
"Anything," Little Fire said immediately.
"I want you to hold back my wife."
The ancestor and Sect Leader choked on their tea. Spirit Fairy looked displeased but said nothing.
A killing intent subtly radiated from Spirit Fairy.
"You're... married?" Little Fire asked cautiously.
Little Wind nodded. "Yes. She's tracing my aura. She knows I'm alive."
Little Fire frowned. "But how? I thought—"
"Bloodline sense," Little Wind interrupted. "We were connected deeply. She was only Split Soul middle stage when I died. Now she's at Perfect Soul Creation initial stage."
"She rivals the strongest in Fireland," Little Wind said softly.
Little Fire was stunned. "So you want me to... keep her busy?"
"Yes. She'll be here within a month. I trust you."
They stared into each other's eyes, brothers bound by shared life, shared deaths.
Little Wind continued, "Little Water is not like us. He's cultivated something... demonic or even More Evil. I don't want her getting hurt Because of him."
Little Fire nodded slowly. "Then I promise. I'll do it."
A soft crackling sound echoed.
Little Wind's incarnation began to crumble.
He stood and smiled faintly. "This is my final gift."
He drew a glowing symbol—Life—in the air, imprinting it gently on Spirit Fairy's forehead.
Then he placed his hand over Little Fire's chest. "Seal."
A glowing script sunk into Little Fire's skin, suppressing the Burning Heart Flame.
"This will keep it calm, for now."
As his aura faded, Little Wind gave a final bow.
"Goodbye, Brother."
Little Fire stood and returned the bow deeply.
"Goodbye... Brother."
---[To Be Continued]---