As the words "He cannot interfere" echoed across the still air of the clearing, a deep silence settled among everyone present. The elders, disciples, and even the Fire Clan guards stood frozen. The weight of Little Water's declaration left an invisible pressure upon the place. A strange tension passed between the sect leader, Spirit Fairy, and Little Fire, with eyes flickering in worry, hesitation, and something deeper that couldn't yet be named.
Even the winds of the volcanic plains had quieted, as if the heavens too were waiting for what came next.
Sect Leader Flame Hornet stood stiff, his fists clenched tight enough that veins bulged under his skin. The image of his daughter entangled in such fate—one where her very survival hinged on uniting with a boy he barely knew—was eating away at his composure.
Little Water stepped closer, speaking in a calm, clear voice. "Calm down, Sect Leader. I understand what you are feeling. It's natural... You are her father. But this is also natural—her life, her future—it is hers to decide."
Flame Hornet's eyes flared in frustration. "How can I stay calm?! She's my only daughter! Her mother died to protect her! And now, a stranger appears out of nowhere, and suddenly her life is bound by fate to him? I cannot be carefree!"
Little Water tilted his head. His expression remained soft, but the words that followed carried weight. "Then do as you will. Kill Little Fire. Take the Burning Heart Desire Flame from his heart and grant it to someone else more worthy—someone you can choose. Marry your daughter off as you wish. Ensure your happiness, your control. But remember this... She may never forgive you. Your daughter may become someone who only smiles in your presence but carries sorrow for eternity."
The words struck like a silent thunder. Flame Hornet fell quiet, his powerful aura trembling slightly.
Little Water turned to both Little Fire and Spirit Fairy. His tone shifted to something firm. "You both stand up. What are you going to do now? Will you become Dao Companions or not?"
Both Little Fire and Spirit Fairy lowered their heads. Neither answered. Their silence was heavier than words.
Little Water exhaled. He opened his palm and lifted the barrier surrounding them, then used spiritual communication to speak only to Spirit Fairy.
"Miss," his voice echoed gently in her mind. "Do you love him?"
Spirit Fairy's breath caught. Her cheeks flushed, her hands clenched against her robes. She replied in a soft, shy tone, "I do."
Little Water's thoughts pressed again. "Then, will you not regret it?"
She nodded slightly. "I won't."
Without another word, Little Water raised his hand and placed both Spirit Fairy and Little Fire within a new barrier—one completely sealed from sound, sight, and presence. It looked like a hollow void with no doors, no windows, nothing but blank space. As the shield solidified, he flicked his fingers and released a faint aphrodisiac mist inside.
"Enjoy your night," he said quietly, and sealed the barrier tight.
Sect Leader Flame Hornet stepped forward in panic. "Senior! Why did you seal them!?"
Little Water simply folded his arms and chuckled. "I merely gave them a push they needed. Nothing more."
Then his tone changed, loud and commanding. "Everyone return to the clan! The Sect Leader and I will return later."
The surrounding elders and guards began moving, murmuring among themselves, casting curious glances back at the glowing sealed sphere before leaving.
Flame Hornet remained. "What's happening in there?! Answer me, senior!"
But Little Water stayed silent, simply watching the sealed dome with a serene smile.
Inside, Spirit Fairy and Little Fire sat on the ground, uncertain at first. The aphrodisiac began to flow through their senses slowly. Spirit Fairy's heartbeat quickened, and her breathing grew shallow. Little Fire shifted, noticing how warm the air felt. Their eyes met, and the atmosphere between them changed.
They edged closer. Spirit Fairy reached out, brushing his hand with hers. The first touch sent a ripple through both their bodies.
She whispered, "I feel strange..."
Little Fire leaned in. Their lips touched.
As the kiss deepened, Spirit Fairy wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes glossy and her face flushed. But Little Fire pulled back slightly.
"I like you," he said. "But it may not be love yet. It will grow, I know it will. But are you okay with this?"
She smiled, placing a hand on his chest. "Idiot. If I wasn't, I would've killed you in that cave long ago. I also like you. Maybe it's love or Not Now, but it will be. Let's fill the emptiness in our hearts together. Let our flames be the vow of our bond."
They embraced each other tightly, discarding hesitation alongside their outer garments. The warmth of their bodies replaced the burning and the freezing, as they gave in to the intertwined fates sealed by the flames within their hearts.
Outside, Little Water watched silently. He felt a fluctuation—two heart flames fusing.
A small smile curled on his lips. "It is done."
He turned to Flame Hornet. "You should take Little Fire as your disciple. Teach him everything—refinement of pills, weapon crafting. He has the potential to surpass even you."
Flame Hornet hesitated but nodded. "I will."
Just then, the air trembled. A fire-like aura blazed across the sky like a falling meteor and stopped mid-air before them. From within the light, a figure emerged—a man with white-and-orange hair, burning eyes, and the presence of an ancient flame.
He wore crimson robes laced with golden flame patterns. His steps were slow, but the ground trembled with each one.
Flame Hornet's eyes widened. "Father..."
The man said nothing at first. His eyes scanned the area, then fell onto Little Water, lingering momentarily.
Finally, his voice—deep and reverberating like the roar of a blazing sun—broke the silence.
"Where is my granddaughter?"
---[To Be Continued]---