After Little Life and Little Water bid farewell to Little Wind, they began ascending the mountain near the lake, where their other brothers awaited them.
A small hut stood 100 meters away from the lake, shrouded in dense fog. The path leading to it was invisible to ordinary eyes due to a hidden formation. Little Life remarked inwardly, "Our little brothers have improved a lot during our absence."
Just then, the path lit up, and the fog gently parted, revealing the way forward.
As they approached the hut, all the brothers came out and greeted them together, "Big Brother Life! Brother Water! Welcome back!"
Little Life waved his hand with a smile. "No need for formalities."
Little Water nodded. "Hmm."
Little Life asked, "Have you all been cultivating well?"
Everyone responded with enthusiasm, "Yes, Brother! We've all broken through to the Middle Stage of Meaning of Law!"
Little Life smiled. "That's wonderful. Since we've reached this level, it's time for us to walk our own paths and live our individual lives."
Little Fire's expression changed. "Brother… does that mean we're going to be separated?"
The rest of the brothers looked at him with the same doubt and hesitation.
Little Life nodded solemnly. "Yes. We must each seek our purpose. Though separated by distance, our hearts and souls remain connected. Be it a thousand or ten thousand miles apart—we are always brothers."
There was silence. Some looked down, their hearts heavy, their eyes moist with unshed tears.
Little Water spoke up, "Don't be crybabies! You're older than Little Wind, yet you act like seven-year-olds."
Little Dark huffed. "I am not a child! I may feel reluctant, but I'll adjust."
Little Water smirked. "That's the spirit."
Little Life chuckled. "Alright. Let's spend one last night together. Tomorrow, we begin our new journeys."
Little Earth asked, "Where should we go, Brother?"
"You can join a clan or a family aligned with your elemental nature. Take their trials or offer resources to enter."
Little Earth looked around. "Where did Little Wind go?"
Little Life replied, "He joined the Middle Wind Clan, cultivating under the guidance of the Great Elder."
Little Light was surprised. "Wait—how did you get permission?"
"Oh, it was easy. The Great Elder turned out to be Sister Shuye—the same one we saved from the Cobra Snake King."
Everyone's jaw dropped. "She was a Great Elder?!"
"Yes. Her cultivation is only at Meaning of Law Middle Stage, but her father is the Clan Leader. That's likely why she was given the position—to hide her identity."
Little Life then handed out coins. "These are 16 Spiritual Coins—our share from the spiritual bags Sister Shuye gave us. It'll help us on our journeys."
He looked around. "You built a hut while we were gone?"
Little Light nodded. "Yes, Brother. Let's stay here tonight."
Little Life smiled. "Let's celebrate tonight, then."
Little Water crossed his arms. "I'm not doing anything."
Little Light teased, "Brother, how can you slack off?"
Little Water glared at him, and Light quickly backtracked. "Never mind, never mind—we'll do it!"
In truth, Little Water wasn't lazy—he was still nursing the injuries from the backlash and didn't want to trouble his brothers.
The rest of them ventured into the jungle to hunt, gather firewood, herbs, and clean water.
By late evening, they returned with a large wild ox. After some effort, they cooked a hearty meal and sat beneath the starlit sky, reminiscing about their lost brother, Xiao Siwang (Little Death), who had vanished into the void.
As everyone fell asleep, Little Water lay awake, feeling the pain in his chest just above his heart. It wasn't just physical—it was the sadness of separation and the deeper sorrow of understanding his existence as a clone.
The next morning arrived. Everyone greeted one another with bright smiles hiding heavy hearts.
Little Life said, "Brothers, we'll meet again. That much is certain."
They divided into their elemental paths:
Little Life, Little Light, and Little Water headed East, toward the Holy Light Land. On the way, Little Water would part to reach the Water Land, and Little Light would continue to Holy Light Land. Little Life would travel alone, seeking information and resources to revive Yue Yu, his sister.
Little Fire, Little Earth, and Little Dark went West and South. Little Earth would first depart to Earth Land, then the others would continue North—Little Fire to Fire Land, and Little Dark to the Dark Valley in the middle of the mountains.
As they stood at the mountain's edge, Little Earth shouted, "Big Brothers! Let's meet again and enjoy life like we did last night!"
Little Life smiled. "Of course, we will."
Little Water added with a smirk, "Next time, we'll drink alcohol too."
Little Fire grinned. "Yeah, we'll see who can hold their liquor!"
Little Dark boasted, "I'll win for sure!"
Little Life laughed. "We can drink… but only in moderation."
Their eyes shimmered with tears, but they held strong, waving their final goodbyes, each turning toward the unknown with hope, purpose, and the unbreakable bond of brotherhood.
(To Be Continued)