The stars glittered faintly above as Little Wind, Xiao Feng, stood at the edge of a cliff, staring off into the night. The moonlight bathed his youthful face, catching the glimmer of tears clinging to his lashes. His brothers had gone their separate ways, each following their own paths, yet he found himself feeling left behind — like a loose feather adrift in the wind.
Behind him, Sister Shuye stepped closer, her robes brushing against the wild grass.
"Little Brother Feng, don't be so sad," she said gently, her voice like a breeze on a quiet night. "You may meet your brothers again in the future."
Xiao Feng didn't look back, his voice soft and full of longing. "I miss them very much… I feel like a part of me is missing."
Shuye placed a hand on his shoulder. "Okay, stop making that sad face." Her tone became firmer. "Wipe that expression off. I promise you — when you reach the Split Soul Realm, I'll take you on a journey across the world. We'll find them together."
His eyes widened, the glimmer of hope returning. "Really? You promise?"
Shuye smiled. "Of course. But first, you must reach the Split Soul Realm from Core Creation. That's our deal."
Xiao Feng clenched his fists. "Then I'll cultivate even harder. I'll break through no matter what it takes!"
"I know you can." She ruffled his hair. "Now, rest. Tomorrow, we leave for the Middle Level Wind Sect."
"Alright," he replied with a small smile. "If you need anything, just call. I'll be resting in the camp."
As he turned away, Shuye called out, "Oh, and tonight — we'll be staying together again."
Xiao Feng stumbled. "W-What? Again?" His face flushed. "Sister, we just— I mean, we did that dual cultivation yesterday…"
Shuye smirked. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm talking about cultivation — not that." She rolled her eyes with a teasing grin. "It benefits us both, doesn't it?"
He pouted. "You shouldn't say it like that. You always twist things and make me embarrassed…"
Later that night, inside the temporary camp built between the whispering bamboo trees, Xiao Feng lay beside Shuye on a straw mat layered with soft robes. The night was warm, and the sounds of crickets filled the air. As they meditated, cultivating silently under the silver moon, Xiao Feng's breathing gradually slowed.
But even with the stillness, sleep didn't come easily to the boy. After some time, he rolled over and peeked at Shuye, who was pretending to meditate but clearly had one eye open.
He squinted. "Sister Shuye… are you spying on me?"
She opened both eyes and grinned. "Why would I need to spy on a little brat like you?"
"You're the brat!" he huffed. "Always calling me little brother like I'm a child."
"You are, in many ways," she said, poking his forehead. "You may have strength, but your emotions are still green."
"Then teach me," he challenged. "Help me become mature."
"Very well," she replied, raising a pillow made from cloud-feathered cotton. "Lesson one—don't lower your guard!"
Without warning, she smacked him gently with the pillow.
"Ahh!" Xiao Feng tumbled, then grabbed his own pillow in defense. "That's unfair!"
Soon, laughter echoed through the camp as the two began a silly pillow fight. Feathers filled the air like snowflakes, and their laughter chased away the melancholy of the night. For a moment, Xiao Feng forgot about being a clone or being apart from his brothers. There was only the warmth of companionship and the feeling of being alive.
They collapsed back on the bedding, breathless.
"See? Not all cultivation needs to be serious," Shuye murmured with a smile.
Xiao Feng turned to her, suddenly quiet. "Sister… I don't really understand what this feeling is, but when I'm with you, it feels like home."
Shuye looked up at the moon. "You'll understand in time. Some things… don't need to be rushed."
The next morning, they set out for the Middle Level Wind Sect. As the wind tugged at their robes and the sky brightened with a new dawn, Xiao Feng carried within him a flickering fire of determination — and the beginnings of an emotion he couldn't yet name.
The journey took them through mountain passes, jade valleys, and windswept ridges. Along the way, Shuye introduced him to the geography and history of the Wind Realm, teaching him about the various clans and sects.
After a week's journey, they arrived at the gates of the Wind Sect — a massive compound built into the cliffs of the Gale Mountains. Towering pagodas spiraled with wind formations, and disciples trained in synchronized formation upon floating platforms.
"Welcome to my sect," Shuye said proudly. "The place where I grew up."
Xiao Feng looked around, feeling small and amazed. "It's… powerful."
As they passed through the gates, many eyes turned to them — particularly to Xiao Feng, whose presence sparked whispers. "Who's that with Elder Shuye?" some asked.
They were soon greeted by the sect's leader — a man with a sharp gaze and an aura that bent the air around him. This was none other than Shuye's father, a cultivator at the Perfect Soul Creation realm.
"Father," Shuye bowed. "This is Xiao Feng. He will be cultivating here for a time."
Her father narrowed his eyes at the boy but said nothing. Beside him stood other elders and disciples. One of them — an older disciple named Bai Xu — sneered as he looked Xiao Feng up and down.
Another whispered to Bai Xu, "He's just a Core Creation brat. Why's he traveling with Elder Shuye?"
Bai Xu's eyes glinted with jealousy. "We'll see how long he lasts."
That night, in their guest quarters, Xiao Feng sat in meditation, but his heart was troubled.
"Sister," he asked quietly, "Do I not belong here?"
Shuye looked at him, her eyes calm. "You belong wherever you choose to stand tall. And no matter what happens, I'll be here to guide you."
The words warmed his heart.
As night settled once again, Xiao Feng lay beside her. There was no pillow fight this time. Just a peaceful quiet as the moonlight spilled across the floor — and the winds outside danced with the whispers of destiny.