After pouring out his tears, Bambam's face was left red and swollen. He looked up to find Yetao standing before him, concern etched across his features but also a silent demand for explanation in his eyes. Bambam considered his words carefully, then shook his head.
"Sorry, I need to be alone for a while," he murmured, turning abruptly and disappearing into the island's dense woods.
Yetao watched Bambam's retreating figure until it vanished among the trees. Left alone with the child in his arms, he sighed and lowered himself to sit on the sand. The child gazed at him with innocent adoration, as if Yetao were the center of the universe. Placing the child before him, Yetao studied it with suspicion and bewilderment.
"First it was a pearl, then it was a tortoise, and now it's become a child," he muttered. "And how can this child speak as soon as he's hatched? Will he grow into a huge man tomorrow then?"
As Yetao lost himself in his thoughts, the child continued to smile at him with pure innocence. Another wave of tenderness washed over Yetao at the sight—an arrow of cuteness piercing directly through his heart.
"Forget it. It doesn't matter anymore," he said, brushing off his concerns and returning the child's smile. "Can you understand me?"
The child tilted his head and responded, "Mommy?" His expression remained innocent and guileless.
Yetao felt that arrow of cuteness strike again, but composed himself to continue his questioning.
"Why am I your mommy? Are you saying it since I'm the first person you saw upon opening your eyes?"
The child merely chuckled and repeated, "Mommy," his smile never faltering.
No matter what questions Yetao posed, the child's vocabulary seemed limited to that single word. After numerous fruitless attempts, Yetao sighed in resignation. Sensing his disappointment, the child crawled into his lap and cuddled against him.
Yetao's weariness melted away. He smiled softly at the child's intuitive gesture of comfort and returned the embrace. When the child finally drifted to sleep, Yetao kept him close, gently patting his back.
"I really feel like a mommy now," Yetao laughed silently, careful not to disturb the sleeping child. His gaze drifted toward the woods where Bambam had disappeared. "How long is he going to take?" he wondered, worry creeping into his thoughts.
Meanwhile, Bambam had made his way to the cave where they had created the pearl. He illuminated the entire cavern with his powers and surveyed his surroundings carefully.
"The cave has no scriptures other than the one Yetao read. Could it be..." he muttered as a sudden realization dawned on him.
Moving closer to the goddess statue, Bambam examined it meticulously. His attention caught on a tiny detail—a symbol of Yin and Yang etched into the statue's earring, so small that a casual glance would miss it entirely. He reread the scriptures, understanding blooming in his mind.
"So when it meant light and darkness, did it mean yin and yang? That explains why a life was created," Bambam pondered, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, Yuchen arrived at the immortal realm. As he surveyed his surroundings, a wave of nostalgia washed over him—memories of his childhood resurfacing at the sight of his motherland. Despite the longing that tugged at his heart, the urgency of his mission demanded focus. Activating his stealth ability, Yuchen rendered himself invisible and slipped toward the great immortal's pavilion, intent on stealing the artifact.
"I can't cross paths with the elder," he thought, moving with calculated precision. "He's the only one here who could see through this disguise."
His eyes darted vigilantly from corner to corner when suddenly, a hand seized him from the side, pulling him through a doorway. Yuchen's heart leapt in his chest as the owner of the hand spoke.
"What's making my little brother sneak around like this? If you had informed me, I would've welcomed you myself."
Yuchen froze, then turned to face the speaker, recognition dawning on his face. "Dorn gege?"
Dorn's face brightened with a warm smile, which quickly transformed as he flicked Yuchen's forehead with playful disapproval.
"What do you think you're doing here?" he chided. "What if you get caught by our father? As if using this ability would hide you so well from us." The concern in his voice was thinly veiled by brotherly irritation.
"What are you doing in this pavilion?" Yuchen asked, genuinely confounded. "Why would I think father might be here? It's miles away from our home."
Dorn sighed, his expression sobering. "We came because the elder called us for an emergency."
Suspicion flared in Yuchen's mind. "Could it be that they know?" The thought sent a chill through him.
Dorn studied his brother's face with growing worry. "I'm having a good look at you after so many decades, and you're getting distracted?" He flicked Yuchen's forehead again, eliciting a pained groan.
Despite the sting, Yuchen pressed on with his concerns. "What is the emergency? Where are they now?" His nervousness was palpable, and Dorn didn't miss it.
Taking a deep breath, Dorn explained, "They're discussing it in the main hall right now. I slipped away when my familiar reported sightings of you. I still don't know why the elder called us" He fixed Yuchen with an intent gaze. "I did not expect you'd sneak in here, Yuchen. What's wrong?"
Conflict played across Yuchen's features as he debated whether to confide in his brother. Noting his hesitation, Dorn let out another sigh.
"You became so secretive as you grew up," he lamented. "There was even a time when you reported everything to me... including your sleeping habits." A teasing smile played at his lips.
"Gege..." Yuchen protested, his face flushing with embarrassment as he pouted.
Dorn laughed warmly, reaching out to ruffle Yuchen's hair affectionately. "I trust you in whatever you do, Yuchen," he said, his tone turning serious. "Just don't get into danger."
From his robes, Dorn produced a communication bracelet and fastened it around Yuchen's wrist. "Our parents don't know about this. I made it myself," he explained. "So make sure to contact me whenever you're in danger, alright?"
Yuchen's expression softened with relief and gratitude. With a nod, he turned to leave, the weight of his mission once again at the forefront of his mind.
As he disappeared into the shadows, Dorn remained where he stood, a proud smile illuminating his face—the smile of an elder brother who, despite his concerns, had unwavering faith in his sibling's path.
As Yuchen continued through the immortal realm, his thoughts drifted to Dorn—the only family member who still showed him kindness. Yetao's words echoed in his mind: "When a parent strongly ignores a child, it could be either to protect them or to develop their potential. It could never be pure hatred." A soft smile touched his lips at the memory. His resolve to find Yetao strengthened, spurring him to move faster toward the chamber where the treasure was kept.
Upon arrival, he discovered not guards but a powerful barrier protecting the artifact. Yuchen paused, assessing the situation.
"I can easily break this barrier and take the treasure," he thought, "but the elder will be immediately alarmed. He will catch me before I can escape the immortal realm."
Time was running short. Every moment spent deliberating was another moment Yetao might be in danger. As he continued to think for a solution, a voice spoke from behind him.
"You came sooner than I expected, young man. This is unusual."
Yuchen froze, his cover blown. The elder stood there, his ancient eyes reflecting wisdom accumulated over countless centuries. Yuchen bowed deeply in respect, though his determination to acquire the treasure remained unshaken.
Footsteps approached from behind as Dorn and their father arrived, expressions of shock evident on their faces.
"How dare you come here?" his father's voice boomed across the chamber. "I said you shouldn't set foot in the immortal realm before completing your cultivation in the demon realm, didn't I?"
Yuchen clenched his fists but remained silent, accepting the rebuke. Dorn's worried gaze shifted between his brother and father as he attempted to calm the latter.
The elder raised one hand, silencing everyone with the simple gesture. His face was serious as he turned to Yuchen.
"You came here to take the 'Lightning Jade', didn't you?" he asked, as though Yuchen's purpose was transparent to him.
Author's note: 'Lightening jade' is a treasure of immortal realm. Just like how 'Parallel eye' is for demon realm.
Both father and brother stared in disbelief that Yuchen would attempt such an act. To everyone's astonishment, the elder broke the barrier himself, retrieved the treasure, and held it out to Yuchen.
Confusion paralyzed Yuchen. "Why would the elder willingly hand over such a valuable artifact?", he pondered.
"Did you meet someone with a dark resentment energy by chance?" the elder inquired, his question freezing Yuchen in place.
"Why is he asking as if he already knows everything?" Yuchen wondered silently.
The elder's face softened with relief, apparently reading the answer in Yuchen's expression.
"You should go quickly to find your friend now. Isn't that the important thing?" the elder urged before Yuchen could formulate a response.
"But how—" Yuchen began to question, only to flinch as the elder placed a hand upon his head. A strange energy flowed into him, warm yet potent.
"You'll know when the time comes, my child. Just take care of the treasure. Although I already know that you will," the elder said cryptically.
Though bewildered, Yuchen recognized the urgency of his mission. Yetao might be in danger, and two days had already passed since his disappearance. With a respectful bow to the elder, and a deferential nod to his still-shocked father and brother, Yuchen took the Lightning Jade and departed immediately.
As he raced toward the demon realm, the weight of the artifact in his possession felt insignificant compared to the weight of his concern for Yetao. Questions about the elder's inexplicable knowledge and assistance would have to wait. For now, only one thought consumed him: Find Yetao before it was too late.
Morning sunlight filtered through the island, as Yetao stirred from his slumber. His vision was hazy as he blinked awake, rubbing his eyes to clear the blurriness. What came into focus made him bolt upright in alarm—Bambam appeared to be battling with the child.
Upon closer inspection, Yetao realized the child was perched atop Bambam's shoulders, viciously pulling at his hair while Bambam attempted to dislodge the small attacker without using his powers for fear of causing harm.
"What are you doing?" Yetao demanded, rushing toward them.
He quickly pulled the child away, noting the angry flush that colored the little one's face as he and Bambam exchanged mutual glares of animosity. Confusion washed over Yetao, but he prioritized calming the child first. Cupping the small face gently, he spoke in a soothing tone.
"Thio... why are you angry at him?"
Bambam's eyes widened. "You already named the kid? Why didn't you ask me this time?" The words escaped his lips before he could stop them, and he immediately regretted his outburst.
"Why should I ask you? Is he your kid?" Yetao snapped back.
Relief spread across Bambam's features. "I'm really grateful that you're bad at understanding certain things, Taotao", he thought to himself, a smirk forming as a new idea took shape in his mind.
He moved closer to Yetao, his voice dropping to a deep, suggestive tone. "Since he calls you Mommy, then shouldn't I be the Daddy?"
Yetao's cheeks flushed crimson at the forward remark. "Why is he doing this?" he panicked internally. "What was he cultivating all these these years? His flirting ability? "The memory of yesterday's kiss returned unbidden, causing him to swallow nervously.
Bambam read Yetao's thoughts as easily as if they were inscribed on his face. Emboldened, he leaned in for another kiss, causing Yetao's panic to intensify.
Sensing his mother's distress, Thio suddenly transformed back into his tortoise form and clamped his tiny jaws firmly on Bambam's ear. Despite Bambam's attempts to remove him, Thio's teeth remained embedded like glue.
The sight was so comical that Yetao burst into laughter, the sound so pure and melodious that both Bambam and Thio turned to look at him, momentarily forgetting their struggle. Bambam's expression softened into a tender smile despite the pain in his ear.
Perceiving Bambam's admiring gaze toward his mother, Thio responded by biting down even harder. Bambam's resulting groan prompted Yetao to intervene, taking the tortoise into his hands.
"Thio, you can't bite people's ears, okay?" he admonished gently. "Next time if you do this, I'll not speak with you."
Though Yetao's anger was feigned, Thio took the scolding to heart. His small form retreated into his shell, pouting with guilt as tears welled in his eyes. Seeing this, Yetao's resolve crumbled. He picked up the shell and gently tapped it.
"Mommy will forget it this time. But you should not do this again, alright?"
A tiny head peeked out from the shell with sparkling eyes, relieved at being forgiven.
Yetao smiled, affectionately patting the exposed head with two fingers.
Bambam observed the interaction with a blush, finding it endearing how naturally Yetao had assumed the role of "Mommy". Yetao caught his expression and made a decision. He signaled for Thio to rest, and the tortoise obediently retreated into his shell.
Taking Bambam's hand, Yetao led him away from where Thio rested, stopping only when they reached a distance where their conversation would remain private.
"What's wrong with you?" Yetao snapped, his frustration finally boiling over.
Bambam merely tilted his head, feigning innocence.
"Don't act like you're clueless," Yetao continued, his voice rising. "The thing with yesterday and now. We literally met only two days ago, did you forget? But you look at me like I'm your long lost lover and do all these weird things."
A knowing smirk played across Bambam's lips as he leaned forward, stopping just short of Yetao's face. Their breath mingled in the narrow space between them.
"Then, did you not feel attracted to me in the past two days?" he challenged.
The question struck Yetao with a pang of guilt. He had indeed found himself drawn to Bambam's handsome features, a fact that brought an unwanted flush to his cheeks. He cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure.
"Don't change the subject," he warned. "Answer me, unless you want me to fry you right here and now."
Determination hardened Yetao's gaze—this strange play between them had gone far enough. Yet Bambam seemed equally resolved, recognizing an opportunity he couldn't let slip away.
"What if we met way before that and you don't remember?" Bambam asked, his eyes filled with such profound longing that it momentarily stole Yetao's breath.
All around them, the world seemed to fall silent, for the rhythmic sound of waves caressing the shore and the gentle whisper of the breeze to be heard. Yetao's hair fluttered softly, catching the morning light. His eyes certainty wavered as he searched Bambam's face—the intensity and seriousness he found there was too genuine to dismiss.
"I don't remember meeting you though," Yetao replied, suspicion still coloring his tone despite his growing doubt.
The right corner of Bambam's mouth curved upward in a melancholic half-smile. "It was an insignificant encounter. You don't need to remember me."
His gaze bore directly into Yetao's, unwavering and filled with an emotion too complex to name. "But I have loved you for a very long time, Taotao. Longer than you could imagine"
The confession echoed across the shore; its resonance matched only by the sudden thundering of Yetao's heart. Confusion swirled within him as he struggled to comprehend how Bambam could harbor such deep feelings for someone he barely knew. And yet, something inexplicable stirred within him—a sense of connection to Bambam's words that his rational mind couldn't explain away.
Why did his heart recognize what his memory could not?
The sea breeze carried the scent of salt and possibility between them as Yetao stood at the precipice of a truth his conscious mind had yet to grasp—a truth that perhaps lay buried beneath layers of forgotten history, waiting to be unearthed like a pearl hidden in the depths.
Epilogue:
That morning before Yetao woke up....
Bambam had risen with the sun, unable to sleep any longer. Beside him, Yetao remained lost in peaceful slumber. The ocean breeze rustled through his hair, carrying with it the salt-laden scent of the sea.
Thio snuggled beside Yetao, already awake and alert, his round eyes fixed on Bambam with unmistakable suspicion. The child pressed himself closer to Yetao's side, small fingers clutching at the fabric of Yetao's cloth.
Bambam caught the hostile stare and raised an eyebrow. "Why are you glaring at me? I'm your Daddy, you know?" he whispered, careful not to disturb the tranquility of the morning or Yetao's rest.
Thio's response was immediate—a low growl rumbling from his throat as he bared his tiny teeth. His eyes narrowed, never breaking contact with Bambam's.
"Mommy," he declared firmly, the single word carrying all the possessive intention a child could muster. He turned deliberately, burrowing his face against Yetao's side.
A playful impulse overtook Bambam as he watched the territorial display. He leaned slightly closer, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
"No matter what you do, your mommy loves me more," he said with a proud smile, the challenge evident in his voice despite its hushed tone.
The effect was instantaneous. With surprising speed, Thio scrambled across the sand and launched himself at Bambam. Before he could react, the child had climbed onto his shoulders and began pulling at his hair with determined little fists.
"Ow! Hey—stop that!" Bambam protested, trying to dislodge the small attacker without causing harm.
The commotion stirred Yetao from sleep rather than the morning light.