Bambam stared at Yuchen, measuring his determination. Despite being severely weakened, Yuchen stood firmly between him and Yetao, his stance unwavering despite the futility of his protection.
"I just can't leave Yetao alone for a minute. See how many guys are already eyeing him?", Bambam thought with an internal sigh before addressing Yuchen aloud.
"Move away, kid. I already said I will stay by his side even if the world doesn't. Don't annoy me more." His voice carried a dangerous edge, but Yuchen remained unmoved.
"Then what are you going to do about the calamity? How can I believe you?" Yuchen challenged, his posture rigid with protective instinct despite his depleted energy.
He studied Yuchen for a long moment, then took a deep breath, coming to a decision.
"Very well. I'll show you."
Without further warning, Bambam released the tight control he maintained over his true power. The effect was immediate and devastating. Bambam formed a barrier around the others— even encompassing Yetao's frozen form and the distant Thio, who remained crouched in a corner, similarly suspended in time.
Within the island's broken barrier, darkness pulsed. This was no ordinary qi—it was far beyond what any mere millennium of cultivation could produce. The very elements recognized its dominion; trees that had stood for centuries withered in seconds, their life force drained away. Lush vegetation blackened and crumbled to dust. The pristine sand of the island beaches disintegrated into fine ash.
A paradise transformed into desolation with frightening ease.
The Elder's eyes widened in genuine shock. "This..." He trailed off, words failing him as he watched the dark aura surrounding Bambam intensify. Understanding dawned on his ancient face—this was power beyond even his calculations.
As quickly as he had unleashed it, Bambam reined his power back. The destruction, however, remained. The once verdant island now appeared incapable of sustaining any form of life, a stark demonstration of what had been only thirty percent of his true capacity.
"This is just thirty percent of my qi," Bambam confirmed. "I cultivated for three thousand years now."
Dorn and Yuchen exchanged stunned glances, struggling to comprehend the implications. Three thousand years of cultivation would make Bambam nearly as ancient as the Elder himself.
The Elder, while shocked, seemed to find the revelation more comprehensible than his disciples. His expression suggested he was fitting new pieces into an old puzzle.
"I can deal with the curse now," Bambam continued, his confidence absolute. "The curse was placed in the northeast. The total opposite of where this island is situated. Before the curse could reach Yetao, I can seal it with my own tainted energy without letting it consume me."
Despite the demonstration of Bambam's power, concern still lingered in the Elder's eyes. "I understand why you're confident. But if the plan did not work and the past tragedy happens again, can you handle this child's wrath?" He gestured toward Yetao's frozen form.
Something dark flickered across Bambam's face—a memory, perhaps, or a shadow of pain. His jaw tightened with resolve. "Of course I have a plan B. The thing which I failed to do in the past."
The Elder visibly flinched at these words, studying Bambam with renewed intensity. "Do you think this child will happily accept it?" he asked softly.
A sad smile touched Bambam's lips. "He will heal in no time. But I can't. You know that."
The Elder seemed to reach some internal conclusion, a reluctant acceptance settling in his features.
Yuchen looked between them, frustration mounting at being excluded from vital information. "What is plan B? Why are you both speaking as if it already happened in the past?" His question hung in the air, directed at both powerful beings.
Bambam's lips pursed, his gaze distant as if viewing scenes from another time—scenes that had left scars even his immense power couldn't heal.
The Elder, noting Bambam's silence, took it upon himself to address Yuchen. "The past doesn't matter anymore, Yuchen. What matters is, at present, this man will do anything to protect Yetao, and it's best if you don't know about it. As for plan B...... I hope the situation does not arrive", the elder glanced at Bambam, pitying his fate.
"But—" Yuchen began to protest.
"Let's go now, Yuchen," the Elder interrupted firmly. "Your friend's safest place is here."
Yuchen shook his head stubbornly. "I will not move anywhere leaving Yetao-gege with him. I'm still suspicious of everything."
The Elder sighed deeply, recognizing the futility of arguing further. "Dorn, let's go now. Leave him."
He moved to depart, pulling Dorn with him, but Dorn hesitated, concern for his brother evident. "But, Elder, he's injured," he protested.
The Elder glanced at Yuchen's weakened state. With a subtle movement of his hand, a golden pill materialized in his palm. He approached Yuchen and placed it in Yuchen's mouth. Instantly, golden energy coursed through Yuchen's form, revitalizing his depleted qi.
"Don't pick a fight with him and behave," the Elder warned Yuchen sternly.
Yuchen responded with a sullen pout but nodded as his reluctant agreement.
The Elder then turned to Bambam, his expression equally severe. "I'm telling this to you too. Don't you dare touch a hair of my precious disciple."
Annoyance flickered across Bambam's face at the prospect of another obstacle between himself and Yetao, but he conceded with conditions. "Only if he behaves."
"Whatever," the Elder muttered, seemingly exhausted by the entire exchange. Taking hold of Dorn's arm, he summoned the same golden lightning that had brought him to the island. In a brilliant flash, they disappeared beyond the barrier Bambam had created.
Once they were gone, Bambam reinforced the barrier, doubling its strength. Now four remained within its protection—himself, Yuchen, Thio and Yetao still frozen in time, unaware of the cosmic forces battling over his fate or the sacrifices that might yet be made in his name.
Bambam approached Yuchen with purposeful strides, his dark eyes revealing nothing of his intentions. Without warning, he patted down Yuchen's chest, searching for the artifact with deft fingers. Despite Yuchen's struggle, Bambam's hands closed around the object.
"I'm confiscating this," Bambam declared, his voice unnervingly calm as he sealed the artifact with a pulse of energy that crackled through the air like silent lightning.
Yuchen's face contorted with indignation. "Why are you confiscating an immortal's artifact? Return it to me!" His voice rose with each word until it echoed across the desolate landscape.
Bambam's lip curled into a smirk as he tossed the artifact back. Yuchen caught it with reverent care, his glare burning into Bambam's impassive face.
"Keep your puny artifact," Bambam said with dismissive casualness. "I don't want it. The seal will be removed once I deal with the barrier myself."
Yuchen's fist clenched at the word 'puny,' his knuckles whitening with rage. Yet, he forced himself to breathe deeply, to calm the storm within. Yetao's safety was paramount—more important than his wounded pride.
"Taotao doesn't know my true identity as the Demon Lord," Bambam said, the affectionate nickname rolling off his tongue with unsettling familiarity. "I trust you won't ruin the moment, kid."
The casual use of 'Taotao' grated on Yuchen's nerves, but he bit back his retort. Bambam was Yetao's only hope now, and Yuchen wouldn't jeopardize that chance with petty arguments.
"Yetao gege would rather sacrifice himself than endanger others", Yuchen thought, his mind racing. "It's better if he remains unaware of both the curse and the Demon Lord's involvement".
With reluctance, Yuchen nodded—but couldn't resist a taunt of his own. His lips curved into a knowing smirk as he gestured around them. "If you're so concerned about secrecy, what do you plan to do about all this?"
The once-vibrant landscape had transformed completely. Where lush trees and golden sands had thrived when Yetao was conscious, now everything lay draped in an oppressive, absolute blackness. The world itself seemed to have died.
Bambam surveyed the devastation, his expression unreadable. He drew a measured breath before speaking. "I'm taking a gamble," he said cryptically, moving toward Thio, who remained frozen in a squatting position—a statue caught in time's grip.
With gentle hands that belied his fearsome reputation, Bambam touched Thio's head and released him from the temporal prison. The child flinched violently as his senses registered the transformation—emerald scenery turned to ash in what had felt like a mere heartbeat.
Bambam offered the child a smile. Thio responded with an unwavering glare.
Yuchen followed Bambam and stared at the child with undisguised surprise. "You've kidnapped a child as well?" he accused, kneeling to check if the little one was unharmed.
Thio regarded Yuchen with immediate warmth, perhaps sensing the golden light that seemed to emanate from him. The child's lips curved into a soft, genuine smile.
Yuchen felt his heart stutter at the unexpected sweetness. "How can he smile amidst such danger? Who is this child?". The innocence in those eyes seemed to cut through the darkness surrounding them.
Bambam's expression soured as he watched his own child smiling at another man while offering only glares to his father. "He's MY child," he announced with a possessive edge.
Thio glared at his father but quickly averted his gaze, his loyalty to his absent mother keeping him from outright rejection.
Disbelief washed over Yuchen's features. "This child belongs to him? But there's no resemblance whatsoever. The child radiates such gentle warmth—nothing like the tainted darkness that clings to Bambam". After a moment's contemplation, Yuchen settled on an explanation that made sense. "Must be because of the child's mother."
Unable to resist the opportunity to needle the Demon Lord, Yuchen added, "His mother must be a goddess for him to be this adorable. He looks nothing like you."
Rather than taking offense, Bambam's face transformed with unmistakable pride. "I know," he agreed, his voice soft with something that might have been love.
Yuchen nearly choked at the expression—tender and vulnerable—utterly unsuited with the being who had obliterated an entire island mere moments ago. Clearing his throat, he steered the conversation back to urgent matters. "What now? How do we solve this problem?"
Bambam crouched before Thio, meeting him at eye level. "I know you can restore the atmosphere by reversing time," he said gently but with certainty.
Thio's eyes widened slightly, surprised at Bambam's knowledge of his abilities.
"Can you reverse what's happened to this island?" Bambam asked, his tone edging toward a plea.
Thio turned away, feigning disinterest in helping.
Bambam's smile strained at the edges. "If you do this," he proposed through gritted teeth, "I'll convince your mother to admit that he loves you more than me."
The child's ears perked up visibly at this offer. He pivoted back to face Bambam and nodded once, decisively.
With solemn concentration, Thio closed his eyes and placed a small hand upon the blackened sand. Instantly, the landscape began to transform around them. Wilted plants straightened and regained their verdant hue. Ash reverted to sparkling sand that glistened in the morning sunlight. The world breathed again.
When Thio opened his eyes, a triumphant smirk played across his childish features, reminding Bambam of their deal.
But Bambam wasn't looking at the restored landscape. His eyes, suspiciously bright with unshed tears, remained fixed on Thio, as if seeing echoes of a distant past known only to him.
"Your child is remarkably talented," Yuchen marveled, rubbing Thio's head affectionately. "His mother truly must be divine. What is this power? I've never encountered such an ability before."
Bambam's reply was deliberately vague. "I don't know."
"Just admit you're too lazy to explain," Yuchen sighed, lifting the child into his arms. Thio came willingly, settling against Yuchen's chest with unexpected trust.
As Yuchen and Thio bonded, Bambam's gaze drifted skyward, his thoughts turning inward." I really don't know. He simply possesses the same power as his elder brother". The thought carried the weight of centuries.
With a firm blink, Bambam returned to the present moment and moved toward Yetao, who remained frozen in time like a forgotten porcelain doll, unaware of all that had transpired around him.
Bambam and Yuchen exchanged a meaningful glance as Yuchen gently guided the child behind Yetao, pressing a finger to his lips as a gesture for silence. Thio observed his mother—frozen like an exquisite doll—with curious eyes. Something in the child's gaze suggested he understood more than his small form implied. He nodded solemnly, accepting the instruction.
Yuchen positioned himself precisely where he had stood before Bambam's temporal manipulation, while Bambam took his place before them both. With a casual snap of his fingers that belied the enormous power required, Bambam released his hold on time.
The world breathed again. Trees swayed in the gentle breeze, waves resumed their eternal dance against the shore, and Yetao's hair fluttered around his face, which was etched with concern. Yuchen noticed this expression and an idea sparked in his mind.
With a calculated smile, Yuchen approached Bambam and draped an arm around his shoulders in a gesture of false comradery. "How are you, snake boy? I never expected to find you here of all places." He punctuated his greeting with a friendly punch to Bambam's chest, forcing a laugh that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Bambam's annoyance at this sudden familiarity flickered across his features before he masked it with a matching facade. "I'm doing remarkably well. What brings you here, Mr. Flower Boy?" His retort carried a barbed reference to Yuchen's limited power, which visibly irritated the other man.
Yet they maintained their performance, exchanging forced laughter that rang hollow beneath the island sky.
Yetao's brow furrowed in confusion as he watched the two men who had been locked in a deadly glare moments ago now acting like old friends. "You two already knew each other?" he asked, suspicion threading through his voice.
Both men nodded with excessive enthusiasm, their smiles stretched too wide to be genuine.
Yetao's confusion deepened, his eyes narrowing as he tried to make sense of the inexplicable shift. Before he could question them further, a childish voice called out from behind him.
"Mommy!" Thio emerged with outstretched arms and a brilliant smile, clearly demanding to be held.
Yetao startled at the child's sudden appearance but couldn't resist those cute eyes. His face softened as he lifted the child and settled him comfortably on his hip, as natural as if he'd been doing it for years.
Yuchen's jaw dropped in shock, his gaze darting between Yetao and Bambam as his mind struggled to process what he'd just heard. "Gege," he asked slowly, his voice strained, "why is he calling you 'mommy'?"
"Because I am his mommy," Yetao replied simply, as if stating an obvious fact.
Yuchen whirled toward Bambam, his glare murderous. "What did you do to him? "his eyes silently demanded.
Bambam merely chuckled, which inflamed Yuchen's fury. He lunged forward, seizing Bambam's collar in white-knuckled fists. "You vile demon! Did you take advantage of gege by manipulating the time like now? How dare you!" Golden light flared in Yuchen's eyes, power radiating from him in palpable waves.
Bambam stood unresisting, his smirk only widening in the face of Yuchen's rage.
Alarm flashed across Yetao's face. He quickly placed Thio on the ground and inserted himself between the two men, pushing Yuchen back with firm hands. "Yuchen! What are you doing?" he demanded.
"Gege, why are you protecting this pervert?" Yuchen's voice cracked with emotion. "He doesn't deserve to live! Move aside, gege!"
Behind the protective shield of Yetao's body, Bambam was barely containing his amusement, which only fueled Yuchen's indignation.
Yetao exhaled slowly, forcing patience into his voice. "Yuchen... did you assume Bambam is Thio's father?"
Yuchen's aggression faltered. "Is he not?"
Yetao shook his head.
"Then what happened, gege?" Genuine concern replaced Yuchen's anger.
Drawing a deep breath, Yetao began his explanation. "Technically speaking, neither of us is actually this child's mother or father," he said, a statement that shocked even Thio and left Bambam visibly perplexed.
"We discovered a cave on this island containing a statue of a woman," Yetao continued. "According to the inscriptions, it would grant us a gift if we offered our light and dark energies. We thought perhaps we'd receive a wish to escape this island, so we provided what it asked." His expression turned thoughtful. "But instead, we received an egg. Thio's egg. So I believe the child's mother is..." Yetao paused dramatically, while both Bambam and Thio unconsciously held their breath.
"...the statue," Yetao concluded.
Thio slapped his small forehead in frustration.
Bambam tilted his face skyward, internally chanting, Think sad thoughts... sad thoughts... to suppress the laughter threatening to burst from him.
Yuchen, who had listened to the tale, asked, "Were there no other identifying details near the statue?"
Yetao considered this. "The statue had a name—Nuwu or Nuwa, I don't recall exactly. But I do remember it depicted a woman with the lower body of a serpent."
Yuchen's eyes narrowed at this description, recognition dawning slowly. After a moment of silence, he flinched as a realization struck him. Isn't that the goddess of fertility? The thought crystallized in his mind before he asked aloud, "Did you both contribute your energy?"
Yetao nodded, smiling with blissful ignorance.
Yuchen clenched his jaw and glanced at Bambam, who was conspicuously avoiding his gaze. The implications hung heavy in the air between them, understood by everyone except Yetao himself.
Oblivious to the silent exchange, Yetao lifted Thio once more into his arms. "Don't worry, Thio. I'll never let you feel like you're adopted. I'll raise you like my own child," he promised with sincere affection.
Thio forced a smile, well aware that Yetao was, in fact, his biological parent.
"Sometimes it's a blessing that you're dumb, gege," Yuchen muttered.
The comment ignited Yetao's pride. He set Thio down and launched himself at Yuchen, determined to teach him a lesson in respect. Yuchen fled, as he dodged Yetao's attempts to catch him.
As the two chased each other across the beach like children, Bambam and Thio exchanged a long-suffering glance and sighed in unison, united in their frustration over their family members' endearing foolishness.
The island breeze carried their chaos across the water, a moment of lightness in the shadow of greater challenges yet to come.