A Fiery Bond and a Bittersweet Departure
Lan stood silently, watching Xiao wield the Fire Flower with unmatched power. "This weapon has chosen you," Lan admitted reluctantly. "I cannot interfere, for the Fire Flower always chooses its master."
Xiao, now brimming with newfound strength, unleashed a single powerful strike that purified the land of all evil energy. The dark forces that had plagued the area dissipated, leaving the land renewed and alive. Turning to the defeated commoners who had been corrupted by greed and malice, Xiao addressed them firmly.
"If you change your ways, I will forgive you," he said, his voice carrying both authority and compassion.
Moved by his words, many of the commoners discarded their weapons, repenting for their deeds. Yet, a few still resisted, choosing to fight. Leeming and Hao quickly stepped in, defeating them without hesitation, teaching them a lesson they would not forget.
With the battle over, everyone returned to the Jiang Clan. Xiao, however, was visibly drained. The immense power of the Fire Flower had taken its toll, leaving him struggling to control the energy coursing through him. At times, Xiao would lose control, inadvertently absorbing the energy of those around him.
A New Challenge
Seeing Xiao's unstable condition, Madam Ying decided that her family would stay in the Jiang Clan for a while. A house was arranged for them, fully equipped with all the comforts they might need.
Leeming, noticing Xiao's struggle, took it upon himself to help. His calm and patient nature made him an ideal teacher. He introduced Xiao to meditation, teaching him how to focus and calm his mind. "If the mind is calm, everything else falls into place," Leeming explained during their lessons.
Though Xiao gradually learned to control his powers, he never lost his mischievous streak. He loved teasing Leeming, finding amusement in the rare moments when Leeming's calm façade cracked.
One day, Xiao played a prank that pushed Leeming to his limit. He sneaked into Leeming's room, removed all his clothes, and replaced them with colorful women's attire and glittering jewelry. When Leeming discovered the prank, he was furious.
For the first time in years, Leeming's anger flared, and he transformed into his dragon form—a fearsome and dangerous sight. For a moment, Xiao thought Leeming might actually harm him. But just as quickly as it appeared, Leeming regained control, shifting back to his human form.
"Why would you do something so ridiculous?" Leeming demanded, his voice still tinged with anger.
Xiao, stifling a laugh, replied, "I just wanted you to wear something other than plain white. You need more color in your life!"
Leeming left the room without another word, refusing to speak to Xiao for the rest of the day. Xiao, feeling guilty, cooked a meal for Leeming with his own hands and left a gift along with a handwritten apology note.
"I won't do it again," the note read.
Leeming eventually forgave Xiao, though not without a warning glare. Xiao, ever the joker, grinned and said, "I'll still find a way to trouble you. Just a little!"
A Bittersweet Farewell
As the days passed, the time came for Xiao and his family to leave the Jiang Clan. The clan members, having grown fond of them, insisted they stay longer, but the Shin clan awaited their return.
Xiao was reluctant to leave. Though he said nothing, his sadness was evident in his demeanor. Madam Ying and Xiao's sister, Hua, tried to convince him that it was time to go.
"Zihang," Hua said gently, using Xiao's other name, "you're like our son. We need to take you home. But I promise, we will visit often."
After much persuasion, Xiao agreed to return to the Shin clan.
On the day of their departure, the Jiang Clan gathered to bid them farewell. Leeming, who had grown closer to Xiao, stood quietly among the crowd.
Xiao approached him, his eyes filled with emotion. "I'll miss you," he said softly. "If you ever think of me, come visit."
Leeming crossed his arms, feigning indifference. "I won't miss you," he said with a smirk. "In fact, I'll be glad you're gone. No more pranks, no more stealing food from my plate. I'll finally get to eat in peace."
Xiao laughed, though he could sense the hidden sadness in Leeming's words. "You say that now, but I know you'll miss me. I can tell."
Leeming didn't reply, his silence speaking volumes.
With a smile, Xiao added, "It's okay. Even if you don't miss me, I'll miss you. And I'll remember every moment we spent together."
As the Shin clan's caravan began its journey back home, Xiao waved goodbye. Leeming watched from the distance, his calm expression masking the ache in his heart. He knew life would be quieter without Xiao's chaos, but it would also be a little emptier.