"Robbery! Hand over your brains at the storage desk, and don't forget to pick them up when you're done!"
Jia Ma Empire, Wu Tan City, Dou Qi Continent
At the peak of a cliff behind the Xiao Clan's estate, a young man sat on the grassy summit, his figure tall and lean. His face, chiseled as if sculpted by nature's finest artisans, was strikingly handsome—sword-like brows framing starry eyes, only a touch less captivating than you, dear reader. Gazing at the twilight horizon, he murmured softly, "I never imagined I'd end up in Xiao Yan's Dou Qi Continent. Fourteen and a half years, and the main storyline's about to kick off, isn't it?"
This youth was Xiao Tian, who, like Xiao Yan, hailed from a certain blue planet. He was Xiao Yan's twin brother, born half an hour earlier thanks to his "superior strength" in the womb.
Upon transmigrating, Xiao Tian had dreamed of following in the footsteps of legendary transmigrators—awakening a golden finger, dominating the world, and living a carefree life. But reality dealt him a baffling blow: no system, no cheat, just a sinus-clearing punch to his expectations. For twelve years, he lived without a hint of a golden finger. Then, two and a half years ago, everything changed. His golden finger arrived… or so he thought.
The system had glitched, stuck at 99.99% loading for two and a half years.
Did I commit some cosmic sin to deserve this? Xiao Tian often wondered, frustration mounting as the system refused to budge.
A faint rustle from the woods behind him snapped him out of his self-doubt. Turning, he called out, "Nizi, if you're here, come out already!"
"Xiao Tian-gege," came a soft, melodious voice.
Beside him appeared a girl in a purple dress, her presence serene and ethereal, like a lotus blooming for the first time. Though young, her transcendent charm hinted at a beauty that would one day captivate empires.
Looking at her, Xiao Tian recalled his early days in this world. Without a system, he'd decided to cling to the biggest thighs in the Xiao Clan. The top choice? His dear brother, Xiao Yan, naturally. But there was another—Xiao Xun Er.
Why settle for Xiao Yan when Xiao Xun Er's the ultimate catch? He'd reasoned. Wealth, power, beauty, strength, background, youth, and a childhood bond—Xiao Xun Er was the perfect package. This soft rice is too delicious to pass up.
Unlike Xiao Yan, Xiao Tian didn't rely on cheap tricks to win her over. He'd even sabotaged Xiao Yan's fleeting schemes, anonymously tipping off the elders. After a night of being strung up and disciplined, Xiao Yan abandoned those thoughts. Heh, he never suspected his own brother. Sneaky, sneaky.
Xiao Tian had no interest in Yao Lao, the Burning Flame Technique, or even the Heavenly Flames. But Xiao Xun Er? Non-negotiable. And perhaps Yun Yun, Ya Fei, Xiao Yi Xian, and Queen Medusa, too. Sorry, little brother Xiao Yan, focus on your cultivation. No women, just flames, and you'll master them like a god.
Noticing Xiao Tian's intense gaze, Xiao Xun Er's cheeks flushed a delicate pink. She pouted, "Xiao Tian-gege, you've gotten naughty!"
"Xun Er, what brings you here? Something on your mind?" Xiao Tian asked, snapping back to reality with an awkward smile.
"Xiao Tian-gege, tomorrow's the clan test. I've broken through to Nine Stage Dou Zhi Qi!" she announced proudly.
Xiao Tian focused, sensing the robust flow of her Dou Qi. Indeed, she'd reached Nine Stage Dou Zhi Qi.
"My Xun Er's talent is unmatched! Nine stage already? You'll shock those old fogies tomorrow," he teased. "Guess my level, then."
Xiao Xun Er huffed, "I'm not guessing! You've probably reached Dou Zhe already. We'll see tomorrow. And who's your Xun Er? I'm not yours!"
"Fine, I'll keep it a secret until tomorrow," Xiao Tian chuckled. He stood, gently taking her soft hand, and led her down the mountain. Their movements flowed naturally, as if they'd done this a thousand times.
Back at the Xiao Clan compound, they parted ways to their respective courtyards. Xiao Tian's was next to Xiao Yan's. Glancing at his brother's residence, he thought, Xiao Yan's probably grinding away right now, but still stuck. His tough days are almost over, though. Soon, he'll soar.
In his own courtyard, Xiao Tian meditated cross-legged on his bed, cultivating for a while before washing up and sleeping. Next door, Xiao Yan toiled on, unaware of the turning tides.
The next morning, Xiao Tian opened his courtyard gate to find a radiant figure waiting. Xiao Xun Er wore a fitted, pale green outfit that accentuated her youthful vitality. Her beauty was like a ripe apple, tempting and vibrant.
Caught staring, Xiao Xun Er blushed. "Xiao Tian-gege, what are you looking at?"
"What else? There's only you here, Xun Er," he teased, ruffling her silky hair.
"Hmph, I'm ignoring you!" she huffed, though her smile betrayed her.
"Come on, the clan test is starting," Xiao Tian said, taking her hand and heading toward the testing grounds.
As they passed Xiao Yan's courtyard, Xiao Tian was about to call out when the door swung open. Xiao Yan stepped out, greeting, "Tian-ge, Xun Er."
"Little Yan-zi, perfect timing. I was just about to grab you," Xiao Tian replied.
"Yan-di," Xiao Xun Er nodded politely.
Xiao Yan's expression softened. "Ever since my Dou Qi started fading, the whole clan's distanced themselves—everyone except Father, you, and Xun Er."
Xiao Tian smacked Xiao Yan's head playfully, careful not to bruise his pride. Glancing at the black ring on Xiao Yan's finger, he said, "What nonsense is this? We're brothers. No need for such formalities. Let go of the weight, and you'll rise. Like a great peng riding the winds, soaring nine thousand miles. Father and I always believed you'd reclaim your talent—and surpass it."
Xiao Yan stared at Xiao Tian, a mix of respect and wariness in his eyes. He remembered calling him "Third Brother" as a toddler, only to get a thrashing and a demand to say "Tian-ge" instead. Yet, in his darkest moments, when others shunned him, Xiao Tian never wavered, always urging him to persevere.
Seeing Xiao Yan still rooted in place, Xiao Tian shouted, "Little Yan-zi, move it, or we'll be late!"
Xiao Yan hurried to catch up.
At the testing grounds, the crowd fell silent as the trio entered, their gazes fixed on Xiao Yan. Ignoring the stares, they strolled to a large tree at the field's edge. Xiao Tian and Xiao Yan leaned against it, while Xiao Xun Er stood close to Xiao Tian, as if the world around them didn't exist.
On the testing platform, a magical stone tablet stood ready. A middle-aged tester stepped forward, announcing, "The test begins! When your name is called, step up to the tablet."
Ding! The wheels of fate begin to turn. System loading complete. Host, please accept!