My Fallen Genius Brother Wants to Take a Master—You Won't Accept Him?

"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river. Never look down on a poor young man!"

In the Xiao Family hall of Wutan City, Xiao Yan roared with an earth-shaking voice, his face twisted in fury.

The young woman opposite him had her willow brows raised and almond eyes wide. Her light-purple, form-fitting gown outlined her already budding, graceful figure. She was Nalan Yanran, the young sect mistress of the Misty Cloud Sect.

Xiao Yao sat to one side, holding a teacup and gently blowing away the foam. His deep gaze rested on the confronting young man and woman, while his heart coldly calculated.

It was here... the turning point of fate in the Battle Through the Heavens world, the beginning of Flame Emperor Xiao Yan's rise—the Humiliation of Breaking the Engagement. This was also my starting point. Xiao Yan, just stay safely in the Xiao Family. All your opportunities will become stepping stones for me, Xiao Yao!

Without a doubt, this was the world of Battle Through the Heavens. Xiao Yao had transmigrated here fifteen years ago.

As Xiao Yan's cousin, he had awakened the memories of his past life as an office worker on Blue Star when he was three. Perhaps because the souls of his two lives had fused, his soul power far surpassed that of ordinary people, and his talent even exceeded that of the genius Xiao Yan in his prime. Now, without an old man in a ring draining away his Dou Qi, he was already a genuine seven-star Dou Zhe!

After confirming that he had not started with some cheat ability, Xiao Yao set his path—using his absolute advantage of knowing the plot to make preparations in advance, seize the initiative, and turn everything that should have belonged to Xiao Yan into steps toward his own ascension to the imperial throne.

The atmosphere in the hall was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

Xiao Yan's blood-written letter of divorce had left Nalan Yanran enraged. It had also caused the auras of Xiao Zhan and Ge Ye, two Da Dou Shi, to collide as tension filled the air.

Next comes the Three-Year Agreement, Xiao Yao thought.

Sure enough, Xiao Yan established the Three-Year Agreement. Ge Ye was about to leave with the furious Nalan Yanran when they were stopped by the pressure radiating from Xun'er nearby.

Seeing this, Xiao Yao's mouth twitched. As expected of the young lady of the Ancient Clan, using the fourth-ranked Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame on the Heavenly Flame Ranking to intimidate a few Dou Shi and Da Dou Shi. But today, this is my stage!

If I want to get close to Old Man Yao in that ring and obtain the Heaven-Defying Cultivation Method, the Heavenly Flame Evolution Technique, which can devour Heavenly Flames to evolve, I must first alter the plot before me. Making Xiao Yan deeply grateful to me and owe me a huge favor is the first step of the plan!

With that thought, Xiao Yao's figure flashed, and he appeared before the doors like a phantom. Dressed in black training clothes, he stood handsome and upright, with sword-like brows and starry eyes. His bearing was like a drawn blade.

"Come as you please, leave as you please? After making trouble in the Xiao Family, you cannot even offer an explanation? Miss Nalan, is this the upbringing of the Misty Cloud Sect?" Xiao Yao's voice was calm, yet every word was like a needle, clearly piercing the ears of everyone present.

"Insolence! What are you, daring to lecture me?" Nalan Yanran was already furious. Provoked by Xiao Yao, her pretty face flushed red. With an angry cry, her moon-white sword, covered in Dou Qi, stabbed toward Xiao Yao like lightning.

"Wind Spirit Cloud Slash!"

"Faithless and unrighteous, arrogant and unreasonable—what you did today not only humiliated my cousin Xiao Yan, but slapped the entire Xiao Family in the face!" Xiao Yao's gaze abruptly sharpened. "Since Miss Nalan looks down on the Xiao Family so much, then let me, Xiao Yao, experience the Misty Cloud Sect's brilliant techniques!"

Boom!

Xiao Yao struck after her yet arrived before her, ignoring the fierce sword light as he threw a punch. It even left an afterimage in the air. His condensed Dou Qi surged like a gale—simple and brutal!

Nalan Yanran's expression changed drastically. The Dou Qi she had been so proud of instantly collapsed like paper beneath Xiao Yao's seemingly light punch! All she felt was an overwhelming force crashing back at her!

Before everyone's eyes, the young sect mistress chosen by the Misty Cloud Sect and personally taught by a Dou Emperor flew backward with her sword like a kite with its string cut, utterly bedraggled!

The entire hall fell silent!

"How could this be? I... I was defeated by a single punch from a Xiao Family disciple?!" Nalan Yanran flew through the air, her eyes filled with disbelief.

Ge Ye was horrified and hurriedly rushed out to catch Nalan Yanran. Feeling the lingering force, his heart trembled. He turned and stared at the young figure in shock.

This obscure youth from the Xiao Family possessed such terrifying strength? Nalan Yanran was a three-star Dou Zhe, one of the most outstanding members of the younger generation throughout the Jia Ma Empire, yet she had been instantly defeated in one move!

The young man stood proudly amid the raging wind, his robes fluttering as an unrivaled tyrannical aura radiated from him.

"My brother Xiao Yao's brother is not someone a barbaric woman like you can humiliate!"

"Y-you... who exactly are you?" Nalan Yanran asked in a trembling voice.

"Xiao Family, Xiao Yao." Xiao Yao stood with his hands behind his back and replied indifferently, "Fifteen years old, seven-star Dou Zhe."

Gasp!

As soon as he said that, the hall erupted with gasps.

"Terrifying indeed! To possess such cultivation at this age in a tiny Xiao Family—given time, would this boy not have the potential to become a Dou Zong?!"

Ge Ye's aged face was filled with terror and regret. He had accompanied the young lady here today to break off an engagement, only to kick an iron plate! Grabbing Nalan Yanran, he fled the Xiao Family hall in panic.

Xiao Yao turned and walked before Xiao Yan, heavily patting his shoulder. "Brother Xiao Yan, remember: behind you stand the Xiao Family, and me! I believe that three years from now, you will make Nalan Yanran regret today's decision for the rest of her life! When that time comes, I will accompany you to the Misty Cloud Sect!"

The humiliation in Xiao Yan's eyes vanished, replaced by endless determination and gratitude. "Brother Xiao Yao, thank you! I, Xiao Yan, will never forget today's kindness for all eternity!"

A faint, imperceptible curve appeared at the corner of Xiao Yao's lips.

The first step is complete. Next, it is time to meet the real big fish.

The night was as black as ink, and the moonlight cool as water. Xiao Yao watched the lonely figure heading toward the back mountain.

The time is about right. Old Man Yao is about to reveal himself. Yao Chen, that Heavenly Flame Evolution Technique of yours, capable of devouring Heavenly Flames and evolving—I, Xiao Yao, will definitely have it!

Xiao Yao used his movement technique and decisively followed after him under the moonlight.

At the mountain peak, an aged, illusory figure floated before Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan had just learned that the culprit behind his three years of humiliation was the old man hidden in his ring, and he was currently "politely" greeting Old Man Yao's entire family.

Xiao Yao hid in the shadows and quietly observed.

Old Man Yao stroked his beard as he described the supreme status of alchemists to Xiao Yan. He promised to help Xiao Yan regain his strength and tempted him to perform the rites of apprenticeship.

At that moment, Old Man Yao's illusory figure paused slightly. His sharp gaze shot like lightning toward where Xiao Yao was hiding.

"You little brat skulking around, come out."

Xiao Yan was startled and immediately spun around with his fist clenched, only to see Xiao Yao walk out of the woods with an "astonished" expression.

As expected of a former Dou Zun. His soul power is truly keen, Xiao Yao thought, though his expression remained unchanged.

"Little fellow, I have you to thank for standing up for my disciple today. But why have you come here so late at night?" Old Man Yao's voice sounded gentle, yet it carried an invisible pressure.

"Cousin Xiao Yao?" Seeing that it was Xiao Yao, Xiao Yan's tense body immediately relaxed. Then he smiled bitterly. "About this matter... I hope Cousin will keep it secret for me."

"Don't worry, Brother Yan. I know what to do." Xiao Yao first nodded to Xiao Yan, then looked at Old Man Yao with burning eyes and cupped his hands in salute. "This junior is Xiao Yao. I was worried that Brother Yan was troubled at heart, so I came to comfort him. I did not expect to encounter such an esteemed senior here. This junior has long admired the miraculous art of alchemy that Senior spoke of. Might I be fortunate enough to follow Senior and learn the art of alchemy?"

His words were flawless, explaining both his purpose and his request.

But who was Old Man Yao? He gave Xiao Yao a deep look, and understanding flashed through those eyes that had seen through worldly affairs. This boy's ambition was practically written on his face.

Old Man Yao lightly waved his illusory hand, and a gentle stream of soul power swept across Xiao Yao's body. After a moment, he said regretfully in a teasing tone, "Little fellow, your Dou Qi talent is exceptional. Unfortunately... your constitution is fire-aspected but lacks the wood aspect to nourish it. You were born unsuited to becoming an alchemist. My inheritance is all tied to medicinal principles. You and I have no fate."

Having his constitution directly exposed, Xiao Yao's heart sank.

His constitution was fire-aspected, but he lacked wood Qi!

Xiao Yao did not know whether to laugh or cry. Damn! I forgot about that! The path of directly becoming his disciple is blocked!

Xiao Yan hurriedly said, "Teacher, Brother Xiao Yao is the number one genius of the Xiao Family. He will surely become a powerhouse of the Gamma Empire in the future. Please accept him!"

"It is not that this old man is unwilling, but fate has decreed it so." Old Man Yao shook his head and looked meaningfully at Xiao Yao. "Little fellow, it is not that this old man is stingy. It is merely that my entire inheritance accords with medicinal principles, and you are truly unsuitable."

After pondering for a moment, he flicked his finger. A pill that emitted a faint medicinal fragrance flew toward Xiao Yao. "This is a Marrow Cleansing Pill. Consider it thanks for standing up for my disciple today. It can also help make your foundation more stable."

This was both a gift of thanks and an order to leave.

He knew that with the example of Han Feng betraying his master and ancestors, it would be exceedingly difficult to change this old fox's mind.

"Thank you for your generous gift, Senior." Xiao Yao accepted the pill, revealing a suitably "disappointed" expression. After respectfully thanking him, he turned and left.

Yet the instant he turned around, all disappointment vanished from his eyes, replaced by cold resolve.

Hmph, old fox! If you will not give it to me, I will take it myself! The Heavenly Flame Evolution Technique may be good, but it is not the only option.

After leaving the back mountain, Xiao Yao stood before the window of his room. His gaze passed through the night and looked toward the distant Tagor Desert.

The Green Lotus Core Flame, the Falling Heart Flame, the Sea Heart Flame... and the fragment of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame's map! Opportunities are everywhere in this world. Without Yao Chen, I, Xiao Yao, can still become an emperor!

He took a deep breath. Although the road ahead had gained a slight setback, his Dao heart had become firmer than ever at this moment. Relying on others was inferior to relying on himself. Since he had transmigrated here, he would use his own strength to carve out a place for himself on this Dou Qi Continent!

Just as Xiao Yao completely let go of his reliance on Old Man Yao and resolved to seize the initiative himself and defy fate, a cold mechanical voice suddenly rang in his mind.

[ Ding! It has been detected that the host has broken free from the constraints of the plot and established a self-reliant Dao heart. The Heaven-Defying Fate System has officially activated! ]