Destiny's Choice: Brotherly Confrontation and the Heroine's True Confession

Inside the ancestral home of the Xiao Clan in Wutan City, Xiao Zhan was humming a little tune while sharpening a kitchen knife. The blade reflected the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes—ever since his two sons became Dou Sheng, he had come to enjoy the mundane life even more, finding the artistic conception of Swallowing Mountains and Rivers with Qi even in the act of haggling over groceries.

"Father, we're home." Xiao Feng smiled as he pushed open the courtyard gate. The Emperor Scale patterns on his skin shimmered faintly in the sunlight, giving him an indescribably gentle and jade-like appearance.

Xiao Zhan looked up, and the kitchen knife clattered to the ground. "What is going on with you brat?" He pointed at Medusa, Xun Er, Yun Yun, and Gu Ling behind Xiao Feng. "Why did you bring so many young ladies home? Where is Xiao Yanzi?"

Xiao Yan walked out from the corner with a bitter smile. Although his hair had returned to black, there was an unmistakable exhaustion in his eyes. "Father, I'm right here..."

Xiao Zhan frowned. "Why are you looking so wilted? Did your brother bully you?"

Medusa spoke first. "Clan Leader Xiao Zhan, we have come today to..." She glanced at Xiao Feng, her face flushing with a rare blush, "...express our feelings."

Xun Er continued, "Brother Xiao saved my life, and I, Xun Er, am willing to join him in guarding the Gu Xiao Alliance."

Yun Yun took a deep breath. "I hope to continue the connection between the White Cloud Sect and the Xiao Clan in a different way."

Gu Ling chuckled. "Brother Xiao, the Ancient Spirit Cold Flame and the Emperor Flame are a match made in heaven, you know."

Xiao Zhan was dumbfounded, while Xiao Yan covered his face and sighed. Xiao Feng looked at his younger brother, his heart filled with guilt—even though the system bug had been fixed, the feelings of the heroines had not returned to their expected states; instead, after experiencing life and death, they had become even clearer.

"Xiao Yanzi, I..." Xiao Feng began, but he did not know how to explain.

Xiao Yan raised a hand to interrupt him. "No need to say it, Third Brother. I realized it long ago... the way they look at you is different from how they look at me." He glanced at Medusa, who was whispering to Xiao Feng in a voice only they could hear, "About the contract, I want to reconsider," and then he smiled bitterly. "Perhaps you are the one they were destined for."

Xiao Feng shook his head. "It is not destiny; the system bug amplified certain emotions, but their feelings—" He looked at the expectant heroines, "—are real. Xiao Yanzi, I'm sorry, I..."

"Don't say sorry." Xiao Yan suddenly laughed. "You are my brother; if you can make them happy, I am happy too. Besides..." He patted Xiao Feng on the shoulder, "I've long since let go of that 'Son of Destiny' nonsense. Anyway, with you here, the Xiao Clan will never fall."

Xiao Zhan finally regained his composure and coughed twice. "Since that's the case, then... let's eat! There's a Fire Spirit Chicken I just slaughtered in the kitchen!"

At the dining table, Medusa took the initiative to pick food for Xiao Feng, Xun Er meticulously served him rice, Yun Yun discussed sect affairs with him, and Gu Ling cracked jokes from time to time. Xiao Yan sat opposite them, watching the harmonious scene, and a sense of relief welled up in his heart—perhaps some fates were never meant for him from the very beginning.

Late at night, Xiao Yan sat alone on the roof, and the phantom of Yao Lao appeared beside him. "Kid, do you regret it?"

"I don't regret it." Xiao Yan gazed at the starry sky. "Third Brother is better suited to shoulder responsibilities and can give them more security. Besides..." He touched the Flame Emperor Fire Mark on his chest, "My path, perhaps, does not lie in romance."

Yao Lao nodded. "That is fine. The free story of the Douqi Continent still needs a creator like you."

Meanwhile, in the study, Xiao Feng was "negotiating" with the heroines. Medusa spoke first, "My contract doesn't have to be dissolved, but you must agree to three conditions."

Xun Er chuckled, "Brother Xiao, I hope you will personally draft the marriage ceremony for the Gu Clan."

Yun Yun said sternly, "The White Cloud Sect needs a son-in-law who can intimidate the masses."

Gu Ling blinked, "Brother Xiao, shall we try the 'Dual Cultivation Technique' of our Gu Clan?"

Xiao Feng rubbed his temples in a headache, only to suddenly hear Xiao Yan's laughter outside the window. He turned to look and saw his brother giving him a peace sign, with no jealousy in his eyes, only blessings.

The system notification sounded right on cue:

Ding! Triggered "Destiny's Belonging" plot, Xiao Feng has obtained the title "All-Plane Male Lead"!

Xiao Yan has obtained the title "Free Creator", unlocking the "Mortal's Counterattack" side quest.

The next morning, a group of "story creators" who had heard of their fame suddenly appeared at the gate of the Xiao ancestral home—they were all inspired by the deeds of the Xiao brothers and wanted to write their own free stories. Xiao Feng stood in front of the door, the Emperor Scale glowing with golden light, and waved his hand to release a burst of Douqi as a "Story Beginning": "Welcome to the free Douqi Continent!"

Xiao Yan pulled out a copy of The Cultivation of Mortals and smiled at the onlookers, "Want to know how to counterattack without a halo? This book of mine is full of practical advice."

Medusa looked at the scene before her and smiled at Xun Er, "It seems our 'Destined Male Lead' is quite busy."

Xun Er nodded, "But he never avoids responsibility—that is the Brother Xiao I know."

In the distance, the Creation God's laptop screen lit up. She watched the prosperous scene of the Douqi Continent, a gratified smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. However, a red warning suddenly popped up in the bottom right corner of the screen: "Detected Multiverse Story Plunderer, currently stealing the free energy of the Douqi Continent..."

The Creation God raised an eyebrow, her fingers tapping on the keyboard. "The Xiao brothers, is it? It seems a new story is about to begin."