In the Xiao Clan's ancestral home in Wutan City, Xiao Zhan hummed a little tune as he sharpened 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 bustle of ordinary life even more; he could even grasp the meaning of "Swallowing Mountains and Rivers with Qi" while haggling over groceries.
"Father, we're back." Xiao Feng smiled as he pushed open the courtyard gate. The patterns of the Emperor Scale shimmered faintly in the sunlight, lending him an indescribable, jade-like warmth.
Xiao Zhan looked up. The kitchen knife clattered to the ground. "What's going on with you, boy?" He pointed at Medusa, Xun'er, Yun Yun, and Gu Ling behind Xiao Feng. "Why'd you bring so many young ladies home? Where's Xiao Yanzi?"
Xiao Yan stepped out from the corner of the wall with a wry smile. His hair had returned to black, but weariness still lingered in his eyes. "Father, I'm right here..."
Xiao Zhan frowned. "Why do you look so dejected? Did your big brother bully you?"
Medusa spoke first. "Clan Leader Xiao Zhan, we came today to..." She glanced at Xiao Feng, her cheeks turning an uncharacteristic red. "To express our feelings."
Xun'er followed up, "Big Brother Xiao saved my life. Xun'er is willing to uphold the Gu Xiao Alliance with him."
Yun Yun took a deep breath. "I hope the bond between the White Cloud Sect and the Xiao Clan can continue in another way."
Gu Ling chuckled. "Big Brother Xiao, Ancient Spirit Cold Flame and Emperor Flame are a match made in heaven."
Xiao Zhan gaped in astonishment, while Xiao Yan covered his face and sighed. Seeing his younger brother like that, Xiao Feng felt nothing but guilt. Although the system bug had been fixed, the heroines' feelings hadn't returned to the way they were supposed to. Instead, after surviving life and death together, they had only grown clearer.
"Xiao Yanzi, I..." Xiao Feng began, but didn't know how to explain.
Xiao Yan raised a hand to stop him. "You don't have to say anything, Third Brother. I noticed a long time ago... The way they look at you is different from the way they look at me." He looked toward Medusa, who was telling Xiao Feng in a voice only the two of them could hear, "I'd like to think over the contract a little longer." He smiled wryly. "Perhaps you're the one they were destined to be with."
Xiao Feng shook his head. "It wasn't destiny. The system bug magnified certain feelings, but what they feel..." He looked at the hopeful heroines. "It's real. Xiao Yanzi, I'm sorry. I..."
"Don't apologize." Xiao Yan suddenly smiled. "You're my brother. If you can make them happy, I'm happy too. Besides..." He patted Xiao Feng on the shoulder. "I've long since come to terms with being the Son of Destiny and all that. As long as you're here, the Xiao Clan won't fall."
Xiao Zhan finally came to his senses and coughed twice. "If that's settled, then... let's eat first! There's still the Fire Spirit Chicken I just slaughtered in the kitchen!"
At the dinner table, Medusa served Xiao Feng food, Xun'er carefully filled his bowl, Yun Yun discussed sect affairs with him, and Gu Ling cracked jokes from time to time. Sitting across from them, Xiao Yan watched the harmonious scene and felt a trace of relief stir within him. Perhaps some bonds had never been meant for him from the start.
Late that night, Xiao Yan sat alone on the roof, with Yao Lao's phantom appearing beside him. "Boy, do you regret it?"
"I don't." Xiao Yan gazed at the starry sky. "Third Brother is more suited to shouldering responsibility, and better able to make them feel safe. Besides..." He touched the Flame Emperor Fire Mark on his chest. "Perhaps my path doesn't lie in romance."
Yao Lao nodded. "That's fine too. Douqi Continent's free stories still need creators like you."
Meanwhile, in the study, Xiao Feng was "negotiating" with the heroines. Medusa spoke first. "I don't have to break our contract, but you must agree to three conditions."
Xun'er chuckled. "Big Brother Xiao, I hope you'll personally draw up the Gu Clan's marriage alliance ceremony."
Yun Yun said solemnly, "The White Cloud Sect needs a son-in-law who can awe the heroes of the world."
Gu Ling blinked. "Big Brother Xiao, do you want to try the 'Dual Cultivation Technique' of our Gu Clan?"
Xiao Feng rubbed the space between his brows, troubled. Suddenly, he heard Xiao Yan laughing outside the window. He turned and saw his younger brother giving him a V sign. There was no jealousy in his eyes, only blessing.
The system notification sounded at just the right moment:
Ding! The "Destiny's Belonging" storyline has been triggered. Xiao Feng has received the title "All-Plane Male Lead"! Xiao Yan has received the title "Free Creator" and unlocked the "Mortal's Counterattack" side quest.
The next morning, a group of aspiring "story creators" who had come drawn by the Xiao brothers' reputation appeared outside the Xiao Clan's ancestral home. Inspired by their deeds, they wanted to write free stories of their own. Xiao Feng stood at the entrance, the Emperor Scale gleaming with golden light. He raised his hand and sent out a wave of Dou Qi named "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 turn the tables without a halo? This book's packed with practical advice."
Watching the scene before them, Medusa smiled at Xun'er. "Looks like our 'Destined Male Lead' is a busy man."
Xun'er nodded. "But he never runs from responsibility—that's the Big Brother Xiao I know."
In the distance, the Creation God's laptop screen lit up. She gazed at the thriving Douqi Continent, a relieved smile tugging at her lips. Then a red warning suddenly appeared in the lower-right corner of the screen: "Multiverse Story Plunderer detected. Stealing the free energy of Douqi Continent..."
The Creation God raised an eyebrow and tapped at the keyboard. "The Xiao brothers, huh? Looks like a new story is about to begin."
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