Fighting Qi Continent.
Northwest Region, Jia Ma Empire.
Wutan City, Xiao Family.
The sky was azure and cloudless for thousands of miles. Behind the Xiao Family, at the summit of a cliff.
A 14-year-old youth lay on a large, sun-warmed rock. Dressed in black tight-fitting clothes, he rested his head on his arms, legs crossed, with a blade of grass dangling from his mouth. A trace of contemplation passed over his delicate features.
"Alas… It's been nearly 14 years."
He never imagined that he, Xiao Zhoutian, would one day transmigrate—and into the world of the wildly popular web novel Battle Through the Heavens.
More importantly, he had become the biological older brother of the novel's protagonist, Xiao Yan.
Xiao Zhoutian was Xiao Yan's twin, born a few minutes earlier. Since they were fraternal twins, their appearances were not very similar, though both were handsome youths with jet-black hair and bright eyes.
Considering his current identity, it wasn't bad. By playing it safe, he could simply wait for Xiao Yan to become the Flame Emperor decades later and be carried to success.
But then he reconsidered. Since he had transmigrated, this world was already different from the one in the novel, and unforeseen changes might occur.
Besides, having entered such a fascinating world, who wouldn't want to make their mark?
The mature and charming Ya Fei, the elegant Yun Yun, the enchanting Queen Medusa—who wouldn't wish to win their favor?
Although his ambitions were grand, his current strength did not allow it.
Like Xiao Yan, as a transmigrator, Xiao Zhoutian possessed relatively strong soul power, and his cultivation talent was similarly excellent.
At 14, he had already reached the level of a four-star Dou Shi. As for Xiao Yan, ever since his cultivation regressed to the third stage of Dou Zhi Qi two and a half years ago, it had remained stagnant. No matter how hard he trained, he could not break past that barrier.
Xiao Zhoutian knew this was due to Yao Lao absorbing Xiao Yan's Dou Qi, but he could not speak of it.
First, this might be Yao Lao's test for Xiao Yan. Second, without the tempering of these three difficult years, Xiao Yan's future path would not be so steady.
Most importantly, Yao Lao was likely awake now. Xiao Zhoutian had no reason to expose him—nor did he possess the ability to do so. It was best to let events follow their original course.
But speaking of Yao Lao, he was essentially Xiao Yan's golden finger. They were both transmigrators, so where was his golden finger? After all these years, he still hadn't seen it. Could it be that he, a transmigrator, truly had no golden finger?
With that thought, his mind turned to Xun'er. That's right—he was the one who had often helped her deal with annoyances over the years. Now, he might have a chance with her before Xiao Yan did. After all, who in this Dou Qi Continent had a more powerful background than her?
He had already considered that if no other opportunity arose, he could simply wait for Xiao Yan to embark on his journey as the future Flame Emperor, then activate his own bloodline and claim power.
But such thoughts were dangerous. Xun'er was no ordinary girl—she was a young lady from the ancient clan, the most unfathomable presence in the entire Xiao family, perhaps in all of Wutan City.
He had interacted with her more than Xiao Yan had over the years, initially just as an older brother looking out for his younger brother's constant companion. He had helped chase away bullies, shared snacks, and told her stories from another world—stories she would never otherwise hear.
A faint, complicated smile touched his lips. He had done it all without ulterior motives, treating her as the little sister she appeared to be. But he was no saint. He was a transmigrator with his own ambitions. The thought had crossed his mind—what if he could win the favor of this hidden princess before his brother did?
The idea was tantalizing—the ultimate shortcut. With the support of the Gu Clan, all resources, techniques, and secrets would be within his reach. He could soar to heights even Xiao Yan might struggle to achieve.
But the risk was equally extreme. One wrong move, a single hint of insincerity detected by the guardians surely watching from the shadows, and he would be erased without a trace.
And then there was Xiao Yan—his brother, the protagonist, the one destined for glory. Could he, in good conscience, scheme for his brother's future companion?
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft, clear voice from behind.
"Brother Zhoutian?"
Xiao Zhoutian sat up quickly and turned to see a young girl in pale green robes standing at the edge of the clearing. The sunlight seemed to form a halo around her, lending her an ethereal quality. Her features were exquisite, still soft with youth but promising breathtaking beauty. Her most striking feature was her eyes—deep, calm, and ancient, holding a wisdom far beyond her years.
"Xun'er," he said, keeping his tone casual despite the sudden quickening of his pulse. "What brings you up here? Looking for Xiao Yan? He's probably brooding in his room or training hard."
A faint smile touched her lips. "Not this time. I was looking for you."
For me? Alarm bells rang quietly in Xiao Zhoutian's mind. Stay calm. Act natural.
"Oh? Did I forget to return a storybook or something?" he joked, gesturing to the spot beside him on the rock.
She walked over, her movements graceful and light. She did not sit, but instead gazed out at the vast landscape beyond the cliff. "Brother Zhoutian, you always seem… thoughtful. More so than others our age."
He shrugged, leaning back on his arms. "Just an overactive imagination. You know me, always daydreaming."
"Some dreams feel very real," she said softly, her voice almost carried away by the mountain breeze. She turned those profound eyes toward him. "You have been kind to me. It's a simple, uncomplicated kindness. Unlike others, who are either intimidated or… have other intentions."
Xiao Zhoutian felt a cool trickle of sweat down his spine. Was that a test? A warning?
"Hey, you're my little brother's shadow. Looking out for you comes with the job," he said, forcing a relaxed grin. "Besides, you're a good kid."
She watched him for a moment longer, then her smile deepened, becoming a touch more genuine. "I see," she said simply, before turning to leave as quietly as she had come.
Xiao Zhoutian watched her retreating figure, the blade of grass still in his mouth, now tasting faintly bitter.
The path ahead was shrouded in mist. Would he follow the known story, or dare to carve his own? And if he chose the latter… what price would he have to pay?