Once Tang Xiao experienced the feeling of soul power coursing through his meridians, he quickly became addicted to it. The faint magical effect of cultivation, that intoxicating rhythm of power flowing within his body, pulled him in deeper than anything else.
From that moment on, he immersed himself in cultivation wholeheartedly.
Other than stepping out three times a day to eat the lavish meals that were prepared for him, he never once left the mimicry cultivation room. Even the visit he had originally planned to Sunset Forest was postponed without hesitation—what were a few months compared to steady progress?
After all, Tang San had not even been born yet. Who in this world could possibly understand the value of those immortal herbs? As long as Tang Xiao didn't act in ways that clashed with the original Tang Xiao's character, and simply stayed within the Clear Sky Sect to cultivate, then the butterfly effect could be avoided.
And furthermore, when one considered the communication and message transmission speed of this world, even the slightest ripples of change would take long to spread. Small differences could be neglected entirely.
So, Tang Xiao settled on his plan: until the day Ah Yin's identity was discovered, and the resulting news traveled back to him, he would remain in the Clear Sky Sect and cultivate. It wouldn't take long anyway. At most, only a few months.
Thus, days passed by quietly. Tang Xiao cultivated with the madness of an addict, like a starving man finally given food.
---
Two weeks later.
"Young master, Young Miss has returned to the clan."
A clear voice rang outside the cultivation chamber. A young disciple dressed in the sect's standard grey robe bowed before the heavy door. His posture was upright, his tone respectful.
Inside, Tang Xiao slowly opened his eyes. Sitting cross-legged on the massive hammerhead, a sharp, domineering gleam flashed across his deep, ink-black pupils. It lasted only a brief second before vanishing without a trace, replaced by calm composure.
"I understand. You may leave." His voice was flat, carrying natural authority.
"Yes, Young Master." The disciple bowed once more and retreated in quick, light steps, not daring to linger before the chamber.
Tang Xiao exhaled slowly, rising to his feet. His body stretched, joints loosening with faint cracks. "It seems my little sister has returned…"
The image of an elegant and lively girl emerged in his mind. Subconsciously, the corner of his lips lifted. His mood was oddly lighter.
Leaving the mimicry chamber, he walked with steady steps toward the family mansion.
---
"Big Brother~!"
The moment Tang Xiao pushed open the mansion door, a clear, vibrant voice called out.
Before he could respond, a beautiful woman in her early twenties rushed forward, hugging him tightly.
"Haha… Yue'er, you've grown into a fine lady these past eight years…" Tang Xiao chuckled, feeling the softness pressing against his chest as Tang Yuehua clung to him.
In the predecessor's memories, Tang Yuehua had still been a young teenager when he left—playful, lively, always clinging to her brothers and acting pitiful. But now, she had transformed into a mature beauty.
Tang Xiao's hand moved naturally, gently patting her head. His touch was measured, restrained. He reminded himself that this sister of the predecessor was a mere rank 9 soul master, someone without combat strength. A careless motion from him could hurt her.
And honestly, he didn't mind having such a sister. Everyone had a soft spot for beautiful girls. He was no exception. Since he had taken this body and inherited the life of Tang Xiao, then there was no longer any need to draw a line between himself and these bonds.
The predecessor's memories of this girl were like scenes from a film—vivid, emotional, filled with warmth. Though the emotions themselves didn't carry over to him anymore, watching them stirred a faint yearning.
"From today onwards, I'll shoulder the responsibilities and karma of the original Tang Xiao," he declared silently, his expression calm and righteous like a benevolent elder brother.
After indulging in patting her head for a moment longer, he pulled back slightly to observe her.
Tang Yuehua's oval face was strikingly beautiful, her eyes elegant, her thin lips like rose petals. A natural aura of nobility surrounded her, as if she were born the center of the world. She looked nearly identical to the version he remembered from the donghua.
"Big Brother~ of course I would grow up. Do you expect me to stay a little girl forever? But then again, Big Brother… you look like a middle-aged uncle now," she teased with elegant composure, though her words revealed their closeness.
Circling him, she examined him carefully, as though checking for wounds—truly a caring younger sister.
"Haha, I'm indeed old." Tang Xiao could only laugh off her teasing.
But inside, it stung. He was originally a young man in his twenties, yet now trapped in this ordinary-looking middle-aged body. Was that his fault? He felt like crying.
I'm even younger than you by a year… he mocked inwardly with a bitter smile.
Perhaps noticing the pain in his eyes, Tang Yuehua softened her tone and added with a warm smile, "I'm only joking. Big Brother looks as dashing and handsome as ever." She even subtly released her Noble Circle domain, soothing his mood.
Tang Xiao gave a faint hum in reply, barely convinced.
The two of them bantered casually for a while, laughter echoing faintly. On the sofa nearby, their father Tang Zhen watched them with a gentle smile, satisfaction evident in his old eyes.
It was in this atmosphere of closeness that Yuehua suddenly asked softly, "Big Brother… why didn't Second Brother return with you? Is he alright? Nothing happened to him, right?"
Her tone was full of care. At the mention of Tang Hao, her voice unconsciously softened, filled with affection.
Too caught up in his joy of gaining this sister, Tang Xiao failed to notice the change in her tone. He casually replied, "Oh, your Second Brother fell in love with a beautiful woman. He's busy being lovey-dovey with her."
He waited for her curious question—Who is she?—but it never came.
Puzzled, he turned his head. Yuehua stood frozen, her hand still resting lightly on his arm, her eyes dull and unfocused.
Only then did Tang Xiao remember something crucial.
"...Fuck." Black lines appeared across his forehead.
"This incestuous bitch."
All the goodwill and brotherly affection he had just built shattered instantly, replaced by fiery disgust and loathing. He itched to slap her across the face, to break a few of her teeth.
How could he forget this crucial detail? Tang Yuehua, standing right here before him, was the same woman who harbored twisted feelings for her own brother, Tang Hao.
An incestuous bitch who wanted to fuck her brother.
Recalling the subtle hints in the novel, remembering the unspoken insinuations in the donghua, Tang Xiao wanted nothing more than to slap himself.
"Damn… this Love Continent truly has no end to its bullshit… fuck…" Tang Xiao cursed inwardly, though none of it showed on his face.
Looking back at the beautiful lady, he forcefully suppressed the anger in his heart. Without letting a single trace slip, he spoke—his tone carrying one part indifference and nine parts teasing:
"Oh? Is little Yue'er sad? Sad that Second Brother didn't let her choose his bride? Hahaha…"