Dawn approached gently, softening the sharp edges of Xiao Yu's excitement into a steady anticipation. Today, he had made a decision—he would share his secret with Xiao Yan. The days of quiet transformation were over; it was time for the brothers to face the world's trials as one.
### Morning Rituals
The Xiao estate seemed to exhale in the calm before sunrise. Xiao Yu moved as usual: a brisk wash under the stone-cold basin, careful binding of his hair, and a subdued greeting to the kitchen staff as he prepared the day's first meal. Today, he brewed the now-familiar Celestial Dawn Leaf tea for both himself and Xiao Yan, its scent marking the start of something new.
In the dining room, Xiao Yan arrived wearing fatigue like old armor but managed a faint smile at the steaming cup awaiting him. They ate together, porridge and tea giving way to an easy silence. Xiao Yu searched his brother's face for any trace of suspicion but found only quiet resilience.
"Xiao Yan," Xiao Yu said after a while, voice measured and low, "would you join me in the eastern courtyard after breakfast? There's something I want to show you."
Xiao Yan looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes; usually, Xiao Yu left him to his own pace. "Of course. Is it… training?"
"It's important," Xiao Yu replied, smiling. "And yes, a kind of training."
### Sibling Sparring
They walked together to the eastern courtyard, the ground still damp from last night's dew. Songbirds trilled from the shadows of ancient trees. Xiao Yu retrieved two simple wooden staffs and tossed one to Xiao Yan, who caught it with muscle memory born of discipline.
They began their spar—soft at first, the tap and block of wood against wood. Xiao Yu held back, matching his brother's rhythm, but let subtle signs show: a quicker sidestep, a feint resolved with a smooth pivot. Xiao Yan's brows knit in confusion as he noticed the improvement.
"You're faster," Xiao Yan murmured. "Did you break through?"
Xiao Yu grinned, parrying a lunge. "Something like that. But what if I told you there are ways beyond simple talent?"
He set the staff aside and gestured for Xiao Yan to sit with him beneath a camphor tree.
### The Reveal
When both were settled, Xiao Yu steeled himself and began, "Listen carefully. I am not entirely who you think I am. Or rather, I am more than you know. Two nights ago, I remembered an entire past life—and with those memories came something else. A system, Xiao Yan. It's called the Myriad Shop, and through it, I can acquire anything: knowledge, skills, treasures, even rare physiques. All of it—completely free. There's no limit."
He let the words settle, watching Xiao Yan's face shift from incredulity to guarded curiosity. He detailed the experiments—the tea, the pills, the sudden improvement in skills. With each explanation, he passed a small testament: the scroll Xiao Yan had never seen before, the warming effect of the tea, the Body-Tempering Pill pressed firmly into Xiao Yan's palm.
"But why tell me?" Xiao Yan's voice was barely above a whisper, struggling with the enormity.
"Because you are my brother. I trust you," Xiao Yu replied. "I intend to use this power to protect our family and help you reclaim everything you've lost. But more than that, I want us both to reach the heights of this world—together. And for that, we should make our plans openly."
He paused, watching the emotions shift across his brother's face: disbelief, wonder, a fierce kinship.
Xiao Yan laughed, the sound uncertain but growing. "So, in your past life… did you know what would happen to us?"
Xiao Yu hesitated. "Parts of it. I know the path ahead is filled with dangers and opportunities. There are things I'll keep secret for your sake. But together, there's nothing we can't overcome."
### Newfound Resolve
They sat for a long moment beneath the tree, plans unspoken but thick in the air. Xiao Yu took a deep breath and said, "Let's choose our first gifts wisely. I can grant you any physique or technique you wish. But I also think we should consult Yao Chen—his wisdom is invaluable."
Xiao Yan stared at his younger brother, a new light in his eyes. "Then let's begin now. I trust you. Whatever comes, we'll face it together."
As the sun lifted over Wu Tan City, the brothers stood side by side. The world was unchanged, but beneath the surface, destiny had shifted. For the first time since childhood, neither Xiao Yu nor Xiao Yan felt truly alone.