Chapter 7: Xu Yang

Reon stiffened at the unexpected voice from behind.

"Big Brother!"

His brows furrowed as he turned, his gaze landing on a young man—perhaps two years his junior—clad in the standard robes of an outer sect disciple.

He was of average height, his lean, athletic build a testament to years of disciplined training. 

Short, slightly tousled black hair framed a kind yet determined face, and his dark brown eyes held a warmth that contrasted sharply with the quiet resolve lurking beneath.

A faint scar ran along his left cheek—evidence of past struggles.

Despite his modest appearance, there was something about him—a quiet strength in his posture, a confidence that spoke of unwavering focus.

But what caught Reon off guard wasn't his Presence.

It was the way he called him Big Brother.

"Does Xue Taiyang... have a junior brother in this sect?"

Before Reon could react, another voice cut in.

"Xu Yang, don't interfere in our fight."

It was Wei Xiyan.

"Xu Yang?" Reon's mind reeled. Isn't that the owner of the residence where I woke up? The one who unknowingly provided me shelter? But why is he calling me Big Brother?"

Feeling a surge of unease, Reon immediately activated Identify to assess the boy's status.

[The "Identify" skill was unable to ascertain the target's status, resulting in an unfortunate malfunction.]

"What?!"

Reon's breath hitched.

This seemingly ordinary boy—who looked at least two years younger—stood a staggering five cultivation stages above him.

Xu Yang stepped forward, his expression unwavering.

"Wei Xiyan, don't be ridiculous. If something involves Brother Xue, then it involves me too," he declared firmly.

"It was because of me that Big Brother beat you guys in the past. If you're looking for revenge, then come at me instead."

Reon's eyes widened.

"I... fought them for him? I mean... Xue Taiyang?!

Why in the world would he do that?"

From everything Reon knew about Xue Taiyang, the man wouldn't lift a finger to help someone unless there was something in it for him.

Wei Xiyan's companion sneered. "Tch. Just because you got stronger after eating that Jade Blue Flower, you think you can act all high and mighty?"

Xu Yang's gaze darkened. "You have two choices—leave now, or get beaten into the ground. Choose wisely."

You—!"

Wei Xiyan clenched his jaw before scoffing. "Let's go. We'll deal with this bastard another time."

As he turned to leave, Lu Nian shot a menacing glare at Reon, his eyes promising vengeance.

Reon, however, only shrugged, feeling more relief than anything.

Once the trouble had passed, Reon turned to Xu Yang, his curiosity now outweighing his confusion.

"Alright, who exactly are you? And why did you let me stay in your residence?"

Xu Yang smiled apologetically before bowing his head respectfully.

"Ah! Forgive me for the late introduction.

Xu Yang greets Big Brother Xue."

Reon raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly did I become your Big Brother?"

Xu Yang's smile held a trace of nostalgia as he began explaining.

"Big Brother Xue might not remember, but two months ago, I was lucky enough to find two Uncommon-Grade Three Leaf Jade Blue Flowers.

But on my way back, I was ambushed by those three bastards, who tried to steal them."

His voice softened. "You came to my rescue. Though... it was at the cost of one of my flowers."

Reon listened carefully, his mind piecing things together.

"At the time, I never got the chance to properly introduce myself. But from that day on, I swore to consider you my Big Brother."

An Uncommon-Grade Three Leaf Jade Blue Flower was an extremely rare treasure for Outer Disciples, capable of allowing a Stage-4 Qi Refining cultivator to break through two or three stages at once.

Reon exhaled.

"So that's why Xue Taiyang helped him."

In the novel, he vaguely recalled a mention of Xue Taiyang gifting this very flower, along with other treasures, to his boss as a show of loyalty.

"So this is where he originally got it from."

Reon nodded slowly. "Ah, I remember now. But that was merely a mutually beneficial transaction. You don't need to call me Big Brother over something like that."

Even though he had no personal memory of Xue Taiyang's past, he had to play along.

Xu Yang, however, shook his head, his eyes unwavering.

"Even if you took one of the flowers, you still saved my life. Besides, the flower's effects only work once per person—I had no further use for the second one."

His voice grew more serious.

"Had you not intervened that day, I would've lost both flowers.

Worse, I might not have walked away at all."

Then, with a sincerity that caught Reon off guard, he added—

"After my Big Sister, you were the only person in this entire sect who ever helped me."

A quiet pause followed his words.

Reon studied the boy's expression.

Pure.

Earnest.

"He really means it."

Finally, Reon sighed.

"Fine. Call me whatever you want."

Xu Yang grinned. "Thank you, Big Brother Xue!"

Reon exhaled, a mixture of amusement and disbelief settling in.

How ironic.

This boy was genuinely grateful to a scoundrel who—if not for Reon's soul inhabiting his body—would have never cared for him at all.

Still, there was something oddly refreshing about his innocent admiration.

A thought crossed Reon's mind. "And who is that Big Sister of yours?"

Xu Yang's expression brightened with pride.

"My Big sister is Xu Liang."

.

.

.

Reon's entire body froze.

His mind blanked for a split second.

Then—

"WHAT?! Xu Liang... That Xu Liang?!" His voice rang with sheer disbelief.