BTTH: Auto Cultivation System

Xiao Hua tilted his head, curious about what the little boy wanted. It turns out that the girls had requested him to invite Xiao Hua to join them in going to the market.

Since being reincarnated in this world, Xiao Ming had been blessed with a handsome little boy featuring striking characteristics - eyes that gleam like stars, silky hair dancing with the wind, and a smile that charmed everyone, regardless of age or gender. The ladies and little girls even declared that no one within the Xiao Family surpassed Xiao Hua's beauty and handsomeness.

Despite the adoration, Xiao Hua harbored no interest in playing with the children, politely declining their invitations. He swiftly departed, unwilling to linger and face the sorrowful looks from the disappointed little children.

Walking towards the Dou Technique Hall, Xiao Hua aimed to explore and perhaps discover some Dou Techniques that caught his eye for practice.

Strolling through the Xiao Clan’s courtyard, he noticed Xiao Yan, with a stern expression, guiding Gu Xun Er - who exuded a cold demeanor and a lotus-like temperament, resembling a cute doll - on a tour around the Xiao Clan.

 

---

 

"Over there is our Xiao Family’s Dou Technique Hall. In the west section lies a large training field, while in the east section, you'll find the Dou Technique Storage."

"In the east section, we have stored the Dou Techniques accumulated by the clan over the past century. All Xiao Family children have the opportunity to enter and select their Dou Techniques."

"Of course, there are rules to follow. The most prominent one is that individuals must practice Dou Qi before gaining the qualification to enter and learn the techniques."

Proudly introducing the Dou Technique Hall to Gu Xun Er, Xiao Yan turns to her and asks, "Cousin Xun Er, would you like to take a look inside since you've just returned to the Xiao Family?"

Gu Xun Er glanced at Xiao Yan with indifference and gave a slight nod, acknowledging her agreement. Although she was not particularly interested in the Low-Level Dou Techniques and Qi Methods, she was determined to complete her mission that was given to her by her family: to find and take the Fragment of the Tou She Ancient Emperor’s Jade held by the Xiao Clan.

"Then, I have to bother Cousin Xiao Yan."

Hearing Gu Xun Er's sweet voice, Xiao Yan feels a hint of distress due to her cold demeanor. After years of receiving praise and admiration for his talents, Xiao Yan has developed a touch of arrogance as a young master.

'I really curious about the background of this Cousin Xun Er who suddenly returned to the clan out of nowhere. Why did my father, Patriarch Xiao Zhan, insist that I familiarize her with the clan and warn me not to offend her? Isn't she just a brat?'

Xiao Yan had considered quitting and goofing off, but his father's serious tone during their earlier conversation persuaded him to endure for a while longer. However, that didn’t mean he had a solid plan.

As they pondered, a sigh from their right drew their attention. Xiao Hua, scratching his head, approached slowly. Gu Xun Er was mesmerized by his beauty, particularly by his heterochromatic eyes—crimson on the left and cyan on the right. She was surprised to find someone at the Xiao Clan who rivaled her in appearance.

Seeing Xiao Hua approach and noticing Gu Xun Er's mesmerized expression, Xiao Yan frowned in displeasure and called out loudly, snapping Gu Xun Er out of her reverie.

“Aren’t you Xiao Hua? What are you doing here when you have no business in the Dou Technique Hall?”

Xiao Yan recalled that Xiao Hua had been the only one who didn’t react to his talent during the Age of Ceremony two days ago. While others praised him, Xiao Hua merely gave him a respectful nod and a smile before leaving the Magic Testing Monument. This distinctive attitude was not only directed at Xiao Yan but seemed to apply to everyone in the Xiao Family, leaving a lasting impression.

However, Xiao Yan remembered that, to his knowledge, Xiao Hua had not practiced any Dou Qi. This raised the question of why Xiao Hua was present in the Dou Technique Hall.

 

---

 

To be honest, Xiao Hua remained indifferent to Xiao Yan showing Gu Xun Er around, focusing solely on acquiring techniques. However, upon hearing Xiao Yan’s explanation, Xiao Hua stopped in surprise. Unaware that practicing Dou Qi was a prerequisite for entry, he, as a 4-Star Dou Disciple, qualified easily.

Despite his eligibility, he hesitated to reveal his abilities at that moment. Scratching his head and sighing in disappointment, he retraced his steps, catching the attention of Xiao Yan and Gu Xun Er.

"I came here to observe Dou Qi techniques. Intrigued, I wanted to learn inside the Dou Qi Hall, but I discovered that one needs to practice Dou Qi first, Young Master Xiao Yan," Xiao Hua explained with a smile.

Understanding the situation, Xiao Yan suggested, "In that case, why don’t you return and ask the caretaker to guide you in Dou Qi practice?" With that, Xiao Yan and Gu Xun Er departed.

Disappointed, Xiao Hua reflected on the trip, thinking, 'What a waste. If I had known, I might have joined the other children at the market to seek some benefits.'

He sighed, shaking his head, and watched the departing figures heading to the Dou Technique Hall. Muttering to himself, he thought:

'This Xiao Zhan displays remarkable cunningness. He knows Gu Xun Er’s background and her quest to acquire the Tou She Ancient Emperor’s Jade. Despite her efforts to familiarize herself with the Xiao Clan, he remains indifferent, knowing she won’t discover the jade since he, as the Patriarch, has it in his possession. Even if he doesn’t see Gu Xun Er as a potential daughter-in-law, he at least desires a friendship between her and Xiao Yan.'

With a sly grin and rubbing his chin, Xiao Hua remarked, “He’s a shrewd old fox. Moreover, Xiao Yan managed to win her over through unconventional means. It’s like something out of a protagonist’s tale.”

Observing Xiao Yan’s expression, Xiao Hua noticed a subtle hint.

'Is he planning to sneak into Gu Xun Er’s room tonight?' he mused.

A faint sigh escaped his lips. 'I know he’s a child now, but has he forgotten he’s an adult inside? Now that I think about it, countless people, like Xiao Ning and Xiao Yu, complained about his perverse and immature behavior when he was younger.'

Xiao Hua was planning to curb this perverted behavior but also knew that Gu Xun Er was struggling with her heavenly flame, the Gold Emperor Incinerating Heavenly Flame, ranked 4th in the Heavenly Flame Ranking.

'I guess I should at least help her with her plight. Although I might need to act a little bit,' Xiao Hua thought silently, resolving to assist her in controlling her heavenly flame.

Realizing it was already late afternoon, Xiao Hua walked to the back of the mountain to relax in the hot springs.

 

---

 

As night fell, Xiao Hua sneaked out to prevent Xiao Yan from disgracing all men.

He entered the backyard from the back mountain, illuminated by fireflies that created a beautiful and calming scene. Xiao Hua gazed up at the night sky, adorned with a radiant moon and a vast tapestry of stars, offering a breathtaking display of cosmic beauty.

'This view is unlike anything I saw in my previous world. Damn, it would be even better with a drink,' Xiao Hua thought, admiring the night sky as if it were a celestial masterpiece showcasing the vastness and beauty of the universe.

'Anyway, I should prepare myself to prevent our idiotic and still immature Young Master Xiao Yan from making a fool of himself and to assist the young girl.' Xiao Hua took a deep breath and refocused on his objective.

He glanced at the Auto-Cultivation System’s window and remembered that he had received a ‘Starter Pack’ when he was reviewing the system’s functions.

“Open the Starter Gift”

[Opening the Starter Gift…]

[You have received 500,000 ACP, 1x Bloodline Ticket, 1x Qi Method Ticket, 1x Primordial Heavenly Flame Ticket, and 1x Medium-Grade Storage Ring]

[Total ACP: 500,040 ACP]

[Bloodline Ticket: Given any random bloodline at a set rate.]

[Qi Method Ticket: Given any random Qi Method at a set rate.]

“500k?! Damn you, System! You practically pushed me to waste it all on that ‘fruit,’ didn’t you?!” Xiao Hua grabbed the window screen and yanked it, gritting his teeth in frustration.

When he decided to help Gu Xun Er with her predicament, Xiao Hua visited the Shop while waiting for Xiao Yan and looked for anything that might assist her.

He discovered a fruit that could help calm the Heavenly Flame within her, called the Frozen Netherworld Fruit. The Frozen Netherworld Fruit is the opposite of the Gold Emperor Incinerating Heavenly Flame, which can burn even Dou Qi. This fruit, in contrast, can freeze Dou Qi itself and is reportedly on par with high-rank Heavenly Flames. Using this fruit could help soothe the Gold Emperor Incinerating Heavenly Flame.

'Who knows, it might even make her stronger. The problem is...'

The cost was absurdly high—500,000 ACP. Seeing such a ridiculous price, he considered giving up on assisting Gu Xun Er. Yet now, the Auto-Cultivation System was suggesting otherwise.

"Wait, let's think this through for a moment! I get that the System gave me this 500k for her, but why should I spend it on her? I could just as easily boost my cultivation, buy some Di-Rank or Tian-Rank Dou Techniques, or even get my hands on the Flame Mantra Qi Method that Xiao Yan has."

As Xiao Hua pondered, he realized there was no real reason to save her. He knew she was the main heroine, and with her protagonist's luck, she would survive this crisis no matter what. Besides, he wasn't the type to be driven by justice—there was no logical reason to spend this 500k on her.

"Unless... System, the fact that you gave me this 500k means you're sentient. So tell me, is there a future scenario where I’d regret not using this on her? Don't give me answer like 'I cannot enter the Heavenly Tomb without her.'"

[This shall be the first and last time.]

[To answer your question, it would be her luck, Host.]

[The System can guide you on this journey, but it won’t increase your luck. In fact, you've already burned through all of it by obtaining this System. As a reader of cultivation novels, you should know that in this ruthless world, luck and strength are everything.]

"So, you want me to use her as some kind of lucky charm? Why her, and not one of the other heroines? There are plenty, and the ones I truly care about are Queen Medusa, Little Doctor Fairy, and Yun Yun."

[Because among the heroines, she's the only one capable of sharing her luck with those she treasures. But this only happens once she gains her emotions.]

"Gains? It's not like she doesn't have any. She's just indifferent and cold towards everyone, but I get your point," Xiao Hua mused.

He glanced at the screen in front of him and asked, "So, everything about Xiao Yan’s success comes from Gu Xun Er, huh?"

[You must have noticed that while Nalan Yanran started his cultivation journey, she never became the driving force behind his desire to reach the pinnacle of strength. It was when Xiao Yan truly realized his feelings for Gu Xun Er and her identity that his ambition to reach the peak began.]

"True," Xiao Hua thought inwardly, avoiding further conversation with the System. "I can’t deny that the continuation of Xiao Yan’s story is all about his family, Yao Lao, and his lovers—he never gave a damn about Nalan Yanran afterward..."

[History has recorded countless times when men have been rendered useless in the face of a woman they desire.]

"Well, sorry for being a man," Xiao Hua retorted, irritation lacing his tone at the System's comment. He took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing. "One last question: You talk about luck, but since I have you, is there any reason to make her my 'lucky item'?"

Even after hearing all the details about Xiao Xun Er and why the System wanted to save her, he still couldn’t understand why he needed her when the System itself seemed sufficient for most protagonists.

[As you grow stronger, your reliance on me will lessen and I will disappeared once you reached truly reached the peak. However, her luck can be shared with you for eternity, and when she develops feelings for you, her luck becomes infinite.]

"Disappeared, huh?" Xiao Hua smiled twitched. "That means, a future investment, huh?"

Xiao Hua sighed, scratching his head. He wasn’t a justice-driven person, but that didn’t mean he liked the idea of using and helping a suffering girl just to turn her into a lucky charm.

[Even if you're not driven by justice, you can't deny that luck is essential for survival in this world. After all, the System is here to assist you, not to guarantee your survival.]

“Fine, fine! You win! I’ll assist her, damn it!” Xiao Hua sighed, though he was clearly frustrated. Despite his intention to help Gu Xun Er, he couldn’t ignore his irritation. After all, 500,000 ACP could have bought him high-level Dou Qi Techniques or Qi Methods.

'This better be worth it. If not, not only will my heart ache, but my motivation to continue in this world might dwindle...'

Suddenly, he heard a door creak open. Xiao Hua turned his attention towards the sound and saw a child in black clothes silently slip out. Though Xiao Hua couldn’t see his face clearly, he knew it was Xiao Yan.

Xiao Hua had chosen to wait for Xiao Yan instead of staying in Gu Xun Er's courtyard because she was guarded by Ling Ying, a 7-Star Dou Emperor. Unsurprisingly, Xiao Yan had managed to slip past Ling Ying’s detection, thanks to his protagonist’s luck.

'Well, it might be because Ling Ying was preoccupied with dealing with Xiao Xun Er and her Heavenly Flame. Even as a seed, the Heavenly Flame is notoriously difficult to refine and control. I should make a note of that. Still, it’s surprising that he chose this moment to handle it... Can’t the protagonist’s luck be used for something other than picking up women?'

Despite his complaints, Xiao Hua plans to use every single main character as a tool for his survival while enjoying a leisurely life. For this reason, he waits for Xiao Yan and follows him, leveraging the protagonist’s luck to aid himself and cover his tracks.

He clicked his tongue and muttered under his breath, "I really would have preferred to be wrong about Xiao Yan sneaking into Gu Xun Er's room. It’s one thing to do it when she’s older, but she’s still practically a child. What a scumbag of a main character..."

Xiao Hua thought for a moment and sighed quietly to avoid being overheard by Xiao Yan. He then changed direction and headed toward the tree overlooking the wall Xiao Yan planned to climb.