BTTH: Auto Cultivation System

‘If they’re going to come, I might as well prepare myself for it. Since I can’t stop it, I’ll face it and grow stronger.’ Xiao Hua was determined, resolved to strengthen himself using the A-C System and his own efforts.

Xiao Hua pretended to listen attentively, nodding along as Elder Huo explained. After all, the content was already covered in the novel, so he didn’t need to focus too much. What truly troubled him was his inability to transform his Dou Qi fire into actual flames.

To refine pills, the flame used cannot be an ordinary flame; it must be a Dou Qi flame, created through fire-attributed Dou Qi. However, transforming fire-attributed Dou Qi into real flames was no easy task.

For those below the Dou Grandmaster level, they must rely on the strange properties of the medicinal cauldron to draw out the fire nature of their Dou Qi and transform it into flames. This seemingly simple technique was one of the most challenging tasks for those under Dou Grandmaster.

Alchemists who have reached Dou Grandmaster and above can bypass this step, summoning real flames without the need for the cauldron’s assistance. The ability to summon flames with or without external aid is a key indicator of whether someone has reached the Dou Grandmaster realm.

Of course, there are exceptions. The information above applies to ordinary alchemists. If someone were fortunate enough to acquire a Heavenly Flame or Beast Flame, they could summon real flames even without reaching the Dou Grandmaster realm.

Moreover, a Beast Flame would be far superior to the flames summoned by ordinary alchemists, while Heavenly Flames are even more powerful. They are the most destructive flames under heaven, revered by every alchemists as sacred, divine and irreplaceable objects.

However, like moths to a flame, countless gifted alchemists have fallen, perishing under the destructive power of Heavenly Flames.

'And the ones I'm trying to refine are the Primordial Heavenly Flames, far more powerful than these Heavenly Flames. After all, these Primordial Flames served as the references for this lower plane to create these Heavenly Flames... Am I still sane, or did I lose my mind the moment I reincarnated into this world?'

“Now that I’m have done explaining the concepts of Alchemy, it’s better for you to see how an Alchemist refine pill.” Elder Huo has finished explaining about Alchemy. Before Xiao Hua realized it, Elder Huo’s lecture had ended, and they had moved on to the practical lesson.

Elder Huo flicked his finger, and his dark-red cauldron came out of his storage ring. Xiao Hua didn’t really feel a single amazement to Elder Huo’s cauldron. After all, in the BTTH storyline, all the cauldrons that Xiao Yan have exploded when he uses Heavenly Flame, which he will possessed and his one will be a stronger one.

‘So, why should I bother with the appearances of medicinal cauldrons appearance when it’s going to have a short life anyway.’ Xiao Hua inwardly thought

Elder Huo could tell from Xiao Hua’s expression that he didn’t care about the appearance of the medicinal cauldrons. Elder Huo wanted to showcase the majesty of his own high-rank cauldron, but it seems he talked too much about cauldrons exploding during pill refinement, causing his disciple to lose interest in the cauldrons themselves.

He shakes his head in resignment as continues with his lesson.

“This pill room is a special place for the Alchemy Department as it’s for refining pills and equipped with Tier 3 Cauldrons for anyone to use. The reason why I didn’t give you a high-tier cauldron, is to prevent you from stopping to refine your alchemy techniques and become overly rely on medicinal cauldrons properties.”

Xiao Hua nodded in understanding. After all, even he wouldn’t prefer to rely too much on the cauldron. He preferred to use a technique called, ‘Using Fire as a Pot’.

Using Fire as a Pot is a technique that Yao Chen and Xiao Yan uses when refining Tier 6 or lower Pill without using a cauldron and instead use their flames. However, anything higher than Tier 6, would cause a large shockwave that best contained in the cauldron.

'While this is better than searching or exchanging ACP for a better cauldron, there's one major problem: other than Yao Lao, no one can teach me this technique. This has really stumped me because I don’t want to waste any more ACP—I’d rather use it on something else...'

Xiao Hua thought inwardly as he watched Elder Huo start his refining process. He decided to put those thought at the back of his mind and focused intently, watching Elder Huo’s every move and comprehending each one of them.

Probably because of his Alchemy Talent in Mortal Realm, which is equivalent to Dou Di, Xiao Hua can easily understand everything. At the same time, he also visualizes himself in his mind, while fixing and refining a couple of steps that Elder Huo is showing.

"This is surprising. He’s entered the State of Enlightenment! And he’s only five years old! That’s even more astonishing than him being a 3-Star Dou Master with talent in both cultivation and alchemy." Elder Huo noticed something unusual about Xiao Hua while he was refining and realized that the boy had entered a state of enlightenment.

Once Elder Huo finished refining his pills, he remained seated, waiting patiently. He didn’t want to disturb Xiao Hua, knowing that whatever the boy comprehended in this state would be beyond anything he could teach.

“Huuuu…”

After a while, Xiao Hua exhaled deeply as he emerged from the State of Enlightenment. He looked around and saw Elder Huo watching him with a warm smile.

“Ah! Master, I’m sorry. I was supposed to be paying attention, but I…” Xiao Hua stood up and apologized.

“No need to worry, my good disciple. You entered the State of Enlightenment, so it’s no surprise you lost focus on what I was showing you.” Elder Huo laughed, reassuring Xiao Hua that he didn’t mind.

“State of Enlightenment? What’s that, master?” Xiao Hua asked, utterly confused. He had heard of it and have knowledge of it since Xiao Yan entered Enlightened State through the help of a certain treasure. That's why he thought it required that very certain treasure to achieve.

“It’s just as it sounds. Whatever you comprehend in that state will be beyond what anyone can teach you. Now, I’m wondering if there’s anything left I can teach you,” Elder Huo said, feeling a bit troubled.

“But, master…” Xiao Hua muttered, disheartened.

“Ohohoho! Don’t worry, my good disciple. Even if I can’t teach you, I’ll stay by your side to ensure you don’t encounter any problems.”

Elder Huo was happy and laughed with joy. Despite Xiao Hua’s attainment of the State of Enlightenment, the boy still cared for his master’s feelings. Naturally, Elder Huo was delighted to have such a considerate disciple, especially since this was his first.

“Enough talking. Let’s get started with your refining, Xiao Hua!” Elder Huo urged, eager to see Xiao Hua’s pill refinement.

“Yes, master!” Xiao Hua nodded.

Once Xiao Hua answered, Elder Huo takes out a bunch of herbs from his Storage Rings. He asked Xiao Hua to refine the same pill that he had refined, Wound Healing Pill.

Xiao Hua went to the front and took one cauldron. He sat down and started to refine. After he started the fire inside the cauldron. As he was still lower than Dou Grandmaster and doesn't have a unique flames, he could only use the properties of Medicinal Cauldron to assists him.

Moreover, the time to refine he needed to refine the pills are longer and the quality he refined are lower than those that have special-type of flame.

'Now I really want to use that ticket that gives me a free random Primordial Heavenly Flames...' Xiao Hua inwardly thought, extremely tempting to use the ticket that he received from the System.

Since he has reached the State of Enlightenment, Xiao Hua can easily extract the essence of all the medicinal plants. He exhaled in relief and continued fusing the extracted essences into one pill.

---

After a while, a yellow pill with a medicinal fragrance appeared on Xiao Hua’s hand. Elder Huo nodded and inspected the pill from its color, luster, fragrance etc. However, he observed that there was a faint dark green ripple, giving it a strange appearance.

“This is, Pill Lines!”

“Hahaha! Despite this is your first time being exposed to alchemy and refined a pill, you’re already able to refine a pill with a Pill Line. It seems you have benefited a lot from the State of Enlightenment.”

“While it is true that I benefit a lot from the State of Enlightenment, I also gained a lot from the book that master gave me and showing me how it’s done.”

Elder Huo smiled warmly as he heard his words. To him, it wouldn’t be surprising that he would become arrogant and disregard others, yet he hasn’t shown any sign of it.

‘I guess this is how it feels to have a son. What a warm feeling this is.’

“Alright. This is as far as the lesson goes. However, you should remember this, Xiao Hua. Successfully refining a First-Tier Pill doesn’t make you a First-Tier Alchemist. One should ensure the quality and the success rate of your pills.”

“For that, only by diligently practicing and never slacking off can one successfully achieved this. So, never become arrogant and never become complacent. Understand, Xiao Hua?”

“Yes, master. This disciple understands.”

For Xiao Hua, his sole disciple, Elder Huo doesn’t want him to fall short because of arrogance and complacence. He has seen many geniuses, although not as monstrous as Xiao Hua, that have risen and fall, suffering great losses due to their arrogance.

Although, he hasn’t shown any sign of it, Elder Huo hoped that this will not be Xiao Hua fate. He will do everything he can to prevent Xiao Hua from being arrogant and complacent.

“These are the practice herbs for you, Xiao Hua. Once you have finished this batch, you may go to the storehouse and report my name. They will give you the herbs that you required.”

“Thank you, master.” Xiao Hua said with grateful tone. He thanked Elder Huo who have teach him Alchemy, despite being short. After all, even if he knew about the knowledge, he doesn't really know about the fire temperature and spiritual control.

“Practice well, my good disciple.” Elder Huo patted him on the shoulders before leaving the room.

After this, Xiao Hua’s life at the Academy became repetitive over the next three months: walking around with Xiao Xun Er, refining pills, and seeking advice from Elder Huo.

Soon, the entire Academy knew that Xiao Hua had become Elder Huo’s disciple, which led some instructors to click their tongues in irritation at the elder’s quick decision to claim him. Even now, Elder Huo was gloating openly about it.

What pleased Elder Huo even more was that, from what he observed, Xiao Hua was modest, well-mannered, free of arrogance, and treated others kindly, never bullying those weaker than him.

Not only Elder Huo, but the whole Academy developed a good impression of Xiao Hua. Xiao Xun Er, in particular, was so delighted by the praise Xiao Hua received that she always had a bright smile on her face.

“It seems like you’re having fun, Xun’er,” Xiao Hua said softly.

“Of course. I’m currently on a date with you, Brother Xiao Hua. Besides, it’s always nice to hear people complimenting you,” Xiao Xun Er replied with a bright smile.

“When you receive compliments and praise, you never show any reaction. Yet, when it comes to me…” Xiao Hua smile wryly.

Xiao Xun Er puffed out her cheeks and said, “I hear praise all the time within my clan, so it never really affects me. But when I hear others praise the one I love, I can’t help but smile.”

“Really… What am I going to do with this girl?” Xiao Hua sighed and shook his head wryly.

“Take responsibility and marry me, perhaps?” Xiao Xun Er teased.

“I’ve said it before. I’ll ask for your hand in front of the entire Gu Clan. Until that day comes, just wait patiently. Okay, Xun’er?” Xiao Hua replied.

“Of course, Brother Hua.” Xiao Xun Er nodded happily.

The two of them were enjoying the sunrise, creating a warm atmosphere between them. Ling Ying watched them with a warm smile, supporting their relationship more than anyone.

Xiao Hua looked behind a tree and called out to Ling Ying. “By the way, Old Ling, can I ask you a favor?”

“What is it, boy?” Ling Ying replied.

“Can you sneak me out of here and take me to the forest? I’m about to have a breakthrough, and I can feel it’s going to be like last time,” Xiao Hua said, pursing his lips.

At first, Ling Ying was curious about the request, but then he instantly understood. The last time Xiao Hua broke through to 1-Star Dou Master, it caused a mayhem. Breaking through to 1-Star Dou Grandmaster could be even more intense.

“Alright. I take it you’ll join us, Young Miss?” Knowing he had no choice, Ling Ying nodded and asked Xiao Xun Er.

“Of course I will, Old Ling!” Xiao Xun Er responded immediately.