BTTH: Auto Cultivation System

Two more days had passed since Xiao Hua's discussion with Ya Fei and Gu Ni. During this time, he had been meticulously preparing his retaliation, determined to completely eliminate the Jia Lie Clan.

“We’ve lost more than eighty percent of our customers, and over forty percent of our merchants have moved their businesses to the Jia Lie Clan’s market square! If this continues, our market square will have to shut down within four weeks!”

The Second Elder’s shouts echoed through the Council Hall of the Xiao Clan. At this late-night meeting, Xiao Zhan and the clan's elders were gathered, but the discussion was filled with nothing but bad news for the Xiao Clan.

The patrol guards and servants who overheard the heated exchange chose to ignore it, knowing there was nothing they could do to help with the clan’s dire situation.

Xiao Zhan glared at the Second Elder and coldly admonished, “Second Elder, calm yourself and lower your voice. Unless you want the entire clan to know the severity of our situation, keep your voice down.”

The Second Elder reluctantly clamped his mouth shut and sat back down, his frustration not directed at Xiao Zhan, but at the Jia Lie Clan. Everyone in the hall understood his feelings, but they knew that shouting wouldn’t solve their problems.

The First Elder irritably rubbed his beard, then something came to mind. “Clan Leader, what about that alchemist you met at the Auction House? Didn’t he say he would work with us?”

"Someone of his caliber is beyond what the Xiao Clan can afford." Xiao Zhan shook his head and sighed. “Though he did compliment Xiao Xun Er and Xiao Hua, it was likely just a passing remark. Given that his disciple can refine a Grade 3 Elixir, there’s no doubt he’s a high-tier alchemist.”

The Elders fell silent after hearing Xiao Zhan’s words. Indeed, with the Xiao Clan’s current fortune and capabilities, it would be challenging to establish connections with people of such high status.

Moreover, they were well aware of the effects of the Foundation Harmony Elixir, having experienced it firsthand. Thanks to it, the younger generation of the Xiao Clan now boasted countless Dou Disciples and Dou Practitioners, with some even on the verge of breaking through to Dou Master.

Under normal circumstances, they would be ready to declare war on the Jia Lie Clan. However, they had discovered that the Third-Tier Alchemist hired by the Jia Lie Clan was a 6-Star Dou Spirit.

The strongest person in the Xiao Clan, Xiao Zhan, was only a 5-Star Dou Grandmaster. The Alchemist alone was already a major realm above him, and with the Jia Lie Clan also having two Dou Grandmasters, a confrontation would likely result in complete defeat.

To make matters worse, there had been numerous reports of strange movements from the Ao Ba Clan. Some had even seen Ao Ba Pa, the Clan Leader of Ao Ba, entering a carriage prepared by the Jia Lie Clan just the night before.

Xiao Zhan’s face tightened, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead as he considered the possibility of the Xiao Clan being driven out of Wu Tan City if these two clans were to form an alliance.

Xiao Zhan and the Elders were so engrossed in their discussion that they failed to notice two small figures perched silently on the roof, eavesdropping on their meeting. Even if they weren't preoccupied with the pressing matters at hand, it was highly unlikely that Xiao Zhan and the Elders would have detected the presence of these two figures.

“It seems Old Ling must have overlooked the Ao Ba Clan. No, they must have allied themselves recently,” Xiao Xun Er whispered softly.

Xiao Hua frowned, placing a hand on his chin as he muttered, "Indeed. If not for that, given Old Ling's capabilities, I doubt those old men could have escaped his notice. This is becoming more troublesome."

Xiao Xun Er smiled at his remark. "Is it time for you to take action, Brother Xiao Hua?”

Xiao Hua was momentarily surprised but quickly composed himself. “I can’t hide anything from you, Xun’er.”

“Of course! I know everything there is to know about Brother Xiao Hua.” Xiao Xun Er beamed brightly.

Xiao Hua chuckled at her adorable reaction and gazed up at the starry night sky. “It seems I won’t have any free time for the next few days. However, I've already prepared everything, so there's no need for concern.”

“Although, I’m sorry we can’t continue our date, Xun’er,” Xiao Hua added, looking apologetically at Xiao Xun Er.

Xiao Xun Er giggled at his sincere apology. “Don’t worry, Brother Xiao Hua. We still have a week left on our vacation, so we can go on as many dates as we want later.”

“Even if we had a month, the reason for the date is to congratulate you on breaking through to the Dou Grandmaster realm,” Xiao Hua said with a gentle smile.

Just this afternoon, Xiao Xun Er had successfully broken through to the Dou Grandmaster realm. Xiao Hua wasn’t lying when he said he was surprised—reaching this level so early was no small feat. At this rate, she might even catch up to him and become stronger.

“Even if my cultivation level is higher than yours, Brother Xiao Hua, I know you could easily surpass me once you take off the Heavenly Suppression Band, so there’s no need to rush.” As if reading his thoughts, Xiao Xun Er said this while glancing at the silver wristband on Xiao Hua's wrist.

Xiao Hua smiled wryly at her words. He couldn’t deny that without the silver wristband, he might have already reached the Dou King level by now.

However, Lady Azure had warned him to keep wearing it since his young body couldn’t handle being continuously struck by Heavenly Lightnings. He had to let his body naturally strengthen while using the silver wristband.

“Well then, as an apology, why don’t I stay in your courtyard until you fall asleep?” Xiao Hua, feeling grateful for her kindness, decided to accompany and spoil her tonight. Xiao Xun Er nodded excitedly, and they both headed to her courtyard.

Ling Ying, watching from the sky, couldn’t help but sigh at how much his Young Miss had changed and at the boy’s capabilities.

Although it would be easier to ask Ling Ying for help, Xiao Hua had decided to take responsibility for cleaning up the mess he had accidentally created for the Xiao Clan. Ling Ying nodded in approval of his determination and decision.

-----

During this time, at the Jia Lie Residence, two men were in the garden, attended by a couple of women.

One of them looked very pale and youthful, though his handsome features were still apparent despite his pallor. The other man had a stern, cold expression and appeared to be around fifty or older.

The older man wore an alchemist’s long robe, with a cauldron badge on it that drew the most attention. The badge featured three silver-colored ripples that moved gently as if they were alive.

If Xiao Hua were present, he would immediately recognize Xuan Wu from his appearance, which matched the description in the novel. However, Xiao Hua might be slightly confused by the other man.

Although he appeared younger than the character in the novel, it would soon become clear that he was Xuan Wu's only disciple, the First-Tier Alchemist, who would be the only one to act so confidently in Xuan Wu's presence.

The door opened, and both men turned their heads toward it. Upon seeing who had entered, Liu Xi returned his attention to the women, while Xuan Wu focused on his drink.

Jia Lie Bi approached carefully and courteously, mindful of not offending these two, especially the older one. “Master Liu Xi, Master Xuan Wu. Thank you for your support. As promised, here is the payment.”

Neither man spoke, merely accepting the payment without acknowledging him. Jia Lie Bi’s face twitched at their arrogance, but he could only sigh inwardly, as he was unable to reprimand or scold them, especially Xuan Wu, who had reached the Dou Spirit realm.

He preferred not to rely on them, knowing how arrogant and demanding these two could be. However, facing the Xiao Clan, who might have the support of a high-tier alchemist, left him with few options.

"Have you received the recipe yet?" Xuan Wu asked coldly.

"Unfortunately, no, Sir Xuan Wu. The Primer Auction House won’t disclose any information about the elixirs, including who is refining them or the ingredients used," Jia Lie Bi replied, feeling cold sweat run down his back.

"Hmph! Useless. You can't even manage something so simple!" Xuan Wu snorted dismissively, which infuriated Jia Lie Bi. He clenched his hands tightly, struggling to control his anger.

'If you think you can make them talk, then you do it, you useless fool!' Jia Lie Bi cursed inwardly.

Xuan Wu then gestured with a dismissive hand, indicating that Jia Lie Bi should leave, as there was nothing more to discuss.

Jia Lie Bi forced a smile and bowed respectfully before turning to leave. Just as he was about to exit, the door was flung open, and his son, Jia Lie Ao, rushed in, looking panicked.

“Father! Father! We’re in huge trouble!” Jia Lie Ao shouted, disturbing Liu Xi, who was enjoying the women’s services, and Xuan Wu, who was savoring his wine.

Jia Lie Bi rubbed his forehead, feeling a severe headache coming on. “Calm down, son. Tell me quietly what the problem is.”

Jia Lie Ao took a moment to catch his breath and said, “The Auction House has refused to sell anything to the Jia Lie Clan and has been assisting the Xiao Clan by providing them with the pill that Master Gu Ni refined!”

“WHAT?!” Jia Lie Bi shouted angrily. He realized that this meant the Auction House would support the Xiao Clan and completely disregard the Jia Lie Clan.

The problem was that most of the medicinal ingredients they had been providing to Liu Xi and Xuan Wu for refining were purchased from the Auction House. The Auction House’s extensive network and ability to quickly gather these ingredients made it far more efficient than spending their gold searching for them on their own.

“This… Master Xuan Wu,” Jia Lie Bi said, gulping nervously as he turned slowly towards Xuan Wu. “Please help us with this predicament.”

Xuan Wu didn’t hide his annoyance and anger. “Fine, I’ll help. But I want triple the amount of what we received.”

“Of course. We will provide it without question. In the meantime, we need your assistance with our current situation and the recovery medicine,” Jia Lie Bi agreed with a strained smile. Inside, he was seething at their greed.

“Then I’ll accompany you to the Auction House, Master. If I recall correctly, you mentioned there is a very attractive auctioneer there. Perhaps we could invite her to join us for a ‘meal,’” Liu Xi said, a hint of lust in his eyes.

---

"Clan Head! Lady Ya Fei and Mister Gu Ni have sent word that they will arrive soon to discuss matters with the Xiao Clan!" A guard hurried into the meeting room to deliver the news.

"What? Why does she want a meeting now?" the Second Elder exclaimed, shocked that Ya Fei would pay them a visit so unexpectedly.

"Could it be related to her refusal to sell anything to the Jia Lie Clan?" the First Elder muttered under his breath, rubbing his beard thoughtfully.

Xiao Zhan shook his head and addressed the other Elders, "Whatever the reason, we have no choice but to attend to this matter. First Elder, Second Elder, let's deal with this quickly so we can return to our discussion about handling the Jia Lie Clan."

The First and Second Elders sighed, straightened their attire, and followed Xiao Zhan to the Council Hall, eager to resolve the matter with Ya Fei swiftly to avoid any complications.

Meanwhile, the remaining Elders took a break and reviewed the information they had gathered on the Jia Lie Clan.

When Xiao Zhan and the two elders entered the Council Hall, they immediately took their seats, and Xiao Zhan instructed the servants to call for Xiao Yan and the Xiao siblings.

"Clan Head, the Third Young Master ran off as soon as he heard someone was visiting the clan and meeting you," one of the servants whispered.

"Tch! That brat has good instincts!" Xiao Zhan cursed softly. He had wanted Xiao Yan to observe the meeting and learn from it, but alas, the boy was quick to flee.

"Then, call for Xiao Hua," Xiao Zhan ordered with a dismissive wave, instructing the guards to summon Xiao Hua.

After a short while, Xiao Hua, Xiao Tao, and Xiao Yang entered and stood respectfully behind Xiao Zhan and the three elders.

Xiao Hua took his place behind Xiao Zhan, Xiao Tao behind the First Elder, and Xiao Yang behind the Second Elder. The room fell into a tense silence as they awaited the arrival of the Primer Clan.

After waiting for a while, a graceful and lovely lady slowly appeared in their field of vision, her captivating voice spreading and lingering in the hall. "My apologies for my sudden visit."

Leaning against a pillar, Xiao Hua turned his gaze toward the main entrance and let out a tired sigh. He then glanced at Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang, who were slightly stunned, their eyes filled with awe at the breathtaking sight before them.

At the main entrance stood a smiling, mature woman wrapped in a tight red robe. The dress hugged her exquisite body, accentuating her curves. Her waist swayed gracefully as she walked, drawing the eyes of everyone present. A slit in the dress revealed glimpses of her dazzling leg, both enticing and elusive.

“Fox...” The aura of maturity the lady exuded made the young, middle-aged, and elderly men in the hall mutter their thoughts involuntarily.

"Ahem!" Hearing their comments, Xiao Zhan let out a dry cough, quickly standing to begin the pleasantries. "Welcome, Miss Ya Fei. It’s truly an honor to have you here!"

"Fu fu. Clan Leader Xiao is quite eloquent," Ya Fei responded, turning to greet the three elders with a respectful nod. With a slight smile, she continued, "However, it appears that the Clan Leader and the two elders are troubled by the Jia Lie Clan."

"Indeed, we are. May I know if this is the matter that brings you to the Xiao Clan?" Xiao Zhan maintained his smile, showing no reaction.

However, the First Elder and the Second Elder ground their teeth, cold hostility slowly filling their hearts.

Ya Fei nodded, still smiling. She took a seat in the empty chair beside Xiao Yan, licked her red lips, and got straight to the point. "Clan Leader, you must be aware that the Primer Auction House has stopped supplying the Jia Lie Clan with medicinal ingredients."

"Indeed, I am," Xiao Zhan replied, narrowing his eyes cautiously. While this seemed like good news, he knew it likely came with a price. The First and Second Elders shared his concerns, eyeing her nervously.

Clenching his teeth, Xiao Zhan hesitated before asking, “For what reason? Hasn’t the Primer Auction House always maintained a neutral position? What price do you expect us to pay for this?”

Ya Fei smiled but remained silent, tension brewing in the hall before she finally spoke.

"The payment has been made by the Young Master, and we are merely fulfilling our end of the bargain. So, there’s no need for Clan Leader Xiao to worry—we won’t be demanding anything from the Xiao Clan. From now on, we stand as allies."

Stunned by her remarks, Xiao Zhan let out a grateful laugh, exclaiming loudly, "Hahaha! It seems I owe a couple of gifts to the Young Master who has helped us out of this predicament!"

He was extremely grateful for the mysterious Young Master’s intervention and the Primer Auction House's assistance.

The First and Second Elders also relaxed, the tension draining from their bodies. Though the problem hadn't been fully resolved, at least the Jia Lie Clan would be delayed, and the Xiao Clan’s bankruptcy could be averted. With the support of the Primer Auction House, the Xiao Clan could regain its footing.