BTTH: Auto Cultivation System

Despite their frantic search, Xiao Hua and Li Mei were unable to find what they sought. As time slipped away, Xiao Hua suddenly sensed a faint tremor in the air through his Spiritual Perception, which enveloped the entire room.

In an instant, his body shot up like a cannonball, soaring into the air. With a fierce motion, he grasped a cluster of light before landing gracefully back on the ground. Slowly, he unfurled the cluster of light in his hand, only to be stunned by what he discovered.

Li Mei, noticing Xiao Hua's actions, approached him quickly. Tilting her head, she asked eagerly, "Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Unfortunately, no," Xiao Hua replied, shaking his head. He revealed the scroll to Li Mei and added, "Though it isn't a Flying-Type Dou Technique, it is still a rare Dou Technique."

"Oh? Let me take a look." Li Mei's curiosity was piqued. Xiao Hua handed her the scroll, allowing her to read it. "Lion Tiger Gold Shattering Roar: A Sonic-Type Dou Technique, Xuan Class High-Level. When the roars of lions and tigers unite, all beasts submit. It possesses the power to shatter gold and a roar that shakes the very soul."

Xiao Hua couldn't help but feel surprised. This Sonic Dou Technique was the very same one that Xiao Yan obtained when he entered the 'Book Collection Hall' later in the novel.

“A Sonic-Type Dou Technique?” A voice interrupted Li Mei and Xiao Hua’s conversation. They turned to see Wei Jie approaching, with Ming Cheng by his side. “It seems our junior has acquired one of the rarest types of Dou Techniques.”

"What? I didn’t know you had an interest in Sonic-Type Dou Techniques, Wei Jie," Li Mei remarked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“Hahaha, Sonic-Type Dou Techniques are indeed rare, but it’s his reaction that piqued my curiosity,” Wei Jie replied with a wave of his hand, indicating he meant no offense. He then pointed out what had caught his attention—Xiao Hua's reaction.

"I see what you mean. It is indeed strange. His reaction was not one of satisfaction or disappointment despite obtaining a Sonic-Type Xuan High-Level Dou Technique..." Li Mei nodded in agreement as she realized what Wei Jie was getting at.

“Sister Li Mei, Senior Wei Jie, what does my reaction have to do with anything…?” Xiao Hua asked, puzzled by their scrutiny.

"You don't need to be so formal with us, Xiao Hua," Ming Cheng, who stood beside Wei Jie, responded instead. He continued, "Typically, people show either satisfaction or disappointment when it comes to rewards. However, in your case, the surprise wasn't about obtaining a Sonic-Type Dou Technique, but specifically about getting 'this' technique."

"I was indeed surprised to obtain this Sonic-Type Dou Technique," Xiao Hua nodded, acknowledging Ming Cheng's observation. "But in truth, it doesn't matter to me what I get from the Book Collection Hall, as I have other ways to obtain what I need."

"Oh? Then what technique were you hoping for?" Ming Cheng's curiosity deepened. To him, acquiring a Sonic-Type Dou Technique from the Book Collection Hall was an impressive feat. He wondered if Xiao Hua had his sights set on rare medicinal herbs or perhaps a higher-class Dou Technique.

"He was searching for a Flying-Type Dou Technique," a soft, melodious voice joined the conversation. The four of them turned to see Xin Yu approaching, accompanied by Mei Ling and Xiao Xun Er. "Xun Er has been looking for it ever since he gave her a Di Class High-Level technique."

"Xin Yu, I didn't realize you were listening..." Wei Jie said, processing her words before exclaiming in surprise, "Wait, a Flying-Type Dou Technique? Isn't that the rarest type of Dou Technique?"

But before they could delve further into the conversation, Xin Yu pointed to the hourglass, which showed that time was almost up. Realizing this, they all turned and began walking back through the tunnel from which they had entered.

Engrossed in their discussion, none of them noticed the change occurring in the room they had just left. The ripple-like energy barrier that surrounded the chamber began to contract slowly. Moments later, it condensed into a single point and vanished with a faint 'crack.' The once-treasure-filled chamber was now completely empty. Just minutes earlier, it had been a place that could cause a commotion in the outside world, yet now, it was as if it had never existed.

Creak!

The ancient, tightly-shut main door suddenly creaked open. Warm sunlight streamed through the narrow gap, casting a long, golden path of light that stretched through the dark tunnel, reaching all the way to its end.

As the main door fully opened, Xiao Hua and the six others stepped outside. Standing at the top of the stairs, they gazed out at the lush, green valley before them. A collective sigh of relief escaped their hearts. Despite their outward calm, none could deny the oppressive atmosphere within the ‘Book Collection Hall.’

'The space occupied by this 'Book Collection Hall' is so vast that the large room we were in is merely a corner of it. While the mysteries within are intriguing, they hold little allure for me. There are countless secrets in this world yet to be uncovered.' As Xiao Hua walked out of the main door, his gaze subtly swept over the two grey-robed figures seated like meditative monks on either side of the entrance, his thoughts hidden deep within his heart.

At the sound of the door opening, one of the grey robes stirred slightly. In that instant, Xiao Hua and the others felt a vast, majestic, shapeless energy sweep over them. The overwhelming strength of that energy caused a ripple of shock to pass through their hearts.

The energy seemed to have no other purpose than to scan them. It lasted for only a brief ten seconds before retreating like a receding tide, vanishing completely.

“Time is up. You may leave. Remember, never disclose what transpired here, nor speak of the interior of the ‘Book Collection Hall.’” A hoarse, ancient voice echoed from where the main door stood.

Upon hearing these words, Xiao Hua and the others lowered their heads respectfully, silently acknowledging their commitment to keep the secrets of the hall.

“Ke ke, so you’ve all made it out? I trust you didn’t leave empty-handed,” Hu Gan remarked with a smile as he saw the seven of them emerging from the hall. He had been waiting for them in front of the pavilion.

The group nodded and smiled in response. After exchanging farewells with the two Elders, Hu Gan led them to his private quarters.

Turning to face them, he said, “Since you didn’t leave empty-handed, it seems you’ve all secured your rewards. For the next two days, take a well-deserved rest. In two days' time, you will be entering the Inner Academy. Be prepared, for there you may find yourselves shedding bitter tears.”

----------------|

The seven of them turned and left the pavilion, but Wei Jie’s curiosity lingered after hearing the previous discussion.

"So, care to continue about the Flying-Type Dou Technique we were discussing earlier? Isn't that the kind of technique that allows practitioners below the Dou King realm to fly?" Wei Jie asked, the question brewing within him.

"That’s correct," Xin Yu replied, turning her head slightly to glance at Xiao Hua. "But most of those techniques are impractical because they consume a significant amount of Dou Qi to maintain. That’s why Sister Li Mei was surprised and called Xiao Hua ambitious."

"Indeed," Mei Ling nodded in agreement. Although she was aware of Flying-Type Dou Techniques, she wasn’t particularly drawn to them due to their drawbacks. However, something clicked in her mind, and she turned to Xiao Hua. "Xiao Hua, you mentioned having other ways to obtain a Flying-Type Dou Technique. You don't mean the Sky Bird Nine Flying Wings, do you?"

"Hm? Sky Bird Nine Flying Wings? What’s that, Mei Ling?" Ming Cheng asked, unfamiliar with the technique.

'I'm surprised Sister Mei Ling knows about the Sky Bird Nine Flying Wings. While it’s true I seek that technique, my current focus is on the Eagle Wings, as I plan to give it to Xiao Yan and study its intricacies, and also to determine Xiao Yi Xian's location...' Xiao Hua thought to himself.

"Ah... I stumbled upon that technique by chance when I visited the Jia Ma Empire," Mei Ling explained, turning to Ming Cheng. She continued, "Though it's slightly different, the technique is held by the Gold Geese Sect, the most powerful faction in the Lou Yan Empire."

"Hmm... Lou Yan Empire, huh? But what do you mean by the technique being slightly different, Mei Ling?" Li Mei asked, turning to Mei Ling beside her. She was familiar with Flying-Type Dou Techniques, but she didn’t quite understand what Mei Ling meant by there being a difference.

"The technique they possess is the Sky Bird Nine Flying Wings. While I’m unsure of its exact class and rank, I do know it can assist even experts at the Dou Ancestor realm," Mei Ling responded, dropping a bombshell that left everyone except Xiao Hua speechless.

"It can aid Dou Ancestor experts? If this news spreads, wouldn’t the Lou Yan Empire be swarmed by countless experts trying to steal the technique?" Ming Cheng mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he processed the information.

"Let me explain further," Mei Ling continued, seeing the shock on their faces. "'Sky Bird Nine Flying Wings' isn't just an ordinary Flying Dou Technique; it’s more accurately described as a method for manufacturing Flying Dou Techniques."

"A Flying Dou Technique manufacturing method?" Wei Jie’s eyes flashed with surprise upon hearing this. "How could they have something like that...?"

The revelation drew everyone's full attention. Flying Dou Techniques were already rare on the Dou Qi continent, and the manufacturing method had been mostly lost to time. The idea that such a method still existed was almost unimaginable.

Mei Ling shrugged in response, recalling how she had first heard about the technique while traveling through the Jia Ma Empire and the rest of the North Western Region during a mission.

Xiao Hua, already aware of the ‘Sky Bird Nine Flying Wings,’ was intrigued by just how powerful this technique must be to capture even Mei Ling’s attention. As the others listened intently, he pondered how much she truly knew about the technique.

Seeing that she had their full attention, Mei Ling began to explain in a soft voice, leaving out no details.

"From a certain perspective, ‘Sky Bird Nine Flying Wings’ can be considered an evolved form of flying wings. The power of this Flying Dou Technique is entirely dependent on the quality of the ingredients used in its creation."

"Now I see. Essentially, if one uses high-grade ingredients to construct the wings, they could indeed become a great asset, even for experts at the Dou Ancestor realm," Ming Cheng remarked as he began to grasp the concept. He had been puzzled by how this technique could assist Dou Ancestors, but now it made sense.

"But that also means it would be of little use if the ingredients weren’t up to par..." Xin Yu added thoughtfully.

"Moreover, it's exceedingly difficult to find high-grade flying magical beasts suitable as ingredients. The only one that comes to mind is the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe," Wei Jie mused, his voice tinged with concern. "But anyone who dares to use a Heaven Demon Phoenix's wings as an ingredient would be hunted to the ends of the earth by their tribe..."

The group fell silent, each lost in thought about the risks involved. Those who dared to slay a member of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe and use their wings for such a purpose would indeed be pursued relentlessly until they met their end.

After walking together for a while longer, the group eventually parted ways, each heading off on their own path.

---

Xiao Hua fervently searched for a secluded training ground and used the remaining two days to venture deep into the towering mountains behind the academy. He decided to dedicate this time to mastering the 'Lion Tiger Gold Shattering Roar,' hoping to create his own Sonic Dou Technique.

Now, he sat in a tranquil spot by a small waterfall, surrounded by a lush, green, and dense forest. The silver river-like waterfall cascaded off the cliff, its thunderous roar filling the air as it smashed against the mountain rocks, sending water splashing everywhere.

Positioned on a large rock just below the waterfall, Xiao Hua had his mouth wide open, his face flushed with exertion. He emitted a soft yet powerful roar that echoed throughout the mountain, its thunderous vibrations intertwining with the crashing waterfall. The force of his roar rippled across the lake's surface, creating circular waves that spread outward.

As the roar gradually faded, Xiao Hua inhaled deeply before exhaling, his breath misting in the cool air. He raised his head and softly addressed the woman seated on a small rock protruding from the waterfall. "Sister Azure, are you certain I can create my own Sonic Dou Technique?"

"Fufufu. This 'Lion Tiger Gold Shattering Roar' may sound impressive, but it is merely at this level," Lady Azure replied, her gaze resting on Xiao Hua's weary expression. She had read about the 'Lion Tiger Gold Shattering Roar' but found it unimpressive. To her, it was no more than the chirping of a young chick. "You've experienced soul-shaking roars before—roars that could shatter mountains, rend the fabric of space, and obliterate spiritual bodies."

"That wasn't a roar; it was the sound of Heavenly Lightning..." Xiao Hua shook his head with a sigh, wondering if his throat could withstand producing such a terrifying sound. "But tell me, Sister Azure, how can my roar affect the spiritual body?"

In fact, Xiao Hua knew that Xiao Yan’s roar could affect spiritual bodies, turning it into a deadly weapon against them. But that was only possible because Xiao Yan had consumed the Yin-Yang Mysterious Dragon Pill, gaining a sound wave imbued with a dragon’s aura.

"The answer lies within the will of the Primordial Heaven Lightning, the Nine Lightning Beasts," Lady Azure said, pointing not just at him, but deeper within. She continued with a faint smile, "Your roar just now was a mere imitation, but if you could resonate with and infuse it with the essence of the Lightning Beasts, it could easily destroy spiritual bodies and shatter the minds of those with weak wills and resolve."

"I’m trying to resonate with it, but..." Xiao Hua’s voice trailed off, frustration clear in his frown.

"That’s because you’re still too weak," Lady Azure responded with a teasing smile. "If you tried to force the resonance now, the Lightning Beasts would fiercely attack you, causing severe damage to your body."

"Then why did you insist I create this technique so early?" Xiao Hua raised an eyebrow in confusion. The only reason he was attempting this was because Lady Azure had urged him, saying it would be invaluable in the future.

"Hm? Didn’t you say you wanted to learn and create a stronger version of this technique?" Lady Azure mused, her smile turning playful. "I can’t think of anything more powerful than harnessing the roar of the Lightning Beasts!"

"I want a stronger version to kill my enemies, not to drag myself to the grave along with them," Xiao Hua sighed, shaking his head. "I can’t believe I’m risking my voice and the possibility of going mute for your amusement..." Despite his grumbling, he couldn’t deny that she was right. The strength and destructiveness of the Lightning Beasts' roar were truly terrifying, and only he knew just how dreadful it was. "Yet, all I can do right now is a mere imitation of an imitation..."

"Is that so? I think it’s better than you realize," Lady Azure tilted her head, the corners of her lips curling upward. "After all, it’s not easy to channel the roar of the Lightning Beasts when you’re still in a mortal body, even if it’s just an inferior imitation. I’d say you’ve earned a passing grade. I could see you using a high-quality version of that roar once you reach Dou Saint."

"It’s still just an imitation, huh?" Xiao Hua smiled wryly at her words.

"Well, at least it's better than your 'Nine Supreme Chaos Strike'—your attempt to mimic the Nine Lightning Beasts of Heavenly Lightning," Lady Azure remarked, her eyes narrowing in scrutiny. She recalled how he had tried to develop the technique but had only managed to complete the first level.

"Ahahaha... Well, it's not quite finished yet," Xiao Hua replied with an awkward cough, turning his head to avoid her gaze. He had based the technique on the 'Martial God Asura's Heavenly Lightning Nine Slashes,' with each strike inspired by techniques from 'Battle Through the Heavens,' 'Martial Universe (WDQK),' 'The Great Ruler,' and 'Yuan Zun (Dragon Prince Yuan)' series.

"It's incomplete because you only have one Heavenly Lightning and one Primordial Heavenly Flame," Lady Azure snorted coldly, her tone laced with frustration. "You think you can finish it once you obtain more."

Xiao Hua could only scratch his head awkwardly, unable to deny her accusation. After all, that was precisely his plan.

Lady Azure shook her head wryly but suddenly sensed a presence approaching. Without another word, she retreated back into his body. "Boy, your lover is here."

Xiao Hua quickly brushed the water from his clothes and turned his gaze toward the entrance of the small mountain valley. The branches of the trees rustled slightly, and a green-colored figure flashed out, moving with the grace of a butterfly. She landed quietly on a small rock protruding at the side of the lake, right near the spot where Lady Azure had been sitting moments before.

Her presence was like a delicate brushstroke on a serene canvas, instantly soothing Xiao Hua's mind, which had been tense and restless after two days and nights of relentless training.

"Brother Xiao Hua, it seems you've finished your training," Xiao Xun Er greeted him with a warm, affectionate smile, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze.

"Not completely, but it's enough for now," Xiao Hua replied, returning her smile with one of his own.

"Brother Xiao Hua, today is the last day we'll be here," Xiao Xun Er murmured, her gaze softening as she recalled their time together in this secluded haven. Though brief, these days had been a precious reprieve for her—a time where she could escape the weight of expectations, her clan, and her position. She knew this freedom was fleeting, but she couldn’t help savoring these moments of happiness shared with Xiao Hua.

"Don't worry, Xun'er," Xiao Hua said, sensing the turmoil in her heart. He understood the depth of her feelings and spoke to reassure her. "Once I become a Dou Venerate and leave all the geniuses of your clan in the dust, I will visit the Gu Clan with you and ask for their blessing. If they refuse, I will prove myself worthy and silence any opposition. Then, we can spend as much time as we desire together, in peace."

"Em!" Xiao Xun Er nodded, her eyes brimming with tears of joy. His words filled her heart with warmth, for he didn't ask her to wait or return to her clan alone. Instead, he promised to take her with him, to stand by her side and face whatever challenges awaited them together.

They remained like that for a while, silently watching the sun set on the horizon. The cool evening breeze gently embraced them, refreshing their spirits as they basked in the tranquility of the moment, cherishing the fleeting time they had in each other's company.