BTTH: Auto Cultivation System

A glint of icy resolve flickered in Xiao Hua's eyes as he slowly raised his head, directing his gaze toward a particular spot in the dense forest. Unlike the two elderly men beside him, who could see the seven figures approaching, Xiao Hua could only sense the presence of seven formidable Qis suddenly entering the range of his Spiritual Perception from one direction. Given the vast expanse of his perception, it would still take some time for them to arrive at their current pace.

Though Xiao Hua could easily flee with his speed, he knew he couldn’t afford to do so. If he escaped, the seven would undoubtedly shift their target to Li Mei and Xin Yu, who were closer to their path.

Determined to draw them to him, a thread of golden-green Dou Qi began to flow from within him, gradually swelling into a surging torrent that coursed through his Qi Paths. The overwhelming sensation of his Dou Qi reaching its peak filled Xiao Hua, sharpening his condition to its zenith just before the seven arrived.

The seven figures, sensing this sudden surge, instantly altered their trajectory, their fierce auras now focused entirely on Xiao Hua. In an instant, they appeared atop the tree trunks, their eyes coldly fixed on him from above. Like an impending storm, their oppressive Qis swept over Xiao Hua, attempting to crush him with sheer force.

Bang!

But just as their oppressive aura descended, a powerful golden-green Dou Qi exploded from within Xiao Hua. It surged into the sky, forming a radiant curtain that enveloped the area, effortlessly neutralizing the combined auras of the seven.

The leaves rustled in response to the immense power unleashed at that spot. Without hesitation, the seven figures, their fierce Qi still raging, dropped down from the trees, landing with a force that shook the earth. As they descended, their unrestrained ferocity leaked out, suffusing the air with an overwhelming presence. Yet, to their astonishment, their combined might had been nullified by a single youth. A flicker of surprise flashed across the faces of the senior students.

Xiao Hua’s eyes narrowed as he took in their appearance—each clad in intricately designed black attire. From a distance, they resembled seven inky shadows merging with the night.

'From their attire, they must be the Black Demon Group. So, he is the one that most of the seniors spoke of.' Xiao Hua’s gaze lingered on the lean young man at the center, who held a metal fan in his hand. 'One of the two strongest participants and a genuine Dou Spirit contender. The leader of the Black Demon Group, Zhou Tao!'

One of the black-clothed youths stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he spoke with a mocking tone, “Tsk, it seems the Elders were right. This year's new students are indeed extraordinary, especially this one before us. To think a mere freshman could defeat two groups of senior students on his own. But this only makes things more interesting. Boy, we’ll be taking all of your ‘Fire Energy’ off your hands.”

Another of the group shake his head at his companion behavior. He glanced to his left at the figure standing in the center. “Zhou Tao, what’s your take on this?”

Zhou Tao’s gaze swept over Xiao Hua, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. Even he had to admit this youth was truly remarkable. “They do possess some skill. It’s no surprise they’ve been so arrogant, daring to hunt us down despite being outnumbered.”

“It’s not that the others were weak,” another black-clothed youth chimed in, shaking his head with a sigh, “but our junior here is just that strong. No wonder there’s such a huge shift in this year’s competition. This year’s batch is nothing like the past. Even in our time, there wasn’t such a vast disparity…”

“Let’s not waste any more time,” Zhou Tao interrupted, cutting off the idle chatter. His gaze sharpened as it locked onto Xiao Hua. “If we delay any longer, the other juniors might finish off the rest and regroup, making them harder to deal with. Boy, you must be Xiao Hua—the one at the center of all the rumors. To defeat Chen Jie and the others with just your physical strength at your age... You’re as monstrous as they say.”

"Senior, you must be Zhou Tao, the leader of the Black Demon Group." Xiao Hua met Zhou Tao’s gaze, his voice deep and steady. As he spoke, his eyes swept over the other five seniors, narrowing slightly as he realized each of them was an eight-star Dou Grandmaster. This discovery brought him a sense of relief; it meant there were no other Dou Spirits besides Zhou Tao and Hu Wei, the leader of the White Demon Group.

‘I was concerned that, with these two high cultivators, the others might also be Dou Spirits who were just overshadowed by Zhou Tao and Hu Wei's presence in this competition,’ Xiao Hua thought inwardly.

“Indeed, I am Zhou Tao, the leader of the Black Demon Group,” Zhou Tao confirmed, raising his fan to cover his mouth as he looked directly at Xiao Hua. “Whether this is good news or not, let me tell you: because of the recruitment the Elders organized for this special competition, to test the greatest batch of Jia Nan Academy, your name has already gained quite the reputation within the Inner Academy, even before you’ve set foot inside. Many from the Inner Academy have come here, not as participants, but as spectators, watching from the sidelines. Naturally, they’ve seen how you’ve amassed a considerable amount of ‘Fire Energy.’ So, as a senior, how about I lighten your burden by taking that ‘Fire Energy’ off your hands? It must be getting too heavy for you to carry.”

“Unfortunately, Senior Zhou Tao, I might have to disappoint you,” Xiao Hua responded with a light chuckle, raising his head with a faint smile. “If I can’t bear this weight, I have no right to face my brothers and sisters. So, with all due respect, I must refuse your offer.”

"It's fine. I'm not so easily offended," Zhou Tao said with a slight shake of his head. He had expected Xiao Hua wouldn’t surrender the hard-earned 'Fire Energy' that he and his comrades had painstakingly accumulated. Zhou Tao understood the mindset of the other senior groups as well—defeat might be inevitable, but they would never make it easy for Xiao Hua and the others to take what they had fought so long to gather in the Inner Academy. His sharp gaze locked onto Xiao Hua as he continued, "In fact, I prefer it this way. I've been eager to test the abilities of the junior who has caught the attention of so many elders!"

""Have at you!"" Xiao Hua and Zhou Tao declared in unison, their voices resonating through the forest clearing. The air around them trembled as their Dou Qi surged forth, each aura rolling out with overwhelming power. A swirling green Dou Qi encircled Zhou Tao's fan, dancing around it like a living force.

Meanwhile, Xiao Hua's golden-green Dou Qi erupted from within, rising like a tidal wave. As it writhed and surged, faint sparks of lightning and tiny embers of fire occasionally flickered within the flow. These elements appeared only for an instant before vanishing, concealed within the overwhelming golden-green energy, making them difficult to detect.

Without hesitation, Xiao Hua stomped his foot on the ground, sending a powerful surge of Dou Qi through his body as he launched forward. With a deafening explosion of energy and a gust of wind, Xiao Hua’s form blurred into a black shadow, closing the distance between him and Zhou Tao in an instant.

The sight of Xiao Hua opting for close-range combat caused Zhou Tao’s brows to furrow slightly. He could sense the dual nature of Xiao Hua's Dou Qi—both Lightning and Fire. Fire-type Dou Qi was notorious for its devastating offensive power, while Lightning-type was famed for its paralyzing effects and enhanced agility. The combination of these two elements made Xiao Hua's offensive strength truly formidable.

Zhou Tao’s frown deepened as he realized the challenge before him. His own Dou Qi was wind-affinity, known for its unparalleled speed and flexibility. However, wind-affinity Dou Qi was weakest in defense, a glaring vulnerability against Xiao Hua’s twin affinities, which combined both overwhelming offensive power and agility. This matchup was far from ideal for Zhou Tao, and he knew he would have to tread carefully against such a dangerous opponent.

Boom!

Fortunately for Zhou Tao, this was a seven-on-one battle, ensuring that someone among them could withstand Xiao Hua's attacks. As Xiao Hua charged toward Zhou Tao with lightning speed, one of Zhou Tao’s companions, clad in a dark golden-colored Dou Qi Armor that made him resemble a figure molded from solid gold, stepped forward. He tightened his fist, pulling his arm back before launching a powerful strike. The dark-golden Dou Qi swiftly condensed around his arm, and with a violent force, he smashed it toward Xiao Hua, who had appeared beside him almost instantly.

The impact was immense, sending powerful ripples through the air that shook the ground and split several large trees nearby, leaving them cracked and unstable. However, the punch Xiao Hua unleashed was far more powerful than expected. The golden-armored cultivator, despite his Gold-type Dou Qi known for its formidable offense and defense, couldn’t fully withstand the blow. He was sent flying, his body trembling as he spat out a mouthful of blood before crashing violently into a thick tree trunk.

Seeing his companion sent hurtling through the air and slamming into a tree, Zhou Tao could only manage a wry smile. The numerical advantage and higher cultivation levels they held seemed meaningless in the face of Xiao Hua’s overwhelming power.

'An ordinary punch infused with Dou Qi is enough to defeat Sun Yu… What kind of monstrous training did this boy undergo to forge such a terrifying physical body?' Zhou Tao thought, shaking his head with a sigh. 'No wonder those others were eliminated with frustrated expressions. To be defeated by sheer physical strength without a single Dou Technique used—it leaves one speechless and filled with complex emotions, especially when you realize there’s nothing you can do against such brute force.'

Pushing aside these distracting thoughts, Zhou Tao refocused on the fight. A faint but powerful wind began swirling around his fan, and with several swift movements, he swung it multiple times. Countless sharp winds shot out, tearing through the air with fierce intensity, carving one-meter-deep trails through the ground as they almost instantly converged on Xiao Hua. The winds, sharp and ferocious, suddenly encircled Xiao Hua from all sides, trapping him in a deadly cage. The sheer power carried by the winds caused Xiao Hua to narrow his eyes in concentration.

"As expected of Wind-affinity Dou Qi," Xiao Hua muttered, clicking his tongue in frustration. "Their speed and flexibility truly live up to their reputation. Dealing with practitioners who possess wind-affinity Dou Qi is always troublesome."

Given the proximity of the initial sharp winds and the new ones rapidly approaching, dodging them all was impossible. Realizing this, Xiao Hua stopped moving, his expression turning serious as he slightly rotated his hand. A moment later, a regal and noble golden-green flame burst forth from his hands, spreading swiftly and wrapping around both his hands like a living entity.

Bringing his hands closer together, the flames intensified, emitting a soft yet terrifying energy that crackled like distant thunder. As his palms drew nearer, the energy between them swelled, building up to a critical point. Then, with a resounding clap of his hands, Xiao Hua unleashed a ferocious energy ripple, followed by a thunderous shockwave that reverberated throughout the area. The force was so immense that it sent rock fragments flying and kicked up clouds of dust. Like the wrath of a thunder god, the shockwave caused the minds and spirits of the senior cultivators to tremble involuntarily in fear. The powerful energy not only dispersed the incoming wind strikes but also sent the senior students flying backward, crashing violently into tree trunks, their previous confidence shattered by the overwhelming force of Xiao Hua’s attack.

A powerful gust of wind blew past Xiao Hua, lifting the veil of dust that had settled over the battlefield. As the air cleared, Xiao Hua's eyes narrowed slightly at the sight before him. Zhou Tao stood a short distance away, his expression pale, his body battered and bruised. His eyes were closed, and he was panting heavily, but despite the grievous injuries, the faint green Dou Qi that surrounded him had not dissipated. A moment later, that same green Dou Qi on his fan began to surge, and to Xiao Hua's astonishment, it swiftly coalesced into the form of an emerald eagle, fully agglomerated from pure Dou Qi.

The emerald-colored eagle spread its wings, its beautiful feathers shimmering with an iridescent glow, reflecting the light like polished jade. Yet within this captivating glow was a ferocious energy that left Xiao Hua with no doubt—if struck by this manifestation, the blow would be fatal.

In the world of Dou Qi cultivation, each level brought a new set of powers. For a Dou Master, manipulating Dou Qi into an energy cloak was common, enhancing one's defense, speed, and attack, while also improving energy absorption from the surroundings to sustain them in battle.

For a Dou Grandmaster, the ability to emit Dou Qi externally marked their advancement. They could channel Dou Qi to cover their weapons, significantly boosting their offensive strength, or even launch long-range attacks. They could also create Dou Qi Armor, providing them with a sturdy defense, capable of withstanding critical injuries.

However, the emerald eagle before Xiao Hua signified something far more advanced—the mark of a Dou Spirit. The ability to agglomerate Dou Qi into tangible objects was a unique trait of those at the Dou Spirit class and above. The lethality of such Dou Qi manifestations, especially when combined with Dou Techniques, was extraordinary.

'The shockwave that sent us flying wasn’t from that clap alone but rather from that strange and mysterious golden-green flame,' Zhou Tao thought, piecing together the puzzle as he recalled the powerful force Xiao Hua had unleashed. Glancing at his unconscious comrades, he let out a soft laugh tinged with self-mockery. 'I always thought the elders were overreacting about this boy's talent, but now it seems they were right.'

"Never expected you to be a high-tier alchemist… and with a Heavenly Flame too," Zhou Tao said, shifting his gaze to the child before him, his eyes fixating on the golden-green flame. He wasn’t as ignorant as others. The moment the flame materialized, he had felt the temperature in the forest rise significantly. He knew this was no ordinary flame—it had to be a Heavenly Flame. Beast Flames, while potent, did not emit such overwhelming energy and destructive force.

"My alchemist tier was kept secret by the elders," Xiao Hua replied calmly. "They knew that if word got out, those from the Black-Corner Region would cause trouble if I ever left the academy…"

What Xiao Hua said reflected a mutual understanding with the elders. They had sworn to keep his mastery of alchemy hidden, even from the academy's instructors, to avoid unwanted attention.

"Yeah, I can see why they would do that," Zhou Tao said with a wry smile, understanding who exactly the elders were trying to protect Xiao Hua from in the Black-Corner Region. "Especially considering that Medicine Emperor…"

Zhou Tao’s expression turned serious. The Medicine Emperor, a sixth-tier alchemist with a Heavenly Flame of his own, was notorious for his unscrupulous methods. He would undoubtedly see Xiao Hua as a target, a potential threat or tool for his own ambitions. The elders’ precautions now made perfect sense—keeping Xiao Hua’s true capabilities a secret was the only way to protect him from becoming prey in the eyes of such dangerous figures.

"Everyone, leave this place." Zhou Tao's voice was calm yet carried an undeniable authority. He cast a stern glance at the members of his team, and without hesitation, they obeyed. None of them dared to argue; instead, they quickly retrieved healing pills from their Storage Rings, consuming them in silence. One of them hurried over to the unconscious Sun Yu, carefully lifting him onto their back before swiftly retreating from the area. In moments, the clearing was empty, leaving only Zhou Tao standing amidst the remnants of battle, his gaze unwavering as he watched his comrades disappear into the shadows.

"Shall we end this, Senior Zhou Tao?" Xiao Hua asked, his voice calm yet resolute. He could tell from Zhou Tao's pale complexion and the numerous injuries covering his body that the emerald eagle, agglomerated from his own Dou Qi, represented the last of his strength. A silver light flashed, and a pair of silver gauntlets materialized, covering Xiao Hua's entire arms, readying him for the final clash.

"Although it’s unsightly, I still have to do it. If I let you go like this, I have no right to call myself their leader," Zhou Tao replied, a fleeting smile crossing his face before vanishing. He closed his eyes, and for a moment, the winds in the area stilled, as if holding their breath. Then, with a sudden movement, he opened his eyes, and his long robes began to flutter wildly, though there was no wind. His body slowly rose into the air, suspended by his immense energy alone.

The atmosphere around him became charged, like a brewing storm. Circular emerald-green ripples spread outward from his body as his fan lifted, pointing towards the sky. With that motion, fierce and sharp winds gathered, swirling around him with terrifying force. Yet, Zhou Tao controlled it with precision, his emerald eagle soaring gracefully around the gathered winds, finally coming to a stop, suspended behind him.

'Judging by the energy fluctuations, this Dou Technique is likely Xuan Class High-Level. Furthermore, his mastery over this technique is very deep...' Xiao Hua thought as he watched the emerald eagle’s elegant flight. 'This might be the perfect time to use that Dou Technique I created with Sister Azure...'

Xiao Hua’s knits his brows slightly in concentration. With a wave of his hand, the golden-green flame on his palm surged. He manipulated the flame, dividing it into two: one cluster became a golden-colored lightning, the other a green-colored flame.

With a flick of his finger, the golden lightning shrank into Xiao Hua's palm, while the green flame around him surged, growing more intense with every passing second. His expression calm yet focused, Xiao Hua began to form a series of intricate hand seals, each movement deliberate and precise. As the seals materialized, the temperature around him spiked dramatically, as though the very air had ignited, transforming the surroundings into the heart of a fiery, molten realm. The natural energy between Heaven and Earth responded violently, becoming wild and turbulent as it swirled around him.

The green flame began to shift and agglomerate, taking the crude shape of a bow. Xiao Hua grasped the bow firmly, and as he pulled the ethereal bowstring, threads of substance-like, hot pale-red energy seeped out from the empty space around him. These energy threads, crackling with power, merged with the green flame, fusing together to form a single, blazing green arrow, pulsating with an intense, destructive force.

Zhou Tao couldn't help but grin, realizing that Xiao Hua's strike would far surpass his own. Yet, he neither hesitated nor faltered. Taking a step forward, he swung his fan downward, releasing his final attack.

"Turbulence Wind: Emerald Cry!"

Zhou Tao's shout echoed as the emerald eagle let out a piercing cry. It flew directly into the gathered wind, merging with it rather than being destroyed. The winds and the eagle fused, forming a sharp, emerald beak that shot explosively toward Xiao Hua. The sheer pressure from the eagle’s beak caused the ground to crack, spreading further than the destructive clap Xiao Hua had unleashed earlier.

"Heavenly Bow: Azure Lotus Flame!"

With a deep, resonating cry that echoed within Xiao Hua's heart, he released the arrow. It transformed into an azure streak of light, carrying a powerful, fiery energy that burned through the air. The azure light surged forward with overwhelming pressure, meeting the emerald beak head-on.

The clash between the two forces was cataclysmic. The azure-colored light, rippling with intense heat, collided violently with the sharp emerald beak. The energy of the two Dou Techniques erupted, creating a shockwave that shook the very foundation of the forest. The surrounding area was engulfed in a storm of energy as the two powerful techniques struggled against each other, neither willing to yield. The collision created a blinding light and a deafening roar that reverberated through the entire forest, leaving a mark of their intense battle.

Bang!

After the loud collision, the two ferocious energies burst forth violently, releasing the terrifying power contained within them. The wild energies clashed and intertwined, creating a chaotic maelstrom of destructive force. In the sky above the battlefield, a wild wind arose, howling through the air. As it reached the point of impact, the sheer power distorted the very atmosphere, making the air seem vague and twisted.

The wild wind carried with it a scorching energy ripple that spread like the flames of heaven descending upon the earth. The burning wave engulfed the area where Zhou Tao stood, its intense heat and pressure causing even the thick trees of the forest to bend and then be consumed by the fiery energy.

Xiao Hua, exhausted and depleted, fell to his knees, panting heavily. The Dou Technique he had just used was a Di Class High-Level technique, and it had drained a tremendous amount of his Dou Qi. Lady Azure had warned him that with his current strength, he could only use it once per day, as it would immediately deplete his Dou Qi reserves.

Moreover, the violent clash between Zhou Tao's Emerald Cry and his Heavenly Bow: Azure Lotus Flame had caused a significant backlash, resulting in multiple internal injuries. Fortunately, due to the refining effects of the Heavenly Lightning and Primordial Heavenly energy, his body had been significantly strengthened and toughened. Had it not been for these two, the injuries he sustained would have been far more severe.

With great effort, Xiao Hua raised his head and saw Zhou Tao's unconscious body plummeting from the sky. Zhou Tao was severely injured, his body riddled with burns and deep wounds. As much as Xiao Hua wanted to help soften his fall, he found himself unable to move, barely holding on to consciousness.

Just as feeling of helpless began to creep in, Xiao Hua saw two figures swiftly appear in his field of vision. They caught Zhou Tao gently before he could hit the ground. Xiao Hua managed a wry smile, feeling a wave of relief wash over him before finally succumbing to unconsciousness.