BTTH: Auto Cultivation System

After the intense clash between Zhou Tao and Xiao Hua, the group settled down for the night, gathering their strength for the challenges that awaited them next morning.

Li Mei quietly approached the unconscious Xiao Hua, her heart heavy with concern. She carefully examined his condition, searching for any lingering external injuries. Finding none, she breathed a sigh of relief, her tension easing slightly. Turning to Wei Jie and Mei Ling, who were attentively tending to Xiao Hua, she asked softly, "How is Xiao Hua?"

Mei Ling glanced at the young man lying before them and replied with a tone tinged with amazement, "We needn't worry about him any longer, Sister Li Mei. Whatever is going on with our little brother, he possesses an incredible life force and astonishing regenerative abilities. His internal injuries, which should have been severe, are healing at an unprecedented rate. It makes me wonder if he has some kind of special constitution…"

Wei Jie, who had been deep in thought, shook his head and muttered, "I don't think it's a special constitution. It's more likely related with that strange golden-green flame of his." Though he spoke softly, the stillness of the night carried his words to everyone’s ears.

Ming Cheng, leaning against a tree trunk, narrowed his eyes and stepped forward, his gaze questioning. "Wei Jie, what do you mean by strange? I thought you said his flame might be a Heavenly Flame…"

Wei Jie scratched his head, looking somewhat puzzled. "I did say that at first, but after reviewing the list of Heavenly Flames, I couldn't find any that matched his flame exactly. As a fifth-tier alchemist, I’m familiar with the intricacies of these flames. Initially, I thought the green flame Xiao Hua used was the Nineteenth Ranked Flame on the Heavenly Flame Ranking, but its destructive power far exceeded what’s recorded."

Mei Ling nodded, her expression serious as she added in a hushed tone, "Moreover, that golden lightning is something entirely unknown—something never seen before. After discussing it, Wei Jie and I agree that Xiao Hua might possess not one, but two treasures that surpass even the might of the Heavenly Flames."

"Surpass the Heavenly Flames? Two such treasures? Are there even such things in existence?" Xin Yu, who had been quietly listening, gasped in shock. She had always believed that while there were many treasures of great value, nothing could surpass the destructive power and sheer value of the Heavenly Flames, which were born of heaven and earth.

Wei Jie nodded, his thoughts returning to the Qualifying Competition. "I can't say for sure, but it explains the golden lightning we witnessed during the tournament. Those lightning bolts couldn’t have been ordinary—especially if even the Deputy Headmaster and Elder Hao were baffled by them."

Though neither Mei Ling nor Wei Jie had ever seen or felt the true might of a Heavenly Flame, they could discern from the reactions of the Deputy Headmaster and Elder Huo—Xiao Hua's master—that the golden-green flame Xiao Hua wielded indeed surpassed the power of the Heavenly Flames.

"Nonetheless, what's more impressive is that our little brother over here merged with an already raging violent flame with a stormy destructive lightning." Mei Ling shook her head wryly.

Although Mei Ling and Wei Jie were confused by the golden-colored lightning and green-colored flame, but they could tell that it was a merging of two different affinities. Moreover, they never thought there would be a madman that merge both destructive and violent forces to create an even stronger and ferocious one, yet this madman is far more closer than she thought.

"Indeed." Li Mei knit her brows slightly. She crossed her arms, rubbing her chin as she pondered aloud, "Could it be that the lightning and flame are what enhanced his life force and accelerated his healing?"

"Perhaps," Wei Jie mused, shrugging his shoulders. "I’ve heard of a Heavenly Flame that bestows a special constitution upon its wielder, granting them an unusually tenacious life force and the ability to recover swiftly from injuries." He stood up, his expression thoughtful. "In essence, your recovery speed—whether from injuries or in terms of restoring your fighting strength—would skyrocket due to this Heavenly Flame."

"You must be referring to the Three Thousand Burning Flame, right?" Xin Yu chimed in, recognizing the description. The Three Thousand Burning Flame was renowned for being the only flame that could grant such a special constitution upon refinement. However, she was perplexed. "But isn’t the Three Thousand Burning Flame supposed to be dark purple, not golden-green?"

Ming Cheng, who had been listening intently, added, "Moreover, the Three Thousand Burning Flame is housed in the Pill Tower, and I haven’t heard of anyone successfully acquiring it."

"Even Yao Zun Zhe, the Champion of the previous Pill Gathering, couldn’t obtain the Three Thousand Burning Flame," Li Mei agreed, nodding. She was well aware that Yao Zun Zhe had already acquired a Heavenly Flame, and it was common knowledge that one could not possess more than two Heavenly Flames so she understood that Yao Zun Zhe might have no interest in acquiring the Three Thousand Burning Flame.

Had Xiao Hua been awake, he would have immediately recognized that the Yao Zun Zhe they were discussing was none other than Yao Lao, Xiao Yan’s renowned mentor.

"Ah... This is exactly why Mei Ling and Wei Jie are so puzzled," Li Mei replied, glancing at the two, who exchanged wry smiles. "Indeed. This is quite a confusing situation we find ourselves in…"

Xin Yu, sensing a quiet presence, turned to face Xun Er, who had been silently observing the conversation without participating. "What about you, Xun Er? Do you know anything about this? You've spent more time with Xiao Hua than any of us. If anyone knows about this golden-colored lightning and green-colored flame, it would be you."

"I do, but I promised to keep quiet about his flame and lightning, so I can't really speak without his permission," Xiao Xun Er replied, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she placed a finger in front of them, signaling that no amount of persuasion would make her reveal anything.

Seeing her playful yet resolute expression, the group understood that prying further into the mystery of Xiao Hua's golden-green flame and its origins would be futile. Accepting this, they decided to let the matter rest, trusting that all would be revealed in due time.

"If my big brothers and sisters want to know, I'll tell you after the competition is over." A voice chimed in, and all six of them turned to see Xiao Hua, now awake. He stood up and stretched, the loud cracking of his bones echoing in the night air. Once he felt fully relaxed, he looked at them with a calm smile and said, "So, about the plan to let me handle the leader of the White Demon Group?"

"How’s your body?" Li Mei asked, her voice filled with concern. Though she had confidence in his abilities, she worried about whether he had fully recovered. If he wasn’t ready, they still had time to rest and prepare before the Fire Energy Hunting Competition ended.

"As far as I can tell, I’m fully healed," Xiao Hua replied confidently, assuring them of his well-being. Thanks to the Heavenly Lightning and the Primordial Heavenly Flame, his body was brimming with life force, and despite his severe injuries, he had swiftly recovered both his Dou Qi and his physical condition.

"You just couldn’t help yourself but make others worry about you, huh, Xiao Hua. You really are one troublesome child to take care of!" Mei Ling said, her words sharp, but the concern in her voice was unmistakable. Despite the harshness, everyone could see that her worry for him was genuine.

Li Mei sighed heavily, torn between her protective instincts and the reality of their situation. Ideally, she didn’t want to send Xiao Hua, still so young, to face the strongest opponent. But when it came to dealing with a six-star Dou Spirit, they had no better choice. This was something she, Xin Yu, and the others all reluctantly acknowledged.

'It seems we need to swiftly handle the other members of the White Demon Group so we can support Xiao Hua if necessary,' Li Mei thought, her eyes narrowing as she exchanged knowing glances with the others. Each one nodded in silent agreement, understanding the unspoken plan.

Her gaze then shifted to Xiao Hua and Xiao Xun Er, who were now chatting happily, seemingly unfazed by the danger ahead. Watching them, Li Mei couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. 'What worries me most isn’t the battle itself but these two. I hope they can resolve whatever lies between them before it becomes a bigger problem…'

As dawn broke on the outskirts of the mountains, a new day began to unfold.

In a tranquil forested area, seven figures seated in meditation suddenly opened their eyes, their focus sharp and alert. A soft, serene glow began to manifest in the surroundings. From each of them, seven powerful Qis surged forth, merging seamlessly into a single, solid Qi that spread across the forest, enveloping it in a palpable sense of energy.

Xiao Hua and his companions, having rested through the night and benefited from the medicinal pills provided by Mei Ling, Wei Jie, and Xiao Hua himself, slowly awakened. Their condition, particularly Xiao Hua’s, had reached its peak.

They rose in unison, exchanged glances, and nodded to one another. With a shared sense of purpose, they stepped forward toward the entrance of the Inner Academy, where the competition was reaching its dramatic climax and impending conclusion.

---|

Just beyond the vast, sprawling forest lay a barren expanse of rocky terrain, divided by a deep crevice spanned by a single wooden bridge. The morning sunlight, unobstructed by the surrounding trees, poured down in a warm, golden cascade, enveloping the land in a gentle embrace.

Near the bridge, a raised platform stood, its surface worn by time. Two sets of stairs flanked the platform, leading to the top where a wooden paifang—an elegant archway—stood proudly. In front of this archway, two elderly figures, Elder Su and Elder Qing, stood with their hands clasped behind their backs. These were the same elders whom Xiao Hua and the other six had encountered before entering the forest. Behind them, a group of middle-aged men, each exuding a calm and measured aura, observed the scene with interest. These were the overseers of various affairs within the Inner Academy, and their eyes sparkled with curiosity as they awaited the arrival of the "monstrous" boy.

Below them, on either side of the broad stairway, a group of senior students, around twenty-four to twenty-five years of age, had gathered. Some leaned casually against the railings, while others stood silently on the steps. These were the senior disciples who hadn't participated in the 'Fire Energy Hunting Competition' but had come to witness the prowess of the junior who had become the talk of the academy.

"Heh, heh... I've heard that this special 'Fire Energy Hunting Competition' was devised because of Old Huo's disciple," an old, raspy voice murmured among the elders atop the platform, eyes fixed on the shadowy edge of the forest. "Originally, this competition was meant to teach the new students the value of unity, but it seems this one was hastily arranged to test Xiao Hua's capabilities."

"Indeed. It seems the First Elder wishes to push Xiao Hua to his limits, to truly gauge the depth of his potential. Who would have thought that one student could cause such a shift in an event we've held for years..."

"Hmm... But it’s not just Xiao Hua. If it were only him, it wouldn't make sense for the other six to be involved. I've heard Old Hu's disciple is quite formidable, and the other five are no less talented."

"Tsk, tsk. I can already imagine Elder Huo and Elder Hu boasting about their disciples again. What’s even more vexing is the smug looks they’ll give us afterward..."

As hushed whispers spread like a breeze throughout the area, several figures standing at the foot of the stairs stirred slightly. They slowly opened their eyes, their indifferent gazes sweeping across the shadowy forest.

These seven figures stood silently before the entrance, exuding the aura of gatekeepers, as if they were there to prevent anyone from passing through. Their breathing was deep and steady, and they were clad in pristine white robes that radiated an icy chill.

Among the seven, the one with the most imposing aura was a young man positioned in the center. His hair and complexion were both pale, almost ghostly white. Unlike the others, his eyes remained closed, as if he was in deep meditation. He stood there, unmoving and unyielding, like a statue carved from ice. The cold aura surrounding him was so intense that it caused a thin layer of frost to form on the green grass growing between the rocks.

Time flowed on, marked by the sun's gradual ascent. Just as the thought of a fruitless wait crossed the minds of the students on the platform, the sound of footsteps echoed from within the dark forest. In an instant, everyone’s attention sharpened, and all eyes turned toward the forest's edge in unspoken unison. The previously bustling murmurs around the platform fell into a heavy silence.

At the top of the platform, Elder Su and Elder Qing, along with the administrators of the Inner Academy, slowly raised their heads. Their eyes narrowed as they focused intently on the direction from which the footsteps originated, their gazes penetrating the forest's shadowy depths.

As the atmosphere grew tense and the air thickened with silence, the sound of footsteps echoing from the depths of the dark forest became increasingly ominous. After what seemed like an eternity, a pair of feet emerged from the forest’s shadowy exit. Soon after, countless figures slowly followed, led by none other than Zhou Tao. Yet, the sight that greeted everyone left them speechless—his face was as pale as a ghost’s, his appearance haggard and defeated. Some could even spot the bandages peeking out from beneath his robes.

"Huh? It's Senior Zhou Tao and the others..." The gazes of those on the mountain slope fell upon the twenty figures emerging from the forest. Shocked murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"What could have happened to leave him so grievously injured? Did they encounter a powerful magical beast while waiting for our juniors?" A wave of disbelief surged through their hearts. After all, Zhou Tao was one of the top contenders for the 'Strong Ranking' ahead of the Inner Academy Grand Competition, known colloquially as the 'Strong Ranking' Grand Competition.

At that moment, the white-haired young man with a pale complexion slowly opened his eyes. His gaze swept over Zhou Tao, and after a brief pause, a subtle shift in his expression appeared. His previously indifferent stance now carried a note of gravity.

“To have pushed you this far... Is the boy truly that powerful?"

Though his words were spoken softly, they were like a bolt of thunder in the clear sky, reverberating through the hearts of the Inner Academy students on the rocky platform. It was as if they had been jolted awake from a dream, sparking a wave of uproar and discussion.

The students knew well that this special event was not an ordinary competition. Unlike the usual 'Fire Energy Hunting Competition' where the senior students that participate is from last year, the participating seniors this time were from advanced years, with Zhou Tao having entered the Inner Academy three years ago. Such a formidable lineup should have been more than sufficient to crush the new batch of students in a direct confrontation—especially when the opposing side consisted of only seven people.

Although their hearts were filled with shock and disbelief, the Inner Academy students did not doubt the words spoken by the white-haired young man. With his reputation as one of the top ten in the Strong Ranking, it was well within his ability to discern the truth of what had transpired.

At this moment, the students couldn’t help but feel a sense of bewilderment. Could it be that these seven new students were already this powerful?

"From my miserable appearance and pale complexion, you must have guessed the truth, Hu Wei." Zhou Tao gave a faint smile, unsurprised that the white-haired young man had seen through the situation. He nodded helplessly and continued, "Unlike the others who arrived this morning, you were here all night. You must have sensed the ripples of energy from our clashes. He is simply unbelievable."

Zhou Tao's words once again stirred a wave of shock across the rocky platform. The sound of students swallowing their disbelief could be heard, and even the more seasoned ones found themselves drawing in sharp breaths. The notion that two young students could have reached the peak of Dou Grandmaster was already astonishing, but hearing that one of them had the strength to defeat a three-star Dou Spirit... It was as if reality itself had been turned upside down.

"For you to say this much..." Hu Wei furrowed his brows. He knew Zhou Tao’s character well, and it was clear that Zhou Tao wasn’t one to exaggerate for the sake of saving face. Just as Zhou Tao had said, Hu Wei had indeed felt the terrifying energy ripples from their clashes the previous day. There was no reason to doubt his words.

‘Moreover, although it was faint, I sensed the fluctuation of natural energy... A Dou Technique capable of causing such fluctuations would have to be of the Di Class,’ Hu Wei thought to himself as he recalled the energy he had felt the previous night. His gaze shifted to the two elders, Elder Su and Elder Qing, standing solemnly behind him. Their expressions were serious, and Hu Wei’s eyes narrowed. ‘If I could sense it, the elders surely did as well... No wonder they’re paying such close attention to this competition...’

Initially, Hu Wei had only agreed to participate out of obligation, as the First Elder had requested it to test these seven students, particularly one of them. But now, a deep curiosity filled him, wondering just what kind of monsters this new batch of students must be to attract the First Elder's attention and prompt the arrangement of such a special competition.

"It seems I'm in for a tough battle..." Hu Wei muttered softly, a wry smile tugging at his lips. He lifted his head, his expression becoming solemn.

"Indeed," Zhou Tao agreed with a nod. He glanced back at the shadowy forest behind him before turning his gaze back to Hu Wei. "A word of caution before I go— the boy possesses a unique flame that can suppress your ice-affinity Dou Qi."

Hu Wei's brows knitted together as he watched Zhou Tao ascend the stairs. This revelation was troubling, for there was little he could do to counter it. In addition, the fact that Zhou Tao warned him, not informed him, means that he could do little for it and have no choice but to fight against it. After all, he couldn’t simply ask Xiao Hua not to use his flame.

‘Could it be a Beast Flame from a powerful Magical Beast? If so, it wouldn’t be surprising, given the likelihood that Elder Huo might have bestowed it upon him...’ Hu Wei pondered inwardly. Unlike Zhou Tao, his knowledge of flames was not as extensive, and he wasn’t deeply versed in the mysteries of Heavenly Flames. However, he wasn’t entirely ignorant either. It was common knowledge that no one of Xiao Hua's age and strength should be able to withstand the violent and ferocious energy emitted by a Heavenly Flame.

‘That means I must defeat him before he has the chance to wield it,’ Hu Wei mused, recognizing this as the only feasible strategy. ‘But with the boy's strength, that will be no simple task...’

Whoosh!

Just as Zhou Tao and the other senior students who had exited the forest reached the rocky platform and took their places, the sound of rushing wind suddenly echoed from within the dark forest.

The sudden noise drew everyone's attention back to the forest's exit, their gazes shifting away from Zhou Tao and the others. The sound also interrupted Hu Wei’s train of thought, prompting him to lift his head and focus on the dark, dense forest's edge, where the source of the disturbance lay hidden.

Not long after their gazes shifted, the branches within the forest began to sway violently. In the blink of an eye, seven human figures—five tall and two smaller—swiftly emerged from the dense foliage and landed under the bright sunlight. The sight of these seven figures elicited astonished murmurs from those gathered on the rocky platform. Hu Wei's expression tightened, growing even more serious.