BTTH: At the beginning of BTTH, I received my suicide note

"Zhao Gang, Dou Disciple, Second Stage, Qualified!"

It was the same plaza. Accompanied by Yan Hongtao's loud announcement, the plaza erupted in a wave of murmurs. The children awaiting their turn for the test looked on enviously, while a few who followed Zhao Gang quickly showered him with exaggerated flattery.

Outside the plaza, numerous children from other groups watched with varied expressions, many dreaming of becoming the next Zhao Gang.

"Not bad," even Yan Hongtao nodded approvingly.

"Next, Chen Guan."

Hearing his name called, Chen Guan stepped forward to the magic stone monument under the watchful eyes of the crowd. Moments later, the result was displayed, stirring another wave of excitement.

"Chen Guan, Dou Disciple, Second Stage, Qualified!"

"Wow, Chen Guan is amazing! He's on par with Big Brother Zhao!"

"What do you know? Big Brother Zhao barely had to try, while Chen Guan had to work himself to the bone just to catch up. How's that the same?"

"True, Zhao's talent seems to be better after all."

For the past six months, everyone had witnessed Chen Guan's tireless efforts. Even Yan Hongtao often used him as an example to admonish others. This, however, only made Chen Guan less popular among his peers.

The murmurs fell on Chen Guan's ears, but his heart remained untroubled—he even found it a bit amusing. While both he and Zhao Gang were indeed at the second stage of Dou Disciple, the difference between them was vast.

As someone tasked with cleaning the room housing the magic stone monument alongside Zhao Gang, Chen Guan had ample opportunities to test his progress.

Zhao Gang had only broken through to the second stage ten days ago, deliberately testing in front of Chen Guan to fuel his childish sense of superiority.

Chen Guan, on the other hand, had reached the second stage three months earlier. In fact, he could sense he was ready to advance further but had held back to avoid drawing too much attention during the test. If he wanted, he could already be at the third stage of Dou Disciple.

Chen Guan was satisfied with his progress.

Yan Hongtao's standard for passing was merely one stage of Dou Disciple every six months, reflecting an average pace. The difficulty of advancing would increase with each stage, requiring more time and effort.

The test continued swiftly and wrapped up in less than two hours.

Only Chen Guan and Zhao Gang achieved the second stage of Dou Disciple. Seventeen failed to even reach the first stage, while the rest met the passing threshold.

"Six months ago, I told you that this test would largely determine your future. Those who have reached the first stage of Dou Disciple, congratulations—you've passed the first hurdle. For the next five years, as long as you stay diligent and avoid mistakes, you may continue cultivating with peace of mind. Furthermore, His Majesty has shown great mercy, granting you spiritual medicines to strengthen your physique. This is a gift from His Majesty and the royal family. You must be grateful and strive to repay their generosity through greater strength. Do you understand?"

"Yes, we understand!"

Yan Hongtao, as usual, spoke on behalf of the royal family. Satisfied with the resounding response, he then turned to the dejected group on his left.

"Talent is innate, but it is not the sole determinant of destiny. Although you did not pass this test, that doesn't mean you are useless. The vast Jia Ma Empire requires talents from all walks of life. In the right circumstances, your contributions may surpass those of others. As long as you're willing to learn, the royal family will continue to support you wholeheartedly."

Such motivational speeches worked wonders, especially on impressionable children, bolstering their loyalty to the royal family.

Even Chen Guan had to admit that, regardless of the royal family's intentions, they had indeed provided for everyone here.

Had it not been for their relocation to the capital, many of these children might have starved, suffered abuse, or remained ignorant of Dou Qi, doomed to a life of poverty and hardship. Compared to such bleak prospects, their current situation was infinitely better.

Chen Guan had his own plans and would not let himself be swayed, but he acknowledged the royal family's kindness. Debts of gratitude should be repaid; grievances avenged. His principles were simple.

After this rousing speech, the unqualified children were led away by a guard. Where they went or what awaited them, no one knew. They were never seen again after that day.

Life resumed its usual rhythm after the test, though everyone trained harder, clearly impacted by the fate of the seventeen children.

Only Zhao Gang harbored a secret rivalry with Chen Guan. In his mind, it was unacceptable for someone he deemed less talented to keep up with him. He was determined to widen the gap and solidify his status as the "number one genius."

Unfortunately, the gap did widen—but in the opposite direction.

That very night, Chen Guan quietly broke through to the third stage of Dou Disciple.

In the days that followed, the royal family periodically distributed a low-tier spiritual fruit called the Clear Spirit Fruit. Its mild medicinal properties aided in strengthening the body. While far inferior to the Foundation Establishment Elixir refined by Master Yao Lao for Xiao Yan, it still provided a valuable foundation-building effect. The resources of the Jia Ma Empire far outstripped those of individual families.

Thanks to his exceptional talent, Chen Guan consistently received double the resources, just like Zhao Gang.

As a result, Chen Guan's cultivation advanced even more smoothly. He could now complete over ten cycles in one go—a remarkable feat for someone below the Dou Practitioner level.

With no tests scheduled for the next five years, Chen Guan no longer cared about others' perceptions and devoted himself fully to cultivation, widening the gap between him and the "genius" Zhao Gang.

Around this time, news of Xiao Yan from the Xiao Clan in Wu Tan City began spreading, reaching even the imperial capital. Yan Hongtao used Xiao Yan's achievements as motivation for Zhao Gang and Chen Guan, urging them to view him as a goal.

Through Yan Hongtao, Chen Guan learned about Xiao Yan's current progress:

Three stages of Dou Disciple.

As they left the session, Zhao Gang was still in shock, while Chen Guan couldn't help but smile.

Achievement unlocked: Keeping Pace with Xiao Yan!

What pleased him even more was realizing that his talent slightly exceeded Xiao Yan's. After all, Xiao Yan had started cultivating earlier, whereas Chen Guan had been scrounging for food when Xiao Yan reached the first stage of Dou Qi.

Now, he had not only caught up but surpassed him—a small but satisfying triumph.

As a certain future emperor once said:

"Defeated foes are never my rivals. I give you time to chase me—until you vanish from sight."