BTTH: Auto Cultivation System

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After conversing with Ya Fei for a while longer, Xiao Hua bid her farewell and returned to his manor alone, as the Little Fairy Doctor wished to continue their discussion.

Upon arrival, he strolled to the expansive courtyard behind the house, where a lush garden surrounded an elegant wooden gazebo. Taking a seat beneath its shade, he waved his hand casually. A surge of energy spread out, forming an invisible barrier that sealed off the area from any outside interference. Only then did he speak.

"Sister Azure, Sister Xue Yue."

The moment his words fell, two radiant glows—one azure, the other icy blue—floated out from within his body. As the dazzling light gradually dimmed, two graceful figures emerged.

"What is it, child? Does this concern your clan's future?"

"If so, it's rare for you to summon us like this. I thought you preferred not to entangle yourself too deeply with them…"

Lady Azure and Lady Xue Yue exchanged glances, curiosity flickering in their eyes. Though uncertain of his exact intentions, they instinctively understood that it involved his clan—something he seldom took an interest in.

Usually, he preferred to handle his clan's affairs on his own or simply let nature take its course. After all, they knew he had no interest in vying for the position of Xiao Clan's head, leaving it to Xiao Yan instead, as he planned to depart from the clan in the near future.

"It is somewhat related to the clan…" Xiao Hua said with a faint smile.

He paused briefly, then lifted his gaze, meeting Lady Azure and Lady Xue Yue's eyes with a deep, penetrating look. When he spoke again, his voice carried a weighty seriousness.

"Have either of you sensed the presence of the Hall of Souls in the Jia Ma Empire?"

Hearing his question, Lady Azure and Lady Xue Yue exchanged glances before thoughtfully rubbing their snow-white chins with their delicate fingers.

"If you mean a presence similar to the one you fought in the Demon Flame Valley, then yes. We detected traces of them in this small empire about three weeks ago. There are three of them, with the strongest being a Six-Star Dou Zong…"

"However, can't you locate them with your spiritual perception?" Lady Xue Yue asked, a single brow arching in puzzlement. "Their strength isn't nearly enough for you to be cautious, nor would they be capable of detecting your spiritual probe."

Lady Azure gave a casual nod in agreement.

Xiao Hua responded with a faint smile. "I'm concerned they might send someone strong enough to at least sense my spiritual perception. The Hall of Souls is, after all, a formidable force in the Central Plains."

His concern wasn't unfounded. If the Hall of Souls dispatched someone beyond the level of ordinary Protectors, probing recklessly could risk exposing himself and inviting unnecessary trouble before he was ready.

"I see… So they—or rather, the one pulling the strings—must be desperate to obtain the fragment of the Tou She Ancient God Jade in your clan's possession, huh…" Lady Azure mused, tapping her delicate finger against her white chin.

Having learned about the Tou She Ancient God Jade and the Eight Ancient Clans from Xun Er, they could easily deduce that the Hall of Souls was merely a front—a tool for one of the Ancient Clans to act discreetly, each with their own hidden agenda.

Though their exact motives remained unclear, the sinister nature of their techniques left little doubt. The force behind them could only be the Hun Clan—one of the Eight Ancient Clans.

After all, among the Eight Clans, the Hun Clan was the only one shrouded in mystery, a faction that even Xun Er knew little about. She had always warned that they operated in the shadows, their actions veiled in secrecy.

"However, wouldn't they suspect that you might possess it? After all, you're the strongest in the clan," Lady Xue Yue said, her gaze fixed intently on Xiao Hua.

"Unlikely," Xiao Hua replied calmly. "First, I'm far too young to have any deep understanding of the Xiao Clan's history. Secondly, I'm rarely in the clan, let alone involved in discussions about such matters."

"That may be true, but stay vigilant in case they decide to act," Xue Yue warned coldly. Though her tone was detached, a faint trace of concern lingered beneath it.

Xiao Hua understood her worry and simply nodded without further comment. Even he acknowledged the need for caution.

Who knew? He might just cross paths with them while walking through the streets, minding his own business. And if that happened, a battle with the Hall of Souls would be inevitable…

"Regardless, they must have already heard of you from someone. Their movements suggest they're investigating you," Lady Azure said, a faint frown creasing her brow.

"However, whether out of fear of being discovered by your girlfriend's clan or due to orders from their higher-ups, they're moving discreetly. They don't dare to act openly in the light," Lady Xue Yue added calmly.

After listening to their words, Xiao Hua crossed his arms and rubbed his chin, his mind deep in thought.

"Have they visited the Misty Cloud Sect?" he asked after a brief pause, the possibility of Yun Shan secretly meeting with them and striking a deal crossing his mind.

"I'm not familiar with the exact location of the Misty Cloud Sect," Lady Xue Yue replied, her tone indifferent as she kept her eyes closed. "However, one of the three Protectors from the Hall of Souls has been stationed in the same spot for the past few days—about five kilometers from the capital of the Jia Ma Empire."

"The other two, however, are simply wandering, likely scouting the empire to ensure nothing interferes with their plans… aside from you, of course," she added casually.

'As expected… One of them has already made contact with Yun Shan.' Xiao Hua's eyes narrowed, turning sharp with certainty.

He knew that the Misty Cloud Sect's headquarters—Misty Cloud Mountain—was located precisely at that location. Now, he was certain: A deal had been struck between the Hall of Souls and Yun Shan.

'This means the plot will unfold similarly, but Yun Shan will certainly be more cautious now, given my presence and the Xiao Clan's current strength...' Xiao Hua mused silently.

'Regardless, since they refuse to abandon their ambitions against the Xiao Clan, a confrontation between them and Xiao Yan is inevitable. However, facing three Protectors at once—even with Yao Chen's assistance—would be an incredibly difficult task for him...'

A deep sigh escaped Xiao Hua's lips as he pondered the situation. He understood all too well that he had no choice but to intervene.

Though it wasn't part of his original plan, eliminating at least two of the Protectors—preferably the ones not stationed near the Misty Cloud Sect—had become an urgent necessity.

Fortunately, no Honorable Elders had been dispatched. If they had, hiding the battle from other factions would have been far more challenging.

'Is it Protector Wu who will collude with Yun Shan and incite him to attack the Xiao Clan like in the novel? Or will it be a different Protector?'

Xiao Hua's mind lingered on the identity of the Protector working with Yun Shan, but he pushed the thought aside. He understood that even if he knew, it wouldn't change his course of action.

His focus was clear: he would track down the two Protectors and eliminate them before they could make a move. An ordinary Dou Zun couldn't stand against him, let alone someone still in the Dou Zong class.

'But first, I need to provide Xiao Yan with some protective items to ensure his safety...'

Xiao Hua made up his mind. It was crucial to equip Xiao Yan with the proper protection, and he already knew exactly which items to give him.

Knock. Knock.

Just as he reached this decision, two soft knocks echoed through the room. The moment the sound rang out, Lady Azure and Lady Xue Yue silently returned to his body.

Xiao Hua shifted his gaze toward the source of the knocking. Though he couldn't see them directly, as he is at the garden backyard, his sharp senses easily detected Xiao Tao, Xiao Yang, and Little Fairy Doctor standing quietly outside the door.

"Come in. I'm in the backyard."

Though his voice was soft, the words carried effortlessly across the distance to the main gate. Hearing him, the three outside pushed the door open and slowly made their way toward him.

"Cousin Xiao Hua, sorry to barge in on you so suddenly."

"We have a matter of some importance to discuss, so we had no choice but to disturb your rest."

As soon as they entered the garden and approached the wooden gazebo, Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang cupped their hands, offering their apologies for arriving unannounced.

Meanwhile, the Little Fairy Doctor stepped into the gazebo and began preparing tea with a faint yet beautiful smile. Her movements were graceful and elegant, as if she had been raised in a noble family.

"It's fine," Xiao Hua said with a calm smile and a reassuring tone. "I assume you wish to discuss the movements of the Chu Yun Empire?"

"Yes, that's correct," Xiao Tao replied, nodding solemnly. "We're concerned about their actions, as many lives could be lost if they become involved."

"We've heard their movements might be closely tied to the Alchemist Grand Meeting two years from now, but we still lack information on what they actually plan to do," Xiao Yang added, his brow furrowed in deep thought.

While the Jia Ma Empire had successfully repelled each invasion from the Chu Yun Empire, the cost had been immense. The aftermath of these invasions was devastating, leaving the empire battered and scarred.

The poison methods and techniques employed by the Chu Yun Empire made the aftermath even worse. Clearing the affected areas and treating the brave soldiers on the front lines, many of whom were afflicted with deadly poisons, was an incredibly difficult and costly task.

"I've heard of the deep ambitions of Yan Li, the Deputy Chairman of the Chu Yun Empire's Alchemist Association," Xiao Hua said. "He must be aiming to participate in the Alchemist Grand Meeting."

Xiao Hua was already well aware of the Chu Yun Empire's plans, particularly Yan Li, who was at the forefront of them. He didn't take the matter lightly but rather viewed it with a sense of detached understanding.

Yan Li's ambition was to merge the roles of Alchemist and Poison Master into one. This goal had earned him the trust of the Poison Masters within the Chu Yun Empire, positioning him as a formidable contender for the next Chairman of the Alchemist Association.

'It's an interesting ambition,' Xiao Hua mused silently, 'but he seems to have overlooked one crucial fact. People trust alchemists far more than they do Poison Masters. If these two professions were to merge, who would still dare to request an alchemist to refine a pill if they couldn't even trust them?'

Given the notorious reputation of Poison Masters, people often hesitated to even share a meal with them, let alone entrust them with the delicate task of refining life-saving pills.

Regardless, Yan Li's motives were not something Xiao Hua, Xiao Tao, or Xiao Yang needed to concern themselves with. After all, the true reason for his participation was already clear to them.

"If someone from the Chu Yun Empire wins the Alchemist Grand Meeting, the Jia Ma Empire's Alchemist Association will be a laughingstock for centuries," Xiao Tao said, his brows furrowed tightly.

"But if Yan Li is the one who wins, would it even cause an uproar?" Xiao Yang remarked with a faint frown. "Someone like him competing—and emerging victorious—feels almost inevitable."

"He can disguise himself," Xiao Hua said with a faint smile, leisurely sipping the tea that the Little Fairy Doctor had brewed. "There are countless treasures and medicinal pills in this world that allow one to alter their appearance."

As he took a sip, a delicate yet captivating aroma swirled through the air—freshly plucked tea leaves infused with subtle floral and honeyed undertones. The warmth of the liquid spread through him, and the flavors unfolded in layers—rich, intricate, and perfectly balanced.

A gentle sweetness intertwined with a deep, mellow warmth, leaving behind a lingering aftertaste that was neither overpowering nor fleeting. It was pure, refreshing, and utterly devoid of bitterness—an experience that lingered long after the cup was set down.

The quality of her tea was on par with Xun Er's—each brew meticulously crafted with an intimate understanding of his preferences. Just like Xun Er's, her tea was flawlessly tailored to his taste.

Xiao Hua savored the tea, allowing himself to fully immerse in its fragrance and exquisite flavor.

For a moment, the discussion about the Chu Yun Empire faded into the background. To him, it was a trivial matter, unworthy of his concern. Instead, he let the warmth of the tea settle within him, appreciating the delicate balance of flavors that lingered on his tongue.

With a subtle glance, he met Little Fairy Doctor's gaze and gave the faintest nod of approval. No words were needed—his silent acknowledgment spoke volumes.

A soft, delighted chuckle escaped her lips, warm and light as a spring breeze. She had been brewing tea since childhood, but it was during their time in the secluded valley that she had truly come to understand his taste. Every attempt, every refinement, had led to this moment. Seeing him immerse himself in the tea she had prepared filled her heart with quiet joy.

To her, Xiao Hua was far more important than life itself. Even knowing the terrifying nature of her constitution, he had chosen to stay by her side—unchanging, unwavering. And because of that, he would always hold an irreplaceable place in her heart.

Meanwhile, as this conversation unfolded, Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang remained oblivious to the subtle exchange between Xiao Hua and Little Fairy Doctor, keeping their focus on the discussion at hand.

"As per the rules, disguises are strictly forbidden. If caught, the participant is immediately disqualified. But that's only if he gets caught…"

Xiao Tao's expression remained indifferent. Initially, he had been concerned about the possibility of war, but now that it was no longer a threat, he found little reason to care about the matter any further.

"That's true. If he intends to cause more trouble, it would be far more effective to disguise himself as a young alchemist, perhaps at the third or fourth tier."

Xiao Yang nodded several times as he spoke, his tone casual and relaxed. Like Xiao Tao, any previous unease had completely dissipated upon realizing there was no impending conflict.

They didn't question Xiao Hua's judgment—merely agreeing with his assessment. While they knew that powerful experts from the Jia Ma Empire would be monitoring the Alchemist Grand Meeting, their broader experiences had shown them the vastness of the world.

There were countless rare items and medicinal pills capable of deceiving even the keen senses of a Dou Huang. With that in mind, they simply assumed that Yan Li would employ similar means to disguise himself.

"Anyway, now that we know there won't be a war, we'll take our leave, Cousin Xiao Hua."

"That's right. We've lingered here long enough."

Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang stood up, giving a brief nod before turning to leave. With their concerns addressed, they saw no reason to remain any longer.

As they departed, Little Fairy Doctor rose gracefully, her movements fluid and effortless, like flowing water. With practiced elegance, she poured warm tea into Xiao Hua's cup, the fragrant steam curling softly in the air. Once filled, she gently set it down before silently returning to her seat.

Xiao Hua offered a faint smile before lifting the cup to his lips, savoring the tea with a quiet appreciation. His every movement was refined, exuding an effortless nobility that complemented his presence.

Taking a slow sip, he allowed the warmth to settle before carefully placing the cup down. The taste was exquisite—she had truly reached Xun Er's level when it came to brewing tea.

His gaze shifted toward Little Fairy Doctor, a flicker of curiosity in his deep eyes. "What do you think of Yan Li's ambition?"

"Yan Li?" Little Fairy Doctor arched a delicate brow, momentarily puzzled. "Are you referring to the Deputy Chairman of the Chu Yun Empire's Alchemist Association?"

Xiao Hua nodded. "That's right. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it."

Tapping a slender, snow-white finger against her delicate chin, Little Fairy Doctor fell into deep thought. Moments passed in contemplative silence before she let out a soft sigh, a trace of disappointment flickering in her enchanting gaze.

"It's impossible. Leaving aside the fact that Poison Masters have one of the worst reputations, our path is entirely different from that of Alchemists. Merging the two is nothing more than the naive dream of an idealist."

"Is that so…?" Xiao Hua responded with a faint smile. Her answer didn't surprise him—if anything, it was exactly what he had expected.

Sensing that there was little more to discuss on the matter, he shifted the topic. "Anyway, I'll be refining pills for the Primer Family over the next few days. After that, we'll head to the Tager Desert—hopefully, the journey won't take too long."

"I understand," Little Fairy Doctor replied, her voice carrying a quiet melody tinged with expectation. "Once we're finished here, will it finally be time for us to journey to the Central Plains?"

Xiao Hua's eyes flickered with surprise. "You wish to follow me to the Central Plains as well?"

He had never considered this possibility. In his mind, she would accompany him through the Jia Ma Empire and Jia Nan Academy, but eventually, she would return to that peaceful valley, far from the chaos of the outside world.

The thought that she intended to journey into the vast, treacherous lands of the Central Plains with him had never once crossed his mind.

"You do realize that the journey ahead will be danger—"

"I will follow you to the ends of the earth. That is something I will never waver on."

Before he could finish, her soft yet unwavering voice cut through his hesitation. Her gaze met his, filled with warmth and unshakable resolve. Beneath the golden sunlight, her violet eyes shimmered like the reflection of the sky upon a tranquil river—deep, boundless, carrying an unspoken promise.

Xiao Hua let out a helpless sigh, his heart caught between reason and emotion. He knew Little Fairy Doctor too well—once she had made up her mind, nothing could dissuade her.

A bitter chuckle escaped his lips. "The reason I offered you my help back then was because of your kindness and warmth. But bringing you to the Central Plains… If something were to happen to you—if danger were to strike suddenly—how do you expect me to ever find peace of mind?"

His voice, though laced with helplessness, carried an undeniable sincerity. Yet, as the warm breeze caressed the air and the golden sunlight bathed her delicate features, Little Fairy Doctor simply smiled—a soft, knowing smile that spoke of unwavering trust.

There was a quiet beauty in her expression, a gentleness that belied the strength hidden within. Her gaze shimmered with an indescribable happiness, as if his words had touched the deepest corners of her heart. When she spoke, her voice was as soft and warm as a spring breeze, carrying a tenderness that lingered in the air.

"That may be true… but the time I spent in that small valley was the happiest period of my life," she murmured, her tone rich with quiet emotion. "After learning of my constitution and its terrifying power, I resigned myself to being feared and despised. I thought that was my fate—to live in solitude, to be rejected by the world. But you… you never left me. You never looked at me with fear or disgust."

She paused, letting the weight of her words settle between them. Then, with a bright, radiant smile, she continued—her voice like sunlight breaking through the coldest winter.

"For me, that alone is reason enough to follow you to the ends of the world. So, if anything happens… it is simply because I was born with this fate. It would never be your fault."

Xiao Hua let out a helpless sigh, his expression caught between frustration and affection. "Do you really think I could ever see it that way?" he asked, shaking his head. The mere thought of such a cold rationale left a bitter taste in his heart.

Little Fairy Doctor lifted her sleeve to partially cover her lips, her long lashes fluttering as she blinked. Then, as if unable to contain herself, a soft, crystalline laugh escaped her—a sound as light as drifting petals, effortlessly dissolving the heavy atmosphere.

"It seems… that you never would," she whispered playfully, her smile blooming like the first flower of spring—gentle, radiant, and utterly captivating.

Xiao Hua could only sigh in defeat, a faint smile tugging at his lips. There was no convincing her otherwise. He exhaled slowly, surrendering to the quiet stubbornness hidden beneath her warmth. If he could not dissuade her, then he could only make one promise—no matter what happened, he would never allow harm to come to her.

And if anyone dared to lay a hand on her… he would flip the heavens upside down.

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