BTTH: Auto Cultivation System

I sincerely apologize for not uploading a chapter on Saturday. I was down with a high fever and was unable to leave my bed. Thankfully, my condition has stabilized a bit today, and the fever has started to subside.

As a small apology, I'll be uploading an additional chapter today, in addition to the regular update.

I'd also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Biki Roy and Govind Sharma for subscribing to my Patreon, even as free members. Your support truly means a lot to me!

Thank you all for your continued patience and encouragement!

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The phenomenon was vast and astonishing, instantly drawing the attention of everyone in Wu Tan City. To the common folk, it was as if a thunderous explosion had erupted out of nowhere. Then, without warning, a colossal pillar—twenty feet thick and shimmering with three radiant colors—shot up into the sky, piercing the clouds like a divine beacon.

Naturally, such a spectacle could not be concealed. One after another, people swarmed to the scene, curious and alarmed. Even Xiao Yan, who was supposed to be training in the nearby mountains, was compelled to return, drawn by the overwhelming disturbance.

Ya Fei gracefully emerged from the residence, addressing the gathering crowd. With a calm and authoritative voice, she explained the situation—soothing the anxious citizens who knew nothing of alchemy, and providing clarity to the powerful cultivators who had come to investigate.

When word spread that Xiao Hua was refining a medicinal pill—no less than a sixth-tier one—those present couldn't help but draw in sharp breaths of disbelief. Never had they imagined they would one day witness such an earth-shaking commotion caused solely by the act of pill refinement.

"Master... is this what happens when you refine a high-tier pill?" Xiao Yan asked softly, awe reflected in his wide eyes as he stared at the pillar of light.

"Indeed," came the calm reply. "Judging by the scale of the disturbance, the pill he is refining is not only sixth-tier... but likely a high-grade one at that."

Xiao Yan swallowed hard, his heart pounding. The sheer magnitude of energy left him stunned. That this level of power was only associated with a sixth-tier pill—it was difficult to imagine anything beyond it.

A soft murmur escaped his lips, laced with disbelief. "I wonder… if a sixth-tier pill causes this much of a scene... what would happen if someone tried to refine a seventh-tier or even higher? How terrifying would that be?"

His reaction was only natural. The phenomenon before him was simply too overwhelming. He couldn't help but wonder—if he were deep within the Magical Beast Mountain Range, would his exceptionally sharp senses be able to detect such a massive fluctuation of energy?

"That is precisely why most alchemists choose to refine pills in secure and secluded places," Yao Lao explained calmly. "If they are disturbed during such a critical moment, not only will the refinement fail, but the alchemist may also suffer a severe backlash."

Xiao Yan's brows furrowed, stirred by curiosity. "How severe can the backlash be, for you to speak of it with such gravity?"

Yao Lao's expression turned solemn. "It depends on the tier of the pill. For high-tier refinements, even the lightest backlash can inflict heavy damage to the soul. In the worst cases... it can lead to death."

Xiao Yan's heart trembled at those words. He was momentarily speechless, stunned by the fact that even the mildest consequence of being interrupted could severely injured an alchemist's soul.

A deep silence fell over him. His expression grew grave as the weight of the truth settled in his mind. Only now did he fully comprehend the peril and intensity behind the pill refinement—especially at such advanced levels.

Yet even with this sudden understanding, his determination did not waver. He would not retreat. He could not afford to disappoint his master, nor would he allow himself to fall behind. Even if his accomplishments were overshadowed by his cousin's brilliance, he would still carve his own path—stand tall in this world, and reach the same heights that his cousin gazed upon.

What's more, he still carried the promise of forging a new body for his master—a task perhaps even more arduous than refining a sixth-tier pill. How could he allow himself to falter now, merely from witnessing a shocking phenomenon?

As that thought crossed his mind, the towering pillar of light began to tremble slightly, its brilliance gradually dimming. In the span of a few breaths, it scattered into countless motes of light, flickering gently before fading into the skies.

Moments later, a thread of radiant, three-colored glow descended from above, streaking downward like a shooting star before vanishing into the heart of the Primer Family residence.

"It seems the refinement is complete. Things should return to normal now," Yao Lao remarked calmly.

"Things... but not everyone, Master," Xiao Yan replied with a faint smile, his gaze sweeping across the marketplace.

The streets remained lively, filled with murmurs of astonishment and spirited discussion. It was clear the excitement stirred by the event would not settle so easily.

"Still, you should leave a message for your cousin. Let him know you wish to visit him tomorrow to speak about your plans," Yao Lao advised.

"I understand, Master. Today has been a truly eye-opening experience," Xiao Yan nodded respectfully.

Turning on his heel, he made his way to Xiao Hua's residence and left a simple message—expressing his desire to speak with him the following day, should he be available.

With that done, he quietly returned to the mountain, where he resumed his training in earnest—focusing on mastering the Octane Blast and refining his pill refinement skills under Yao Lao's ever-watchful guidance.

...

A few seconds after the medicinal pill appeared and entered the secret chamber, it flew toward Xiao Hua, coming to a halt just above his hand.

A few moments after the medicinal pill emerged and entered the secret chamber, it gently floated toward Xiao Hua, coming to a graceful halt above his outstretched palm.

The three-colored radiance gradually faded, revealing the pill's true form. It was no larger than a marble, yet within its smooth, flawless surface danced the intertwining hues of red, blue, and green—each shade flowing harmoniously in a mesmerizing display.

The red glow flickered like a delicate flame, exuding heat and intensity, its movements elegant and spirited. The blue hue was calm and deep, like the tranquil surface of an endless sea, radiating a profound stillness. The green shimmered with vitality, as though the pill itself was pulsing with life, brimming with boundless energy.

This was the Three Radiance Huang Advancement Pill.

It hadn't taken him long to refine, yet its quality was unmistakable. With a light motion, Xiao Hua retrieved a jade bottle, gently storing the pill within before slowly rising to his feet.

After stretching slightly to ease his limbs, he turned toward the two graceful figures silently watching him.

"It seems you've finally finished," Lady Azure said with a soft smile, nodding lightly. Her voice carried a touch of relief. "Fortunately, they didn't attack. It seems they feared disrupting the plan."

"Perhaps they're afraid of ruining the mission and being held accountable," Xue Yue added, her tone tinged with unease. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she shook her head. "They're treading carefully… too carefully. I have a bad feeling about this."

"Bad feeling…" A faint frown formed on Xiao Hua's face. He, too, sensed that something was off—their complete lack of action felt unnatural.

"Whatever it is, there's no need to be overly concerned," Lady Azure said softly, her voice calm and steady. "As long as we're here, any unusual movement won't escape our notice."

"That may be true," Xue Yue agreed with a slight nod, "but that doesn't mean you should let your guard down."

"I understand, Sister Xue Yue." Xiao Hua nodded without hesitation, fully acknowledging her caution.

"Now that the refinement is complete, we should return to your spiritual sea," Lady Azure said.

With a gentle shimmer, both Lady Azure and Xue Yue transformed into radiant streams of light, flying toward Xiao Hua and merging seamlessly into his body—returning to the depths of his spiritual sea.

Xiao Hua turned and walked toward the door leading out of the secret chamber. With no further reason to remain, he pushed it open and stepped outside—where Primer Tengshan was already waiting silently in front of the entrance.

As the door opened, Xiao Hua was greeted by the sight of Primer Tengshan standing patiently outside, a gentle smile on his face. There was no need for words—he had already sensed the earlier commotion and understood that the refinement had succeeded.

Without delay, Xiao Hua stepped forward and handed the jade bottle to him. Primer Tengshan extended both hands to receive it, and though his expression remained composed, his fingers trembled slightly as he cradled the bottle with utmost care—like a father holding a newborn child.

The moment his eyes caught sight of the three-colored medicinal pill within, an expression of unrestrained joy and astonishment burst across his weathered face.

The joy was, of course, from receiving the Three Radiance Huang Advancement Pill. Yet the shock stemmed from a deeper disbelief: in less than a single day, this young man, not yet even twenty years old, had successfully and flawlessly refined a sixth-tier medicinal pill.

Even Pill King Gu He, renowned across the Jia Ma Empire, would not have achieved such speed without at least a few failed attempts—and even then, the quality of the final product might have suffered due to wasted ingredients.

"Thank you, Young Master Xiao Hua," Primer Tengshan said earnestly, cupping his hands in sincere gratitude. His tone carried the weight of both respect and heartfelt appreciation.

With this, the strength of the Primer Family will rise to even greater heights. Though he hadn't spoken of it to Xiao Hua, over the past few years, the family had quietly purchased numerous medicinal pills from Xiao Tao and Xiao Yang—each one aiding him in steadily reaching the peak of the Dou Wang class.

However, none of those pills compared to the importance of the Three Radiance Huang Advancement Pill. This was the key—the decisive catalyst for breaking through to the Dou Huang class.

Even more so, with the pill refined to peak quality, it could potentially allow him to advance by two or even three stages. Such an effect would leave any Dou Wang expert filled with envy and greed.

And knowing Xiao Hua's mastery in pill refinement, there was no doubt—the Three Radiance Huang Advancement Pill in his hands was of the highest grade.

'If Old Hai were to return now...' Primer Tengshan's heart surged with excitement. 'Then the Primer Family's position as the strongest among the Three Great Clans in the Jia Ma Empire would be unshakable.'

Yet, just as quickly as the thought brought joy, a shadow of worry crossed his heart.

'But where has Old Hai gone…?'

Naturally, the man he was thinking of was none other than Hai Bodong, a founding member of the Primer Family—and his sworn brother.

Letting out a bitter sigh, Primer Tengshan could only hope that Hai Bodong was safe, wherever he might be. Ever since the day his sworn brother had left and vanished without a trace, he had nearly mobilized the full strength of the clan in a desperate search—but despite all efforts, not a single clue had surfaced.

Just then, Xiao Hua's calm voice brought him back to the present.

"Now that the refinement is complete, I'll return to my residence and rest. Tomorrow, I'll come back to fulfill the remaining pill refinement requests."

Primer Tengshan nodded, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Understood. I'll inform the elders to prepare the necessary medicinal ingredients ahead of time."

With their brief exchange concluded, Primer Tengshan took the lead and guided Xiao Hua out of the corridor.

Once they exited, the two parted ways—Primer Tengshan heading off to meet with the elders, while Xiao Hua made his way back to the guest courtyard.

Upon returning, Xiao Hua spent some time chatting pleasantly with the three ladies. The atmosphere was relaxed, and laughter flowed easily. After bidding farewell to Sister Ya Fei, he departed with Lady Azure and Xue Yue, heading toward his own residence.

As they approached the gate, their gazes were drawn to a single, pristine white letter neatly pinned to the main wooden door. It stood out starkly against the dark wood, fluttering gently in the breeze.

Without overthinking it, Xiao Hua stepped forward and plucked the letter from its place. His eyes swept across the handwriting with casual curiosity—until they landed on the lower corner of the envelope.

There, in a hurried and nearly illegible scrawl, were the words:

To Cousin Xiao Hua

—Xiao Yan

A faint smile curved Xiao Hua's lips as he read the hurried scrawl from Xiao Yan. He had expected his cousin would want to meet—most likely to discuss the potential location of a Heavenly Flame.

Shaking his head, Xiao Hua gently pushed open the main gate and stepped inside the residence. It was a space specially constructed for him during his year-long journey away from the clan, a place that had since become a quiet refuge.

As he entered, Xiao Hua led the way, with Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan following closely behind—one to his left, the other to his right, each a step behind him. Their footsteps were soft and steady against the polished wooden floors, echoing faintly through the stillness of the house.

After a short walk, they paused before an intricately carved door. With a gentle push, Xiao Hua opened it, revealing the quiet splendor of the room beyond.

The space was vast, easily capable of hosting numerous guests without ever feeling cramped. Tall bookshelves lined the walls, their dark sandalwood frames adorned with intricate carvings that danced like delicate vines. Each shelf was meticulously organized, filled with thick books and ancient scrolls that seemed to hum with forgotten knowledge.

At the far end of the room, wide windows let in the golden light of the sun, casting long beams across the polished floor like morning mist. In front of these windows stood a stately wooden desk and chair—elegant in their simplicity, positioned with an air of quiet authority as though watching over the room.

In the center, a long table stretched the length of the room, flanked by two luxurious sofas. Their deep, velvety fabric offered a bold contrast to the warm tones of the room, inviting guests to sit and linger in comfort.

The atmosphere exuded serenity and quiet grace, imbued with a stillness that encouraged contemplation, reflection, and heartfelt conversation. It was a true sanctuary of calm—a place that embraced peace and offered a rare sense of relaxation.

Xiao Hua and Zi Yan settled onto the sofas, while the Little Fairy Doctor moved gracefully to the side of the room, heading toward a small table. On the small table rested a neatly arranged tray of tea and all the essentials needed to brew and serve it.

"Xiao Hua, what did the letter say? Is it from that Xiao Lan or whatever his name is?" Zi Yan blurted out, unable to contain her curiosity any longer.

"It's Xiao Yan," Xiao Hua corrected with a faint smile. "And yes, it's from him."

As expected, it was exactly what he had anticipated. Xiao Yan wished to meet and discuss matters—likely about the Heavenly Flame and other topics tied to his journey, perhaps his next course of action after the Three Year Agreement.

"Xiao Yan wants to meet and talk about his plans. I suspect he's preparing to register for Jia Nan Academy during the upcoming enrollment in a few months," Xiao Hua mused with a faint smile.

"If he wants to leave, is there even a need to discuss it with you?" Zi Yan frowned, clearly unimpressed, her tone tinged with irritation.

Xiao Hua simply shook his head, a helpless smile on his face. He knew Zi Yan's temperament well—she always acted this way toward those she wasn't close with. So, rather than respond, he chose to remain silent.

He set the letter down and said, "In addition, he wants to discuss the possible locations of Heavenly Flames. His Qi Method is similar to Brother Wei Jie's and Sister Mei Ling's—it requires powerful flames to evolve."

"Similar to Brother Wei Jie and Sister Mei Ling? Then... does that mean he also needs Primordial Heavenly Flames to advance his Qi Method? How did he even get his hands on such a technique?" Zi Yan asked in surprise, her brows furrowing.

She was clearly taken aback. Xiao Yan's technique being on par with Wei Jie and Mei Ling's was unexpected—and the fact that he was asking Xiao Hua about Heavenly Flames made the connection all the more likely.

"His master acquired it from an ancient ruin, after a fierce battle. It wasn't something obtained easily," Xiao Hua replied with a calm smile.

"Could it be... Lady Azure was the one who originally created that Qi Method?" Zi Yan's eyes widened as she pondered the possibility.

Xiao Hua shook his head. "Sister Azure mentioned that while she did create a technique based on mine, it was also inspired by something she saw someone practicing in the distant past. So technically, she isn't the original creator. And besides, there's two clear difference between the two."

He didn't elaborate further—not because he didn't want to, but because he simply didn't know.

All he knew was that since it was related to his own Qi Method, Lady Azure once mentioned that the version practiced by Wei Jie and Mei Ling—the so-called Flame Mantra—was incomplete.

After all, the third level of the Chaos Mantra was still sealed. Without it, she couldn't fully complete the technique.

Another reason is that while Xiao Yan's Flame Mantra requires Heavenly Flames to evolve, the one practiced by Wei Jie and Mei Ling demands Primordial Heavenly Flames. This means their version of the Flame Mantra needs an even greater energy source to progress compared to Xiao Yan's.

As a result, even if they used a Beast Flame, their Flame Mantra wouldn't evolve at all. In contrast, Xiao Yan's would rise by one level.

"So, do you know of any other places that have Heavenly Flames?" Zi Yan asked, shifting the topic. Realizing Xiao Hua wouldn't elaborate further, she focused on what truly mattered—the location of Heavenly Flames.

After all, it was considered rude to pry into someone's cultivation method, especially when the practitioners involved weren't present.

"Apart from the Tagger Desert, the closest one is at Jia Nan Academy—specifically within the Inner Academy. It's sealed beneath the Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower," Xiao Hua replied thoughtfully, rubbing his chin as he tried to recall all he could about known Heavenly Flame locations.

"The Inner Academy has a Heavenly Flame?! That old geezer never told me!" Zi Yan exclaimed, shocked. She couldn't help but curse at Su Qian under her breath for keeping it a secret.

Xiao Hua chuckled at her reaction. "Well, you can't really blame them. If word got out that the Heavenly Flame in their possession is the Fallen Heart Flame, it would attract countless greedy eyes. The academy would be in danger."

He spoke without hiding anything, choosing to be honest with her.

"No wonder those elders kept quiet about it…" Zi Yan muttered, crossing her arms and nodding. "That Heavenly Flame must be the reason why students in the Inner Academy advance so quickly…"

"Regardless, this isn't something we need to worry about. If Xiao Yan desires the Heavenly Flame sealed within Jia Nan Academy, then we should let him have it," Xiao Hua said calmly.

"Is that really okay? Won't the old man refuse his request?" Zi Yan's large eyes were filled with confusion. She didn't understand how Xiao Hua could make such a decision without Su Qian's approval.

"Don't worry about it." Xiao Hua shook his head slightly, reassuring her. "Elder Su Qian won't object."

Since Zi Yan was unaware of the existence of the second Fallen Heart Flame, Xiao Hua took the time to explain it to her, also mentioning that Su Qian was already aware. Of course, he said it was Lady Azure who detected the second flame.

"If Lady Azure said so, then it must be true." Zi Yan's eyes sparkled with amazement, and she didn't doubt Xiao Hua's words in the slightest. "If that's the case, then that old geezer definitely won't mind giving the current Fallen Heart Flame to Xiao Yan."

"Even so, Xiao Yan will need to grow stronger first," Xiao Hua warned. "The flame has matured to the point of forming a spiritual body. If he tries to absorb it before he's ready, it'll incinerate him alive."

"That's true. Based on what you've said, one would need at least the strength of a Dou Huang to refine the Fallen Heart Flame in its current state," Zi Yan agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "If he dares to swallow it now, he'd be the biggest fool I've ever seen…"

'Wait until she finds out I swallowed the Primordial Green Lotus Core Flame back when I was just a Da Dou Shi…' Xiao Hua thought with an embarrassed and helpless smile, a trace of awkwardness flickering in his heart.

"So, should we bring him the Green Lotus Core Flame that Lady Azure sensed in the Tager Desert?" As their conversation continued, the Little Fairy Doctor returned, having just finished brewing the tea.

She gracefully poured the warm tea into delicate porcelain cups before handing them to Xiao Hua and Zi Yan. After taking her own cup, she gently sat beside Xiao Hua—her posture elegant and natural, like a devoted wife sitting beside her husband.

Zi Yan raised an eyebrow at the casual intimacy of the action, but said nothing. Since the Little Fairy Doctor had already passed her "test," Zi Yan had no reason to stop her from getting close to Xiao Hua.

A faint orchid fragrance lingered in the air as she sat down, soft and soothing, like a spring breeze drifting through a blooming orchid field. Breathing it in, Xiao Hua felt as if his entire body had been transported to a tranquil valley of flowers.

"Not yet," Xiao Hua replied softly. "He still needs to prepare three essential items required for refining a Heavenly Flame. Let him gather them first—then we'll hand the flame over."

"You're not going to gather them for him?" the Little Fairy Doctor asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and quiet amusement.

Ever since she learned about Xiao Yan, the Little Fairy Doctor had heard from Zi Yan that Xiao Hua had been protecting him—even going so far as to refine an eighth-tier medicinal pill for him.

After observing Xiao Hua closely, she came to understand something deeper: he intended to leave everything related to the Xiao Clan in Xiao Yan's hands while he set his sights on a far higher sky.

She knew that Xiao Hua probably didn't care much about the Xiao Clan itself. Whether it was because he believed the clan had already flourished to a point that no longer needed his presence, or because his ambitions lay far beyond the clan, she couldn't say for certain.

But one thing was clear—Xiao Hua was preparing Xiao Yan to eventually take the reins as Clan Leader. And for that, he was investing considerable effort into nurturing him, so that when the time came, he could leave this place without any lingering regrets.

"No. I will not," Xiao Hua said, shaking his head. "Now that he's chosen to embark on his own journey, he must learn to protect himself and experience the world with his own two feet. Besides, he plans to devour multiple Heavenly Flames."

"He must temper his mind and sharpen his soul. If he hesitates or shows fear, he'll never be able to endure the agony of swallowing and refining a Heavenly Flame."

A faint smile tugged at Xiao Hua's lips as he wondered whether Xiao Yan would experience intense pain while absorbing the Green Lotus Core Flame. After all, he had refined the Earth Spirit Body Nourishment Pill for him.

Technically, Xiao Hua didn't need the other two essential items required for refining Heavenly Flames after Xiao Yan consumed the pill. But he knew that Yao Lao would insist on it. It would increase Xiao Yan's chances of survival and help prevent any mishaps during the Heavenly Flame refinement process.

The Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan exchanged glances. They said nothing, but both silently agreed—without a firm will, one could never succeed in swallowing a Heavenly Flame.

Only by gritting one's teeth and enduring the agony of being burned alive, from the inside out, could one hope to rise stronger from the flames.

And so, they remained quiet, enjoying this brief moment of peace. Though one among them had little patience for stillness and was already growing restless—she would no doubt soon run off to play in the Magical Beast Mountain Range.

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