Btth: Second chance of Xiao yan

The sun rose over Jia Nan Academy, casting its golden rays across the sprawling campus. Xiao Yan had spent a few weeks in the academy now, adjusting to his new life as a student. The overwhelming sense of power and ambition that filled the air had started to feel familiar, as if this place were made for him. His first fight had already earned him a reputation among the students, and many now regarded him as someone to be reckoned with. However, Xiao Yan knew better than to grow complacent.

After his victory in the sparring match against Liu Feng, Xiao Yan had been approached by several students— some offering congratulations, others with a hint of envy in their eyes. It was clear that his rapid rise had drawn attention, both positive and negative. But Xiao Yan knew that gaining a reputation was not the same as gaining true strength. He could not afford to get distracted by the attention, nor by the politics that brewed within the academy.

His opponent, Liu Feng, had been surprisingly gracious in defeat. Despite his confident demeanor, he had acknowledged Xiao Yan's abilities with a respectful nod. "You're not bad, Xiao Yan. Keep training. We'll see who stands at the top in the end."

Xiao Yan had simply nodded in return. He wasn't here to make friends or enemies— he was here to grow stronger.

As the days passed, Xiao Yan immersed himself in the academy's rigorous training schedule. Each day, he woke early to practice his techniques and refine his control over his Dou Qi. He had to be methodical— his tenfold cultivation system made it easier for him to absorb energy, but it also made it more difficult to maintain perfect control. The stronger he became, the more important it was to stay grounded.

He spent hours in the academy's vast training grounds, sparring with other students and refining his abilities. His reputation continued to grow as he easily defeated many of his peers, some of whom were even in higher years. But Xiao Yan was always careful not to show all his cards.

In addition to his physical training, Xiao Yan began studying the academy's ancient texts. The academy had a vast library, filled with scrolls and books containing knowledge from all across the continent. Some were written by powerful cultivators, while others were passed down from the academy's founders. Xiao Yan devoured the information, learning about different cultivation methods, powerful techniques, and the hidden history of the academy.

One book, in particular, caught his eye— The Path of the Alchemist. It detailed the cultivation and alchemy skills necessary to refine Dou Qi into more potent forms, and Xiao Yan saw the potential to integrate these skills with his own abilities. Alchemy was a skill he had never explored, but with the right knowledge, it could give him an edge in his cultivation journey.

It wasn't long before Xiao Yan encountered another powerful rival. One evening, as he practiced his Flame Serpent Palm in the academy's courtyard, a cold voice interrupted his concentration.

"I must say, Xiao Yan, your fire techniques are impressive. But they are nothing compared to the power of true mastery."

Xiao Yan turned to find a young woman standing behind him, her expression haughty. She was dressed in the distinctive robes of the fourth-year students, and her aura radiated a cold, oppressive energy.

"I'm Yan Zhi," she continued. "I've heard a lot about you. You defeated Liu Feng with ease, but that was just a fluke. If you're serious about becoming the strongest here, you'll need more than just raw power. You'll need technique, control, and a deeper understanding of your abilities."

Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't let her words faze him. "I've heard of you, Yan Zhi," he replied, his tone calm. "You're a fourth-year student, so I'll take your advice to heart. But if you want to test your theories on my abilities, I'm more than happy to spar."

Yan Zhi smirked, her lips curling into a disdainful smile. "You're bold, Xiao Yan. But don't think you can defeat me with sheer strength alone."

She moved swiftly, her body a blur as she unleashed a series of precise strikes, each one filled with a chilling aura. Xiao Yan had to admit that her technique was flawless. Her control over her Dou Qi was exceptional, and she moved with the grace and power of a seasoned fighter.

Xiao Yan, however, was no stranger to power and control. He matched her speed with his own enhanced abilities, evading her strikes with calculated precision. The battle raged on for several minutes, each move pushing Xiao Yan further. He used the tenfold cultivation system to amplify his power, but he knew he couldn't rely solely on brute force.

With a sudden burst of energy, Xiao Yan unleashed a modified Flame Serpent Palm, using his newfound control to guide the flames around Yan Zhi's attacks. The result was a controlled explosion of fire that surrounded them both, forcing Yan Zhi to retreat for a moment.

As the smoke cleared, Xiao Yan stood tall, eyes focused and breathing steady. Yan Zhi, on the other hand, was momentarily disoriented but unharmed.

"You're not bad," Yan Zhi said, her expression more respectful than before. "I underestimated you. But remember— you still have a long way to go before you can challenge the true elites of this academy."

Xiao Yan nodded, recognizing the truth in her words. The road to the top was never easy, but it was one he would walk.

The fight with Yan Zhi left a lasting impression on Xiao Yan. He had won, but it wasn't an easy victory. Her mastery over technique and her precision reminded him that there was still much to learn. He couldn't rely solely on his enhanced strength— he had to refine his techniques and cultivate his mind just as much as his body.

In the following weeks, Xiao Yan continued to push himself. His training became more intense, and he sought out the best instructors to refine his techniques. But he never lost sight of his goal— to become stronger than anyone in Jia Nan Academy.

As his power grew, so did his resolve. Xiao Yan had only just begun his journey, and the path ahead would be filled with even greater challenges. But he was no longer the child who was lost and alone— he was a cultivator, a force to be reckoned with.

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End of Chapter 18

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