Btth: Second chance of Xiao yan

---

The days following Yao Lao's disappearance into slumber were filled with both achievement and solemnity. Xiao Yan, though immensely grateful for his master's teachings, knew that the path ahead would no longer be as simple as refining pills and cultivating in peace. The world outside was vast and filled with dangers, and his strength, though formidable, was still far from reaching the highest levels of power.

He stood on the balcony of his secluded residence, looking out at the horizon. The sun had just risen, casting golden rays across the land, signaling a new day. Yet, in Xiao Yan's heart, it was more than just the beginning of another day—it was the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

"Master, I will walk the path you've shown me," Xiao Yan murmured under his breath.

The Heavenly Flame Pill that he had refined with such care was now safely stored in his spatial ring. He knew that consuming it would strengthen his body and accelerate his cultivation, but the decision was not one to be taken lightly. The pill was an invaluable treasure, and he had learned well that using such things hastily could be disastrous. He needed to be patient, to wait for the right moment.

But even as he stood in thought, a sense of urgency began to build within him. He was no longer the young, vulnerable boy who had been forced to fight for every scrap of power. Now, he was a rising star in the martial world, and enemies would surely seek him out.

A sharp knock interrupted his thoughts, and Xiao Yan turned toward the door, already knowing who it was. The person who had been his ally for many years—Chen Yun.

Chen Yun entered the room with a grin on his face, his demeanor lighthearted, though his eyes carried a certain seriousness. "Young master Xiao Yan, it seems like trouble's brewing in the distance. Rumor has it that a group from the Fallen Sky Sect is on the move. They're said to be looking for someone."

Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow. "The Fallen Sky Sect? What business do they have here?"

"I don't know the specifics," Chen Yun continued, "but word on the street is that they're looking for a certain alchemist. Someone who has recently risen to prominence for their mastery of fire. You wouldn't happen to know anyone like that, would you?" His tone was light, but there was a glint of concern in his eyes.

Xiao Yan's expression darkened. He had heard of the Fallen Sky Sect before—an infamous sect known for its ruthless tactics and desire for power. If they were indeed looking for him, it could mean one of two things: either they sought to recruit him, or they intended to eliminate him before he grew too powerful.

"I see," Xiao Yan muttered, his fingers tapping lightly against the railing. "Then I suppose it's time to test my new strength."

Chen Yun hesitated before speaking again. "Young master, I advise caution. The Fallen Sky Sect is no ordinary force. Their reach is vast, and their members are strong. It's best to stay low for now."

Xiao Yan gave a reassuring smile. "I appreciate the warning, but I've faced worse challenges before. If the Fallen Sky Sect wants me, then they'll get me. But not in the way they expect."

He turned to face Chen Yun fully. "Gather our people. It's time for us to make our move."

---

As the days passed, Xiao Yan prepared for the inevitable confrontation. The strength he had accumulated over the years, especially with the Heavenly Flame Pill still within his grasp, gave him confidence. However, he also knew that taking on the Fallen Sky Sect would not be a simple task. The sect was notorious for its elite fighters, and it was rumored that they had several Dou Spirit-level experts under their command.

In the quiet of his training room, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged, his body surrounded by a faint, golden flame as he began to focus his energy. He had already consumed a portion of the Heavenly Flame Pill to strengthen his body further, and the effects were immediate. His senses had sharpened, his strength had grown, and his soul felt more focused than ever.

The refining process had already pushed his cultivation to a new height, and he now stood at the cusp of breaking into the peak of the Dou King realm. With just a little more time, he would be able to step into the domain of the Dou Spirit, but time was something he did not have in abundance.

As he meditated, he was once again interrupted by a familiar presence—this time, it was the feeling of the Heavenly Flame Pill calling to him from within his spatial ring. His instincts told him that now was the time. The pill's energy resonated with his own, and he knew it was ready for consumption. The time to become even stronger had arrived.

He stood up, walked to the center of his training chamber, and retrieved the pill. Holding it in his palm, Xiao Yan felt a surge of power emanating from it. The pill was glowing, as though reacting to his intentions. His heart raced with anticipation. The Heavenly Flame Pill was no ordinary treasure—it was a key to unlocking his true potential.

He closed his eyes, focusing his mind, and placed the pill into his mouth. As soon as he did, the energy from the pill exploded within him, surging through his body and enveloping him in a burning sensation that was both painful and exhilarating. His muscles expanded, his bones strengthened, and the flow of Dou Qi within him grew smoother than ever before.

The warmth of the pill spread throughout his body, refining every part of him. His cultivation soared, and with a deep breath, Xiao Yan felt a new layer of power settle within him.

A few moments later, the sensation subsided, and Xiao Yan opened his eyes, his body humming with newfound strength. He had broken through the Eight-Star Dou King realm and had reached the peak of the Dou King stage. The power within him was immense, and the air seemed to crackle with his energy.

He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his power. "I'm ready," he whispered to himself. "Let the Fallen Sky Sect come."

---

The news of Xiao Yan's newfound strength spread quickly through the underworld, and whispers of his advancement reached the ears of the Fallen Sky Sect. They had been keeping a close eye on him, and now that he had reached such a formidable level of power, they would come for him soon.

But Xiao Yan was no longer the naive boy who had once struggled to regain his strength. With the Heavenly Flame Pill fueling his power, he was prepared for whatever challenge lay ahead. He would make them understand that he was no longer someone to be underestimated.

And so, as the dark clouds of danger gathered, Xiao Yan stood at the precipice of his future, ready to face the challenges that awaited him—and whatever enemies might come.

---

End of Chapter 23

---