Btth: Second chance of Xiao yan

As the morning sun cast its golden rays across the Xiao Clan estate, Xiao Yan sat in a meditative position in his courtyard. The residual pain from his previous overexertion had subsided, replaced by a steady, buzzing warmth in his limbs. It wasn't just his Dou Qi that was growing stronger—his body was adapting, becoming a suitable vessel for the vast power he now wielded.

He had been awake before dawn, pushing his body through basic physical exercises to strengthen his foundation. The Tenfold Cultivation System, as powerful as it was, constantly reminded him of the importance of harmony between his body and energy. Without balance, his accelerated cultivation would only lead to instability, and instability in cultivation meant death.

Today, he had a new goal. The system had indicated that his Dou Qi reserves were nearing the threshold for a breakthrough into the second Dou Qi realm. However, this time, he wanted to ensure that his body was fully prepared to handle the surge of power.

"System," Xiao Yan spoke softly, addressing the voice in his mind. "What is the next step to stabilize my foundation?"

The system responded promptly, its tone steady. "Physical conditioning remains critical. The cultivation technique you utilize will further enhance the integration of Dou Qi with your body. A suitable technique must be acquired."

Xiao Yan frowned slightly. A cultivation technique was vital for channeling and refining Dou Qi efficiently. However, he was only three years old—his access to resources was limited. Most of the Xiao Clan's advanced techniques were reserved for older, more experienced members.

But Xiao Yan was no ordinary child.

He stood and dusted off his robes. If he couldn't rely on the clan's resources, he would find another way. His past life had taught him that power was never handed over freely—it had to be earned or taken. He knew the Xiao Clan's library housed a collection of basic techniques, meant for younger disciples. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

---

The Xiao Clan library was a modest building, tucked away near the estate's eastern courtyard. As Xiao Yan approached, he saw a group of older children milling about, each with scrolls in their hands. These were his peers, though most of them didn't pay him much attention. To them, Xiao Yan was just another young member of the clan—too small, too weak to be of any significance.

He ignored their glances and slipped inside. The library was quiet, the air filled with the faint scent of parchment and ink. Shelves lined the walls, each one filled with scrolls and books on various topics—history, martial arts, cultivation techniques, and more.

Xiao Yan's eyes scanned the rows of scrolls, searching for something that could aid him. The system chimed in his mind.

"Select a technique that focuses on body strengthening and energy flow optimization. This will complement your accelerated cultivation."

After a few moments, Xiao Yan's gaze settled on a scroll titled "Breath of the Iron Body." It was a foundational technique designed to fortify the body's resilience and enhance Dou Qi circulation. While it was considered a beginner's technique, Xiao Yan's instincts told him it was exactly what he needed.

Carefully, he took the scroll and found a quiet corner to study its contents. As he unrolled the parchment, he immediately began to memorize the intricate patterns of energy flow described within. The technique involved precise breathing exercises combined with controlled Dou Qi circulation to temper the body from within.

For most children his age, the technique would have been too complex. But Xiao Yan's mind, sharpened by the memories of his past life and guided by the system, absorbed the information with ease.

---

The next few days were spent in relentless practice. Each morning, Xiao Yan would wake before dawn to perform the breathing exercises outlined in the "Breath of the Iron Body." His Dou Qi flowed through his veins like molten fire, fortifying his muscles, bones, and skin. The technique was painful at first—his young body wasn't used to the strain—but he pushed through, knowing that the rewards would be worth it.

By the end of the week, Xiao Yan could feel the difference. His movements were faster, more fluid. His punches carried more weight, and his stamina had improved significantly. Even the older children in the clan began to notice the change. Some whispered among themselves, wondering how Xiao Yan, the seemingly unremarkable boy, had suddenly become so focused and disciplined.

---

One evening, as Xiao Yan practiced in the courtyard, he felt a familiar surge of energy in his dantian. The Tenfold Cultivation System activated, its voice calm and authoritative.

"Dou Qi reserves have reached optimal capacity. Second Dou Qi realm breakthrough imminent. Initiating breakthrough sequence."

Xiao Yan immediately sat down, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. He focused inward, guiding the energy within him as it began to surge. His Dou Qi, which had been steadily growing over the past week, now gathered in a fierce storm, pressing against the boundaries of his current realm.

Sweat dripped down his forehead as he concentrated. The pressure was immense, but Xiao Yan refused to falter. He could feel the system's presence, stabilizing the energy and guiding him through the process. His veins burned with power, his dantian expanding to accommodate the influx of energy.

Finally, with a burst of light, the barrier shattered.

Xiao Yan gasped as a wave of Dou Qi spread through his body, filling him with a sense of strength and vitality he had never experienced before. His muscles felt lighter, his senses sharper, and his dantian—once small and fragile—now held a vast reservoir of energy.

"Breakthrough successful. Second Dou Qi realm achieved. Physical synchronization improved by 30%." The system's voice was calm, but Xiao Yan could sense the satisfaction behind its words.

He opened his eyes, a small smile playing on his lips. The road ahead was still long, but he had taken another step forward. With the Tenfold Cultivation System and his past life's memories, he would rise faster and stronger than anyone could imagine.

This time, nothing would stand in his way.

---

End of Chapter 4

---