Btth: Second chance of Xiao yan

The calm after the storm of his breakthrough brought Xiao Yan a profound sense of clarity. His body was now stronger, his Dou Qi more vibrant, and his confidence had grown. However, as he sat in quiet contemplation in his courtyard, the Tenfold Cultivation System's monotone voice echoed in his mind.

"Host has achieved the second Dou Qi realm. Future challenges will require enhanced resources and techniques. Probability of external threats increasing: 23%."

Xiao Yan frowned. External threats? At only three years old, he was unlikely to attract much attention, but the system's calculations were never baseless. He needed to be prepared.

"System, elaborate on the potential threats," he said, his voice calm but firm.

"The accelerated growth of your Dou Qi signature is an anomaly. If detected by individuals sensitive to energy fluctuations, it may arouse suspicion. Additionally, rivals within the Xiao Clan may perceive your rapid growth as a threat."

Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed. He hadn't considered how his unusual progress might draw attention. The Xiao Clan was large, and while most members were united in name, internal rivalries were not uncommon. If anyone noticed his meteoric rise, they might try to undermine him—or worse.

"Understood," Xiao Yan said. "I'll take precautions."

"Recommendation: conceal cultivation progress and seek opportunities to acquire higher-grade techniques."

Xiao Yan nodded. The system was right. His current pace of growth was remarkable, but without superior techniques or resources, his progress would eventually slow, and he would lose the edge provided by the system. He needed to plan his next steps carefully.

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The following morning, Xiao Yan set out with a renewed purpose. His father, Xiao Zhan, was the leader of the Xiao Clan, a position that came with access to resources and information. However, Xiao Yan was cautious. Revealing too much to his father could lead to questions he wasn't ready to answer.

Instead, he decided to explore the Xiao Clan's training grounds. The grounds were bustling with activity as disciples of various ages practiced martial arts and cultivation techniques. Xiao Yan, with his small stature and young age, went largely unnoticed as he observed the training sessions.

His attention was drawn to a group of older disciples sparring in the center of the grounds. Their movements were swift and precise, their Dou Qi flaring with each strike. Xiao Yan's sharp eyes caught the subtle imperfections in their techniques—stances slightly off-balance, energy flows disrupted by overexertion. He couldn't help but smirk. In his past life, he had faced far greater challenges than this.

As he watched, an idea began to form in his mind. The Xiao Clan's sparring sessions could serve as a cover for his rapid growth. By participating in these sessions, he could gradually reveal his strength, allowing his progress to appear more natural. Additionally, it would provide him with an opportunity to observe and learn from the older disciples' techniques.

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Later that day, Xiao Yan approached his father in the main hall of the Xiao Clan estate. Xiao Zhan was reviewing clan documents, his expression serious but not unkind. When he saw Xiao Yan, his face softened.

"Xiao Yan, my son," Xiao Zhan said warmly. "What brings you here?"

Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment, then bowed respectfully. "Father, I wish to begin training with the other disciples. I believe it's time for me to take the first steps on the path of cultivation."

Xiao Zhan raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "You're still very young, Xiao Yan. Most children don't begin serious training until they're at least five or six. Are you certain you're ready?"

"Yes, Father," Xiao Yan replied firmly. "I've been practicing on my own, and I feel that I'm ready to take the next step."

Xiao Zhan studied his son for a long moment. Xiao Yan met his gaze without flinching, his small frame radiating quiet determination. Finally, Xiao Zhan nodded.

"Very well," he said. "You may join the junior disciples during their training sessions. But remember, Xiao Yan—cultivation is not a race. Take your time and focus on building a strong foundation."

Xiao Yan bowed again, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thank you, Father. I won't disappoint you."

---

That evening, Xiao Yan returned to his courtyard, his mind racing with plans. The training sessions would provide him with the perfect opportunity to blend in, to show just enough progress to avoid suspicion. But more importantly, they would allow him to test his skills against real opponents.

As the moon rose high in the sky, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged beneath its silvery light. His Dou Qi flowed steadily within him, a river of power waiting to be unleashed. The Tenfold Cultivation System hummed in the back of his mind, its presence a constant reminder of the extraordinary potential he now possessed.

"Tomorrow," Xiao Yan whispered to himself. "Tomorrow, the real journey begins."

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End of Chapter 5

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