BTTH: From Genius to Invincible

Word Count: 2,769 Words

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Xiao Yan's eyes widened—it was that feeling again, for the second time! 

Cai Lin slowly rose to her feet. Her gaze fixed on Xiao Yan with domineering intensity and a hint of possessiveness as she brushed her thumb across her exquisite red lips.

Xiao Yan swallowed hard as memories from several months ago flooded back unbidden.

Looking at Cai Lin now, her beauty struck him as even more peerless. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, her eyebrows arched like distant mountains, and her vermilion lips added a captivating touch of red.

She was absolutely breathtaking in her imperial red robes that accentuated every perfect curve of her body—a bewitching enchantress who could captivate souls with a mere glance, a beauty that made men yearn to embrace her upon sight.

Cai Lin offered a faint smile before Xiao Yan could recover from his shock. She grabbed his collar, lifting him entirely, and leaned close to his ear. "I don't mind that other silhouette in your heart," she said domineeringly, "nor will I stop you from helping that woman with the Woeful Poison Body. If you wish to achieve great things, the Woeful Poison Body is a significant aid, but—"

She suddenly changed her tone, her voice becoming low and icy as she said solemnly, "The queen in your heart can only be me."

Xiao Yan's heart trembled. What a domineering woman!

Cai Lin's red lips lightly kissed his cheek. Then, with a forceful exertion of her right hand, she tossed him out of the palace like a volleyball before he could react, sending him soaring toward the horizon like a shooting star.

One must know that Cai Lin was a 9-star Dou Ancestor; if she wanted to throw someone, she could hurl them hundreds of miles away!

A hint of tenderness softened her eyes as she watched Xiao Yan disappear into the distance. Beneath the queen's dominance lay affection as gentle as flowing water!

She turned her attention to the two brocade boxes on the table and slowly opened them. Inside lay two flawless medicinal pills, quietly resting there. A pure medicinal fragrance so rich that it flooded the entire hall surged forth instantly.

From their aroma and appearance, it was evident how much care Xiao Yan had put into refining these two pills.

A burst of seven-colored light flashed as Cai Lin retrieved a jade box from her own colorful spatial storage. This jade box contained the Core-Fire Lotus Seed that Xiao Yan had refined using the Ten Thousand Beast Flame, intended to help her accelerate the condensation of her physical body at the bottom of the tower.

She opened it slowly, and a gleam of green light emerged from within. Cai Lin had kept it all along without using it! Moreover, the brocade box also contained a piece of soul jade that Xiao Yan had left for her, instructing that she should contact him if anything happened.

"Idiot," she murmured, looking at the three treasure boxes before her. A faint smile unconsciously appeared at the corners of her lips.

She knew that even if Xiao Yan had stayed by the side doing nothing when she was evolving using the Green Lotus Core Flame, she would have failed all the same. In the end, it was actually a coincidence that Xiao Yan saved her.

It was hard to tell who had truly fallen for whom after spending these few years together.

Gazing at the blue sky, Cai Lin whispered softly, "Safe journey, husband."

…

Meanwhile, Xiao Yan soared through the sky like a small bird after being launched from Misty Cloud Mountain by Cai Lin. He was flying without even needing to use Dou Qi!

Of course, although Xiao Yan had lived two lives, he was like a blank slate when it came to matters of the heart. He was still pondering why he had been thrown out. Could it be that Cai Lin was still angry with him? But why was she angry?

He shook his head vigorously, pushing these questions aside. If he couldn't figure it out now, he'd leave it for later.

The Wind and Thunder Fury Flame appeared with a whoosh. Xiao Yan instantly transformed into a whirlwind as he rushed toward Jia Ma Sacred City.

"Hey, Xiao Yan, don't think you can leave me behind!" Zi Yan called out. She had been waiting for him early on—how dare he consider not taking her!

"We're not going to gather medicinal ingredients this time, but you can come if you want." Xiao Yan landed atop the mountain peak, looked at Zi Yan—who had broken through to Rank 7, reaching Dou Ancestor strength—and agreed to bring her along.

After all, she was an Ancient Void Dragon at the Dou Ancestor level—handy in a fight.

"Should I come along?" Venerable Tian Huo asked.

Xiao Yan shook his head. "There are no Dou Venerates in the Black-Corner Region. Elder Yao, your presence might arouse unnecessary suspicion and cause trouble. Moreover, the Yan Alliance hasn't fully stabilized the North-Western Region yet and needs you to stay. Little Fairy Doctor's company will suffice."

In the end, Xiao Yan set off toward the Black-Corner Region with Little Fairy Doctor, Zi Yan, and the Amethyst Winged Lion King father and son. Using Mao Wu's power, he opened a spatial passage leading directly to Xiao City, and they vanished.

…

At this time, in Xiao City of the Black-Corner Region.

More than three years ago, Feng City was renamed Xiao City after Han Feng was killed by the combined efforts of Xiao Yan and Jia Nan Academy. It became the territory of the Xiao Clan under the Yan Alliance.

Xiao City had become the holy land for alchemists and a central hub for medicinal ingredients in the Black-Corner Region due to Xiao Yan's influence and Ya Fei's methods in recent years. Apart from some alchemists from the Medicinal Gang, various black-market medicinal ingredients, pills, and even some infamously notorious alchemists had all gathered in Xiao City.

The entire Xiao City was now a hot commodity in the Black-Corner Region, ranking among the top three cities. The other two were Black Emperor City—Xiao Yan's destination this time—and Demon Flame City, controlled by the faction known as Demon Flame Valley.

But in terms of profits and popularity, there was no doubt that Xiao City, with the highest concentration of alchemists, was the most bustling place in the entire Black-Corner Region.

Especially after news of the Yan Alliance's sweeping victory in the North-Western Region spread to the Black-Corner Region over a year ago, Xiao City had truly flourished, taking on the appearance of the Black-Corner Region's leading city.

Although there had been some unrest in the following year due to Xiao Yan and Cai Lin's disappearance, Xiao Yan had made a strong return a few months ago and even incorporated the Sky Serpent Mansion into his territory, bringing stability once again.

In the center of Xiao City, within a large courtyard, Xiao Zhan was stretching his limbs, loosening his body.

In the Yan Alliance, Xiao Zhan was the person one absolutely could not afford to offend.

Within the alliance, you could curse Xiao Yan, curse the Yan Alliance, but if you insulted this middle-aged man, you were dead meat.

"Uncle Xiao, Ya Fei has prepared some tea and snacks. Please rest for a while." Ya Fei approached slowly, carrying flower tea and pastries.

Some relied on methods; some benefited from being close at hand; and some started with the father.

Ya Fei gently placed the refreshments as a ray of sunlight shone down, highlighting her beauty. In terms of looks, she was not inferior to Nalan Yanran, Yao Ye, and others, though naturally, there was still a gap compared to Xun Er and Cai Lin.

Ya Fei wore her waterfall-like hair elegantly coiled. Her bright, clear eyes radiated intelligence.

Her figure was undeniably exceptional – a graceful, curvaceous figure that commanded attention. Her ample bosom, combined with a tall, slender frame, created a stunning visual harmony that left little room for criticism.

Today, she wore tasteful green robes, lending her an air of elegant refinement. Hers was a beauty that warmed the heart, an intellectual charm that was both approachable and subtly captivating.

When war broke out between the Yan Alliance and the Sky Serpent Mansion's North-Western Alliance half a year ago, leading to repeated defeats, Ya Fei—who controlled the Yan Alliance's economic lifeline—naturally had to secure a fallback. She led some of the elderly, women, and children of the Xiao Clan, along with most of the alliance's assets, and relocated them to Xiao City.

This gave Ya Fei her opportunity. She even found out what color underwear Xiao Yan liked to wear.

"Haha, Ya Fei, no need to be so polite. I'm not so old that I can't walk." Xiao Zhan showed a kind smile.

As the current Clan Head of the Xiao Clan, his seasoned eyes had seen many people! How could he possibly not recognize Ya Fei's feelings for his son?

Moreover, the most important thing was that during Xiao Yan's absence, Hai Bodong and Miteer Tengshan had actually told him about the matter they'd previously discussed with Xiao Yan.

They said they'd agreed to give half of the auction house to Xiao Yan, but Xiao Zhan understood—wasn't this essentially a marriage proposal? Just one initiated in reverse.

Now, he felt a growing sense of pressure. It wasn't just Ya Fei. He'd observed that Xiao Yu's affection for his son was equally clear as day during his time in Xiao City, and even Xiao Mei was the same.

He wanted Xiao Yan to spread the Xiao Clan's branches and leaves, but he hadn't expected his son's charm to be so potent! This situation transcended mere 'spreading branches and leaves'; it was bordering on cultivating an entire forest!

I told you to spread, but not quite like this!

Even as his old father, he felt that his son was perhaps trying a little too hard.

Xiao Zhan settled onto a stone bench and took a sip of the flower tea personally brewed by Ya Fei. A refreshing floral essence filled his senses as the fragrant liquid touched his tongue. Undeniably, this earned her extra points in his book.

"Haha, speaking of which, that brat seemed to have returned a few months ago. Seriously, he only focuses on cultivation and doesn't even come to see his old man when he's back. I need to have a talk with him this time." Xiao Zhan stuffed a piece of pastry into his mouth, very dissatisfied with his son's lack of concern for his lonely old self.

Ya Fei poured another cup of tea and said with a light laugh, "Uncle Xiao, please don't blame him. There are many matters in the Yan Alliance that need Xiao Yan to handle, and he should be coming to the Black-Corner Region soon to attend an auction."

"Hmph, so he only comes for the auction. No way, I must teach him a good lesson this time." Xiao Zhan put on an angry expression.

"Didn't I come to see you, Dad?" a familiar voice sounded. Instantly, black flames surged in the courtyard. A black cat first emerged from the passage, followed by Xiao Yan and his companions.

Seeing Xiao Yan's grinning but unserious appearance, Xiao Zhan feigned anger, walked over, and slapped him on the butt.

"Ouch! Dad, what are you doing?" Xiao Yan was stunned. How many years had it been since Xiao Zhan had spanked him!

The last time seemed to be when Xiao Yu had tattled on him, earning him a butt-whooping.

"So, it hurts, huh? You brat, come here." Xiao Zhan said, hands on his hips.

"There are people watching; give me some face."

After the cheerful commotion subsided, Xiao Yan stopped fooling around. He noticed Ya Fei standing nearby, her eyes holding a hint of resentment and glistening with unshed tears. He rubbed his nose, walked over, embraced her gently, and said, "I've made you worry over the past year, Sister Ya Fei."

Xiao Yan had been missing for a year!

There were those like Little Fairy Doctor and Yun Yun, who firmly believed in his great strength and that he would surely turn misfortune into fortune. But there were also those like Ya Fei, who didn't understand much about cultivation and were concerned for his safety.

Ya Fei's eyes flickered with reproach as she pinched his waist hard with her fingers, murmuring softly, "It's good that you're back."

Xiao Zhan's boisterous welcome naturally drew others to the scene.

Xiao Yan released Ya Fei and turned toward the courtyard entrance where a tall, elegant figure caught his attention.

Xiao Yu wore a red instructor's robe from Jia Nan Academy that added a mature, alluring quality to her appearance.

"Tsk tsk tsk, Xiao Yu, have you grown taller again?" Xiao Yan rubbed his chin, his gaze moving from her feet upward, clicking his tongue in wonder.

Didn't people stop growing after their teens? Was the Xiao Clan's Dou God Bloodline that powerful?

Initially, Xiao Yu felt a mix of shock and joy in her heart, but an inexplicable anger surged within her upon hearing his words. She activated an agility-type Dou Technique, dashed forward like an arrow, and kicked toward him.

"Do you have any idea how worried everyone was when you disappeared for a year?!"

Thump! To Xiao Yu's surprise, Xiao Yan didn't block this time and went flying from the impact.

Kicking Venerable Yan through the air with a single strike would be a feat worthy of pride even within the Hall of Souls!

"Xiao Yan, are you alright?" Xiao Yu's heart tightened. Usually, when she kicked, he would block. But in her anxiety and haste, she'd forgotten that with her strength, she couldn't hurt him even if he lay still and let her stomp on him.

Xiao Yan slowly stood and smiled wryly. "I apologize for making everyone worry."

This was something Xiao Yan had overlooked. Those with high cultivation levels like Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan knew that his strength made it unlikely for him to die easily.

But for those with lower cultivation like Ya Fei and Xiao Yu, life seemed very fragile in their eyes.

Soon, other members of the Xiao Clan in the courtyard heard the commotion and came over.

"Little Clan Leader!"

"You're Xiao Ning?! Your strength has improved a lot! Your build has become quite... robust."

"Little Clan Leader!!"

"Oh, I remember—you are Xiao Meng and Xiao Yue Liang."

Under Xiao Yan's guidance, the strength of some younger clan members had been continuously rising. Take Xiao Ning, for example. After not seeing him for three or four years, his strength had reached high-star Dou King, making him an elite of the Xiao Clan.

"Cousin Xiao Yan!" A sweet, charming voice called out, and Xiao Mei came running towards him, her eyes sparkling. Xiao Yan's eyes widened slightly as she drew closer, and he couldn't help but suck in a quiet breath.

The Dou God Bloodline was truly formidable! It was truly a case of 'blossoming' at eighteen.

He momentarily found himself wondering just what she ate every day. Perhaps he should inquire and recommend her diet to Little Fairy Doctor…

Suddenly, an intense chill ran down Xiao Yan's spine, snapping him out of his thoughts. He instinctively felt an icy gaze lock onto him. Little Fairy Doctor's eyes had narrowed dangerously, as if guessing his thoughts, and her expression had cooled several degrees. He hastily pushed the approaching Xiao Mei back by the shoulders and coughed, "Cousin Xiao Mei. It has been a long time. You look... very healthy."

"Hehe," Xiao Mei giggled, seemingly oblivious.

...

As the saying goes, 'Sharpening the axe doesn't delay chopping wood.' Xiao Yan did not immediately rush to Black Emperor City. Instead, he first went to Xiao City to gather detailed information from Ya Fei, since he didn't even know when the auction would begin.

At the dining table in the Xiao Clan's courtyard, he drank heartily with his father and toasted freely with various clan brothers and sisters.

Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel comforted seeing that the Xiao Clan now had many talented individuals.

'I guess I haven't disappointed Ancestor Xiao Xuan. The Xiao Clan finally has some foundation.'

Looking at the assembled clan members filling the courtyard, he raised his cup high and shouted, "I, Xiao Yan, toast to all the Xiao Clan members here. Without you, the Xiao Clan could hardly sustain itself."

"To the Little Clan Leader!"