Xiao Yan successfully broke through to One-Star Dou Zhe!
"I broke through in one try, and without any help from Qi Gathering Powder. I really am a genius!"
Xiao Yan was delighted by his breakthrough.
Inside the ring.
At the same time, Yao Chen sensed Xiao Yan's breakthrough.
"System, what does the 'expedited version' of the Secret Body Restoration Technique do?"
Impatiently, Yao Chen asked the system. Once he learned what the secret technique did, he planned to leave the ring early and take Xiao Yan as his disciple.
"The expedited version of the Secret Body Restoration Technique allows you to quickly refine a body. The required materials are one Fifth-grade Body Reconstruction Pill and the blood essence of a Fifth-Rank Magical Beast. The refined body will have the cultivation of a One-Star Dou Wang."
After hearing the system's explanation, Yao Chen's face twitched involuntarily.
"This expedited version really is a divine technique!"
Under normal circumstances, creating a new body required three materials: a Bone-Growing Blood-Melting Pill, the essence and bloodline of a Seventh-Rank Magical Beast, and the body of a Dou Zong expert.
The expedited version required only two materials—and not the body of a Dou Zong expert.
Although the resulting body would only reach One-Star Dou Wang, it could still bring the dead back to life and put flesh on bare bones.
Yao Chen was utterly shocked.
After a long while, he remembered Xiao Yan, who was still outside.
"It's time to go out and take on a disciple."
Suddenly, the ancient, unadorned ring on his finger emitted a strange light. It grew brighter and brighter, illuminating the entire cave until it was as bright as day.
Within the light, a faint figure slowly appeared. It gradually solidified, eventually taking the form of a white-haired old man with an immortal air about him.
Yao Chen wore a white robe, and a mysterious, powerful aura emanated from him.
"Hello there, little fellow."
Yao Chen's voice was low and magnetic.
"Who are you? How did you suddenly appear from my mother's keepsake ring?"
Twelve-year-old Xiao Yan stared wide-eyed at the ring in his hand, wary of the stranger.
"Little fellow, don't be nervous. I know your name is Xiao Yan, and that you live with the Xiao Clan in Wutan City."
"Old man, how do you know my name? Are you from the Jialie Clan?"
Xiao Yan hurriedly drew a dagger, ready to defend himself.
Yao Chen merely waved one hand, and the dagger in Xiao Yan's hand vanished in an instant.
"Little fellow, this old man is an alchemist. I saw that you broke through to Dou Zhe at such a young age today. Your future is limitless."
As he spoke, Yao Chen stroked his beard and began putting on airs.
Now it was time for Yao Chen to show off his gift for spinning tales.
"Your Dou Qi has a fire attribute, with a trace of wood mixed in. You really are a born alchemist."
The wariness on Xiao Yan's face eased a little, but he still replied in disbelief,
"Old man, you say you're an alchemist, and I'm just supposed to believe you? I could just as easily say I'm your father!"
"Impudent!"
A sly glint flashed in Yao Chen's eyes, and Bone Spirit Cold Flame flared to life in his hand.
The pale flame looked cold, yet contained a terrifying heat. Old Yao flicked his sleeve, and Bone Spirit Cold Flame shot toward Xiao Yan like a nimble fire serpent.
Xiao Yan felt a wave of scorching heat rush toward him. The next moment, Bone Spirit Cold Flame engulfed his clothes.
The flames burned with incredible speed. In the blink of an eye, his clothes turned to ash and fluttered to the ground.
Xiao Yan stood rooted to the spot, naked as a statue, his face filled with helpless embarrassment.
Yao Chen watched his mortified expression and couldn't help bursting into laughter.
"Hahaha, little fellow, if this old man hadn't taken a liking to your talent, you'd have ended up just like your clothes."
Xiao Yan immediately covered his private parts with both hands.
"Old man—no, senior! Let's talk this out. We're civilized people; no need to get violent. I'm still very young, you know."
"You believe I'm an alchemist now, don't you?"
"Would you be willing to take me as your disciple?"
Xiao Yan immediately changed his tune and answered swiftly.
"I would, I would! I've dreamed of becoming an alchemist. I was just worried you were joking with me, senior."
Yao Chen nodded in satisfaction and thought to himself,
If I didn't have the system, and hadn't read Battle Through the Heavens in my previous life and known you were the protagonist, I'd have burned you to a crisp by now.
"Then hurry over and kowtow to your master!"
Xiao Yan looked troubled.
"Um, Master, I'm naked. Kowtowing to you like this doesn't seem very proper. I'll go back and put some clothes on, then come back to kowtow."
Yao Chen burst into laughter. "There's no need to go to all that trouble."
As he spoke, Yao Chen waved one hand again and took a black robe from inside the ring.
"Here, take this and put it on."
Xiao Yan happily rushed over, took the clothes, and put them on.
"Thank you, Master!"
Xiao Yan put on the black outfit Yao Chen had given him. Its color seemed to swallow all light, dark and understated.
The garment was made of fine material, its smooth fabric fitting his frame. Every movement looked fluid and natural.
His collar was buttoned neatly, loosening just slightly at the throat for a hint of casualness. The sleeves were just the right length, revealing his roughened hands, hardened by cultivation, and making him look all the more resolute.
A black belt cinched his waist, accentuating his lean figure and giving the outfit a crisp look. His black trousers fell straight, wrapping around his long, powerful legs. Every step carried steadiness and strength.
A short while later.
Xiao Yan knelt on both knees, his gaze brimming with hope for the future and a hunger for knowledge. He clasped his hands and leaned forward slightly, then said in a clear, earnest voice, "Teacher, please accept this disciple's bow!"
With that, Xiao Yan solemnly lowered his head until his forehead touched the ground, making a soft thump.
He did not hesitate for a moment. With that one bow, it was as if he had entrusted all his trust and future to the mysterious old man before him.
Old Yao watched Xiao Yan quietly, a trace of barely perceptible satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
Xiao Yan kowtowed three times, each bow filled with strength and determination. The sound echoed through the secret chamber, like a war drum as Xiao Yan challenged fate itself.
After kowtowing, Xiao Yan slowly raised his head. A little dust clung to his forehead, but his eyes were clearer and brighter than ever.
"Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have taken your first disciple. System assessment: the disciple meets the eligibility requirements. Reward: First Disciple Acceptance Gift Pack."
"Host, would you like to open the gift pack?"
"Open it!"
Yao Chen answered excitedly. The bugged gift pack he'd received earlier had been pretty good. What would he get this time?
"Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have obtained a Fifth-grade Body Reconstruction Pill!"
"Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the corpse of a Fifth-Rank Red Heart Flame Wolf!"
"Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the Profound-tier High-grade Purple Flame Heaven-Burning Strike!"
"Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the Profound-tier High-grade Blazing Sun Heaven-Burning Art!"
"System warning: Reward items granted to the disciple cannot be returned."
Before you continue