Early Awakening, Xiao Yan Takes a Master

Xiao Yan had successfully broken through to a one-star Dou Practitioner!

Breaking through on the first try, and without the help of Qi Gathering Powder—I truly am a genius!

Xiao Yan felt a surge of joy within his heart over this breakthrough.

Inside the ring's space.

Yao Chen sensed Xiao Yan's breakthrough at the same moment.

"System, what are the effects of the Secret Body Restoration Technique (Expedited Version)?"

Yao Chen asked the system impatiently, intending to leave the ring and take Xiao Yan as his disciple as soon as he understood the technique's effects.

"The Secret Body Restoration Technique (Expedited Version) allows for the rapid refinement of a physical body. The requirements are one grade-five Body Reconstruction Pill and the essence blood of a rank-five magical beast. The refined body will possess the cultivation of a one-star Dou King."

Yao Chen's face twitched involuntarily after hearing the system's introduction.

This expedited version is truly a divine skill!

Under normal circumstances, refining a new body required three materials: a Bone-Growing Blood-Melting Pill, the essence blood of a rank-seven magical beast, and the corpse of a Dou Zong powerhouse.

Yet this expedited version required only two materials and did not even necessitate the body of a Dou Zong.

Although the resulting cultivation would only reach the level of a one-star Dou King, it was still a miraculous feat of bringing the dead back to life and regrowing bones.

Yao Chen wore a look of shock.

After a long moment, he remembered Xiao Yan outside.

"It is time to go out and take a disciple."

Suddenly, the ancient ring worn on his finger emitted a strange light. The glow grew increasingly intense, illuminating the entire cave as if it were broad daylight.

Within the radiance, an illusory figure slowly emerged. The figure gradually solidified, eventually forming an elderly man with white hair and the refined air of a celestial being.

Yao Chen was dressed in a white robe, his entire being exuding a mysterious and powerful aura.

"Hello there, little one."

Yao Chen's voice was deep and resonant.

"Who are you? How did you suddenly appear from my mother's heirloom ring?"

Twelve-year-old Xiao Yan widened his eyes, staring fixedly at the ring in his hand, his heart filled with vigilance.

"Little one, do not be nervous. I know your name is Xiao Yan, and you live in the Xiao Clan of Wutan City."

"Old man, how do you know my name? Are you from the Jialie Clan?"

Xiao Yan hurriedly drew a dagger, preparing to defend himself.

Yao Chen merely flicked his hand, and the dagger in Xiao Yan's grip vanished in an instant.

"Little one, this old man is an alchemist. Seeing that you have broken through to a Dou Practitioner at such a young age, your future is truly limitless."

As he spoke, Yao Chen stroked his beard, beginning to put on a show.

The current Yao Chen was ready to display his talent for deception.

"I see you possess fire-attribute Dou Qi, mixed with a trace of wood attribute. You are truly a natural-born seed for alchemy."

The vigilance on Xiao Yan's face eased slightly, but he still said with disbelief, "Old man, you expect me to believe you're an alchemist just because you say so? I could just as easily say I'm your father!"

"Insolent!"

A flash of craftiness crossed Yao Chen's eyes as the Bone Chilling Flame ignited in his hand.

The pale flame appeared cold, yet it contained a terrifyingly high temperature. Yao Lao flicked his sleeve gently, and the Bone Chilling Flame surged toward Xiao Yan like a nimble fire snake.

Xiao Yan felt a wave of scorching heat rush toward him, and in the next second, his clothes were instantly engulfed by the Bone Chilling Flame.

The fire burned with extreme speed; in the blink of an eye, his garments were reduced to ashes, fluttering down to the ground.

Xiao Yan stood rooted to the spot, dumbfounded, naked, and filled with helplessness and embarrassment.

Yao Chen watched his awkward state from the side and couldn't help but burst into loud laughter.

"Hahaha, little one, if not for this old man's appreciation for talent, I fear you would have ended up just like your clothes."

Xiao Yan immediately covered his vital parts with both hands.

"Old man—no, no, no, Senior—let's talk this out like civilized people. Don't resort to violence; I'm still just a child."

"Do you believe I am an alchemist now?"

"Kid, are you willing to take me as your master?"

Xiao Yan immediately changed his tune and replied quickly, "I am willing, I am willing! I've dreamed of becoming an alchemist; I was just afraid you were joking with me, Senior."

Yao Chen nodded in satisfaction, thinking to himself, If not for the system and having read the Battle Through the Heavens novel in my past life knowing you are the protagonist, I would have burned you to a crisp long ago.

"Then what are you waiting for? Come over here and kowtow to your master!"

Xiao Yan's expression turned troubled upon hearing this.

"Um, Master, me kowtowing to you to become your disciple while stark naked feels a bit informal. Wait for me to go back, put on some clothes, and then I'll come back to kowtow."

Yao Chen burst into laughter at this moment: "There is no need for such trouble."

As he spoke, Yao Chen waved a single hand, retrieving a set of black robes from the space within his ring.

"Come, take these and put them on."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan rushed over happily to take the clothes and put them on.

"Thank you, Master!"

Xiao Yan donned the black robes given by Yao Chen; the black color seemed to swallow all light, deep and restrained.

The material of the clothing was of superior quality, the smooth fabric clinging to the lines of his body, making every movement appear fluid and natural.

The collar of his upper garment was fastened strictly, only slightly loosened at the Adam's apple, revealing a hint of casualness. The sleeves were neither too long nor too short, just enough to reveal his palms, which were slightly rough from cultivation, yet only served to highlight his tenacity.

The black belt was cinched tightly around his waist, not only accentuating his lean torso but also adding a touch of sharpness to his entire attire. The black trousers below hung straight, wrapping around his long, powerful legs, each step carrying steadiness and strength.

A moment later.

Xiao Yan knelt on both knees, his gaze filled with expectations for the future and a thirst for knowledge. He cupped his hands, leaned his body slightly forward, and said in a loud, sincere voice: "Teacher, please accept this disciple's bow!"

With that, Xiao Yan solemnly lowered his head, his forehead touching the ground with a soft "thud."

There was not a hint of hesitation in his movements, as if this bow were him entrusting all his trust and his future to the mysterious old man before him.

Old Yao watched Xiao Yan quietly, a trace of imperceptible gratification flashing through his eyes.

Xiao Yan kowtowed three times in succession, each one filled with strength and determination. The sound of the kowtows echoed through the secret chamber, as if they were war drums for Xiao Yan challenging his fate.

After finishing the kowtows, Xiao Yan slowly raised his head; though his forehead was stained with a little dust, his eyes were clearer and brighter than ever.

"Ding, congratulations to the Host for completing your first apprenticeship. System detection: this disciple's qualifications are verified. Rewarding the Host with the First Apprenticeship Gift Package."

"Host, do you wish to open the gift package?"

"Open!"

Yao Chen replied with an excited expression. The bug-tier gift packages issued previously had all been quite good; what would it be this time?

"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for obtaining the Tier 5 medicinal pill, Body Reconstruction Pill!"

"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for obtaining the corpse of a Tier 5 Magical Beast, Red Heart Flame Wolf!"

"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for obtaining the Profound-tier Advanced Dou Technique, Purple Flame Heaven-Burning Strike!"

"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for obtaining the Profound-tier Advanced Cultivation Method, Blazing Sun Heaven-Burning Art!"

"System Warning: Rewards issued by the system that are bestowed upon a disciple cannot be returned."