Two-star Dou Grandmaster

Upon hearing Yao Chen's words, Xun Er was completely stunned, her face flushing a deep crimson.

"That... Senior, is that truly possible? But my clan has strict prohibitions; I cannot simply take on a master."

Seeing Xun Er's conflicted expression—clearly wanting to accept but held back by family restrictions—Yao Chen laughed comfortingly.

"Hahaha, little girl, it is fine. In the future, I will personally take Xiao Yan to the Gu Clan to pay a visit. By then, I trust your father will surely agree."

A rosy blush stained Xun Er's refined face, and she shyly averted her gaze.

"Very well, Senior. Xun Er shall take her leave now."

Watching Xun Er's departing back, Yao Chen stroked his beard and muttered to himself with satisfaction.

"If only I could take her as a disciple now. What a pity; the Gu Clan wouldn't think much of my current strength. Once I rise through the System, I'll take Xiao Yan to their Ancient Realm and show them who's boss."

"Right, I've been delayed too long. I should head back to Xiao Yan."

With a flash of the Flying Thunder God, Yao Chen instantly teleported into the cave. Xiao Yan was currently meditating and was startled by his master's sudden appearance.

"Teacher! Your movement technique is incredible! I didn't even sense you arriving in the cave."

"Hahaha, once you reach a higher cultivation level, little one, I will pass this technique on to you."

Facing Xiao Yan's praise, Yao Chen happily promised to teach him later.

"For now, demonstrate the Devouring Wave Flame Splitting Ruler I taught you. Let me see if you've been slacking off lately."

"Understood, Teacher."

Xiao Yan spoke and immediately began to execute the Devouring Wave Flame Splitting Ruler.

Xiao Yan stood with his eyes closed, Dou Qi surging around his body, his clothes snapping in the wind.

After more than a month of grueling practice, he was about to show Yao Chen his results—the Devouring Wave Flame Splitting Ruler.

Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes, a flash of firm resolve shining within them.

He gripped the Heavy Profound Ruler tightly, faint flames dancing upon its surface.

Yao Chen stood not far away, watching Xiao Yan with a calm expression, though his eyes held a hint of anticipation and scrutiny.

Xiao Yan took a deep breath, and the Dou Qi within his body surged out like a rushing river, pouring into the Heavy Profound Ruler in his hands.

In an instant, the flames on the ruler flared violently, transforming into a raging inferno that bathed the entire cave in a crimson glow.

With a fierce roar, Xiao Yan swung the Heavy Profound Ruler, the immense power whipping up a gale that howled through the cave.

The flames spread along the length of the ruler, forming a massive wave of fire that surged forward.

Wherever the flames passed, the air warped and distorted from the heat; the rocks in the cave were instantly scorched red, with some even beginning to melt.

Watching this scene, a trace of appreciation flashed in Yao Chen's eyes, though he remained composed.

After executing the move, Xiao Yan's forehead was covered in sweat, but his gaze remained steady, fixed firmly on the surging wave of fire.

The wave of fire crashed against the cave walls and rebounded, forming an even more chaotic vortex of flames.

Xiao Yan, however, did not panic; he controlled his Dou Qi, striving to maintain the power and direction of the flames.

Finally, the fire gradually dissipated, and the cave returned to silence.

Xiao Yan was panting heavily, yet he kept his back straight, looking toward Yao Chen with a hint of anticipation, waiting for his critique.

Yao Chen nodded slightly and said, "Not bad. You have gained a preliminary understanding of the Devouring Wave Flame Splitting Ruler, but you must continue to hone it to unleash its true power."

Hearing this, a smile broke across Xiao Yan's face.

"Come, little Yan-zi, stand before me. I am going to use the secret technique from last time to impart cultivation to you."

Xiao Yan's eyes filled with anticipation; with this infusion of cultivation, his strength would surely take another leap forward.

Xiao Yan sat cross-legged on a massive rock, eyes closed and expression solemn, preparing to receive Yao Chen's second lesson.

Yao Chen stood before Xiao Yan, his figure appearing exceptionally imposing in the dim firelight.

He moved his hands, weaving complex and mysterious hand seals; the surrounding air seemed to tremble along with his movements.

"Little Yan-zi, be ready. This infusion will subject you to a massive surge of energy—you must guard your heart and mind!" Yao Chen's voice was grave and low.

Xiao Yan nodded heavily, took a deep breath, and adjusted his state, letting his inner self become as calm as a still pool.

Seeing this, Yao Chen did not hesitate. He thrust his hands forward, and a vast, pure Dou Qi, as boundless as the sea, surged from his palms like a rushing river, striking straight toward Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan was instantly enveloped by this powerful Dou Qi, his body trembling involuntarily.

The surging energy flooded into his meridians, stretching them to the point of agonizing pain wherever it flowed.

Xiao Yan gritted his teeth, the veins on his forehead bulging and beads of sweat rolling down, yet his gaze remained firm. Relying on his indomitable will, he struggled to guide this violent energy through his body.

As the Dou Qi continued to pour in, the aura around Xiao Yan began to climb rapidly.

He had originally been at the two-star Dou Shi level, but now he was breaking through bottlenecks at an astonishing speed. Three-star, four-star, until he was nearing five-star.

The energy fluctuations in the cave grew increasingly violent, and the surrounding stone walls began to develop fine cracks under the immense pressure.

Just as Xiao Yan felt he could no longer withstand the energy, Yao Chen let out a sharp shout: "Condense!" He shifted his hand seals once more, controlling the rate of the Dou Qi infusion.

Xiao Yan seized the opportunity to circulate his cultivation technique with all his might, gradually refining and merging the rampaging Dou Qi within his body.

Finally, the aura around his body stabilized, and he successfully broke through to a five-star Dou Grandmaster.

Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them as a powerful momentum radiated from his body.

He stood up and bowed deeply to Yao Chen, "Many thanks, Teacher!"

Yao Chen nodded with a smile, "Little Yan-zi, stabilize your cultivation first; later, this teacher will bestow the Heavenly Flame upon you."

Yao Chen then sensed his own cultivation level; using the Teaching Art this time had caused his strength to drop from the peak of a nine-star Dou Emperor to a six-star Dou Emperor.

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully imparting cultivation to your disciple, triggering a reward!"

"Ding! Generating return multiplier randomly; the return multiplier is 3,200 times, rewarding ten years of cultivation."

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for successfully advancing to a three-star Dou Zong."

The long-absent system voice rang out in Yao Chen's mind once again.

This time it didn't actually increase much, only reaching the strength of a three-star Dou Zong. It seems I need to hurry and find Xiao Yi Xian to boost it another wave.

Later, I will pass my Ice Lotus Heart-Burning Flame to Xiao Yan and see exactly what kind of Heavenly Flame the system returns.

Xiao Yan's aura had gradually stabilized by now, and he opened his eyes to look at Yao Chen, saying, "Teacher, I am ready."

Upon hearing this, Yao Chen began to prepare to bestow the Heavenly Flame upon Xiao Yan.