Btth: Second chance of Xiao yan

The morning sun bathed the land in a soft golden light as Xiao Yan traveled along the winding road leading out of Wutan City. The air was crisp, and the wind carried a fresh scent, but his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the future. Leaving home had been a difficult decision, but he knew it was necessary for his growth.

As he rode along, Xiao Yan's mind wandered back to the invitation from Jia Nan Academy. It wasn't just a prestigious academy; it was a place where the most talented young cultivators were honed into powerful figures capable of shaping the future. If he wanted to stand a chance against the forces that threatened the Xiao Clan, this was the place to be.

After several hours of travel, Xiao Yan stopped to rest near a small stream. He dismounted, allowing his horse to drink as he took a seat on a nearby rock. The landscape around him was peaceful, a stark contrast to the storm that brewed in his heart.

As he relaxed, a rustling in the bushes caught his attention. His senses sharpened instantly, and he reached for the pouch at his side, preparing to draw his weapon.

From the brush emerged a figure— a young girl, no older than twelve, with messy brown hair and tattered clothes. She looked like she had been traveling for days, her face smeared with dirt. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Xiao Yan.

"Who... who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Xiao Yan studied her with curiosity, lowering his hand from the weapon. "I'm Xiao Yan. Who are you, and what are you doing out here alone?"

The girl hesitated before answering. "I'm Mei, Mei Ling. My family... we were attacked by bandits. I'm the only one who made it out." She looked down, clearly devastated. "I don't know where to go now."

Xiao Yan's heart softened at the sight of the young girl's sorrow. His own journey had been difficult, but he couldn't imagine losing everything in a single moment.

"You're safe now," Xiao Yan said. "Come, sit with me. You don't have to be alone."

After a brief pause, the girl slowly approached and sat beside Xiao Yan. She hesitated before speaking again. "You're a cultivator, aren't you? I can feel the power in your aura."

Xiao Yan nodded. "Yes, I am. I'm on my way to Jia Nan Academy to improve my skills."

The girl's eyes lit up with a spark of admiration. "Jia Nan Academy... that's where the strongest cultivators go, right? I've heard of it. They say the students there can do incredible things."

Xiao Yan smiled softly. "That's the goal. But becoming strong isn't easy. It takes years of training, dedication, and a lot of hardship."

The girl sighed. "I wish I could be strong like you... maybe then I could protect my family."

Xiao Yan's heart clenched. He could sense the deep pain in her voice, and it reminded him of his own struggles— of his journey to become stronger in order to protect those he loved.

"You'll be strong one day," Xiao Yan said, his voice firm with resolve. "But it takes more than power. It takes courage, heart, and a will to never give up."

The girl nodded, looking at him with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "I'll remember that. Thank you."

Several days into his journey, as Xiao Yan approached a dense forest, the atmosphere changed. The air grew thick with tension, and Xiao Yan instinctively drew his weapon, his senses on high alert.

Without warning, a group of figures appeared from the trees, surrounding him. There were four of them— all dressed in dark, hooded robes, their faces hidden. Their auras were powerful, radiating a dangerous energy.

Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes, recognizing the unmistakable signs of rogue cultivators. These were not ordinary bandits.

"Hand over everything you have, and we'll spare your life," one of the robed figures said, his voice cold and commanding.

Xiao Yan's grip tightened on his weapon. "I don't have time for your games," he said, his voice low but laced with power.

The leader of the rogue cultivators smirked. "Then you will die."

The rogue cultivators lunged at Xiao Yan, their movements swift and calculated. They were clearly experienced fighters, and their combined Dou Qi attacks could overwhelm a lesser cultivator.

Xiao Yan's eyes gleamed with determination. He wasn't just any ordinary cultivator. He was someone who had awakened his past memories and had the support of a tenfold cultivation system. He could fight against even these rogue cultivators.

With a twist of his wrist, Xiao Yan activated the Flame Serpent Palm, sending a massive wave of flames at the attackers. The rogue cultivators were forced to dodge, but Xiao Yan didn't give them a chance to regroup.

As one of the cultivators lunged at him from the side, Xiao Yan used Iron Shadow Steps, evading the attack with fluid precision. He countered with a quick strike to the rogue's abdomen, knocking him back several feet.

The other three cultivators hesitated, realizing that Xiao Yan was not someone they could easily overpower.

Xiao Yan could sense the leader of the rogue cultivators preparing something powerful. With a deep breath, Xiao Yan gathered his Dou Qi, using the system's temporary boost to increase his strength by tenfold. He focused all his energy into one final, devastating strike.

The rogue leader, sensing the danger, attempted to conjure a protective barrier, but it was too late. Xiao Yan dashed forward in a blur of motion and, with a single strike, shattered the leader's defenses. The attack was swift, powerful, and precise.

The rogue cultivator crumpled to the ground, defeated. The remaining attackers, now shaken, hesitated, but their resolve was no match for Xiao Yan's overwhelming strength. One by one, they were defeated.

With the battle over, Xiao Yan surveyed the fallen rogue cultivators. They were alive, but they had been thoroughly incapacitated. Xiao Yan didn't kill them— he wasn't a killer by nature, and he didn't want to create unnecessary enemies. Instead, he bound them with chains and left them in the woods, hoping they would think twice before attacking another traveler.

As he resumed his journey, Xiao Yan's thoughts turned once again to the road ahead. Jia Nan Academy was still a long way off, and there would be more challenges to face. But for now, he was content in knowing that he had the strength to protect himself—and anyone who needed it.

---

End of Chapter 16

---