Chapter One: Battle Power, Third Stage

Battle energy, third stage!

Xiao Yan, battle energy, third stage! Level: low!

The proclamation rang out, followed by a surge of excitement.

The first three stages of battle energy are insignificant—anyone can reach them. But add a prefix: a child just over four years old. The weight of that achievement climbs steeply.

At least, in the small city of Wutan, it does.

Too far away to catch the murmur of the crowd, Chen Xiao could still conjure the scene in his mind.

He shook his head to clear away distractions, then turned to the bulging pouch on the wooden table. Sunlight streamed in, glinting off the open mouth of the bag, casting a dazzling brilliance.

No more, no less: two thousand gold coins.

That was the price of a life.

Remembering the two major events of late, Chen Xiao gazed blankly ahead.

Half a month ago, he awoke with a splitting headache. Memories surged forth, and after digesting them for some time, he came to an astonishing realization.

He had crossed over.

Chen Xiao of Blue Star had perished in an avalanche.

Born anew on the continent of Battle Energy, he muddled through another two and a half years before awakening his past life’s memory.

The other major event: his only relative in this world, his father—who served as a guard for the Xiao family in Wutan—had died ten days ago, caught in a conflict between the Xiao and Oba families in the marketplace.

This meant that Chen Xiao’s sole support in this world was gone.

Fortunately, compared to Wutan’s other two great clans, the Xiao family was somewhat more humane. The two thousand gold coins on the table were their compensation.

Additionally, the elder who brought the coins had assured him that his livelihood until age sixteen would be provided by the Xiao family.

Of course, Chen Xiao would have to perform some chores for the Xiao family, as his age permitted. He could not be entirely idle.

After sixteen, he could leave freely or stay as a guard. The choice was his.

There was another possibility: if he showed exceptional talent in cultivation, he might be groomed by the Xiao family.

Five years old, third stage of battle energy—my talent should be decent. But the Oba family… I can’t touch them for now.

As the saying goes, a gentleman’s vengeance is never too late, even after ten years.

In this continent of Battle Energy, without strength, all dreams are mere fantasy.

Pressing down thoughts best left for later, Chen Xiao stood up, tied the coin pouch securely, and slid it beneath the bed.

He then sat cross-legged atop the mattress and began silently drawing energy to cultivate.

Immersed in training, time flew swiftly.

When Chen Xiao opened his eyes again, the sun was dipping below the horizon.

He leapt to the floor, carefully smoothed the rumpled bedding until it lay neat and tidy, then walked out the door.

On the square, the crowd had long dispersed, leaving only a few scattered guards tidying up and moving the test magic stone monument and other items.

Chen Xiao followed them into the storage room, found a cloth, and meticulously wiped everything down.

Thanks to his young age, the tasks assigned by the Xiao family elder were not strenuous, but each round of cleaning still took him half an hour.

“Chen Xiao, just do a quick job. If you’re late, you’ll only get cold rice and leftovers.”

Seeing the child sprawled atop the test magic stone monument, scrubbing even the faintest marks at the top, a guard chuckled.

Clan children had their own circles, as did the guards.

Chen Xiao’s father was an honest man, well-liked among the guards. But his honesty meant he never shielded others during disputes, so he died without much ceremony.

A hundred gold coins a month—was it worth it?

“I know, Uncle Yang. You all go ahead.”

He replied, continuing his cleaning.

Seeing this, the guards could only leave him to it.

Over these days, they’d come to understand the child somewhat. Perhaps due to losing his father, he was more mature than his peers and took things seriously. Since the Xiao family elder put him in charge of the cleaning, he insisted on wiping every inch inside and out, as if leaving any spot untouched would leave him ill at ease.

Just as they saw and suspected, Chen Xiao suffered from a touch of perfectionism.

If he was to do something, he must do it perfectly.

As usual, Chen Xiao spent half an hour on today’s chores. Gazing at the newly gleaming magic stone monument, he suppressed the urge to touch it.

I tested three days ago—no need, no need.

In the Xiao family, aside from the clan’s children, those with roles like guards and servants could not freely use the test magic stone monument and similar items; they had to apply.

But, being close to the source, Chen Xiao was a small exception, often able to interact with these things.

After washing and folding the cloth neatly, Chen Xiao left the storage room.

On the way to the dining hall, he heard laughter, looked toward the sound, and saw a well-dressed little boy leading several children, clumsily practicing boxing techniques on the square.

“Cousin Xiao Yan is amazing! I’ve been practicing Wind Punch for half a month, but I still can’t match what cousin Xiao Yan achieved in a day!”

“That’s for sure, Xiao Mei, you’re just not meant for boxing. Young Master Xiao Yan could make you cry with a single punch.”

Xiao Yan?

Chen Xiao fixed his gaze. That little boy—is he the famed Flame Emperor?

Alas, for now, he was merely a rising genius, showing no signs yet of the emperor’s future greatness.

Countrymen meeting countrymen—comparison only highlights the desolation.

Chen Xiao withdrew his gaze. At the battle energy stage, one could begin learning basic battle techniques. With strength, one must learn to wield it—this was essential.

Yet, generally, few started cultivating battle techniques at the third stage of battle energy; it was more trouble than it was worth. At this period, improving one’s cultivation was the key.

I have no memory of these techniques—probably just trying them out. The Xiao family’s techniques... seem average. In this area, Xiao Xun’er is the one to watch. I recall a move called Swallow Reversal or something—it’s likely superior to all the Xiao family’s techniques.

As this thought crossed his mind, Chen Xiao suddenly stopped.

In that instant, he felt something new appear in his mind.

Checking inwardly, his heartbeat quickened.

Swallow Reversal Strike: Advanced Profound rank battle technique, can be provisioned!

Provisioning follow-up: All troubles arise from within the Xiao family. Prevent Xiao Yan from climbing the wall!

Current provisioning count: One!

Provision now?