1: Chapter 1: A Collateral Branch Heir? Ten Consecutive Draws at the Start!

The night was deep.

In a secluded small courtyard at the back of the Xiao Family residence in Wutan City, moonlight shone through the dilapidated window lattice, casting mottled shadows on the ground.

Lin Yan sat up abruptly from the hard bed, his forehead covered in fine cold sweat. He gasped for air, his chest heaving violently, as if he had just struggled out of deep water. Strange memories flooded his mind like a tide—Fighting Qi Continent, Jia Ma Empire, Wutan City, Xiao Family... A fifteen-year-old boy, also named Lin Yan, an unremarkable side branch disciple of the Xiao Family. His parents had died early, his aptitude was mediocre, and he was at the third stage of Dou Zhi Qi, as transparent as air within the clan.

"Am I... transmigrated?"

He looked down at his slightly thin hands covered in thin calluses, then looked around the simple room that contained only a bed, a table, and a cabinet. The sense of reality pressed down coldly and heavily. It was not a dream; those memories belonging to this world were terrifyingly clear: the indifferent gazes of the crowd during the family test, the occasional mockery from peers, and the confusion about the future that he dared not reveal because of his low strength, hidden deep in his heart.

"The world of Battle Through the Heavens..." Lin Yan muttered to himself, a mix of absurdity and excitement colliding in his chest. As a veteran reader from Earth, he was too familiar with this world where Fighting Qi was respected and strange fires reigned supreme. Xiao Yan, Yao Lao, Nalan Yanran, Cloud Mist Sect, Hall of Souls... Those magnificent stories and characters became incredibly real at this moment.

But soon, reality poured down like a basin of cold water—he was not Xiao Yan; he did not have the ring where Yao Lao resided, nor did he have the protagonist's luck. He was just a side branch disciple of the Xiao Family whose parents had passed away, with ordinary talent. In this cruel world, such an identity and strength were almost destined to be fodder who would live a mediocre life or even die young.

He was unwilling.

A strong desire to survive and ambition rose in his heart. Since he was here, how could he be content with mediocrity? But where was the way out? According to the original body's cultivation speed, it would be difficult to break through to Dou Practitioner even by the age of twenty, trapping him in the small place of Wutan City for his entire life.

Just as his thoughts were churning and he was almost drowned by despair—[Ding! High-dimensional compatible soul detected... Soul fluctuations stable... Worldview cognition matching...]

[Binding exclusive system...]

A series of cold, mechanical, yet incredibly clear voices rang directly in the depths of his mind!

Lin Yan shuddered, his pupils contracting suddenly.

[Binding successful! Ten Thousand Worlds Supreme System, at your service.]

[host: Lin Yan]

[Age: 15]

[Cultivation: Dou Zhi Qi third stage]

[Current World: Fighting Qi Continent (Number 7749)]

[Novice welfare gift pack distributed, containing one 'Novice Ten Consecutive Draws' opportunity (guaranteed Gold Legend items), do you wish to draw now?]

A translucent interface emitting a faint blue light appeared abruptly in front of his vision. The interface was simple and full of a sense of technology. In the center was a huge golden vortex-shaped button, with the words 'Ten Consecutive Draws' marked below, surrounded by mysterious starlight spots.

System!

Lin Yan's breathing became heavy instantly, his heart pounding wildly, almost breaking through his chest. As someone who had read countless novels in his previous life, he understood too well what these two words meant! This was the only light in a desperate situation, the only possibility to rewrite his destiny!

Without any hesitation, he suppressed the excitement that was about to burst forth and responded in his mind in a deep voice: "Draw! Ten consecutive draws immediately!"

[Command confirmed. Consuming one 'Novice Ten Consecutive Draws' opportunity. Draw starting...]

The golden vortex in his vision suddenly accelerated its rotation, erupting with dazzling light that illuminated the entire dim room. The center of the vortex seemed to connect to an infinitely distant void.

The first ray of light gushed out, not golden, but a deep, pitch-black color that seemed to be able to devour everything!

[Congratulations to the host, you have obtained a Gold Legend item: strange fire ranking list origin — Void Swallowing Flame (Child Flame)!]

A line of gold-stamped text flashed across the interface. At the same time, a weak black flame emitting a terrifying devouring aura appeared in the first slot of the system inventory, burning quietly. Although it was just a Child Flame, the domineering charm that seemed to be able to devour even light and souls made Lin Yan's soul tremble.

"Void Swallowing Flame?! Second on the strange fire ranking list!" Lin Yan gasped, his scalp tingling. A divine object of this level at the start? Before he could digest this shock, the second ray of light followed—a milky white flame, pure and flawless, yet carrying an extreme high temperature that could purify everything!

[Congratulations to the host, you have obtained a Gold Legend item: strange fire ranking list origin · Purification Lotus Demon Flame (Child Flame)!]

The third, a golden flame, noble and majestic, carrying the sharpness to burn space!

[strange fire ranking list origin · Golden Emperor Sky Burning Flame (Child Flame)!]

The fourth, an emerald green flame, full of vitality, yet containing the cycle of power of withered plants and new life.

[strange fire ranking list origin · Living Spirit Flame (Child Flame)!]

The fifth, an invisible fire, yet the moment it appeared, it made Lin Yan feel his own heart fire swaying along with it.

[strange fire ranking list origin · Fallen Heart Flame (Child Flame)!]

The sixth, a deep purple flame, violently destructive, carrying the explosive aura of thunder.

[strange fire ranking list origin · Three Thousand Burning Flame (Child Flame)!]

The seventh, a dark red flame, in the shape of a turtle spirit, heavy and steady.

[strange fire ranking list origin · Turtle Spirit Earth Fire (Child Flame)!]

The eighth, an azure blue flame, like ocean waves.

[strange fire ranking list origin · Sea Heart Flame (Child Flame)!]

The ninth, a forest white flame, icy and piercing, freezing the soul.

[strange fire ranking list origin · Bone Chilling Flame (Child Flame)!]

The tenth, a cyan lotus-shaped flame, perfect and elegant, containing the power of the earth.

[strange fire ranking list origin · Green Lotus Core Flame (Child Flame)!]

Ten consecutive draws, ten rays of light, ten types of strange fire ranking list origin Child Flames!

Lin Yan was completely stunned, his brain blank. In the inventory, ten flames of different shapes and brilliant colors were quietly displayed. Some were violent, some gentle, some strange, and some sacred, but without exception, they all emitted heart-palpitating, magnificent energy fluctuations. These were the heaven and earth wonders that countless powerhouses in the Fighting Qi Continent dreamed of and fought for! For an ordinary person, obtaining one would be a great stroke of luck, enough to change their life. And he, with one ten-draw, had them all in his pocket!

Ecstasy erupted like a volcano, almost drowning him. With these, what mediocre talent, what side branch disciple, all were just floating clouds! Xiao Yan had the Flame Mantra that could evolve and needed to bitterly search for strange fires to fuse with, while he started with the Child Flame origins of ten strange fires! What a heaven-defying starting point this was!

It took a full cup of tea's time for Lin Yan to barely recover from that extreme shock and joy, his chest still heaving violently. He forced himself to calm down and began to examine the system interface. Besides the inventory, there were options like [Personal Information], [Task System], [Lottery Center], [System Mall] (unlocked).

He opened the personal information, and besides what was displayed just now, there were more detailed data:

[Soul Power: Mortal Realm Mid-stage (affected by the host's transmigration, slightly higher than the average person)]

[Cultivation Technique: None]

[Dou Technique: None]

[Comprehensive Combat Power Assessment: Slightly stronger than an ordinary Dou Zhi Qi third stage (due to possessing strange fire ranking list origin, has a natural deterrent to low-level fire attribute cultivators)]

"strange fire ranking list origin Child Flame..." Lin Yan keenly noticed the suffix. He focused his consciousness on the "Void Swallowing Flame (Child Flame)" in the inventory, and a detailed explanation immediately appeared: [strange fire ranking list origin Child Flame, possesses some characteristics and power of the Mother Flame, can grow through the host's cultivation or by devouring energy. Current status: Weak. Warning: The host's strength is too low; forcibly activating high-level strange fire ranking list Child Flames may cause backlash.]

Similar explanations also appeared on other strange fires. He understood that these Child Flames were like seeds, with infinite potential, but they were currently very weak and needed him to cultivate them slowly. They could not directly allow him to possess the power of a Dou Zun or Dou Sheng to burn mountains and boil seas. But this was still an unparalleled treasure! They meant infinite possibilities and were the top-tier foundation.

"Cannot be ambitious and far-sighted; must take it one step at a time." Lin Yan took a deep breath, his eyes becoming sharp and clear. After the ecstasy came deep rationality. He understood the principle that possessing a treasure can be a crime. Before his strength was sufficient to protect himself, the existence of these strange fires must not be leaked in the slightest! Otherwise, not to mention the behemoths like the Hall of Souls and the Ancient Clan, even the other two big families in Wutan City, or even some people within the Xiao Family, would be enough to make him die without a burial place.

Pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger, developing in a low-key manner, this was a strategy that must be adhered to.

So, the most urgent problem now was how to use these strange fires to safely and quickly improve his strength.

His gaze swept over the ten strange fires one by one. The Void Swallowing Flame was domineering, the Purification Lotus Demon Flame was violent, the Golden Emperor Sky Burning Flame was sharp... none were very suitable for starting. Finally, his gaze lingered on that emerald green, vibrant "Living Spirit Flame".

[Living Spirit Flame (Child Flame): Ranked fifth on the strange fire ranking list. The fire attribute contains rich life force, which can significantly accelerate the growth of medicinal herbs, and can also gently temper the body, nourish meridians, and has excellent healing effects.]

"Gently temper the body, nourish meridians..." Lin Yan's eyes lit up. This was simply a starting fire customized for his currently weak body and low cultivation! Using it to temper his body had the lowest risk, but the return could be the greatest, and it could lay the most solid foundation.

"System, how to absorb or use this Living Spirit Flame Child Flame?"

[The host can guide the Child Flame origin into the meridians in the body for nourishment and initial fusion. The system will assist in stabilizing the Child Flame state to avoid backlash. The process will have a certain amount of pain; please endure it, host. It is suggested that the host find a quiet, uninhabited place to proceed.]

"Right here, start now!" Lin Yan did not hesitate at all. Strength, he craved to obtain strength immediately! This dilapidated and secluded small courtyard, in the deep night, was the best location.

He sat cross-legged on the hard bed, held his breath, focused, and according to the system's guidance, sank his consciousness into the system space and gently touched that emerald green flame.

"Hum—"

As if a slight trembling sound, the Living Spirit Flame Child Flame flowed out from the system space along an invisible connection, turning into a wisp of emerald green energy thinner than a hair, slowly drilling into his meridians through the Laogong acupoint in Lin Yan's palm.

"Hiss—"

The expected burning pain did not appear; instead, it was a warm, gentle current, like the spring sunshine, and also like soaking in the essence of life. Wherever that wisp of emerald green energy passed, the originally stagnant and narrow meridians were gently and firmly widened and nourished, with an indescribable comfort amidst the faint tingling. The meridian walls even showed a faint emerald luster, and their toughness greatly increased.

What was even more magical was that this life energy seeped into his muscles, bones, and internal organs, and the subtle hidden injuries originally left by malnutrition and hard cultivation were quickly repaired. The cells seemed to be cheering and jumping, greedily absorbing this pure life force, becoming more active and strong.

He could clearly feel that his Dou Zhi Qi, which had originally stayed at the Dou Zhi Qi third stage, began to accelerate its operation spontaneously under the moistening and urging of this life energy, and it grew and solidified at an astonishing speed!

Dou Zhi Qi fourth stage!

There was almost no bottleneck; it broke through as naturally as water flowing.

The emerald green energy continued to circulate, deep into the bone marrow, removing impurities. The pain began to intensify, but it was still within the tolerable range, like a deep massage and reshaping. Sweat gushed out from the pores of Lin Yan's whole body, carrying a trace of gray-black impurities, and soon soaked his coarse cloth clothes.

Dou Zhi Qi fifth stage!

Breakthrough!

The life energy began to impact the finer ends of the meridians, strengthening the skin and membranes. Under Lin Yan's skin, there was a faint emerald luster flowing, which then gradually faded away.

Dou Zhi Qi sixth stage!

Break again!

When that wisp of Living Spirit Flame energy was finally mostly consumed and slowly merged near his dantian, turning into an imperceptible emerald green spark and settling down, Lin Yan opened his eyes abruptly.

In his pitch-black eyes, there was a flash of warm emerald color, which then returned to deepness. His whole body was soaked with sweat, sticky and uncomfortable, but he felt unprecedentedly relaxed and powerful. Clenching his fists, his joints made a crisp sound, and surging power flowed in his body.

He couldn't wait to sense his own cultivation.

Dou Zhi Qi... seventh stage!

In one night, four stages broken in a row!

Even though he had psychological preparation, Lin Yan was still shocked speechless by this terrifying speed of improvement. Was this the power of the strange fire ranking list? Even if it was just a weak Child Flame origin! If this spread out, it would be enough to make the whole Wutan City crazy!

Ecstasy surged into his heart again, but he forcibly suppressed it and immediately tried to circulate his Dou Zhi Qi. Sure enough, the surging Dou Zhi Qi flowed unimpeded in the widened and tough meridians, several times stronger than before! Moreover, he could feel that the spark of the Living Spirit Flame at his dantian was still continuously emitting a faint breath of life, subtly continuing to nourish his body.

"Cannot be exposed!" Lin Yan was immediately alert. A fifteen-year-old Dou Zhi Qi seventh stage was considered quite good in the Xiao Family, but changing from a third-stage waste to a seventh-stage overnight was too abnormal and would definitely cause a huge uproar and countless inquiries. Must disguise!

He recalled the hint in the system information about his soul power being "slightly higher than the average person" and tried to concentrate his spirit to control the fluctuations of the Dou Zhi Qi in his body. Perhaps because of the transmigration fusion, or perhaps because of the nourishment of the Living Spirit Flame, his control over himself was unexpectedly good. After several attempts, he steadily suppressed the manifested Dou Zhi Qi fluctuations to the level of the Dou Zhi Qi fifth stage.

"Fifth stage... a two-stage increase overnight, although fast, is still within the explainable range of 'suddenly enlightened' or 'luckily took some residual medicinal power' and will not be too eye-catching." Lin Yan pondered and set a preliminary camouflage strategy.

He got up, changed his soaked clothes, and pushed open the door. At this time, the sky was just beginning to turn white, and the morning light was dim.

Standing in the small courtyard, he stretched his muscles and bones, and the sense of power filling his body made him want to let out a long whistle. But he restrained himself and just took a deep breath of the cold morning air.

The future was completely different now.

Xiao Family, Wutan City, Jia Ma Empire... and even the entire Fighting Qi Continent, he, Lin Yan, was coming!

Just then, footsteps came from outside the courtyard, and a boy who was also a side branch disciple and had a decent relationship with him poked his head in, with his usual casualness on his face: "Lin Yan, are you up? It's our turn to help look after the market today. Let's go early to avoid being scolded by the deacon. Eh? You seem... a little different?"

The boy looked at Lin Yan, a trace of doubt flashing in his eyes. The person was clearly the same, but he felt much more energetic, and his standing posture seemed more upright.

Lin Yan's heart tightened, but his expression remained as usual, even revealing a habitual, slightly reserved smile: "Maybe I slept better last night. Wait for me, I'll be right there."

He turned back into the room, and the moment he turned his back to the boy, his eyes suddenly became deep and sharp.