Chapter 2: The Return System, Xiao Yan’s Shock

He was not originally called Hun Cang. After an unexpected awakening, he found that he had transmigrated and become Hun Cang.

Hun Cang, judging from the surname "Hun," was naturally from the Hun Clan.

The Hun Clan was one of the eight ancient clans in the Doupo world.

When he learned that he was born into the Hun Clan and that his father was the Hun Heavenly Emperor, his first reaction was neither excitement nor joy, but fear and terror.

According to the novel’s plot, the Hun Heavenly Emperor eventually went mad in pursuit of becoming a Dou Emperor. He massacred countless lives in the Central Plains and even sacrificed the entire Hun Clan during his battle with Xiao Yan.

This meant that Hun Cang’s future was a dead end.

He had thought about it—since it was all because of Xiao Yan, why not kill him before he grows stronger and ends the problem?

But then he reconsidered.

What if killing Xiao Yan only led to another Li Yan or Zhao Yan appearing?

Compared to all the unknowns, Hun Cang at least knew Xiao Yan’s entire growth process.

Therefore, he decided to observe Xiao Yan first, then find a way to either become friends with him or... something else.

However, Hun Cang discovered another problem: although born into the Hun Clan, due to an accident, his talent capped his cultivation at the peak of Dou Wang.

While a Dou Wang can be a strong figure early on, in later stages when Dou Zong are everywhere, Dou Zun roam the lands, and Dou Sheng are countless, what use would a mere Dou Wang be?

To put it bluntly, he would have to keep his distance by thousands of miles when watching battles, lest he be killed by the aftershocks.

This was truly a headache.

Fortunately, where there is no way, there is a path. As a new generation postmodern transmigrator, Hun Cang obtained a system.

This system was called the Return System. Its principle was simple: by granting items to the world’s child of fate, one would receive corresponding return rewards.

Hun Cang immediately confirmed with the system and was clearly told that through these return rewards, he could break through his limits and become a Dou Huang, Dou Zong, or even a Dou Emperor.

At that moment, Hun Cang thought, “I’m about to take off.”

In other worlds, he might not know who the child of fate was, but how could he not know in the Doupo world?

He had started reading this book in middle school and could still recall many details after more than ten years.

Thus, Hun Cang pondered how to approach Xiao Yan and replace Yao Lao to become Xiao Yan’s ultimate trump card.

Soon, he came up with a plan.

He would reveal himself.

Yes, he decided to expose his identity and be honest with Xiao Yan.

Though risky, thinking of his own strength compared to Xiao Yan gave him confidence.

---

“From the book’s description of Xiao Yan, if Yao Lao hadn’t absorbed his Dou Qi, Xiao Yan clearly wouldn’t be content with mediocrity; he yearns to become a dazzling genius.

If that’s the case, would he ignore a fellow Dou Wang from his hometown coming to help him solve a problem?”

After reconsidering his plan, Hun Cang felt there was no issue.

He used three questions to hint at his identity as a transmigrator.

However, apart from other Earth transmigrators, no one in the Doupo world could understand these questions.

“A bit curious about Xiao Yan’s reaction...” Hun Cang smiled faintly, relaxed his mind, and slowly fell asleep.

Yet while he slept soundly, Utan City was anything but calm.

As the major families and factions spread the news of the problems and corresponding rewards, everyone was stirred.

In a moment, the places where notices were posted were swarmed with people.

“Brother, what’s written up there?” a burly old man with a heavy accent asked, pointing at the papers.

“It’s clues from a Dou Wang seeking someone. Anyone who answers a question correctly will receive a reward. The highest prizes include Earth-rank Dou Techniques and manuals,” the man replied.

The old man’s eyes sparkled as he grabbed the other’s sleeve, asking him to describe the questions.

Hearing this, the man scoffed disdainfully, “Old man, you can’t even read the words and want to join the fun? I advise you not to bother and just go home to rest.”

His words drew hearty laughter from the crowd.

Though embarrassed, the old man didn’t leave but mingled in the crowd, eventually hearing the questions from others.

Yet, despite almost pulling out his hair, he could not think of any answers.

...

At the Xiao family.

In the back mountain, a young boy sat cross-legged, his fingers forming special seals as faint Dou Qi circulated around him, entering his nose and sinking into his dantian.

But after a few seconds, the Dou Qi he had painstakingly gathered vanished silently.

“I really hate you all!!”

Opening his eyes, a flash of anger crossed the boy’s face as he cursed uncontrollably.

He scratched his head in frustration.

After more than ten years of transmigration, he once thought himself a genius, but now he was facing this nightmare...

Xiao Yan plucked a wild grass, held it in his mouth, and strode down the mountain, his face full of displeasure.

---

Just back at the Xiao household, he sensed a strange atmosphere hanging in the air.

“What’s going on?”

He noticed everyone at home—from elders to clan members to servants—frowning and frequently glancing at the papers in their hands.

Filled with curiosity, he entered the main hall to find his father and several elders present.

Usually, at this hour, the younger generation would be cultivating, but now they were all gathered inside.

“Brother Xiao Yan.”

In a corner, a pure girl resembling a lotus flower smiled and waved at him.

Nodding lightly, Xiao Yan walked over, sat down, and asked, “Xun’er, what’s wrong with everyone?”

Xiao Xun’er pushed a piece of paper toward him and explained, “Today, a person at least at Dou Wang level came to Utan City looking for someone. These are the questions he posed. Anyone who answers one correctly will receive a Qi Gathering Powder; two or all correct answers can earn Earth-rank Dou Techniques and manuals.”

Qi Gathering Powder?

Earth-rank Dou Techniques and manuals?

!!!

Xiao Yan inhaled lightly, deeply shocked. The strongest techniques in the Xiao family were only at the Advanced Profound rank.

To offer Earth-rank Dou Techniques and manuals outright was truly extravagant...

At that moment, Xiao Yan instantly understood why everyone in the family looked so tense.

After all, just one Advanced Profound technique was enough to make the Xiao family one of the three top families in Utan City.

If there was an Earth-rank technique, wouldn’t that mean they could establish a force in the imperial capital of the Gama Empire?

Thinking of this, Xiao Yan’s heart burned with excitement as he hurried to see the questions, wondering if he could answer them.

The next second, his gaze fell upon the paper; his pupils constricted sharply like pinholes, and his body began trembling uncontrollably.

This, this... isn’t this?!

“Brother Xiao Yan, are you alright? Do you know the answer?” Xiao Xun’er sitting beside him immediately noticed his change and looked at him with deep concern.

Xiao Yan’s sudden reaction drew the attention of Xiao Zhan and the others as well.

“No, I’m just feeling a bit unwell,” he said, struggling to keep his expression steady, then got up and left the hall to return to his room.