BTTH: The Legend Of Xiu Emperor

What is an opportunity?

To Hun Xiu, it is nothing more than a perfunctory response, a hollow promise. Even if he won first place in the clan's young master competition, Hun Tian Di could easily deny his words with a single sentence.

But Hun Xiu didn't want an opportunity. He wanted a definitive answer.

He said seriously, "Father, I want an answer."

Hun Tian Di's expression remained stern. "This is my answer to you. You are merely a Dou Huang, and yet you wish to explore the mainland? You don't understand how dangerous the world outside is. It's cruel and ruthless."

His words carried no room for negotiation. Although he was displeased by Hun Xiu's earlier behavior of trying to please a woman, he couldn't deny that this son of his was exceptional—his most talented child and the next leader of the clan as decided by him and the elders.

However, Hun Xiu was still only nine years old. Despite his extraordinary talent, Hun Tian Di would never allow him to wander into the boundless and perilous mainland.

"Father, I've made up my mind. I ask for your blessing," Hun Xiu knelt down, pleading earnestly.

"Snort... Do you think you can threaten me?"

Hun Tian Di's cold snort reverberated as an overwhelming invisible force descended upon Hun Xiu.

The pressure was like an immense tidal wave, far beyond what a mere Dou Huang could endure.

Bang!

The kneeling Hun Xiu was struck by the force, sent flying backward, and fell heavily to the ground.

He gasped, a metallic taste filling his throat before he spat out blood, staining the ground. His face turned pale.

Hun Tian Di glared at him coldly, his invisible might suffusing the room. "Since I became the leader of the Soul Clan, no one has dared threaten me—because no one can. Not even you, my son. You are my most outstanding child, yet you seem to have forgotten your place."

"You dream of leaving the Soul Clan? Prove your worth by becoming first in the clan's young master competition."

"Remember this, Hun Xiu: the weak have no right to negotiate. Your talent means nothing if you don't achieve greatness. You may be my son, but until you reach the level of a saint, you are no better than an ant."

He paused, then added coldly, "Under normal circumstances, I would confine you for six months. However, since the clan competition is just two weeks away, I'll let this slide—for now."

Hun Tian Di's boundless power intensified, pinning Hun Xiu to the ground. No matter how hard he struggled, he couldn't move.

Blood trickled from Hun Xiu's lips again, and his vision blurred before he collapsed, unconscious.

Looking at his fallen son, Hun Tian Di said indifferently, "If I don't discipline you, you'll never understand that your father is always your superior. Talent alone does not entitle you to everything."

Retracting his overwhelming aura, Hun Tian Di turned to the doorway and called out, "Hun San!"

The voice was calm but commanding. A shadowy figure materialized, kneeling respectfully before Hun Tian Di.

"Clan Leader," the figure greeted, his head bowed low. Only a selected few in the Soul Clan dared meet Hun Tian Di's gaze, and Hun San was not among them.

"Take Hun Xiu to his quarters. Do not treat his injuries. Let him rest and reflect for a few days."

With a wave of his hand, he dismissed Hun San.

"As you command," Hun San replied, carrying the unconscious Hun Xiu out of the study room.

---

With the room now empty, black flames flickered to life, rising from the ground without warning. They burned fiercely, consuming the blood Hun Xiu had spat out before coalescing into the shape of a man cloaked in black.

This was none other than the Void Devouring Flame.

"Void," Hun Tian Di began to speak, his tone neutral, "do you think I should have let him leave the Soul Clan?"

The Void Devouring Flame smiled faintly. "A young eagle must spread its wings to soar. Haven't you already given him the opportunity he seeks?"

"Snort..."

Hun Tian Di scoffed. "I gave him the opportunity, but he doesn't seem to appreciate it. Do you know how many people in the clan would kill for such a chance? And yet my own son dares to demand more."

The Void Devouring Flame chuckled softly. "He will understand in time."

After a brief pause, he added, "But I must admit, I'm curious. Why has he suddenly developed such a strong desire to leave? He showed no such inclination before."

"Indeed," Hun Tian Di agreed, a frown crossing his face. "It is strange. Sometimes, I wonder what goes on in that boy's mind."

Hun Xiu possessed the strongest super-divine bloodline in history, a fact that drew both Emperor Hun Tian and the Void Devouring Flame's close attention.

For years, Hun Xiu had devoted himself solely to cultivation, showing no interest in anything else.

Shaking his head, Hun Tian Di changed the subject. "By the way, Void, are the rewards for the clan's young master competition has been prepared?"

"Of course," the Void Devouring Flame replied with a faint smile. He raised his hand, and two black flames danced on his palm.

"These are the rewards for the upcoming young master competition."

(TL/N: A bug occurred skipping this chapter. (FIXED))