BTTH: The Legend Of Xiu Emperor

Gu Yuan took Gu Xun'er away from the Soul Clan's domain.

As he prepared to tear through the space to leave, Gu Xun'er spoke in a crisp voice:

"Father, can you wait a moment?"

"Hmm?"

Gu Yuan paused, looking at his daughter curiously.

The little girl gazed longingly at the Soul Clan's domain, clearly reluctant to leave. Yet, she understood she had no choice. Gu Yuan noticed her hesitation and felt a pang of complexity in his heart. He gently rubbed her head and spoke softly:

"When Xun'er grows up and become stronger, she can marry her brother, Hun Xiu."

"But Father," Xun'er tilted her head, her big eyes filled with confusion, "why does Xun'er have to grow stronger? Can't I just marry handsome brother Hun Xiu when I grow up directly?"

Gu Yuan chuckled, a knowing smile gracing his lips. "Xun'er, if you don't work hard to become stronger, someone else might take your brother Hun Xiu away."

Hearing this, Xun'er's small fists clenched tightly. Her eyes shone with determination as she declared, "Then Xun'er will work hard to grow stronger and make sure my brother Hun Xiu stays with me forever!"

Gu Yuan's smile deepened. He nodded approvingly. "Good. That's the spirit."

The little girl cast one final glance at the Soul Clan's domain before turning to her father with resolute eyes. "Let's go, Father."

Satisfied, Gu Yuan waved his hand, tearing the fabric of space. He held her hand as they stepped into the shimmering void, which slowly closed behind them.

---

Night fell, and the moon hung high, its silver light casting a frosty glow over the entire Soul Clan domain. Tonight was destined to be a sleepless one for Hun Xiu.

In the study room, Hun Xiu stood before his father, Hun Tiandi, and the imposing presence of Void Devouring Flame.

For a moment, Hun Xiu was startled by Void Devouring Flame's unexpected appearance but quickly composed himself.

"Father. Master Void," he greeted respectfully, bowing his head.

Void Devouring Flame nodded, his dark, flame-like eyes glimmering with intrigue. He studied Hun Xiu and remarked, "Hun Xiu, you're not like others."

"You refined my advanced-tier sub-fire, advancing your realm from a two-star Douhuang to an eight-star Douhuang. Comparatively, that boy Hun Yu managed to ascend from a five-star Douhuang to Douzong with an ordinary flame."

Void Devouring Flame's tone turned solemn. "Understand this: the Sub-Fire you refined is equivalent to the top five strange fires on the Flame Rankings. Its refinement consumed a significant portion of my essence."

Hun Xiu bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Master Void. Perhaps Xiu'er is indeed different, as I possess the first super-divine bloodline in recorded history."

Void Devouring Flame's eyes flickered with interest. "Indeed. You've been unique since birth. Hun Tiandi and I have observed it ourselves. No other Douhuang possesses your destructive potential, even with high earth-level fighting skills. You're the first."

"Hun Tiandi once claimed you would surpass us all in the future. At the time, I doubted him, but seeing your rapid growth now, I have no reason to doubt. Hun Xiu, not only do you have the potential to become an emperor, but I'm certain you will surpass us."

Though Hun Xiu felt humbled, he was cautious not to let his pride show. "Thank you for your kind words, Master Void, but the future remains uncertain."

Void Devouring Flame shook his head with a faint smile. "For others, perhaps. But not for you."

Hun Tiandi interjected with a light chuckle, "Enough, Void. Don't tease Xiu'er too much."

Void Devouring Flame stepped back, allowing the father and son their space.

Hun Tiandi fixed Hun Xiu with a steady gaze, the silence between them growing awkward. Breaking it, Hun Xiu hesitantly began, "Father..."

"Hmm?"

"I'd like to discuss about me leaving the clan," Hun Xiu prompted cautiously.

Hun Tiandi nodded. "I remember. The rules state that one must reach adulthood to leave the clan—16 years old."

"But Father," Hun Xiu pressed, "didn't you say I could leave if I won first place in the clan competition?"

"Indeed, I did."

Hun Tiandi's expression remained calm as he folded his hands behind his back. "However, I also mentioned that I had a surprise for you, didn't I?"

"A surprise?" Hunxiu hesitated, wary of his father's intentions. "Father, this 'surprise' wouldn't happen to mean you're not letting me leave the clan after all, would it?"

Hun Tiandi chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course not. Rules are meant to guide us, but they're not immutable. I promised you freedom, and I intend to honor that."

"But," he added, his tone firm, "there's a condition. You must complete a test."

Hun Xiu straightened, his resolve unwavering. "What test, Father?"

Hun Tiandi raised his hand, revealing two ancient storage rings in his palm.

"Your test lies within these rings," he said cryptically.

Hun Xiu stared at the rings, confusion written on his face. Though they appeared ordinary, he knew his father wouldn't make things simple.

"Are you certain, Father? This is the test?"

Hun Tiandi smiled faintly. "You'll find out soon enough."

(TL/N: My apologies, everyone. I mistranslated the "Young Master Clan Competition". I thought it was Master since I was sure that was the word to be translated. But in the other chapters, it was Generational, but I insisted on using Master to be consistent. But after winning the competition, Hun Xiu wasn't called 'Young Master' or whatsoever. So it's proven that the rightful translation of it is: "Young Generational Clan Competition".)