BTTH: The Legend Of Xiu Emperor

Yun Xui slowly walked toward the girl in the corner.

"No... don't come over here," the girl said weakly, her voice trembling.

It was obvious she was afraid of Yun Xui.

Yun Xui walked slowly and finally squatted in front of the girl. He took her hand and said, "Come with me."

In addition to the green scales on her wrist, there were also some minor injuries. The girl had clearly not been having a good time.

After all, as a product of humans and snake people, her status among both was very low. It was a miracle she was even alive.

To live a good life? That was simply unrealistic.

"Can you... give me enough to eat?" the girl asked weakly, her words heartbreaking.

"Um."

Yun Xui nodded without saying much.

"Get up."

Yun Xui helped her up. The girl was petite, much smaller than Xiao Yixian.

"May I have your name?"

"Qing... Qing Lin," the girl replied, avoiding his gaze. Her voice trembled with fear.

She had low self-esteem. As a product of humans and snake people, she had no place among either.

It was normal for her to feel this way.

Yun Xui said seriously, "My name is Yun Xui. You will follow me from now on. Remember, my name is Yun Xui—your master."

"Um... Mr.... Mr."

Qing Lin nodded, still looking at Yun Xui with fear, her voice trembling.

"Let's go."

Yun Xui took Qing Lin and left the dark alley.

---

On the street, Qing Lin immediately attracted attention. Many people turned to look at her.

Feeling their gazes, Qing Lin instinctively moved closer to Yun Xui, hiding behind him. Her self-esteem was too low.

As someone born of humans and snake people, she had endured ridicule and scorn since childhood. Deep down, she believed she was inferior and that others were better than her. She felt unworthy of walking the same streets as them.

"Qing Lin," Yun Xui called.

"Stand up."

Yun Xui squatted down, pulling Qing Lin out from behind him.

"Qing Lin, look at me," he said seriously.

"I..."

Qing Lin hesitated, keeping her head down. She didn't dare to meet Yun Xui's gaze.

"Look at me."

Yun Xui held Qing Lin's small hand tightly, squeezing it until it turned slightly red. The pain was evident, but Qing Lin slowly raised her eyes to meet his.

She tried to avoid his gaze several times, but each time she tried, Yun Xui would pinch her hand harder, refusing to let her look away.

"Qing Lin, listen to me."

"You don't need to feel inferior. You are different from them. They are destined to be mere mortals, but you are destined to rise to the top of this continent."

"You are not inferior to them. You are unique," Yun Xui said earnestly.

Qing Lin listened but did not respond. She continued looking into Yun Xui's eyes—beautiful eyes full of magic that gave a boundless sense of security.

"Answer me."

"Ah..."

Yun Xui applied more pressure to her hand, causing Qing Lin to cry out in pain. Hearing her scream, he quickly let go, and Qing Lin lowered her head again.

Seeing her like this, Yun Xui felt an inexplicable sense of distress. He realized her inferiority complex would take time to heal—it couldn't be solved in a single step.

Holding Qing Lin close, Yun Xui decided to find an inn where he could clean her up properly.

But just then, three muscular men appeared.

These men were shirtless, with dark skin, strong muscles, and a particularly domineering appearance.

"Brother? Outsider?"

The three surrounded Yun Xui, Qing Lin, and Xiao Yixian, their expressions fierce and intimidating.

Both Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin instinctively moved closer to Yun Xui, fear evident in their actions.

The street crowd, sensing trouble, turned their attention to the scene.

"What's the matter?" Yun Xui asked calmly, his gaze fixed on the speaker.

"Brother, you must not know us since you're new to Stone Dessert City. Let me introduce myself," the man said.

"I'm Xiong Da."

"I'm Xiong Er."

"And I'm Xiong San."

"We're from the Three Bears Mercenary Group," the trio declared in unison.

"So, what do you want?" Yun Xui asked calmly, his tone indifferent.

Xiong Da smirked arrogantly. "Brother, the little girl with you is a pet of our Three Bears Mercenary Group. Isn't it a bit rude to take her away like this?"

The three seemed confident, believing their size and strength made them superior.

Yun Xui ignored their bravado and turned to Qing Lin. "Qing Lin, do you know them?"

"I... I know them," Qing Lin replied softly, her voice trembling as her body shook slightly.

"Brother, did you hear that? She knows us," Xiong Da said arrogantly. "She's our little pet. If you want to take her, you should leave something behind."

Xiong Da rubbed his hands together suggestively.

"Do you want money?" Yun Xui asked coldly.

"Smart man!" Xiong Da exclaimed, grinning approvingly. "Fifty thousand gold coins, and the pet is yours. What do you say?"