BTTH: The Legend Of Xiu Emperor

"That may be true."

Although Gu Yuan did not like Hun Tian Di's ambition, he nodded in agreement.

As Hun Tian Di had pointed out, if the Gu and Hun clans joined forces, the entire continent would fall under their control.

Hun Tian Di, realizing the potential of this alliance, smiled and said, "Brother Gu, please take a seat. Let's discuss this cooperation in detail."

Hun Tian Di's attitude had softened significantly after learning that Gu Yuan was there to propose an alliance. In the past, Hun Tian Di had always found Gu Yuan somewhat disagreeable. Yet today, for some reason, he found him oddly pleasant.

"Alright," Gu Yuan replied, taking a seat. Since they were discussing a strategic alliance, a proper conversation was necessary.

However, lengthy discussions were not required.

"Serve the tea," Hun Tian Di commanded toward the gate.

It was telling that only now, after Gu Yuan had been there for a while. This reflected the strained relationship between the two men in the past. But with Gu Yuan's proposal of an alliance, much of the tension between them seemed to dissipate as if by unspoken agreement.

There are no permanent enemies, only shared interests.

---

Elsewhere…

Hun Xiu had brought Gu Xun'er to the top of the back mountain. Of course, he had no idea that the child he was carrying was actually Gu Xun'er. In his eyes, this was Gu Yuan's son, Gu Xun.

"Xun?"

Hearing the name, Hun Xiu couldn't help but think of someone else entirely.

Under the shade of a large tree, Hun Xiu set the child down gently and took a seat himself. Looking around to confirm they were alone, he grinned mischievously and pinched the little one's chubby cheeks.

"This feels great," Hun Xiu said, thoroughly enjoying himself.

Gu Xun'er: "..."

Hun Xiu wasn't satisfied with a single pinch. He pinched again. And again. And again…

Finally, growing bolder, he began to knead the little girl's cheeks like soft dough.

Gu Xun'er's small face twisted and turned under Hun Xiu's playful clutches, leaving her utterly bewildered.

She thought to herself, Weren't we supposed to go out and play?

Instead, she was being treated like a stress ball. Xun'er was not happy.

Her little face scrunched up, and soon the tears came.

"Buuu...huhuhu...!"

The little one wailed loudly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Startled by her sudden outburst, Hun Xiu panicked. The tears on his palms made him realize that he might have overdone it.

"Xun'er, be good. Don't cry!" he pleaded, trying to console her.

But his attempts only made things worse. Xun'er cried even louder.

Hun Xiu sighed, feeling regretful. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have played so rough.

"Xun'er, how about this—Brother will be your horse, and you can ride on me. Will that make you happy?" he offered desperately.

Without waiting for a response, Hun Xiu got down on all fours, placing the child on his back. Crawling around on the grass, he neighed playfully.

Gu Xun'er giggled, her tears slowly forgotten.

"Brother… horse… is great!" she said in her sweet, yet slightly garbled baby voice.

Hun Xiu, however, felt anything but great. I'm destined to be a Dou Di someday, yet here I am, acting like a horse…

Still, he didn't dare complain. The little one's happiness was worth it—for now.

Once Gu Xun'er had calmed down, Hun Xiu flipped over, letting her tumble gently onto the grass beside him. But old habits die hard, and his hands once again found her squishy cheeks.

Of course, this led to another round of crying, which meant he had to transform into a horse yet again.

It was truly a vicious cycle.

Hun Xiu wondered what he would think about this day when he grew older and looked back on it.

---

Back in the Hall…

After a brief discussion, Hun Tian Di understood Gu Yuan's proposal for an alliance. He asked, "So, Brother Gu, you're suggesting a union between our two clans to create a powerful alliance?"

"Indeed," Gu Yuan replied, sipping his tea.

"I see. And how does Brother Gu propose we seal this alliance?" Hun Tian Di inquired.

Naturally, marriage was the most effective way to solidify such a union. Binding the two clans through blood relations would ensure their interests remained intertwined.

"My youngest daughter, Gu Xun'er, and your son, Hun Xiu, would make a fine match. What do you think, Brother Hun?" Gu Yuan suggested with a faint smile.

Finally, they were getting to the heart of the matter.

"Gu Xun'er and Xiu'er?" Hun Tian Di murmured.

He knew who Gu Xun'er was—Gu Yuan's only daughter, and a direct descendant of the Gu clan's powerful bloodline.

However, the proposal to marry her to his son Hun Xiu left him feeling conflicted.

Hun Xiu wasn't just any child. He had awakened the eleventh-grade bloodline—a super divine-tier bloodline with unparalleled potential. His future as a Dou Di was all but guaranteed.

To have Hun Xiu marry into the Gu clan? That was a hard pill to swallow.

"Brother Gu, I'm afraid my son Xiu'er isn't worthy of your daughter Xun'er," Hun Tian Di said, feigning humility.

But in truth, he couldn't bear to let such an extraordinary bloodline slip away to another clan. Hun Xiu's potential was too valuable.

Changing the subject, he added, "I have another son, Hun Feng, who is also quite remarkable. Perhaps he would be a more suitable match for your daughter. What do you think, Brother Gu?"