Chapter 59: Deception Doesn't End Well
Like everyone else, Hun Xiu assumed he was being asked to stand up to declare himself first in the clan. After all, Hun Feng and the others showed no intention of challenging him, and his victory seemed inevitable.
However, when he heard Hun Dun's question, Hun Xiu was momentarily stunned.
"Is this another trick?" he thought.
After regaining his composure, he glanced at his father, Hun Tiandi, seated in a high position.
"Didn't you promise not to interfere in the disputes among the younger generation? What's this now?"
First, the clan rules had been altered. Now, Hun Dun was asking for his strength to be announced—clearly an intervention.
Hun Xiu understood why Hun Feng and the others hadn't attacked him. Part of it was the strength he had previously displayed. Adding to that were the rumors circulating in the clan, exaggerating his level—from a Dou Huang to a Dou Zong, Dou Zun, and even, absurdly, a Dou Sheng.
With such overwhelming hearsay and his actual abilities, Hun Feng and the others didn't dare challenge him. However, if they discovered his true level—a mere two-star Dou Huang—it was uncertain if they would act differently.
Hun Xiu recognized his father's ploy. If Hun Feng and the others had attacked earlier, this situation wouldn't exist. Unfortunately, their cowardice forced Hun Tiandi to intervene.
Hun Xiu's gaze shifted from Hun Dun back to his father. Hun Tiandi's faint smile didn't escape his notice, and Hun Xiu realized what was expected of him.
He knew his actual strength wasn't a mystery to Dou Zun-level experts, but for anyone below that, his realm remained elusive.
Hun Xiu smiled, paused, and finally declared, "Hun Xiu, two-star... Dou Zun."
Boom!
The crowd erupted.
Hun Tiandi, caught off guard, spat out his tea. He stared at Hun Xiu, thinking, "This brat really dares to brag. Who taught him this? Dou Zun? Really?"
Beside him, Gu Xun'er blinked innocently and asked, "Father, why is Uncle Hun so excited?"
Gu Yuan chuckled. "Your uncle Hun is just overwhelmed, that's all."
"Oh. Uncle Hun, why are you so excited?" Xun'er repeated.
Hun Tiandi: "..."
The elders on the platform were equally baffled. They all knew Hun Xiu was a two-star Dou Huang, nowhere near a Dou Zun, let alone a two-star Dou Zun. His audacious claim left them questioning his motives.
Among the onlookers, murmurs spread like wildfire.
"I knew it! Master Hun Xiu is a Dou Zun. It's confirmed now!"
"Young Dou Zun... Master Hun Xiu is destined to be an emperor."
Meanwhile, Hun Feng and the others exchanged helpless glances before shaking their heads.
Dou Zun? That level of power was currently unreachable for them. A mere Dou Huang couldn't compare. Even if they joined forces, defeating a Dou Zun was out of the question. All thoughts of challenging Hun Xiu evaporated.
Hun Dun, momentarily stunned by Hun Xiu's declaration, eventually regained his composure. He asked, "Hun Xiu, are you certain you're a two-star Dou Zun?"
"Certainly," Hun Xiu replied confidently.
Hun Dun turned to Hun Feng and the others, who were still hesitant. His gaze then shifted to Hun Tiandi, who nodded subtly.
"Good son," Hun Tiandi thought, "You're bold with your lies. Dou Zun? Fine. Let's see how far this goes."
Hun Dun sent a discreet voice transmission to Hun Feng and the others: "Hun Xiu is only a two-star Dou Huang. Don't disappoint the patriarch."
"Huh?" The three were momentarily stunned but quickly processed the information.
They looked at Hun Dun in disbelief, but his nod confirmed the truth. Elated, their initial fear transformed into newfound confidence. If Hun Xiu was only a Dou Huang, their chances of securing the top spot were still alive.
Hun Xiu noticed their changed expressions and quickly understood the situation. His eyes subtly narrowed toward Hun Dun, displeased but calm. Strength was the deciding factor in the clan competition, and Hun Xiu was determined to prove himself—bravado or not.
With fighting wings manifesting behind him, he rose into the air, holding a wooden sword, and pointed it at Hun Feng. "Come," he said coolly. "My sword has been waiting."
Hun Feng sneered. "So, it's true—you're only a Dou Huang. You had us fooled."
"Indeed," Hun Yu added. "Pretending to be a Dou Zun... you've been deceiving us all along!"
Hun Huan'er smirked. "I suspected as much. A Dou Zun? That's laughable!"
With fighting wings of their own, the trio ascended, their battle aura crackling in the air.
Hun Feng growled, "Hun Xiu, you've acted well, but your facade ends here. Prepare yourself!"