BTTH: The Legend Of Xiu Emperor

Under the soft glow of moonlight, Hun Xiu made his way to Hun Tiandi's study room. As he approached the door, he noticed another figure inside with Hun Tiandi.

The man, clad in a black robe, stood in the center of the study room. From this vantage point, Hun Xiu could only see his back.

Although the figure's identity remained unclear, Hun Xiu could deduce one thing: this person was the second placer in the clan competition.

Surprised that someone else had beaten him by arriving earlier, Hun Xiu felt a pang of shame but quickly composed himself.

He entered the study room and greeted Hun Tiandi with respect.

"Father," he said, bowing slightly.

His gaze shifted to the man in the black robe. When their eyes met, Hun Xiu was stunned.

"Hun Yu?" he exclaimed in surprise.

Indeed, the man standing before him was none other than Hun Yu.

Hun Xiu had expected Hun Feng to take second place. After all, Hun Feng possessed a six-star Dou Huang strength, while Hun Yu was only at five stars. It seemed improbable for Hun Yu to surpass Hun Feng.

But reality had defied expectations.

"Brother," Hun Yu greeted with a nod, smiling faintly.

Hun Xiu nodded back, quickly masking his surprise. He wasn't entirely shocked by Hun Yu's salutation—after all, as Emperor Hun Tian's favored son, Hun Xiu had some insight into certain matters.

"I never thought you'd secure second place," Hun Xiu remarked. "I was certain it would be Hun Feng. Congratulations."

Hun Yu returned a polite smile. "Thank you, Brother."

Hun Yu understood well that his second-place ranking wasn't earned through sheer strength. Hun Tiandi had granted him this opportunity. Alone, he knew he would have stood no chance against Hun Feng.

---

Flash Back:

An hour later, after Hun Xiu brought Gu Xun'er out from the square. Hun Tiandi, standing majestically, waved his hand, summoning a martial arts stage out of thin air.

He addressed the three competitors who had recovered from their earlier bouts.

"The fight for second and first place will proceed as before," he announced. "The last one standing on the stage shall claim the rank of second in the clan."

The three contestants exchanged glances, their expressions tense as they ascended the martial arts stage.

Hun Feng, who had regained his composure, wasted no time launching an attack. He aimed his strike at Hun Huan'er, believing her to be the weakest link. Eliminating her first would allow him to focus on defeating Hun Yu and securing victory.

However, his plan was swiftly thwarted.

"Hun Feng, did you forget about me?" Hun Yu intercepted the attack, grinning.

Hun Feng's expression darkened. "What is the meaning of this, Hun Yu?"

Hun Yu met his glare with a calm smile. "The meaning should be obvious. I am very interested in the second-place ranking. Haven't you always known that?"

"You—" Hun Feng's face twisted with anger.

Just moments ago, he and Hun Yu had seemed to share a common goal: defeating Hun Xiu. But now, it was clear their temporary alliance had dissolved.

Hun Yu turned to Hun Huan'er and said with a sly smile, "Hun Feng just tried to take you out. Shall we team up instead?"

Hun Huan'er, having recovered from the initial assault, glanced at Hun Feng with cold determination. She clenched her fists and nodded.

"Very well," she replied.

Hun Yu's grin widened. "Excellent."

Hun Feng's face grew grim as he watched his opponents join forces. His worst fear had come to pass.

"Hun Huan'er, are you courting death?" he snarled.

Unfazed, Hun Huan'er smirked. "Hun Feng, don't overestimate yourself."

Hun Feng's voice turned icy. "Do you realize that helping Hun Yu defeat me won't make you second in the clan?"

"I know," Hun Huan'er replied. Her smirk grew wicked. "I've never aspired to second place. I'm well aware of my limits."

She continued, "I wasn't going to interfere in your fight with Hun Yu. But since you targeted me first, you've left me no choice. You should know better than to offend a woman."

"Enough talk," Hun Feng snapped, his fists tightening.

A cold aura emanated from Hun Huan'er, frost creeping across the stage as she prepared to strike. "Today, you'll learn your lesson, Hun Feng."

She turned to Hun Yu and said, "Let's do this."

"Gladly," Hun Yu replied.

The two attacked in unison, forcing Hun Feng into a defensive position.

---

The battle that followed was a spectacle of dazzling techniques.

"The Great Handprint of the Sky!"

"Titanic Finger!"

"Ice Sky Palm!"

Terrifying forces clashed, shaking the stage as powerful fighting skills erupted in the void.

When the dust settled, only one competitor remained standing: Hun Yu.

---

Hun Tiandi surveyed the scene and declared, "The second place in this competition is Hun Yu.

Hun Yu, battered but triumphant, let out a hearty laugh.