BTTH: The Legend Of Xiu Emperor

Hun Tiandi sat in his study, his gaze falling upon Hun Xiu and Hun Yu. He nodded slightly, raising his hand.

Two palm-sized black flames materialized in the air before the two young men—one strong, and the other was weaker. These were advanced sub-fire and ordinary sub-fire, respectively.

Hun Yu's throat felt dry as he stared at the black flame in front of him. He swallowed hard, his eyes wide with desire. Even though it was merely an ordinary sub-fire of the Void Devouring Flame, it was more potent than many of the flames listed on the Heavenly Flame List.

Many elders in the clan had never had the privilege of possessing such a flame, and now it was being offered to him. For Hun Yu, it was as if a long-cherished dream had come true. His burning gaze betrayed his longing, as though the flame before him was not just fire but a rare and alluring treasure.

Were it not for Hun Tiandi's presence, Hun Yu might have immediately seized it and begun refining it.

In stark contrast, Hun Xiu appeared calm and composed. While his heart was stirred, he maintained a facade of tranquility.

Hun Tiandi observed their reactions. Hun Yu's eagerness amused him, but it was Hun Xiu's composed demeanor that pleased him most. Even when faced with the Void Devouring Flame, Xiu'er could remain collected—such resolve was befitting his son.

"These are your rewards for the clan competition," Hun Tiandi said in a calm tone. "Take them."

"Thank you, Father... Patriarch," Hun Yu said eagerly, quickly collecting his flame. His excitement was evident, knowing this sub-fire would make him nearly invincible at his level.

Though the younger generation of the Soul Clan was already unmatched outside their family due to their superior techniques and combat skills, true domination within the clan was far more challenging. The Soul Clan, after all, was not lacking in geniuses.

Hun Xiu, however, did not rush. He first touched the flame to gauge its intensity. Surprisingly, it was not as overbearing as he had anticipated. After a moment of observation, he accepted it quietly. Outwardly, he showed no emotion, but inside, waves of excitement surged.

"With this high-level sub-fire," he thought, "given enough time and strength, I can extract it to create an independent Void Devouring Flame."

Satisfied with their acceptance, Hun Tiandi waved his hand. "Hun Yu, you may leave."

"Yes, Patriarch," Hun Yu replied promptly. With his prize secured, he left in haste, brimming with joy.

Once Hun Yu had departed, the atmosphere in the study turned heavy. Only Hun Tiandi and Hun Xiu remained.

Hun Tiandi broke the silence, his gaze fixed on his son. "Xiu'er, do you know why I kept you here?"

"Father, I do not," Hun Xiu replied, shaking his head. He dared not presume his father's intentions. Hun Tiandi's thoughts were unfathomable, and Hun Xiu had learned not to guess carelessly.

"Aren't you planning to leave the Soul Clan?" Hun Tiandi asked, his tone calm yet probing.

Hun Xiu's heart skipped a beat. He looked at his father hesitantly. "Father... Are you not allowing me to leave?"

Hun Tiandi shook his head. "Since I said you could leave, I will honor my word."

Relief washed over Hun Xiu. "Thank you, Father."

Hun Xiu's response, however, caused Hun Tiandi to snort coldly. "Do you doubt my word?"

"Of course not!" Hun Xiu quickly replied, shaking his head.

Hun Tiandi's expression darkened. "You are strong enough to leave the Soul Clan without issue. You may go. However, come to the study at this time tomorrow night."

"Thank you, Father," Hun Xiu said respectfully before leaving.

As Hun Xiu exited, Emperor Hun Tian sat in thought.

"Xiu'er," he murmured, "despite not using cultivation resources, you have reached the level of a two-star Dou Huang through pure absorption of Dou Qi. Your talent is extraordinary—truly a genius of the Soul Clan since ancient times.

"You wish to leave the clan, but your wings are not yet strong enough. You will leave when the time is right, and not a moment before."

With a wave of his hand, two ancient black storage rings appeared in his palm. Hun Tiandi stared at them, lost in thought.

---

Back in his room, Hun Xiu sat cross-legged on his bed. He summoned the Void Devouring Flame, the black fire dancing gently in his palm.

"With this flame," he mused, "my strength will improve significantly."

Without hesitation, he swallowed the flame.

In an instant, the once-gentle fire surged violently within him. Blazing black flames erupted on the surface of his body, consuming his surroundings. The bed beneath him disintegrated into nothingness as he hovered mid-air, cross-legged in the void.

Complex seals danced between his fingers as the power of heaven and earth converged around him.

A new chapter of strength had begun.