BTTH: The Legend Of Xiu Emperor

The heavens and earth trembled.

Thunder flashed across the skies, crackling with astonishing ferocity, like serpents of lightning wildly dancing in a chaotic storm. The wind howled, and the energies of heaven and earth surged violently, forming a massive vortex above Hun Xiu's courtyard. The vortex stretched toward the sky as if heralding a great tribulation.

The scene was extraordinary.

If a modern observer were present, they might exclaim in amazement: "Which Taoist master is transcending the tribulation and ascending to immortality here?"

---

In the Soul Clan, countless powerful figures turned their attention toward Hun Xiu's courtyard. Surprise flickered across their expressions before they quickly averted their gazes.

Even without observing closely, they could easily discern the source of this phenomenon: Hun Xiu was refining the sub-flame of the Void Devouring Flame, bestowed upon him by the Void Devouring Flame.

Although the black flames rising from the courtyard were faintly visible under the shroud of night, they couldn't escape the keen eyes of the clan's experts.

Many were envious. "How fortunate to receive even a sub-fire from the Void Devouring Flame! Even an ordinary flame would suffice."

---

Inside the room.

Hun Xiu meticulously followed the cultivation method from the Flame Devouring Codex, refining the sub-flame of the Void Devouring Flame. As the last remnants of black flames on his body dissipated, he opened his eyes.

With a thought, black flames flickered into existence on his palm.

Studying the ominous flames dancing in his hand, Hun Xiu smiled, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.

Having refined the sub-fire, Hun Xiu grasped its terrifying potential. No wonder so many powerful figures in the clan longed for it.

Though not as domineering as the true Void Devouring Flame, this advanced-grade sub-flame still possessed the terrifying ability to consume everything. It rivaled the top five flames on the Heavenly Flame List.

And this was only a sub-fire.

The unimaginable power of the Void Devouring Flame's original form was clear.

After successfully refining the sub-fire, Hun Xiu not only gained complete control over it but also experienced a tremendous surge in strength, propelling him to the rank of an Eight-Star Dou Huang.

"Afraid yet?" he mused with a smirk.

---

As the heavenly phenomenon subsided, many Soul Clan experts exchanged bewildered glances.

"Is that it?"

"It shouldn't have been this quick," one murmured, disbelief evident.

His sub-fure wasn't ordinary—it was a advanced-grade sub-fire. Given Hun Xiu's cultivation level, refining it so swiftly seemed almost impossible. Yet the dissipating phenomenon and the noticeable increase in Hun Xiu's aura proved otherwise.

Reluctantly, they acknowledged his remarkable prowess.

"Hun Xiu truly lives up to his name," one elder said with a sigh. "To refine such a flame in just one hour… impressive."

---

From afar, the Void Devouring Flame gazed toward Hun Xiu's courtyard with intrigue.

"What an extraordinary young man," he muttered. "To refine my advanced-grade sub-fire in such a short time—astounding! Or perhaps…"

His gaze darkened thoughtfully. "Perhaps the technique he practices holds secrets even I couldn't grasp. Who would have thought that a method beyond both myself and Hun Tiandi would eventually be comprehended by a boy?"

"Such potential," he mused. "He may well ascend to the pinnacle of power, perhaps even becoming a Dou Di in the future."

But his tone grew somber. "Yet the road to Dou Di in today's Douqi Continent is fraught with peril. How many extraordinary talents have fallen short of the Nine-Star Dou Sheng realm, only to fade into obscurity?"

Elsewhere, Hun Tiandi gazed at Hun Xiu's courtyard, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.

"You've given me yet another surprise, Xiu'er," he murmured. "As expected of my child."

---

The next morning.

"Thank you, Brother Hun, for your hospitality," Gu Yuan said, clasping his fists in farewell. "Please, no need to see me off. Until next time."

"Nonsense," Hun Tiandi replied with a smile. "We are family. Let's not speak like strangers."

The two exchanged pleasantries while, nearby, Hun Xiu and Gu Xun'er shared a tender moment.

Looking at Hun Xiu, Gu Xun'er's cherubic face was tinged with reluctance. "Brother Hun Xiu, Xun'er doesn't want to leave you…"

Hun Xiu smiled and reached out, gently pinching her round cheeks. "Brother Hun Xiu doesn't want Xun'er to leave either," he replied warmly.

Leaning closer, he whispered in her ear, "Xun'er, wait for me. I promise I'll come find you."

The little girl nodded solemnly, then surprised him with a quick kiss on the cheek.

Hun Xiu froze for a moment, stunned by her boldness, but before he could react, Xun'er had darted back to Gu Yuan's side.

"Brother Hun Xiu, goodbye! Xun'er will miss you!" she called, waving her tiny hand.

Hun Xiu raised his hand in farewell, a faint smile lingering on his face as he watched her leave.

---

Beside him, Hun Tiandi chuckled. "No need to stare so long, my boy. When you grow up, you'll marry her."

Hun Xiu turned to look at his father, determination flashing in his eyes. "I will," he said softly.

As his father vanished, Hun Xiu touched his cheek, where Xun'er's kiss still lingered, and murmured, "Next time, I'll take the lead."

With one last glance at the direction they departed, Hun Xiu turned and headed for the back mountain.