BTTH: The Legend Of Xiu Emperor

"The continent is dangerous. I want Xiu'er to be invincible when he leaves the clan, not someone who will be chased and beaten as soon as he steps out."

Hun Tiandi's gaze was firm and sharp as he watched Hun Xiu's departing figure.

Hun Xiu was such an exceptional talent. If he were invincible and capable of protecting himself, who would hesitate to let him go?

The continent is fraught with danger, full of flashing swords, intrigue, and deception. As his father, Hun Tiandi didn't want Xiu'er to bear all this.

Unless, one day, Hun Xiu becomes truly invincible, possessing the strength to crush the secular world underfoot, only then would it be acceptable for him to leave.

But that day is not now.

---

Hun Xiu returned to his courtyard and entered complete seclusion.

He was racing against time, determined to refine the cultivation resources at his disposal as quickly as possible. Even gaining a single minute in the morning would benefit him greatly.

If he was late even by a minute at night, he risked falling into danger—or being deceived.

Considering the high possibility of being schemed against, he had no choice but to act immediately.

Day after day passed.

The entire Soul Clan knew that, after the clan competition, Hun Xiu had completely secluded himself to focus on cultivation.

Day and night, one could see the energy of heaven and earth rushing like a violent tornado toward Hun Xiu's courtyard.

The sight was truly astonishing.

At first, many people were unaccustomed to it. But since this phenomenon persisted day and night, they gradually got used to it.

Many young members of the Soul Clan, inspired by Hun Xiu, also began to enter seclusion and dedicate themselves to cultivation.

After all, Hun Xiu was already invincible among the younger generation, yet he continued to work tirelessly to improve himself.

This created a sense of immense pressure for the rest of the young generation in the Soul Clan.

If someone as remarkable as Hun Xiu was working so hard, why shouldn't they?

Although they knew they could never match his pace or reach his heights, they were still part of the same generation.

They didn't want the gap between themselves and Hun Xiu to grow too vast.

Fortunately, Hun Xiu was unaware of this. If he knew, he would likely smile helplessly and say, "The reason I work so hard is that I'm afraid of being schemed against. Why are you all working so hard? Are you planning to conspire against me too?"

---

"Hun Tiandi, this generation of young people is truly remarkable," said Void Devouring Flame as he stood beside Hun Tiandi.

"Indeed," Hun Tiandi nodded in agreement. "Because of Xiu'er, this generation of young people has become exceptionally diligent."

"It seems the Soul Clan is thriving. No one will be able to stand in its way," he added with satisfaction.

Initially, Hun Tiandi only wanted Hun Xiu to focus on cultivation. He hadn't expected the younger generation to follow his example. This turn of events exceeded his expectations.

But he welcomed it.

Void Devouring Flame's black flames flickered in his eyes as he nodded. "Indeed."

---

Douqi Continent.

Northwest Region, Jia Ma Empire, Wutan City, Xiao Family

In the Xiao family hall, Xiao Zhan—the patriarch—faced a black-robed, middle-aged man with awe and trepidation.

The same tension filled the expressions of the three elders present.

They were incredibly nervous, fearing they might inadvertently offend the black-robed man.

They were well aware of his identity. He was a renowned figure across the continent, with few rivals in the Jia Ma Empire, the Northwest Region, or even the entire Douqi Continent.

"Senior," Xiao Zhan greeted nervously, his unease evident.

"Mm," the man in black robe replied curtly.

This man was Gu Yuan, who couldn't help but sympathize with the Xiao family's current predicament.

However, he had no intention of helping the Xiao family.

The Xiao family was no longer the glorious Xiao Clan it once was; it had completely faded from the stage of ancient families on the continent.

Gu Yuan knew that the Xiao family's survival depended on secrecy. If he intervened, other families would notice, and the Xiao family would become prey.

Gu Yuan spoke seriously. "Chief Xiao, this is my daughter, Xun'er. I hope she can have a peaceful childhood. I would like to entrust her to your care. What do you think?"

As he spoke, he retrieved a mid-level Black-tier fighting technique, Crazy Lion's Rage, from his storage ring.

"Of course, no problem at all," Xiao Zhan quickly replied, his excitement barely contained as he accepted the fighting technique.

An intermediate Black-tier fighting skill was something the Xiao family couldn't hope to acquire in their current state.

With this, Xiao Zhan's strength could advance significantly.

For the Xiao family, this was a heaven-sent opportunity.

Gu Yuan sighed inwardly. Xiao Xuan, since your death, the Xiao family has truly declined.

The once-mighty Xiao Clan, now reduced to a family groveling over for a Black-tier skill. This is no longer the Xiao family I remember.

Gu Yuan bent down and patted his daughter's head. "Xun'er, from now on, your surname will be Xiao. You must not disappoint me."

"Understood, Father," Gu Xun'er replied, her voice crisp and obedient.

"Patriarch Xiao," Gu Yuan continued, "I trust you to care for her. When the time comes, I will send someone to bring her back."

"You can count on us," Xiao Zhan assured him solemnly.

---

As Gu Yuan departed the Xiao family in secret, he murmured into the shadows, "Protect Xun'er well."

Then, he vanished into thin air, unnoticed by anyone.

Back in the Xiao family hall, Xiao Zhan turned to Gu Xun'er with a warm smile.

"Xun'er," he said kindly, "welcome to the Xiao family."