What was a mere "chance" supposed to mean?To Hun Xiu, it was nothing more than a perfunctory excuse—a disguised rejection.
Even if he truly did win first place in the clan competition, Hun Tiandi could still reject his request with just one word.
What he wanted was not a chance.What he wanted was permission, a clear and definite answer.
Hun Xiu spoke earnestly:"Father, what I want isn't a chance. I want an answer."
"This is my answer," Hun Tiandi replied coldly. "You're just a mere Dou Huang right now, and you think you can go explore the continent?"
"You clearly have no idea how dangerous the outside world is. It'll eat you alive—bones and all."His voice was deep and firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
Yes, Hun Xiu's actions earlier—groveling like a servant just to please a girl—had displeased him deeply.But the truth remained: Hun Xiu was his most talented son. With the potential to become an emperor, he had already been internally designated by Hun Tiandi and several elders as the next clan leader.
But right now, he was still just a child with the strength of a mere Dou Huang—only nine years old, not even fully grown.Letting him roam the vast, treacherous continent?Absolutely not. The outside world was full of deception, conspiracies, and fatal danger.There was no way he could be at ease.
"Father, my heart is set. I ask you to grant me your permission," Hun Xiu said respectfully. Seeing his father's stern face, he immediately knelt and pleaded.
"Hmph..."
"You dare threaten me?"
Hun Tiandi let out a cold snort. An invisible pressure suddenly erupted from his body, surging toward Hun Xiu.
It wasn't merely pressure—it was a formless attack. Like a crushing wave, it descended on Hun Xiu.
With his mere Dou Huang cultivation, Hun Xiu couldn't possibly withstand such force.
Bang!Still kneeling, he was struck in the chest by the invisible force and sent flying backward, landing hard on the floor.
Pfft!His throat tightened. He spat out a mouthful of blood that stained the floor, and his complexion turned ghostly pale.
Hun Tiandi stared at him coldly, releasing wave after wave of pressure.His voice was like steel:"Since I became the leader of the Hun Clan, no one has ever dared threaten me."
"You are my son. My most exceptional son. And you dare to threaten me?"
"You've clearly forgotten the pain the moment your wounds healed."
"You want to leave the Hun Clan? Win the clan competition first!"
"Remember this, Hun Xiu—the weak have no right to bargain. So what if your talent is heaven-defying? So what if you're my son?Without stepping into the Saint realm, you'll always be trash."
"I was going to confine you for six months, but since the clan competition is less than half a month away, I'll spare you."
The boundless aura pouring from Hun Tiandi was as terrifying as the heavens themselves. It pinned Hun Xiu to the ground.No matter how hard he struggled, he couldn't get up.His body trembled violently under the crushing force.
When he heard those words, his fists clenched tightly. His head bowed, his eyes briefly flashing with fierce defiance. But only for a moment.
Hun Tiandi noticed. He looked down at the boy and said grimly,"I know you're not convinced. Then prove yourself."
Pfft!As soon as the words fell, the pressure—which was already unbearable—grew ever so slightly heavier.
That slight increase was already too much.
Another mouthful of blood spurted from Hun Xiu's lips. His head drooped, and he passed out on the spot.
That minuscule pressure—though slight—was far beyond what a Dou Huang like him could endure.The terrifying power of a Dou Sheng was simply unimaginable.
"Letting you suffer a bit is the only way you'll remember that your father is still your father.Just because you're talented doesn't mean you can do whatever you want," Hun Tiandi said indifferently as he looked at the unconscious Hun Xiu.
He withdrew his terrifying aura and clasped his hands behind his back. Then, turning to the doorway, he called out,"Hun San."
Whoosh.Though his voice wasn't loud, it rang with authority.A black figure instantly appeared in the study, kneeling on one knee with absolute respect.He didn't dare look Hun Tiandi in the eyes.After all, in the entire Hun Clan, only a few people dared make eye contact with the clan leader—Hun San was not one of them.
"Clan Leader," he greeted.
Hun Tiandi gave a slight nod. "Hun San, take Hun Xiu away. Don't heal him. Let him lie in bed for a few days—to clear his mind."
"Go."
He waved his hand.
"Yes."
Hun San bowed and left the study, carrying Hun Xiu with him.The study soon returned to silence.
Suddenly—without warning—a black flame appeared in the study.It rose slowly from the floor, blazing fiercely.The bloodstains that Hun Xiu had spat out were instantly evaporated by the intense heat.
The black flames gathered into a humanoid shape. As they dissipated, a man in black robes emerged from the fire.
It was none other than Void Swallowing Flame—Xu Wu Tun Yan.
"Xu Wu," Hun Tiandi said calmly, "do you think I should let him leave the clan?"
Xu Wu Tun Yan chuckled."Every fledgling eagle must one day leave the nest and fly. Didn't you already give him a chance?"
"Hmph…"
Hun Tiandi snorted coldly, displeased."I gave him a chance, but he doesn't seem to appreciate it."
"How many people in this clan beg me day and night for just one opportunity?But this son of mine? I give him one and he's still not satisfied."
"He wants an answer? What a joke. Does he think I'm someone who gives in so easily?"
Xu Wu Tun Yan smiled faintly."He'll understand… eventually."
Then, as if recalling something, he changed the subject."But… why do you think he suddenly decided to leave the clan?"
"He's never shown any such desire before."
"Exactly."Hun Tiandi nodded slightly."It is strange. I really have no idea what's going on in that boy's head."
"Sometimes I just want to crack open his skull and see what he's thinking."
Hun Xiu possessed the most powerful bloodline in history—an unparalleled, divine-grade bloodline.
Whether it was Hun Tiandi or Xu Wu Tun Yan, both paid close attention to him.
From all their years of observation, they had seen nothing but tireless dedication to cultivation from this boy.He was a complete cultivation maniac—seemingly uninterested in anything else.
Hun Tiandi, not wanting to dwell on his rebellious son anymore, changed the topic:
"By the way, Xu Wu… Have the clan competition rewards been prepared?"
"Of course," Xu Wu Tun Yan replied with a smile.
He lifted his hand, and two strands of pitch-black flame danced in his palm.
Those two flames—were the reward for this year's clan competition.