BTTH: Demon Emperor Xiao Yan

Deep in the heart of a tranquil mountain range lay a crystal-clear lake, surrounded by mist that drifted lazily across the water's surface. From a distance, it resembled a heavenly realm untouched by mortal dust. No one would ever imagine that such a serene place existed within the Hun Clan—an ancient clan long regarded by the outside world as shrouded in eerie mystery.

On the edge of the lake, in front of a lavish palace that rested upon the water's surface, a girl stood quietly. She was dressed in pure white, her long silver hair cascading softly down her back. Her face was youthful and innocent, evoking an instinctive desire to protect her. But only those who knew her well understood the vicious mind that lurked beneath her angelic shell.

She gazed silently at the lake. Her blood-red eyes showed no emotion. After a long pause, she gently clapped her hands and spoke in a flat voice, "So, you're back?"

As her words fell, a shadowy figure silently emerged behind her and knelt on one knee. "Young Miss," the figure greeted with utmost respect.

"Enough with the formalities. Did you find the person I asked for?" the girl asked as she turned slowly. Her face wore a seemingly lively smile, but her eyes remained lifeless and cold. Such a disturbing expression on what appeared to be an eight- or nine-year-old girl was enough to send chills down anyone's spine.

Though not exceptionally powerful, this girl held one of the highest positions in the Hun Clan. Even some of the clan's elders dared not show disrespect in her presence. She was the direct daughter of the current clan leader and a prime contender for the future head of the clan.

She was also Xiao Yan's fated rival from his previous life—Hun Daier.

"Reporting to the young miss, our men traveled to the Northwestern Continent. In a small city called Wutan, we did indeed find a young man named Xiao Yan," the guard answered.

"Very good. I knew he came too." Hun Daier smiled. She stretched out her hand, and a butterfly gently landed in her palm. Gazing at the delicate insect, she asked calmly, "Did you bring him back?"

"Well..." The guard hesitated. "Miss, although we confirmed Xiao Yan was in Wutan City, by the time we arrived, he had already left the Xiao Family long ago, so..."

"So you didn't bring him back, is that it?" Hun Daier flicked her finger, and a streak of silver-white flame burst forth, instantly turning the butterfly in her palm to ash.

"Yes..." The guard didn't even finish her sentence before she was kicked to the ground. Just as she tried to get up, Hun Daier stepped on her hand and ground her heel into the woman's fingers.

Hun Daier looked down at the twisted expression on the guard's face. Though she wore a smile, her voice was laced with such intense murderous intent that it filled the guard with genuine terror. "If you didn't bring him back, then why did you even come back?"

The searing pain from her crushed fingers nearly forced a scream from the guard's throat, but she knew what would happen if she cried out. Clenching her teeth, she pleaded desperately, "Please give us one more chance, Young Miss! We promise! We'll bring him back next time!"

"Hmph." Hun Daier finally lifted her foot from the woman's hand and returned to her calm, aloof demeanor. "Then I'll give you one more chance. I don't care how you do it—I want him here. If you fail again, don't bother coming back. Find a place to end your life instead."

"Understood..." The guard slowly stood. After a moment's hesitation, she added, "Young Miss, even though we haven't found Xiao Yan for now, the Xiao Family in Wutan City is still there. If we capture them all, wouldn't that flush him out?"

"That would work on most people, but not him." Hun Daier chuckled. "He doesn't care about family. That man is cold-hearted, disdains emotional ties, and is ruthlessly cruel. Even if you killed his entire family in front of him, he wouldn't bat an eye."

'That sounds more like you, doesn't it?' the guard thought bitterly but didn't dare voice it aloud.

"You're thinking that his personality is a lot like mine, aren't you?" Hun Daier asked suddenly, turning to her.

"Ah?" The guard froze in fright, not knowing how to respond. But Hun Daier waved a hand, dismissing her. "It's only natural to think so. After all... he's my most perfect creation."

The guard blinked in confusion. From her words, not only did she know Xiao Yan, but they even seemed to have a close relationship? But how could that be? How could the young miss, who had never once left the Hun Clan, have a connection with a minor noble from Wutan City?

"To deal with someone like Xiao Yan, the best approach is to crush him before he can grow." Hun Daier continued, her voice calm and analytical. "No matter how strong he was in the past, right now he's just a Dou Shi at best. Even if he possesses Heaven Class cultivation methods, his current strength is far too weak to unleash their full potential."

She didn't even mention Dou Techniques, because she understood all too well—unless one reached Dou Zun, even Heaven Class techniques couldn't be cultivated. Earth Class techniques could only be fully utilized by Dou Wang, and as for Profound or Yellow Class techniques, they were beneath notice.

"Yes, understood." The guard's curiosity deepened. A young noble from a backwater place like Wutan possessing Heaven Class methods? That was hard to believe. Even among those with privileges in the Hun Clan, few had access to such things. Still, she didn't dare ask further and promptly left to prepare for a trip to the Jia Ma Empire to search for Xiao Yan.

Once the guard departed, the lake returned to silence. Hun Daier turned and walked toward the palace interior. This was her private dwelling, and no one—not even her father—was allowed inside.

In contrast to its luxurious exterior, the palace interior was stark and spacious. Aside from a few daily necessities, the only decorations were the paintings neatly arranged on the surrounding walls—and all of them depicted the same figure: her eternal rival, the Demonic Flame Saint, Xiao Yan.

She lightly touched a freshly painted portrait, her fingers soft and careful, though her eyes blazed with obsession and madness.

"I really want to see you soon... Xiao Yan."

"This time, I won't let you escape again."

(End of Chapter)

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