Boom.
When Hunxiu heard his father Hun Tiandi's evaluation of him, his heart trembled slightly. Even though he had now awakened the Dou Emperor bloodline and bound the system, the title "Dou Emperor" still felt like a distant dream.
Becoming an Emperor?
Of course he had thought about it, but it felt far too distant and unattainable at his current stage. He didn't dare think too much about it.
After all, even with the qualifications to become an Emperor, qualifications are just that—potential. The future is full of uncertainty.
There were plenty of once-promising geniuses who died young.
Granted, he was Hun Tiandi's son. Dying prematurely? That didn't seem likely. Who was Hun Tiandi? If even his son died young, wouldn't that be a disgrace to him?
But still, nothing is absolute. It's not about fearing the unlikely—it's about being prepared in case it happens.
For now, the best move is to stay low and bide time. Going wild and drawing attention? Not until he at least became a Dou Saint. Only then would he earn the right to be bold.
The continent was vast and full of danger. Without Dou Saint strength, there was no guarantee of survival.
After all, not everyone is born with the luck of a protagonist—someone who can survive anything and always come back stronger.
Protagonist? Hunxiu never fantasized about being one. He didn't want to test the theory either.
He just wanted to increase his strength steadily.
At the very least, he didn't want to be cannon fodder. Of course, if the chance came, he would love to change the fate of the Hun Clan too.
Though the first goal was simple, the second? Well… that depended on the circumstances.
Right now, keeping a low profile is the way.
...
"Father, you flatter me. Hunxiu merely has a slightly stronger bloodline, I don't deserve such high praise," Hunxiu quickly responded respectfully.
There is a kind of love known as "praising someone to death."
Hunxiu wouldn't let a few compliments from Hun Tiandi make him lose his senses.
After all, he was a transmigrator. He knew the dangers of being praised too much.
He didn't want to be pushed into the spotlight. More importantly, his current strength couldn't support the attention that came with that spotlight.
If he were already a Dou Saint? Then sure—bring on the praise!
What's the worst that could happen? He wouldn't fear the spotlight. He'd own it.
But now?
Low-key is king. Humility is power.
A trace of satisfaction flashed through Hun Tiandi's eyes. Not arrogant, not rash. Truly his child.
His tone softened, and he said, "Xiu'er, you're being too modest. You fully deserve that praise."
Hunxiu lowered his head again, unsure how to respond.
Should he agree with the compliment?
Or continue being modest?
What if continued modesty offended this "cheap" father of his?
So…
He wisely chose silence.
Sometimes, silence is the best answer.
Hun Tiandi noticed Hunxiu's silence and prepared to move on to the main topic. After all, he hadn't come here for just a casual chat.
Ding!
Just as Hun Tiandi was about to speak, the system's voice rang in Hunxiu's mind.
"Technique Selection:"
"Option 1: Heaven-rank High-Grade Technique – Emperor Burning Flame Art"
"Option 2: Unknown Technique – Fire Devouring Codex"
Hunxiu asked: "System, what's the difference between the two?"
System: "Of course there's a difference. The first is one of the strongest known fire-type techniques on the continent."
"The second is an unknown technique, with limitless potential—a high chance of helping one become a Dou Emperor."
"Huh?"
Hunxiu's heart skipped a beat.
Dou Emperor?
A high chance of becoming a Dou Emperor? Then what was there to consider? Without hesitation, he made his choice.
"I choose Option 2 — Fire Devouring Codex."
...
Hun Tiandi pulled two technique manuals from his storage ring. One radiated intense fire-type Dou Qi; the surrounding air turned crimson from its presence.
It was none other than the Heaven-rank High-Grade Technique – Emperor Burning Flame Art.
One of the most powerful fire techniques known on the continent.
In his other hand was the second technique. Compared to the blazing dominance of the first, this one looked plain and ordinary.
It was the unknown technique — Fire Devouring Codex.
Hunxiu's gaze fell on the two manuals. Hun Tiandi spoke lightly:
"Xiu'er, now that you've awakened the Dou Emperor bloodline and become a Dou Spirit, you're ready to cultivate a technique."
"These are two techniques. Choose one."
As he spoke, Hun Tiandi casually added, "Your father cultivates the Emperor Burning Flame Art."
The meaning was obvious—he hoped Hunxiu would pick this Heaven-rank art.
As for the Fire Devouring Codex?
Hun Tiandi had once studied it, but to his frustration, he couldn't understand a single word inside.
Still, he was sure that despite its ordinary appearance, it was not a simple technique.
He had acquired it during a past adventure in an ancient ruin. Though the only words he could read were the title—Fire Devouring Codex—the rest of the content was utterly incomprehensible to him.
Why did he bring it out now instead of just giving Hunxiu the Emperor Burning Flame Art?
He didn't even know himself. "Some strange impulse," he might say.
Would anyone believe that?
Hunxiu looked at the Emperor Burning Flame Art, then at the Fire Devouring Codex, and wore a troubled expression.
Finally, his hand slowly reached for the Emperor Burning Flame Art. Hun Tiandi watched with satisfaction and nodded—his son hadn't let him down.
But just as Hunxiu's hand was about to touch the manual—
He paused.
In a sudden twist, he grabbed the Fire Devouring Codex instead.
After all, this was a technique with a high chance of creating a Dou Emperor.
Only a fool wouldn't know which one to choose.
Holding the Fire Devouring Codex tightly, Hunxiu declared with conviction:
"Father, I choose the Fire Devouring Codex."
Hun Tiandi: "…"
Hun Tiandi was stunned. Completely bewildered.
He had hinted so clearly—yet his son picked that "useless-looking" technique instead?
Was this child trying to drive him crazy?
"Cough…"
Hun Tiandi regained his composure and cleared his throat.
"Xiu'er, how about choosing a different one? This technique… doesn't really suit you."
"No…"
Hunxiu shook his head, firm as steel. "Father, I want to cultivate this one. The moment I saw it, I felt a strong connection with it."
Hun Tiandi stared at him with narrowed eyes