Misunderstanding

"Um?"

When Hun Feng and the other two heard Gu Yuan's words, they were slightly stunned.

What did "Xiu'er may not be as strong as you in cultivation, but he surpasses you in other aspects" mean?

Did it imply that they were now stronger than Hun Xiu? Or was it just sarcasm?

"Senior..."

When they finally reacted and wanted to question Gu Yuan about his statement, Gu Yuan had already left with Gu Xun'er, leaving behind only their receding silhouettes.

Hun Yu hesitated before saying softly, "What did Senior Gu mean? That Xiu'er is not as good as us? How could Hun Xiu be inferior? He has a super-divine bloodline, and his cultivation talent is far beyond ours."

Gu Yuan was the patriarch of the Ancient Clan, holding a status equivalent to that of their own clan's patriarch, Hun Tian Di. Referring to him as "senior" was certainly appropriate.

In the past two years, with the alliance between the Hun and Gu tribes, their relationship had become less tense, at least on the surface.

Hun Huan'er said thoughtfully, "Who knows."

Hun Feng shrugged and added, "A true strong man's words are always profound. Xiu'er is not as good as us? In what way could that be?"

The three of them watched Gu Yuan and Gu Xun'er leave, their minds swirling with questions.

"Why would Xiu'er be inferior to us?"

They could only speculate in their hearts, as none of them dared to approach Gu Yuan for clarification. Meanwhile, Gu Yuan and Gu Xun'er gradually disappeared from view.

The three wouldn't confront Hun Xiu directly to question him either. Their priority now was to prepare for the upcoming clan competition, which was less than half a month away.

"Father, shouldn't we go and see Brother Hun Xiu?" Gu Xun'er asked curiously as she held Gu Yuan's hand.

She had noticed that the road they were taking wasn't leading to Hun Xiu's courtyard but back to their own.

Gu Yuan smiled and replied, "He doesn't have time for you right now."

He knew Hun Xiu must be busy preparing for the clan competition in a quiet and focused environment. Gu Yuan preferred to let Hun Xiu concentrate while taking on the responsibility of keeping his daughter occupied himself.

After all, Gu Yuan liked Hun Xiu; he was the "perfect future son-in-law" of the mainland.

"Why not?" Gu Xun'er pouted, her curiosity unsatisfied. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill. She sobbed softly, "Father... could it be that Brother Hun Xiu doesn't love Xun'er anymore?"

Gu Yuan squatted down to meet her gaze. He gently rubbed her head and said softly, "Xun'er, be good. Your Brother Hun Xiu has important things to do right now, so he can't play with you. Stay with Father for now. Once he's done, he'll come and play with you."

"Really?" Gu Xun'er sniffled, still looking unconvinced.

She clearly doubted her father's words. They had been playing happily yesterday, and now he suddenly had "important things" to do?

"Of course. When has Father ever lied to you?" Gu Yuan reassured her with a loving smile.

Inwardly, however, his heart ached. Daughters were supposed to be their fathers' sweet little treasures, yet he couldn't even enjoy this precious bond before she seemed to switch her affection to someone else.

And to think, he had orchestrated this relationship himself! The irony burned, but he would stand by his choice, even if it meant enduring this bittersweet reality.

"...Okay," Gu Xun'er mumbled, finally choosing to trust her father.

---

Meanwhile, in Hun Xiu's courtyard, an astonishing phenomenon was unfolding. A massive tornado of heaven and earth energy swirled toward the courtyard, producing a deafening roar that echoed through the surroundings.

The sight drew the attention of countless young people, who quickly gathered outside the courtyard. However, none dared to approach.

"Such terrifying energy... what level has Hun Xiu reached?" a chubby boy in a black robe exclaimed. This boy, none other than Hun Dan, who grew up over the past two years.

Once a chubby child, Hun Dan was now a more compact version of his former self—still round and endearing but noticeably less rotund.

"Indeed! This tornado of energy almost engulfs the entire courtyard. It's truly terrifying," agreed a thin young man standing beside Hun Dan.

The two made a sharp contrast: one short and plump, the other tall and lean.

The thin youth, known as Hun Qiu, frowned as he muttered, "Could Hun Xiu really have reached Dou Zun realm?"

The crowd murmured in astonishment until a sharp voice cut through the noise.

"Why not?"

The speaker was a petite girl in a purple dress, her twin ponytails bouncing as she placed her hands on her hips. Despite her small stature, her words carried confidence.

"Why can't Hun Xiu achieve what you can't? He awakened a super-divine bloodline and was already a Dou Ling two years ago! Considering his talent and resources, I wouldn't be surprised if he's already reached Dou Zun—or even Dou Sheng!"

Her bold statement left the crowd in stunned silence.

"Could it be true?"

Whispers rippled through the gathering. The girl's words, though exaggerated at first glance, began to make sense.

Hun Xiu's bloodline and talent were unmatched. His current strength, whatever it may be, was surely far beyond ordinary.

"Could he really be a Dou Zun?"

The thought lingered in everyone's minds as they watched the extraordinary scene unfold.