Chapter 286: "Good Son," Huo Yuhao

Xu Jiujiu, as a princess of the empire, understood that her personal feelings often came second to the nation's interests. Yet seeing Huo Yuhao's determination, she felt nothing but disdain.

From her perspective, Huo Yuhao was delusional.

"Princess Jiujiu, Qian Ran is nothing more than a degenerate—an arrogant philanderer! But I'm different!" Huo Yuhao's voice rose as he tried to convince her, his face burning with the last embers of his fragile confidence.

His failure with Dong'er had left a gaping wound in his pride. If he lost Princess Xu Jiujiu as well, it would shatter the remnants of his self-esteem.

"Jiujiu…" he said desperately, his eyes filled with an obsessive determination. "I'm a genius Soul Engineer! I'm already a Rank 4 engineer at my age. My future is boundless! Be with me, and I will show you a world beyond your imagination."

Xu Jiujiu's cold gaze met his. "Huo Yuhao," she said, her tone icy, "you are not even one-tenth the man Qian Ran is."

Her words cut like a blade. Huo Yuhao's expression froze, and then twisted into one of shock and rage.

"Jiujiu, you can't mean that!" He tried to steady himself. "Qian Ran is a shameless scoundrel. How can you compare me to him?!"

"Enough!" Xu Jiujiu's voice rose, firm and unyielding. "If you insult my fiancé again, I will personally have you thrown out—Clear Sky Sect or not."

Before Huo Yuhao could respond, a familiar, relaxed voice drifted into the room.

"Jiujiu, there you are. And… look who it is."

Huo Yuhao turned sharply to see Qian Ran entering the room, a smirk playing on his lips. As he strode toward them, his arm naturally encircled Xu Jiujiu's slender waist. She didn't resist—instead, she leaned into him with an expression that could only be described as pure affection.

"Qian Ran!" Huo Yuhao's voice quivered, his body stiffening.

"Oh, it's been a while, hasn't it, Huo Yuhao?" Qian Ran chuckled, as if greeting an old friend. His gaze then swept over Huo Yuhao disdainfully. "I heard you were the one who spent two billion gold soul coins on the auction's grand prize. Truly impressive. Thanks for your generosity."

"What do you mean?" Huo Yuhao felt a chill run down his spine.

Qian Ran's smirk widened. "I mean, thank you for buying a gift for me. That soul beast embryo? It's already in my hands."

The room fell silent.

"You…" Huo Yuhao's legs nearly buckled as fury, disbelief, and despair coursed through him.

His greatest hope, the foundation of his dreams, was gone. And worse, it was Qian Ran—**always Qian Ran—**who had taken it.

"Impossible!" Huo Yuhao bellowed. "You can't have it! It's mine!"

"Oh, it was," Qian Ran said lightly. "But, well… let's just say my people have already retrieved it. Ice Emperor and Qian Renxue should be on their way back as we speak."

Huo Yuhao's vision blurred with rage. He wanted to scream, to curse, to fight—to do anything to reclaim what had been stolen from him.

"Is this how Star Luo handles its auctions?!" Huo Yuhao whirled on Xu Jiujiu, his voice shaking with accusation. "You allow robbers to run free after an auction like this?"

Xu Jiujiu raised an elegant eyebrow. "The auction hall guarantees your safety while you're inside. If something happens after you leave… that's hardly our responsibility."

Her tone was dismissive, making it clear she had no intention of involving herself in his grievances.

Huo Yuhao clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, drawing blood. "Fine," he growled. "I have two Clear Sky Douluo with me. Let's see you try and take it by force."

"Two Titled Douluo?" Qian Ran raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with mockery. "How quaint. Unfortunately for you, Ice Emperor alone is more than enough to handle them."

Huo Yuhao's breath hitched as the reality of his situation began to sink in.

"Qian Ran!!!" Huo Yuhao roared, his fury exploding. With no thought of consequence, he lunged forward, his fist glowing with soul power as he aimed a blow at Qian Ran.

But before his attack could land, Qian Ran raised his leg and delivered a casual, devastating kick to Huo Yuhao's chest. The force sent him sprawling across the floor.

"Too weak," Qian Ran remarked, shaking his head in feigned disappointment. "Try again in a few years, Huo Yuhao."

Huo Yuhao struggled to rise, his limbs trembling. Qian Ran loomed over him, his expression unreadable.

"You know," Qian Ran said thoughtfully, "if you just admitted defeat and called me 'Dad,' I might leave you a scrap or two from time to time."

Huo Yuhao's eyes widened in pure rage. "Never!"

"Oh, don't be like that," Qian Ran said, his tone mocking. "I mean, technically, once I resurrect your dear mother, she'll probably be calling me her everything. Wouldn't it make sense for you to acknowledge me as your father?"

Huo Yuhao's mind snapped. He wanted to scream, to tear Qian Ran apart, but his battered body refused to obey. The mention of his mother—**his beloved mother—**being subjected to Qian Ran's twisted fantasies was the final straw.

He didn't care if it was true or not. He had to destroy Qian Ran, no matter what.

"Mark my words," Huo Yuhao hissed, his voice hoarse with hatred. "One day, I will crush you, Qian Ran. I will reclaim everything that is mine and more. I will make you kneel before me!"

"Good son," Qian Ran said with a smirk, kicking Huo Yuhao out of the room.

"Remember to say hi to your mother for me when I bring her back," he added, his voice dripping with amusement.

Huo Yuhao lay in the hallway, trembling with fury. As he forced himself to his feet, his resolve burned brighter than ever.

"I swear… I'll make the world bow before me. And I'll make Qian Ran pay for this humiliation a thousand times over."

He staggered away, each step fueled by unyielding hatred.

(Chapter End)