The sun crept over the Qin family estate, casting its early morning light across the vast courtyards and tiled rooftops. The tranquil atmosphere belied the storm brewing in the heart of the estate. Qin Yu, already awake, sat cross-legged on his bed, his mind sharp and clear, as if he could sense the currents of fate shifting around him. Today was significant.
His thoughts drifted to last night's confrontation, to the assassination attempt, and to his second brother, Qin Zhi—the fool who thought he could eliminate him so easily. However, today wasn't just about revenge. It was about setting boundaries and issuing a warning that would resonate throughout the Qin family.
The dim light of dawn filtered through his window, casting shadows across the floor. Qin Yu's sharp gaze flickered toward the corner of the room where the shadow of one of his Phantom Assassins lingered like a barely perceptible wisp. The assassin's presence was both reassuring and a reminder of the stakes at hand.
"Let's make this quick," he muttered under his breath, focusing his intent.
The assassin nodded silently, blending deeper into the shadows as if he were a part of them. With a determined breath, Qin Yu rose to his feet, adjusting his robes and preparing himself for what lay ahead. He could almost taste the tension in the air.
Qin Yu strode confidently through the estate, his heart steady as he approached his brother's residence. The morning dew still clung to the grass, sparkling in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the dark thoughts swirling in his mind. He knew his brother would be waiting for him, and he was prepared for whatever Qin Zhi had in store.
As he walked, he felt the weight of the two Phantom Assassins at his back, their presences like silent sentinels, ready to act at a moment's notice. They split up as they neared the courtyard, two flanking him while the others spread out to keep watch for any other threats. It was a tactical move, one that instilled a sense of calm amidst the brewing storm.
Upon arriving at Qin Zhi's courtyard, he surveyed the scene. Two guards stood watch, both elite cultivators at the Soul Transformation Realm. Their expressions were taut, aware of the lingering tension but unsure of its source. As Qin Yu approached, the air around them thickened with unspoken words.
One of the guards stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, eyeing Qin Yu warily. "Third Young Master Qin, the Second Young Master is not accepting visitors—"
Before he could finish, Qin Yu raised a hand, silencing him. "I don't need permission to speak to my brother."
With a flick of his wrist, the doors to Qin Zhi's residence creaked open. The man himself appeared, dressed in rich silks that flaunted his status, his expression laced with arrogance. Qin Zhi met Qin Yu's gaze, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before it settled into a mask of disdain.
"Ah, little brother," Qin Zhi mocked, his voice dripping with false warmth. "What brings you here so early in the morning? Could it be... trouble?"
Qin Yu's eyes narrowed, a steely resolve hardening within him. "I came to give you a warning."
Qin Zhi laughed, the sound echoing through the courtyard, dismissive and condescending. "A warning? From you?" His sneer deepened, revealing the arrogance he wore like armor. "I don't know what ridiculous rumors you've heard, but—"
"Enough." Qin Yu's voice was cold, cutting through the air like a blade. He took a purposeful step forward, closing the distance between them, his eyes locked onto his brother's, unwavering.
Without a moment's hesitation, he reached out and tapped his finger on Qin Zhi's forehead. The touch was light, yet the intent behind it was undeniable. "This tap is a reminder of what happens when you cross me."
Qin Zhi's eyes widened, his composure cracking as he stumbled backward, disbelief written all over his face. "You... you dare—"
Before he could react further, Qin Yu commanded his assassins with a mere glance.
The two guards, still in a state of confusion, were caught off guard. They didn't even have time to draw their weapons. The assassins struck with lethal precision, moving as if they were one with the shadows. The guards' throats were sliced open in the blink of an eye, blood spraying into the air as their bodies crumpled to the ground in a chorus of final gasps.
Qin Zhi's expression twisted in horror as the realization dawned on him. "You... you're insane!"
Qin Yu's eyes remained cold, unflinching. "The next time you try to kill me, I won't be so lenient." He stepped back, his heart racing, a sense of power thrumming through him. He had sent a message, loud and clear.
But before he could revel in his small victory, the air around them shifted, heavy with the pressure of a powerful cultivator. A moment later, a figure descended into the courtyard with a graceful yet commanding presence that demanded respect.
Elder Qin Rong.
The elder's sharp eyes immediately took in the scene—the dead guards, the trembling Qin Zhi, and Qin Yu standing calm amidst the chaos. The pressure of his Heavenly Ascension Realm cultivation weighed down on the courtyard, though Qin Yu appeared unaffected, like a stone in a river of turmoil.
"What is the meaning of this?" Elder Qin Rong's voice boomed, shaking the very ground beneath them. "Blood spilled in the Qin estate, and my two best guards lie dead."
Qin Yu bowed slightly, his expression calm but firm. "Elder Qin Rong, this is merely a family matter."
Elder Qin Rong's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he scrutinized Qin Yu. "This is not merely a family matter! You have spilled blood, and the Qin family does not take such actions lightly!"
Without waiting for a response, Elder Qin Rong took a step forward, his hand outstretched, fingers poised to rest upon Qin Yu's shoulder. "I will not allow this madness to go unanswered, Third Young Master. You will explain yourself—"
Before the elder's hand could reach him, one of the Phantom Assassins materialized in front of Qin Yu, blocking the elder's path with a fluid grace. The assassin's mere presence sent a ripple of tension through the air, its cultivation at the Earthly Ascension Realm clear to all.
Elder Qin Rong halted abruptly, his eyes widening in surprise. Though he was more powerful, the sudden appearance of an assassin of such strength was unsettling, especially given Qin Yu's age and status.
Qin Yu's lips curled into a cold smile. "Elder, with all due respect, this is a matter between brothers. There's no need for an elder to intervene in children's quarrels, don't you think?"
The elder's expression darkened, though he remained still, clearly weighing his options. "You dare speak to me this way? You may be of the Qin bloodline, but you are not above the family's laws."
Qin Yu's tone remained steady, his words sharp as a blade. "And I am reminding my brother of those laws. He broke them when he sent an assassin after me. I am merely... returning the favor."
Elder Qin Rong's eyes shifted between Qin Yu and the assassin, then to the blood-stained courtyard. He gritted his teeth, tension palpable in the air, but he knew that the presence of such formidable assassins complicated matters. With a growl, he stepped back, though the fury in his eyes remained.
"Fine," Elder Qin Rong spat through clenched teeth. "But mark my words, Qin Yu. The Qin family does not tolerate internal strife. There will be consequences for this."
Qin Yu smiled, though there was no warmth in his expression. "Of course, Elder."
As Qin Yu returned to his own residence, the morning's events played in his mind like a replay of a fateful battle. His confrontation with Qin Zhi had gone exactly as planned, and Elder Qin Rong had been neutralized without a fight. However, it was clear that others within the Qin family were now paying attention to him, their eyes lingering in the shadows.
The moment he stepped into his courtyard, the familiar voice of the system echoed in his mind.
[ Ding! Side quest complete: Confront your second brother. ]
[ Reward: One random roll and 10% of one Phantom Assassin's cultivation. ]
Qin Yu smiled, feeling the surge of energy flow into his body as he absorbed 10% of his shadow assassin's cultivation. The assassin was in the Earthly Ascension Realm, a realm far beyond his current Qi Condensation Realm, but even 10% of that power was enough to boost him significantly.
He felt the system prompt for his random roll as well. Without hesitation, he activated it.
[ Ding! Congratulations! You've obtained a rare item: 'Void Splitting Sword.' ]
Qin Yu's eyes gleamed as the sword appeared in his hands. It was a magnificent weapon, its blade shimmering with an ethereal glow, sharp enough to cut through anything in its path. He could feel the power radiating from it—a weapon worthy of someone destined for greatness.
Just as Qin Yu was examining his new sword, his senses sharpened. He felt the presence of multiple people approaching his residence. His smile widened slightly, recognizing the energy signatures.
It was his second brother Qin Zhi, their father Qin Zheng, and a group of guards.
"Interesting," Qin Yu murmured to himself. "It seems my family has decided to pay me a visit after all."
The chapter ended just as Qin Zhi and their father, along with the guards, arrived outside Qin Yu's residence, their motives still unknown.