As the sun rose over the Qin residence, its golden rays danced across the sprawling grounds, casting a serene glow on the ancestral home. Qin Yu woke up from his meditation, feeling the familiar weight of his cultivation progress settling deeper into his body. He stretched slowly, a smirk creeping onto his face as he recalled the previous night's confrontation. His father's doubt, his brother's fear—it was amusing to him. Yet, today, something felt different.
The air was lighter, more cheerful. The sounds of laughter and the bustling of servants could be heard outside, far more than usual. He stood, his gaze narrowing. The Qin residence wasn't normally this lively, especially after last night. His fingers flicked in a casual motion, and instantly, his shadows, the Phantom Assassins, materialized from the corners of his room, silent and awaiting command.
"Why does the residence feel... different today?" Qin Yu asked, his voice low but sharp.
One of the shadows stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Master, there are visitors from the Celestial Lotus Sect. An elder and two disciples. They arrived early this morning, and it seems they are here to visit Lady Qin and perhaps to challenge some members of the family. The residence is cheery because this visit is seen as a great honor."
Qin Yu's eyes darkened with interest. "The Celestial Lotus Sect?" He tapped his chin thoughtfully. His mother's sect. His connection to her had always been distant, and he hadn't seen her since awakening in this world. "So, they've come here for a spectacle, have they?"
The shadow continued, "There is something more, Master. One of the disciples is a core formation cultivator, and the other is nascent soul, but the elder... he is of the Earthly Ascension Realm, similar to us."
Qin Yu raised an eyebrow. "An Earthly Ascension Realm elder? That's no small matter. Could he sense your presence?"
The shadow nodded. "He cannot see us, but he sensed something when we attempted to scout closer. We backed off to avoid suspicion."
Qin Yu smiled, a glint of challenge in his eyes. "So, they thought they could keep this visit hidden from me. What a joke." He stood, stretching lazily before heading to the wardrobe. He selected a long robe, its dark fabric contrasting with the golden embroidery that lined its edges. As he dressed, he noticed his assassins disappearing into the shadows without needing to give a command. They knew what to do, always staying one step ahead of his plans.
Qin Yu stepped toward the door of his residence, pausing briefly as he sensed the anticipation in the air. Today, he would meet his mother for the first time since coming into this world. He could feel it—a subtle tension, as if the events unfolding were drawing him closer to some unseen fate. But this wouldn't be some quiet family reunion. No, it seemed fate wanted him to deal with the Celestial Lotus Sect's meddling disciples and their so-called elder.
The large, ornate doors of his residence opened with a soft creak as Qin Yu stepped into the courtyard. He was greeted by the bustling activity of the servants, who were too preoccupied to notice him slip through the main pathways of the estate. His sharp gaze scanned the scene, picking up on every detail. The disciples of the Celestial Lotus Sect were being shown around the grounds, while the elder remained in quiet conversation with some senior members of the Qin family.
"Master," a shadow whispered from the side, "should we make any preparations for their... removal?"
Qin Yu chuckled, "No need. Today, we act with subtlety." His eyes glinted as he added, "But I'll give them a reason to regret underestimating me."
He approached the grand hall where the guests had gathered, standing just outside the entry. He could hear voices filtering through the walls—his father's deep voice, the dignified tone of the elder, and the soft laughter of his mother. A conversation about alliances, cultivation, and something about sparring between the disciples and the Qin brothers.
'So they're here to play,' Qin Yu mused, his lips curling into a smirk.
Taking a deep breath, he flicked his finger casually, causing the doors to part just enough for him to slip in unnoticed. His movements were fluid, calculated, and with each step, he exuded a confidence that made it clear he was in control. As he entered, heads turned. His mother, the dignified Lady Qin, regarded him with a mix of curiosity and slight surprise. It had been a long time since they'd shared a moment together, and he could sense the unspoken questions in her gaze.
"Father," Qin Yu greeted with a faint bow, his voice respectful yet laced with an undercurrent of defiance. His eyes moved to his second brother, who was standing next to their father, looking far too smug for his own good. Then, he glanced at the Celestial Lotus Sect's guests, assessing them without saying a word.
The elder, draped in a flowing green robe, regarded Qin Yu with a measuring look. "Ah, so this is your youngest son, Qin Zheng?" the elder spoke, his voice calm but with an edge of authority. "The one who has... caused some stir recently."
Qin Yu didn't let the remark faze him. Instead, he chuckled softly and tilted his head. "I wasn't aware we were entertaining such high-ranking guests today. It seems I've been left out of the loop." He let his words hang in the air, his gaze locking onto his father's. "I trust you didn't bring these guards here for me, Father? Or perhaps my brother is still upset about last night's misunderstanding."
The second brother's face darkened, but before he could speak, the elder raised a hand. "We are here for more peaceful matters, young one. We do not intend to cause any trouble. Our disciples merely wish to challenge the talents of your esteemed family."
Qin Yu's smile grew wider. "Challenge? How bold. But as you can see, Father, there's no need for an audience. If they wish to test the strength of the Qin family... perhaps they should test me first?"
There was a brief silence as everyone processed the words. His second brother's smug grin faltered, clearly caught off guard by Qin Yu's audacity. The elder's eyes narrowed slightly, and even his mother seemed slightly concerned.
Qin Yu's eyes glinted with confidence as he let the tension in the room rise. He could feel the shift in the atmosphere—the curiosity of his father, the growing disdain in his second brother's expression, and the cautious interest from the Celestial Lotus Sect elder. Even his mother, Lady Qin, seemed to be waiting to see how this unexpected turn would play out.
The elder, his robe flowing with the faintest ripple of energy, glanced at the two disciples beside him—one a young man with sharp eyes and long hair tied back, and the other a young woman, calm and composed with an icy aura about her. Both were dressed in the light blue robes of the Celestial Lotus Sect, a symbol of their standing among the Great Sects.
"Very well," the elder spoke, his voice even but holding an air of superiority. "If you wish to test the strength of our disciples, we will indulge you. However, your current cultivation... is insufficient to face them."
Qin Yu chuckled softly. "Then, let's make it fair. We'll suppress our strength to match the Peak Qi Condensation Realm."
The disciples exchanged glances, clearly unimpressed. The male disciple took a step forward, introducing himself with a formal bow. "I am Li Han, disciple of the Celestial Lotus Sect. I accept your challenge, and I will limit myself to the Peak Qi Condensation Realm, as you requested."
Qin Yu stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate, but the confidence he exuded was unmistakable. "Good. Let's begin."
As they faced off in the grand courtyard, a hush fell over the spectators. Qin Yu's father, Qin Zheng, crossed his arms, watching his son with a mixture of curiosity and concern. His second brother stood nearby, arms crossed and smug, certain that this fight would humble Qin Yu.
Li Han wasted no time. He rushed forward, his palm glowing with condensed Qi as he aimed directly for Qin Yu's chest. His speed was impressive, considering he had suppressed his power to match the Peak Qi Condensation Realm, and to most eyes, it seemed like a formidable move.
But Qin Yu didn't flinch.
Just as Li Han's palm was about to land, Qin Yu shifted slightly—so fast that the movement barely registered to most of the onlookers. His fist shot out, a blur of motion, connecting with Li Han's face before the disciple could react. The force of the punch sent him crashing to the ground, his body skidding across the stone courtyard as he was knocked out cold.
The entire scene unfolded in a split second.
Gasps of disbelief echoed through the courtyard. The Qin guards and other family members who had been watching from the side couldn't believe what they had just witnessed. The smug look on Qin Yu's second brother's face faltered, replaced by shock. Even Qin Zheng, the patriarch, raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Only the elder and Lady Qin remained composed, though the elder's eyes narrowed as he reassessed Qin Yu.
Qin Yu dusted off his hands nonchalantly and glanced at the unconscious disciple. "That was underwhelming," he remarked, his voice calm as if nothing significant had happened. "Who's next?"
The female disciple, who had been standing silently, stepped forward. Her name was Lin Cai, and while she had a far more composed demeanor than her fallen comrade, a flicker of anger could be seen in her cold gaze.
"I will not underestimate you," she said, her voice frosty. She, too, suppressed her cultivation to the Peak Qi Condensation Realm.
Qin Yu smiled, motioning for her to begin. "Whenever you're ready."
Lin Cai moved with the fluid grace of someone well-versed in combat. Her technique was elegant, and her movements seemed to glide as she prepared a sword strike, the weapon appearing from a storage ring with a flash of light. The blade shimmered with cold Qi as she swung toward Qin Yu with precise control.
But Qin Yu was even faster.
Just as her blade descended, Qin Yu side-stepped smoothly, closing the distance between them in an instant. Before she could react, he delivered a swift chop to her neck, the force enough to knock her unconscious without causing any permanent damage. Lin Cai collapsed to the ground, her sword clattering beside her.
Two fights, two seconds.
Once again, the crowd was stunned. The young genius of the Celestial Lotus Sect had been taken down without even landing a blow. Qin Yu's eyes swept the audience, locking onto his father. "Satisfied?"
Before Qin Zheng could respond, the Celestial Lotus Sect elder stepped forward, his expression a mix of surprise and annoyance. His pride as an elder of one of the Great Sects had been bruised. "Impressive," he admitted, though his tone was laced with frustration. "But this is the limit of your strength, boy. Do not grow arrogant just because you defeated my disciples."
Qin Yu smirked, his confidence unwavering. "And what of your strength, Elder? Would you care to demonstrate?"
The elder raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his gaze. "There is no need. After all, there is no one in the Qin family capable of challenging someone of my level. Earthly Ascension Realm cultivators do not lower themselves to such trivial matches."
Qin Yu's eyes glinted. "You're mistaken if you think no one here can challenge you."
The elder frowned, clearly intrigued but skeptical. "What do you mean?"
With a flick of his finger, Qin Yu summoned one of his Phantom Assassins. In an instant, a shadow materialized behind him—tall, hooded, and cloaked in a dark aura. The assassin stepped forward silently, his mere presence sending a ripple of power through the courtyard. His cultivation was unmistakable—Earthly Ascension Realm.
"This is one of my guards," Qin Yu said smoothly. "He is of the same realm as you. Perhaps you'd like to test your strength against him?"
The elder's eyes narrowed, his gaze shifting between the assassin and Qin Yu. "An Earthly Ascension Realm guard... How intriguing."
Without further hesitation, the elder nodded. "Very well. I will show you the true strength of an elder of the Celestial Lotus Sect." He stepped forward, his Qi surging around him as the pressure in the courtyard grew heavier. Even Qin Zheng and Lady Qin exchanged glances, sensing the sheer power the elder was radiating.
The Phantom Assassin, however, remained unfazed. Silent and composed, he drew no weapon, simply standing ready for the fight.
The elder wasted no time, launching forward with a speed that left a gust of wind in his wake. His fist, charged with the power of Earthly Ascension, aimed straight for the assassin's chest, intending to overwhelm him in one powerful blow.
But the assassin moved just as swiftly.
With a single, fluid motion, the Phantom Assassin dodged the elder's attack, disappearing into the air like a shadow. For a brief moment, it was as though he had vanished completely—only to reappear behind the elder, striking with deadly precision.
The elder's eyes widened as he barely blocked the blow, the impact sending him skidding back. The courtyard trembled under the force of the clash, cracks forming in the stone beneath them.
It was clear that the assassin was no ordinary opponent. His speed, stealth, and precision were unmatched, even by the elder of a Great Sect. Every movement was calculated, and every strike was aimed with lethal intent.
The elder gritted his teeth, launching a barrage of attacks, but each one was met with the assassin's effortless dodging and counterattacks. It was clear that, despite the elder's strength, he was slowly being overwhelmed.
Finally, with one swift strike, the assassin landed a clean blow to the elder's chest, sending him crashing to the ground.
The courtyard fell into stunned silence once more. The elder lay on the ground, his chest heaving as he struggled to comprehend what had just happened. He had been defeated—by a mere guard.
Qin Yu stepped forward, his voice calm yet firm as he looked down at the defeated elder of the Celestial Lotus Sect.
"The Qin family is not as weak as you think," he said, his tone carrying weight. The elder, still on the ground and struggling to catch his breath, glared up at him, anger and confusion clouding his eyes. But Qin Yu's gaze remained cold, unwavering. "I will be the one taking over this family—and when that happens, we will be even stronger than before."
His words rippled through the courtyard, making even his father, Qin Zheng, narrow his eyes in surprise. Lady Qin, on the other hand, stared at her son with a more discerning look, clearly considering the depth of his declaration.
The elder stood up slowly, brushing off the dust from his robes, his pride clearly damaged. He gave Qin Yu a long, hard stare, a mixture of grudging respect and resentment in his expression.
"You speak boldly for someone so young," the elder said, his voice strained but steady. "But bold words do not always lead to success."
"Perhaps not," Qin Yu replied with a smirk, "but strength does. And I've already shown you more than enough."
The elder clenched his fists but said nothing, knowing full well he had been bested not only by the Phantom Assassin but also by Qin Yu's sheer confidence and control of the situation. His disciples—Li Han and Lin Cai—were both still unconscious, further humiliating the Celestial Lotus Sect's delegation.
At this point, Qin Zheng, the patriarch, finally spoke up. "Yu'er," he said, his tone cautious but laced with authority, "you've proven your strength today, but do not forget your place within the family."
Qin Yu turned to his father, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Of course, father," he said, his voice respectful but with an undercurrent of determination. "But remember this—my place will be at the head of the Qin family one day."
The tension between father and son was palpable, but Qin Yu didn't waver. He was no longer the same boy who quietly followed the family's rules. His reincarnation had given him a new perspective, and he had every intention of shaping his destiny as he saw fit.
Lady Qin, sensing the tension, stepped forward to smooth things over. "Elder Wu," she said gracefully, addressing the elder of the Celestial Lotus Sect, "I apologize for the... unexpected outcome of today's events. My son is... unique, as you can see."
The elder, still visibly frustrated, bowed slightly to Lady Qin. "There is no need for apologies, Lady Qin. Your son has certainly shown his strength, though I had not expected such a display from someone of the Qi Condensation Realm."
Lady Qin smiled gently. "He is full of surprises."
The elder cast another glance at Qin Yu, his eyes narrowing in thought. "It seems the future of the Qin family is in capable hands."
Qin Yu simply smiled, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "You'll see soon enough."
Just as the elder was about to reply, Qin Yu's second brother, Qin Feng, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke up. "You think this little display makes you fit to lead the Qin family?" His tone was mocking, and his eyes held nothing but disdain for Qin Yu.
Qin Yu turned to face his brother, his expression unreadable. "It's more than enough for now. But if you'd like a demonstration, I'm happy to oblige."
Qin Feng's jaw clenched, but before he could retort, Qin Zheng raised a hand. "Enough," he said sharply. "This is neither the time nor the place."
Qin Feng scowled but said nothing more, though the tension between him and Qin Yu was clear.
The elder of the Celestial Lotus Sect, sensing that the situation was becoming increasingly uncomfortable, cleared his throat. "We will take our leave soon, but before we depart, I would like to extend an invitation."
Qin Yu raised an eyebrow. "An invitation?"
The elder nodded. "Yes. The Celestial Lotus Sect will be hosting a tournament in the coming months. Disciples from various sects and influential families will be invited to compete. We had initially intended to invite your elder brothers, but after today's events..." He trailed off, glancing at Qin Yu with a hint of respect. "I believe it would be wise to extend the invitation to you as well."
Qin Yu's eyes glimmered with interest. "A tournament, you say?"
"Indeed. It will be an opportunity to test your strength against some of the most talented cultivators of your generation. Perhaps even stronger than my disciples."
Qin Yu smirked. "I'll consider it."
The elder bowed slightly. "I look forward to seeing you there—if you decide to attend."
With that, the elder signaled to his disciples, who were just beginning to stir from their unconscious state. They quickly stood up, still groggy and clearly embarrassed by their defeat, but they said nothing as they followed their elder's lead.
Before leaving, the elder turned once more to Qin Yu's mother. "Lady Qin, it was a pleasure to visit your home. I hope the next time we meet, the circumstances will be... less tense."
Lady Qin smiled, her expression serene. "The pleasure was ours, Elder Wu. We look forward to future meetings with the Celestial Lotus Sect."
As the elder and his disciples left, the courtyard slowly began to return to its usual atmosphere. The spectators, still murmuring in awe of what had just transpired, gradually dispersed.
Qin Yu stood at the center of it all, his thoughts swirling with plans and possibilities. The day had unfolded perfectly—he had shown his strength, silenced his detractors, and even gained an invitation to a tournament that could further solidify his reputation.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the Qin estate, Qin Yu turned to his Phantom Assassin, who remained by his side in silent vigilance. "Keep an eye on them," he said quietly. "I want to know everything they do once they leave here."
The assassin nodded and disappeared into the shadows without a word.
Qin Yu took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day finally begin to settle. His father was still watching him from a distance, but Qin Yu didn't bother to engage. There would be time for that later.
For now, he had bigger plans to focus on.
Later that evening, after the commotion of the day had died down, Qin Yu found himself alone in his residence. The quiet of the night was a stark contrast to the excitement of the day, but it was a welcome reprieve.
He sat by the window, gazing out at the moonlit courtyard, his mind racing with thoughts of the future. The tournament would be a perfect opportunity to prove himself even further, and he knew that his path to power was only just beginning.
As the shadows danced in the moonlight, Qin Yu allowed himself a small smile.
"The Celestial Lotus Sect, the Qin family... this world," he murmured to himself. "It's all mine for the taking."