Several months had passed since the tragic days that shook the Qin Clan to its core. Twelve lives had been lost: the Clan Leader, two elders, six guards, and a handful of bystanders. For the first time, from the youngest disciple to the oldest elder, the Qin Clan had truly felt the ruthless cruelty of the cultivation world.
Qin Wei and Qin Leng had retreated into seclusion, training tirelessly. Both carried the potential to awaken the Flame Serpent inheritance, a power few could comprehend.
While the two focused on their cultivation, Qin Mei became the center of attention within the clan. As the disciple of a figure regarded as a god by the Qin people, she drew admiration, curiosity, and even envy. First came the clanfolk, then neighboring clans, until the constant attention became overwhelming. The elders finally intervened, putting a stop to the unrelenting crowd.
Now, the small group gathered at the Qin Su family residence. Five people sat around the table, sharing a rare moment of calm.
"Aunty Ai, how are you feeling?" Qin Mei asked, her gaze softening as it fell on Yuan Ai.
Yuan Ai, having lost her husband and watched her daughters marry off, had increasingly sought these family moments. Over the past two weeks, she had come to enjoy the quiet, the laughter, the small rituals of family life.
Qin Su quietly observed, careful not to overstep. Despite his own desires, he understood her heart was still healing. Yet he found ways to stay close, helping with plates, walking her back at times, and subtly using the skills he had slowly honed from the inheritance. Each gesture was small, yet deliberate.
"Little Mei," Yuan Ai asked, glancing up from her plate, "have you heard anything from your master?"
"No, Aunty! I don't know where he went. He left me… a mess to clean up. Oop! Sorry, Aunty, I shouldn't complain."
Yuan Ai smiled faintly. "Don't worry, dear. In our world, death and danger are always close by. It is something we must accept, even if it pains us." She stared into the distance, her expression thoughtful.
A flicker of worry crossed her face. "Ah… it seems trouble is approaching the clan again."
"Trouble? Why is that, Aunty?" Qin Su asked.
"The fight for the next leader," Yuan Ai explained. "There is no true head at the moment. The Grand Elders are all vying for the position. The Third and Fourth Elders also have their ambitions. And some even wish for me to lead temporarily until Little Wei is ready. The clan is divided, and I fear more conflict may come. If only Qin Mei's master were here… he could resolve this peacefully."
Qin Su nodded quietly, thoughts racing. He understood why Yuan Ai came here often — the visits were a source of calm for her. He had even learned to subtly enter her mind, using his cultivation to ease her stress, though he remained careful not to overstep.
A sudden commotion drew their attention. A guard rushed in, breathless.
"My lady, Dong Hai of the Lute Royal Clan is here, waiting for you in the main hall!"
"What? Not now… fine, I will head over," Yuan Ai said, standing.
Qin Su noticed a subtle change in her demeanor, a shift in mood that piqued his interest.
"Mom, I'm heading out. Don't worry, I'll be safe," he said, leaving the house before anyone could protest.
"Sheesh, that boy… just came back, and now he's leaving again," an elder muttered.
"He has a wild streak, but perhaps he just needs to calm it," another commented.
A young man with striking blue curls stood outside the main hall, a spear strapped to his back. Dong Hai — King of Lute Country, one of the continent's most formidable warriors — had arrived. Though known for unmatched skill and commanding presence, rumors whispered about his interest in Yuan Ai. Though arrangements of old had kept them apart, he had never stopped trying.
Yuan Ai entered the hall gracefully.
"Brother Hai, you should have told me you were coming. I would have been better prepared," she said, her voice polite but cautious.
"Do not mind, Ai. I just left my seclusion and rushed as soon as I heard what happened," Dong Hai replied, eyes lingering on her, admiration obvious.
"Thank you, Brother Hai. It was… circumstances beyond our control that saved us."
"This mysterious master… where is he? It's as if he vanished. Ai, I've stepped into the Yuan QI Realm — look!" Dong Hai demonstrated, releasing his full power in a controlled display.
Yuan Ai's eyes widened at the raw energy radiating from him. She clenched her fists, a mix of respect and unease filling her chest.
"Congratulations, Brother Hai. Truly. With your strength, your clan will rise higher than ever."
"Thank you, Ai. But you know why I'm here. I want to protect you. You know it was meant to be… If things had been different, if he weren't involved, it could have been us."
Her voice hardened. Different? I made my choice. My answer is always no. Leave.
"Listen to me, Ai! I can protect you! I will get revenge for you! I have the strength!"
"Stop! Leave!" Yuan Ai's tone was sharp, unwavering.
Qin Su watched silently from outside the hall, noting Dong Hai's attempted step forward toward Yuan Ai.
"Stop it now! Don't come closer!"
A voice cut through the tension, cold and commanding. A visible chill radiated across the hall.
"Senior… who are you?" Dong Hai demanded, hand drifting toward his spear.
"You do not need to know. Leave now."
"Senior, I apologize, but this concerns the Qin Clan and Yuan Ai — it is important!"
"Shut up! You have no authority here. Leave, or my patience will end."
A tremor shook the hall, shockwaves rolling across the courtyard.
"That was a warning. Do not test me again."
Defeated and wary, Dong Hai bowed deeply and vanished. Onlookers, including Yuan Ai, were stunned into silence.
After a pause, Yuan Ai turned, bowing respectfully toward the vanished figure.
"Thank you, Senior. I…"
"Do not worry. I have heard about the dispute over the next clan leader," the voice replied.
"Yes, Senior," Yuan Ai said quietly.
"Tomorrow, the Flame Serpent Sword will determine the next Qin Clan leader. Those chosen by the sword shall ascend to lead. Prepare yourselves."
With that, the voice vanished.
The next day, a new leader was chosen. Qin Cai stepped forward as the clan's new head. As for Qin Su's involvement… perhaps he had a hand in it, or perhaps he simply stayed in the shadows, biding his time, keeping his attention on those he cherished most.