While he was thinking, his thoughts diverged to the clan history. Trying to figure out if the 'grandpa soul' was a Qin ancestor or someone else.
The Qin family had existed for thousands of years.
Once upon a time, their name could shake the Southern Continent. It is said that they migrated from another world completely. They had Void Refining experts standing tall, Unity Realm ancestors guarding their lineage, Mahayana Old monsters waiting to be awakened, and more land, spirit mines, and elite disciples than anyone could count.
Back then, even the great dynasties had to speak politely when dealing with the Qins.
But that was a long time ago.
No one talked about what really caused their decline. Some whispered it was a curse. Others blamed betrayal from within. Maybe both. Maybe neither. But it didn't matter. What mattered was that the Qin family today wasn't what it used to be.
Now, the clan's strongest expert was only a God Transformation ancestor in long-term seclusion. No one had seen him in decades. The clan still had five Nascent Soul elders, about twenty Golden Core experts, and over a thousand Foundation Establishment cultivators across the main and branch lines.
On paper, they were still strong.
But everyone knew. This was just momentum from the past. Compared to their glory days, this was survival, not dominance.
Still a force in the Southern Continent—but no longer untouchable.
The current patriarch, Qin Heng, was an example of the family's shift in priorities.
He wasn't strong. Barely made it to Golden Core late in life. Not particularly talented in martial arts or cultivation.
But he had something the clan needed desperately when times were uncertain—a clear head.
Qin Heng was meticulous, good with people, and naturally level-headed. In his youth, while others were chasing breakthroughs, he learned how to lead. How to balance resources, calm disputes, and make long-term plans. He was the kind of person who saw three steps ahead in a conversation.
That's why, many years ago, when the clan had to choose a patriarch, Qin Mu, who still had influence in the elders' court, backed him instead of Qin Xing.
And Qin Heng didn't disappoint. He kept the family stable for decades. While others argued about status and face, he quietly made sure the clan stayed alive during turbulent times.
But now, the problem was… his time was almost up.
A Golden Core cultivator could live up to 500 years. Qin Heng was already nearing 490.
So, talks had already begun about who would take over.
There were two main candidates:
Qin Zhenhai, one of the clan's sword elders responsible for law. Son of Qin Mu and father of Qin Ye. A calm, quiet man who let his sword do the talking. Never involved in politics, but always stepped up when it counted. His cultivation was solid. His principles even more so.
Then there was Qin Jian, the only son of Qin Xing, the defeated elder from the main branch. While Zhenhai earned respect, Qin Jian gathered followers through deals, pressure, and clever networking. His strength was there, but barely. He was decent, but not the kind of man who inspired confidence.. Late Golden Core. A few achievements. But he lacked something essential—presence. His words didn't inspire confidence. His aura didn't command respect. Most people only followed him because of favors, debts, or fear.
Most people could already see who the better choice was.
Which is why Qin Jian was getting desperate. But he still had a card left- his son!
He had only one son, Qin Feng.
Qin Feng had been making waves lately. Hidden Physiques. Fortuitous encounters. Secret inheritances. Power-ups out of nowhere. Even some elders were saying he might be blessed by the ancestors.
But Qin Feng wasn't happy just being the center of attention.
He wanted everything.
And in his eyes, Qin Ye stood in the way.
Because no matter how much stronger Qin Feng became, Qin Ye never seemed surprised. Never scared. Just steady, confident, and always one step ahead.
That kind of person was dangerous.
And Qin Feng knew—if Qin Zhenhai rose, Qin Ye would follow.
So now… removing Qin Ye had become a goal.
Not just to win the patriarch battle.
But to crush that feeling of inferiority once and for all.
As Qin Ye was thinking, the communication talisman at his waist gave a soft red glow.
He glanced down. It was a palm-sized jade slip with simple golden lines across it.
A message appeared.
Ye'er, come to the Clan Meeting Hall. It's urgent, but nothing to worry about. Just be quick.
Qin Ye raised an eyebrow, let out a quiet sigh, and stood up.
"Got it, Father," he muttered, already heading toward the main peak.
Normal Realms(old system): Body Refining, Qi Refining, Foundation Building, Golden Pill, Nascent Soul, God Transformation, Void Refining, Unity, Mahayana, Transcending Tribulation.....Ascension.
Secret realm division of the new cultivation system will be explored by the MC.
Martial arts and Techniques: Immortal, God, Heaven, Earth, Xuan, Human. Sub division : low, medium, high, best. They can also simply correspond to the cultivation realms(God Transformation is usually High-Earth).
Elixirs, Weapons and tools are also the same.