Location: Cloudleaf City – Qin Family Estate
Cloudleaf City shimmered under the morning sun—a city of rivers, waterfalls, and floating spirit bridges. At its center stood the Qin Family Estate, carved into a green hill and surrounded by protective spiritual formations. It was neither the richest nor the strongest, but its reputation for honor and discipline had kept it alive through centuries.
The Qin Family had once been among the weakest of the Five, overshadowed by the ancient might of the Shaws, the ambition of the Peis, the secrets of the Zangs, and the resources of the Songs. But under Elder Qin Fengyuan, a wise cultivator of the 7th Realm, they had survived and stabilized their position as a respected mid-tier force.
Within the walls of the estate, Qin Yong, a core elder of the family and head of external affairs, returned from the forest with his wife.
Qin Ting, once a renowned spirit physician, carried the infant close to her heart as they approached the courtyard.
Servants and guards glanced curiously.
A child?
Was this finally the heir Qin Yong and Lady Qin Ting had long prayed for?
They were greeted by Qin Fengyuan, the aged patriarch, seated calmly in the courtyard, drinking tea with closed eyes. His long white beard and sage robes gave him the appearance of a recluse, but his eyes were sharp as thunder when open.
"Yong, you've returned early," Fengyuan said, opening one eye.
Qin Yong bowed deeply. "We found something… unexpected, Grandfather."
Qin Ting stepped forward and gently unwrapped the baby's face. The child was still, his energy almost undetectable—but his breathing had stabilized.
Fengyuan's eyes narrowed as he observed the child. He extended a single finger, pressing gently between the infant's brows. A faint pulse responded.
"His meridians are… shattered. Cultivation is impossible in this state."
Silence fell.
Qin Ting's arms trembled, but her voice remained firm. "Even so, we will raise him. As our own."
Fengyuan looked at her—measuring not just her words, but the sincerity in her soul. After a long pause, he nodded.
"Then he shall bear our name… Qin Huaian," he declared. "Let it be known that he is son to Qin Yong and Qin Ting, and will be raised as an inner disciple."
The announcement sent ripples through the estate. Some murmured in disagreement—how could the family afford to raise a cripple? But none dared challenge Qin Yong directly.
Days passed. The child was fed, clothed, given a warm bed and gentle care. He was raised not as a servant, nor an outsider—but as a true son of the family.
Even more importantly, he wasn't alone.