Chapter 5: Childhood rivalries

Arc 2 - Chapter 5: Bonds of Family and Childhood Rivalries

Time passed, and Ruoyan grew accustomed to her life in the Qin family.

Her body was still young, but her mind was sharp, absorbing everything around her.

She had spent her early months focusing on understanding her Chaos Space and strengthening her foundation.

But now, she had a different goal—getting along with her family and the other children.

In her past life, she had been alone, betrayed by those she once trusted.

But this life was different.

This time, she would control the relationships around her.

And it started with her family.

The Qin family was not large, but Ruoyan was not an only child.

She had three older brothers:

Qin Ling (Age 10): The eldest, serious, and already cultivating at the Qi Refining Realm. He was their father's pride and future heir of the Qin family.

Qin Yu (Age 6): Mischievous but kind-hearted, he was always causing trouble but had a strong sense of loyalty.

Qin Hao (Age 5): The youngest boy, who still clung to their mother but had a curious nature.

Ruoyan, as the youngest and only girl, was naturally pampered by her parents.

Her mother adored her.

Her father, though distant, was protective.

And her brothers?

They all reacted to her in their own ways.

Qin Ling simply observed her, not one to express emotions easily.

Qin Yu was the one who tried to make her laugh the most, bringing her small toys and pulling funny faces.

And Qin Hao?

He clung to her.

It seemed that being the former youngest, he was excited to finally have a little sister to take care of.

Ruoyan found it… amusing.

She was used to manipulation, schemes, and betrayal.

Yet here she was, in a family that seemed genuinely warm.

It was unfamiliar.

But not unwelcome.

If she could use these bonds to strengthen her position, then she would.

At one year old, Ruoyan was finally allowed to interact with the other children of the Qin family's branch members.

The Qin clan was not large, but there were still several other families living in their estate.

Among them were children of similar ages who would eventually become her peers—or her rivals.

She was introduced to a small group of them during a family gathering in the courtyard.

Qin Fei (Age 3): The spoiled son of a minor elder, loud and demanding.

Qin Yue (Age 2): A shy girl who stayed close to her mother.

Qin Ming (Age 4): A bold and confident child who tried to act like an adult.

Ruoyan was still young, barely able to walk steadily, but she observed everything silently.

Qin Fei was the type to bully others, already showing signs of arrogance.

Qin Yue was too timid, easily pushed aside.

And Qin Ming?

He was someone to be wary of—sharp-eyed and already trying to command the other children.

She watched as Qin Fei snatched a toy from Qin Yue, making the little girl tear up.

Their mothers were nearby, but they did not interfere.

To them, this was normal.

Strength ruled even in childhood.

Ruoyan had no interest in meaningless childish squabbles.

But she also had no patience for arrogance.

When Qin Fei turned his attention to her, she knew he was going to test her.

The little boy smirked, reaching for the small jade bracelet on her wrist.

"This looks nice," he said, already trying to take it.

Ruoyan let him touch it.

But just as his fingers brushed against the jade—

She tightened her grip and looked him directly in the eyes.

Her dark gaze was calm.

Cold.

And unnervingly steady.

Qin Fei froze.

He didn't know why, but he suddenly felt uneasy.

It was just a baby's stare, wasn't it?

But somehow, it felt like he was being judged.

Like he was prey.

Without another word, Ruoyan let go of his hand and turned away.

Qin Fei, shaken for reasons he did not understand, did not bother her again.

And from that moment on, the other children instinctively avoided challenging her.

She did not need to fight.

Her presence alone was enough.

This was her first lesson to them.

As Ruoyan spent more time among the children, rumors began to spread.

"She never cries."

"She looks at you like she knows what you're thinking."

"Even Qin Fei doesn't bother her anymore."

The adults dismissed it as children's imagination.

But the other kids knew better.

Ruoyan was different.

She was not someone to be underestimated.

Even at one year old, she had already begun shaping her place in this world.

And soon, the rest of the Qin family would see it too.

As time passed, Ruoyan's position in the Qin family became more secure.

She was the only daughter in the main family, and that alone made her precious.

But it was not just her status—her intelligence, calmness, and quiet charm made her family dote on her even more.

Her mother, Madam Yue, was completely devoted to her, treating her as if she were the most delicate treasure in the world.

"My little Ruoyan, are you comfortable? Do you need anything?"

"Look at how beautiful my daughter is! She'll grow up to be the most graceful lady in the continent."

Her father, Qin Wen, was not overly expressive, but his actions spoke louder than words.

Though he was often busy managing the Qin family affairs, he always made time to check on her.

And whenever he held her, his normally serious expression would soften.

"My daughter should have the best. If anyone dares to mistreat her, they will regret it."

Her three older brothers, who had once been indifferent or wary, had all fallen for her charm.

Qin Ling, the eldest, was the hardest to win over.

At ten years old, he was already training seriously in cultivation and rarely showed emotions.

But Ruoyan noticed that whenever she was nearby, he would keep a protective eye on her.

Once, when she stumbled while trying to walk, it was Qin Ling who caught her before she fell.

"Be careful," he said, frowning.

It was a simple moment.

But Ruoyan saw the care behind it.

He wouldn't openly say he cared for her.

But he did.

Qin Yu, the mischievous one, was completely attached to her.

He would constantly come to play with her, telling her exaggerated stories or making silly faces just to make her laugh.

"Ruoyan, look! I caught a butterfly for you!"

"Do you think I can fight a beast one day? I'll be strong enough to protect you, just watch!"

His loyalty was already hers.

And Qin Hao—the former youngest—was simply obsessed with her.

"Xiao Yan'er is mine! I'll protect her forever!"

Ruoyan found herself amused by his childish possessiveness.

She was used to deception and betrayal in her past life.

But here, in this family, their love for her was real.

And even though she did not fully understand what it meant to be loved, she would accept it.

For now.

One evening, while sitting on a soft cushion in the family courtyard, Ruoyan was watching the sunset.

Her mother sat beside her, gently braiding her short, dark hair.

Qin Yu and Qin Hao were chasing each other around, laughing.

Qin Ling sat nearby, reading a cultivation scroll, but his attention would drift toward her every so often.

It was… peaceful.

A strange kind of warmth filled her chest.

She had never had this before.

In her past life, she had been alone.

Even when she thought she had companions, they had only been waiting to stab her in the back.

But this time—

This time, she had a family.

One that truly cared for her.

And as she sat there, basking in the golden light of the setting sun, she thought to herself—

Perhaps, in this life, she would allow herself to experience this warmth.

Just a little.

Because even if she had greater plans, even if she knew the cultivation world was cruel and unforgiving…

This moment was real.

And for now, that was enough.

As Ruoyan continued growing, her family's love for her only deepened.

Her mother, Madam Yue, became increasingly overprotective, refusing to let the servants do anything for her daughter personally.

"My daughter is too precious. How can I trust anyone else to take care of her?"

Every morning, Madam Yue personally dressed Ruoyan, brushing her hair gently while humming soft tunes.

Ruoyan, who once only knew cold betrayal, found it strange yet comforting.

Her father, Qin Wen, was more reserved in his affections, but his actions spoke louder than words.

One day, a merchant tried to gift the Qin family an exotic flower beast that would bloom once every ten years.

Qin Wen refused it.

"I don't need rare flowers. My daughter is already the most precious in this world."

It was a simple statement, but Ruoyan felt the meaning behind it.

Her father truly treasured her.

Her brothers?

They were even worse.

Qin Ling, the eldest, who was usually indifferent to everything, had now taken on the role of her silent guardian.

Whenever she tried to walk, he would always be nearby, watching carefully, making sure she never fell.

Qin Yu, the second brother, had officially made himself her self-proclaimed best friend.

He would follow her everywhere, telling ridiculous stories about his imaginary adventures.

"Ruoyan! When I become a great cultivator, I'll take you on flying swords! We'll explore the world together!"

And Qin Hao?

He was the most attached.

"Ruoyan is mine! You can't take her away!"

Whenever someone outside the family tried to hold her, he would immediately step in to block them.

Ruoyan found it amusing.

She had never experienced such warmth before.

It was a dangerous thing.

Because if she let herself get used to it—

If she let herself rely on it too much—

It would become a weakness.

Though she was only a child in this life, Ruoyan never stopped observing.

She could see things that others overlooked.

Her father was a strong cultivator, but the Qin family was not a major power.

They were a small cultivation family in the middle region of Yueying Continent.

The truly powerful families would not even glance their way.

Yet, she had already noticed the undercurrents in the family.

Her father had many cousins and uncles—some who supported him, and some who secretly wished to replace him.

Her mother was respected, but not everyone approved of her.

Even at this young age, Ruoyan understood that power was everything in this world.

Her family's love was genuine.

But if they were weak, would they be able to protect her?

As she lay in her crib one night, staring at the ceiling, she closed her eyes.

Deep inside her body, the Chaos Energy she had absorbed from her mother's womb had started to stir.

Slowly, it was taking form.

A world.

A space within her soul.

It was small, almost imperceptible, but it was growing.

With time, it would become a world of its own.

A world only she could control.

Ruoyan's lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

Yes.

Her family loved her.

But in this world, love was not enough.

Power was the only thing that truly mattered.

And she would have it all.