Chapter 10:The Five Element Genius

Arc 2 - Chapter 10: The Five-Element Genius

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Arrival at the Qin Family's Main Estate

The grand Qin Family estate stood like an ancient fortress, its towering walls adorned with golden dragon carvings. The minor branch families, including Ruoyan's group, arrived at the massive courtyard where the elemental testing ceremony was about to begin.

"Everyone will undergo a spiritual root examination," an elder announced. "This will determine the talents worth nurturing."

Ruoyan kept her expression indifferent, her Spirit-Sealing Bracelet ensuring that only her fake Fire and Water roots would appear.

She wasn't the only one feeling nervous.

A young girl from the middle branch, Qin Yuyan, stepped forward. The moment her hand touched the Spirit Testing Stone, five radiant colors erupted—Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and Lightning.

"Five-element spiritual roots!"

Gasps echoed through the crowd.

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The Prophecy's Shadow

The elders exchanged serious looks.

"Five elements… This is extremely rare!"

"Could she be the child mentioned in the prophecy?"

Ruoyan observed quietly. The prophecy spoke of all-element geniuses capable of opening the Path of Heaven. Five elements were impressive, but it was still far from the ten-element legend.

However, the Qin Family's desperation to find the prophesized person made them jump to conclusions.

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A Dangerous Spotlight

Qin Yuyan's face paled.

"E-Elder, I am just an ordinary disciple! I have no connection to the prophecy!"

But the elders ignored her fear.

"Whether or not she is the true genius, she must be tested further!"

Ruoyan's lips curled in amusement.

"How convenient… If the Qin Family believes Qin Yuyan is the prophecy's child, it means they will stop searching elsewhere."

Which meant Ruoyan could remain hidden.

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Ruoyan's Dilemma: Let Her Take the Fall or Intervene?

Ruoyan knew the Qin Family wouldn't simply accept Qin Yuyan as their future hope. If she truly was the prophecy's child, she would be placed under constant surveillance, forced into a life of unbearable pressure.

If Ruoyan let her take the blame, she could stay low-key.

But if the truth was exposed later, suspicions could arise.

"What should I do?"

She glanced at Qin Yuyan, whose trembling hands clenched into fists. Despite her fear, there was a flicker of determination in her eyes.

"She doesn't want to be a puppet either."

A subtle smirk played on Ruoyan's lips.

"Fine, then let's see how this plays out."

For now, she would observe. If Qin Yuyan could handle the pressure, then Ruoyan would allow the misunderstanding to continue.

But if things spiraled out of control…

"Then I'll step in and twist fate in my favor."

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The day after the spiritual root testing, the Qin Family estate was abuzz with news—Qin Yuyan, the five-element genius, was possibly the child of prophecy.

At first, Qin Yuyan was overwhelmed by the attention, but it didn't take long for her to embrace her newfound status.

Dressed in fine silks, her once-timid demeanor transformed into confidence—no, arrogance.

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The Qin elders arranged a small gathering to test her abilities.

"Qin Yuyan, let's see how much talent the heavens have blessed you with."

With a smug smile, she stepped onto the training platform.

"As the prophecy's chosen, I should not disappoint."

She raised her hand, summoning five elemental energies.

Flames danced at her fingertips.

Water formed elegant waves in the air.

Lightning crackled with raw power.

Wind and earth surged in harmony.

The audience gasped in awe.

"Five-element genius!"

"She is truly extraordinary!"

Qin Yuyan smirked. The more people worshipped her, the more she believed in her own greatness.

"It seems fate has truly favored me."

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The Shift in Attitude

Before this, Qin Yuyan had been quiet and reserved, careful not to stand out. But now, she walked through the Qin estate with her chin raised high.

She spoke with condescension, especially to those with fewer elements than her.

"It must be hard for you… only having two spiritual roots."

"Not everyone is as blessed as I am."

Her gaze lingered on Ruoyan more than once.

"You also have only two roots, right? Fire and Wood?"

Ruoyan smiled innocently.

"Yes, Sister Yuyan. I could never compare to you."

Inside, Ruoyan sneered.

"This girl is getting ahead of herself."

She had seen this kind of arrogance before.

"The higher you climb, the harder you fall."

And when the fall came… Ruoyan would be there to watch

The Qin Family's Legacy

The Qin Family was one of the seven great families of the Yueying Continent, with countless branches spread across different regions. It was divided into:

Main Branch (Qin Clan Headquarters) – The strongest cultivators resided here, directly controlling the family's core resources and high-level sect connections.

Middle Branches – Powerful yet below the main branch, these families held great influence over cities and sects.

Lower Branches – Weaker cultivators and outer descendants managed businesses, controlled outer sects, and produced low-ranking talents.

Vassal Clans – Small cultivation families that pledged loyalty to the Qin Family, serving as retainers and suppliers of resources.

Ruoyan's family belonged to one of the Middle Branches—strong but not the ruling elFamily.

There are many notable Geniuses of the Qin Family

Even though Qin Yuyan was being hailed as a prodigy, she was not the only rising talent in the family.

1. Qin Tianhai – The True Heir of the Main Branch

Peak Golden Core Realm, only 21 years old.

Triple Spiritual Roots – Fire, Thunder, and Wind.

Leader of the younger generation in the main branch.

Cold, ruthless, and ambitious.

People whispered that he had the best chance of entering the legendary Immortal Sects.

2. Qin Yue – The Gentle Scholar

Mid-Nascent Soul Realm, 25 years old.

Dual Roots – Water and Ice.

A refined strategist, known for his intelligence and schemes.

Unlike others, he showed interest in Ruoyan's 'low-key' existence.

3. Qin Zhihao – The War General

Mid-Nascent Soul Realm, 23 years old.

Earth and Metal Dual Spiritual Roots.

A battle genius, famous for leading sect wars.

4. Qin Renshu – The Shadow Assassin

Mid-Golden Core, 22 years old.

Darkness Spiritual Root.

Silent, mysterious, and rarely seen in public.

5. Qin Yuyan – The Arrogant "Genius"

Five Spiritual Roots: Fire, Water, Lightning, Wind, and Earth.

Only Foundation Establishment, 15 years old.

Believes herself to be the child of prophecy.

Gaining favor from some elders due to the prophecy rumors.

The hidden conflicts begans as

The main branch's geniuses did not fully acknowledge Qin Yuyan's so-called 'fate-given talent.'

Qin Tianhai smirked. "Five roots? Hmph, too weak. If she's the so-called 'Chosen,' then the prophecy is worthless."

Qin Yue remained indifferent but observed her closely.

"Perhaps… she is merely a distraction."

The other geniuses were either amused, indifferent, or outright dismissive.

However, the middle and lower branches desperately wanted to believe the prophecy, using Qin Yuyan's existence to gain prestige and influence.

"If she truly is the Chosen One, our branch will rise in power!"

Meanwhile, Ruoyan watched silently.

"So this is how it starts… the internal struggle between the Qin Family's branches."

She had no interest in being part of this family's political games.

"I just need to grow stronger in the shadows."

With her chaos energy and hidden ten-element talent, Ruoyan was destined to surpass them all.

But for now… she would let them play their foolish games.

The Qin Family's Internal Struggles Begin

The Qin Family's branches were now divided over Qin Yuyan's so-called 'chosen one' status. While the middle and lower branches celebrated her as the prophesied genius, the main branch remained unconvinced.

Ruoyan observed from the sidelines.

"Let them fight among themselves. Their arrogance will only blind them."

Her priority was to stay low-key and build her power in the shadows.

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Ever since the prophecy rumors spread, Qin Yuyan's arrogance had increased.

During a family banquet, she stood up and declared,

"The heavens have chosen me! I will lead the Qin Family to greater heights!"

Some elders nodded in agreement, but the main branch remained silent.

Qin Tianhai smirked. "If you're truly heaven's chosen, prove it with actions, not words."

Qin Yuyan's face turned red, but she quickly regained her confidence.

"I will prove it soon enough! Just wait and see!"

Ruoyan remained expressionless, silently sipping her tea.

"She's playing right into their hands."

Qin Yuyan was too eager to prove herself, making her an easy pawn in the main branch's political games.

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A Secret Meeting was held discussing about Chosen one

That night, Qin Yue, the intelligent strategist of the main branch, summoned Qin Tianhai and Qin Zhihao.

Qin Yue's eyes glowed with intelligence. "She believes she is the prophecy's chosen one."

Qin Zhihao scoffed. "She's not even at Core Formation. How ridiculous."

Qin Yue tapped his fingers against the table.

"Whether she is or not doesn't matter. What matters is how we use her existence to our advantage."

The main branch was already planning how to control the situation, while Qin Yuyan remained oblivious.

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Ruoyan watched as the family's internal struggles deepened.

"Good. The more they focus on each other, the less they'll pay attention to me."

She had other priorities. She needed:

To keep her true abilities hidden.

To strengthen her chaos energy.

To quietly rise in power while everyone else was distracted.

A war for power was brewing in the Qin Family…

And Ruoyan would make sure she was the only one left standing in the end.