Qin Hao sat on a large boulder atop the clan's southern peak, watching the sunset bleed crimson across the sky. His gaze narrowed.
"That idiot Qin Feng… how could he be the so-called Son of Destiny?"
A sneer tugged at the corner of his lips. If that brat truly was the Son of Destiny, then he, Qin Hao, would become the man who devours destiny.
But before anything else, he needed to understand one thing—his own golden finger.
With that thought, he stood and descended the mountain, his steps steady and calm. The wind blew against his robes, but not a speck of dust clung to him.
Inside the grand Qin Clan estate, nestled at the very heart of the main peak, the central pavilion stood like a palace. Golden tiles, celestial cranes, ancient spirit trees—the kind of luxury only a peak-tier clan could afford.
Qin Hao returned from his solitary contemplation atop the southern cliff, stepping into the elegant white jade courtyard. The guards at the gate bowed immediately.
"Young Master Hao."
He nodded lightly, his expression calm.
Inside, a graceful yet regal woman sat sipping spirit tea. Shen Yue was no common woman. Once a proud genius of her clan.
"Hao'er," she called softly, rising from her seat. "You've returned early. I asked the kitchen to prepare your favorites today."
Her voice was gentle, but the joy in her eyes was radiant.
Qin Hao's expression, usually composed, softened immediately.
"Mother," he greeted with a rare, genuine smile, stepping forward and clasping her hand.
She looked him over carefully, fussing over his robes, brushing imaginary dust from his shoulders, as if he were still a boy who had just returned from martial practice.
she sighed. "Were you cultivating in the wilderness again?"
"I'm fine," he said warmly. "It helps me think clearly."
Shen Yue led him into the dining hall, where a steaming meal awaited. Qin Hao ate slowly and gracefully, savoring each dish not just for its flavor but because he knew his mother probably cooked it herself.
As the sky darkened, Qin Hao remained seated beside her for a while, speaking quietly about clan matters, spiritual insights, and even a few funny observations from recent events in the outer sect.
Then he grew serious.
"Mother… I'll be leaving the clan in three months."
The smile on her lips faltered slightly, but she didn't panic or cry. She simply placed a gentle hand over his.
"You've always been different, Hao'er. From the moment you started cultivating… I knew your path wouldn't be ordinary."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"But… I won't ask where you're going. Just promise me two things: live freely, and return safely. I don't care if you shake the heavens or rule the world. I only want my son to be happy… and alive."
He bowed his head. Not out of shame, but in reverence.
"I promise. This son… will not disappoint you."
She smiled again and stood, brushing his hair back like she used to when he was a child.
"Go, rest. You've been pushing yourself too hard lately."
That night, in his private cultivation chamber, carved from spirit jade and reinforced with array formations, Qin Hao sat in quiet meditation.
"System Panel."
A golden interface shimmered into view, clean and neatly organized. He knew by now that the system panel posed no direct danger—it was just a tool. Still, he kept his caution. He was not someone who relied blindly on anything. He only opened what he wanted to see.
At the top of the panel was his current technique:
[Forbidden Heavens Scripture – Self-Created (??? Grade)]
Heavenly Emperor Sutra (Immortal-Grade, System Gift)
Great Dawn Scripture (Clan-Protected-High Heaven Grade -Void Refining Technique)
Various advanced clan body and qi techniques
This scripture had never existed before—it was his own unique path.
In the system's backpack lay two shining treasures:
Supreme Bone
Heavenly Tyrant Body
Gifts from the system. But instead of fusing them directly, he had done something unthinkable. By using his perception of Dao Rhythms, he had slowly comprehended the essence of these physiques.
Bit by bit, he integrated their traits into his own body without fusion.
"You think I'll trust unknown gifts blindly? Even tools must be tested."
As a result, his physique was neither of the two—yet superior to both.
Even the bloodline flowing in his veins had mutated, evolving into something… monstrous. His very existence now defied common sense.
He should've broken through to Foundation Establishment long ago, but instead, he deliberately remained in the Qi Refining stage, polishing and refining every aspect of his being.
"Why build a shaky tower quickly," he murmured, "when I can forge an unshakable fortress brick by brick?"
At just six years old, he had fused countless body-refining arts and created a realm-breaking body technique.
Now, his body refinement had reached its pinnacle.
His very bones rang like divine metal when struck. His muscles flowed like rivers of steel. His strength… terrifying.
Displayed in his technique tab were names that would make even Nascent Soul elders tremble:
Xiaoyao Steps – Self-Created (High-God Grade)
Kirin Hands – Ancient close-combat method- Self-Created (Best Heaven Grade)
Void Shadow Swordsmanship – Self-Created (Best Heaven Grade)
Mystic Arts of the Dawn World – Self-Created (Best Heaven Grade)
His arsenal was deep. His patience, deeper.
The techniques and martial arts of this world were divided into Human, Xuan, Earth, Heaven, God, Immortal. With low, medium, high and Best levels.
The entire Qin family doesn't have a few heaven grades. His heaven grade techniques were smelted using all the other techniques in the clan. They were infinitely closer to God level.
Usually even a Earth grade technique can cultivate to the God transformation realm, but the quality and strength of the mana is far inferior to that of the higher grades.
As he reviewed his progress, his thoughts circled back to Qin Feng.
"He's being supported by karma and luck… a typical protagonist," he muttered. "If I underestimate him, I'll regret it."
Inside the system core, a voice trembled in silence.
"This host… he's too cautious. Too talented. He doesn't even trust me.""How am I supposed to complete my task with someone like him…?"
The system shivered. For the first time in countless lifetimes, it was not in control.