Varla stood at the edge of the field, watching Quin intently. His body trembled—not from fear, but from disbelief. Quin's cultivation was only at the first level of Qi Body Tempering, yet the relic floating above him defied all logic. A Rank Three relic? Impossible... and yet, there it was, pulsing with energy like a heartbeat in the air.
As Varla gazed at it, a strange sensation surged through him. His lips curled into a shaky smile, but before he could react further, a sudden pressure dropped from the sky. The ground groaned. The wind shifted. It was as if Quin was ascending into a Level 3 cultivator right before his eyes.
The air screamed with power. Trees trembled. Grass bent as if worshipping the energy flowing around Quin. Slowly, Quin opened his eyes. No injuries, no weakness—just raw, focused rage. A powerful wave exploded from him with a sharp bzzzt!, shaking the very roots of the field.
Varla stumbled, fear creeping into his heart. The relic above Quin flared even brighter, casting a divine glow that lit up the sky like a second sun. For a split second, the heavens seemed to split, a blinding beam piercing through like a divine sword.
Quin blinked. The world returned to normal—but he had seen it. He was sure of it. Something divine had awakened.
Still, that didn't mean Varla would back down. He clenched his fists and channeled his Qi into his legs, steadying his stance. Quin may be stronger now, but Varla had no intention of surrendering. He wouldn't be threatened—especially not by his own brother.
Meanwhile, the scene shifted to a quiet room within the estate. A lady reclined gracefully on a grand bed, her figure elegant and refined, wrapped in a crimson robe that only barely concealed her delicate frame. Her name was Flora—second wife of the Lord, and mother of Quin.
A maid entered, bowing deeply. "My lady," she said, "young master Quin is engaged in a duel with young master Varla."
Flora let out a soft, seductive laugh. "Oh, really?" Her voice was like velvet—smooth, dangerous, enchanting. "How long does my son intend to bully that worthless brat Varla?"
She narrowed her eyes and waved a hand. "Bring me the Eye of Horus."
Moments later, the artifact was placed in her palm—a clear crystal orb, glowing faintly, with two smaller orbs of light orbiting within it. The Eye of Horus—an ancient relic used to spy on others, so long as their name was known.
With a calm yet sinister smile, Flora activated the artifact. "Let's see what my little monster has become."