Rui's Mystical Cultivation Saga

Though Lin Rui still felt estranged from this new life, he knew one thing for sure: from that moment on, he was Lin Rui, the son of Lin Yun-tian, the fifth son of the Lin family. His first task was to unravel the complexities of its inner workings to survive and grow stronger in this cultivation family. Lin Rui began sorting through the memories of the original host, trying to comprehend the intricate power structure of the vast Lin clan.

The Lin family was the premier cultivation family in Zhu Yun Town, with its patriarch, Lin Tian-hua, at the helm. Lin Tian-hua had six sons; among them, his first son, Lin Tian-hong, and his third son, Lin Tian-de, held the most influence. Lin Rui's father, Lin Yun-tian, although the fifth son, had been gradually marginalized due to his gentle nature and mediocre cultivation.

With his eyes closed, Lin Rui immersed himself in the original host's memories, tracing the family's power dynamics. His father, Lin Yun-tian, stood far below his elder brothers in status. Despite his tireless efforts for the family, his lack of ambition left him unappreciated. Lin Tian-hong, the eldest son, was favored as the family's future heir, boasting advanced cultivation and control over the family's primary asset—the Lingyun Tea Garden. This tea garden was the family's primary economic source, and spiritual tea was produced, which was crucial for cultivation, affecting the resources available to disciples. Lin Tian-de, the third brother, was a wise figure responsible for the Lin family's dealings with the Cui Luo Immortal Sect, controlling the distribution of cultivation resources within the clan—a key figure in the family's power core.

In comparison, Lin Yun-tian was left managing only peripheral affairs, further widening the power gap between him and his brothers. As Lin Yun-tian's only son, Lin Rui was sidelined due to his Five-Spiritual Roots, which the family viewed as a "waste," rendering him invisible.

"Even though my father stayed away from the power struggles, he couldn't avoid being pushed to the margins," Lin Rui reflected. In the original host's memories, Lin Yun-tian's amiable nature aimed to maintain harmony with other family branches, yet his efforts to secure more resources always fell short. While this personality spared their branch from open conflict, it only deepened their marginalization within the family.

However, Lin Rui sensed that the family's internal conflicts were more complex than they appeared. His father's low profile hadn't granted them peace; instead, it had turned them into "outsiders" in their clan. A sudden thought struck Lin Rui—a foreboding sense that remaining an outsider wasn't sustainable.

He stood and walked to the window, looking past the courtyard walls toward the family's main residence. A gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, filling the air with their fresh scent. Yet beneath the tranquil exterior, Lin Rui suspected that hidden currents of power struggles swirled within the Lin family.

"If I want to survive in this family, I can't remain passive," Lin Rui resolved. He knew that the core members firmly held power and resources. To become stronger, he must carve out a place for himself in both cultivation and the family's power structure.

His first step was to familiarize himself with his immediate environment. The courtyard he shared with his father was serene and cozy, designed with a simple, natural aesthetic. The area was rich in spiritual energy and surrounded by vibrant bamboo groves—perfect for living and cultivating.

Lin Rui's room was small but warm and comfortable. Ink paintings of bamboo forests named "Lin Rui" adorned the walls, apparently the original host's creations. "Seems the original me also liked painting—just like I do," Lin Rui mused. A few cultivation manuals and an oil lamp lay on the desk, providing light for late-night contemplation. The bed was simple, and the view of swaying bamboo outside the window offered a peaceful space for meditation.

He then moved to inspect his father's room. Lin Yun-tian's room was a little bigger, furnished with a modest yet dignified style. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with texts on cultivation and alchemy. Portraits of family ancestors hung prominently, reflecting Lin Yun-tian's respect for tradition and responsibility. A small bamboo plant on the windowsill symbolized resilience, while the faint scent of herbs in the air hinted at his love for medicine.

The living room, with its wooden table and four chairs, was a space for father-son conversations. A few days-old fruits and a pot of spiritual tea sat on the table, suggesting that no one had visited recently. The kitchen, though simple, was well-equipped for preparing daily meals, maintaining a humble atmosphere. Even the bathroom reflected the same neat and practical style.

In one corner of the courtyard, young bamboo shoots added a lively touch to the environment, and next to the grove stood a wooden table with four chairs—an ideal spot for relaxing. This courtyard was a place to live and a harbor where familial love and cultivation coexisted.

After familiarizing himself with his surroundings, Lin Rui decided to visit the family's library pavilion to learn more about the clan's background. According to the original host's memories, the library was located in the northeastern corner of the estate, housing books on family history, cultivation techniques, and genealogies. Perhaps there, he could find more useful clues.

Walking along the stone-paved path, Lin Rui approached the library. Bamboo groves surrounded the estate, and the scent of bamboo filled the air as leaves rustled in the breeze, creating an illusion of eternal tranquility. But Lin Rui knew that this peace was merely a facade, concealing the fierce power struggles within the family.

The library pavilion stood in a quiet corner, shrouded in silence. As Lin Rui climbed the stone steps, two guards exchanged glances before respectfully nodding to him. "Young Master Lin Rui, please enter."

Lin Rui nodded in return, feeling a flicker of surprise. He had assumed that as a Five-Spiritual Root "waste," the family had already forgotten him. Yet these servants still recognized him.

"Seems I'm not entirely erased from their memories," he thought with a wry smile. However, a bitter chill crept into his heart. "Still, they overlooked me so much that no one even noticed I'd been dead for days... My presence is truly insignificant here."

The library's rows of shelves stretched into the distance, filling the air with the scent of old books. Lin Rui approached a bookshelf and searched for texts about the family's history and rules. To survive in this family, he needed to understand its inner workings—especially anything related to power dynamics.

Soon, he found a heavy genealogy book and carefully opened it. The book details the Lin family's lineage across generations and records its most important historical events.

"The Lin family is dedicated to cultivating its disciples, sending them into immortal sects to maintain the clan's status in Zhu Yun Town and even the larger Qingluo Province." Lin Rui thought as he flipped through the pages. The Lin family had earned its place as the top cultivation family in town through deep-rooted foundations. The genealogy mentioned the presence of Golden Core elders and even Nascent Soul cultivators who had once protected the family, earning it considerable prestige in Qingluo Province.

"With such a powerful family, intense competition for power and resources is inevitable," Lin Rui mused, closing the book thoughtfully.

As he continued flipping through the texts, his eyes were drawn to a map of the Lin estate. The map marked the distribution of various family assets—such as the Lingyun Tea Garden, bamboo groves, and medicinal supply chains connected to the Cui Luo Immortal Sect. Suddenly, a small mark in the northwestern section of the estate caught his attention: the Lin Family Secret Realm.

"The Lin Family Secret Realm opens every three years and is designed for Qi Refining disciples. It's a key opportunity to acquire treasures and resources," Lin Rui's heart raced. This secret realm could give him the breakthrough he needed—a chance to prove himself and rise above his limitations.

The secret realm might be his ticket to transformation.