The air reeked of damp soil and medicinal herbs, mingled with the faint aroma of incense burning somewhere nearby. Ji Yuan blinked several times, his head spinning as the fragmented memories of his past life collided with an unfamiliar set of memories. One moment, he was a modern businessman, ruthless in negotiations and utterly unconcerned with familial ties. The next, he was lying in a poorly lit wooden hut, staring at the cracked ceiling, with the weight of someone small resting against his chest.
"Papa?" a soft, trembling voice called.
Ji Yuan's head whipped to the side. A little girl with large, tear-filled eyes, clutching a worn-out doll, stared at him. Her cheeks were red from crying, and her frail body trembled as though she feared his response. She couldn't be older than six, her face a mix of innocence and despair. Something inside him clenched.
"I...Papa?" Ji Yuan repeated, his deep voice startling the child. His modern memories clashed with those of the previous Ji Yuan, a disgraced cultivator who had failed to make it past the second stage of the Qi Refinement Realm. Worse, he had a daughter, Ji Xiaoxi, whom he had neglected ever since her mother died three years ago.
From the fragments of memories he inherited, it was clear the original Ji Yuan had been a failure in every way. A drunkard, penniless, and constantly bullied, he had squandered every opportunity to cultivate and protect his daughter.
The little girl sniffled, stepping back slightly, as if afraid of being scolded. "Papa, are you okay? You...you fainted yesterday after trying to argue with Uncle Zhang..."
Ji Yuan clenched his fists. Uncle Zhang, a local thug at the Qi Refinement Realm, Stage 4, had come to collect the debts the original Ji Yuan had accumulated. When the original owner couldn't pay, Zhang had beaten him half to death before leaving with a warning: "Pay up in three days, or the girl will work for me."
A surge of anger flooded Ji Yuan. The idea of anyone touching the small, trembling figure in front of him made his blood boil. He sat up, ignoring the sharp pain in his ribs, and pulled Ji Xiaoxi into his arms.
"I'm fine, Xiaoxi," Ji Yuan said, his voice softer than he thought possible. "From now on, Papa won't let anyone hurt you."
Her eyes widened in disbelief, then overflowed with tears as she clung to him. "Really, Papa? You won't leave me anymore?"
"Never," he vowed, the words carrying the weight of two lives.
---
As he comforted her, a mechanical chime echoed in his mind, followed by an unfamiliar voice.
DING!
[Doting Father System Activated!]
Ji Yuan froze.
"What the—"
Welcome to the Doting Father System. Your task is simple: care for, protect, and ensure the happiness of your daughter, Ji Xiaoxi. Rewards will be provided based on your actions. Failure to fulfill your responsibilities will result in punishment.
A translucent interface appeared in his vision, showing a series of tasks and rewards.
Task: Make Ji Xiaoxi Smile.
Reward: Basic Cultivation Technique (Mortal Tier).
Progress: Pending.
Task: Protect Ji Xiaoxi from harm.
Reward: Strength Boost (Minor).
Progress: Pending.
Ji Yuan's lips twitched. A system? In a cultivation world? He hadn't expected something so absurd, but he wasn't going to question his luck. If this system could help him survive and protect Ji Xiaoxi, he'd use it to its fullest.
"Papa?" Ji Xiaoxi's voice broke through his thoughts.
Ji Yuan smiled warmly, something he hadn't done in either life. "Papa's just thinking about how to make you happy."
The little girl blinked in confusion, then giggled softly, her earlier fear melting away.
DING!
Task Completed: Make Ji Xiaoxi Smile. Reward: Basic Cultivation Technique (Mortal Tier).
Information flooded Ji Yuan's mind, detailing a simple but effective cultivation method. It wasn't anything extraordinary, but it was better than nothing. He clenched his fists, feeling a spark of energy flow through him.
---
Resolve and Preparation
By evening, Ji Yuan had sorted his thoughts. The first priority was survival. The second was improving his strength. He couldn't allow himself to remain weak—not when enemies like Zhang would return in a matter of days.
As Xiaoxi played with her doll, Ji Yuan inspected the small hut. It was dilapidated, with cracks in the walls and a leaky roof. A pile of firewood sat in the corner, next to a broken stove. The only valuable item was a jade pendant hanging from Xiaoxi's neck, a keepsake from her mother.
Ji Yuan's fingers brushed the pendant as he knelt before her. "Xiaoxi, do you trust Papa?"
She nodded enthusiastically.
"Good," he said, determination hardening his gaze. "Then let's work together to make our lives better."
That night, as Xiaoxi slept soundly for the first time in weeks, Ji Yuan sat cross-legged on the floor, practicing the cultivation technique provided by the system.
---
End of Chapter Stats:
Cultivation Realms:
1. Body Tempering Realm (1-9 Stages)
2. Qi Refinement Realm (1-9 Stages)
3. Foundation Establishment Realm (1-9 Stages)
4. Core Formation Realm (1-9 Stages)
5. Nascent Soul Realm (1-9 Stages)
6. Soul Condensation Realm (1-9 Stages)
7. Spirit King Realm (1-9 Stages)
8. Spirit Emperor Realm (1-9 Stages)
9. Saint Realm (1-9 Stages)
10. Immortal Realm (1-9 Stages)
11. Celestial Realm (1-9 Stages)
12. Divine Ascension Realm (1-9 Stages)
13. Eternal Realm (1-9 Stages)
14. Godhood Realm (1-9 Stages)
Skill Levels:
1. Beginner
2. Intermediate
3. Advanced
4. Master
5. Grandmaster
Current Status:
Ji Yuan: Qi Refinement Realm, Stage 1
Ji Xiaoxi: Mortal, No Cultivation
System Rewards Earned:
Basic Cultivation Technique (Mortal Tier)