As the first light of dawn illuminated the small hut, Ji Yuan opened his eyes, feeling a newfound energy coursing through his body. The breakthrough to Qi Refinement Realm, Stage 2 had not only strengthened his physical body but also sharpened his senses. Every sound, every shift in the air felt clearer.
He glanced at Ji Xiaoxi, still peacefully asleep, her tiny chest rising and falling in rhythm. A soft smile crept onto his face.
"Papa will make sure you never suffer again," he whispered.
But he needed more power. Protecting her in this harsh world required strength—not just raw cultivation but also skills and techniques.
DING!
New Task: Acquire a weapon.
Objective: Obtain a weapon suitable for cultivation and combat.
Reward: Beginner Sword Technique (Mortal Tier).
Time Limit: 24 hours.
Ji Yuan smirked. "A weapon, huh? Perfect timing."
---
The Village's Hidden Problems
The village market, if it could even be called that, consisted of a few wooden stalls selling basic goods—mostly crops, herbs, and some rudimentary tools. The villagers were gaunt and weary, their clothes patched and worn. Ji Yuan quickly realized this place was teetering on the edge of poverty.
He approached one of the stalls, where an elderly man sold crude farming tools and knives. "Do you have any weapons?"
The old man raised an eyebrow. "Weapons? For what? Planning to fight off the bandits alone, Ji Yuan?"
Bandits. Ji Yuan's eyes narrowed. That explained the fear and tension he sensed in the village. It wasn't just poverty—it was oppression.
"Just answer the question," Ji Yuan said curtly.
The old man sighed and gestured to a corner of his stall. "That's all I've got. Rusty swords and dull knives. Good luck with that."
Ji Yuan picked up one of the swords. The blade was chipped, and the hilt felt like it would fall apart with one good swing. Still, it was better than nothing.
"How much?"
"Five copper coins."
Ji Yuan grimaced. He had exactly that much left after trading the extra herbs from yesterday. But before he could hand over the coins, a sneering voice interrupted him.
"Well, well, if it isn't the useless Ji Yuan."
Turning around, Ji Yuan found himself face-to-face with a young man dressed in slightly better clothes. His face was thin, and his eyes radiated arrogance. Ji Yuan instantly recognized him as Qi Refinement Realm, Stage 3.
This was Li Wei, the son of the village head and the self-proclaimed ruler of the village's younger generation.
"What do you want?" Ji Yuan asked coldly.
Li Wei smirked. "I couldn't help but notice you're buying a weapon. Planning to play the hero, are we? Or maybe you're just pretending you're not the village's biggest joke?"
The crowd around them chuckled nervously, clearly afraid of Li Wei but too amused by the situation to stay silent.
Ji Yuan didn't flinch. Instead, he met Li Wei's gaze with icy determination. "What I plan to do is none of your concern."
Li Wei's smirk twisted into a sneer. "Big words for someone who can't even cultivate properly. How about I show everyone here why you should stick to being a failure?"
---
A Lesson in Humiliation
Li Wei lunged forward, his fist glowing faintly with Qi energy. The crowd gasped as Ji Yuan didn't move, seemingly frozen. But as Li Wei's fist came within inches of his face, Ji Yuan sidestepped with uncanny precision.
The motion was fluid, almost graceful, as if Ji Yuan had seen the attack coming a mile away. Li Wei stumbled forward, caught off balance.
The crowd murmured in surprise.
"Is that all you've got?" Ji Yuan asked, his tone dripping with disdain.
Li Wei growled, summoning more Qi. "You'll regret that!"
This time, he aimed a kick at Ji Yuan's chest. Ji Yuan didn't dodge. Instead, he raised the rusty sword he had just bought, using the flat of the blade to deflect the kick. The force of the impact reverberated through his arms, but he held firm.
The crowd watched in stunned silence.
Ji Yuan took a step closer, his voice low and threatening. "Leave before you embarrass yourself further."
For a moment, Li Wei hesitated, his confidence shaken. But pride won out. "This isn't over, Ji Yuan!" he spat, retreating with a glare.
As the crowd dispersed, Ji Yuan turned back to the stall owner.
"Five copper coins, right?"
The old man nodded, his expression a mix of awe and caution. "Here's hoping you know what you're doing, Ji Yuan."
---
The Gift of the System
Back at the hut, Ji Yuan sat down with the rusty sword. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
DING!
Task Completed: Acquire a weapon.
Reward Unlocked: Beginner Sword Technique (Mortal Tier).
A flood of knowledge entered Ji Yuan's mind. The Beginner Sword Technique was basic but effective, designed to teach control, precision, and efficiency.
Ji Yuan gripped the sword, stepping outside to practice. The weight of the weapon felt different now, almost familiar. He began with the first movement: a downward slash followed by a sweeping arc. Despite the sword's poor condition, the technique made his strikes feel sharp and deliberate.
As he practiced, Ji Xiaoxi peeked out from the hut, giggling. "Papa looks like a hero!"
Ji Yuan paused, turning to her with a grin. "A hero, huh? Then Papa needs to get even stronger, right?"
She nodded enthusiastically, clapping her hands.
---
Preparing for the Future
Ji Yuan knew his next steps were crucial. Li Wei wouldn't let today's humiliation slide, and the mention of bandits hinted at greater dangers ahead.
He glanced at Xiaoxi, who was playing with her doll near the doorway. No matter what, he would protect her. But to do that, he needed to grow stronger—and fast.
As night fell, Ji Yuan sat down to cultivate again, focusing on stabilizing his recent breakthrough. The road ahead was long, but he was determined to walk it.
---
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 2
Ji Xiaoxi: Mortal, No Cultivation
Techniques Acquired:
Beginner Sword Technique (Mortal Tier)