Jiang Li woke with a jolt, his heart pounding like a drum. It wasn't the pain that startled him this time, but a voice, cold and mechanical, echoing in his mind.
"Villain Family System Activated."
Jiang Li's eyes flew open. He wasn't hallucinating. A translucent panel, shimmering with an ethereal light, materialized before him.
[Villain Family System]
* Host: Jiang Li
* Level: 1
* Cultivation Talent: F
* System Points: 0
* Space: 10 cubic meters
* Store: Locked
A wave of information washed over him, detailing the system's functions. There was a system store, a vast repository of items ranging from cultivation techniques and medicinal pills to rare materials and even… cheat items.
The system points, Jiang Li learned, were the currency of this system, earned through completing various tasks. They could be used to purchase items from the store, and, surprisingly, could be directly converted into real-world currency – 1 system point equaled 100 Yuan.
A welcome pack, a gift from the system upon activation, appeared in his inventory.
[Welcome Pack]
* [Qi Gathering Technique (Basic)] x1
* [Rejuvenation Pill] x1
* [Cultivation Talent Upgrade Pill] x1
Jiang Li's eyes widened. This was a game-changer. With the system, he finally had a fighting chance.
He immediately consumed the Rejuvenation Pill. A surge of warmth spread through his body, mending the internal injuries inflicted by Lin Xuan. He felt a renewed vigor, a surge of life returning to his weakened frame.
The Qi Gathering Technique, a basic but effective method for cultivating Qi, was a valuable asset. He began to practice, following the instructions provided by the system.
However, his progress was agonizingly slow. Despite his diligent efforts, his Qi circulated sluggishly within his meridians, like a stubborn ox trying to plow through mud. He glanced at the system panel, and the message "Cultivation Talent: F" mocked him.
"F?" he muttered, a bitter taste in his mouth. He had always suspected his cultivation talent was mediocre, but "F" was a harsh blow to his ego. It felt like the system was rubbing salt in the wound.
He attempted to access the store, but the system displayed a message:
[Store Locked. Unlock Condition: 1000 System Points]
Disappointment washed over him. He had anticipated exploring the store, eager to see what treasures it held.
He would have to wait.
He turned his attention to the Cultivation Talent Upgrade Pill. This was his only hope of overcoming his inherent limitations.
He consumed the pill, and an intense energy surged through his body. He felt a strange tingling sensation as his meridians seemed to expand, becoming more receptive to the flow of Qi.
He immediately resumed his cultivation, and to his astonishment, he felt a marked improvement. The Qi flowed more smoothly, more powerfully, through his meridians, like a swift river cutting through a rocky gorge.
He checked the system panel again.
[Villain Family System]
* Host: Jiang Li
* Level: 1
* Cultivation Talent: D
* System Points: 0
* Space: 10 cubic meters
* Store: Locked
The pill had worked! His cultivation talent had been upgraded from "F" to "D."
"D," he muttered, still a bit disheartened. "D" was barely passable. It was like being promoted from failing miserably to barely scraping by.
Despite the disappointment, it was a significant improvement. With dedicated effort, he might be able to achieve something.
He spent the next few days immersed in cultivation, diligently practicing the Qi Gathering Technique. The system's guidance, coupled with his improved talent, allowed him to make steady progress. He felt a faint sense of excitement as he gradually strengthened his foundation.
He began to gather information about the Jiang family.
The Jiang family was a prominent family in Nanjing, known for their wealth and influence. They were involved in various businesses, including real estate, pharmaceuticals, and entertainment.
The patriarch of the family, Jiang Tian, was a man of considerable ambition, a shrewd businessman who had built the family fortune from the ground up. He was a formidable figure, respected by his peers and feared by his enemies.
Jiang Li's father, Jiang Feng, the Second Elder, was a stark contrast to his father. A man of leisure, more interested in indulging his appetites than in contributing to the family business. He was known for his extravagant lifestyle, his penchant for gambling, and his notorious temper.
The Jiang family's primary business was pharmaceuticals. They owned a large pharmaceutical company, Jiang Pharmaceutical, which produced and distributed a wide range of medicines across the nation. Jiang Pharmaceutical was a major player in the market, renowned for its high-quality products and cutting-edge research.
However, the company faced stiff competition from other pharmaceutical giants, most notably Lin Pharmaceutical, owned by the Lin family. The rivalry between the two families was legendary, a constant undercurrent of tension that permeated every aspect of their lives.
Lin Pharmaceutical, fueled by the genius of Lin Xuan, the Invincible Young Master, was rapidly gaining ground, surpassing Jiang Pharmaceutical in both market share and innovation. This rivalry had escalated beyond mere business competition, becoming a personal vendetta between the two families.
Jiang Li, as the youngest son of the Second Elder, was considered a minor figure in the family. He was rarely involved in family affairs and was often overlooked. His father, preoccupied with his own pleasures, rarely paid him any attention.
But with the system, that was about to change.
He began to observe the family dynamics, studying his father's weaknesses, identifying potential allies and enemies. He used the listening device, purchased with his initial system points, to eavesdrop on conversations, gathering valuable intelligence.
He discovered that the family business was riddled with corruption. There were instances of embezzlement, bribery, and even illegal drug trafficking. Some of the higher-ups within Jiang Pharmaceutical were involved in shady deals, exploiting their positions for personal gain.
He saw an opportunity.
He could use this information to his advantage. He could expose the corruption within the family, gain their trust, and ultimately, seize control.
He knew it would be a dangerous game, a game of shadows and manipulation. He would have to tread carefully, avoiding suspicion and maintaining a low profile.
But he was ready.
He had the system, a powerful tool at his disposal, even with the initial setbacks.
He had the will, the determination to rise above his current station.
He would rise.
He would become the most feared villain in Nanjing.
He would make the Jiang family name a legend, a name that would strike terror into the hearts of their enemies.
He had a long way to go.
But he was on the right track.
The game had just begun.
And Jiang Li, the minor villain, was ready to play.
Just as jiang li in thoughts he heard knock on the door...