Time flowed strangely for Drake. He was a toddler, yet his mind held the weight of a past life and the promise of a future conquest. He watched the world with golden eyes, absorbing every detail, every nuance. He learned to crawl, to walk, to speak, all while discreetly observing his surroundings and testing the limits of his system.
The Blackthorn manor, once a symbol of power, was now a shadow of its former glory. The halls echoed with emptiness, the once-vibrant tapestries faded and torn. Dust lay thick on the furniture, and the air carried a faint scent of decay.
His parents, Theron and Elara, were kind and loving, but their smiles were often strained, their eyes filled with worry. They were struggling to maintain what little remained of their dwindling estate.
His sister, Lyra, was a bright and cheerful presence, a ray of sunshine in the decaying manor. She adored her little brother, always eager to play and share her toys.
Drake, however, was preoccupied. He spent his days exploring the manor, searching for clues, for anything that could help him understand the Blackthorn family's decline. He found old ledgers, faded maps, and dusty tomes, each piece a fragment of a forgotten history.
He also spent hours practicing his Qi gathering, meditating in the quiet corners of the manor. His system indicated slow progress, but progress nonetheless. He experimented with different breathing techniques, trying to find the most efficient way to absorb the ambient Qi.
One afternoon, while exploring the library, he stumbled upon a faded map of the continent. He opened it, his eyes scanning the faded script and the unfamiliar names.
[Quest Discovered: Explore about the Continent of Aethelred] [Objective: Gather information about the continent's history, geography, and major factions.] [Reward: Low-Grade Qi Crystal (+2 Qi), 10 Points]
Aethelred, he thought, studying the map. The continent was vast, divided by the Dragon's Spine, a formidable mountain range. He saw the six empires: the technologically advanced Solaris Empire to the southwest, the nature-connected Verdant Empire to the southeast, the militaristic Ironclad Empire to the northwest, the wealthy Golden Empire in the center, the maritime Azurean Empire to the east, and the mysterious Shadowlands Empire to the north.
He traced the map, finding the Blackthorn Viscount Territory. It was a small, struggling territory, nestled in the western part of the Golden Empire, near the border with the Solaris Empire. No wonder we are struggling, he thought, the proximity to the Solaris Empire meant potential conflict, but also the potential for trade.
He noted the Whispering Woods, the Great Plains of Aeridor, and the Azure Sea. Each location held the promise of adventure and opportunity. This quest was exactly what he needed. He needed to learn more about this world if he wanted to survive.
[Quest Completed: Explore about the Continent of Aethelred]
[Objective: Gather information about the continent's history, geography, and major factions.]
[Reward: Low-Grade Qi Crystal (+2 Qi), 10 Points]
Later that evening, during dinner, he noticed the strained expressions on his parents' faces.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice surprisingly clear for a toddler.
Theron sighed, his gaze heavy. "The taxes are due, Drake. And we don't have enough to pay them."
Elara placed a comforting hand on her husband's arm. "We'll find a way," she said, her voice filled with forced optimism.
"If we don't pay," Theron said, his voice grim, "they'll seize what little land we have left."
Lyra looked up at her parents, her blue eyes filled with worry. "What will happen to us?"
Drake watched them, his mind racing. He knew he couldn't rely on his parents to solve this problem. He had to take action.
System, he thought. Show me my status.
[Name: Drake Blackthorn]
[Age: 3]
[Qi: 10/100]
[Strength: 5]
[Agility: 4]
[Vitality: 6]
[Skills: None]
[Points: 0]
He knew what he had to do. He had to find a way to secure the funds and uncover the secrets of his family's downfall. He also had to explore Aethelred.
"I'll help," he said, his voice firm.
His parents looked at him, surprised.
"How, little Drake?" Elara asked, her voice gentle.
"I'll find a way," he repeated, his golden eyes gleaming with determination.
Theron chuckled, a sad, weary sound. "Oh, little one, you don't need to worry about such things. You're still just a child."
Elara smiled, though her eyes held a hint of sadness. "Yes, darling. You just focus on playing with Lyra and growing big and strong."
"These are grown-up problems," Theron added, patting Drake's head. "We'll handle it."
Drake frowned, frustrated by their dismissal. He knew he was trapped in a toddler's body, but his mind was sharp and capable. He wanted to tell them he could help, that he had a plan, but he knew they wouldn't understand.
They underestimate me, he thought, a flicker of irritation mixing with his determination. But I'll prove them wrong.
He nodded, feigning innocence. "Okay, Mama. Papa."
He looked at Lyra. "Lyra, want to play?"
Lyra's face lit up. "Yes! Yes! Let's play in the garden!"
He followed Lyra, his mind still churning with plans. He would play along for now, but he would not be sidelined. He would find a way to help his family, to secure their future, and to rise to power.
He knew that he had to be patient. For now he would act like a normal child, but when he turned five, he would begin his serious studies. He would learn everything he could about the continent, about the empires, and about the Blackthorn family's history. He would also dedicate himself to mastering the cultivation system, to unlocking his true potential. He would use these next 2 years to observe, and to plan.
He played with Lyra, his laughter echoing through the garden, but his mind was elsewhere. He observed his parents, their strained smiles and worried glances, and he knew he had to act. But he also knew he had to be smart about it. He couldn't just reveal his true abilities. He had to build his strength, gather information, and prepare for the future.
Later, after Lyra had been tucked into bed and his parents had retired to their chambers, Drake slipped into his room. He closed the door, ensuring he was alone, and sat cross-legged on the floor.
System, he thought, focusing his mind. Open shop.
A holographic interface appeared before him, displaying a vast array of items, skills, and techniques. He saw cultivation manuals, martial arts techniques, rare herbs, and even formation arrays. His eyes widened at the sheer scope of the system's offerings.
He scrolled through the categories, his mind racing with possibilities. He could buy anything he wanted, provided he had the points. But he also knew he had to be strategic. He couldn't waste his points on frivolous items.
As he browsed, a notification popped up in the corner of his vision.
[System Notification: Optimal Cultivation Window Detected] [Warning: To maximize potential and maintain a competitive edge, it is highly recommended that Host begins dedicated cultivation practices by the age of 3.]
Drake's eyes narrowed. Age 3? He was already three, but he had been focusing on observing and learning. He realized that it was now or never.
He closed the shop interface and focused on his system interface. System, show me cultivation sects.
Two options appeared before him:
[Select Cultivation Sect:] [1. Immortal Heaven's Gate Sect] [Guardians of ascension, specializing in cultivating immortality and guiding disciples to transcend mortal limits.] [2. Jade Immortal Palace (Recommended)] [The epitome of power and majesty, known as the strongest sect to ever exist. Founded by an unparalleled immortal whose wisdom and strength transcend the ages.]
Immortal Heaven's Gate Sect… Jade Immortal Palace, he thought, considering the options. The Jade Immortal Palace was recommended, and the description was alluring. The strongest sect to ever exist? That was exactly what he needed.
"System," he said, his voice barely a whisper, "select Jade Immortal Palace."
[Jade Immortal Palace Sect Selected.] [Cultivation Path Activated.] [Cultivation Manual: "Jade Immortal's Genesis" acquired.]
Instead of a physical manual appearing, a wave of warm energy washed over Drake's mind. Intricate diagrams, detailed instructions, and ancient wisdom flooded his consciousness. The "Jade Immortal's Genesis" wasn't just a book; it was a complete understanding of the cultivation path, directly implanted into his memory.
He closed his eyes, his mind reeling from the influx of information. He saw the flow of Qi, the intricate pathways of meridians, and the secrets of the Jade Immortal's cultivation techniques. It was as if he had spent a lifetime studying the manual.
[System Notification: "Jade Immortal's Genesis" Assimilated.] [Cultivation comprehension maximized.]
Drake opened his eyes, a sense of awe washing over him. He understood everything, every nuance, every technique. He didn't need to study or practice; he simply knew.
This is… incredible, he thought, his mind buzzing with excitement. He could feel the Qi within him, ready to be molded and refined. He could visualize the pathways of his meridians, the flow of energy, the secrets of the Jade Immortal's techniques.
He focused his mind, following the instructions of the "Jade Immortal's Genesis." He visualized the flow of Qi, guiding it through his meridians, purifying it, strengthening it. He felt the energy swirling within him, growing stronger with each passing moment.
[Qi Gathering (Stage 1) Achieved!] [+10 Qi]
He felt a surge of power, a tangible increase in his strength. He was no longer just a toddler; he was a cultivator.
This is just the beginning, he thought, a predatory grin spreading across his face. He would master the Jade Immortal's Genesis, he would explore the continent of Aethelred, and he would rise to power. He would use the system to its fullest potential, to become the strongest cultivator in the world.