Chapter One : Seeds of Fate
"In the blink of an eye, it's already been thirty-four years since I arrived in this world."
Sitting cross-legged on a straw mat,Fang Ting looked up at the sky, his expression distant and contemplative.
Thirty-four years ago, he crossed over into this fantasy realm, born as an unremarkable infant in a small clan. Yet, thanks to his exceptional innate talent and comprehension, he embarked on the path of cultivation.
Fang Ting began cultivating at fourteen. One year to temper the body, three years to gather qi, five years to absorb spiritual energy. Now, at thirty-four, he had reached the mid-stage of the Profound Core realm.
[Cultivation realms: Body Tempering, Qi Gathering, Spirit Absorption, Profound Core, Violet Palace, Nascent Soul, Celestial Palace, Dharma Form, etc.]
His cultivation speed had already surpassed seventy percent of ordinary cultivators.
Such achievement was not solely due to Fang Ting's own diligence; the clan had also devoted itself wholeheartedly to nurturing him.
Cultivators at the Profound Core stage typically had a lifespan of two hundred years, so Fang Ting, at thirty-four, was still considered young.
He had refined features, a tall and elegant bearing, and a composed, steady temperament. His eyes were resolute, yet retained a gentle warmth.
In Yunshan City, many female cultivators longed to become his Dao companion.
Just yesterday, after breaking through to the mid-stage of Profound Core, Fang Ting was named the new head of the Fang clan.
Over the years, the clan had invested a great deal into his development. Fang Ting had long resolved to repay them by expanding and strengthening the family with all his effort.
But looking at the current state of things, unless some external force came to aid them, even if he gave his all, the heights the Fang clan could reach would still be quite limited.
"Thirty-four years... Even if my cheating ability lost its way, it should've arrived by now, right?"
"I don't even need some overpowered ability. A simple 'Prosperous Offspring System' would be enough. It's not that I want to marry and have children—I just genuinely want to grow the clan."
"At worst, even a Sign-In System would do—simple and direct."
As Fang Ting sighed to himself, a sudden voice rang out in his mind.
"Ding."
The sound was like the most heavenly melody in the world, and Fang Ting was instantly overwhelmed with excitement.
"System binding complete."
"Greetings, Host."
Thirty-four years. A whole thirty-four years! It finally came! Do you have any idea what I've gone through these thirty-four years!?
I've cultivated nonstop—didn't even have time for love, let alone set foot in a brothel!
Fang Ting wasted no time and asked directly.
"What kind of system are you? Is it the 'Prosperous Offspring' one?"
The system's answer left him slightly disappointed.
"This system has one primary objective, two functions, and one passive effect."
"Objective: Assist the host in developing and expanding the clan. To that end, the system will gradually bestow 'Children of Destiny' upon the Fang clan to enhance the clan's fortune."
"Function 1: Host can hear the inner thoughts of the Children of Destiny."
"Function 2: For every increase in cultivation of a Child of Destiny, the host will receive double the benefit."
"Passive: Each time a Child of Destiny emerges in the clan, the talent of other clan members will also be enhanced."
The system's purpose and features were straightforward and easy to grasp.
In other words, the Fang clan would soon see the emergence of numerous Children of Destiny, each possessing unique cheat abilities.
Fang Ting could hear their inner thoughts.
Quite fitting, really. Everyone has their secrets—even among family, even with him as the clan leader—they wouldn't spill everything to him outright.
As these Children of Destiny grew stronger, Fang Ting's own cultivation would rise in tandem.
So all he had to do was nurture them, let them grow, and the system would power him up in return.
He could practically stop cultivating himself—just lie back and enjoy the ride.
And the passive ability was just as vital.
The more Children of Destiny the clan had, the greater the overall talent among all members. This ensured there wouldn't be just a few elites while the rest remained mediocre.
"Even though I didn't get the 'Prosperous Offspring' system I was hoping for, this one's not bad either. It lets me grow stronger easily while also expanding the clan. It suits me just fine."
"Best of all, with these Children of Destiny around, I won't have to work so hard anymore."
Fang Tingrose to his feet on the spot, preparing to head out and identify the ones blessed with cheat abilities.
Finding them and nurturing them meant boosting his own strength—and it was far easier than cultivating by himself.
As he walked, clan members he passed all bowed respectfully.
"Clan Leader."
"Mm."
With hands clasped behind his back, Fang Ting nodded calmly.
Eventually, he arrived at the training grounds, where a large group of clan juniors were sparring, cultivating, and sharing insights.
At the sight of Fang Ting, they all stopped and bowed in unison.
"Clan Leader!"
Their respect came from deep admiration—not just for his title, but also his strength.
After all, Fang Ting was the only one in the Fang clan who had reached mid-stage Profound Core. The old clan patriarch, before his passing, had only reached the early stage.
Without Fang Ting at mid-stage Profound Core, the Fang clan wouldn't even qualify as one of the three great families of Yunshan City.
Even before he officially became clan leader, he was already the most admired and respected figure among the clan's younger generation.
Fang Ting spoke in a friendly tone, "Don't mind me—carry on."
"Yes, sir."
The juniors resumed sparring, but with even greater focus than before.
Fang Ting circled the training grounds once but didn't hear any inner thoughts.
Not all the clan's juniors were present, so he didn't feel discouraged. Leaving the training grounds, he wandered aimlessly through the clan's main estate.
As one of the three great families of Yunshan City, the Fang clans residence spanned over a hundred acres—quite expansive.
Eventually, Fang Ting found himself outside the small courtyard of his second brother, Fang Huaiyuan.
He was about to walk away when he noticed the gate was open—and Fang Huaiyuan was in the courtyard and saw him.
Fang Huaiyuan quickly stepped forward and bowed, "I didn't know the clan leader was coming—what brings you here?"
"No need to be so formal in private, second brother,"Fang Ting replied with an easy smile, waving his hand.
"Alright," Fang Huaiyuan nodded.
Their parents had six children in total. Fang Ting was the youngest, while Fang Huaiyuan, the second eldest, lacked natural talent and had limited cultivation.
As they chatted, the two of them entered the courtyard.
Fang Ting casually asked, "Fang Luo is leaving for Lingyue Sect in a few days—how's the preparation coming along?"
The Great Qi Dynasty had three top-tier powers, and Lingyue Sect was one of them—the closest to Yunshan City. Any child with decent potential in the surrounding area would be sent there to train if accepted.
Each year, Lingyue Sect recruited disciples, drawing in many hopefuls, though most were turned away. Only a few made it through the trials to formally enter the sect.
Back in the day, Fang Ting had chosen to stay with the clan rather than go. With his talent and comprehension, he could've at least made it as an inner sect disciple.
Of course, there was always the risk of dying unexpectedly along the way. No point in imagining too fondly a path never taken.
"I'll call him out now," Fang Huaiyuan said.
Soon, a young man stepped out from the house—at first glance, an ordinary, handsome youth. But his eyes were calm and detached, as if no worldly matter could stir his emotions.
There was also an unmistakable sense of steadiness about him—one that didn't match his age.
The moment he saw Fang Ting, the youth bowed quickly. "Clan Leader."
"You two really are father and son—why so formal? Ease up a bit when it's just us,"Fang Ting said, half sternly.
The youth hurriedly corrected himself. "Sixth Uncle."
Fang Ting's expression softened—mainly because he saw the words floating above the boy's head:
[Fang Luo – Reincarnated]