Reincarnation of the Celestial Bastard

Chapter 3: The Youngest Sister

Li Tian sat cross-legged on the rickety bed, still feeling the aftershocks of the system's presence. It wasn't an overwhelming sensation, but the simple notification of a reward had subtly strengthened his body. Though he knew he was still weak, his keen sense from his past life told him this world held many opportunities for growth.

As he reflected on his situation, his thoughts wandered to the other members of the Li family. His father, Li Wen, had always treated him like a stain on the family's honor. His brothers, especially Li Wei, made it a daily routine to torment him. The sisters, however, were a different matter.

Li Tian recalled that in his previous life, he had always valued relationships based on mutual benefits. That hadn't changed, but in this life, there was one person who stood out: Li Xue, his youngest half-sister. She was only 16 years old, but from the memories of the body's previous owner, Li Tian knew that Li Xue had always treated him with kindness.

Even in this cold family, she had been the only one who tried to help him, bringing him food when the servants ignored his existence or offering words of comfort when others mocked him. For someone so young, her loyalty was unusual, especially in a family where power and status dictated every relationship. Li Tian found it interesting, even touching, though he didn't let himself dwell on sentimentality for too long.

A light knock on his door broke his thoughts. He already knew who it was.

"Come in, Li Xue," he called out.

The door creaked open, and a small figure slipped inside. Li Xue was petite, with large, expressive eyes and long black hair that fell in waves over her simple, yet elegant robes. Despite being so young, she had the grace that befitted a daughter of the Li family. But there was something else about her—a softness that set her apart from her more ruthless siblings.

"Brother Tian," she whispered, closing the door behind her. She hurried over to his side, her face filled with concern. "I heard what happened in the courtyard today... Are you alright?"

Li Tian smiled faintly at her worry. It was almost amusing how she fretted over him, even when he hadn't been hurt in the least.

"I'm fine," he said, his voice calm. "Li Wei didn't get the chance to touch me."

Li Xue let out a sigh of relief and then looked at him with those large eyes, full of innocence. "You shouldn't provoke them, Brother Tian. They... they won't stop until they hurt you."

Her concern was genuine, and while Li Tian appreciated her kindness, he had no intention of letting anyone hurt him—at least not without making them regret it. He leaned back against the wall, watching her as she fidgeted nervously.

"Don't worry about me, Li Xue," he said softly. "I have a plan. Things will be different from now on."

She tilted her head, confused. "A plan?"

Li Tian gave her a knowing smile. Of course, she wouldn't understand. She was still young, and she didn't know anything about his past life or the system that had now appeared. But that was fine. He would protect her in his own way.

"You'll see," he said, his tone mysterious. "Just trust me."

Li Xue seemed to hesitate, but eventually nodded. She had always trusted him, even when there was little reason to. In this family, she was his only ally, and for that, Li Tian felt a rare sense of warmth. It wasn't love, but it was the closest thing to it in this cold and indifferent world.

Suddenly, Li Xue reached into her robe and pulled out a small bundle wrapped in cloth. She handed it to him with both hands.

"I brought you some food," she said quietly. "I know the servants didn't give you anything today."

Li Tian unwrapped the bundle, revealing a few steamed buns and a small piece of roasted meat. It wasn't much, but considering the way he was treated, it was more than enough. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until he saw the food. He hadn't eaten since he woke up in this new body.

"Thank you, Li Xue," he said, taking a bite of one of the buns. It was simple, but it tasted better than anything he had eaten in his previous life—probably because of the hunger gnawing at his stomach.

Li Xue watched him eat, her eyes full of quiet concern. "Brother Tian, why don't you ever fight back? I know they're stronger than you, but... it's not fair."

Li Tian finished chewing and looked at her. She was still so naive, so innocent. She didn't understand how the world worked, especially a world like this one. Strength ruled everything, and the weak were destined to be trampled underfoot. But what she didn't know was that he was no longer weak.

"I don't need to fight them now," Li Tian said, his voice measured. "But in time, things will change."

Li Xue frowned, not fully understanding. "But how? They all have powerful cultivation, and you... you've never been able to train properly."

Li Tian smiled inwardly. That would change soon. His body was still weak, but with his knowledge and the system guiding him, he would rise far beyond the abilities of anyone in this family. It was only a matter of time.

"Just trust me, Li Xue," he repeated, his tone more serious this time. "I'll get stronger. Stronger than all of them."

She looked at him, her brow furrowed, but there was a flicker of hope in her eyes. "I believe you, Brother Tian."

He smiled. "Good."

They sat in silence for a while after that, Li Tian finishing the food she had brought. It was a quiet moment, but it was peaceful in its own way. For the first time since his reincarnation, he felt a strange sense of calm. Perhaps it was because of Li Xue's presence—she was the only person in this house who genuinely cared for him. And while Li Tian wasn't someone who easily attached himself to others, he couldn't deny that her loyalty meant something to him.

As the evening deepened, Li Xue stood to leave. "I should go before anyone notices I'm gone. But if you need anything, Brother Tian... I'll always be here to help you."

Li Tian nodded, watching as she slipped out of the room and closed the door behind her. The warmth she left behind lingered in the cold, cramped space, but only for a moment. Soon, the reality of his situation came crashing back.

He still had a long way to go. His body was weak, his position within the family was precarious, and his enemies were numerous. But he had knowledge—knowledge that far surpassed what any of these people could comprehend. And with the system now on his side, there was nothing he couldn't achieve.

A soft chime echoed in his mind, and the familiar system window appeared before his eyes.

[ New Task: Strengthen Your Body

Reward: Basic Body Cultivation Manual (Tier 1) ]

Li Tian's eyes gleamed. This was exactly what he needed.

"Let's begin," he whispered to himself, a slow smile spreading across his face.

He closed his eyes and began to focus. The first step on his path to power was about to begin.