Chapter 4: A Duke’s Legacy
The morning air was crisp as Lianhua strolled through the garden, cradling Liang Chen in her arms. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds filled the quiet space. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows over the stone path.
Liang Chen, still adjusting to his new existence, stared up at the canopy of branches above. It was peaceful, far more peaceful than he expected a world like this to be.
He had learned something important today—his father, Jian, wasn't just some nobleman. He was a duke.
Not just any duke either, Liang Chen mused. He started as a general and was granted his title because of his achievements on the battlefield.
It was strange to think about. In his past life, nobility was something he had only ever read about in history books or seen in fantasy stories. But now, he was apparently born into a powerful family.
Lianhua hummed softly as she adjusted her grip on him. "Your father is at court today," she murmured, mostly to herself. "He should be back by the evening."
Liang Chen glanced up at her, taking in the thoughtful expression on her face. He could tell she was worried about something.
His mind turned back to what he had overheard the other day. His parents had been talking about politics, about dangers he still didn't fully understand. If his father was a duke and a former general, that meant he wasn't just some idle noble—he was someone important. Someone who had earned his place through blood.
And if there was one thing Liang Chen had learned from the few stories he had read, it was that people in power were always walking a fine line between honor and survival.
Lianhua sighed, gently rocking him. "Your father has always been strong," she said softly. "But strength alone doesn't protect a family."
Liang Chen didn't fully understand what she meant, but he knew enough to grasp that their family wasn't just respected—it was also watched. Closely.
If my father was powerful enough to be granted a dukedom, then that means others must see him as a threat. Even the emperor.
Liang Chen blinked up at the swaying tree branches, then turned his attention inward.
System, he called out in his mind.
Nothing happened for a moment, and he frowned. But then, with a soft chime, a translucent screen appeared before his eyes.
[Heavenly Growth System]
Host: Liang Chen
Level: 1
EXP: 0/10
There wasn't much to see, but that wasn't what he was after right now. He needed information.
System, do you have any details about this world?
To his surprise, the screen flickered, and a new section appeared.
[World Information]
Liang Chen's eyes widened as he scanned the text. It wasn't just a brief description—it was a detailed record of history, geography, cultivation, and even the current political structure.
He focused on the section about the empire.
[The Tianlong Empire]
— One of the most powerful nations on the continent.
— Ruled by Emperor Tian Sheng, whose authority is absolute.
— The empire values martial strength, cultivation talent, and noble lineage.
— The court is divided into various factions, with noble families constantly vying for power.
Liang Chen's thoughts raced. So my father is a duke in an empire that values strength… No wonder he was granted his title for battlefield achievements.
He scrolled further and found a section about cultivation.
[Cultivation Realms]
1. Qi Condensation
2. Foundation Establishment
3. Core Formation
… (more locked until progression)
His sister had mentioned reaching the second level of Qi Condensation, meaning she was at the very beginning of the cultivation path. It made sense—she was only five, after all.
As he read more, a realization struck him.
If power is everything in this world… then I can't afford to stay weak.
His hands—small and pudgy as they were—curled slightly.
He closed the system and promised to look through everything later.
He had no intention of becoming a great cultivator or anything like that. But he had seen what happened to powerless people in dangerous situations. In his past life, his weakness had cost him everything.
This time, I'll make sure I have control over my own fate.
For the first time since being reborn, a spark of determination ignited in his heart.
The sharp clang of metal against metal jolted Liang Chen from his thoughts. His small body tensed instinctively, and he blinked rapidly, trying to locate the source of the noise.
His mother had come to a stop near what appeared to be a training ground. Beyond the stone archway, men and women moved in fluid yet powerful motions, their weapons cutting through the air with precision.
Swords clashed in quick succession, spears spun in deadly arcs, and daggers flashed like streaks of silver under the morning sun. Every strike, every movement was practiced and intentional.
Liang Chen's wide eyes took in the sight. So many weapons… He had only ever seen things like this in games or movies, and yet here it was—real, tangible, and right in front of him.
Lianhua adjusted her hold on him, watching the scene with quiet approval. "The soldiers of the Liang household have gotten stronger," she murmured, though she wasn't speaking to him directly.
Soldiers.
Liang Chen processed that word carefully. His father wasn't just a duke—he was a former general, which meant their family likely had an army or at least a group of trained warriors under them.
His gaze flickered over the trainees. The way they moved, the way they carried themselves—it wasn't just for show. These people had fought before. They knew battle.
He thought back to what the system had told him about the empire. Strength determined everything here. His sister, only five years old, was already cultivating. His father had earned his title through war.
As Liang Chen watched the soldiers train, his amazement only grew. Every movement was precise, every strike filled with purpose. These warriors weren't just swinging weapons around—they were trained, disciplined, and powerful.
His young mind buzzed with questions. When can I start cultivating? His sister was already at the second level of Qi Condensation at only five years old. Did that mean he had to wait a few years? Or could he start earlier?
The idea of wielding power like the soldiers before him sent a shiver of excitement through him. If cultivation was the path to strength in this world, then he had no choice but to walk it.
But first, he had to figure out how.
Lianhua's voice rang out, "Liang Rin."
One of the soldiers immediately halted his movements and turned toward them. He was a tall man with sharp eyes and a disciplined posture, his training uniform slightly damp with sweat. His hair was flaming red.
I have never seen hair that color before. It looks awesome.
He walked over, bowing his head respectfully. "Madam."
Liang Chen's gaze flickered between his mother and the soldier, curiosity bubbling in his mind.
Liang Rin… He has the same surname as us.
Did that mean the soldiers serving his parents also took their name? In his past life, family names were inherited by blood, but here… did warriors pledge themselves to a noble house and take its name in loyalty?
It made sense if he thought about it. His father was a former general and now a duke. He would need soldiers loyal to him.
Liang Chen looked back at Liang Rin, watching as the man spoke with his mother. He didn't understand what they were discussing, too lost in his own thoughts.
Just how powerful is our family?
Liang Chen's thoughts were interrupted when his mother spoke again.
"How is Chen'er's brother's training going?" Lianhua asked calmly.
Liang Chen stiffened. Brother?
He barely had time to process having a sister, and now he had a brother too? Just how many siblings did he have?
Liang Rin hesitated before responding, his voice careful. "Young Master Liang Feng is diligent, but… he struggles to fully comprehend the sword dao. His absorption of spiritual power is also slower than expected."
Lianhua sighed softly but didn't seem too surprised. "I see. Continue guiding him, but don't push him too hard. He has time."
Liang Chen listened intently, absorbing every word. His brother—Liang Feng—was training in the sword dao and cultivating, but he wasn't progressing as fast as expected. Was that considered bad? Average? I mean, it can't be good if he's saying it like that.
He glanced back at the training soldiers, his earlier excitement tempered by a new thought.
What if I'm like my brother? What if I'm slow at cultivating too?
The idea unsettled him, but there was nothing he could do about it now. All he could do was wait… and learn.
Lianhua's expression shifted, and she let out a quiet sigh before changing the subject. "And what of the battlefield? Has there been any recent news?"
Liang Rin's posture straightened. "Yes, Madam. The northern border remains stable, but there have been skirmishes near the western front. The Yuwen Clan has been increasing their movements. It seems they are testing our defenses."
Lianhua's eyes darkened slightly. "The Yuwen Clan again…" she murmured.
Liang Chen, still cradled in her arms, felt the shift in her tone. Battlefield? Clans? He had already started to understand that this world valued power, but now he realized that his family was directly involved in a clan war.
He looked up at his mother's calm but serious face. She wasn't just some noblewoman living in luxury—she was someone who understood war, someone involved in these types of things.
I guess gender doesn't apply in this world either. In ancient times, women weren't allowed to even ask about these types of things. They were meant to look after the children and the house, and nothing else.
Nothing's wrong with that. I'm just surprised because, this is still an ancient time period.
I guess it makes sense though because of the fact that strength rules here.
Lianhua's expression darkened. "And what of our family's ancestral land? The Yuwen Clan has been trying to claim it for themselves—have they made any progress?"
Liang Rin shook his head. "No, Madam. Despite their repeated attempts, they haven't even been able to reach the land."
Liang Chen listened quietly, piecing together the situation. The Yuwen Clan wants our land?
Lianhua's grip on him tightened slightly as she continued, "That land is rich in spiritual energy and numerous treasures. If they were to seize it, it would strengthen their young cultivators and give them a terrifying advantage in the future."
Liang Rin nodded. "Exactly. But the formations around the land remain untouched. Even their strongest cultivators have failed to bypass them. For now, they are simply circling like vultures, waiting for an opportunity."
Lianhua let out a quiet sigh. "It's only a matter of time before they grow desperate."
Liang Chen absorbed every word. So, his family had a land filled with spiritual energy and treasures—and a rival clan was trying to steal it.
Lianhua furrowed her brows, her voice laced with suspicion. "Why haven't they made a move yet? It's been a year."
She glanced at Liang Rin, her grip on Liang Chen firm but gentle. "The Yuwen Clan leader isn't a fool. If they've been eyeing our land for this long, then they must be plotting something. But what?"
Liang Rin shrugged his shoulders, his expression perturbed. "I can't say, Madam. Their movements have been erratic. One moment, they send scouts, the next, they pull back. It's as if they're waiting for something… or someone."
Lianhua exhaled sharply. "I don't like it. A patient enemy is more dangerous than an impulsive one."
Liang Chen listened intently, A clan war… a land filled with spiritual energy that probably everyone wants… the emperor feels threatened by his family…and a world of cultivators.
What the hell have I gotten myself into?
Lianhua let out a quiet sigh before straightening her posture. "Enough for now. Liang Rin, resume your duties."
Liang Rin bowed. "Yes, Madam." Without another word, he turned and walked back toward the training grounds, disappearing among the soldiers.
Lianhua adjusted her hold on Liang Chen and began walking back toward the estate. He remained silent in her arms, still processing everything he had learned. The Yuwen Clan, the ancestral land, the looming conflict—he needed to check his system.
Before long, they arrived at his room, where a maid was already waiting. Lianhua gently handed him over, her touch careful and deliberate. "Take care of him."
The maid bowed. "Yes, Madam."
Liang Chen found himself being carried away, but his mind was elsewhere.
He needed to call on the system.