THE FIRST CHILD

Xiao Feng's elation over the rewards bestowed by the system was palpable. Before long, his newlywed wife began to stir.

Han Ruoshi awakened, radiant as ever. Utilizing the system, Xiao Feng accessed her details:

"Name: Han Ruoshi

Spirit Root: 1st low-grade Water Spirit Root

Cultivation Level: 2nd stage of body refinement

Cultivation Techniques: Basic Body Refinement Techniques

Martial Skill: None"

Xiao Feng gently tapped Han Ruoshi and shared the newly acquired techniques from the system. "Here, take these new cultivation techniques. They're low earth-grade and align with your spirit root."

With a grateful embrace, Han Ruoshi received the techniques. In the embrace of nature, their connection deepened, culminating in a moment befitting newlyweds.

Switching to the new cultivation techniques, Han Ruoshi's concentration intensified, while Xiao Feng engrossed himself in his own training. In just one month, thanks to these techniques, Xiao Feng's cultivation soared from the 4th to the 6th stage of body refinement. Content with his progress, he ventured inside during the night.

Soon, a knock echoed on his chamber door. A maid informed Xiao Feng of Han Ruoshi's condition.

"Sir, madam is expecting a child. She has noticed something in her belly and sent me to notify you."

In haste, Xiao Feng leaped out of bed, heading directly to his wife's chamber. Gazing into each other's eyes, they embraced.

Xiao Feng pressed his head against Han Ruoshi's belly and exclaimed, "I'll soon become a father. Remember when we were descending the sect's stairs, and I spoke of marrying you and starting a family? It seems it's already happening. I'm married now, and soon I'll be a father. It's like I'm quite the remarkable fellow."

"Don't get too full of yourself. Circumstances led to this. Don't forget that," Han Ruoshi playfully reminded him.

"Hehehe, at least I'm a married man with a wonderful wife, and soon I'll be a father. It seems I'm quite the catch," Xiao Feng responded.

Xiao Feng discreetly checked Han Ruoshi's status after their exchange:

"Name: Han Ruoshi

Spirit Root: 1st low-grade Water Spirit Root

Cultivation Level: 2nd stage of body refinement

Cultivation Techniques: Basic Body Refinement Techniques

Martial Skill: None

Status: Pregnant (a healthy individual certified for childbirth; consuming herbs and fruits can enhance the child's spirit root quality)."

Determined to bolster his future child's potential, Xiao Feng resolved to acquire herbs and rank fruits to enhance the newborn's spirit root grade. Unable to sleep, he dedicated himself to cultivation and, eventually, his new martial skill.

Unable to bear his wife's discomfort, Xiao Feng assigned a maid 2000 spirit stones to procure spirit fruit and herbs beneficial for pregnancy. During the next six months, Xiao Feng progressed to the 8th stage of body refinement since learning of Han Ruoshi's pregnancy.

As time whizzed by, Han Ruoshi approached her due date. Any moment now, labor would commence. Xiao Feng checked his status once more and requested, "System, display my status."

A translucent tab materialized in his mind:

"Host: Xiao Feng

Identity: Xiao Family Head

Age: 16

Cultivation Level: 9th stage of body refinement

Spirit Root: 1st medium-grade Fire Spirit Root

Cultivation Techniques: Dao Begets Everything Cultivation Techniques

Martial Skill: Sword Cutting the Sky (Earth Low Grade)

Family Nurturing Points: 0

Family Members: 1 (Soon to increase)

Other Commodities: 6000 spirit stones, 10 origin stones, water wave cultivation techniques."

Exhausting spirit stones for his cultivation had escalated his cultivation level, and he had now arrived at the last stage between body refinement and Qi refinement. Five days later, as Han Ruoshi entered the labor room, the delivery process commenced. With immense effort, she finally gave birth.

The system in Xiao Feng's mind began to buzz, signaling exciting news. Anticipating something significant, Xiao Feng quickly investigated the source of the buzz:

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for gaining a new family member.

Ding! The system offers a congratulatory gift to the host. The host can choose to open it."

Impatient, Xiao Feng promptly exclaimed, "Open it."

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a Family Upgrade Spirit Root Card."

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for acquiring 5000 spirit stones."

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for gaining a new cultivation technique: Sky Winding Cultivation Techniques (Low Earth Grade)."

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving a new martial skill: Starry Sky Fall (High Earth Grade)."

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining a Spirit Root Upgrade Card."

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for acquiring a Sky-Grade Sword: Sky Fire Sword."

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for receiving 100 Family Nurturing Points."

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for gaining access to Level 1 Family Mall."

Exultant, Xiao Feng absorbed the news, eager to assimilate his rewards. The arrival of one of his maids carrying his newborn child, a boy, redirected his attention.

Observing his son, Xiao Cheng, Xiao Feng marveled at the possibilities. As he checked his child's spirit root, a revelation dawned:

"Name: Xiao Cheng

Spirit Root: 1st high-grade Wind Spirit Root

Cultivation Level: None (currently unable to cultivate)

Status: Healthy"

With a mixture of joy and determination, Xiao Feng understood that the journey of nurturing his family had truly begun.