The rice was no ordinary fare either—the grains were plump and translucent, with a firm, springy texture and a rich aroma of orchid and sesame. This was none other than the renowned spiritual food, White Jade Zhi Rice.

This meal left Charles Warren endlessly satisfied; the weakness and lethargy in his body vanished instantly, replaced by vigor and radiant energy.

If every meal could be like this, his cultivation would surely progress at an extraordinary pace.

But that was clearly impossible. The family was no longer as prosperous as it once was. Even with his current rank, he could not afford such extravagance, let alone the other family members.

Now that he had become the family head, he certainly could not disregard the other members and endlessly seize their resources for himself. If he did, the family would soon fall apart, hastening its demise.

Even if it was just for the sake of enjoying such delicacies at every meal, he had to help the Wang clan grow strong.

“System!” Charles Warren lay on the bed, digesting, and calmly called out in his mind with his eyes closed.

But after a while, there was no response at all.

No way, right? Charles Warren felt a jolt in his heart. Crossing over without a cheat? That’s a bit rough, isn’t it? He tried again and again, but the golden finger never appeared.

His heart grew colder and colder. In this fantasy world teeming with experts and rampaging beasts, how was he supposed to survive without a cheat?

……

Chapter Two: Where Did the System Go?

……

“Looks like I’ll just have to take things one step at a time.” Charles Warren’s expression was a bit grave, but he quickly relaxed. Even without a cheat, he still had some advantages.

At the very least, after merging with his memories, he realized that although there were many powerful experts in this world, in terms of livelihood development and advanced thinking, they lagged behind people from Earth—even though he was just an ordinary office worker with a college degree...

Just as Charles Warren was about to sum up his advantages—

Suddenly, the young servant George Warren rushed in from outside in a panic: “Master, Master, something terrible has happened! The Sixth Elder has been beaten, and he’s sent someone back to ask for help.”

Sixth Elder?

Charles Warren frowned slightly as memories surged forth: “That’s Sixth Uncle David Warren.”

David Warren was Charles Warren’s clan uncle, sixth among the male members of the “Ding” generation. His aptitude and cultivation were average, but he was skilled in watercraft, so he was in charge of one of the family’s businesses—the fishing fleet.

Now that David Warren had been beaten, there must have been trouble with the fishing fleet, which was a good opportunity to observe this world firsthand.

“Compose yourself! What kind of behavior is this panic?” With this thought, Charles Warren calmed down. After a reprimand, he said coolly, “Prepare the carriage. We’ll go take a look.”

“Yes, Master.” George Warren answered hurriedly and dashed off to make preparations.

Following his memories, Charles Warren left his room and strolled toward the main gate, observing the buildings and structures along the way, comparing them to the memories in his mind.

On the way, he happened to see his stepmother Evelyn Grant leading several family guards toward the main gate, her expression grave.

Charles Warren saluted Evelyn Grant: “Greetings, Madam.”

With his memories now merged, Charles Warren knew that he had lost his mother at a young age, and Evelyn Grant was his late father Henry Warren’s second wife. She had a legitimate daughter named Emily Warren, who was already eight years old.

So, although Evelyn Grant was his stepmother, not his birth mother, she was kind-hearted and had always treated Charles Warren as her own, taking good care of him in every way.

This was quite different from the usual tropes in fantasy novels.

As soon as Evelyn Grant saw Charles Warren, she came forward and took his hand, her face full of concern: “Zhe’er, why are you out? Have you eaten? Are you feeling better?”

The other family guards also hurriedly saluted Charles Warren.

“Madam, I’m fine now. I’ve finished the spiritual meal you had prepared for me. I’ll tell you all about it later.” Charles Warren gently withdrew his hand and said solemnly, “Madam, are you leading the guards to support Sixth Uncle? Let me go with you.”

Evelyn Grant’s face darkened. After a moment’s hesitation, she said, “Zhe’er, since you’ve inherited the position of clan head, you’ll have to face these matters sooner or later. Since you’re well again, let’s go together.”

“Yes, Madam.”

The two of them left through the main gate together. The plaque above the gate bore the bold characters “Ping’an Wang Clan,” exuding an impressive aura.

But paired with the weathered pillars and the white lanterns inscribed with the word “memorial” swaying in the wind, it only highlighted the Wang family’s decline and desolation.

“Master, Madam Gongsun, the carriage is ready.” The personal servant George Warren came running over. “The sword and bow are already on the carriage.”

After a brief discussion, Charles Warren and Evelyn Grant shared a carriage, while the other four family guards rode yellow horses to escort them, heading straight for the Anjiang Dingpu ferry crossing.

On the way, Evelyn Grant explained the situation in detail.

With the thinking of both his past and present lives, Charles Warren quickly grasped the situation. The Anjiang was a river several hundred zhang wide, rich in aquatic resources and unique species. The fishing fleet generated long-term economic benefits through its catches.