3: The dawn of replication and the undercurrent of the Xiao family

Holding 81 units of energy, Xiao Chen was just one step away from unlocking the replication function. His heart felt like it was being roasted over a fire, anxious and urgent. The appearance of the mysterious Black-Robed Figure cast a shadow over his previously clear plan, making him sense danger.

He had to gain strength as soon as possible! Even if it was just the most minor starting point!

He plunged back into the crowd of the market, his gaze sweeping like a hawk over every corner that might hide "energy." This time, he no longer pursued high-value "big leaks" but focused on extremely cheap scraps, even those treated as freebies or trash by stall owners.

"Scan: A shattered first-tier wood-attribute magic core... approximately 3% energy remaining, recovery value 0.3 units. Too little, but better than nothing." Xiao Chen bought it for one copper coin.

"Scan: Dregs from a failed refinement of qi recovery powder... contains weak, impure energy, recovery value 0.8 units." He spent two copper coins.

"Scan: Soil stained with trace amounts of earth-attribute magical beast blood... recovery value 0.1 units." It was practically free.

He was like a diligent worker ant, accumulating bit by bit. With each recovery, the energy pool's number flickered: 82, 82.1, 82.9, 83... The progress was agonizingly slow. Although the market was large, truly valuable items containing energy that he could acquire cheaply were too few. Most items of even slight value were clearly priced, far beyond what he could afford now.

Time passed minute by minute, and the setting sun began to dip, casting an orange-red glow over Wutan City. Xiao Chen's pockets were once again empty, and the energy pool's number finally settled at [95.7 / 10000].

Still 4.3 units short!

These last few steps felt like an insurmountable chasm. Xiao Chen had almost scoured the entire low-price area on the outskirts of the market, unable to find anything else of value. Fatigue and frustration welled up in his heart. Was he really going to fail at the last moment?

Just as he was about to give up and planned to find a solution tomorrow, his gaze inadvertently swept over a corner at the very edge of the market. There, an Elder with gray hair and ragged clothes was squatting, with only a tattered cloth spread before him. On it lay a few dull-colored, irregularly shaped stones and some dried plant roots, not even a proper stall, almost completely ignored.

Xiao Chen had merely glanced casually, but the system's Scan information made his spirit stir!

"Scan: Unknown ore fragments (mixed pieces)"

"Grade": Unable to determine

"Composition": Extremely complex structure, contains multiple weak attribute energies, entangled with each other, extremely unstable.

"Replicable": No (insufficient energy, rule conflict)

"System Evaluation": Suspected mixture of residue from failed refinement of some high-grade artifact material or medicinal pill. Energy attributes are extremely chaotic, with no practical use. Forcible absorption carries a risk of energy conflict. Recoverable energy: approximately 5-8 units (subject to fluctuation).

Risk of energy conflict? Xiao Chen frowned slightly. But the line "Recoverable energy: approximately 5-8 units" attracted him like a magnet. It was enough to fill the last gap!

He walked over to the Elder's stall, squatted down, and picked up a dusty, inconspicuous stone fragment. It felt slightly heavy in his hand, and he could sense a chaotic energy within. "Elder, how much are these stones?"

The Elder raised his cloudy eyes, looked at Xiao Chen, and said weakly, "These are just junk I picked up in the mountains, old man that I am. If you like them, young man, give... give one silver coin, and take them all."

One silver coin! Xiao Chen's heart sank. He had just spent his last copper coin and was truly penniless now.

He pondered for a moment, a look of difficulty on his face: "Elder, I don't even have one silver coin left. Would you... would it be alright if I helped you with something to pay for them? Or, I could exchange this with you?" He pointed to his own coarse cloth outer garment, which, though faded from washing, was still relatively intact. This was his only presentable "possession" at the moment.

The Elder looked at Xiao Chen, then at his thin outer garment, sighed, and waved his hand: "Never mind, never mind. Just a few broken stones. If you like them, take them, they're a gift." Having said that, he lowered his head again, no longer paying attention to Xiao Chen, his figure drawn long and desolate in the setting sun.

A trace of reluctance flashed through Xiao Chen's heart, but the desire to become stronger overwhelmed everything. He bowed respectfully to the Elder: "Thank you, Elder! Xiao Chen will remember this kindness. If there's an opportunity in the future, I will surely repay it!"

He carefully collected the few fragments of stone, which together were no bigger than a fist, and again found an secluded corner.

"System, recover these ore fragments!" He took a deep breath and gave the command. Although the system warned of risk, this was his last chance.

"Ding! Detected recoverable item: Unknown ore fragments (mixed). Energy attributes chaotic, conflict risk present. Confirm recovery?"

"Confirm!"

The fragments in his hand disappeared. The next moment, Xiao Chen felt the system interface in his mind violently shake, and the energy pool's progress bar flickered like a faulty light bulb, rapidly jumping between 94 and 97!

"Warning! Detected conflict of Xenomorph energy! Initiating forced harmonization..."

"Harmonization successful! Energy pool stable!"

Finally, the number settled at [100.6 / 10000].

He succeeded! Not only did he gather a hundred, but he had an extra 0.6!

Immense joy instantly dispelled all his fatigue and worries; Xiao Chen almost cheered aloud! He suppressed his excitement and immediately called out in his mind: "System, recharge 100 energy units, unlock basic permissions for the replication function!"

"Ding! 100 energy units consumed, recharge successful!"

"Congratulations, Host, the basic permissions for the [Replication] function have been unlocked!"

"Current replicable item range: Mortal-tier low-grade."

"Energy pool remaining: 0.6 / 10000."

It's done! It's finally done!

Xiao Chen eagerly clicked on the [Replication] option. The interface changed, gaining a [Replicable List] sub-option, but it was currently empty. There was also an explanation: After locking onto a target item via the [Scan] function, it will be displayed in the list and can be replicated.

Mortal-tier low-grade... Although it was the lowest tier, it meant his breakthrough from zero to one! Medicinal pills, herbs, low-tier magic cores, ordinary weapons... many things fell into this category!

He suppressed the urge to immediately find something to test and calmed his emotions. The most urgent matter was to return to the Xiao Family. Having been out all day, Xiao Yan might be worried, and he also needed to find a safe place to thoroughly research this new ability.

By the time he returned to the secluded courtyard of the Xiao Family, it was almost dusk. Xiao Yan was standing in the courtyard, seemingly waiting for him, a hint of concern on his face.

"Big Brother Xiao Chen, you're back? Are you alright?" Xiao Yan came forward, "I heard something happened in the market this afternoon. That Galileo guy was bullying people again, and then he was scared away by a mysterious Black-Robed Figure? You weren't involved, were you?"

News travels fast, Xiao Chen thought to himself, displaying a perfectly natural expression of lingering fear and relief: "Thank you for your concern, Big Brother Xiao, I'm fine. I was nearby at the time, and it was indeed quite frightening. Thankfully, that Black-Robed senior intervened, otherwise..." He briefly recounted the events, of course, omitting the crucial parts where he proactively stepped forward and later obtained and recovered the purple leaf orchid grass, only saying that he was also among the onlookers and luckily wasn't affected.

"Galileo is getting more and more arrogant!" Xiao Yan's brows furrowed and his fists clenched after hearing the story, clearly deepening his dislike for the Jia Lie Family. He patted Xiao Chen's shoulder, "It's good that you're alright. Be careful when you go to the market in the future, and try to avoid those family disciples."

"Yes, I'll remember that." Xiao Chen nodded, then as if remembering something, he took out a small paper packet from his embrace (actually retrieved from the system's temporary storage) and handed it to Xiao Yan, "Big Brother Xiao, I saw this blood coagulation grass in the market today. It looked pretty good, and the price was cheap, so I bought it. I heard it has some effect on external injuries; perhaps you might find it useful during your cultivation."

Inside the paper packet was a bright red herb, precisely the low-grade mortal-tier blood coagulation grass he had scanned earlier in the day, which had cost him three copper coins. This item was useless to him now, but it was perfectly suited for building goodwill and strengthening his relationship with Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan was stunned, looking at the blood coagulation grass, which indeed looked quite good, a hint of emotion flashed in his eyes.

After he lost his power, it had been a long time since anyone had cared for him like this.

He hesitated for a moment, did not decline, took the paper package, and said solemnly, "Xiao Chen, you've been thoughtful.

I'll remember this kindness."

The two spoke a few more words, and then Xiao Yan returned to his room; he seemed to have a fixed "training" time every night.

Xiao Chen knew that it was most likely Yao Lao guiding him in practicing that strange "Suction Palm" or concocting medicines to nourish his meridians.

Returning to his small room, and closing the door tightly, Xiao Chen could no longer suppress the excitement in his heart.

"Copy! It can finally begin!"

He first turned his gaze to the coarse earthenware bowl for drinking water on the table.

This was the most ordinary item.

"Scan: Coarse earthenware bowl"

"Grade: Mundane (No Grade)"

"Composition: Fired clay, no energy reaction."

"Copyable: No (Target contains no energy, cannot be copied)"

"System Evaluation: A bowl for eating and drinking."

As expected, ordinary items could not be copied.

The system's copy function seemed to be aimed at "resource" type items that contained energy.

He then placed the shattered first-tier wood attribute magic core fragment he had bought during the day, worth 0.3 energy units, on the table.

"Scan: Shattered First-tier Wood Attribute Magic Core"

"Grade: Mundane Low-grade (Damaged)"

"Composition: Contains faint wood attribute energy."

"Copyable: Yes (Energy required: 2 units)"

"System Evaluation: Weak energy, limited use."

Copyable! Requires 2 energy points!

And he currently only had 0.6 points, far from enough.

Xiao Chen was not discouraged; this was within his expectations.

Copying would definitely consume energy, and the energy consumed would most likely be more than what was recovered through recycling, otherwise, it would become a perpetual motion machine.

His energy pool was currently empty, and the most urgent task was to find a way to obtain a stable source of energy.

"It seems I still have to start with 'making money,'" Xiao Chen calmed down and began to plan.

"Use the system to Scan for overlooked items, buy items containing energy at a low price, then recycle them for energy points.

Or, copy some common mundane low-grade items, such as the lowest-grade healing medicine 'blood coagulation powder,' sell them for gold coins, and then purchase energy items..."

This was a cycle.

And to start this cycle, initial capital was needed.

He didn't even have a single copper coin now.

"Perhaps... I can try to find a way from within the Xiao Family?" Xiao Chen's eyes flickered.

As one of the three major families in Wutan City, the Xiao Family definitely had basic resources for its disciples' cultivation, such as the lowest-grade "qi recovery powder" medicinal liquid, or first-tier magic cores.

If he could get access to them... But this idea was very dangerous.

His current status was awkward; he was just a guest staying there, and rashly inquiring about the Xiao Family's resources could easily arouse suspicion.

Just as Xiao Chen was racking his brain over how to earn his "first pot of gold," a slight knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Young Master Xiao Chen, have you rested?" A slightly aged voice came from outside the door.

Xiao Chen was stunned, Young Master?

This address...

He opened the door and saw an old man with graying hair, dressed in the Xiao Family servant's uniform, standing outside, carrying a food box.

"You are?"

"This old servant is a handyman from the family's kitchen, sent by the Third Elder to deliver dinner to Young Master Xiao Chen."

The Elder handed over the food box, his attitude neither obsequious nor arrogant, but with a hint of undetectable scrutiny in his eyes.

Third Elder?

Xiao Chen's heart stirred.

Third Elder's Attendant, the Third Elder of the Xiao Family, seemed to be a relatively marginal Elder in the original novel, not top-tier in strength, but in charge of some of the family's logistical affairs.

Why would he notice an unknown person like himself? And even specifically send someone to deliver food?

"Thank you for your trouble, and thank the Third Elder for his concern."

Xiao Chen took the food box and thanked him politely.

However, the old servant did not leave immediately, but lowered his voice and said meaningfully, "Young Master Xiao Chen is a guest brought by Young Master Xiao Yan, and thus a guest of the Xiao Family.

However, family affairs have been complicated recently, and Young Master Xiao Yan's side... it's inevitable that some care has been lacking.

If Young Master Xiao Chen has any needs, perhaps you can tell this old servant, and I might be able to help a little."

After speaking, without waiting for Xiao Chen's response, the old servant bowed slightly and turned to leave.

Xiao Chen stood at the doorway, holding the food box, his heart in turmoil.

The meaning of these words was too obvious!

Third Elder's Attendant, the Third Elder, was showing him favor, or rather... testing him?

Because he was brought by Xiao Yan?

Although Xiao Yan was down and out, his father, Clan Leader, was after all the patriarch.

The internal power struggles within the family, it seemed, had quietly affected him, an outsider.

Was the Third Elder's move to understand Xiao Yan's recent situation through him? Or was he trying to win over this "outsider" who seemed to have a good relationship with Xiao Yan?

Indeed, where there are people, there is conflict.

The Xiao Family's waters were not shallow either.

Xiao Chen closed the door, placed the food box on the table, but did not immediately pick up his chopsticks.

He walked to the window, looking at the gradually darkening night outside and the scattered lights in the Xiao Family courtyard, his gaze deep.

The mysterious Black-Robed Figure, the hostile Jia Lie Family, the undercurrents within the Xiao Family...

Crises and opportunities coexisted.

"I must improve my strength as soon as possible!" Xiao Chen clenched his fists, "Energy... I need more energy!"

His gaze once again turned to the simple system interface in his mind.

Although the energy pool was nearly depleted, the words "Copy" had already lit up.

The dawn of hope had pierced through the darkness.

Next, it was about how to turn this glimmer of hope into a raging inferno!

He returned to the table and opened the food box.

Inside were two meat dishes, one vegetable dish, one soup, and a bowl of rice.

For the Xiao Family, it was just ordinary fare, but for Xiao Chen, who had been eating dry rations all day, it was a delicacy.

While eating, he continued to ponder.

The Third Elder's show of favor, perhaps he could make slight use of it?

For example, using the excuse of needing some low-grade medicinal herbs for "research" or "self-defense" to obtain a little starting resource from within the Xiao Family?

This required extremely high skill, without arousing suspicion, and even more so, without involving Xiao Yan.

"It seems I'll have to visit this 'enthusiastic' Third Elder tomorrow," Xiao Chen finished his last bite of rice, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes.

Late at night.

In another more spacious and luxurious courtyard of the Xiao Family, the study was brightly lit.

The old servant who had delivered food to Xiao Chen during the day was respectfully standing below, reporting.

"Third Elder, this old servant has delivered the food and also hinted at the young man as you instructed.

The young man's name is Xiao Chen; he looks ordinary and nothing special.

He was quite calm when receiving the food but didn't say much."

Behind the desk sat a thin-faced, slightly gloomy-eyed middle-aged man, none other than Third Elder's Attendant, the Third Elder of the Xiao Family.

He gently tapped the desktop with his fingers and mused, "That boy Xiao Yan, ever since his cultivation regressed, he hardly interacts with outsiders.

How could he suddenly bring back a strange young man? Have you found out Xiao Chen's background?"

The old servant replied, "Reporting to the Third Elder, we have sent people to investigate, but among the vagrants or young disciples of small families near Wutan City who fit the age, there is no one named Xiao Chen.

It's as if he appeared out of thin air."

"Appeared out of thin air?" A glint flashed in Third Elder's Attendant's eyes.

"Continue to investigate!

Also, have someone keep an eye on that small courtyard to see what Xiao Yan and this Xiao Chen are really up to.

The patriarch has been exhausted by Xiao Yan's affairs recently, and the Great Elder's side... Hmph, we need to be more vigilant."

"Yes, Third Elder."

After the old servant withdrew, Third Elder's Attendant walked to the window, looked in the direction of Xiao Yan's small courtyard, and sneered, "Clan Leader, let's see how long you can protect your useless son!

Will this suddenly appearing Xiao Chen be a variable?"

The night was thick, and the undercurrents of the Xiao Family surged quietly in an unnoticed corner.

And Xiao Chen, currently on the edge of the vortex, was sitting cross-legged on his bed, not cultivating Dou Qi, but concentrating, repeatedly familiarizing himself with every function and every detail of the system in his mind.

The path to copying all things began with this mundane low-grade item.

And his journey would officially set sail after this seemingly peaceful night in Wutan City.