Morning sunlight filtered through the crimson haze that eternally clung to the valley. The scent of metal, herbs, and dew blended in the air—a fragrance unique to the reborn Crimson Sect. Birds circled overhead, unnaturally quiet, as if aware that something profound stirred below.
Jin Zhen stood atop the mountain cliff, surveying the land. Below, the disciples worked to expand the spiritual garden. Lan Yuer organized the construction of irrigation channels using spiritual water. Yun Mei infused spirit herbs with her lightning qi, accelerating their growth. Xue Yan drilled the new recruits, his voice echoing like thunder.
But Jin Zhen's attention was on his [System Interface], which hovered invisibly before him.
[Crimson Overlord — Jin Zhen]
[Realm: Intermediate Foundation]
[SP: 410]
[Skills: Crimson Flame (Lvl 3), Void Combustion Grip (Lvl 2), Ember Mirage Array (Lvl 1)]
[Inventory: Iron Veil Token, Mid-Tier Spirit Saber, Crimson Core Bracers]
[Sect Status: Exposed | Reputation: Rising]
[Objectives: Host Sect Tournament (13 Days Remaining)]
It had been three days since the confrontation with the Iron Veil envoy and Elder Lin Qiruo. Since then, scouts reported increased movement near the valley's borders. Others were watching.
Jin Zhen opened the [SP Allocation Menu].
[Spend SP? Available: 410][Options: Skill Enhancement | Cultivation Surge | Construct Spiritual Structure | Unlock Passive Talent]
He selected [Unlock Passive Talent].
[Cost: 300 SP | Confirm?]
"Confirm."
[Passive Talent Acquired: Sovereign Embers — All flame-based attacks deal +15% bonus damage. Sect members gain +5% flame affinity when near Jin Zhen.]
The moment he confirmed, a warm surge pulsed through his dantian, then outward to his limbs. His flame aura intensified, licking around him like a living cloak.
A small notification blinked.
[New Trait Gained: Sect Flame Conduit]
Jin Zhen turned to descend the mountain. Behind him, where he had stood, the cliff face remained glowing faintly red.
—
In the central courtyard, Yun Mei had set up new training arrays.
"Master," she called as he approached. "We've nearly completed the herb plots. I discovered a cluster of Emberlotus growing near the spirit spring. With the right qi infusion, they might become alchemical-grade."
"Good," Jin Zhen said. "Assign one of the outer disciples to tend to it daily. Instruct them to channel only neutral qi—nothing aggressive."
She bowed.
"I also had something for you," she added, cheeks tinged pink.
She pulled out a jade bottle from her robes.
"This is a Lightning Purification Elixir. I refined it using the techniques you showed me... and a sliver of my essence qi."
Jin Zhen took the bottle, inspecting it. The liquid inside pulsed gently.
[Item Gained: Lightning Purification Elixir — Restores 30% qi and removes minor debuffs. Boosts lightning compatibility by 8% for 1 hour.]
"Impressive work," he said. "You'll be our first Alchemy Division Head when the time comes."
Her eyes widened. "You mean that?"
"I don't waste praise," he replied simply.
—
Meanwhile, Xue Yan watched the new recruits fail a group formation exercise. His expression was sour.
"They're unfocused," he muttered. "Barely worthy of the title disciple."
Lan Yuer, standing nearby, responded calmly, "They're green. They haven't lived through battle or death. It's our job to mold them."
Xue Yan shook his head. "Only fire tempers steel."
Lan Yuer smiled faintly. "And yet without water, fire destroys."
The two exchanged a glance—opposed yet aligned.
—
At midday, the sect bell rang three times.
Jin Zhen gathered the core disciples and announced his plan:
"In three days, we open our doors to wandering cultivators. A sect tournament will be held. The winners will be granted outer disciple status."
Yun Mei raised an eyebrow. "Won't that expose us further?"
"Let them come," Jin Zhen replied. "Let them see our strength. Let them talk."
He turned to Xue Yan. "Post the announcement in all nearby cities. Use illusion scrolls for flare."
To Lan Yuer: "Begin preparing the tournament grounds. I want a formation active beneath it—defensive and reactive."
To Yun Mei: "Refine more pills. Focus on stamina and qi replenishment."
They all bowed.
[System Notification: Tournament Preparations — 25% Complete][Projected Participants: 50-100 Cultivators][Hidden Objective Unlocked: Identify Hidden Genius — Reward: ???]
That night, as lanterns glowed across the valley, Jin Zhen walked the perimeter alone. He passed the training fields, now lit by spirit stones; the forge, where flame constructs hammered steel; the meditation lake, reflecting stars.
He exhaled.
"The world is watching now," he murmured. "Let them."
Above him, the stars seemed to shimmer with approval.
And far to the south, in a city of gold and poison, a certain woman stared at a crimson seal pressed into a letter.
Her lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile.
"So the Overlord builds a stage..."
She folded the letter.
"Then let us send dancers worthy of it."