The first light of dawn spilled over the crimson-tinted peaks surrounding the Bloodthorn Sect. A chilling wind swept across the training fields, carrying the scent of dew and steel. Disciples were already awake, some meditating, others sparring, and a few busy tending to the vast spirit herb gardens that Jin Zhen had cultivated in the last few weeks.
Jin Zhen stood at the edge of the southern cliff, overlooking the valley like a sovereign watching over his domain. His robe fluttered in the wind, embroidered with gold patterns that shimmered with a subtle aura. Behind him knelt six new inner disciples—each one trembling, not from fear, but awe.
"You've served me well," Jin Zhen spoke calmly. "Rise. Your reward shall reflect your loyalty."
They looked up, eyes wide with gratitude as Jin Zhen waved his hand. A golden panel materialized.
[You have distributed: 6x Blood Purification Pills (Tier 3) — -600 SP]
[Remaining SP: 7,420]
[Passive Reputation Increase: +600]
He turned, smirking inwardly. These disciples would be fanatically loyal before the next moon. With the pills enhancing their potential, they would not dare betray him. Their strength was his strength.
But today, he had bigger plans.
"Summon Elder Su and Master Liang. We begin the expansion today."
Moments later, in the inner chamber of the Crimson Hall, Su Mei and the tactician Liang Wu stood by his side. A detailed map lay on the table, showing the territories neighboring the Bloodthorn Sect.
"We've cleared the southern ridge," Liang Wu reported. "The Iron Claw Bandits were neutralized last night—silent and without survivors."
"Good," Jin Zhen said. "What about the Lotus Spring Village?"
Su Mei answered, "They await our aid for the irrigation system. They've already begun planting the Red Spirit Rice using the seeds you provided. Yield will triple by season's end."
"Excellent. Turn that village into a satellite town. Begin construction of a relay post and small training camp. Instruct the villagers in basic combat. Loyalty starts with protection."
"Yes, Sect Master," Su Mei bowed deeply, hiding the gleam of admiration in her eyes.
Jin Zhen walked toward the tall glass window, gazing into the horizon. His sect wasn't just growing—it was evolving.
Suddenly—
[DING!]
[Quest Update: "Rise of the Crimson Territory" — Phase II Activated!]
[Objective: Subjugate or ally with 3 additional villages (1/3)]
[Bonus Reward: +1500 SP, Secret Technique Manual – "Thousand Needle Blood Sutra"]
[Time Limit: 7 Days]
Jin Zhen smirked.
A countdown always made things more fun.
"Send word to our vanguard units. I want scouts dispatched within the hour. Find the next target."
"Yes, Sect Master!"
---
Later that day, Jin Zhen visited the new Spirit Beast stable, where several recently tamed beasts were being housed. Massive tusked boars, scaled serpents, and a lone three-eyed falcon—each one was imbued with a faint red glow.
"These are the results of your beast blood fusion experiment?" he asked one of the beast tamers.
The man nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yes, my Lord. We infused their diets with low-grade Blood Spirit herbs and let them drink from the spring you purified. Their aggression dropped, and loyalty improved."
Jin Zhen walked past the pens. The beasts growled but did not flinch. He paused by the falcon's cage.
"Open it."
"S-Sect Master?" the tamer blinked in alarm.
"I said open it."
With trembling hands, the tamer obeyed. The cage clicked, and the falcon emerged with a screech, flapping its great wings. It landed before Jin Zhen, unblinking.
He raised his hand, and a crimson thread of qi shimmered between his fingers.
The falcon bowed its head.
[Beast Bond Established: Crimson Falcon (Three-Eyed Variant)]
[Beast Rank: Tier 4 – Mid Grade]
[Unique Ability: Blood-Eye Precision]
A low chuckle escaped Jin Zhen's lips. "You'll be my eyes in the sky."
---
Elsewhere, deep underground…
In the darkened depths of the mountain under the sect, a hidden chamber pulsed with faint light. The cavern walls were etched with runes older than time itself. A massive egg-shaped crystal floated in the center, chained with glowing talismans.
A pair of eyes opened inside the crystal.
"…The Crimson Qi returns to this land…"
A voice echoed, feminine and ancient, vibrating the very stones.
"Soon, the pact shall be renewed…"
---
That night
Back in the Sect Master's private chamber, Jin Zhen sat in meditation. His breathing was calm, but qi churned within him like a storm. He had absorbed the essence from three mid-tier spirit beasts earlier that day, and the crimson core within his dantian was responding.
[System Notification]
[You have consumed: Beast Essence x3 — Tier 3]
[Body Tempering Progress: +18%]
[Current Realm: Late Nascent Soul – 93%]
[Unique Physique: Crimson Overlord's Vessel – Awakening Stage 2 Activated]
He opened his eyes slowly. Red lightning crackled briefly in his pupils.
"…So close."
But instead of breaking through immediately, he stood and walked to the treasury vault. His fingers traced the runes on the steel wall as the door opened with a heavy groan.
Rows of glowing spirit stones, herbs, weapons, and jade slips sparkled in the dim light.
He picked up a small crimson orb—a Soul Condensing Pill.
Only one was needed.
He placed it inside a hidden compartment in his robe and walked out, locking the vault.
"This world will kneel… but not before it sees what true power means."
---
Next Morning – Public Training Grounds
The disciples stood in awe as Jin Zhen descended onto the central platform, accompanied by booming drums and the flutter of crimson banners.
He raised his hand. Silence fell instantly.
"Disciples of Bloodthorn," his voice rang, "today marks the next phase of our rise."
"I give you this—"
He reached into his robe and threw the orb into the air. It exploded with a flash, releasing waves of crimson light that swept over the crowd.
[PATRIARCHAL BLESSING: +5% Qi Flow to All Disciples for 3 Days]
Cheering erupted.
They chanted his name.
"Sect Master Jin Zhen!"
"Crimson Overlord!"
He watched with cold satisfaction.
Power was nothing if not displayed with style.
---
Meanwhile – In the shadows of the distant Frost Veil Sect
A cloaked figure knelt before a silver-robed elder.
"They've begun expanding," the figure said. "He already controls three villages and has tamed a Tier 4 beast."
The elder's eyes narrowed.
"Jin Zhen… You rise quickly."
Another elder sneered, "Let him rise. The higher he climbs, the harder he'll fall."
The silver-robed elder tapped his fingers on the jade table.
"No… not yet. Let him build his kingdom of blood and pride. Then… we'll take it."
---
Status Update – Jin Zhen
[Name: Jin Zhen]
[Realm: Late Nascent Soul – 93%]
[Physique: Crimson Overlord's Vessel (Stage 2)]
[SP: 7,420]
[Treasury Assets: 2,910 mid-grade spirit stones, 43 high-grade spirit stones]
[Beast Companion: Crimson Falcon (Tier 4)]
[Territory Control: 3 villages, 1 satellite camp]
[Known Titles: Crimson Overlord, Sect Master of Bloodthorn]