Chapter 62: Seeds of Rebellion
Morning broke over the Bloodshade Sect with a strange tranquility. The sky was unusually clear, and a breeze swept over the mountain slopes, carrying the scent of blooming black roses. At the summit, in the Crimson Pavilion, Jin Zhen sat cross-legged before a jade table, eyes closed, deep in meditation.
He had spent the night immersed in the [Soulfire Flame Codex]—one of the divine-grade cultivation techniques acquired through the system's lottery function. Its power was undeniable, but its demands were equally harsh. Still, with his Late Nascent Soul cultivation and strengthened Crimson Overlord Physique, he had already reached the first threshold.
As he opened his eyes, a ripple of pressure emanated from his body, sending subtle tremors through the furniture.
[+500 SP gained for achieving new mastery in a divine technique.]
[Host's current SP: 3,740]
[System Notification: New feature unlocked – Sub-Sect Creation Protocol]
Jin Zhen's lips curled into a smirk. "So, it's finally time to expand…"
He stood up, robe fluttering as he walked out onto the pavilion's balcony. Below, the disciples of the sect were beginning their morning routines—some cultivating, others sparring under the guidance of elders. A few were tilling the soil in the agricultural section he had personally designed months ago.
Yes, it had all started with the simple notion of making the sect self-sufficient. Now, they had spiritual rice, immortal herbs, and even spirit beast feed, all being cultivated and refined in-house. Trade caravans had begun arriving from minor clans and wandering cultivators, eager to barter.
Wealth. Power. Order.
He had all three—now it was time to export them.
"System, activate Sub-Sect Creation Protocol," Jin Zhen commanded.
[Sub-Sect Creation Protocol activated.]
[Cost: 3,000 SP]
[Please assign a location for your new branch sect.]
Jin Zhen raised his hand and projected a map he had recently acquired from a wandering scholar. His finger hovered over a mountainous region just beyond the Jade Serpent Valley.
"There," he said. "That range belongs to no nation and is filled with spiritual ore veins. Perfect for resource extraction and training."
[Confirmed. Sub-Sect will be established at "Blackrock Highlands."]
[Initial buildings constructed: Main Hall, Cultivation Courtyard, Refining Chamber, and Defensive Array (Grade C).]
[Sub-Sect Status: Dormant – requires leadership and disciples.]
Jin Zhen's mind was already racing. "Heh… I have just the right people."
—
Later that day, he summoned three of the most promising inner disciples: Wei Lian, a dual-element cultivator with a strategic mind; Fei Yan, the alchemist prodigy who had created a new kind of spiritual fertilizer; and Luo Han, the brute with unparalleled combat instincts.
They bowed before him in the main hall, faces both nervous and excited.
"You called for us, Sect Master?"
"I did," Jin Zhen replied, voice calm yet commanding. "I'm entrusting you with a mission. You are to establish and manage a branch of the Bloodshade Sect. Everything you've learned here… replicate it there. But improve upon it."
The three exchanged glances.
Fei Yan was the first to speak. "We'll serve with our lives, Sect Master!"
Luo Han cracked his knuckles. "Finally, something worth smashing through!"
Wei Lian, ever the cautious one, narrowed his eyes. "May I ask… will we be autonomous?"
Jin Zhen's smile widened. "Autonomous enough to earn rewards. But if you stray…" His gaze sharpened like a blade. "I'll know."
—
That night, as the three departed with a caravan of supplies, Jin Zhen returned to his personal chamber, only to find someone waiting for him.
It was Qing Yue, the mysterious maid he had picked up from the Falling Sky Pavilion—a woman who, despite her quiet demeanor, had shown exceptional skill in both assassination and information gathering.
"Reporting, Master," she said, bowing low. "We've intercepted messages from the neighboring Sunpierce Sect. They're starting to suspect the source of our sudden rise."
"Of course they are," Jin Zhen chuckled. "That's what makes it fun."
"But there's more," she added. "A few elders from the Starcloud Alliance have approached our traveling merchants. They're offering bribes for information."
"Have them sent a message," Jin Zhen said. "Tell them the Crimson Overlord says: 'Come closer… if you dare.'"
—
[Status Screen Update]
[Name: Jin Zhen]
[Title: Crimson Overlord]
[Realm: Late Nascent Soul]
[Physique: Crimson Overlord Body – Tier S+]
[Talent: Mythic Tier – Limitless Bloom]
[Wealth: 41,000 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, 6 Divine Artifacts, 2 Alchemical Furnaces]
[SP: 740]
[Affiliation: Bloodshade Sect – Sect Master]
[Reputation: Feared (Minor Clans), Notorious (Mid Sects), Unknown (Major Powers)]
[Unique Skills: Soulfire Flame Codex (Divine), Bloodshade Domain, Sect Construction Protocol, SP Enhancement Channel]
—
As the moon rose high, Jin Zhen sat down once more in his cultivation chamber. He placed three [Spirit Refinement Pills] before him—gifts from the alchemy department—and began absorbing their power.
[+900 SP gained from consuming rare alchemical items.]
He closed his eyes, feeling the energies surge through him. In his mind's eye, the outline of a new realm shimmered faintly.
"Peak Nascent Soul is close… and then, the Spirit Severing Realm."
But then, unexpectedly—
[System Alert: Warning – Hidden trait detected within one of your disciples.]
Jin Zhen's eyes snapped open.
"…Interesting."
He tapped his fingers lightly on the jade floor. The sect was growing. The power was growing.
But now… there were shadows forming within the light he had created.
And he welcomed them.