The scent of iron filled the air, carried on a biting wind that swept through Riverwind Stronghold. Torches cast flickering shadows on stone walls, their light unable to banish the darkness in Zhang Wei's heart.
He stood in the courtyard, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Memories of the Iron Crescent Sect flooded his mind: the long nights training with his brothers, the laughter shared over stolen cups of wine, the hard-won respect of the elders. Now, Lin Tian's orders demanded he lead the assault on the very people who'd raised him.
His Loyalty Mark glowed faintly, a reminder that his every thought, every breath, was bound to Lin Tian's will.
"Zhang Wei," Lin Tian's voice sliced through the night, sharp as a blade. He descended the steps like a god among mortals, his golden aura illuminating the courtyard. "You were forged in the Iron Crescent Sect. It is fitting that you should be the hammer that breaks them."
Zhang Wei bowed low, his heart a battlefield. "Yes, Master."
"Bring me their loyalty," Lin Tian continued, his eyes alight with ambition. "Those who kneel shall thrive. Those who resist shall perish. And you… you will show them that even old bonds cannot defy me."
Zhang Wei's hands curled into fists, his Loyalty Mark burning painfully.
Subplot: The Forbidden Tablet's Secret
Later that night, Zhang Wei found Mei Ling in the hidden chamber beneath the old well. The Forbidden Tablet glowed softly, ancient runes dancing across its surface.
"It's all here," he whispered, voice hoarse. "The System—the way it was created, the loyalty bindings, the manipulations. We are not loyal. We are prisoners."
Mei Ling's eyes blazed. "Then we must find a way to break free. If we can understand the first System's core, maybe we can unbind ourselves—and others."
Zhang Wei's jaw tightened. "I won't lead my brothers and sisters to slaughter. I will find a way to free them—even if it means defying Lin Tian himself."
Main Plot: The Seeds of Defiance
At dawn, Lin Tian's army assembled. Rows of soldiers in gleaming armor stood ready, their Loyalty Marks glowing like brands of subjugation. Lin Tian's aura of absolute authority shone as he raised his hand.
"Today," he declared, "we march on the Iron Crescent Sect. Their resources will fuel our empire. Their loyalty will bind them to me. None shall stand against the Divine Fortune System."
His voice carried on the wind, a promise of dominion.
But Zhang Wei felt a different fire growing in his chest. Even if I must obey, I will find a way to shield those who still trust me.
He caught Mei Ling's gaze—a silent pact passed between them. They would play Lin Tian's game for now, but in the shadows, they would hunt for freedom.
Side Quest Update
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[Side Quest Activated: The First System's Secret]
— Objective: Uncover the origins of the System and the keys to breaking loyalty chains.
— Reward: ??? (Unknown)
— Risk: Loyalty Penalty if discovered by Lin Tian.
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Zhang Wei's Resolve
As Lin Tian's army began its march, Zhang Wei walked at the head of the vanguard. His every step felt like a betrayal—but deep in his heart, a seed of rebellion had taken root.
I will not let this chain define me forever, he thought. I will forge my own fate.
And so, with each step toward the Iron Crescent Sect, Zhang Wei carried not just Lin Tian's command, but also a secret vow—to find the truth, and to break the chain.
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🌟 Author's Note:
Dear readers, if you're enjoying Reckless Riches: The Divine System, please consider leaving a review, sharing your thoughts in the comment section, and giving this chapter a like! Your support fuels our journey—and every comment helps shape the story! Thank you for being part of this adventure! 🌟
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End of Chapter 10.