The scent of rich herbs and fresh ash filled the air as Jin Zhen stepped into the newly completed Trade Hall. The polished redwood floors gleamed beneath spirit lanterns. Rows of high-quality goods—elixirs, flame-touched herbs, reinforced talismans—lined shelves enchanted to shimmer with allure.
Dozens of merchant representatives crowded the grand chamber, some in formal silk, others in leather travel cloaks. Whispers followed Jin Zhen as he walked past.
"That's him…"
"The Crimson Sect Master…"
"He built all this in under a month?"
A cloaked merchant leaned over to another. "Either he's a mad genius—or he sold his soul to an ancient demon."
Jin Zhen overheard and smirked.
"Why not both?"
---
He approached the merchant table at the center. The Azure Crane delegation stood waiting, their crest stitched in shimmering blue thread across the robes of their head negotiator—a tall, pale man with hawkish eyes.
"I am Yu Zhenhai," he said. "Representative of Azure Crane Commerce Guild."
"Jin Zhen," the Sect Master replied. "Owner of every blade of firegrass in this valley."
Yu Zhenhai's eyes narrowed. "You've disrupted three regional markets in two weeks."
"I prefer the word innovated."
Yu smiled thinly. "We prefer stability."
"Then adjust to the flames, or get burned."
---
[System Notification]
[Social Check: Intimidation – Passed]
[Azure Crane Delegation temporarily suppressed]
---
The negotiations began.
Jin Zhen demanded five times the regional rate for his Crimson Lotus Elixir. Zhenhai scoffed—until Fang Mu "accidentally" dropped a single drop of it onto a dead spirit grass blade. It burst back to life and began glowing.
The room went silent.
"I'll take twenty crates," Zhenhai said.
"Up front, in fire-grade spirit stones," Jin Zhen replied.
---
Later that night, Jin Zhen stood alone in his chamber, his storage ring bursting with new resources.
[System Notification]
[Wealth Increased: +31,000 Spirit Stones]
[Influence Increased: +2 Regional Fame]
[SP Earned: +1]
He grinned and sat in lotus position.
[Use SP?]
[Spend 1 SP – Enhance Bloodline Synchronization]
[Effect: Infernal Ember Physique → Infernal Ember Physique (True Sync)]
[Bonus: Fire techniques gain 25% effectiveness boost. Resistance to heat-based illusions and poisons increased.]
His body surged with energy. Veins glowed faintly with molten gold. Flames whispered through his bones.
---
[Status Update – Jin Zhen]
Cultivation: Core Formation (Late)
Talent Grade: Crimson Starfire – Divine Grade
Body Constitution: Infernal Ember Physique (True Sync)
Wealth: 70,500 Spirit Stones | 3 Fire Essences | 1 Mirage Core
Reputation: Crimson Flame – Rising Threat
SP: 0
---
Meanwhile, Lan Yuer oversaw training exercises in the Flame Arena. Sparks danced through the air as disciples pushed their limits.
A disciple rushed to her. "Elder Lan! One of the visiting merchants left a strange scroll behind."
She unfurled it.
"To the Crimson Sect:
You shine too brightly, child of fire. Soon, wind will seek to smother flame.
– From the Hollow Palm Sect."
Lan Yuer's expression darkened. "They dare threaten us?"
A faint heat shimmer passed through the scroll and burned the warning to ash.
Fang Mu appeared beside her, chewing on a roasted beetroot.
"You think the boss'll let me punch a sect leader this time?"
Lan Yuer sighed. "He'll probably tell you to punch three."
---
Jin Zhen stood at the peak of the mountain again that evening. Below him, his sect burned brighter than ever—wealthier, stronger, and finally noticed.
"Come, jealous insects," he whispered. "Come try your luck."
The stars shimmered overhead. Somewhere in the distance, a cold wind blew.
But in the valley of fire, the flames only grew hungrier.