Dawn broke over the Crimson Sect with a sky of golden fire. The entire mountain range seemed to smolder with divine heat, but within the Sect Master's chamber, Jin Zhen's mind burned hotter.
He sat with a map stretched before him. Every trade road, minor sect, border conflict, and neutral zone was inked in meticulous detail.
Fang Mu stood nearby munching roasted spirit peanuts, occasionally pointing with greasy fingers.
"That town there—Blazewind Market. No major sect controls it, right?"
Jin Zhen nodded. "Exactly. Independent, but influential. It sits at the intersection of four minor trade routes. We'll build a branch there."
Fang Mu raised a brow. "You mean like… a shop?"
Jin Zhen smiled. "A front. We'll sell elixirs, talismans, spirit grain—and information."
---
[System Notification]
[Mission Set: Establish External Influence – Tier 1]
[Objective: Found a Crimson Sect Trade Branch Outside Core Territory]
[Reward: 1 SP + Regional Control Bonus]
---
Later that afternoon, Jin Zhen, Lan Yuer, and a team of disciples descended toward Blazewind Market. They wore simple robes with no sect insignia—just enough to hide their true identity.
As they entered the bustling marketplace, the scent of steamed buns, burning incense, and merchant greed assaulted their senses.
A hawker shouted, "Spirit carrots! Blessed by a donkey with qi-sense!"
Another barked, "Genuine Feathered Lotus Seeds! Only slightly cursed!"
Fang Mu looked around. "This place is either perfect… or cursed."
Jin Zhen grinned. "Both."
---
They found an abandoned compound near the market center. A once-glorious apothecary now left in ruins. Cracked tiles, burnt walls, and a collapsed roof.
"Beautiful," Jin Zhen whispered.
Lan Yuer blinked. "You sure?"
"We'll rebuild. But not too well. Just enough to look legitimate—and poor. We'll sell real goods, attract real clients, and bait the desperate."
---
[System Notification]
[New Construction Started: Crimson Flame Trade Post – Blazewind Market]
[Estimated Time: 3 Days]
[Resource Cost: 8,000 Spirit Stones]
[Auto-Upgrade Module Installed – Based on Influence and SP Input]
---
On the second night, as disciples worked to clear rubble and paint new glyphs, a visitor arrived.
A woman in silk robes, face veiled, eyes like cold moonlight. She carried herself like a noble—and moved like a shadow.
"Interesting place to invest in," she said softly. "Not many would dare set up shop in Hollow Palm's shadow."
Jin Zhen didn't look up. "Good thing I'm not many."
She tilted her head. "And what are you, then?"
He met her eyes. "A man too dangerous to ignore. And too smart to provoke."
A long pause.
Then she smiled. "I like dangerous men."
---
[System Notification]
[New Character Registered: Lady Yue – Affiliation Unknown]
[Hidden Trait: Shadow Court Contact]
[Risk Level: Moderate]
[Charm Resistance Test – Passed]
---
Lady Yue offered a deal:
In exchange for a private trade agreement with her "clients," she would provide protection from Hollow Palm patrols.
Jin Zhen considered. "You'll smuggle my goods?"
"I'll market your goods. But yes, if smuggling happens, I'll deny everything."
Lan Yuer whispered, "Can we trust her?"
"No," Jin Zhen replied. "But we can use her."
He shook Lady Yue's hand.
"Welcome to the flame."
---
That night, back at the Crimson Sect, the first shipment of elixirs was prepared.
[System Notification]
[Crimson Trade Post Status: Active]
[Market Influence: +1]
[SP Gained: +1]
[Reputation: 'Rising Firebrand' unlocked in Southern Circles]
[Use SP?]
Jin Zhen tapped the interface.
[Spend 1 SP – Upgrade Trade Post Efficiency]
[Effect: Increases passive income by 20%. Unlocks Local Information Flow node.]
---
[Status – Jin Zhen]
Cultivation: Core Formation (Late)
Talent Grade: Crimson Starfire – Divine Grade
Physique: Infernal Ember (True Sync)
Wealth: 66,500 Spirit Stones
SP: 0
Reputation: Rising Firebrand
Influence Zones: Crimson Sect Valley, Blazewind Market (Low Control)
Allies: Lan Yuer, Fang Mu, Lady Yue (?)
---
As Jin Zhen stood atop the newly restored trade post, watching the market bustle beneath him, he smirked.
Flames were not meant to be caged in mountains.
They were meant to spread.