Blazewind Market buzzed with new life. Since the Crimson Flame Trade Post opened, rumors spread like wildfire: miracle pills, affordable talismans, fair prices. People whispered of a mysterious shop where injuries healed faster and crops grew richer.
It didn't take long for the curious to become loyal.
And it didn't take much longer for the envious to sharpen their knives.
---
Inside the trade post, Fang Mu wiped a bead of sweat off his forehead with the sleeve of his robe. He stood behind the main counter, proudly displaying a new invention: "The Spirit-Infused Discount Bell."
Lan Yuer raised an eyebrow. "What exactly is that?"
Fang Mu grinned. "Every time someone buys three items, I ring this—ding!—and they get a free low-grade talisman."
He rang it.
The talisman exploded.
Jin Zhen entered the shop just as the smoke cleared. He stared at the scorched bell, then at Fang Mu's singed eyebrows.
Fang Mu grinned sheepishly. "Promotional… testing."
Jin Zhen sighed. "We'll work on marketing later."
---
In the back office, Jin Zhen reviewed their current income streams. Elixir sales were soaring, talismans were moderately successful, and the spirit grain was gaining traction with farmers from nearby valleys.
But something felt… off.
Too smooth.
---
That night, he met again with Lady Yue.
She wore a new veil this time—crimson silk embroidered with moons. Jin Zhen wondered how many veils she owned… or what face hid beneath them.
"I've secured four new distribution channels," she said, sipping spirit wine. "One across the Northern Hills, one by river trade, and two through illegal portals—don't worry, lightly cursed."
Jin Zhen nodded slowly. "Efficient."
"And I've sent word to my clients," she added. "Soon, the Crimson Flame name will echo through the underworld."
Jin Zhen's gaze sharpened. "And what will they pay for the echo?"
She smiled. "Information. Names of those who want to burn your sect from the roots up."
---
[System Notification]
[Optional Quest: Allies in Shadows]
[Form Alliance with a Faction of Dubious Loyalty]
[Reward: Intelligence Network Tier 1 – Regional]
[Risk: Political Entanglement Increased]
---
Jin Zhen dismissed the window with a mental swipe.
"I accept," he said simply.
Lady Yue leaned forward. "Good. Then allow me to give you a gift."
From her sleeve, she pulled out a tiny flame-colored feather. It pulsed faintly with spiritual energy.
"Use this when words fail. It will burn your enemies' lies."
---
Elsewhere, on the edge of the market, a group of robed strangers gathered behind an old pottery stall. One of them held a scroll marked with the Hollow Palm Sect's sigil.
"They're moving too fast," the lead one hissed. "This shop is more than it seems."
Another grunted. "We burn it down?"
"No. We poison it."
---
The next morning, a delivery arrived at the Crimson Flame Trade Post—barrels of rare mountain fruit wine from a "grateful merchant."
Jin Zhen eyed them. "Did we order this?"
Fang Mu licked his lips. "No, but we could celebrate…"
Lan Yuer frowned. "It smells… wrong."
Jin Zhen activated a minor appraisal technique.
[Toxin Detected – Soulbane Extract, Delayed Activation]
He snapped his fingers.
The barrels exploded—not in fire, but in light. A blinding flash of Jin Zhen's flame-imbued qi purified the taint in seconds.
"Next time," he murmured, "they should try poison that doesn't smell like rot."
---
[System Notification]
[Assassination Attempt Failed]
[Intelligence Increased: Hollow Palm Agents Active in Market]
[Passive Influence Bonus Gained: Locals View You as Resilient]
[SP Gained: +1]
---
That night, Fang Mu stood outside the post, holding a new sign.
"Free samples—now 20% less likely to be poisoned!"
Jin Zhen stared at him.
"…What?"
---
Later, Jin Zhen used his earned SP.
[SP: 1]
[Use SP – Activate: Market Security Protocol Tier 1]
Effect:
– All deliveries are automatically scanned by spirit ward
– Minor spies within 1km radius are detected passively (chance increases with proximity)
[Status – Jin Zhen]
Cultivation: Core Formation (Late)
Talent Grade: Crimson Starfire – Divine Grade
Physique: Infernal Ember (True Sync)
Wealth: 64,300 Spirit Stones
SP: 0
Reputation: Rising Firebrand
Influence Zones: Crimson Sect Valley, Blazewind Market
Enemies Detected: Hollow Palm Agents (Low Threat – Current)
---
Back in her room, Lady Yue stared at her own communication scroll. A message burned onto the surface:
"He is more than he seems. Proceed carefully."
She touched the flame-colored feather Jin Zhen had accepted.
"And what are you planning, Crimson Lord?"