Crimson Valley had changed.
What once was barren wasteland now pulsed with spiritual energy, vibrant crops, and bustling disciples. The ground itself seemed to hum in resonance with the massive formations carved into the land. No longer just a remote sect—Crimson Overlord's domain had become a beacon.
But while the valley bloomed, shadows stirred beyond its borders.
---
Jin Zhen stood on the balcony of his sect hall, arms folded as he surveyed the valley.
Below him, rows of disciples planted spirit rice while others chased around semi-intelligent rabbits wearing tiny hats.
Fang Mu ran by, screaming, "They unionized! I told you they would!"
A rabbit leapt up and kicked him in the face before hopping off.
Jin Zhen didn't even blink. "I warned you about giving them names."
---
Inside the main hall, Lan Yuer entered carrying a stack of scrolls.
"These are the reports from the outer zones," she said. "Expansion teams in District Five have found traces of a forgotten ruin—possibly from the Spirit Flame Dynasty era."
He raised an eyebrow. "Anything dangerous?"
"Nothing alive. But they retrieved some broken golem parts and… this."
She placed a dusty orb on the table. The moment it touched the wood, it pulsed with faint violet light.
[System Notification]
[Ancient Relic: Soulforge Seed Detected]
[This item can be fused into any spirit field to grant permanent passive buffs.]
[Fusion Option: 1 SP]
Jin Zhen smirked. "A seed for the field... a seed for power."
He raised his hand.
[SP -1]
[Soulforge Seed fused into Zone 2: Spirit Herb Fields]
[Permanent Bonus Granted: Herb Growth Speed +30% | Spiritual Quality +15% | Mutation Chance +8%]
The light spread through the map on the wall as tendrils of golden light flowed across the etched formation lines.
Lan Yuer's eyes widened. "That's going to change everything."
He nodded. "Let them grow stronger. Our enemies will need better excuses to attack us soon."
---
[Location: Border Outpost - Eastwatch Camp]
Three cloaked figures stood before a flame-lit map.
One of them tapped Crimson Valley.
"His influence is spreading too fast. Three trade guilds have already signed exclusive contracts with his sect. Even the Wandering Physicians are buying spirit herbs from him."
The second figure, a woman with a voice like breaking ice, said, "The Azure Gale envoy returned humiliated. His report was filled with nonsense about talking rabbits and bureaucratic torture."
The third, older and silent until now, finally spoke. "We need more than spies. We need disruption."
A blood-colored jade was placed on the table.
"Release the Shadow Bloom. Let's see how fertile his land truly is."
---
[Back in Crimson Valley]
A group of new recruits knelt before Jin Zhen.
One of them, a nervous-looking boy with hay stuck in his hair, asked timidly, "Sect Master… why are the spirit potatoes singing?"
Jin Zhen looked down from his throne. "Because they're happy. That means they're nearly ready to harvest."
Another recruit muttered, "I think one bit me."
He smiled. "Then it likes you."
---
Later that evening, Jin Zhen walked through the fields alone. The moonlight washed over him, reflecting faintly off the silver inlays on his crimson robe.
He stopped beside a field of luminescent grain and sat down, fingers brushing over the stalks.
He was stronger than ever. His sect was thriving. His name now carried weight outside this valley.
But he wasn't naïve.
This peace? It was borrowed time.
---
[Status – Jin Zhen]
Cultivation: Core Formation (Peak)
Talent Grade: Crimson Starfire – Divine Grade
Physique: Infernal Ember (True Sync)
Wealth: 121,300 Spirit Stones
SP: 0
Passive Qi Income: +72/day
Fame Titles: Flame-Lord of the Fields, Root Sovereign, Seed Whisperer, Agricultural Tyrant
Influence Zones: Crimson Sect Valley, Five Hills District, Eastern Outpost, Farmer's Guild, Wandering Physicians Network
---
As he stood, the earth trembled faintly.
From the east, a black flower bloomed in the middle of a spirit herb field.
Its petals writhed, pulsing with tainted qi.
Jin Zhen narrowed his eyes.
"So... they've started."