Chapter 7: A Dark Milestone

The night fell heavy over Lin Feng's estate, casting long, oppressive shadows that crept across his vast holdings. In the silence of the sprawling mansion, the light in Lin Feng's study flickered as his mind churned through the calculations of his next move. The air was thick with the tension of expansion. His plans had been set in motion, but they were now at a critical juncture—a small milestone, but one that would shape the future of his growing empire.

Today had been a significant one. His investments in agriculture and mining were beginning to show returns—small, yet promising—and his wealth was starting to increase at a pace he had foreseen. But more than that, Lin Feng's power was growing. In the shadows of his empire, his family's influence spread, like a quiet storm preparing to unleash its fury.

But for Lin Feng, progress was never enough. He needed more—always more. And tonight, he would achieve a small victory.

The Report

In the study, Lin Feng was accompanied by his key members: Dante, the loyal butler; Eldrin, his brilliant strategist and advisor; Viktor, the grizzled war veteran; and Maris, the meticulous financial advisor. Each had a specific role, and Lin Feng had grown to rely on them more than anyone else.

Dante was the first to speak. His voice was low and measured, his expression ever stoic.

"Master, everything is in place," Dante said, his eyes never straying from Lin Feng's face. "The operations are running smoothly. There are no issues at the moment."

Lin Feng nodded. Dante had always been efficient, taking care of the everyday details that Lin Feng couldn't waste time on. It was a trust he had placed in him from the beginning. Lin Feng's empire was growing quietly, but steadily, with every faction in his control moving with precise coordination. Yet, it was his wealth that demanded the most attention now.

Maris, his financial advisor, stepped forward. She was a sharp-eyed woman, with a calculating mind that Lin Feng trusted implicitly when it came to managing his money.

"Sir," she began, "we've made significant strides in our holdings. Your agricultural land alone has produced a steady income, and with the investments in mining—"

"Get to the numbers," Lin Feng interrupted, his tone calm but demanding.

Maris nodded without flinching. "As of this month, your holdings are worth approximately 3 million dollars in assets, and with the upcoming harvest season, I project an additional 1.5 million dollars in revenue. The mining operation is steadily growing. We've increased gold extraction by 10%, and diamond production is now steady. Overall, our portfolio is now worth 5 million dollars—and that's just the beginning."

The numbers felt good, but Lin Feng wasn't satisfied. He had expected this. What mattered more was how quickly he could make these returns grow exponentially.

"What about our soldiers?" Lin Feng's voice was cold as he turned to Viktor, the war veteran who had spent his life on the battlefield. Viktor was the kind of man Lin Feng appreciated—tough, direct, and unwavering in his loyalty.

Viktor looked up, his face weathered with years of combat experience. "We've trained 200 soldiers in the last few months, Master. Of those, 50 are combat-ready. The rest are still in basic training, but they are progressing quickly under my command. They're eager, and they're starting to show potential."

Lin Feng leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he processed the information. This was good. But his forces were still small. A private army of 200 soldiers was nothing in comparison to the vast armies of empires. He would need more.

"I want to double those numbers," Lin Feng said, his voice calm but filled with the unmistakable weight of command. "By the end of the year, I want 500 soldiers, fully trained and loyal. And I want the elite force to be 100 men, capable of handling anything that comes their way. No exceptions."

Viktor gave a sharp nod. "Understood."

A Small Milestone

Just as the meeting seemed to reach its natural conclusion, Lin Feng's attention was drawn to a subtle, glowing notification in the corner of his vision. The system—his ever-present guide—had been silent for some time, but now it chimed in, as it always did when milestones were reached.

"System Notification: Small Milestone Achieved."

"Reward: Three Ability Enhancements."

Lin Feng's lips curled into a subtle smile. Milestones were rare but valuable, and he had long anticipated this one. As the glowing text faded, the details of his rewards filled his mind.

First Ability: The Shadow's Edge.

Effect: Enhances Lin Feng's agility and reflexes by 25%. Increases his ability to move undetected, especially in dark or crowded environments. Grants improved combat speed and evasion.Duration: Permanent.

Second Ability: Sovereign's Will.

Effect: Increases Lin Feng's mental focus and control over his environment. Reduces the time needed to analyze situations, process information, and make decisions. Also enhances his ability to manipulate others, granting a subtle boost to his charisma and persuasion.Duration: Permanent.

Third Ability: Blood of the Ruler.

Effect: Enhances Lin Feng's overall combat prowess. Increases his strength and durability by 20%. This ability strengthens over time with each new heir, giving Lin Feng a physical edge that improves with his bloodline.Duration: Permanent.

Lin Feng closed his eyes briefly, savoring the rush of power that the abilities brought. These weren't just ordinary rewards—they were the stepping stones to further dominance. Each one added a layer to his already formidable capabilities.

His smile widened as he looked at his core team. He was growing stronger, faster, more precise. His empire would expand, and with these new abilities, his path was clear.

The Decision

It was then that Isolde entered the room, her figure elegant and commanding, yet softened by the warmth she brought into the room. Her eyes found Lin Feng's immediately, and a quiet understanding passed between them. He had no doubt she could sense the dark undertones of the conversation, but she held her own without flinching.

"Isolde," Lin Feng greeted her with his usual calm, yet there was a subtle affection in his voice.

"Lin Feng," she replied, her voice soft but steady. "I trust the business is progressing?"

"It is," he said, his gaze locking onto hers. 

Isolde nodded, acknowledging the depth of his words. She had come to understand Lin Feng more than anyone else, and she was beginning to see that he wasn't just building an empire—he was crafting a future.

"I've been thinking," Lin Feng said, standing and walking toward her. "About us. About what comes next."

Isolde's eyes flickered, curiosity crossing her face. "What do you mean?"

"I think it's time," Lin Feng said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Time for us to solidify this. Our relationship… it's reached a point where it can no longer remain in the shadows."

Isolde's breath caught for a moment, but she didn't pull away. Lin Feng's charm was a weapon, and though he rarely used it in matters of the heart, tonight was different.

They stood there for a moment, as Lin Feng took her hand, guiding her toward the door of his private chamber. He did not hesitate. Isolde was an integral part of his plans, and now, she would be part of his bloodline. The quiet promise between them was more than just a union of bodies—it was a strategic partnership that would ensure the growth of Lin Feng's power.

A New Beginning

Hours later, as the evening sky turned to dark velvet, Lin Feng and Isolde were alone, the soft light of candles flickering in the room. Lin Feng knew that with Isolde by his side, the next step in his plans was already unfolding.

The following morning, as the sun rose, a new chapter in Lin Feng's life began.

His first heir would soon come into the world, and with that, the future of his empire was set in stone. His empire, his family, his legacy—it would all be built from the ashes of his enemies, and Lin Feng would rule.

His son would be the first of many, each a step toward unshakable power.