Chapter 25: The Shadow of the Central Region

The news spread through the guild like wildfire. The Syndicate had been a powerful force, but they had only been one piece of the greater puzzle. Now, a faction from the central region had set their sights on the eastern district—and more specifically, on Zhang Ye.

In the guild's war room, the core members gathered, their expressions grim. A map of the city was spread across the table, marked with the areas they had secured and the potential routes an invading force could take.

Linna tapped a section of the map. "The central region… They have resources, skilled fighters, and deep connections. If they've decided to move, it won't just be a small force. They'll bring their best."

Kai crossed his arms. "And what exactly do they want? The Syndicate was after power and money. What's the central region's angle?"

Elira exhaled. "It's Zhang Ye."

The room fell silent.

She continued, "Word about his cooking has spread beyond this district. The Monarch's Feast, the Phantom Mist Stew… they're game-changers. The kind of power that nations would fight wars over. If the central region's faction is moving, they're not just looking to take over—they want to control him."

Zhang Ye remained calm, but inside, he knew she was right. His food had already proven capable of turning battles. If a powerful faction got their hands on him, they wouldn't just use his abilities for themselves—they would own him.

He clenched his fists. That will never happen.

Linna leaned forward. "Do we have any intel on who's leading this force?"

The scout who had delivered the news hesitated. "…It's the Crimson Sovereign Clan."

The room grew tense. Even Zhang Ye's eyes narrowed at the name.

The Crimson Sovereign Clan was a powerhouse. One of the ruling factions of the central region, known for their brutal efficiency and overwhelming strength. They weren't mere criminals like the Syndicate—they were a dynasty.

Kai cursed. "Of course, it had to be them."

Elira's expression was unreadable. "This isn't just a takeover. If they're moving, it means they see Zhang Ye as an asset worth claiming."

Linna glanced at Zhang Ye. "So, what do we do?"

Zhang Ye met her gaze. His system had already provided the answer.

[New Quest: Defy the Crimson Sovereign Clan.]

[Objective: Establish an impenetrable defense and prepare for their arrival. The academy must be built before their forces reach the eastern district.]

He exhaled slowly. "We don't run. We don't surrender. We build."

Kai blinked. "Build…?"

"The academy starts now," Zhang Ye said. His voice was steady, unwavering. "If the Crimson Sovereign Clan wants to take what we have, then we show them that they're too late. We'll train our own people, fortify our defenses, and make this district into something they can't conquer."

Linna's lips curled into a grin. "You really never back down, huh?"

Elira smirked. "I like it. Instead of waiting for them to crush us, we grow strong enough that they have to think twice."

Kai slammed his fist against the table. "Then let's get to work."

The guild members nodded, their hesitation replaced with resolve.

The Crimson Sovereign Clan was coming. But Zhang Ye wouldn't let them dictate his future.

He would forge his own path—one dish at a time.