John_433

Once a loyal disciple of a righteous sect, Jin Zhen was betrayed, crippled, and cast off a cliff by those he once called family. Left to die with shattered bones and a broken spirit, he awakens in the ruins of a forgotten temple—only to find that fate has granted him the [Crimson Sect System].

The mission?
Build the most powerful and loyal sect of maidens the world has ever seen.

For every talented beauty he recruits, every realm he ascends, and every enemy he crushes—he grows stronger, deadlier, and one step closer to his ultimate revenge.

With an overpowered system, a villain's heart, and a burning desire to dominate the cultivation world, Jin Zhen sets out to create a sect that will enslave the heavens, charm the goddesses, and destroy anyone who dares oppose him.

The righteous will tremble.
The beauties will kneel.
And the world... will burn in crimson.

Crimson Overlord: The Evil Sect Master

Morning mist curled through the valley as Jin Zhen stood atop the Crimson Sect's central spire, his black robes fluttering in the breeze.

Below, disciples trained among Ember Lily groves and war-chickens patrolled the sky like feathered sentinels of doom.

[System Notification][Sect Productivity +8% (Agricultural Division)][New Plant Type Detected: Ashroot Vine – mildly toxic, highly flammable, excellent for traps.]

Jin Zhen stroked his chin. "A flammable vine, huh?"

Lan Yuer arrived, carrying several rolls of parchment. "Ashroot Vine is already sprouting at the east fields. One disciple accidentally lit his hair on fire."

"Natural selection," Jin Zhen said dryly. "Let's cultivate it."

[System Update][New Crafting Recipe Available: Flame Trap – Combines Ashroot Vine with Fire Essence Powder. Triggers on proximity.][Suggested Use: Perimeter Defense or Dungeon Raids]

Later that afternoon, a group of travelers approached the gates—led by a young woman in pale blue robes with frost decorating her sleeves.

"I am Li Shenhua of the Glacial Wind Pavilion," she said. "I've come to discuss an alliance."

Jin Zhen blinked. "Do I owe someone money?"

Li Shenhua ignored the banter. "Our lands border the volcanic wastes to the north. We've heard rumors of your sect's fire-based cultivation methods, and of your recent... poultry advancements."

"Feathered superiority," Fang Mu muttered behind a tree.

Li Shenhua continued. "We propose a mutual defense pact and trade of spiritual herbs. In exchange, we will share the location of an ancient ruin recently uncovered within the Frozen Peaks."

Jin Zhen's eyes gleamed. "A ruin?"

[System Notification][Special Event Triggered: Frozen Ruins of the First Ember][Danger Level: High. Reward Potential: Very High. Recommended Power Level: Core Formation and above.]

Jin Zhen smiled. "Deal. We'll send an expedition within three days. You'll have our support against the Flamefang Bandits in the meantime."

Li Shenhua bowed. "May our flames and frost forge something powerful."

That evening, the core disciples gathered in the strategy chamber. Maps were spread, formation scrolls unfurled, and snacks devoured.

"According to the scouts, the ruin's entrance is buried in permafrost and guarded by ice wraiths," Lan Yuer said. "And something called the 'Frozen Warden.'"

Fang Mu raised a hand. "Do we have a plan if the chickens freeze?"

Jin Zhen looked solemn. "We get more chickens."

[System Notification][New Quest Added: Enter the Frozen Ruins][Optional Objective: Defeat the Frozen Warden in under 10 minutes – Reward: Unknown Artifact + Bonus SP]

"Prep begins tomorrow," Jin Zhen declared. "I want everyone rested, talismans reinforced, and the chickens... fitted with scarves."

Outside, under the soft moonlight, Jin Zhen stood alone by the koi pond. The system interface flickered beside him.

[Status Panel – Jin Zhen]Realm: Mid Foundation EstablishmentBody Type: Crimson Soul Vessel (Grade: High)Talent: Supreme Ember Vein (Peak Tier)SP: 0Wealth: 4,890 Spirit Coins | 3,100 Mid-Grade Spirit StonesUnique Resources: Ember Lilies, Ashroot Vines, Crimson Sky Fowl

He exhaled slowly. "One alliance formed, a dungeon on the horizon, and poultry propaganda stronger than ever."

[System Reminder][Next SP Point: 3 minor achievements or 1 major quest]

"Time to raid an icy tomb," Jin Zhen whispered. "Let's see what the past tried to bury."

In the distance, a single chicken cried into the night. It sounded ready for war.

Chapter 19: Ashes and Alliances