Chapter 21: Flames of Legacy

Snow melted beneath Jin Zhen's boots as he stepped out of the ruined throne chamber, the freshly acquired scroll pulsing gently within his storage ring. A low hum of energy followed their group as they ascended from the depths, the Frozen Ruins now eerily silent behind them.

The air outside was bright and biting. Their breath fogged the morning sky as the expedition party gathered near the cliffside where their spirit beasts waited.

"Let's return quickly," Lan Yuer said, tugging her cloak tighter. "The chickens aren't built for extended exposure to sub-zero climates."

"You'd be surprised," Fang Mu muttered, patting a plump, red-scarfed chicken that clucked warily at the wind.

[System Notification][Dungeon Cleared: Frozen Ruins of the First Ember][Expedition Rewards Tallied: SP +1 | Fame +400 | Influence with Glacial Wind Pavilion +10][Global Notification: 'Crimson Sect' gains title – 'Ruins Breakers']

By the time they returned to the Crimson Sect, news of their victory had spread. Disciples from outer and inner ranks lined the courtyard, cheering and tossing flower petals, some of which turned to steam upon touching Jin Zhen's warming aura.

"We're famous now," Fang Mu said, mock-weeping. "Finally, someone will recognize my artifact goggles."

"You blew them up," Lan Yuer said flatly.

"Minor setback."

Jin Zhen smiled but said nothing. His thoughts were still on the scroll—the Heaven-tier cultivation technique whispered to be the legacy of the Crimson Ember Monarch, a figure said to have burned entire sects to ash with a single thought.

He entered his private chamber and summoned the scroll.

[Crimson Ember Monarch – Tier: Heaven][Progress: Locked (1/3 Ember Seals Acquired)][Effect: ???][Requires: Full Ember Seal to activate. Next Seal Location – ???]

[SP Available: 2]

He hesitated. Then made a decision.

[Spend 1 SP – Upgrade Core Technique: Ember Pulse (Rare) → Crimson Pulse (Epic)]

[Upgrade Complete][New Effect: Crimson Pulse – Ignites enemy meridians upon impact. Stacking burn damage. Compatible with advanced movement techniques.]

A wave of energy surged through his body. His veins glowed faintly crimson for a moment, like lava flowing beneath flesh.

He clenched his fist. "This power… it's only the beginning."

Meanwhile, the sect's agricultural fields flourished. Ember Lily blooms now grew in disciplined rows. Ashroot vines, once volatile and chaotic, had been redirected through enchanted trellises. Spirit chickens—some now gliding short distances—were being trained by eager junior disciples.

Jin Zhen spent the following days walking among them.

He helped an elder design a new irrigation formation using fire stones. He refined fertilizer with spiritual beast waste and elemental herbs. He even, to Fang Mu's dismay, personally tended to chicken injuries.

"Is this really what sect masters do?" Fang asked.

Jin Zhen grinned. "The land feeds the blade. A true sect rises on fertile ground."

[System Notification][Sect Stability +5][Agricultural Output +10%][New Recipe Unlocked: Ember-Infused Spirit Rice – boosts recovery and internal energy]

One evening, while resting beneath the Ember Willow, he received a visitor.

Li Shenhua of the Glacial Wind Pavilion knelt politely.

"I've come to extend a second proposal," she said. "A joint exploration. A ruin has appeared in the northern desert—a Mirage Vault. No sect has claimed it yet."

Jin Zhen raised an eyebrow. "A vault? Mirage-type?"

"Yes," she nodded. "It shifts locations, traps minds in illusions, and may contain rare spirit treasures… or madness."

He tapped his chin. "We accept."

That night, he meditated by the koi pond. Flames danced across the water as his mind sharpened. Visions flickered before his eyes—of a throne surrounded by fire, of countless cultivators bowing, of a world burning and being rebuilt.

[System Reminder][Next SP Point: 2 minor accomplishments or 1 major sect mission][Main Quest Updated: Awaken the Crimson Legacy (1/3 Seals Acquired)]

Jin Zhen opened his eyes. "Let's see what the desert has to offer."

From the shadows, a spirit chicken clucked ominously