Chapter 46: The Lord’s Gamble

The sun cast golden streaks across the crimson-tiled rooftops of the newly built Sect compound. Nestled atop the slope of a once-abandoned mountain range, the Crimson Sky Sect had transformed from a modest hideout into a fortified sanctuary. Watchtowers glowed with array runes, cultivation fields teemed with spiritual crops, and even the outer disciples carried themselves with pride and silent menace.

At the heart of it all stood Jin Zhen, garbed in black robes lined with silver silk, arms behind his back as he surveyed the training courtyard. His gaze flicked to the disciples gathered below. Rows upon rows—243 in total. They stood like soldiers awaiting orders, each bearing the sect's crimson insignia etched across their chests.

He murmured, "Soon, they'll be more than just survivors. They'll be my sword."

A system prompt shimmered across his vision:

[Crimson Sect Disciples – Outer Core: 198 | Inner Core: 40 | Elite Core: 5]

[Overall Loyalty: 89% – Stable]

[Weekly Spirit Stone Generation: 6,450]

[Suggested Action: Begin Cultivation Trials to strengthen talent pool]

Jin Zhen smiled. "They're ready."

Just then, a young disciple, Hui Lan, ran toward him with haste.

"Sect Master!" she bowed. "The trade envoy from the Clouded Rain Pavilion has arrived. They seek an audience."

Jin Zhen turned slowly, eyes narrowing. "Clouded Rain... again. They grow bolder."

He gestured for her to lead the way.

---

Inside the reception hall, a man in white and blue robes awaited, flanked by two nascent cultivators. He bowed gracefully.

"Greetings, Crimson Overlord," the envoy said, voice like rain on glass. "We offer peace and trade. We were not informed of your expansion here."

Jin Zhen waved his hand lazily. "Then your spies are as incompetent as your offers."

The envoy stiffened. "We mean no offense—"

"But you offend me anyway."

With a flick of his wrist, the doors slammed shut. His spiritual pressure flooded the room like a tidal wave, slamming the two guards to the floor.

The envoy gasped, his knees trembling. "W-we merely wish to... negotiate territory rights."

Jin Zhen's voice was cold. "There are no negotiations. This region belongs to the Crimson Sky Sect. The only rights you have are the ones I give you."

A system prompt appeared in the corner of his vision.

[Optional Action Triggered: Sect Dominance Negotiation]

[Success: 2,000 SP, 5% regional fear boost]

[Failure: -500 Reputation, risk of retaliation]

Jin Zhen chose.

He stepped forward, voice sharp. "You may leave. And tell your elders that the next envoy who enters uninvited will return headless."

The envoy fled, dragging his unconscious men behind him.

As the doors shut again, Jin Zhen chuckled.

[Optional Action Completed – Success]

[+2,000 SP | Regional Fear Level Increased (12% → 17%)]

[Crimson Infamy Title Progress: 46%]

He turned to Hui Lan. "Summon the Formation Division. Begin reinforcement of the eastern boundary. They'll retaliate within the week."

She bowed and disappeared into the corridors.

---

Later that night, Jin Zhen sat cross-legged in the hidden chamber beneath the Sect's main temple. The walls were lined with spiritual crystals, glowing softly in hues of violet and gold. On a stone altar before him lay several cultivation manuals—each one ancient, stolen, or earned through blood.

A new notification appeared.

[SP Available: 8,600]

[New System Feature Unlock Available]

[Unlock "Soulforge Body Tempering" Technique – Cost: 5,000 SP?]

[Description: Greatly enhances physique and elemental resistance. Can evolve into Divine Physique path.]

Jin Zhen grinned.

"Finally."

He selected it.

[Soulforge Body Tempering Acquired!]

[Compatibility Detected: 91% – Initiating Tempering Path]

Pain wracked his body. Fire and lightning surged through his veins. His muscles screamed, bones cracked and reformed. Yet Jin Zhen didn't even flinch. Instead, he welcomed the agony.

Outside the chamber, the mountain trembled.

A few disciples looked up from their meditation, confused by the sudden pulse of pressure. Inside, Jin Zhen roared silently as his flesh was refined by soulfire. A crimson aura flared around him like a phoenix born anew.

After what felt like hours, silence returned.

The system's voice rang out once more:

[Body Constitution Advanced: Tempered Soul Body → Soulforge Tyrant Physique]

[Physique Rank: Heaven-Tier – Stage 1]

[Strength +30 | Vitality +40 | Elemental Resistance +35%]

[Passive Ability Unlocked: Soulfire Regeneration]

He collapsed backward, breathing heavy, sweat clinging to every inch of his skin.

"I've taken another step... and the heavens didn't stop me."

---

Elsewhere, in a shadowy palace veiled by mist, a woman with eyes like starlight sat on a floating lotus. An elder approached.

"My lady... scouts confirm the Crimson Sect now controls half the Crimson Ravine Region. Their numbers... grow unnaturally fast."

The woman opened her eyes.

"Jin Zhen... the dark star rises."

She whispered something under her breath, and her spiritual sense drifted across the land.

"I'll test him myself soon."

---

Back in the sect, Jin Zhen stood before his disciples once more the next morning.

"Disciples of Crimson Sky," he declared, "today, you begin cultivation trials. The weak will fall. The strong shall rise. And those who survive... will become legends."

They erupted in cheers.

But behind that cheer, a cold resolve brewed in Jin Zhen's heart. He had challenged the heavens. He had built a throne upon blood and bones.

And he would stop for no one.