Chapter 48: The Golden Harvest and the Rising Storm

The golden sun poured over the Crimson Sky Sect like a river of molten jade, bathing the terraced fields surrounding the sect in a soft, radiant glow. For once, the air didn't hum with the pressure of cultivators battling or disciples sparring. Instead, it was filled with the rhythmic sounds of sickles slicing through ripened grain, the laughter of junior disciples, and the distant thunder of spiritual beasts being driven from the outer borders.

Jin Zhen stood at the edge of the highest field, arms crossed over his chest, watching over his sect like a king surveying his kingdom. His crimson robes fluttered slightly in the wind, revealing the intricate patterns of black lotus blossoms embroidered across the hems. Despite the peaceful atmosphere, his eyes gleamed with vigilance and calculation.

The fields were overflowing. Under his direction—and aided by a healthy dose of [Heavenly Growth Elixir] purchased using [SP]—the barren lands that once surrounded the sect had transformed into a lush paradise. Spirit rice, silver-petal herbs, crimson root stalks—all thriving in abundance. Even the once-toxic soil of the northern slope had turned fertile thanks to his use of [Earth Purification Array Scrolls].

Jin Zhen's investment had begun to pay off.

[System Notification:

'Crimson Sky Sect' Agricultural Sector has reached Peak Level – Harvest Output +180%.

You have earned 300 SP.]

He smirked. "Only 300? Come on, system, don't be stingy."

[System Notification:

300 SP is a generous amount. You're the one who farmed potatoes like a madman.]

"…Fair point."

Behind him, Grand Elder Li approached, his hands clasped behind his back. "Sect Master, the outer disciples report that harvest will be complete within two days. The grain is nearly triple last year's yield."

"Excellent," Jin Zhen nodded. "Ensure they process and store the spirit grains properly. No sloppy work."

Li bowed. "Of course. Also… the merchant caravans have begun arriving. Some even from the Azure Blade Empire."

Jin Zhen's grin widened. "Perfect. Let the world come to see how prosperous we've become."

Indeed, beyond the walls of the sect, long caravans lined the trade path, filled with eager merchants who'd heard rumors of the miraculous transformation. Spirit cultivators, treasure hunters, and nobles all swarmed like bees to nectar.

But all was not sweet.

In a dark corner of the Crimson Sky Sect, within the newly built treasury chamber, Jin Zhen examined the spoils of their latest battles. Spirit stones piled like small hills, enchanted weapons glinted under lantern light, and rare ingredients filled crystalline jars.

His fingers lingered on a newly acquired jade talisman pulsing with strange energy.

[Item Identified:

Ancient Command Token of the Fallen Sun Sect (Damaged)

— Grants access to a sealed relic site.]

Jin Zhen's brows rose. "Fallen Sun Sect? That's a name buried deep in the annals of history…"

He tapped his chin. "I wonder what secrets still lie hidden in their ruins. System, how much to unlock the token's seal?"

[Cost to repair token: 850 SP.]

His eye twitched. "Highway robbery."

[You currently have 3,240 SP. Repairing will still leave you rich.]

"…Fine, repair it."

[Item Repaired. Access Coordinates Updated in Sect Map.]

Jin Zhen's thoughts churned. Another ancient ruin meant more treasures, more opportunities to rise above the other sects—and to feed his ever-growing power.

Outside, the disciples rejoiced. Their harvest festival had begun.

The outer disciples danced and sang, their robes fluttering like petals as fireworks soared. Inner disciples stood guard but even they cracked rare smiles. In one corner, Elder Fang was demonstrating his wine brewing technique—mostly to himself, as he drank more than he explained.

And in the center of it all, seated like a monarch on a throne made of harvested wheat, was Jin Zhen.

"Sect Master!" a young disciple ran up, bowing deeply. "A delegation from the Jade River Sect has arrived."

Jin Zhen tilted his head. "Did they bring tribute or trouble?"

"They said… both."

"Charming. Let's see what they want."

---

Inside the sect's great hall, the delegation stood stiffly. Their leader was a woman in her late twenties, sharp-eyed and armed with a double-edged spear. Her cultivation leaked out at the Nascent Soul realm.

"You are Jin Zhen," she said coolly. "I am Mu Lianhua, envoy of Jade River Sect."

He gave a lazy nod, lounging on his throne. "The one and only. What can the Crimson Sky Sect do for you, today?"

"You've interfered with our trade routes. Merchants we once taxed now bypass us in favor of your sect's markets."

"Is it my fault your food tastes like sand and your guards rob people blind?" Jin Zhen said, his tone pleasant but laced with mockery.

Her eyes narrowed.

"I bring a proposal. An alliance. Share profits. In exchange, we won't… interfere."

Jin Zhen's smile didn't reach his eyes.

[System Option Triggered:

A) Agree to alliance.

B) Reject them and prepare for war.

C) Use [Divine Persuasion Scroll] to force favorable terms.]

He chose C.

"Mu Lianhua," he said, standing. "I believe we can come to a more… beneficial arrangement."

As he activated the scroll, a wave of invisible force swept over the envoy. Her pupils dilated. She blinked once, then twice… and then bowed deeply.

"Yes… you are right, Sect Master Jin Zhen. It would be our honor to supply your sect directly. A full trade share in your favor. Ninety to ten."

The other Jade River Sect members stared at her in horror, but Jin Zhen waved a hand.

"Good talk."

---

Later that night, as fireworks bloomed above, Jin Zhen leaned on the edge of his personal balcony, sipping peach wine. Below him, the sect flourished—agriculture, wealth, influence.

But he knew.

This was only the beginning.

The ancient token pulsed in his robe pocket, and with it, a whisper of something older than the sects, older than empires.

He opened his system.

[Status Display]

Name: Jin Zhen

Cultivation: Early Nascent Soul Realm

Special Body: Crimson Void Physique (Tier: Heaven)

SP: 2,390

Wealth: 1.2 Million Spirit Stones

Sect Prosperity: High

Reputation: Rising Star – Dangerous Potential

He chuckled.

"Let them come. I'll crush them all the same."

And somewhere, in the distance, clouds gathered—heavy with fate.