The dawn broke over the Crimson Sect in a cascade of gold and red, the twin suns rising over the misty peaks. The third and final day of the Ascension Tournament had arrived.
Jin Zhen, seated on his obsidian throne at the peak arena, wore a quiet smile. His aura was concealed, yet heavy enough to keep most elders silent. Core disciples stood to his sides, their faces filled with anticipation. But none were more composed than Jin Zhen himself.
Today marked the moment when fortune would shift.
[System Notification][SP: 20][Resources: 122,000 Spirit Coins, 2,100 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, 7 High-Grade Spirit Stones][Hidden Cache: Crimson Flame Treasury — 86% Integrity]
Jin Zhen tapped his fingers on the armrest.
He had invested only a portion of his system's treasure-extraction function into the surrounding mountains, but the rewards were already pouring in.
[System Function Unlocked: World Mining Node x1][Passive Income: 50 Spirit Stones per day][Node Upgrade Available — Cost: 10 SP, 200 Spirit Stones]
"Upgrade."
[Upgrading... Node now produces 100 Spirit Stones daily.]
He smirked.
Meanwhile, in the Sect's central square, crowds gathered as the top twenty contestants were brought forward.
Xue Yan addressed them, voice like thunder:
"Today you will fight not for survival, but for supremacy. Pairings have been set. Only five will advance to the Crimson Core."
Whispers broke out across the spectators.
Among the contestants stood Li Xiang, Fang Mu, and several promising new faces: a shadow cultivator from the Serpent Marsh, a flame dancer from the Burning Moon Sect, and a rogue beastmaster with a spirit-tier contract.
The first match began: Fang Mu versus the beastmaster.
Fang Mu summoned his Iron Vine Constitution in full, his limbs surrounded by thorned vines that shimmered with silver-green light. The beastmaster unleashed a lava wolf.
The clash was fierce—but short.
Fang Mu's vines burst from the ground like serpents, constricting the wolf in midair. With a roar, he slammed his opponent to the platform.
"Winner: Fang Mu!"
The next battles unfolded quickly.
Li Xiang made her move against the flame dancer. The fight turned into a storm of fire and shadow. Flames twisted and bent unnaturally, swallowed by space distortions.
She reappeared behind her foe, striking his core with a palm enveloped in spatial runes. He collapsed instantly.
"Winner: Li Xiang."
Jin Zhen watched quietly, arms crossed.
Later that night, he summoned Li Xiang and Fang Mu to the Hall of Crimson Flame.
Within its walls were relics, ancient books, and now—piles of spirit stones.
"You've proven yourselves," he said. "But strength alone means little without vision. The sect must grow... and you will lead its expansion."
He handed them crimson badges engraved with a dragon coiling a flame.
"Take these. You are now Crimson Envoys. Travel to the border villages, establish sect outposts, protect, teach, and—"
He raised a hand, and spirit stones and coins materialized in a flash of light.
"Build. Wealth is cultivation. Cultivation is control."
They bowed.
Before they left, Jin Zhen opened his [Status Interface].
[Name: Jin Zhen][Title: Crimson Overlord][Realm: Peak Foundation (91%)][SP: 5][Unique Skill: Flame Authority - Level 3]
He tapped a button.
[Consume 5 SP — Breakthrough Attempt?]"Confirm."
His body shuddered as scarlet flames engulfed him. A vortex of qi spiraled upward, forming clouds above the hall.
Lan Yuer, sensing the shift, knelt silently outside.
Thunder rolled.
The flame vortex surged into his dantian.
[Breakthrough Successful: Jin Zhen has entered the Core Formation Realm (Initial Stage)]
A red sigil flared behind his eyes. His skin radiated heat. His presence expanded tenfold.
Outside, the disciples all looked up in awe.
Jin Zhen stepped out.
"From now on," he declared, voice resounding across the peaks, "the Crimson Sect stands among the High Sects."
Cheers erupted.
And far to the north, old enemies began to take notice.