The mountains surrounding the Crimson Sect buzzed with spiritual energy, as if echoing the breakthrough of their sect master.
Jin Zhen stood atop the Flamewatch Peak, his robes fluttering in the dawn wind. Below him, hundreds of disciples were already at work, clearing land, shaping spirit fields, and constructing new dwellings for the expanding sect.
His eyes gleamed.
It was time to convert his rising power into a foundation that would shake the entire region.
[System Notification][Passive Yield from World Mining Node (Level 2) Collected: 100 Spirit Stones][Crimson Flame Treasury Extraction Progress: 91% — 2 High-Grade Spirit Stones acquired][Available SP: 10]
He opened the [Resource Ledger].
[Resources]
Spirit Coins: 145,600
Mid-Grade Spirit Stones: 2,320
High-Grade Spirit Stones: 9
Mystic Material Fragments: 15
Unallocated SP: 10
Jin Zhen crossed his arms.
"So it was buried beneath us all along... This sect sits atop a dead fire-vein."
Behind him, Elder Shui approached, carrying a scroll and a troubled expression.
"Master, our mining disciples have uncovered more of that strange crimson ore. They say it's fusing with spirit stones—never seen anything like it."
Jin Zhen smirked.
"That's because it isn't ordinary ore. It's part of an ancient volcanic leyline. My system—"
He paused, correcting himself.
"My intuition tells me this mountain range was once a battlefield of flame cultivators. The lingering energy still nourishes what lies beneath."
Elder Shui bowed.
"We've also received requests from nearby clans seeking trade. Word of your breakthrough spreads like wildfire."
Jin Zhen waved his hand.
"Good. Send an envoy. Exchange high-grade fertilizer techniques and beast-husbandry scrolls for spirit ores and seeds. Our wealth must grow with our influence."
Elder Shui hesitated. "And the spirit stones, Master? We're gaining them faster than we can spend."
Jin Zhen smiled coldly.
"That will change soon. The sect's outer ring must be rebuilt. Use the low-grade stones for foundation enchantments. Keep the mid and high-grade ones stored in the Flame Vault."
Later, in the newly built Resource Pavilion, Jin Zhen gathered several promising inner disciples, including Fang Mu, Li Xiang, and Lan Yuer.
"We will launch the 'Crimson Bloom Project,'" Jin Zhen announced. "A program to make our sect self-sustaining and agriculturally fortified."
Fang Mu blinked. "Agriculture, Master?"
Jin Zhen nodded. "Wealth comes from the ground. But not just any soil—spirit fields tuned with precise formations. We'll grow Qi-rich grains and Flame Lotus Buds. Not only will our people eat, they'll cultivate as they harvest."
He turned to Lan Yuer. "You'll oversee the water channeling system. Take this."
He handed her a token engraved with a phoenix and a stream.
"Use it to command the Elemental Flow Formation. And Li Xiang," he said, tossing her a bag of spirit seeds, "you will train the younger disciples in field control and protection spells."
They bowed, their eyes shining with duty.
That night, Jin Zhen sat cross-legged in his private cultivation chamber.
[SP: 10][Skill Upgrade Available: Flame Authority - Level 3 to Level 4 — Cost: 10 SP]
"Upgrade."
[Upgrading...]
Flames erupted around him, not wild but refined—like flowing silk woven from the sun.
[Flame Authority – Level 4: You may now create and command Spirit Flame Avatars. Fire resistance increased. Flame constructs strengthened. Fire-based Qi techniques gain +40% potency.]
A burning sigil etched itself into his palm.
He raised his hand. Flames burst from his skin and formed into a humanoid avatar—tall, silent, smoldering with reverent heat.
It bowed to him.
Jin Zhen grinned. "Good. You'll watch the treasury."
Suddenly, a new notification appeared.
[New Feature Unlocked: Flame Nexus (Dormant)][Condition to Activate: Reach Core Formation (Mid-stage), possess 5 Flame Avatars, and absorb a Heartfire Crystal.]
His grin deepened. "So that's the path..."
He closed the window and rose.
With each chapter in his story, the world tilted a little further toward his flame.
And Jin Zhen had no intention of letting it cool.