The chilling winds of Blood Ridge Mountain howled through the ravines like the wails of ancient beasts, the terrain jagged with blackened stone and the scent of sulfur permeating the air. Murong Chen stood at the forefront of his assembled followers, his robes fluttering in the icy gales, eyes fixed on the looming fortress at the mountain's heart—the former stronghold of the Scarlet Moon Bandits, now a strategic target for his newly founded Abyssal Sect.
At his side, Vice Leader Lin Yue maintained a calm, composed expression, her gaze sharp as blades, while Grand Elder Bai Qingshan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his presence like a towering ancient pine—unyielding and deep-rooted.
Behind them stood over a hundred loyal followers, many former allies and warriors from the days before Chen's betrayal. Clad in dark robes embroidered with the insignia of the Abyssal Sect—a crimson vortex over a black abyss—they radiated a mixture of resolve and anticipation.
Ding!
Sect Mission Progress Update:
Target: Seize control of Blood Ridge Fortress.
Status: Enemy Presence Confirmed – Scarlet Moon Bandits (Approx. 300 members)
Reward Upon Success: +1 Territory Acquisition (Blood Ridge), Sect Contribution Store Unlock, Vice Leader Talent Enhancement, Sect Prestige +500.
Additional Reward (Personal): "Abyssal Core Scripture" (First-tier Sect Exclusive Cultivation Manual).
Murong Chen's gaze hardened as the system's prompt vanished. The stakes were clear. This was not merely a territorial conquest—it was a baptism of blood, the first of many trials that would forge the Abyssal Sect's reputation across the martial world.
He raised his hand, voice resonant, carrying over the wind.
"Today, we carve our place into this world with steel and flame. These mountains will bear our name—not as mere cultivators, but as rulers of our fate. Strike hard, leave none who oppose. For the Abyss shall rise."
A thunderous roar of affirmation echoed from the gathered disciples.
Bai Qingshan stepped forward. "My scouts report three fortified positions within the fortress. Their leader, Zhao Kun, is a Peak Golden Core cultivator. His lieutenants are numerous. If we strike from three angles simultaneously, we can fracture their defense before they rally."
Murong Chen nodded. "Divide into three strike groups. Bai Qingshan, lead the frontal assault and draw their main force. Lin Yue, take the right flank through the Shadow Ravine and neutralize their sentries. I will strike from the left—into the heart of their command."
Lin Yue gave a slight bow, lips curled into a faint smirk. "They won't know what hit them."
Qingshan nodded. "Let's make this swift."
As orders were dispatched, the Abyssal Sect moved with precision. Their Sect Formation Manuals, gifted through the system upon founding, had elevated their tactical efficiency beyond standard bandit scum. In minutes, the mountain was alive with coordinated movements—silent figures darting through the terrain, blades and spells at the ready.
Murong Chen moved like a specter along the left flank, weaving through narrow ravines and sharp cliffs, his presence cloaked with Abyssal Shadow Steps, a unique movement technique refined through the system's earlier reward. His senses were attuned to every motion, every tremor in the ground. He reached a ledge overlooking the inner sanctum, where Zhao Kun barked orders to his disorganized men.
Chen's eyes narrowed.
Hidden Objective Triggered:
Assassinate Zhao Kun within 15 minutes of engagement.
Reward: "Blood Jade Ring" (Enhances Sect Leader Authority Functions), Sect Contribution Rate +5% for 1 Month.
He smirked. "So be it."
With a surge of energy, he leapt from the cliff, Ashen Blade drawn, its blackened edge humming with latent power. The air around him warped as Sword Qi condensed, cutting through the wind like thunder through clouds.
"Who—!?" Zhao Kun turned, eyes widening, but too late.
Chen descended like a falling star, Ashen Blade cleaving through three guards in a flash, their blood spraying like crimson rain.
"Murong Chen!" Zhao Kun roared, drawing a broad saber wreathed in red flame. "You dare—"
Chen didn't answer. His blade spoke for him.
Steel met steel, sparks erupting as Chen pressed the assault, each strike guided by the Heavenly Abyss Sword Art, its fierce, merciless rhythm overwhelming Zhao Kun's flaming saber. Around them, the remaining bandits scrambled, but Lin Yue's forces had already breached the walls, cutting down reinforcements before they could respond.
Bai Qingshan's frontal assault was a masterstroke—an illusory formation drawn from ancient scripts now confused and scattered the enemy, creating chaos within their ranks.
Back in the heart of the fight, Zhao Kun coughed blood, his defense crumbling under the sheer force of Murong Chen's relentless onslaught.
Chen's eyes flashed with killing intent. "This mountain belongs to me now."
With one final sweep, Ashen Blade severed Zhao Kun's head, blood spraying across the black stone.
Ding! Target Eliminated – Objective Complete.
Reward Unlocked: "Blood Jade Ring" Added to Inventory.
System Message: Territory Acquired – Blood Ridge Fortress.
Sect Base Functionality Unlocked:
– Resource Management (Mines, Farms)
– Sect Contribution Store (Available)
– Sect Treasury (1,000 Spirit Stones)
– Recruitment Function Opened.
Sect-wide Bonus: Spiritual Energy Density +5% in Base Area.
The fortress fell within the hour.
Chen stood atop the central hall, blood-slicked and grim, watching as the Abyssal Sect's banner was raised over the walls—a vortex of crimson and black.
Lin Yue approached, wiping blood from her blade. "It's done. The Blood Ridge is ours."
Bai Qingshan followed, nodding. "Minimal losses. Efficient and decisive. A message to all who would oppose us."
Murong Chen slipped the Blood Jade Ring onto his finger. Instantly, a surge of power pulsed through him—control, not merely of the fortress, but of the Sect's foundational operations. He could now allocate resources, assign missions, and shape the Sect's future from his will alone.
Ding! Leadership Enhancement Triggered:
Vice Leader Talent Upgrade Available: Lin Yue's "Shadow Blossom" Technique Advanced to "Void Petal Dance."
Grand Elder Talent Upgrade Available: Bai Qingshan's Formation Mastery Advanced to "Abyssal Array Arts."
Murong Chen turned toward the gathered disciples, eyes cold yet burning with purpose.
"This is only the beginning. From this mountain, we will build an empire—not of mortals, but of legends. The Abyss does not yield. It devours."
And as the sun set over Blood Ridge, casting long shadows across the ravines, Murong Chen's Abyssal Sect stepped fully into the cultivation world—a force awakened, a storm unchained.