The halls of Blood Ridge Fortress pulsed with new life.
Once reeking of bandit lawlessness, the stone corridors now echoed with disciplined footsteps and purposeful movement. The tattered banners of the Scarlet Moon Bandits had been burned, their ashes scattered to the wind. In their place, the sigil of the Abyssal Sect—a swirling crimson vortex devouring all—loomed over every entrance and gate.
Murong Chen stood at the apex of the fortress, gazing out over the mountain range. His robes, newly tailored in dark silks embroidered with runes, billowed in the mountain winds. Around his left hand gleamed the Blood Jade Ring, a conduit that now allowed him to govern the Sect's internal systems seamlessly.
Ding!
Sect Notification: Blood Ridge Base Established.
Status: Operational.
Resources: Spirit Stone Vein (Grade 2), Rare Beast Habitat (Unclaimed), Abandoned Herb Garden (Restorable).
Suggested Actions: Appoint Resource Overseers. Initiate Restoration Missions. Begin Beast Taming Operation.
Murong Chen's eyes narrowed as he studied the prompts. The system's integration with the Sect's base was flawless. Now, he could not only command his forces but manage resources with precision, turning the Sect into a self-sustaining entity.
A knock sounded.
"Enter," Chen commanded.
Lin Yue stepped in, her expression sharp and composed. Behind her trailed Yu Feiyang, an inner disciple recently elevated due to exceptional performance during the battle. His presence was respectful, his aura restrained yet tinged with anticipation.
"Reporting, Sect Leader," Lin Yue began. "The resource evaluation is complete. The Spirit Stone Vein can provide a steady income, but the Herb Garden is in decay. As for the beast habitat, scouts report the presence of several Spirit Rank beasts—untamed but valuable."
Chen nodded. "Good. Assign Yu Feiyang as the overseer of the Spirit Stone Mine. His aptitude for logistics and discipline will serve well."
Yu Feiyang dropped to one knee. "This subordinate shall not fail, Sect Leader."
"Bai Qingshan will lead the restoration of the Herb Garden. He has knowledge of formations that can rejuvenate the soil's vitality. Lin Yue, I trust you to manage the taming of the beasts."
Her lips curled into a faint smile. "I was hoping you'd say that."
Ding! Appointments Confirmed.
Resource Generation Initiated:
– Spirit Stone Vein: +100 Spirit Stones per week.
– Herb Garden Restoration Time: 10 Days (Completion Reward: Sect Pill Refinery Unlocked).
– Beast Habitat Taming: Risk Level – Medium. Success Reward: Sect Beast Taming Hall Unlocked.
Chen dismissed them with a nod. As they exited, he turned toward the inner sanctum—the Abyssal Sect Command Hall, freshly renovated and filled with formation glyphs that resonated with the fortress's very core.
There, Bai Qingshan waited, a map unfurled across the table.
"Sect Leader, the Emerald Cloud Sect has sent envoys requesting a meeting. They claim to offer peace, but I sense opportunism," Qingshan said gravely.
Chen's fingers traced the territory marked as Emerald Cloud. A mid-tier sect with moderate strength, known for alchemical expertise and subtle manipulations.
"They seek to gauge our strength—or exploit weakness," Chen mused. "We shall grant them audience, but on our terms."
Ding! Mission Update: Diplomacy Initiated.
Objective: Handle Emerald Cloud Envoys.
Success Reward: "Abyssal Trade Route" Activation, +300 Sect Prestige.
Hidden Bonus: Potential Recruitment of Unique Alchemist.
Chen rose. "Prepare a reception. Let them believe we are open… but let them also understand—we do not bend."
Later That Evening – Hall of Shadows
A grand reception hall, dimly lit by spiritual lanterns, filled with influential figures of the Abyssal Sect. Murong Chen sat on the elevated seat of leadership, flanked by Lin Yue and Bai Qingshan. Beneath, disciples stood in organized formation, their presence exuding silent strength.
Two envoys entered, clad in verdant robes of the Emerald Cloud Sect, their expressions carefully neutral.
"Sect Leader Murong, we greet you in the name of the Cloud Pavilion," the elder envoy said with a courteous bow. "We offer congratulations on your swift conquest of Blood Ridge."
Chen's gaze remained steady. "Speak your purpose."
"We propose an exchange of resources—our alchemical expertise for access to your Spirit Stone Vein. Mutual prosperity."
Chen's lips curled faintly. "You offer alchemy. We already possess the foundations to build our own. What makes your offer worthy?"
The envoys exchanged glances, then the younger one stepped forward.
"We… also offer the services of Qian Yu, a prodigious alchemist of rare talent, should you agree."
Qian Yu? Chen's mind stirred.
Ding! Hidden Recruitment Mission Triggered.
Recruit Qian Yu into Abyssal Sect (Optional).
Reward: Sect Alchemy Hall Unlock, Unique Pill Recipe – "Abyssal Rebirth Pill."
Success Condition: Gain Qian Yu's Loyalty.
Chen's eyes glittered. "I accept—but Qian Yu joins my Sect permanently, or there is no deal."
Tension filled the hall. The envoys hesitated—but relented.
"Very well… we will send her to you within three days."
Chen rose, his aura like a crushing tide. "Leave now. The Abyss does not entertain delay."
The envoys retreated swiftly, clearly unsettled.
Three Days Later – Inner Courtyard
A young woman with striking violet eyes and an alchemical jade pouch stood before Murong Chen. Qian Yu, her presence calm but tinged with wariness.
"You summoned me. I have come—but I serve no one blindly."
Chen appraised her. "Then prove your worth. Refine this."
He handed her a complex pill recipe, one lost to time but stored within the system's archives. She studied it, eyes widening—but nodded.
"Prepare the furnace."
Ding! Side Quest Initiated: Alchemist's Trial.
Success: Sect Alchemy Hall Unlocked. Qian Yu Loyalty +50.
Qian Yu worked through the night. Flames danced. Spiritual herbs hissed and crackled. Chen watched silently.
At dawn, the pill emerged—flawless.
"I have done it," she whispered.
Chen nodded. "Then serve me—and you will rise higher than you ever dreamed."
Her eyes shone. "Yes… Sect Leader."
Final Scene – Abyssal Sect, Midnight
Murong Chen stood alone atop the highest tower of Blood Ridge, wind howling around him. Below, his Sect thrived, loyal, efficient, and growing.
The system pulsed.
Ding! Sect Level Increased: Rank 2 Sect Achieved.
New Features Unlocked: Sect Missions Expansion, Outer Disciple Recruitment, Abyssal Treasury.
Personal Reward: "Abyssal Throne" Artifact Blueprint – Enhance Leadership Influence.
Chen clenched his fist.
"The Abyssal Sect rises—and soon, this world will tremble."