The moon hovered high above the valley, its pale light cascading across broken stone and creeping ivy. Within the ruined sect base, a new energy stirred.
Two women now sat in meditation beside the ancient cold spring. Frost mist rose around Xue Yan, while crackling arcs of energy sparked along Lan Yuer's skin. The crimson-clad man who watched over them, Jin Zhen, stood on a moss-covered balcony high above, arms crossed.
The Crimson Sect was taking form.
But it was far from enough.
[System Notification: Potential Recruit Detected — Violet-Eyed Maiden | Estimated Location: South-west ridge | Distance: 9.2 km]
[Compatibility: 98% — Physique Detected: Violet Hell Lotus Body (Extreme Grade)]
[Vital Status: In Conflict — Surrounded by enemies. Estimated time until death: 22 minutes.]
Jin Zhen's eyes narrowed.
"Another chosen flower surrounded by weeds."
He turned from the balcony, cloak flaring behind him.
"Time to pluck her before the vultures get greedy."
—
The south-west ridge was a jagged forest of stone and dead trees, crackling with occasional fire bursts and wild spiritual qi. Near the center of a scorched clearing stood a young woman — her clothes tattered, her arms bleeding — facing six attackers in uniform robes.
Her hair was long and jet-black, flowing like ink. But what struck the eye first was the pair of glowing violet eyes, burning with fierce defiance.
"You dare touch me?!" she shouted. "I'm from the Yun Clan! When they learn what you've done—"
"—they'll do nothing," said a smirking elder. "Your clan already cast you out, Violet Curse. Why else do you think we dared come?"
Another attacker stepped forward, conjuring a flame whip. "Hand over the Violet Hell Flame Seed, and we'll make your death swift."
The girl — Yun Mei — clenched her fists.
Her dantian trembled with pain. She had forcibly broken through a barrier just yesterday. Her spiritual core was unstable.
But she wouldn't bow.
Then—
"Such a waste of effort."
The attackers froze.
From the shadows behind a broken boulder, a man in black stepped forward. His crimson cloak seemed to drink the moonlight, and his golden eyes glowed like a predator's.
Jin Zhen.
"And here I thought I'd come to rescue a worthy soul," he said calmly. "Instead, I find scavengers picking through destiny's ashes."
"Who the hell are you!?" one of them barked.
"Your executioner."
[Skill Activated: Crimson Flame — Third Form: Infernal Bloom]
A flower of fire burst beneath Jin Zhen's feet, launching him like a cannonball. His fist met the flame whip mid-air — and shattered it like glass. The attacker screamed as fire crawled up his arm and engulfed his body.
The others reacted instantly — blades, talismans, and spells flying.
But none of them reached.
Jin Zhen danced among them like a phantom, striking once for each breath they drew.
One.
Two.
Three.
By the time Yun Mei blinked again, only ashes remained.
He turned to her.
She raised her trembling arms in defense.
"W-Wait—!"
"I'm not here to hurt you."
He crouched in front of her.
"I'm here to offer you a choice."
She stared.
"I've seen how people treat you. A cursed body. Violet flames. Too strong for your clan to control, too dangerous to keep around."
He extended his hand.
"I don't fear your flames. I want them to grow. Join me, Yun Mei. Be my third disciple. Let the world burn for ever treating you as less."
She hesitated.
Her entire life, people had looked at her with fear. Revulsion. Even her own mother.
But his eyes held no fear.
Only ambition.
And belief.
She took his hand.
"I swear. I'll follow you. Even into hell."
[System Notification: Yun Mei Recruited — Loyalty: 61% | Reverence: 34% | Trauma Residue: Present]
[Bonded Physique: Violet Hell Lotus Body — Effect: Flame-based damage x2 | Immunity to Fire Affinity Techniques below Golden Core Stage.]
[Shared Cultivation Activated — Crimson Flame Path unlocked.]
[New Skill Unlocked: Lotus Inferno - Passive Flame Aura enhancement across all disciples.]
[Quest Progress: 3/5 Maidens Recruited — Time Remaining: 88 hours.]
He stood up, pulling her with him.
"Good. Rest now. I'll carry you back."
She collapsed against him, unconscious.
—
By the time he returned to the valley, the sun had begun to rise. The temple ruins now echoed faintly with spiritual life. Xue Yan and Lan Yuer stepped out to greet him.
Both paused when they saw the third girl in his arms.
"She's... one of us?" Xue Yan asked.
"She is now."
Lan Yuer scoffed. "That aura... her flames are unstable."
"She'll master them. With time."
He carried Yun Mei inside and laid her gently in one of the side chambers.
Then turned to his other disciples.
"We're not stopping here. I need two more of you. And soon. Prepare yourselves. Tomorrow, we search again."
[System Notification: Sect Stats Updated]
Crimson SectDisciples: 3
Sect Rank: Mortal (High)
Facilities: Meditation Spring (Activated), Hellfire Chamber (Sealed), Hidden Library (Locked)
System Features: Recruit Scan, Shared EXP, Flame Bond Network
Jin Zhen stood before the temple's altar.
"Soon," he muttered.
"We will rise. And this world will kneel."