As dawn broke over the Crimson Sect valley, the atmosphere shifted. The once-silent winds now carried murmurs, faint voices just beyond perception. Birds cawed in strange patterns, and a tension settled over the air like an unseen fog.
Jin Zhen emerged from his meditation chamber, clad in obsidian robes lined with crimson fire patterns. His senses prickled as he surveyed the valley below. The spiritual energy was fluctuating, and he could feel it pulsing against the wards of the mountain.
He opened his [System Interface].
[Crimson Overlord — Jin Zhen]
[Realm: Intermediate Foundation (64%)]
[SP: 110]
[Passive Talents: Sovereign Embers (+15% Flame Damage)]
[New Trait: Sect Flame Conduit — Disciples near you gain +5% Flame Affinity]
[Sect Objective: Host Tournament (2 Days Remaining)]
[Hidden Objective Progress: ???]
He narrowed his eyes.
"The world moves faster than expected."
He stepped outside and summoned his voice across the valley with qi:
"All core disciples, to the War Hall. Now."
—
In the War Hall, a circular structure infused with crimson jade, the core disciples gathered.
Xue Yan arrived first, already armored. "Scouts reported strange lights beyond the southern cliffs," he said. "And whispers in the wind."
Lan Yuer followed, face tense. "Two rogue cultivators were found trying to sneak past the barrier. They carried talismans bearing the emblem of the Golden Spear Sect."
Jin Zhen's expression remained neutral.
"And Yun Mei?"
"She's in the alchemical chamber," said Lan Yuer. "Infusing the Emberlotus with condensed lightning essence. She's been... unusually focused."
Moments later, Yun Mei entered, holding a glowing crystal sphere.
"I completed it," she said, her voice tinged with pride and exhaustion.
She handed the item to Jin Zhen.
[Item Received: Lightning Ember Core — Can be used to empower one fire or lightning-based skill. Increases power by 20% and grants a 10% chance to stun.]
Jin Zhen nodded, then turned to all of them.
"The tournament is more than recruitment. It's bait."
They blinked.
"We need eyes on us. We need threats to expose themselves. Only then can we eliminate them before they strike deeper."
Xue Yan grinned. "I like this plan."
Lan Yuer frowned. "It's dangerous."
Yun Mei simply smiled. "It's brilliant."
Jin Zhen tapped his [SP Menu].
[Spend SP? Available: 110]
[Option Selected: Skill Enhancement — Ember Mirage Array]
[Cost: 100 SP | Confirm?]
"Confirm."
[Ember Mirage Array upgraded to Level 2 — Illusion strength doubled. Can now simulate minor spiritual pressure and conceal formations.]
"Lan Yuer," Jin Zhen said, "Upgrade the tournament ground with this array. I want hidden pressure zones that adapt to cultivation levels. Let them sweat. Let them fear."
"As you command."
—
That evening, the outer disciples worked tirelessly under glowing spirit stones. The tournament stage rose from stone, shaped by earth qi, its pillars carved with flaming dragons and ancient sigils.
Beneath the stage, Jin Zhen stood with his hand pressed against the earth, directing the formation with his flame qi. His aura rippled, and the ground lit up with complex runes.
Above him, Yun Mei infused crystals into the four cardinal obelisks.
"The Ember Mirage is ready," she said. "Once we activate it tomorrow, no one will notice the secondary constructs."
Jin Zhen rose, brushing dust from his hands.
"They won't know they're being judged until it's too late."
—
Far from the valley, inside a tea house in Stormriver City, a masked man read a scroll.
"Crimson Sect Tournament?" he mused. "Interesting."
A second figure leaned forward. "Should we send someone?"
The masked man smiled behind his veil. "No need. I'm going myself."
He stood, leaving a silver lotus coin on the table. The room dimmed as his presence faded.
—
Back in the Crimson Sect, Jin Zhen stood alone under the stars, contemplating the storm he'd invited.
"Let them come," he whispered, a small smile curling his lips. "Let the world test its blades against mine."
And the heavens, vast and cold, seemed to shimmer in reply.