The Unburnt cut through the calm waters of the Mediterranean, a ghost ship under the midday sun. Mo Chen stood on the bridge, her hands resting on the cool ceramic console. Her empire was small, but it was hers. Her power was growing, fed by a constant, controlled burn.
The system interface glowed steadily in her mind, no longer a frantic demand, but a symbiotic partner in her reign.
System: Money Burning System (Level 13)
Host: Mo Chen
Daily Burning Quota: $250,000 USD
Conversion Rate: 1.5%
Cultivation Stage: Ember Core (Stable)
The Forge: Operational. The Unburnt: Operational.
She had a purpose, a base, and a weapon. The vengeful girl who had been reborn in fire was gone. In her place was a sovereign.
She thought of her parents, of Tian. They were safe, living their lives in the light, believing their daughter was traveling the world to "find herself." It was the greatest gift she could give them: the gift of ignorance, the shield of her absence.
She would watch over them from the shadows, a silent guardian who burned their enemies to ash.
A notification came in from Silas. "The first shipment of raw materials for the new drone prototypes has arrived at The Forge. Awaiting your instructions."
Mo Chen turned from the window, her eyes reflecting the endless blue of the sea and the cold fire within.
" Begin the burn," she said.
The Phoenix had risen. And her gaze was fixed on the horizon.