Akashic_Tales Originals
God-Tier Shop System: I Sell Everything But Mercy
[Author – SYTTROX]
[Editor – MiT7]
Chapter 11: Vermillion Sect Complications(2)
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"Scientific curiosity?" Lin Tian inquired, studying her carefully.
"Among other motivations," she admitted with surprising candor. "The Vermillion Sect values knowledge above all else. Understanding rare phenomena advances our collective wisdom."
Lin Tian nodded, recognizing an opening for potential cooperation despite the circumstances. "Knowledge exchange benefits all parties when approached with mutual respect. Perhaps your presence here might prove valuable beyond simple surveillance."
Bai Yuelin's expression remained carefully controlled, though Lin Tian detected genuine interest beneath her professional demeanor. "Perhaps. Time will tell."
Kiera cleared her throat pointedly. "I should check on our distribution preparations. Three new city contracts require immediate attention." She turned to Bai Yuelin. "Would you prefer to observe business operations first, or would you like to see your accommodations?"
"Accommodations can wait," the sect disciple replied. "I'm more interested in understanding your operation's structure and scope."
As Kiera led Bai Yuelin toward the business offices, Lin Tian felt her irritation through their bond, not directed at him, but at the situation. He sent a pulse of reassurance in response, a technique they'd discovered worked effectively through their connection.
Alone in the reception room, Lin Tian accessed the system interface, reviewing the morning's developments and their implications for his expansion plans.
[Situation Analysis]
[Vermillion Sect: Increased Monitoring (Manageable)]
[Bai Yuelin: Potential Asset/Liability (Requires Careful Handling)]
[Regional Expansion: Proceed as Planned]
[Recommendation: Accelerate Satellite Location Establishment]
The recommendation aligned with Lin Tian's instincts. Establishing physical presence in neighboring cities would create distance from Vermillion Sect oversight, which remained centered in Azurecrest. The loyalty bond with Kiera enabled remote coordination that would prove invaluable for managing distributed operations.
He moved to his private office, activating a detailed map display that showed potential expansion locations. Seven cities already carried his products through the Crimson Hawk distribution network. Three more had pending agreements awaiting finalization. That left five additional targets to meet the system's quest requirements.
Lin Tian studied population centers, trade routes, and political alignments, identifying optimal candidates for expansion. The system provided supplementary analysis as he worked.
[Expansion Target Analysis]
[Priority 1: Skyreach City (Trade Hub, Minimal Sect Presence)]
[Priority 2: Irondeep (Mining Center, Resource Access)]
[Priority 3: Azure Port (Coastal Access, International Potential)]
[Priority 4: Greenvalley (Agricultural Center, Cultivation Resources)]
[Priority 5: Mistpeak (Mountain Fortress, Strategic Position)]
The selections made strategic sense. Each location offered unique advantages while collectively creating a network that would dominate the eastern provinces' commercial landscape. Lin Tian began drafting implementation plans, detailing resource requirements, personnel needs, and timeline projections.
A soft chime interrupted his planning, someone seeking entry to his shop space. He materialized it with a thought, the pocket dimension expanding around him. The shop had evolved significantly since his advancement to Foundation Stage 3 and the system's upgrade to Tier III. Seventy-five square meters of meticulously organized space, with specialized areas for different product categories and customer types.
Kiera stood at the entrance, alone. "Our guest is reviewing inventory records with the staff," she explained, stepping inside. "I needed a moment of privacy to speak freely."
Lin Tian nodded, understanding her caution. "Your impression?"
"She's thorough and observant," Kiera replied, moving to stand beside him at the planning table. "Asked intelligent questions about our operation structure, supply chain, and distribution methods. Particularly interested in how we incorporate your bloodline energy into products."
"Expected areas of interest," Lin Tian noted. "Did she seem hostile?"
"Not hostile, no." Kiera frowned slightly, searching for the right characterization. "Conflicted, perhaps. She follows sect protocols precisely, but I sense genuine scientific curiosity beneath the formal exterior. She asked about my experience with the bond several times, how it feels, how it changed my perception, whether I regret it."
"Interesting." Lin Tian considered this information carefully. "Personal interest rather than merely following orders."
"That's my read," Kiera agreed. "Though whether that makes her more or less dangerous remains to be seen."
Lin Tian nodded, appreciating her caution. "We'll proceed carefully. Controlled information sharing, monitored access, and constant awareness of her activities."
"And our expansion plans?" Kiera gestured toward the map display.
"Accelerated," Lin Tian decided. "I want you to depart for Skyreach City tomorrow to finalize our first satellite location. The bond will allow us to coordinate despite distance."
Kiera's eyebrows rose slightly. "Sending me away deliberately?"
"Strategic deployment," he corrected with a slight smile. "Your abilities are best utilized establishing our foothold while I manage sect politics here. Besides, distance will test the bond's practical applications."
She nodded, understanding his reasoning. "And it keeps me away from their direct observation."
"A secondary benefit," Lin Tian acknowledged. "Though I expect Bai Yuelin will report your departure immediately."
"Let her," Kiera said with a determined expression. "We have nothing to hide regarding business expansion. It's the ritual details we're protecting."
Lin Tian felt a surge of appreciation through their bond, her strategic thinking aligned perfectly with his own, a harmony of purpose that transcended mere agreement. The system registered this synchronization.
[Bond Analysis: Kiera Frost]
[Synchronization: 83% (+7%)]
[Tactical Alignment: Exceptional]
[Note: Bond Strengthening Through Shared Purpose]
"Take Liu and Chen with you," Lin Tian instructed, referring to two trusted employees they'd trained extensively. "Establish the physical location first, then begin recruitment of local staff. I'll arrange for product shipments to arrive three days after you."
Kiera nodded, already mentally preparing for the assignment. "What about the Crimson Hawk connection? Should I coordinate with their Skyreach branch?"
"Maintain cordial relations but establish our operation independently," Lin Tian decided. "Our agreement with Varro covers distribution, not physical locations. I want our satellite shops directly under our control."
As they finalized details, Lin Tian felt a subtle shift in the shop's energy, a response to Bai Yuelin's presence approaching the physical location where his body remained seated in his office. The system alerted him to this proximity.
[Alert: Vermillion Sect Disciple Approaching]
[Location: Outside Office Door]
[Recommendation: Conclude Shop Space Interaction]
"She's outside my office," Lin Tian informed Kiera. "We should conclude for now."
Kiera nodded, moving toward the shop exit. "I'll prepare for departure. Skyreach City awaits."
As she left the shop space, Lin Tian allowed the pocket dimension to fade, returning his full awareness to his physical surroundings. A moment later, a knock sounded at his office door.
"Enter," he called, arranging his expression into neutral professionalism.
Bai Yuelin stepped inside, her crimson eyes immediately taking in the map display and planning documents. "Your operation is impressively organized," she observed. "Far beyond typical merchant standards."
"I believe in systematic approaches," Lin Tian replied, gesturing to a chair across from his desk. "Please, be seated. I imagine you have questions after your initial tour."
She accepted the invitation, her posture formal yet not rigid. "Many questions, though I recognize some may infringe on your stated boundaries."
"Ask freely," Lin Tian offered. "I'll indicate if a particular inquiry crosses those boundaries."
Bai Yuelin nodded, appreciating his directness. "Very well. First, regarding your bloodline integration, the Abyssal Phoenix manifests differently than documented phoenix variants. How do you manage the consumption aspect inherent to its nature?"
A surprisingly technical question, suggesting deeper knowledge than previously indicated. Lin Tian considered his response carefully.
"Controlled channeling," he explained. "The consumption impulse is redirected toward specific targets, primarily spirit stones and ambient energy rather than living essence. Meditation techniques focus this tendency productively."
"Self-developed techniques?" she pressed, genuine curiosity evident in her expression.
"Partially," Lin Tian acknowledged. "Adapted from existing methods but modified for my specific circumstances."
Bai Yuelin nodded thoughtfully. "The Vermillion Sect specializes in fire-aspect bloodlines, but the void component in your manifestation creates unique challenges. Traditional phoenix cultivation methods would prove insufficient."
"Hence the necessity for innovation," Lin Tian agreed, noting her technical understanding with interest. "Established paths provide foundation, but new manifestations require new approaches."
Their conversation continued along technical lines, Bai Yuelin demonstrating considerable knowledge about bloodline theory while Lin Tian shared carefully selected insights about his cultivation experience. The exchange remained professional yet increasingly engaged as they discovered shared intellectual interests despite their different backgrounds.
"Your understanding of energy harmonics is impressive for a merchant," she noted after a particularly insightful observation from Lin Tian.
"Former merchant," he corrected mildly. "Current cultivator with commercial expertise. Different perspective, not lesser qualification."
Something shifted in her expression, a reassessment, perhaps even grudging respect. "Fair distinction. The sect sometimes overvalues traditional paths at the expense of innovative approaches."
A surprising admission from a dedicated disciple. Lin Tian filed this indication of independent thinking away for future reference.
"Speaking of innovative approaches," he transitioned smoothly, "I noticed your particular interest in the loyalty bond. May I ask why that specific aspect captured your attention?"
Bai Yuelin hesitated, clearly weighing how much to reveal. "Professional interest primarily," she began, though Lin Tian sensed there was more. "Bond formations represent an understudied aspect of cultivation theory. Most research focuses on individual advancement rather than synergistic development."
"And personally?" Lin Tian pressed gently, intuiting deeper motivation.
She met his gaze directly, something resolute in her crimson eyes. "The Vermillion Sect values individual achievement above all else. Disciples advance through solitary effort, competing rather than cooperating. I've long questioned whether this approach limits our collective potential."
A surprisingly candid admission that revealed potential philosophical differences between Bai Yuelin and her sect's orthodoxy. The system analyzed this revelation immediately.
[Subject Analysis: Bai Yuelin]
[Revealed: Philosophical Divergence from Sect Doctrine]
[Potential: Ideological Recruitment Opportunity]
[Recommendation: Cultivate Intellectual Connection]
"An interesting perspective," Lin Tian acknowledged. "Particularly from an Inner Circle disciple."
"Perhaps because I am Inner Circle," she replied thoughtfully. "I've observed the limitations of our approach firsthand. Disciples reaching bottlenecks that might be overcome through complementary partnerships, knowledge siloed rather than shared, potential synergies never explored."
Lin Tian nodded, recognizing genuine conviction in her words. "The loyalty bond represents one such synergistic approach. Kiera and I are stronger together than separately, our capabilities complementary rather than redundant."
"Exactly," Bai Yuelin agreed, leaning forward slightly in her enthusiasm. "The preliminary results I observed in your partner, enhanced perception, accelerated cultivation potential, stable energy integration, suggest significant advantages over traditional solitary advancement."
Their discussion continued along theoretical lines, exploring implications of bond-based cultivation and potential applications beyond Lin Tian's specific implementation. Throughout the exchange, Lin Tian carefully noted Bai Yuelin's areas of particular interest, building a profile of her motivations and potential value as a connection within the Vermillion Sect.
Eventually, their conversation was interrupted by a system notification visible only to Lin Tian.
[Alert: Scheduled Crimson Hawk Meeting in 30 Minutes]
[Representative: Guild Master Varro]
[Topic: Tournament Sponsorship Proposal]
[Recommendation: Conclude Current Interaction]
"I apologize for the interruption," Lin Tian said, rising from his desk. "A previously scheduled meeting requires my attention. Perhaps we could continue this discussion later?"
Bai Yuelin nodded, standing as well. "Of course. My role here is to observe without disrupting your operations." She paused, then added, "This exchange has been... illuminating. I appreciate your willingness to discuss theoretical aspects of your experience."
"Knowledge exchange benefits both parties," Lin Tian replied with a slight smile. "I look forward to continuing our discussions."
After arranging for staff to show Bai Yuelin to her accommodations, Lin Tian prepared for his meeting with Varro. The Crimson Hawk Guild Master had been using Lin Tian's advanced elixirs regularly since their agreement, with notable improvements in his cultivation. Their business relationship had evolved into something approaching mutual respect, though Lin Tian remained cautious about the older cultivator's ultimate ambitions.
As he reviewed relevant documents, Lin Tian reflected on the morning's developments. The Vermillion Sect's increased monitoring created complications but also opportunities, particularly through Bai Yuelin, whose intellectual curiosity and potential ideological flexibility might prove valuable. Meanwhile, Kiera's imminent departure for Skyreach City would accelerate their expansion plans while testing the practical applications of their bond.
The system provided a summary assessment as he prepared to meet Varro.
[Situation Summary]
[Vermillion Sect: Monitoring Established (Manageable)]
[Bai Yuelin: Potential Asset (Intellectual Connection Established)]
[Kiera Deployment: Strategic Advantage for Expansion]
[Crimson Hawk Meeting: Opportunity for Tournament Visibility]
[Overall Status: Challenges Balanced by Opportunities]
Lin Tian smiled slightly at the assessment. Challenges balanced by opportunities, an apt description of his path since awakening in this world. Each complication created new possibilities, each obstacle offered potential advantage when approached strategically.
The loyalty bond with Kiera pulsed gently in his awareness, a golden thread connecting them despite her physical location elsewhere in the building. Soon that connection would span cities, testing its practical limits while enabling their expansion strategy. Meanwhile, Bai Yuelin's presence offered insights into sect politics and potential access to valuable knowledge, despite the surveillance aspect of her role.
As Lin Tian moved to meet Varro, his silver hair catching the afternoon light, he felt the familiar stirring of the Abyssal Phoenix within, approving of his ambition, his strategic thinking, his steady accumulation of connections and power. The path forward remained complex but navigable, each step bringing him closer to regional dominance and beyond.
The game continued to evolve, and he evolved with it, one expansion, one connection, one strategic adaptation at a time.