Chapter 22: STEPPING STONES ON THE PATH OF EXPANSION
Having undergone hellish training and risen to the peak of the Dou Grandmaster realm, GODFIFA returned to the world with a newfound determination to carve his empire. His first priority was to establish a foundation of power and influence, ensuring that he was no longer reliant on anyone but himself.
As he traveled through the bustling city of Black Rock, known for its flourishing trade routes and underground power struggles, GODFIFA found himself at the heart of opportunities. It was here that he decided to begin his expansion—an empire rooted in both economic dominance and martial strength.
---
Establishing the Foundation
The first step was acquiring resources. GODFIFA approached one of the largest auction houses in Black Rock City, Silver Moon Auction Hall, where priceless treasures were traded regularly. With his keen intellect and knowledge from his past life, he began making calculated investments.
He sold a rare item—Mystic Frost Crystal, which he had won in one of his weekly draws. Its unique ability to stabilize Dou Qi during cultivation made it highly sought after. The auction earned him an astronomical sum, enough to fund his initial ventures.
"Money is a weapon as powerful as Dou Qi," GODFIFA thought, his lips curving into a smile.
He began buying failing businesses, turning them into profitable enterprises with his uncanny understanding of supply and demand. Soon, whispers of a mysterious figure dominating the city's economy began circulating.
---
Encounter with the Shadow Fang Clan
However, success did not come without enemies. The Shadow Fang Clan, a notorious organization controlling the underground markets, viewed GODFIFA's sudden rise as a threat. Their leader, a vicious Dou Spirit cultivator named Fang Luo, sent his men to intimidate GODFIFA.
A group of assassins confronted him in a dimly lit alley. Their leader sneered, "You've been making quite the name for yourself. Unfortunately, Black Rock City isn't big enough for the both of us."
GODFIFA merely chuckled. "If you knew who you were talking to, you'd beg for mercy."
The fight was swift and brutal. Despite being outnumbered, GODFIFA's overwhelming strength and mastery of battle techniques left the assassins no chance. He dispatched them effortlessly, his Dou Qi slicing through their defenses like a blade through butter.
When Fang Luo heard of the massacre, he confronted GODFIFA personally. The towering man radiated an aura of malice as he blocked GODFIFA's path.
"You've made a grave mistake," Fang Luo growled, his Dou Qi surging.
GODFIFA, unfazed, smirked. "No, the mistake is yours—for underestimating me."
The battle that followed was one-sided. Though Fang Luo was a realm higher, GODFIFA's refined Dou Qi and strategic mastery rendered him powerless. With a single devastating blow, GODFIFA ended the fight.
> Congratulations! The Shadow Fang Clan has been eradicated. Their resources have been added to your empire.
---
Weekly Draw: A Game-Changer
After the victory, the system's weekly draw activated. Three rare items materialized:
1. Starfire Elixir: A potion that instantly boosts cultivation by one minor level.
2. Shadow Soul Cloak: Grants invisibility and immunity to soul-based attacks.
3. Mystic Contract Scroll: Allows the user to enslave a soul at a lower realm.
GODFIFA analyzed the options with precision.
"The Mystic Contract Scroll," he decided. "This will ensure absolute loyalty from those I conquer."
The scroll vanished into his system space, awaiting the right moment for use.
---
The Crimson Blood Sect
News of GODFIFA's rise spread, catching the attention of the Crimson Blood Sect, a mid-tier faction notorious for extorting local businesses. Their leader, Elder Han, was a Dou Grandmaster with decades of experience.
Elder Han invited GODFIFA to a "negotiation" at their mountain stronghold. Sensing a trap, GODFIFA accepted nonetheless.
Upon arrival, he was surrounded by armed disciples. Elder Han stood at the peak of the mountain, his expression smug.
"GODFIFA," he said, "I've heard much about you. Unfortunately, you've been meddling in territories that belong to the Crimson Blood Sect. That ends today."
GODFIFA's gaze swept over the crowd, his expression unreadable.
"You've made two mistakes," he said calmly. "First, thinking you could intimidate me. Second, gathering everyone in one place—it saves me the trouble of hunting you down."
With that, he unleashed his Dou Qi vortex. The Talent Tree within his inner space surged, its branches pulsing with energy. GODFIFA's aura expanded, suffocating the disciples.
The battle was a massacre. GODFIFA's attacks were precise and devastating, each one imbued with the power of his Talent Tree. Elder Han, despite his experience, was no match.
"Please spare me!" Elder Han begged as GODFIFA's blade hovered over him.
"I don't spare those who threaten me," GODFIFA replied coldly, ending the man's life.
> Congratulations! The Crimson Blood Sect has been destroyed. Their territory and resources have been added to your empire.
---
Building an Army of Servants
With the Mystic Contract Scroll in his possession, GODFIFA began creating an army of loyal servants. He targeted rogue cultivators and defeated enemies, binding their souls to his will.
One of his most notable acquisitions was Yin Hua, a former Dou King mercenary known for her ruthless efficiency. After being subdued and bound, she pledged her loyalty to GODFIFA, becoming one of his most trusted enforcers.
"Your will is my command, master," she said, kneeling before him.
---
Return to the Misty Cloud Sect
With his power base expanding rapidly, GODFIFA knew it was time to return to the Misty Cloud Sect. He had grown far stronger than when he left, and his empire was thriving.
As he approached the sect, he couldn't help but think of Xuner and Medusa. His time away had been grueling, but he had never forgotten them.
"This is only the beginning," he said, his eyes gleaming with determination.
---
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone