Dawn broke with a crimson sky, painting the wasteland in streaks of blood-red light. Lin Tian stood atop a small hill, surveying the horizon. The wind carried whispers of opportunity—a trade caravan, a sect envoy, or even a lone cultivator.
Li Xue had already proven her worth. But Lin Tian needed more—his empire demanded an army of loyal followers.
Behind him, Li Xue hovered like a shadow, her loyalty mark glowing faintly beneath her clothes.
"Li Xue," Lin Tian said coldly, "scout the area for potential recruits."
She bowed low, disappearing into the underbrush.
Minutes later, she returned. "Master, I found one. A rogue cultivator—badly wounded, but clutching spirit stones and pills. Alone."
Lin Tian's eyes glinted. "Perfect."
They moved swiftly, finding the man in a shallow gully. He was clutching a shattered sword, blood seeping from a deep gash across his ribs.
Lin Tian's gaze sharpened as he took in the man's disheveled robes and sunken eyes. "Name."
The man coughed, eyes flickering with fear. "Zhang—Zhang Wei."
"Zhang Wei," Lin Tian repeated slowly, his voice like a blade drawn in the night. "Why are you here? Speak."
Zhang Wei's eyes fluttered with shame. "I—I was part of the Iron Crescent Sect… but they cast me out. I… I tried to sell sect secrets for coin. They found out. Hunted me down like a dog." His voice cracked. "Please… spare me…"
Lin Tian's lips curled into a predatory grin. "A traitor," he murmured. "How fitting."
Zhang Wei's eyes widened in horror. "I… I can be loyal! I can—"
Lin Tian raised a hand. "Silence."
He summoned the System interface.
──────────────────────────────
[Loyalty Contract Ritual: Male Variant]
— Ritual: Total Obedience Pledge.
— Requirements: Absolute surrender of will.
— Effect: Loyalty gain rate +15%, obedience triggered by direct command.
— Loyalty 100%: Betrayal impossible; soul permanently bound.
──────────────────────────────
"Zhang Wei," Lin Tian said, his voice cold as iron. "Swear your loyalty to me. Surrender your will. I will grant you power, wealth, and protection—if you prove yourself worthy."
Zhang Wei's lips trembled. "I… I swear! I swear total obedience to you!"
Lin Tian's eyes glowed as he spoke the ritual words. "System, initiate Loyalty Contract Ritual."
A ring of glowing runes spiraled into existence, encircling Zhang Wei. The air thickened, humming with energy.
"Strip your fear," Lin Tian intoned. "Offer me your soul."
Zhang Wei's eyes rolled back, his body convulsing as golden tendrils of light licked at his skin, searing through the blood and dirt. His veins bulged as the contract mark began to etch itself onto his chest—an intricate sigil of gold, blazing like molten metal.
"Submit," Lin Tian commanded.
Zhang Wei's screams rose, his voice raw and cracked, yet his hands clutched at Lin Tian's robes as if seeking salvation. "Master… I… submit…"
The golden tendrils plunged into his chest, binding his soul to Lin Tian's will. His eyes burned with golden light for a brief moment before he collapsed, gasping.
──────────────────────────────
[Loyalty Contract Completed: Zhang Wei Bound]
Loyalty: 20%
Strength Increase: +10%
Loyalty Gain Rate: Moderate
──────────────────────────────
Zhang Wei lay on the ground, his body trembling, his loyalty brand pulsing on his chest. Tears streamed down his cheeks—tears of pain, relief, and a desperate hope.
Lin Tian crouched beside him, his eyes cold. "You have a second chance now. Prove yourself, and you will know power like never before. Betray me, and your soul will burn."
Zhang Wei's lips quivered. "Yes, Master," he whispered.
Li Xue watched from the shadows, her eyes filled with a quiet, dark fascination.