At the border of the Soaring Cloud Region, in the hideout of the Crimson Shadow Bandits:
The bandits were laughing and smiling, reveling in the spoils of their last attack. A group of merchants had attempted to escape their siege but were captured.
Among them was one of the richest merchants in the region, carrying immense wealth.
In the largest tent, a scholarly man sat on a makeshift throne, three beautiful women serving him.
"Has the merchant agreed to our demands?" he asked, his gaze fixed on one of his deputies.
"Yes, boss. They've agreed. We plan to release his youngest son tomorrow," Wan Ming responded respectfully.
"Boss, what should we do about the Celestial Heavenly Store?" another deputy, Tao Long, asked cautiously.
Instantly, the tent fell silent as everyone turned their attention to the scholarly man.
He was the mastermind behind the rapid rise of the Crimson Shadow Bandits.
