The thrill of his meeting with Mr. Wu still lingered in Li Zhen's mind. With his first major alliance secured, his path was becoming clearer. The network he'd gained through Mr. Wu provided him access to opportunities he'd never even considered before. The power and influence these people wielded was intoxicating, and he was finally in a position to join them.
But Li Zhen knew one thing: these men valued strength and cunning. If he were to survive and thrive among them, he would need more than just money. He needed his own team, people he could trust absolutely, who would handle any tasks that required absolute loyalty.
The system seemed to anticipate his thoughts, because it immediately prompted him with a new task.
[New Task: Recruit Loyal Subordinates]
[Reward: Martial Arts Mastery, 1 Combat-Ready Bodyguard]
Li Zhen's eyes lit up. This wasn't just about money anymore. He would need protection—both physical and tactical—to navigate the dangerous waters he was entering. With the promise of Martial Arts Mastery as a reward, he would also gain the skills necessary to defend himself, should things ever take a violent turn.
He immediately began researching potential candidates. He wasn't looking for anyone ordinary; he needed people with exceptional skills, ones who could operate discreetly and efficiently.
That evening, Li Zhen found himself at an underground boxing ring. It wasn't the kind of place he'd usually frequent, but he knew this was where he could find the kind of talent he needed—fighters with skill and loyalty, hardened by life on the streets but sharp and professional.
As he observed the fighters, his attention was drawn to a man in his early thirties, tall and muscular, his fists like hammers as he took down opponent after opponent. There was a focus in his eyes, a calm amidst the chaos, that told Li Zhen this was a man who had seen his share of battles and come out on top.
Li Zhen watched intently as the fighter claimed his latest victory, his breathing barely laboured, his expression impassive. The system's prompt appeared again.
[Potential Recruit Identified: Zhao Feng – Elite Fighter, Former Military Background.]
[Evaluation: Loyalty Level High if Recruited Properly.]
A plan formed in Li Zhen's mind. He waited for the fight to end, then approached Zhao Feng as he wiped the sweat from his face in the corner.
"Impressive fight," Li Zhen said, his voice calm and confident.
Zhao Feng looked up, his gaze sharp. "You don't look like someone who belongs here," he replied, his tone guarded.
Li Zhen smirked. "Maybe not. But I'm someone who knows talent when I see it. How would you feel about joining my team? I can offer you far more than prize money."
Zhao Feng's eyes narrowed. "And what exactly would I be joining?"
"A new venture, something that requires someone of your skills. It's a high-stakes world, and loyalty is the most valuable currency. I need someone I can trust with critical tasks. Someone who's willing to follow me to the top."
There was a brief silence before Zhao Feng spoke. "I don't work for free, and I don't risk my life for strangers."
Li Zhen smiled, sensing the opening. "That's fair. But let's just say I have a way of making loyalty worthwhile. I'm not asking for blind trust. Work with me, and you'll be rewarded in ways you can't even imagine."
Zhao Feng studied him carefully before giving a short nod. "Alright. I'll give you a shot. But don't waste my time."
[Task Partially Complete: 1 Subordinate Recruited]
As they left the underground ring together, Li Zhen felt a surge of satisfaction. Zhao Feng was the first of what would become a powerful, trusted team. The system's task was half-complete, and the remaining rewards loomed tantalizingly close.
The next day, Li Zhen and Zhao Feng met at a quiet, high-end café. They discussed plans in detail, going over strategies and preparing for the next phase. Li Zhen could see that Zhao Feng was a man of few words, direct and efficient, but he didn't miss anything. His sharp mind and keen sense of danger would make him invaluable.
Then, just as their meeting ended, the system interrupted.
[Task Updated: Develop Self-Defense Capabilities. Time to Completion: Immediate]
[Reward Unlocked: Martial Arts Mastery]
An overwhelming rush of knowledge flooded Li Zhen's mind. Techniques, forms, and reflexes honed through years of training were absorbed instantly. His hands twitched as he visualized the moves in his mind, feeling a newfound sense of power and precision. He had gone from barely knowing how to throw a punch to mastering various martial arts techniques in seconds.
Zhao Feng noticed the change in Li Zhen's posture, his gaze briefly flickering with surprise. "You've had training?" he asked.
Li Zhen simply smiled. "You could say that."
With Zhao Feng by his side and his own combat abilities now at an expert level, Li Zhen felt more prepared than ever. But he wasn't done yet. He had built a solid foundation, but it was time to move from defense to offense.
That evening, as he lay in his apartment reviewing his latest progress, the system delivered a new message.
[Achievement Unlocked: Foundation Established]
[Reward: High-Level Hacking AI - Codename: Phantom]
The room seemed to darken as a sleek digital interface appeared in front of him, displaying a series of complex algorithms and commands. Phantom, the AI, was a powerful hacking tool that could breach systems, gather information, and even create digital distractions as needed.
A cold, robotic voice echoed in his mind: "Greetings, Host. I am Phantom, here to assist with any digital infiltration needs."
Li Zhen's lips curled into a smirk. With Phantom at his disposal, he now had a master hacker on his side—one that could unlock information on his enemies, uncover hidden assets, and manipulate online systems to his advantage.
[New Task: Begin Financial Takeover]
[Reward: 5,000,000 RMB, Reputation Boost in Business Circles]
Li Zhen's journey to the top was now well underway. With Phantom, Zhao Feng, and his martial prowess, he was no longer just another figure in the crowd. He was becoming a force to be reckoned with.
He was ready to unleash his influence on the financial world, step by step, until there was no one left who could rival him.