Li Zhen's acquisition of the international financial network marked the beginning of his entrance into the upper echelons of the global economy. Now, with banks, corporations, and a loyal team of highly skilled subordinates under his control, he was prepared to make a powerful impact on the world's financial stage.
The Covenant's members still watched him closely, but he was no longer simply a newcomer to be tested. He was now a force whose actions could ripple across entire industries.
[System Notification: New Mission – The Financial Fortress]
[Objective: Secure a dominant position in the global finance sector by establishing a core financial hub and gaining influence over key international markets.]
[Reward: Financial Ruler Trait – An innate ability to read, influence, and dominate market trends, granting the host an edge in all financial decisions.]
This was a task that would push him to the limits of his ambition. With the Financial Ruler Trait, he would have the instinctive insights needed to navigate complex financial landscapes and stay one step ahead of his competitors.
Li Zhen reviewed his team, deciding who would be best suited for this mission. Zhao Feng and Chen Yi would manage regional operations, while Phantom would handle high-level negotiations with key partners. Viper would focus on rooting out potential enemies and keeping rivals at bay.
Setting Up the Financial Hub
Li Zhen knew that to dominate the financial sector, he needed a base of operations—a secure location that would serve as the nerve center for his future dealings. After weeks of research, he chose Hong Kong, a global financial powerhouse with access to both Eastern and Western markets.
He acquired a skyscraper in the heart of the financial district, renovating the top floors into a high-tech headquarters. The entire structure was fortified with state-of-the-art security, and hidden systems allowed him to monitor the flow of capital and market movements in real-time.
Early Wins and Strategic Moves
In his first months of operations, Li Zhen quickly made his presence felt. Using his advanced system knowledge and team's expertise, he initiated a series of aggressive stock acquisitions, shorting currencies in volatile markets and making substantial gains in the futures market. His uncanny ability to predict market fluctuations stunned industry insiders.
The Covenant took notice. Some saw his success as validation of their decision to welcome him into their ranks, while others grew wary of his rising influence.
[System Notification: Financial Fortress Progress – 40% Complete]
But it wasn't enough. Li Zhen knew he needed more than just financial success to secure his position. He needed alliances—powerful partnerships that could protect his interests across borders.
New Allies and Rivals
During this period, Li Zhen crossed paths with influential figures who controlled their own empires. There was Alexander Romanov, a Russian oligarch with interests in oil and minerals; Sarah Bennett, a venture capitalist from Silicon Valley; and Masaru Takahashi, a Japanese tech magnate.
Romanov reached out first. He saw potential in Li Zhen's ability to move markets and proposed a partnership in oil futures. Li Zhen was cautious, sensing that Romanov sought more than just business. But he accepted, knowing that an alliance with Romanov could open doors he couldn't reach on his own.
Sarah Bennett was different. Sharp and calculating, she was intrigued by Li Zhen's rapid rise. After a meeting in San Francisco, she offered to connect him with key contacts in Silicon Valley, positioning him to access new technologies and innovations.
Challenges from the Covenant
Just as Li Zhen's influence solidified, the Covenant of Crowns sent a subtle but clear message. They saw his rise as impressive, but warned that power within their ranks required balancing both dominance and discretion. Heinrich Gruber, a senior Covenant member, invited Li Zhen to a private meeting.
At a secluded mansion in the Swiss Alps, Gruber greeted him with an approving but watchful eye. "Your ambition is impressive, Mr. Li, but remember—there are boundaries even within the Covenant."
Li Zhen nodded calmly, understanding the message behind Gruber's words. It was a reminder that his power, no matter how great, was ultimately under the watch of those who had come before him. But Li Zhen intended to rise without limits, even if it meant challenging these silent rules in the future.
Final Move: The Financial Fortress is Complete
Back in Hong Kong, Li Zhen put the finishing touches on his financial empire. With his alliances and new connections, he began executing one of his most daring strategies yet: a move to gain control of the largest bank in Southeast Asia. He staged a series of economic maneuvers that weakened the bank's stock, then acquired it through his proxies, taking it over without revealing his hand.
[System Notification: Financial Fortress Complete]
[Reward Unlocked: Financial Ruler Trait]
[Description: Host gains an innate ability to interpret and influence market trends, enhancing profitability and dominance in financial decisions.]
With the Financial Ruler Trait now active, Li Zhen felt an unprecedented clarity in understanding market shifts and spotting opportunities. He was no longer just a player; he was on his way to becoming a true ruler in the shadows of the financial world.
The Covenant's Response
Across the world, the Covenant of Crowns continued to debate the future of their newest member. Li Zhen had proven his value, but his potential was now becoming a threat to others who feared losing influence.
Gruber, however, observed his rise with both caution and admiration. "He's pushing the boundaries," he said in a quiet meeting with his peers. "But he may be exactly what we need to remind the world of the Covenant's power."
With his empire firmly established, Li Zhen prepared for the next step, knowing that his enemies would only grow stronger. Yet he welcomed the challenge, knowing that he now had the tools and allies he needed to dominate not just in finance, but in any field he chose to enter.
His ambitions were set, and he would let nothing stand in his way.