Li Zhen's rise was creating ripples. His influence was now entrenched in the heart of the financial world, and the high-powered individuals he worked with began to whisper of his uncanny talent, his flawless timing, and his apparent immunity to failure. It was time to take his ambitions onto a larger stage: the global markets.
The First Strike: Shorting Currencies
Li Zhen knew that disrupting financial markets required precision and subtlety. Rather than relying solely on his knowledge, he called on his AI assistant, Orion, to analyse global economic trends. With Phantom's hacking skills, they intercepted insider information on a struggling country's currency. It was the perfect opportunity for his first big move in the foreign exchange markets.
[System Notification: New Task – Currency Manipulation]
[Objective: Execute a strategic short on the currency of a vulnerable economy. Gain profit without attracting unnecessary attention.]
[Reward: International Recognition – Increased reputation as a silent player in the financial industry.]
Guided by Orion's insights, Li Zhen took a calculated position. While the world remained unaware of his influence, he initiated his short positions, leveraging his new partnerships to boost his buying power and ensuring that even if his move were detected, his name would remain hidden in a web of corporations.
The short succeeded beyond expectations. As the currency plummeted, Li Zhen's wealth surged, and the profits flowed in like an unstoppable wave. He gained not only substantial financial returns but also an entry point into the world stage as a mysterious yet formidable player.
The Covenant's Curious Watch
His bold actions hadn't gone unnoticed. Members of the Covenant began to feel a mix of respect and unease. Once merely a "potential asset," Li Zhen was quickly becoming a name they couldn't ignore.
Heinrich Gruber spoke up in a private meeting, "This man has crossed into our domain. He's moving currencies like a master without ever showing his face. This cannot go unchallenged."
A different voice, calm but interested, replied, "Let him prove his worth. If he continues to grow, we might find an alliance mutually beneficial."
The Covenant was clearly split. And this, to Li Zhen, was precisely what he wanted. Let them fight amongst themselves over him; he would use the distraction to gain more ground.
A New Frontier: Banks and Stock Markets
With his confidence bolstered, Li Zhen moved his attention to larger financial institutions. He planned to make inroads with banks on the verge of collapse, positioning himself as their silent saviour while gaining stakes in their recovery. These stakes would then become his foothold in the global banking system.
Phantom had gathered insider data on several vulnerable institutions. Working with Zhao Feng, his financial strategist, they devised a multi-layered acquisition strategy. The goal was simple: buy low, control high, and use these assets as leverage for larger ambitions.
[System Notification: Task Completed – Currency Manipulation]
[Reward Unlocked: Stealth Mode – Anonymity in Financial Deals Enhanced]
This new ability granted by the system allowed him to move through financial markets and bank deals with even greater invisibility. It enabled him to acquire stock in struggling companies through a web of intermediaries and dummy corporations, making it nearly impossible for anyone to trace it back to him.
High-Stakes Meeting: New Allies
To strengthen his alliances, Li Zhen decided to meet with a select few high-powered bankers and investors. He arranged a discreet meeting at a luxurious private lounge in Hong Kong, where he was introduced as a rising yet elusive powerhouse.
Among his new connections was Madame Zhao, a veteran in the financial sector with influence across Asia. She was known for her shrewd mind and loyalty to those who earned her respect. After hearing about his currency play, she became intrigued.
"Your moves are elegant yet ruthless," she remarked with admiration. "A young man with such skill is bound to rise. Let's see if you can meet my expectations."
Li Zhen, unfazed by her scrutiny, nodded. "I have no intention of disappointing."
With Madame Zhao and other powerful allies on his side, Li Zhen knew he was now ready for his next target: high-stakes investments in tech giants, companies at the frontier of innovation and global influence.
Forming the Foundation: His Hidden Team
At his base, Li Zhen worked closely with his subordinates. He invested in training Jiang Wei's security team, ensuring that they were skilled in all forms of defense and detection. They practiced scenarios involving everything from corporate espionage to assassinations. Viper, always in the shadows, coordinated secret intelligence missions that fed into his strategies, eliminating risks before they could even manifest.
Meanwhile, Phantom and Orion were tasked with monitoring global communications for threats against Li Zhen or his network. Using advanced algorithms and AI-driven surveillance, they provided real-time alerts and predictions on potential attacks or rival moves. With these preparations, Li Zhen felt more secure than ever, confident that his fortress—both digital and physical—was impenetrable.
Setting the Stage for Dominance
As Li Zhen finalized his plans, he received intel that the Covenant's European branch was investing heavily in a tech conglomerate. It was clear they saw this sector as the future, and if he wished to outmaneuver them, he would need to match their stakes.
Using his newly acquired wealth and influence, Li Zhen arranged a series of high-stakes acquisitions. With each acquisition, he was gaining an even firmer grip on the financial world, with the Covenant now viewing him as a direct competitor.
However, his moves had also gained him the interest of other, unexpected players—powerful corporations, influential officials, and global agencies. Each one was curious about the enigmatic figure shifting the markets behind the scenes.
[System Notification: New Achievement – Rising Financial Power]
[Reward: VIP Access to High-Level Trading Markets and Exemptions on Certain Regulations]
This latest reward solidified his access to restricted trading platforms where he could continue his strategic plays, free from limitations faced by others. It was clear: the system wanted him to succeed, and he was using every opportunity it offered.