Back at his penthouse, Li Zhen carefully analyzed everything he had gathered from his encounter with Heinrich Gruber. Every detail—Gruber's tone, his alliances, his subtle threats—gave Li Zhen a glimpse into the shadowy power structure that the Covenant upheld. And if he was to surpass them, he would have to go even deeper into the world they dominated.
Strengthening His Empire
Li Zhen sat down with Orion and Phantom, devising plans to protect his assets and expand his influence. ApexTech was his foot in the door, but his ambitions stretched further. He needed a more unshakeable foundation to withstand any counterattacks from the Covenant.
Phantom offered new intel. "Gruber's associates have links with influential figures in Europe, and they've been spotted meeting secretly in Hong Kong. There's talk of them taking action against new players in their territory—meaning you, boss."
Li Zhen nodded, unsurprised. "We'll turn their own networks against them. Strengthen our connections with Madame Zhao and other allies. I want us to be prepared for any assault, be it economic or personal."
He then turned to Viper and Jiang Wei. "Train a select team in corporate espionage. We'll need insiders in every sector—finance, tech, and media. I want to see and hear everything before they even think of moving."
His subordinates saluted and left to carry out his orders. Li Zhen leaned back, satisfied. The more his empire grew, the more he needed a robust system of intelligence and defense. If the Covenant wanted to challenge him, they would find he was more than capable of playing their game.
New Sign-In Location: City of Shadows
[System Notification: New Sign-In Opportunity Detected]
[Location: City of Shadows – an exclusive international meeting ground for top-level deals, both legitimate and clandestine.]
[Reward: VIP Access to Elite Networks and Resources – direct access to global power players, secretive auction houses, and black-market connections.]
Intrigued, Li Zhen activated the system to locate the City of Shadows. It was a well-hidden locale only accessible through elite circles, a neutral ground where global elites could negotiate in secrecy. To gain access, he would need to bypass conventional invitations and secure a passage from those in the know.
Using Orion's connections and Phantom's hacking skills, he quickly arranged for a secret entry pass. The City of Shadows was held in an abandoned luxury hotel, where each room housed negotiations and trades only the world's most powerful could access.
Li Zhen arrived dressed in an unassuming suit, blending into the crowd of elite financiers, rogue billionaires, and influential government officials. He was here to establish his presence without drawing too much attention—a test of both his wit and influence.
The Auction of Hidden Treasures
As he moved through the shadowed halls, he heard whispers about an upcoming auction. Items ranging from ancient artifacts to exclusive corporate intelligence were up for bidding, and Li Zhen realized this could be his chance to strengthen his arsenal.
[System Notification: Exclusive Event – VIP Auction Access Granted]
[Objective: Secure Valuable Intelligence and Rare Artifacts to Bolster Influence.]
[Reward: Enhanced Reputation – Recognition among elite circles as a capable player in the shadows.]
The auction room was dimly lit, with each attendee seated in private booths shielded by tinted glass. On display were mysterious items, their details whispered discreetly to only those interested. Li Zhen focused on two items: a dossier detailing weaknesses in a European tech conglomerate affiliated with the Covenant and a rare gemstone that was said to have historical significance among China's hidden families.
The bidding was intense, but Li Zhen was undeterred. He outmaneuvered his competitors, securing both items. The tech dossier would aid him in undermining the Covenant's influence, while the gemstone, he suspected, could hold a key to his unknown family heritage.
An Unforeseen Encounter
As he prepared to leave, a voice from behind halted him. "You handled yourself well tonight."
Turning, Li Zhen faced a man dressed in a sleek black suit with piercing eyes—a man who radiated danger yet exuded calm. Li Zhen's instincts told him this was no ordinary attendee.
"Thank you," Li Zhen replied evenly, carefully gauging his new acquaintance.
The man smirked. "Few here would dare challenge the Covenant so openly. I commend your bravery. But know that bravery alone won't be enough."
"Bravery is just one part," Li Zhen replied, holding the man's gaze. "Preparation is the other."
The man's smirk widened, impressed. "If you're serious about taking on the Covenant, you'll need allies as formidable as your enemies. Let's see if we cross paths again."
With that, the stranger disappeared into the crowd, leaving Li Zhen intrigued yet alert. He had encountered a potential ally or perhaps a future rival—someone who recognized his power and intentions.
Returning to His Base
After returning from the City of Shadows, Li Zhen analyzed the dossier and gemstone with his team. The dossier revealed internal weaknesses and potential scandals within the Covenant's allied tech conglomerate, information that would destabilize their influence if used strategically.
Meanwhile, Jiang Wei conducted an analysis on the gemstone, uncovering an emblem linked to an ancient Chinese family. It hinted at connections Li Zhen could leverage if he traced his lineage back to this mysterious family, a hidden force that might be his by birthright.
[System Notification: New Discovery – Hidden Bloodline Clue]
[Reward: Increased Influence in Chinese Hidden Families Network]
The system's confirmation strengthened his resolve. His quest wasn't just about wealth—it was about power rooted in a lineage that could shift his status beyond ordinary ambition. He would uncover the secrets of his parentage, claim his place in this hidden family, and use their legacy as a stepping stone to complete control.
For now, he would prepare, strengthening his empire until he was ready to seize it all. The Covenant had underestimated him; he was already moving in the shadows, and soon he would eclipse them entirely.