Chapter 5: The First Step on the Path
A few hours later, Ethan left the restaurant and continued exploring the city. Zhao Ren was driving the carriage while Ethan attentively observed his surroundings. His thoughts, however, were elsewhere. Throughout his life, he had worn glasses. They had become an extension of himself, a deeply ingrained habit that even now, in a body with perfect vision, he couldn't ignore.
He adjusted the bridge of non-existent glasses with an unconscious gesture and sighed. Although he no longer needed them, there was something about their absence that made him uneasy. They were more than just a tool for seeing; they were part of his identity.
He decided to approach a jewelry store to place a special order. He wasn't looking for functional glasses, but an accessory. Something that would maintain the image he had projected for so many years in his past life. A golden frame, discreet yet refined.
As he entered, the soft chime of bells announced his presence. The interior was a reflection of the city's wealth and refinement. Dark wood displays showcased rings, necklaces, and bracelets set with precious stones.
An elderly man with a well-groomed beard and embroidered tunic greeted him with a slight bow.
"Welcome, young master. How may I assist you?"
Ethan let his gaze wander around the place before replying.
"I want to place a special order," he said calmly.
"A thin, lightweight gold frame, with a refined design. It should surround the lower contour of two rounded lenses and be supported by a firm bridge. No embellishments."
The elderly man nodded slowly while stroking his beard.
"It is not common, but I have seen similar designs among some scholars. We can make the frame to your specifications."
Ethan nodded, satisfied. Just as he was about to close the deal, something in one of the showcases caught his attention. Among the jade and pearls, a wooden box displayed several crystal quartz stones, precisely cut and polished.
He approached and took one of them. He held it up to the light and observed its transparency. It wasn't perfect like modern glass, but it wasn't completely opaque either. An idea formed in his mind.
"Can this material be cut into thin sheets and polished further?"
"It is possible," the elderly man shot him an intrigued glance before nodding slowly.
Ethan left the stone in his palm and smiled faintly. While he no longer needed glasses to improve his vision, adding crystal quartz plates to the frame would make the glasses look more authentic.
"Use them for the frame," he ordered, placing a bag on the counter.
"I want the pieces to be thin and smooth, without imperfections."
The elderly man smiled discreetly upon seeing the payment in advance.
"We'll have it ready in a few days."
Ethan nodded after discussing the details with the elderly man and turned to leave. Zhao Ren, who had remained silent throughout the transaction, followed him with an indifferent expression.
After leaving the jewelry store, Ethan returned to the family villa. The first thing he did was inspect the basement, which would serve as his temporary work area.
Upon arrival, he found that the servants had already cleaned the place, but it was still nearly empty. Only a few shelves lined the walls, holding jars of aged wine. On the floor, several boxes contained the materials he had requested, but there was no suitable furniture for working.
"Go and tell the servants to bring a large table, a sturdy desk, several chairs, and some extra oil lamps. I'll also need shelves to organize the materials and a lockable chest," Ethan ordered Zhao Ren, who was guarding the basement entrance.
"Right away, young master."
Zhao Ren left without asking questions.
Making use of his time, Ethan began planning the layout of the basement. It wasn't a particularly large area, barely about twenty square meters, with low ceilings and a single entrance.
He decided to place the desk and work table near the main oil lamp to take advantage of the light, with the shelves lined up against the walls to maximize space. He would also leave an open area in the center for easy movement.
As he mentally reviewed his design, he heard Zhao Ren's footsteps returning with the servants. Soon, the first work area began to take shape.
----
Three days passed quickly. During that time, Ethan had not been idle. He refined his future plans, adjusted every detail of his production and sales strategy with AION, making sure to optimize resources and minimize risks.
He leaned back in his chair, narrowing his eyes for a moment, instructing AION to show the detailed plan.
[Initial Procedure: …, Distribution Phase: …, Market Segmentation: …, Scalability Protocol: ...]
Ethan nodded slightly. Everything was in order. Now, it was time to execute.
He called Zhao Ren, and together they headed to the blacksmith shop of the old Zhang. The journey was equally calm, and they soon arrived at their destination.
Upon entering, they were greeted by a young man who bore a certain resemblance to Zhang Tie. His name was Zhang Jin, the other son of the old Zhang.
Unlike his brother, Zhang Jin had a more serious and reserved demeanor. Even so, he stood up and gave a slight bow.
"Welcome, young master. My father is in the back, please follow me."
Without another word, he turned and led them deeper into the blacksmith shop.
Ethan followed Zhang Jin through the shop. The heat of the red-hot metal and the sound of the hammer striking the anvil filled the air, but Zhang Jin led them to a quieter area in the back.
There, the old Zhang was inspecting a set of pieces carefully laid out on a table. Upon seeing Ethan, he stopped what he was doing and gave him a smile.
"Young master, your orders are ready. Everything has been forged according to your specifications."
Ethan approached and examined each piece calmly. He had no reason to doubt the old Zhang's skill, but still, he checked for any imperfections. The pieces had the right weight and balance, the finishes were clean, and there were no signs of weaknesses in the joints.
After a moment, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Good work. This will be enough for now."
The old Zhang let out a laugh and crossed his arms.
"If you need more orders in the future, don't hesitate to come. As long as this blacksmith shop stands, you can count on us."
Ethan placed a cloth bag with the payment on the table.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Zhao Ren gathered the pieces and efficiently loaded them onto the carriage. With nothing more to discuss, they bid their farewells and left the blacksmith shop, making a brief stop at the jewelry store to pick up the previous order.
Upon entering, the old jeweler immediately recognized them and, without needing words, retreated to the back of the store. Moments later, he returned with a small lacquered wooden box. He carefully opened it, revealing the gold-framed glasses.
Ethan took them and examined them closely. The frame was thin yet sturdy, with a refined shine. The quartz lenses were well-polished, with no visible imperfections or rough edges. He placed them on with a natural movement and blinked a couple of times, getting used to the sensation.
He didn't need glasses to see, but the familiarity of the weight on his nose felt strangely comforting.
"Flawless work," he commented, satisfied.
The old man nodded with a slight smile. "If you ever need another order, my shop is always open."
Ethan put the box away. "I'll keep that in mind."
With the matter settled, they returned to the carriage and headed back to the villa.
Back in the villa's basement, Ethan inspected the pieces once more before beginning the assembly. Zhao Ren, without needing instructions, carefully unloaded each component onto the worktable.
Ethan took the main vessel, a reinforced copper cauldron, and placed it on a metal stand. Its base was wide to ensure stability, and at the top, it had an opening where the conduction tube would fit. He sealed the connection with a mix of clay and ash, an effective method to prevent steam leaks.
Next, he took the spiral copper tubing and placed it on an elevated stand. Its function was to cool and condense the vapors as they passed through. To improve the cooling, he placed a ceramic container around the spiral, which he would later fill with cold water.
Finally, he installed the collection vessel at the end of the tube, a simple glazed clay jar. He made sure the tilt was just right so that the flowing liquid wouldn't get trapped in the tubing.
When he was done, he stepped back and observed the setup closely. It was a simple design, but functional. It wasn't the type of work he would do in a real laboratory, but given the circumstances, it was enough to get started.
"Prepare the fire, but not here," he ordered without taking his eyes off the still. "This place doesn't have enough ventilation. Take it to an open area."
Zhao Ren nodded without questioning and, with the help of some servants, moved the equipment to the villa's backyard. There, the fresh air would disperse the vapors, and the fire could be controlled more safely.
Meanwhile, Ethan adjusted his glasses and double-checked the connections one last time, making sure everything was in place. His plan was just beginning.
"Fill the cauldron with wine and seal the lid tightly."
Zhao Ren took one of the wine jugs and poured its contents into the copper vessel. Meanwhile, a servant firmly secured the lid, adjusting the metal clamps to prevent leaks. Ethan checked the connection between the cauldron and the conduction tube, ensuring the joint was airtight.
"Light the fire."
An orange glow illuminated the base of the still as the burning charcoal began to heat the cauldron. Slowly, the liquid inside started to rise in temperature. Ethan crossed his arms and waited in silence, observing the process carefully.
It didn't take long before he noticed the first changes. After a while, steam began to rise through the tube, condensing on the copper walls before passing into the cooling coil. To improve efficiency, he ordered the servants to pour well water into the container surrounding the coil, keeping the temperature low so the steam would quickly turn into liquid.
Small droplets began to slide down the outlet pipe, and eventually, a thin, transparent stream of liquid began to flow into the collection vessel. Ethan took a ceramic jar and dropped a few drops onto his palm. He brought the sample to his nose and smelled it carefully.
"The scent is strong… but it's still not pure enough."
He knew that the first distillation contained impurities, so a second distillation was needed to refine the result.
"The next batch will be cleaner."
With patience, he allowed the process to continue, collecting only the middle part of the distillate, the fraction with the highest purity and best flavor. Finally, when he noticed the aroma starting to change, he separated the last portion.
By the end of the night, several ceramic jars with refined liquor were lined up on the table. Ethan observed them calmly.
Chapter 6: The Path to Control
For Ethan, this was just the first step. His next goal was to present the new product to his father and, with it, gain the necessary approval to scale production.
"Move the jugs to the warehouse. Zhao Ren, take one and follow me, we're going to see my father," Ethan ordered with precision, ensuring that each action was executed according to plan.
During the distillation process, Ethan meticulously separated the fractions of the product. The heads, which contained volatile compounds, were stored for potential chemical applications and as a disinfectant. On the other hand, he decided to keep the heart, the purest and best-tasting fraction, intended for the business. He still didn't have a clear use for the tails, but he considered the possibility of selling them as a lower-quality liquor in the future. With each decision, he optimized resources and minimized waste.
Before entering his father's study, Ethan formally and calmly announced his presence.
"Father, it's me. May I enter?" he asked in a calm voice.
"Come in," his father replied after a few seconds, his tone tired.
Upon sliding the door open, Ethan found him seated behind his desk, looking exhausted and worried while reviewing a letter. A rare detail; according to his memories, his father rarely let his thoughts show.
"Father, is something wrong?" he asked cautiously.
His father sighed before answering.
"Some wine shipments sent to nearby cities have suffered incidents," he explained in a controlled tone.
After a brief pause, he continued, "A few days ago, a cargo convoy bound for Yongfeng City was attacked by bandits. All the goods were lost, and the hired guards and mercenaries were killed."
Ethan frowned. A convoy was a group of merchants who organized to travel together and reduce risks through shared security. The fact that an entire convoy had been annihilated was an anomaly. This wasn't just a simple robbery.
"Has the county taken any action?" Ethan asked, maintaining his logical approach. Under normal circumstances, the authorities should have intervened, investigating and eradicating those responsible to restore security to the trade routes.
"They've only said they'll investigate, but the situation is worrying. They haven't taken any real action, as if they want to ignore it. Even the Han family suffered losses and demanded answers, but received the same empty response," his father replied, frustrated.
Ethan couldn't help but show surprise. The Han family wasn't just any group of merchants; they were a family of cultivators with significant influence in the region. Their main business was mining, and they controlled a Black Iron mine, a mineral used in the manufacturing of weapons and spiritual artifacts due to its superior hardness.
If even a family with their influence couldn't get a response from the county, then the situation was more complicated than it seemed. The lack of action from the authorities could mean incompetence, corruption, or a larger-scale problem. Ethan understood that he would need more information before jumping to conclusions.
"Things have been tense lately," his father said, folding the letter with a heavy sigh. "There are rumors of a possible war to the east of the Yun Dynasty. For now, they're nothing more than whispers, but if they turn out to be true…"
Ethan felt a shiver run down his spine. Underground currents might be stirring.
"How reliable are these rumors?" he asked, his tone measured.
"Some merchants have mentioned that caravans from that region are transporting more weapons than goods. And now these attacks on our shipments… It might not be a coincidence."
Ethan narrowed his eyes, processing the information. If a war broke out, trade would become unstable, and security would be a scarce resource. He couldn't afford to get caught in the middle of a crisis without a plan.
"We need to accelerate our plans," Ethan thought to himself.
"By the way, what did you come to see me for?" His father broke the silence with a slightly more relaxed tone.
Ethan snapped out of his thoughts and signaled Zhao Ren, who had been waiting outside.
"Bring me the jug," he ordered calmly.
When Zhao Ren returned with the container, Ethan opened it with precision.
"I want to show you the new product I developed," he announced, with a calculating gleam in his eyes.
His father raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected his son to achieve results so quickly. Any change in wine production was a risk, especially when trying to innovate.
As soon as the seal was removed, a powerful, intense aroma flooded the room. It wasn't the soft, fruity scent of traditional rice wine, but a robust fragrance.
Ethan took a ceramic cup and poured the transparent liquid with precision. His father, without taking his eyes off it, took the cup and examined it with an expert eye. The clarity of the liquor was flawless, with no impurities.
With a slight flick of his wrist, he brought the drink to his lips and took a sip. Instantly, a scorching heat descended his throat like a river of fire, expanding through his chest and limbs. It wasn't just alcohol... it was a spark that ignited the senses, as if the blood itself were burning.
"Wonderful!" his father exclaimed, feeling how the liquor dispelled the accumulated fatigue. "This isn't just a drink, this is a wine worthy of warriors and emperors. This is how a man should drink!"
Ethan watched his father with satisfaction, a faint smile forming at the corner of his lips. The plan had been 80% successful. Only the sale remained.
"This is rice liquor," he explained in a measured tone. "I obtained it through a process called distillation. Essentially, it involves separating the purest essence from the wine through heat, concentrating its flavor and potency. It can no longer be considered wine, but a completely different liquor."
His father nodded slowly, understanding the idea. He looked at the cup in his hand with a thoughtful expression.
"Uhh... I understand the general idea," he murmured, before taking another sip. "This liquor can be sold for a much higher price than wine. How do you plan to market it?"
Ethan narrowed his eyes, his mind already calculating the next steps.
"We can start by offering this liquor as a luxury product. Nobles and wealthy merchants will always be willing to pay for exclusive goods. But that's just the first step."
Ethan paused briefly, organizing his thoughts before continuing.
"I plan to increase production, but for that, I'll need more capital. Part of the profits and initial capital will be allocated to protection. After all, carrying a treasure without the strength to safeguard it only invites the greed of others. If the external situation continues to deteriorate, we can't rely on the county to ensure our security. We need loyal guards and a more secure transport system."
His father drummed his fingers on the table, evaluating each word.
"In the medium term, we can also diversify," Ethan continued. "The distillation process not only creates this liquor I showed you, but also a lower-quality version. We could use that to supply taverns, selling it at a more accessible price and expanding the market without wasting anything."
His father let out a slight laugh.
"It seems you've already thought it through."
Ethan held his gaze seriously.
"We can't afford to depend on others. If the world becomes chaotic, those who aren't prepared will be the first to fall."
There was a long silence. His father observed him carefully. Finally, he exhaled slowly and nodded.
"Alright. We'll do it your way." His eyes narrowed with a mix of pride and reflection. "I'm getting old... From now on, the business is yours. If something goes wrong, let me know."
Then, he reclined with a satisfied expression and drank another cup of liquor with delight.
Ethan stood frozen for a moment, surprised. He hadn't expected his father to hand over the reins of the family business so soon. However, this was an invaluable opportunity. With authority over the business, expansion would be much easier.
"Thank you, Father. I promise I'll make the family business grow," Ethan declared with determination.
"Hahaha, then the future depends on you," his father let out a satisfied laugh.
As Ethan exited his father's study, his expression was one of resolve. With control of the family business, his plans could now accelerate. The conversation with his father had not only given him authority but also a peculiar sense of urgency.
He didn't believe in coincidences. The recent attacks, the increased arms traffic in the east of the Yun Dynasty, and the county's lack of response formed a troubling pattern. Someone was pulling the strings in the shadows. For Ethan, this was not just a warning—it was a reminder: security was an illusion if you didn't have control over it.
He turned to Zhao Ren, who followed him in silence.
"Zhao Ren, gather information on the guards working for the family. I want a detailed report of their history, origin, and any suspicious loyalties."
If he planned to expand his operations and recruit more men, the first thing was to eliminate internal problems. Most of the guards had served the family for years, but that didn't mean they were unbreakable. Greed, desperation, or fear could turn anyone into a traitor.
"Understood, Young Master." Zhao Ren bowed seriously before leaving.
Ethan remained in the courtyard, gazing at the sky darkened by clouds. His thoughts were cold and calculating.
A single thought triggered AION.
[Analysis: The current security structure lacks the ability to respond to external threats. There are no efficient internal control mechanisms.]
Ethan closed his eyes for a moment. He knew this. The current guards were just a temporary barrier—men hired for money without a real reason to risk their lives for the family. Loyalty wasn't something you bought with coins; it had to be built.
[Possible solution: Creation of an incentive system based on rewards and penalties.]
The idea lingered in his mind. If he wanted a stable structure, he needed to build a chain of command, something that could scale over time.
Rewards, discipline, fear.
If wealth attracted greed, then he had to use it to his advantage. It wasn't enough to just pay wages; he had to establish a system that made his men feel that ascending was the only acceptable path and failure was unthinkable.
"AION, record the concept."
[New entry: Militarized Merit System.]
Ethan reflected as he walked slowly through the courtyard. It had to be simple at first, but scalable.
"Point allocation based on contributions. Merits for service, loyalty, combat achievements, or valuable information. Points are exchanged for better conditions: higher salary, equipment, authority."
AION responded in its impersonal tone.
[Record updated.]
"But incentives alone aren't enough. Incompetence and betrayal must come at a steep price," Ethan continued.
Fear and ambition, two forces that drove humans.
Ethan felt the plan starting to take shape. This system wouldn't only serve the guards. Eventually, his entire structure would follow. A world of cultivators respected power, and power had to be managed with precision.
[Concept established.]
"First, I need suitable candidates."
Ethan opened his eyes. The cold evening wind rustled his tunic, but his determination remained unwavering.
"Everything starts by securing the foundation."
He knew this system would be the backbone of his future army.
Chapter 7: The Rise of an Organization
The next day, Ethan was in his laboratory, reviewing a list of potential products to expand the business.
"Whisky and rum… The materials for whisky are relatively simple. As for rum… sugarcane or beets will be the main issue. Most people still use honey for sweetening, and I haven't heard of refined sugar or sugarcane in this place," he murmured to himself.
At that moment, a call interrupted his thoughts.
"Master."
Ethan looked up. The voice came from the other side of the door.
"Come in."
Zhao Ren entered respectfully and handed him a scroll.
"Master, I have completed what you asked for."
Ethan took the list and reviewed it. It contained about 15 names, most of them servants, with only a few guards. In total, his family had only five guards, tasked with the security of the residence.
Wei Jiang – Veteran. Has served the family for over 20 years and accompanied his father in dangerous moments. (Loyal, protective of family and friends).Hu Zhan – Tall and strong man, wields a war axe. (Loyal, 29 years old, has served his father for over 10 years, simple and honest mentality).Hu Jian – Older brother of Hu Zhan, of similar build, uses a halberd. (Loyal, 31 years old, has also served his father for over 10 years, simple and honest mentality).Shen Bao – Silent and reserved. Has been with the family for less than two years. According to the butler's records, his village was destroyed by demonic cultivators and he was the only survivor. The old master offered him a job as a guard. (Withdrawn personality).Liu Han – Sword master, greedy, there are rumors of his contact with the Chu family. (Suspicious).
"Mei Lan – Trusted servant, skilled in cooking, Xu Ping Loyal butler in charge of administration, Yun Tao Young apprentice, curious and hardworking…"
Ethan placed the list on the table and thought for a moment.
"The number of guards is small, but at least they are experienced people with proven loyalty. However, Liu Han represents a risk. If the rumors about his relationship with the Chu family are true, I must keep a close watch on him."
The Chu family was another merchant house in the wine business in the city. The competition between the two often caused friction, and the possibility that they had informants within his house could not be dismissed.
Ethan drummed his fingers on the desk, lost in his thoughts.
"In this world, the weak are prey. Drawing too much attention without enough strength is inviting disaster."
He lifted his gaze and fixed it on the list.
"Security is the immediate priority. I need more guards, but recruiting them directly will attract suspicion. Also, the business cannot be tied to my family if I want to expand without drawing attention."
He let out a sigh and rested his elbows on the table.
"If I want to operate freely, I must create an organization, one not directly linked to the family. I could recruit people under the name of the organization and stay in the shadows until I have enough strength." His mind began to outline a plan.
"First stage: recruitment. I need to attract people willing to join. A merit-based system will ensure their loyalty. The best candidates will be orphans, vagrants. If I offer them stability and purpose, they'll be easier to win over and less likely to betray me."
Ethan narrowed his eyes, processing each possibility.
"In the meantime, weapons production must move forward. All materials are ready, but I need a trustworthy blacksmith. I can't afford leaks at this stage."
A name crossed his mind: Old Zhang.
"His reputation is solid. If I can guarantee his loyalty, he could be the first pillar of this new organization."
"Everything will begin in the shadows. By the time anyone notices its existence, it will already be too late to stop it." Ethan drummed his fingers once more, his mind already visualizing the first steps of his plan.
The next step is weapons production. Setting up a workshop in the city was too risky. The best option was to move the operation to the outskirts, maybe to a nearby town where surveillance was more lenient. A discreet place.
He couldn't buy the land under his name or the family's. Everything had to be done without leaving a trace. Zhao Ren would disguise himself as a wandering merchant in search of opportunities and take care of finding suitable land.
Once the land was secured, construction of the workshop would begin immediately. Nothing flashy, just a sturdy structure capable of housing a foundry.
To avoid leaks, production would be divided into phases. First, steel ingots would be made at the workshop, and those ingots would be delivered to the blacksmith, who would work on them. There would be no direct links between the foundry and weapon manufacturing.
Ethan drummed his fingers on the table, visualizing the next steps. With a steady flow of steel, the production of rifle cannons could begin without raising suspicion. The first move was in motion. Now, it just had to be executed with precision.
Ethan calmly stood up and gave instructions to Zhao Ren."Gather the family's guards in the courtyard. I have something to announce."
With his hands crossed behind his back, he left the laboratory while Zhao Ren bowed in obedience."I'll be there shortly, young master."
A few minutes later, Zhao Ren returned with the group. The guards greeted him respectfully.
Ethan scanned the group with his gaze, evaluating each one.
Wei Jiang, the most veteran, was a tall man in his fifties, with gray hair and a scar crossing his left eye. He used to be a member of a mercenary group, lost the eye in a mission gone wrong, and retired. Seeking stability, he came to Rong and met his father. His experience made him a valuable asset.
The Hu brothers, Hu Jian and Hu Zhan, were imposing. Tall and muscular, they stood around two meters in height. The older, Hu Jian, had a shaved head and a well-groomed beard, while his younger brother, Hu Zhan, kept his hair short and a more sparse beard. Although intelligence wasn't their strong suit, they were men of trust, loyal and fierce in combat.
Shen Bao, on the other hand, radiated coldness. Two years ago, when he went out to gather firewood, his village was massacred by demonic cultivators. Since then, he trained obsessively, but unfortunately, he lacked talent for cultivation."Shen Bao... A man marked by tragedy. Such deep-rooted hatred can be a powerful engine if channeled correctly." Ethan considered the possibility of recruiting him for his future organization. "Just need to see if he has enough courage."
Finally, his gaze landed on Liu Han. Of distinguished bearing and unquestionable sword skills, however, his loyalty belonged not to an ideal nor a family, but to gold, wine, and women. A sharp sword, but unreliable.
Ethan let the silence settle before continuing."As you all know, from now on, I will be in charge of the family matters. I wanted to gather you because you are the strength of this house, and your loyalty and performance will be key in the future."
His gaze scanned each of the guards, making sure they understood the weight of his words. Then, after briefly discussing assignments and tasks, he ended the meeting.
"That's all for now. Return to your duties."
The guards responded with a respectful salute before leaving. However, when Shen Bao turned to leave, Ethan's voice stopped him.
"Shen Bao, stay for a moment."
The young man stopped immediately and turned to Ethan with a confused expression, though his gaze retained that latent coldness.
Ethan observed his rigid posture.
"I have a task for you. Something that requires determination and... courage."
He didn't need to say more. If Shen Bao had the will Ethan sought, he wouldn't ask questions.
"Please, order me, master." Shen Bao bowed his head in a respectful gesture, his tone firm and determined.
"I want you to watch Liu Han."
A flash crossed Shen Bao's eyes. Ethan didn't need to explain it in too many words.
"Watch who he meets with, what he says, and what he does when he thinks no one is watching. If you find evidence of betrayal..." Ethan paused briefly before continuing in a firm voice, "you'll take care of him."
There was no need to embellish the words. Ethan sought men who obeyed without questioning.
Shen Bao processed the order silently. His posture remained rigid, but he showed no doubt or fear.
"Understood?"
"Yes, master."
Ethan held his gaze for a few more seconds, evaluating him one last time. Then, he nodded.
"Go. Leave no traces."
Shen Bao bowed his head and left.
With everything in place, Ethan approached Zhao Ren and gave him a clear order:
"Leave immediately. Find a warehouse or an old building on the outskirts of the city, in a discreet and little-trafficked village. It must be spacious, with a sturdy structure, and not attract too much attention. It should look abandoned, but still be able to be repaired without raising suspicion."
He took a small pouch from his sleeve and handed it to him.
"Use this to buy the place. Pay what's necessary and avoid drawing attention."
Zhao Ren asked no questions. He simply nodded, took the pouch, and left without wasting any time.
Ethan walked back to his room when he heard voices coming from the hall. It didn't take long to recognize them.
"Enough! Don't you think you've had enough to drink?" his mother scolded with a mix of annoyance and amusement.
"Come on, woman!" his father replied, his tone clearly lively. "Today is a special day. Our son has grown up. He can take the business into his own hands!"
Intrigued, Ethan entered the room and found his father sitting at a table with a jug of liquor half-empty. His mother stood with her arms crossed, giving him a reproachful look, though there was pride in her eyes.
"Son! Come here, sit down. You have to toast with your old man."
Ethan smiled and sat down in front of them. His father poured a cup and pushed it toward him with a satisfied smile.
Ethan took the cup calmly, swirling it between his fingers as he watched the liquid reflect the light from the lamps. He took a sip and felt the warmth travel down his throat.
His father, excited, laughed and slapped the table with enthusiasm."It's the best drink in the world!"
His mother sighed but then turned to Ethan and gently patted his head."I'm so proud of you, son. You've grown so much…"
Ethan nodded, enjoying the moment. His mother continued scolding his father for drinking too much, while he, with a cup in hand and a calm smile, watched the scene. For a brief moment, he put aside his worries and simply allowed himself to be carried away by the warmth of home.
Chapter 8: Ashes of the Past, Shadows of the Future
On a warm morning, like any other, a young villager stepped out of his house with an old axe over his shoulder. His job was simple: gather firewood so his family could cook and prepare for the winter.
The path through the village was familiar and comforting. The villagers were getting ready for a new day, exchanging greetings and smiles.
"Shen Bao! Good morning. Are you going for firewood?" asked an uncle as he carried a sack of rice.
"Good morning, uncle. Yes, I want to gather enough for the winter." Shen Bao replied with a calm smile.
As he walked, he watched the children running and playing, the aunts chatting at the doors of their houses, and the adults going about their daily tasks. It was a humble village, but a happy one.
Soon after, he left the houses behind and ventured into the Green Mist Forest, an ancient forest that had sustained the village for generations. Here, they hunted, gathered wood, and traded with neighboring villages.
Lost in his thoughts, Shen Bao didn't realize how much time had passed. He had gathered enough firewood and decided to head home.
But then, as he walked up a nearby hill, a cold sensation ran down his spine. A bad premonition settled in his chest like a stone.
Looking up, he saw a column of black smoke rising in the sky, directly in the direction of his village.
Shen Bao's heart raced. He dropped the firewood without thinking and ran. He ran with all his might, terror squeezing his chest.
When he arrived, what he found was a nightmare.
The houses were in flames, the bodies of his neighbors lay on the ground, and heart-wrenching screams filled the air. Amid the massacre, a group of figures dressed in black moved about, wielding grotesque weapons, made of what seemed like twisted bones. Their faces were covered by depraved smiles as they plunged their blades into the defenseless villagers.
Shen Bao felt his world crumble. His home, his people, everything was being annihilated.
His instinct was to run to his house, but before he could move, a hand grabbed him tightly.
"Shen Bao, run!" His older brother's voice, trembling but firm. "They are demonic cultivators, we can't do anything. You have to save yourself!"
"But father and mother...!" Shen Bao felt his throat close up with horror.
"I will go for them! You just run, go as far as you can!" His brother looked at him with desperation.
"But...!"
"Run!" His brother shouted, pushing him back before running toward their burning home.
Shen Bao wanted to fight. He wanted to run after him, but his legs betrayed him. Reality hit him like a frozen spear. He had no choice.
He ran without looking back, his heart about to explode. But the screams continued, piercing his mind like needles.
And then he heard it.
"AAAHHH!"
A scream that froze his blood.
He turned his head, and he saw it.
His brother.
The blade of a weapon piercing through his chest.
Time stopped.
Shen Bao opened his mouth to scream, but no sound came out. His chest tightened with unbearable pain.
He wanted to run to him, but his feet wouldn't move. He knew that if he did, he would die too.
So he gritted his teeth, felt the burning tears slide down his face, and turned his head.
He ran until his legs could no longer go. Until his lungs burned and his body collapsed against the roots of an old tree deep in the forest.
Silence enveloped him. Only his ragged breath and the frantic beating of his heart broke the stillness.
But in his mind, the scene wouldn't stop.
His brother's face. The blood staining the ground.The screams.The horror.
Shen Bao squeezed his eyes shut, but nothing could erase the nightmare. Because this time, the nightmare was real.
----
The past felt like a distant dream, one from which he would never wake.
Now, Shen Bao moved silently between the shadows, his senses sharpened and his heart hardened. His body no longer trembled like that day. His fear had died along with his brother.
He followed Liu Han, watching him from a distance as the man walked carelessly. Every step Shen Bao took was calculated, his breath controlled. He was no longer the villager who had gathered firewood that morning.
Liu Han arrived at the tavern without hurry, unaware of the shadow following him. He sat at the bar and knocked on the wood with the back of his hand.
"Bartender, bring me a mug of wine."
The bartender nodded and served him. Liu Han took a sip, savoring the taste before a figure sat beside him, moving discreetly.
"Do you have news?" he asked quietly.
Liu Han didn't respond immediately. Instead, he squinted.
"Did you bring it?"
The man smiled faintly and slid a cloth bag across the bar. Liu Han took it, weighing it in his hand, and a satisfied smile spread across his face.
"Hehe... I don't know what made him change his mind, but it's true, the old man handed the business over to the boy. He even gathered us all today to announce it."
He took another sip and continued.
"As for the rest, it seems the Han family's convoy suffered heavy losses, the goods disappeared, and the old man has been restless. I overheard him mentioning plans to expand the business, but I don't know the exact details."
"I understand. Keep watching. If you find more precise information, the master will reward you generously."
With that, he stood up and left without a sound.
Liu Han leaned against the bar with a relaxed expression and let out a soft laugh.
"Bartender, bring me something to eat."
Completely unaware that, from the shadows, someone was watching him closely.
Hours later, Liu Han staggered out of the tavern, his breath smelling of alcohol and a satisfied smile on his face. His steps led him aimlessly toward one of the darkest areas of the city, where the lantern lights barely illuminated the alleys.
The night air was unusually cold. Suddenly, a freezing chill ran down his back, sending a shiver up his neck. His drunkenness began to dissipate, replaced by an oppressive unease.
Something was wrong.
"Whoosh."
The whistle of the cutting air made him react purely by instinct. With a clumsy twist, he avoided a fatal blow.
"Scratch."
The edge of a blade cut into his skin, leaving a burning sensation of pain.
"Ahhh!"
The impact made him stagger, and his breath quickened. His gaze focused on the silhouette emerging from the shadows.
"Shen Bao..." he murmured, a mixture of surprise and alarm in his voice.
Before he could continue, another flurry of attacks descended upon him. Liu Han barely managed to draw his dagger and raise his arms to defend himself, but the force of the blows pushed him back.
"Damned brat!" he growled, trying to regain his balance.
The edge of the dagger reflected the moonlight as it descended once more.
Liu Han barely managed to deflect the attack, but the force behind it made him stagger. Shen Bao's dagger danced in the darkness like a serpent, fast and precise.
"Why...?" Liu Han spat on the ground, tasting the metallic flavor on his tongue. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Shen Bao didn't respond. His gaze was impenetrable, like that of an executioner fulfilling his duty. He took a step forward and attacked again.
"Clang!"
The daggers clashed with force. Liu Han felt his wrist go numb. He couldn't match the speed of his opponent.
Desperate, he backed away down the alley, his back brushing against the cold stone walls.
"Listen, Shen Bao..." he tried to buy time, panting. "If it's money you want, I can give it to you."
The response was the sound of another cut. His right hand, still holding the dagger, fell to the ground with a dull thud.
"AAAAHHH!"
Liu Han collapsed, pressing the bloodied stump. His screams echoed through the empty alley.
Shen Bao stood in silence, watching him with indifference, his dagger descending one last time.
A silver gleam, a flash of blood.
Liu Han's body fell lifeless to the ground, his blood staining the stones beneath the faint moonlight.
Shen Bao observed him for a moment longer before turning and disappearing into the shadows, as if he had never been there.
----
Ethan sat in his room, a cup of liquor in his hand. The faint candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, and his eyes wandered, lost in the moon that hung high in the night sky.
"Master, I've returned."
A neutral voice was heard from the other side.
"Come in."
The door opened without a sound, and a young man entered with the same discreet presence as always. He gave a slight bow before speaking.
"I followed Liu Han to a tavern. I heard him selling information related to you and the Li family."
Ethan slowly swirled the cup in his hand, watching the reflection of the light in the liquid. Then, he took a sip before tossing a bag toward Shen Bao.
"I am someone who understands rewards and punishments. If you do your job well, you should be rewarded. Take this."
Shen Bao nodded indifferently and took the bag without looking at it. Just as he was about to turn to leave, Ethan spoke again.
"Have you ever considered confronting cultivators?"
Shen Bao stopped dead in his tracks. His fingers subtly tightened around the bag he had just received.
For the first time in the entire conversation, his expression showed more than indifference: a dark shadow crossed his gaze, a trace of emotions held back for far too long.
The candle flickered, and Ethan's silhouette stretched across the wall, as if the darkness itself responded to his question.
Calmly, he adjusted his glasses, studying every nuance on the young man's face.
The silence stretched on, thick as the night itself.
Finally, Shen Bao spoke, and his voice, though low, carried the sharpness of a knife.
"I've dreamed of the day I'll have the strength to crush them," he said coldly.
Ethan slowly swirled the cup in his hand, watching the liquor dance with the moonlight. Then, he lifted his gaze toward Shen Bao.
"And if you had that power?" he asked indifferently. "If you were strong enough to face them, what would you do?"
Shen Bao didn't respond immediately. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if measuring his words.
"I would hunt them," he finally said. "One by one."
Ethan let out a soft laugh and adjusted his glasses.
"Sounds more like personal vengeance than a real purpose."
Shen Bao furrowed his brow, but didn't reply.
Ethan took a sip and set the cup down on the table.
"If you're only seeking vengeance, sooner or later, you'll end up like them."
The atmosphere grew even heavier. The candle in the room flickered, casting long shadows on the walls.
Ethan smiled faintly, allowing the silence to stretch before continuing.
"Vengeance… power…" he murmured. "They're just means. The real question is: what do you want to build with that power?"
Shen Bao remained silent, his gaze fixed on Ethan.
"If you're only driven by hatred, you'll end up being just another tool. They will fall, yes… but others will take their place. So what will you do then? Keep hunting until there's no one left? Or until someone hunts you? Strength without direction is just chaos. You can destroy… or you can build something truly worthwhile."
Ethan leaned slightly forward, resting an elbow on the table.
Shen Bao lowered his gaze for a moment. Then, in a quieter tone, he said:
"If I had the power… I would use it so that no one else has to live what I lived."
Ethan twirled the cup between his fingers, letting the liquor reflect the moonlight. His words came calmly, but with an undeniable weight.
"An interesting ambition."
Shen Bao raised his gaze.
"In a world where strength dictates everything, mortals like us are prey. We live in fear every moment, forced to bow our heads to those who can crush us with a single thought."
The silence lingered. Shen Bao did not look away.
"I want to change that." Ethan gently placed the cup on the table. "I'm not seeking destruction or a meaningless bloodbath."
Shen Bao squinted, taking in every word.
"I seek a world where mortals are not mere ants before cultivators," Ethan continued. "But a place where, if we're cornered, we can become hunters instead of prey."
"Is that possible…?" murmured Shen Bao.
Ethan adjusted his glasses, the candlelight reflecting off the lenses.
"The impossible only exists until someone decides to make it a reality. History is written by those who dare challenge what others believe is unattainable."
Shen Bao remained silent. Those words ignited something in him.
Ethan looked him straight in the eyes, his voice firm yet filled with purpose.
"Join me, Shen Bao. I promise no glory or riches, only a path stained with blood and impossible challenges. But if we fight together, we won't have to live on our knees or accept the fate imposed by others. If this world must change, we will forge it with our own hands."
Shen Bao felt a shiver run down his spine, but it wasn't fear… it was excitement. Something in those words awakened a dormant fury. He clenched his fists, his gaze shining with a new intensity.
"If that's the price, I'll pay it without hesitation. I don't want to live in fear, nor allow others to suffer what I suffered. If I must shatter the chains that bind us to change it, I'll do it without doubt."
Ethan watched him for a moment, then raised his cup and spun it between his fingers. The candlelight flickered in the liquor.
"Then, let's fight together."
Chapter 9: Astralis
Ethan went out for a walk. Soon, he found himself under the shade of a willow tree, gazing at the night sky as he pondered the path ahead.
As a lover of astronomy, his dream had always been to see humanity expand across the vast cosmos. Although he was now far from his native star, perhaps even in another universe, he did not want to forget his roots or the home he came from.
The nocturnal landscape remained the same: an infinite sky where the stars illuminated the vast darkness. Some of them, at the end of their life, burned with a desperate glow, an echo of the brilliance they once had, reminding him of the fragility and fleeting nature of existence.
In contrast, other stars shone with a serene calm, radiating a steady and reliable light. Both coexisted, weaving a celestial tapestry that seemed to whisper stories of endings and continuations, of lives that faded and those that persisted, immutable in time.
Ethan exhaled slowly and rested his back against the willow's trunk. The night breeze rustled the leaves above his head, producing a soft murmur. He closed his eyes, letting the gentle sound clear his mind.
He was in a strange world, surrounded by people whose vision of life was entirely different from his own. Here, strength was everything. The heavens dictated an individual's path, defined their destiny. But he… he was different.
His path was clear: he had to change his fate. If cultivators relied on spiritual energy to achieve the impossible, then he would rely on science and technology.
He opened his eyes and focused his gaze on the sky.
There was something comforting about the stars. Even though he was trapped in this world, the firmament was a constant, a bridge between his past life and his present. Each star in the darkness was a reminder of the universe's greatness, of how insignificant one person was compared to its vastness.
And yet, humanity had defied that insignificance. It had looked to the sky and refused to accept its limits. It had dreamed of conquering the stars, of understanding them, of transcending the planet where it was born.
Why couldn't he do the same?
If fate had thrown him into this world, relegating him to being just another mere mortal, a slave, someone destined to live in fear, then he would defy that fate.
But he needed more than ideas. He needed power. A force that would embody his purpose.
He murmured softly:
"Connection… Bond… Relative… Relative to the stars…"
The echo of his words resonated in his mind.
The stars… humanity's beacon, the inspiration of explorers, the dream of those who challenged imposed limits. They represented the unattainable, and at the same time, a guide, a goal, a destiny…
Astralis.
A smile formed on Ethan's face. An ambitious name, but perfect.
He lifted his gaze to the sky, but this tme with determination.
He had made his decision.
----
To the south of the city of Rong was a small, almost deserted village. Most of its former residents had left in search of new opportunities, leaving behind empty houses and abandoned lands. Only a few families remained.
Next to the village, a river wound silently through the lands. The inhabitants said it was a tributary of the Leiyun River (Thunder Cloud), a legendary body of water that marked the boundaries of the Yun Dynasty and one of the forbidden zones for humanity. Its current roared incessantly throughout the year, and in its waters, electrical storms appeared and vanished like wandering ghosts.
On the outskirts of the village, an old piece of land stretched out. Abandoned structures stood amidst the overgrowth, and the remnants of worn-down watermills lingered. Ethan, accompanied by Zhao Ren, carefully inspected the place.
Ethan surveyed the area. The space was vast, with structures that could still be put to use. A river ran a few meters away, providing abundant access to water.
He nodded. It was a good place, with little traffic, secluded from the village, and enough space for future expansions.
"We'll start with the construction of the smelting furnace. Unload the carriage and head to the village to hire some workers."
Zhao Ren nodded and hurried towards the village. Meanwhile, Ethan surveyed the land, analyzing the soil and the available materials. Although rudimentary, the smelting furnace needed to be sturdy enough to withstand high temperatures and enable steel production.
To begin, they needed a natural draft furnace, similar to those used in ancient times. It would be based on a pit and tower design made of refractory bricks, with a chimney high enough to generate the necessary draft and stoke the fire.
Ethan knelt and touched the ground. It was compact and rich in clay, which would facilitate the construction of the refractory bricks. They would also need:
Sand and straw to reinforce the clay bricks. Coal or charcoal to reach sufficiently high temperatures. Iron ore. Limestone to help remove impurities during smelting.
After a while, Zhao Ren returned with a group of six men, tools in hand.
"Good!" Ethan said.
"Listen carefully. We'll divide the work into three tasks: Digging a solid foundation. Crafting the clay bricks for the furnace walls. Gathering materials for smelting."
The workers nodded and set to work.
First, they dug a hole about one meter deep and compacted the soil. Then, they placed large stones at the bottom, creating a solid base to support the furnace's weight. On this base, they poured a mixture of clay and sand, forming a level surface.
Ethan and Zhao Ren oversaw the brick-making process. They mixed clay, sand, and straw into large piles, adding water until a thick paste formed. Then, they molded the bricks by hand and left them to dry under the sun. Although they wouldn't be as strong as modern bricks, they would withstand extreme heat.
"Once they're dry, we'll fire them in a small structure before using them in the main furnace," Ethan explained.
Two days later, the bricks were ready. They stacked them in a cylindrical shape, leaving an opening at the bottom for airflow and another higher up to load the iron ore and coal. They also built a tall chimney to improve air circulation.
The interior of the furnace was coated with a mixture of clay and sand to increase its heat resistance.
With the furnace ready, it was time to gather the smelting materials. Zhao Ren managed to obtain chunks of iron ore and bags of limestone from a merchant. They also acquired large quantities of charcoal.
"The first test will be crucial," Ethan murmured. "If everything works, we'll produce our first steel bars."
With the smelting furnace constructed, Ethan and Zhao Ren organized the materials for the first test. If the furnace failed, they would need to reinforce its design or adjust the smelting method.
"First, we'll light the fire and let the furnace reach the proper temperature," Ethan instructed.
Zhao Ren and the workers stacked charcoal at the base of the furnace and lit it with burning embers. Gradually, they stoked the fire with improvised bellows. As the heat increased, the interior of the furnace glowed with an orange radiance.
"We'll wait until it reaches the ideal temperature," Ethan said, observing the color of the fire.
After some time, when the temperature was sufficiently high, they began introducing alternating layers of iron ore and charcoal, along with small amounts of limestone.
The process was not immediate. For several hours, they controlled the airflow and adjusted the amount of materials added. Inside the furnace, the iron slowly melted, separating from the slag.
After a long refinement process, Ethan decided it was time to extract the resulting product.
"Open the bottom," he ordered.
The workers carefully broke a small opening at the base of the furnace, and a stream of liquid slag poured out first, leaving behind a glowing mass of spongy iron. With improvised tools, they removed the mass and hammered it to expel the remaining impurities.
"This is not steel yet," Ethan said. "We need to refine it further."
They placed the iron mass into a small forge and heated it again. Then, Zhao Ren and the workers repeatedly hammered it with heavy tools, folding it and eliminating the trapped slag.
This process of heating and hammering continued until the impurities were minimized, achieving a more uniform and durable structure. Finally, they shaped elongated ingots and left them to cool slowly.
Ethan took one of the ingots and inspected it under the light of the forge.
"This is our first steel."
Zhao Ren smiled, his face covered in soot.
Ethan turned the ingot in his hand, reflecting.
"This is just the beginning."
Zhao Ren nodded. He knew Ethan had grand plans, and this was just the first step.