ATG: NCF Chapter 7 : Growing Empire (Patreon)

Three years later...

[Soul Power(E): 20/100]

Nine hours daily of dedicated cultivation had finally pushed my soul power to E-rank, though progress had slowed considerably since the breakthrough.

Where two hours once yielded a 0.05% increase at F-rank, the same time now produced merely half that progress.

Still, I persisted with the quiet determination that had become my hallmark.

At nine years old, I maintained the facade of a medical prodigy while secretly building a business empire that spanned the entire Blue Wind Empire.

My daily schedule was meticulously structured—three hours of soul power cultivation in the morning, four hours of independent study during the day, which was also just soul power cultivation in hiding, and another two hours of cultivation before sleep.

I had completed Master Feng's formal training two years ago, having absorbed everything the physician could teach me about traditional medicine.

Now I supposedly conducted "advanced independent research," which provided the perfect cover for my other activities.

The decision to have Bai Ning Ning leave the Lin family's service had been a calculated risk, but a necessary one.

As my business expanded, it became impossible for her to maintain her cover as my guard while simultaneously managing an empire-wide operation.

"Young Master Lin requires a more seasoned protector as he approaches cultivation age," was the official reason given.

My father had promptly assigned another guard—a stern, silent man named Wei Kang, who was far less personable than Bai Ning Ning but also far less observant of my activities.

Meanwhile, Bai Ning Ning had transformed from a simple guard to the overseer of what was now commonly known as the "Golden Pavilion" chain—the most successful food business in the empire's history.

Under her management, our operations had expanded to every major city and most mid-sized towns.

Our daily customers had increased from thirty million to fifty million, with profits scaling accordingly.

More importantly, we'd diversified our offerings, introduced seasonal specialties, and established a robust supply chain that could withstand regional disruptions.

My net worth had swollen to approximately thirty-five million purple profound coins—a fortune that exceeded the annual income of any of the four major sects or even the Imperial family.

The wealth was carefully distributed across multiple holdings, investments, and secure locations, with only Bai Ning Ning and myself knowing the full extent of our operations.

"Have you tried the new steamed buns at Golden Pavilion?" my mother asked one evening as we strolled through the family garden. "Everyone in my social circle can't stop talking about them. We should visit one day."

I suppressed a smile. "I've heard they're quite popular."

"Popular is an understatement! Lady Su says her husband's servants queue for nearly an hour every morning just to purchase breakfast. A commoner food shop with such success—whoever owns it must be amassing a fortune!"

"Perhaps," I said noncommittally.

"Though I can't imagine why anyone with such wealth wouldn't announce themselves," she continued. "The prestige alone would be worth revealing their identity."

This was a conversation we'd had in various forms over the years.

Golden Pavilion's mysterious ownership had become something of a society gossip point, with theories ranging from a retired sect elder to a foreign merchant to a consortium of noble families.

No one suspected a nine-year-old boy.

"Maybe they prefer privacy," I suggested.

Mother laughed. "Privacy is for those who have something to hide. Success should be celebrated openly! When you become a great cultivator, Tian'er, you must never hide your achievements."

If only she knew.

My relationships within the Lin family remained largely unchanged over the years.

Father continued to provide my monthly stipend, though it had become utterly insignificant compared to my business income.

I accepted it with gratitude nonetheless, as refusing would raise questions I preferred to avoid.

My numerous half-brothers—children of Father's other six concubines—maintained their distance.

Their jealousy had never manifested as the deadly plotting so common in cultivation novels, but rather as a cold shoulder and occasional snide remarks when adults weren't listening.

Though there had been one notable confrontation last year during the family's New Year celebration.

Lin Feng, the eldest son born to Father's first wife, had cornered me in a secluded pavilion along with the twins, Lin Wei and Lin Wu, from the second concubine.

"Our little genius brother," Lin Feng had said, his voice carrying the false warmth that barely concealed contempt.

At sixteen, he was already in the early stages of the Elementary Profound Realm and carried himself with the arrogance of an heir apparent. "Always studying, always impressing Father."

The twins, both fourteen, had flanked him like loyal guards, their identical faces wearing matching smirks.

"We were wondering," Lin Feng continued, "if you intend to compete for the position of family heir when the time comes."

It was a loaded question.

In merchant families like ours, the position of heir typically went to the eldest son of the first wife—Lin Feng—but exceptions could be made for extraordinary talent or achievement.

"I have no interest in family politics," I had replied calmly. "My focus is on cultivation and medicine."

Lin Feng's eyes had narrowed slightly.

"A diplomatic answer. But Father speaks highly of you—too highly for comfort. Remember your place, little brother. Third concubine's son should aim for a supporting role, not the lead."

"I assure you, brother, I have no designs on your birthright."

The twins had exchanged glances. "Yet you curry favor with Father at every opportunity," Lin Wei had said.

"Showing aptitude for study is hardly currying favor," I'd countered.

Lin Feng had stepped closer then, his height allowing him to loom over me.

"Just understand this, Tian'er. When Father eventually names his heir, there will be no challenges. No... accidents. Do we understand each other?"

I had met his gaze steadily. "Perfectly, brother. Though I find it interesting you believe you need to warn me against something I've shown no interest in pursuing."

That had caught him off guard.

After a moment of silence, he'd laughed and stepped back. "Just ensuring family harmony, little brother. We wouldn't want any... misunderstandings."

They had left me then, satisfied they'd made their point.

I found the entire exchange amusing rather than intimidating.

I control resources that dwarf the entire Lin family fortune, so why would I even want the lordship of the family?

The question of cultivation loomed larger with each passing day.

At nine years old, I was still three years away from the optimal age to begin. 

While some children started earlier, doing so with immature profound veins risked permanently capping one's potential at the Elementary Profound Realm—an unacceptable outcome.

So I waited, building my foundation in other ways.

Soul power cultivation and Business expansion.

My most recent project involved planning expansion beyond the Blue Wind Empire's borders. 

The Divine Incense Nation and Navy Tide Nation—ranked fifth and sixth among the seven nations on the Profound Sky Continent, with Blue Wind being the lowest—represent markets significantly larger than our current operations.

While political tensions and trade restrictions made direct expansion challenging, the potential returns were too substantial to ignore. 

I sometimes allowed myself to dream even bigger, but for now, systematic expansion was the prudent approach.

First, these neighboring nations, then perhaps others as our operations matured....maybe the entire Primal Chaos will bask under the taste my Golden Pavilion has to offer.

"Young Master." Wei Kang's voice interrupted my evening meditation.

Unlike Bai Ning Ning, he never asked about my activities or showed curiosity about my constant studying.

He simply delivered messages and stood guard. "Your mother requests your presence for dinner."

"Thank you. I'll join her shortly. After dinner, I'll be stepping out for some fresh air."

Wei Kang nodded impassively.

He was used to my occasional evening walks, never suspecting these were clandestine meetings with Bai Ning Ning to discuss business matters.

Tonight, I will finalize our expansion plans into Divine Incense Nation and Navy Tide Nation.

The groundwork had been laid, partners selected, and supply chains established.

All that remained was my final approval and the transfer of funds to begin.

As I put away my meditation cushion, I mentally reviewed my timeline.

Three more years until I could begin profound cultivation without risking my future potential. Then the true test would begin.

How many profound entrances would I possess?

The average person had five to seven, while geniuses might have ten to fifteen.

The highest recorded on the continent was forty-two, possessed by the master of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region.

But I quickly dismissed this concern. It ultimately wouldn't matter—my alchemical knowledge included methods to open all fifty-four profound entrances through special pills.

While such methods were incredibly resource-intensive, requiring rare materials and precise concoctions, they were entirely possible with sufficient wealth.

And wealth was something I had in abundance.

The vast fortune I'd been accumulating wasn't merely for status or power—it was preparation for my future as an alchemist.

The materials required for high-level pill creation would cost astronomical sums, far beyond what even noble families could afford. 

Moreover, the system had other jobs waiting to be unlocked, each likely requiring significant investment to develop.

These challenges remained ahead of me, but I was positioning myself to overcome them all when the time came—a frustrating limitation in a world where patience was both necessary and excruciating.

Tonight, after dinner, I will have my monthly meeting with Bai Ning Ning to discuss our expansion.

By day, I remained the medical prodigy, the dutiful son, the object of my half-brothers' jealousy.

By night, I was the architect of an economic empire that rivaled the ancient sects in wealth, the mastermind preparing for a future only I could see coming.

Three more years. Just three more years until I could begin the journey that really mattered in this world—the path of profound cultivation. 

Until then, I would just pass my time with soul cultivation and Business Expansion.