1860: I Become a Crime Lord in America

[Soul transmigration + System + historical era + talent traits + genius recruitment + technological boom + global unification + interstellar exploration]

California, United States, 1860.

Chen Andi, a PhD in history, was reborn as a Chinese laborer. On the brink of death, he unexpectedly awakened a Master-Servant Pact System and unlocked the talent-insight skill.

The Italian boy wandering the streets had superb marksmanship, hitting every shot.

The golden-haired goddess of a thief, lurking in the shadows, had nimble hands and left no trace.

The Native American hunter trapped in a desperate situation could track and kill his prey, with ears sharp enough to catch everything around him.

The Chinese explosives expert on the verge of death was a master of explosives who even designed his own detonators.

…

Starting with the formation of a core team, Chen Andi seized gold, built cities, raised an army, expanded trade routes, stockpiled military supplies, and developed technology. Amid the looming threat of war and the machinations of capital, he gradually established his own order.

While Lincoln was still struggling to cope with the Civil War, Chen Andi had already monopolized the railways and ports, taken control of mines and oil fields, and seized complete control of the California government. He had become the true king of the West.

But all of that was just a modest goal.

Standing atop the Rocky Mountains, Chen Andi gazed across the American continent, over the vast Pacific Ocean, and toward the boundless Eurasian continent. Then he raised his eyes to the glittering stars above.

“The bright future of humanity should be born in the darkness of the universe.”