《Cultivation is a Game [Xianxia LitRPG Isekai]》


 ONE: A Xianxia World

    The soft glow from three 27-inch monitors lit up Kai¡¯s face as he frantically mashed the buttons on his keyboard.


    On his central monitor, his character - a heavily armored dwarf warrior - desperately parried blows from the giant boss monster. The creature, a grotesque fusion of machine and flesh, loomed over the battlefield, its metallic tentacles lashing out at Kai''s team.


    "Shit, shit, shit!" Kai muttered, his eyes darting between his health bar and the boss''s attacks. "Sarah, I need a heal!"


    A golden light enveloped Kai''s character as Sarah''s priestess cast a healing spell. But it wasn''t enough. The boss''s next attack sent Kai''s dwarf flying, his health bar depleting to zero.


    [YOU DIED]


    Character: Grimbold the Dwarf


    Time alive: 8:42


    Damage dealt: 145,623


    Experience lost: 2,500


    "Not again!" Kai slammed his hand on the desk. His eyes darted to the party status indicators as two more messages popped up in rapid succession:


    [PARTY MEMBER DEFEATED: Shadowblade]


    [PARTY MEMBER DEFEATED: LightBringer]


    The discord channel erupted with groans and curses.


    "That''s it. I''m done," Sarah''s defeated voice came through. "Six hours and we can''t even get it below 40% health."


    "Yeah, man," Jake chimed in, sounding exhausted. "Maybe we should call it."


    Kai leaned back, running his hands through his disheveled brown hair. His blue eyes burned from staring at the screens for so long. Empty energy drink cans, crumpled snack wrappers, and a forgotten slice of pizza cluttered his desk ¨C typical of a Friday night marathon gaming session.


    Kai was about to agree when something caught his eye. Leaning forward, he replayed the boss fight in his head, focusing on its attack patterns.


    "Wait," he said, excitement creeping into his voice. "Guys, I think I''ve got something."


    Jake groaned. "Dude, come on. It''s 4 AM."


    "No, seriously," Kai insisted, pulling up the boss''s stats on his second monitor. "Look at this. Every fourth attack, it does that big AOE slam, right?"


    "Yeah, so?" Sarah asked, curiosity overtaking her fatigue.


    Kai''s fingers flew across the keyboard, pulling up their character stats. "So, what if instead of spreading out, we stack for that attack? Jake, if you pop your evasion right before it hits, and Sarah, if you time your group shield..."


    He laid out the plan, pointing out how they could use the boss''s own attack pattern to create a window for massive damage.


    There was a moment of silence, then Jake let out a low whistle. "That''s... actually a good idea."


    "It''s risky," Sarah added, but Kai could hear the spark of hope in her voice.


    Kai grinned, cracking his knuckles. "High risk, high reward. That''s how we play, right? One more try. If it doesn''t work, the next time we meet, beers on me."


    "You''re on," Jake chuckled. "Let''s do this."


    They respawned, making their way back through the neon-lit cyberpunk cityscape to the boss arena. Kai''s dwarf took point, shield raised as they entered.


    The fight began, and Kai called out the attacks. "AOE coming in three... two... one... Now!"


    They stacked. Jake''s rogue shimmered, becoming nearly invisible. Sarah''s priestess threw up a light barrier. The boss slammed down, but this time, they were ready.


    "Go, go, go!" Kai shouted.


    Jake''s rogue appeared behind the boss, daggers flying in a flurry of critical hits. Sarah''s priestess unleashed a torrent of holy fire. Kai''s dwarf charged in, his warhammer glowing with level 72 enchantments.


    The boss''s health bar plummeted. 75%. 50%. 25%.


    "Holy shit, it''s working!" Sarah yelled, her priestess dodging a retaliatory strike.


    With a final, coordinated assault, they brought the mighty creature down. It collapsed in a heap of sparking metal and oozing flesh.


    [VICTORY ACHIEVED]


    Boss defeated: Cybernetic Abomination


    Time: 14:23


    Damage dealt: 1,543,267


    Experience gained: 50,000


    Rare loot unlocked!


    "We did it!" Jake whooped. "Kai, you beautiful bastard!"


    Kai leaned back, a wide grin spreading across his face. "See? Told you we could¡ª wait, what the hell?"


    A small glitch appeared in the corner of his main screen, pixelating the edge of the victory banner. It spread rapidly, consuming the image.


    "Guys, are you seeing this?" Kai asked, frowning as he leaned in for a closer look.


    "Seeing what?" Sarah asked, still celebrating. "Kai?"


    The glitch exploded across all three monitors. The game world dissolved into a swirling chaos of code and fragmented images. At the center, a trident-like symbol pulsed with an eerie red glow.


    "What the fu¡ª" Kai started to say, reaching for the power button.


    An overwhelming surge of energy burst from the screens. It wasn''t just visual ¨C Kai could feel it crackling over his skin, seeping into his very being.


    He tried to move, to call out to his friends, but found himself paralyzed. The strange energy enveloped him as the world began to fade.


    The last thing Kai heard was Jake''s voice, distant and distorted: "Kai? Kai, you there, man?"


    Then darkness claimed him, the red trident symbol burning in his mind as consciousness slipped away.


    His last coherent thought was: God, I really hope this is just some weird dream...


    <hr>


    The first thing Kai noticed as he regained consciousness was the smell. Gone was the familiar scent of his room - a mix of coffee, electronics, and the faintest hint of sweat from long gaming sessions. Instead, his nostrils were assaulted by the nauseating smell of manure.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Did someone leave my window open again? he wondered groggily.


    Kai''s eyes fluttered open, then immediately widened in shock. Instead of the familiar sight of his bedroom ceiling, he found himself staring up at the evening sky.


    "What the..." Kai muttered, pushing himself up to a sitting position. His head swam with the movement, and he took a moment to steady himself.


    As his vision cleared, Kai took in his surroundings with growing disbelief. He was in the middle of a forest. Towering trees stretched as far as the eye could see. The ground was carpeted with a thick layer of moss and ferns, dotted here and there with overgrown mushrooms.


    This has to be a dream, Kai thought, pinching his arm hard. The sharp pain did nothing to dispel the scene before him.


    "Okay, stay calm," he said aloud, his voice sounding oddly muffled in the large forest. "Think this through logically."


    Kai stood up, brushing leaves and dirt from his clothes. He was still wearing the t-shirt and sweatpants he had on while gaming, but his feet were bare.


    First step, assess the situation, he thought, falling back on his analytical instincts.


    He patted his pockets, finding only his phone and wallet. The phone, unsurprisingly, had no signal.


    "Great," Kai muttered. "No shoes, no food, no idea where I am. This is just perfect."


    As he continued his self-assessment, Kai noticed something strange on his right wrist. A faint, glowing mark pulsed just beneath his skin. It resembled the symbol he had seen on his computer screen just before... whatever this was had happened.


    "Okay, that''s new," he said, prodding at the trident-like mark. It didn''t hurt, but he could feel a subtle warmth emanating from it.


    Focus, Kai, he chided himself. Weird glowing tattoos can wait. Need to figure out where I am and how to get back home.


    Kai picked a direction at random and started walking. As he moved through the forest, he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. The air felt different - thicker somehow, charged with an energy he couldn''t quite explain.


    It''s like I can almost feel the life in this place, he thought. Stop it, that doesn''t make any sense. You''re just disoriented.


    After what felt like hours of walking, Kai''s ears perked up at a sound that didn''t belong to the forest - voices. Human voices.


    Finally, some answers, he thought, quickening his pace.


    As he pushed through a particularly dense patch of undergrowth, Kai found himself at the edge of a small clearing. His jaw dropped at the sight before him.


    A small village nestled at the foot of a towering mountain, its architecture unlike anything Kai had ever seen outside of historical documentaries or fantasy games. The buildings were constructed of wood and stone, with sweeping, tiled roofs that curved upward at the corners. People milled about, dressed in robes and carrying baskets of what looked like herbs and vegetables.


    "No way," Kai breathed. "This can''t be real."


    He watched from the treeline for several minutes, his mind racing. The villagers spoke a language he couldn''t understand, but their mannerisms and the general layout of the village reminded him of something...


    It''s like I''ve stepped into one of those Xianxia novels, he thought. But that''s impossible. Right? This must be some sort of prank?


    Deciding that standing in the forest wasn''t going to get him any answers, Kai steeled himself and stepped out into the open. Almost immediately, several villagers noticed him and began pointing and talking excitedly.


    Here goes nothing, Kai thought as he approached the nearest person ¨C a bald old man.


    "Excuse me," Kai said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Can you tell me where I am?"


    The old man''s eyes widened in surprise. He replied in a language Kai didn''t understand, gesturing animatedly.


    "I''m sorry, I don''t..." Kai began, but trailed off as he realized something incredible. While he couldn''t understand the man''s words, their meaning was somehow becoming clear in his mind.


    "Young man," the old man was saying, "are you lost? This is Misty Waterfall Village. If you don¡¯t know where that is, we¡¯re at the foot of Mount Celestial Ascent."


    Misty Waterfall Village? Mount Celestial Ascent? I¡¯ve never heard of either place. These names sounded like something out of a fantasy game, not real locations!


    Kai struggled to keep his face neutral, not wanting to alarm the old man. Where on Earth was he? Or was he even on Earth anymore? The thought sent a chill down his spine.


    "Yeah¡­I think I am lost," Kai said. "I''m not sure how I got here. Everything''s a bit... fuzzy."


    The old man''s expression softened. "Ah, a troubled mind. Come, come. Let''s get you something to eat and drink. Perhaps that will help clear your thoughts."


    As Kai followed the elder into the village, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt at his deception. But he pushed the feeling aside, knowing that before he found out what was going on, caution was necessary.


    It''s not really lying, he rationalized. I am confused and lost. I''m just... omitting some details.


    The old man led Kai to a small tea house near the center of the village. As they walked, Kai took in every detail he could, cataloging information for later analysis. The villagers went about their daily routines, but many paused to stare curiously at the newcomer in his odd clothing.


    Inside the tea house, the air was fragrant with the scent of herbs and spices. The old man gestured for Kai to sit at a low table, then spoke quietly to the proprietor. Soon, a steaming cup of tea and a plate of dumplings were placed before Kai.


    "Eat, drink," the elder encouraged. "Then we can talk about your situation."


    Kai nodded gratefully and took a sip of the tea. The flavor was unlike anything he''d tasted before - complex, earthy, with an underlying energy that seemed to invigorate him.


    Focus, he reminded himself. Gather information. But be careful what you reveal.


    "Thank you for your kindness," Kai said, setting down the cup. "I''m afraid I don''t remember much. My name is Kai, but beyond that..." He trailed off, shrugging helplessly.


    The old man nodded sympathetically. "I am Chen Lao. It''s not unheard of for cultivators to experience memory loss after a particularly intense breakthrough or battle. Perhaps that is what happened to you?"


    Kai''s ears perked up at the familiar term. Cultivators. So, this really is a xianxia world¡­


    "Cultivators?" he asked, feigning ignorance. "I''m not sure what that means."


    Chen Lao''s eyebrows rose in surprise. "You don''t know of cultivation? But surely, with your level of qi..." He trailed off, studying Kai more closely. "Fascinating. It seems your memories are more damaged than I thought. Tell me, young man, what do you know of qi?"


    Kai pretended to concentrate, as if trying to recall something just out of reach. "Qi... it sounds familiar. Something about energy? Life force?"


    The elder nodded encouragingly. "Yes, yes. Qi is the energy that flows through all living things. Cultivators are those who have learned to harness and strengthen their qi, gaining great power in the process."


    As Chen Lao spoke, something extraordinary happened. A translucent window suddenly appeared in Kai''s field of vision, hovering in the air like a holographic display. Kai managed to keep his expression neutral, but internally, his mind was racing.


    A status window. Just like in the games. Either I¡¯ve taken too many mushrooms again or I¡¯m really in a new world¡­


    The window displayed his name at the top, followed by a series of stats:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    Level: 1


    Qi: 10/10


    Strength: 10


    Agility: 12


    Durability: 10


    Intelligence: 10


    Wisdom: 9


    Kai''s eyes widened slightly at his stats.


    "Is something wrong?" Chen Lao asked, noticing Kai''s distraction.


    Kai quickly refocused on the conversation. "No, sorry. Just... trying to process everything. You said cultivators can gain great power? How does that work?"


    As the old man launched into an explanation of the basics of cultivation, Kai listened intently while also experimenting with the status window. He found that he could interact with it using his thoughts, expanding different sections and viewing more detailed information.


    This is a game-changer, Kai realized. With this interface, I can optimize my growth in ways others can''t even imagine.


    "...and that''s why many young cultivators join sects," Chen Lao was saying as Kai tuned back in. "The major sects provide resources and training that can greatly accelerate one''s cultivation journey."


    Kai nodded, filing away this crucial information. "These sects, are there many of them?"


    "Oh yes," the elder replied. "The largest in our region are the Azure Sky Sect, known for their righteous path, and the Dark Moon Sect, who... well, they have a reputation for being more pragmatic in their pursuits."


    Righteous path versus pragmatism, Kai mused. I''ll need to learn more about these sects before making any decisions.


    "Thank you for explaining all this," Kai said, bowing his head slightly. "It''s helping to clear some of the fog in my mind. I''m still not sure how I got here or where I came from, but at least I have a better understanding of where I am now."


    Chen Lao smiled. "You are welcome, young man. Now, we should consider your next steps. Without your memories, you are vulnerable. With your talent, perhaps we could arrange for you to meet with one of the sect recruiters when they next visit our village?"


    Kai considered the offer. It was tempting - a direct path into this world''s power structure. But he also knew he needed more information before committing to anything.


    "That''s very generous," he said carefully. "But I think I need some time to... find myself first. Is there somewhere I could stay for a few days? I''d be happy to work in exchange for lodging."


    The old man stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Hmm, yes, that could be arranged. My nephew runs the village granary. He could always use an extra pair of hands during the harvest season. And we have a small guest house where traveling cultivators sometimes stay. It''s yours for as long as you need."


    Kai bowed deeply, genuinely grateful for the man''s kindness. "Thank you, Chen Lao. Your generosity is overwhelming."


    As they stood to leave the tea house, Kai caught his reflection in a polished metal surface. He still looked like himself - short dark hair, lean build, blue eyes - but something seemed different. There was an energy about him that hadn''t been there before.


    Welcome to your new life, Kai, he thought to himself. Time to start playing the game.

 TWO: Trident Mark?

    Kai''s eyes fluttered open as he was greeted by the unfamiliar ceiling. He blinked, memories of the previous day flooding back. The forest, the village, Chen Lao''s kindness - it all felt surreal.


    He sat up slowly, taking in his surroundings. The guest house was small but comfortable, with simple furnishings and a window overlooking the village.


    So, it wasn''t a dream, Kai mused. I''m really in another world.


    As he stretched, Kai realized something surprising - he didn''t feel the pang of homesickness he''d expected. Earth, with its familiar routines and technology, seemed like a distant memory.


    It''s like I''ve stepped into one of my games. Except now, I''m the main character...


    Kai had always been more at home in virtual worlds than in reality. His friends were mostly online gaming buddies, their interactions limited to voice chats, strategy discussions, and the occasional meetups. As for family...


    Mom, he thought, a brief wave of sadness washing over him. She had passed away shortly after he finished college, leaving him alone in the world. His father had never been in the picture.


    Kai shook his head, pushing away the thoughts. No use dwelling on the past. This is a fresh start, cultivation is just another game system to master. I''ve got my status window, and now I need to level up.


    Name: Kai Thorn


    Level: 1


    Qi: 10/10


    Strength: 10


    Agility: 12


    Durability: 10


    Intelligence: 10


    Wisdom: 9


    Kai studied the numbers, his mind already whirring with possibilities. If this is anything like the games I''ve played, those stats are going to be crucial. Time to start grinding.


    A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. "Kai?" Chen Lao''s voice called out. "Are you awake?"


    "Yes, I''m up," Kai replied, quickly pulling on the simple robes that had been provided for him. He opened the door to find the old man smiling warmly.


    "Good morning," Chen Lao said. "I hope you slept well. My nephew is ready to show you around the granary if you''re still willing to help out."


    "Of course,¡± Kai nodded. ¡°I''m grateful for your hospitality. It''s the least I can do to repay you."


    <hr>


    The granary was a large, sturdy building on the outskirts of the village. A young man with a friendly face was waiting outside, waving as Kai approached.


    "You must be Kai," he said with a warm smile. "I''m Liang. Uncle Chen told me about you. Welcome to the Misty Waterfall Village!"


    Kai smiled back and stuck out his hand. Liang looked at it oddly, seeming confused. Kai quickly realized his mistake - this wasn''t how people greeted each other here. He lowered his hand and gave a small bow instead.


    "Thanks for having me," Kai said. "I''m ready to work."


    Liang returned the bow with a laugh. "Eager, I see! Well, we''ve got plenty to do. Come on, I''ll show you around."


    The next few days passed in a blur of activity. Kai threw himself into the work, helping to sort and store the newly harvested grains, repair damaged storage containers, and assist with inventory.


    It was hard, physical labor - something Kai wasn''t used to. But as the days went by, he found himself growing stronger, more agile. His status window reflected these changes:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    Level: 1


    Qi: 10/10


    Strength: 11


    Agility: 13


    Durability: 11


    Intelligence: 10


    Wisdom: 9


    Not bad, Kai thought, studying the screen during a brief break. But I need to start working on my Qi if I want to make real progress in this world.


    As if the universe had heard his thoughts, an opportunity presented itself that very afternoon. Kai was carrying a heavy sack of grain when he noticed an old man struggling with a similar load.


    "Here, let me help you with that," Kai offered, setting down his own sack and moving to assist the elder.


    The old man''s eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, thank you, young man. These old bones aren''t what they used to be."


    As Kai picked up the sack, he noticed something odd. The old man''s frail appearance seemed at odds with the way he moved - there was a fluidity, a subtle grace that spoke of hidden strength.


    There''s more to this guy than meets the eye...


    "I''m Kai," he said, introducing himself as they walked. "I''m new to the village."


    The old man nodded. "Ah, yes. I''ve heard about you. The young man with no memories. I am Zhang Wei."


    There was something in Zhang Wei''s tone that made Kai pause. A hint of... curiosity? Suspicion?


    "That''s right," Kai said carefully. "I''m afraid I don''t remember much about my past."


    Zhang Wei hummed thoughtfully. "Memory is a fickle thing, young Kai. But the body remembers what the mind forgets. Tell me, have you ever heard of Qi?"


    Kai feigned ignorance, shaking his head. "Chen Lao mentioned it, but I''m not sure I understand."


    "Ah," Zhang Wei nodded. "Memory loss can be a tricky thing, especially for cultivators. Sometimes a particularly intense breakthrough or battle can scramble one''s mind." He leaned forward. "Would you allow me to sense your qi? It might help me understand your situation better."


    Kai hesitated for a moment but then realising there was no downsides, he nodded. "Of course, Elder."


    The old man reached out, placing a hand on Kai''s wrist. Kai felt a strange tingling sensation, as if something was probing gently at his core.


    After a moment, Zhang Wei sat back, his expression a mix of surprise and intrigue. "Fascinating," he murmured. "Your qi... it''s at the level of Qi Refining Stage 1, but there''s something unusual about it. Almost as if..." He trailed off, lost in thought.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Kai leaned forward, genuinely curious. "What is it, Elder Zhang?"


    The old man shook his head. "It''s hard to say for certain. But your qi feels... pure, untainted. As if you''ve never used any cultivation techniques at all, despite clearly having a strong foundation."


    It is strange that I woke up already in the first stage of Qi Refining...


    Aloud, he said, "I see. Is that... unusual?"


    Zhang Wei nodded slowly. "Quite. Most cultivators at your level would have already begun shaping their qi according to specific techniques. Yours is like a blank slate." He studied Kai intently. "Tell me, young man, would you be interested in relearning some basic cultivation methods? It might help jog your memory."


    Bingo. This is exactly what I need.


    Kai kept his expression neutral. "I would be very grateful for your guidance, Elder Zhang."


    And so, after finishing their work at the granary, Kai found himself following Zhang Wei to a small clearing just outside the village.


    "Now," Zhang Wei said, his voice taking on a more authoritative tone, "Qi is the energy that flows through all living things. Cultivators learn to harness this energy, to strengthen their bodies and perform incredible feats."


    Kai listened intently, pretending to absorb this information for the first time while his mind raced with possibilities.


    Zhang Wei continued, "Close your eyes, young Kai. Try to feel the energy within you. It may be faint at first, but with practice, you can learn to sense and control it."


    Kai did as instructed, closing his eyes and focusing inward. To his surprise, he could indeed feel something - a warm, tingling sensation that seemed to flow through his body.


    Is this Qi? It feels... familiar somehow.


    "I... I think I feel something," Kai said hesitantly, opening his eyes.


    Zhang Wei nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "Good, good. Now, try to gather that energy. Imagine it pooling in your lower abdomen."


    Kai concentrated, visualizing the energy as a glowing orb. To his amazement, he could feel the Qi responding to his will, slowly gathering as directed.


    Zhang Wei''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Impressive! You''re a natural, young Kai. Or perhaps... you''re remembering skills you once knew."


    Kai feigned confusion. "What do you mean?"


    "Your control is too refined for a complete novice," Zhang Wei explained. "I suspect you were once a cultivator of some skill. Your current level seems to be that of Qi Refining Stage 1 but it¡¯s likely it was previously higher."


    Higher? You couldn¡¯t be more wrong, old man, Kai thought with a smile.


    Aloud, he said, "I... I''m not sure. It does feel somewhat familiar."


    Zhang Wei nodded sagely. "The mind may forget, but the body remembers. Now, let''s try something more advanced. Channel your Qi to your hand."


    Kai complied, focusing on directing the energy as instructed. As he did so, he felt a strange tingling in his right wrist. Glancing down, he saw the mysterious mark glowing faintly.


    What the...


    Suddenly, the Qi in his hand seemed to solidify, taking on a vaguely sword-like shape.


    Zhang Wei''s eyes widened in shock. "By the heavens! Y-you¡¯re condensing Qi!"


    Kai stared at the shimmering energy construct in his hand, his mind racing. This... this could be a game-changer.


    "I''ve never seen anything quite like it," Zhang Wei continued, his voice filled with awe. "Young man, your background must be extraordinary. You must have come from a powerful sect indeed!"


    Kai hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. "I... I suppose I must."


    Better to let them think that. It might keep me safer in the long run.


    "We must continue your training," Zhang Wei said eagerly. "Your talent is too great to waste. Meet me here again tomorrow, and we''ll work on developing this ability further."


    As Kai made his way back to the guest house that evening, his mind buzzing with possibilities. Qi Condensation... I can create weapons out of pure energy. The tactical advantages are enormous.


    He spent the next few hours experimenting with his new ability, forming various weapons and tools from his Qi. Swords, spears, shields - each came with its own advantages and drawbacks.


    I need to plan for every scenario. In close combat, a sword would be ideal. For ranged attacks, maybe I can form something like a bow. And a shield for defense...


    As he practiced, Kai couldn''t help but feel a sense of exhilaration. This really is the ultimate game. And I intend to master it.


    The next morning, Kai woke up early, eager to continue his training with Zhang Wei. As he made his way to the clearing, he ran through potential scenarios in his mind.


    If I encounter a stronger cultivator, I''ll need to rely on strategy rather than brute force. Maybe I can use the environment to my advantage...


    "Ah, young Kai," Zhang Wei greeted him as he arrived. "Ready to continue your training?"


    "Absolutely,¡± Kai nodded, a determined look in his eyes. ¡°What''s next?"


    Zhang Wei smiled approvingly. "Let''s work on refining your Qi Condensation skill. Try forming different shapes, focusing on stability and detail."


    For the next few hours, Kai practiced diligently under Zhang Wei''s guidance. He formed swords, spears, shields, and even attempted more complex shapes like chains and grappling hooks.


    "Remarkable," Zhang Wei muttered, watching Kai create a detailed dagger of pure Qi. "Your progress is astounding. Almost like this all comes naturally to you. Are you sure you don''t remember any of your past training?"


    Kai shook his head, maintaining his facade of confusion. "No, it''s all still a blank. But this... it feels right somehow."


    "Your ability, your rapid progress... these are not traits of an ordinary sect," Zhang Wei nodded thoughtfully. "I suspect you may have connections to one of the major powers in our world. Perhaps even one of the hidden bloodlines!"


    Kai''s mind raced with the implications. Hidden bloodlines? That could be useful information.


    Outwardly, he maintained a look of confused interest. "Hidden bloodlines? What do you mean?"


    Zhang Wei lowered his voice, glancing around as if afraid of being overheard. "There are whispers of powerful cultivation families that operate in secret, away from the politics and conflicts of the major sects. They are all born with an ability unique to that family, this could explain your Qi Condensation skill. If you really do come from such a background, young Kai, you must be very careful. Such connections can be both a blessing and a curse."


    Despite knowing he didn¡¯t hail from such a family, Kai nodded. "I understand. Thank you for the warning, Master Zhang."


    As they continued their training, Kai''s mind was already formulating plans and strategies. If I can convince others that I have a powerful backing, it might deter potential enemies. But I''ll need to be careful not to attract too much attention. It¡¯s a delicate balance.


    Over the next few days, Kai split his time between working at the granary and training with Zhang Wei. His progress was rapid, impressing even the old cultivator.


    "Your talent is truly remarkable," Zhang Wei commented one afternoon as they took a break from training. "In just a few days, you''ve advanced to Qi Refining Stage 2. At this rate, you''ll be ready for Foundation Establishment in no time."


    Kai nodded, allowing a small smile of satisfaction to cross his face. His status window now showed:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    Level: 2


    Qi: 25/25


    Strength: 15


    Agility: 17


    Durability: 15


    Intelligence: 10


    Wisdom: 10


    Not bad. But I need to keep pushing, I''m barely scratching the surface. In this world, power is everything.


    "Master Zhang," Kai said, an idea forming in his mind. "You mentioned Foundation Establishment. I don¡¯t know much about it, can you tell me more?"


    Zhang Wei''s expression grew serious. "Ah, Foundation Establishment. It''s a critical step in a cultivator''s journey. It involves solidifying your Qi foundation, creating a stable base for future advancement. But it''s also incredibly dangerous. Many cultivators fail at this stage, their foundations crumbling under the pressure."


    Kai listened intently, his mind already analyzing the risks and potential rewards. "I see. And what happens to those who fail?"


    A shadow passed over Zhang Wei''s face. "Best case scenario? They''re left unable to advance further, their cultivation stagnating. Worst case... their cultivation can backfire, crippling or even killing them."


    A high-risk, high-reward scenario, Kai thought.


    ¡°Is that what happened to you, Master Zhang? If you don''t mind me asking."


    Zhang Wei sighed. "Yes it is. I was once a promising disciple of the Azure Sky Sect. But when I attempted Foundation Establishment, my foundation crumbled. I was lucky to survive, but the sect had no use for a crippled cultivator. They cast me out, and I''ve been living here ever since. Now, I¡¯m no better than a Qi Refining Stage 5 cultivator at best¡­"


    The sects aren''t as benevolent as they might want people to believe, Kai''s eyes narrowed slightly. I don¡¯t blame them though, cripples really don¡¯t have much use, even the righteous sects have to be pragmatic.


    "I''m sorry to hear that but thank you for sharing that with me," Kai gave a slight bow.


    Even though the decision to expel the old man was logical, Kai still felt genuinely bad for him.


    Zhang Wei nodded, a sad smile on his face. "Learn from my mistakes, lad. Don''t rush into Foundation Establishment until you''re absolutely ready. And be wary of the major sects. They can offer great opportunities, but their favor is fickle."


    As Kai made his way back to the village that evening, his thoughts were focused on advancement. I need to get stronger, fast. I don¡¯t know when the first boss battle will be. But I also need to be smart about it. No point in rushing to Foundation Establishment if it might kill me.


    He spent the next few hours practicing his Qi Condensation skill, forming shapes and testing their durability. If I can create solid, lasting constructs, it could give me a significant advantage in combat.


    As he worked, Kai found himself pondering his situation. It''s strange. A week ago, I was just a gamer, living a normal life on Earth. Now, I''m training to become a cultivator in a world straight out of a fantasy novel.


    But despite the strangeness of it all, Kai felt no real desire to return to his old life.


    What was there for me back on Earth, really? No family, no real friends... just games and a dead-end job. Here, I have the chance to become truly powerful. To make a real difference.


    He formed a perfect replica of a longsword from his Qi, admiring its glowing edges.


    This is my reality now. I have to accept it.

 THREE: The Attack

    The forest was quiet in the early morning light as Kai sat cross-legged on a mossy rock, his eyes closed in concentration. He took slow, deep breaths, following the cultivation technique Zhang Wei had taught him. The cool air filled his lungs as he focused on the flow of qi within his body.


    Breathe in, hold, breathe out. Feel the energy circulating, Kai reminded himself.


    He''d been practicing diligently for weeks now, gradually strengthening his qi and advancing through the early stages of cultivation. Physical labour no longer affected his stats, he would need to cultivate if he wanted to grow stronger.


    As he continued the breathing exercise, Kai felt a subtle shift within him. The energy flowing through his meridians seemed to pulse more strongly, gathering and condensing in his dantian.


    This feeling... could it be?


    Kai opened his eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He pulled up his status window, confirming his suspicion:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    Level: 3


    Qi: 50/50


    Strength: 20


    Agility: 22


    Durability: 20


    Intelligence: 11


    Wisdom: 10


    "Qi Refining Stage 3," Kai murmured, satisfaction evident in his voice. "Not bad for a few weeks of work."


    He stood up, stretching his limbs and feeling the increased vitality coursing through his body. While he knew he still had a long way to go in terms of cultivation, each advancement felt like a significant milestone.


    Some would assume it was mainly the physical stats that caused the disparity between the different stages in the Qi Refining Realm, but Kai didn¡¯t think so.


    "It''s the qi," Kai nodded. "The quality and quantity make the real difference."


    He compared his current qi to when he was at Stage 2. It felt denser, more potent. He could sense it flowing through his meridians with greater force.


    Kai approached a tall tree. He took a stance and threw a punch, channeling qi into his fist. The bark cracked, leaving a noticeable indentation.


    "If I was still at Stage 2, that same punch would''ve barely scratched the surface," he mused. "The physical difference isn''t huge, but the impact of the qi is night and day."


    Holding out his hand, Kai¡¯s thoughts turned to his unique skill in this world. Time to practice Qi Condensation.


    He focused, drawing upon his qi and willing it to take shape. A faint glow emanated from his palm as the energy coalesced into a simple dagger. Kai studied the construct critically, noting its strengths and weaknesses.


    The blade looked sharp enough, but he could see minor imperfections in its form. More importantly, he could feel the drain on his qi as he maintained the construct. After about thirty seconds, the dagger flickered and dissipated.


    "Hmm, better than when I started," Kai mused aloud. "But still a long way from being combat-ready."


    He spent the next hour practicing, forming various shapes and testing how long he could maintain them. Swords, shields, even simple tools like hammers ¨C each presented its own challenges.


    The bigger or more complex the shape, the faster it drains my qi, Kai noted. And the strength seems directly tied to how much qi I put into it. At my current level, when facing a higher stage cultivator, it is more of a parlor trick than a weapon.


    Still, he couldn''t help but feel excited about the potential of this skill. With enough practice and as his cultivation base grew stronger, Kai knew this ability could become a formidable asset.


    As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Kai decided to call it quits for the morning. His stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn''t eaten yet.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Maybe I should bring something back for the village, he thought. A little hunting practice couldn''t hurt.


    Kai moved deeper into the forest, his footsteps nearly silent thanks to his improved agility. He kept his senses alert, listening for any signs of prey. After about fifteen minutes, he heard a rustle in the underbrush ahead.


    Crouching low, Kai peered through the foliage. A plump pheasant pecked at the ground, unaware of his presence.


    Perfect, Kai thought, a plan already forming in his mind.


    He focused his qi, forming a thin, razor-sharp blade in his hand. Taking careful aim, Kai threw the qi construct like a throwing knife. The ethereal blade whistled through the air, striking the pheasant before it could react.


    "Got it," Kai grinned, retrieving his prize. "Let''s see how the villagers like this for breakfast."


    With the increase in his stats, he had made sure to set aside some time to practice the basic skills of survival since he didn''t have the luxury of living in a first world country anymore.


    My aims not perfect yet, but it''s improving.


    Feeling quite pleased with himself, Kai made his way back toward the village. As he neared the outskirts, however, his smile faded. Something was wrong. The usual peaceful atmosphere was shattered by sounds of distress ¨C crying, shouting, and the general chaos of panic.


    Kai quickened his pace, bursting into the village square. The scene that greeted him was one of devastation. Several buildings showed signs of damage, with broken windows and splintered doors. Villagers milled about in confusion and fear, some nursing injuries while others comforted crying children.


    "What happened here?" Kai demanded, approaching a group of villagers.


    An older man with a bandaged arm turned to him, his face pale with shock. "Bandits," he spat. "They came about an hour ago, like a pack of wolves. We tried to fight them off, but..." He gestured helplessly at the destruction around them.


    A woman nearby let out a wail of despair. "They took them! My daughter, my sweet Lin... they took her and the other girls!"


    "Kidnapped?¡± Kai''s blood ran cold. ¡°How many?"


    "At least a dozen," the injured man replied grimly. "Mostly young women and girls. We couldn''t stop them."


    Damn it, Kai thought, his mind racing. I should have been here. Maybe I could have...


    He shook his head, pushing away the useless guilt. What mattered now was what he could do about it.


    "Where''s Zhang Wei?" Kai asked, scanning the crowd for the old cultivator.


    "Over by the well," someone called out. "He''s hurt pretty bad."


    Kai hurried over, finding the elder slumped against the stone well, his robes stained with blood. Zhang Wei looked up as Kai approached, his face scrunched in pain.


    "Kai," the old man croaked. "You''re alright. I feared..."


    "I''m fine," Kai assured him, kneeling beside his mentor. "What happened? How bad are you hurt?"


    Zhang Wei grimaced. "Nothing fatal, just my pride. I tried to stop them, but..." He shook his head, frustration evident in his voice. "I''m useless. Can''t manipulate qi past Stage 5 Qi Refining anymore. Years ago, those bandits wouldn''t have stood a chance."


    "What stage were the bandits at?¡± Kai''s eyes narrowed. ¡°Were they all cultivators?"


    "Most were just mortal thugs," Zhang Wei replied. "But there were a few cultivators among them. Their leader..." The old man''s voice dropped to a whisper. "He was at least Stage 6 Qi Refining. Maybe even Stage 7."


    Stage 6 or 7? That''s at least three whole stages above me, Kai thought, his mind already calculating odds and possibilities. In gaming terms, that''s like an experienced player versus a newbie. But...


    "We can''t just let them take those women," Kai said firmly. "There has to be something we can do."


    "Kai, no,¡± Zhang Wei looked at him sharply. ¡°I know what you''re thinking, but it''s suicide. You can''t hope to defeat a Stage 7 cultivator. Not at your level."


    Kai stood up, his jaw clenched. "Maybe not in a straight fight. But I''ve always specialized in taking down opponents way above my level. It just takes the right strategy."


    He looked around the village, taking in the devastation. Children huddled in corners, crying for their missing mothers and sisters. Men nursed injuries, their faces full of shame and helplessness. Kai thought of Auntie Chen, who always slipped him extra treats after training, and young Mei Li, who''d watched wide-eyed as he showed off his qi skills.


    They don''t deserve this, Kai thought, his resolve hardening. These people took me in, helped me when I had nothing. I can''t abandon them now.


    "I''m going after them," Kai announced, his voice leaving no room for argument.


    Zhang Wei struggled to his feet, grabbing Kai''s arm. "Please, don''t throw your life away! You''re talented, yes, but talent means nothing against raw power at that level!"


    Kai gently but firmly removed the old man''s hand. "I appreciate your concern, Master Zhang. But I''m not going to charge in blindly. Trust me, I have experience with this sort of thing."


    Maybe not in real life, Kai admitted to himself. But how different can it be from raid planning?


    "I''ll scout their location, assess their defenses, and come up with a plan," Kai continued. "If it looks impossible, I''ll come back and we''ll figure something else out. But I have to try."


    Zhang Wei stared at him for a long moment, then sighed heavily. "I can see there''s no talking you out of this. At least take some supplies with you. And for heaven''s sake, be careful!"


    Kai nodded, a grim smile on his face. "Always am. Don''t worry, I''ll bring them back."


    As he gathered some basic supplies ¨C food, water, and a sturdy knife ¨C Kai''s mind was already making plans.


    First step, tracking. Then reconnaissance. Find their weaknesses, create a diversion, and extract the hostages. Simple in theory, but the execution will be tricky.


    He paused at the village gate, looking back at the worried faces of the villagers.


    I won''t let you down, he silently promised. Time to put all those hours of gaming to real-world use.


    With a deep breath, Kai set out on the bandits'' trail. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he was ready to face them. After all, he''d come to this world with nothing ¨C now he had a chance to prove his worth.


    Let the hunt begin, Kai thought as he disappeared into the forest.

 FOUR: Bait

    Kai crouched low in the underbrush, his eyes scanning the forest floor. Broken twigs and trampled vegetation marked the bandits'' trail clearly. He allowed himself a small smile.


    Tracking in real life isn''t so different from following quest markers, he mused. Just have to pay attention to the details.


    As he moved through the forest, Kai''s mind raced with possibilities. He knew he was severely outmatched in terms of raw power, but that had never stopped him before. In his gaming days, he''d led raid groups to take down bosses twenty levels above them.


    This is just another raid, Kai reminded himself. Gather intel, form a strategy, execute flawlessly. Simple.


    After a few hours of careful tracking, Kai heard voices ahead. He slowed his pace, moving as silently as possible. Through the trees, he caught glimpses of a small clearing with several crude tents set up.


    Bingo. Bandit camp located.


    Kai found a secluded spot with a good view of the camp. He settled in, preparing for a long stakeout. As he watched, he counted at least a dozen bandits milling about. Most looked like common thugs, but a few carried themselves with the confidence of cultivators.


    Okay, let''s see. Two guards on rotation, three by the main fire, four near the prisoner tent...


    His eyes narrowed as he spotted a large, muscular man barking orders. The other bandits seemed to defer to him.


    That must be the leader. Stage 6 or 7 Qi Refining, according to Zhang Wei. Way out of my league in a direct fight.


    As Kai continued his reconnaissance, he overheard a heated argument breaking out among a group of bandits near the prisoner tent.


    "I say we have some fun with the girls now," a scruffy-looking man growled. "Why wait?"


    Another bandit, taller and leaner, shook his head. "You idiot. They''ll fetch a higher price if they''re untouched. Think with your head, not your-"


    "Enough!" The leader''s voice boomed across the camp. He strode over, his presence silencing the argument immediately. "We stick to the plan. No one touches the merchandise. Anyone who disobeys answers to me. Understood?"


    The bandits mumbled their agreement, though some looked less than pleased.


    Kai felt a surge of disgust. These bastards want to sell these women and children as slaves, I can¡¯t let that happen.


    He continued observing, gathering every scrap of information he could. Guard rotations, sleeping arrangements, the layout of the camp - Kai committed it all to memory.


    As the sun began to set, Kai retreated deeper into the forest to plan his next move. He found a small clearing and sat cross-legged, closing his eyes to focus.


    Okay, let''s break this down. I''m outnumbered and outpowered. A direct assault is suicide. I need something to even the odds.


    He opened his eyes, gazing at the darkening forest around him. An idea began to form.


    In games, when you''re up against a tough boss, sometimes you can use environmental hazards to your advantage. What if...


    Kai''s eyes widened as the plan crystallized in his mind.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    A spiritual beast. If I could lure a powerful beast to the camp, it would cause chaos. The bandits would be distracted, maybe even thinned out. That could be my opening.


    He nodded to himself, a smile spreading across his face. It was risky, borderline insane even. But it was the best shot he had.


    Now, where to find a Stage 7 Qi beast?


    Kai closed his eyes again, recalling everything he''d learned about this world''s ecology. He thought back to countless hours spent studying monster spawns and boss locations in his old games.


    In games, powerful monsters usually inhabit specific biomes. They need territory, food sources. If I were designing this world, where would I put a Stage 7 beast?


    He opened his eyes, scanning the forest with new purpose. The terrain sloped upward to the east, towards rockier ground.


    Higher elevation, more dangerous terrain. That''s where I''d put the tough mobs.


    With a nod, Kai set off towards the rocky slopes. As he hiked, he kept his senses alert for any sign of a powerful presence.


    Hours passed as Kai climbed higher into the mountains. The forest thinned out, giving way to scrub and bare rock. Just as he was beginning to doubt his theory and wonder if game logic didn¡¯t apply to this world, he felt it - a prickle of energy on the back of his neck.


    There''s something up ahead. Something powerful.


    Moving cautiously, Kai crept forward. As he peered around a large boulder, his breath caught in his throat.


    There, in a small valley below, stood a creature straight out of legend. It resembled a tiger, but far larger than any earthly feline. Its coat glowed with an otherworldly blue-green light, and Kai could see sparks of energy crackling around its massive paws.


    As Kai focused on the beast, a translucent window suddenly appeared in his vision:


    Name: ???


    Species: Thunderclaw Tigress


    Level: Stage 7 Qi Refining


    Type: Lightning Attribute Beast


    Danger Level: High


    Holy sh- Kai''s thoughts were cut short as the tigress''s head snapped towards him. Its eyes, glowing with electric blue light, locked onto his position.


    A wave of pressure washed over Kai, nearly driving him to his knees. The beast''s aura was overwhelming, far beyond anything he''d encountered in this world so far.


    Oh shit, Kai thought, his heart racing. Why did I think this was a good idea?


    The Thunderclaw Tigress let out a bone-shaking roar, electricity arcing between its fangs. Kai''s mind raced, searching for a way out of this potentially fatal situation.


    Okay, don''t panic, he told himself, trying to steady his breathing. Think this through. What would I do if this was a game?


    The massive beast began to stalk towards him, each step sending small shockwaves through the ground. Kai''s eyes darted around, looking for any advantage he could use.


    I can''t outfight it, and I probably can''t outrun it for long. Need to outsmart it somehow.


    He spotted a narrow crevice in the giant rock face behind him. It looked just big enough for him to squeeze through, but far too small for the tigress.


    That''s my out. But I need to time this perfectly.


    Kai took a deep breath, steeling himself for what came next. He locked eyes with the approaching beast, then made a show of stumbling backward in fear.


    "Nice kitty," he said, voice quavering. "Good kitty. You don''t want to eat me. I''m all skin and bones, see?"


    The tigress growled, lightning crackling along its flanks. It crouched low, preparing to pounce.


    Almost there. Just a little closer...


    At the last possible second, as the beast launched itself towards him, Kai dove to the side. He rolled to his feet and sprinted for the crevice, hearing the thunderous impact of the tigress landing behind him.


    Kai squeezed into the narrow opening, jagged rock scraping his sides. He pushed deeper into the crevice, heart pounding in his ears.


    A deafening roar echoed through the rocks, followed by the sound of massive claws scrabbling at the entrance. Kai pressed himself as far back as he could, watching sparks fly as the beast tried to force its way in.


    After several tense minutes, the tigress finally withdrew, letting out a frustrated growl. Kai, seeing the giant rock hold, allowed himself a breath of relief.


    Okay, step one complete. I''ve found a Stage 7 beast. Now I just need to figure out how to lure it back to the bandit camp without getting myself killed in the process. No pressure.


    He peered out of his rocky shelter, watching the Thunderclaw Tigress pace back and forth. Its eyes still glowed with predatory focus, fixed on the crevice where Kai hid.


    This might take a while, Kai thought, settling in for a long wait. But hey, at least the hard part''s over, right?


    As he huddled in the cramped space, Kai''s mind was already working on the next phase of his plan. He''d need to be smart, cautious, and more than a little lucky to pull this off.


    Just another day in the life of an isekai protagonist.

 FIVE: By Order of the Jarl, Stop Right There!

    Kai''s heart raced as he sprinted through the forest, the thunderous footsteps of the beast echoing behind him. Branches whipped at his face, leaving stinging scratches, but he didn''t dare slow down.


    He''d waited in the crevice for hours, carefully observing the tigress''s patterns. When it finally wandered far enough away, distracted by a low-level spiritual beast that accidentally wandered into its territory, Kai had seized his chance. He''d slipped out of the rocky shelter and taken off running, purposely making noise to draw the beast''s attention.


    This is just like kiting a high-level mob, Kai thought as he ran. I need to keep it chasing me without letting it catch up.


    The beast roared, the sound reverberating through Kai''s bones. He risked a glance back and immediately wished he hadn''t. The creature was massive, easily twice his height, and it was quickly gaining on him!


    Okay, time to use that Qi Condensation skill, Kai decided. Let''s see how creative I can get with this.


    As the beast lunged forward, Kai focused his qi, willing it to take shape beneath his feet. A glowing platform materialized in mid-air, just as he leapt upward. He landed on the ethereal surface, wobbling slightly but managing to keep his balance.


    The beast skidded to a halt below, confusion evident in its glowing red eyes. It swiped at Kai with its massive paw, but he was just out of reach.


    "Not so tough now, are you?" Kai taunted, allowing himself a small grin. Taunting giant monsters probably isn''t the smartest move but I have to admit, it is fun!


    The beast roared in frustration, rearing up on its hind legs. Kai''s eyes widened as he realized it could almost reach him at this height.


    Time for a little parkour, he thought, focusing his qi once more.


    Just as the beast''s claws were about to connect, Kai leapt sideways. Another qi platform materialized, providing a brief foothold. He pushed off immediately, creating a series of glowing stepping stones in the air.


    The beast gave chase on the ground, its massive form crashing through the underbrush. Kai kept moving, alternating between running on the ground and creating aerial platforms when needed.


    Every few moments, the tigress would launch itself into the air, massive paws swiping at Kai as he leapt. Each time, Kai barely managed to twist away or create a new platform just out of reach.


    "Too slow!"


    The beast roared in frustration, electricity crackling along its fur. It redoubled its efforts, closing the gap inch by inch.


    This is actually kind of fun, Kai mused as he vaulted over a fallen log. In a terrifying, might-die-at-any-moment kind of way.


    As they neared the bandit camp, Kai noticed a change in the beast''s behavior. Its pursuit became less focused, its head turning towards the scent of the camp.


    Looks like it worked, Kai thought, relief flooding through him. Time to let this oversized furball be their problem.


    He created one last qi platform, using it to propel himself onto a nearby tree. From his perch, Kai watched as the beast stalked towards the camp, its earlier chase forgotten.


    Now, let''s have a good look at what we''re dealing with, Kai thought, his breath finally steadying as he observed the bandit camp below. The bandits continued their celebration, oblivious to the danger lurking at the edge of their camp.


    "Hey, Wang Jun! Pass me another bottle!" one bandit called out, his words slurring slightly.


    A burly man with an ugly scar across his cheek tossed a bottle to his companion. "Here ya go, Liu. But don''t blame me when your head''s pounding tomorrow!"


    Liu caught the bottle clumsily, nearly dropping it. "Ah, who cares? We''ve got plenty to celebrate! That village was a gold mine!"


    Another bandit, a thin man with a bow slung across his back, chimed in. "Yeah, and the ladies ain''t bad either. Bet we can fetch a good price for ''em in the city."


    Near the fire, a group of bandits had started a dice game. Shouts of triumph and groans of defeat mingled with the crackling of the flames.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Ha! Read ''em and weep, boys!" a bandit with an eyepatch crowed, scooping up a pile of coins.


    His opponent, a younger man with a wispy mustache, slammed his fist on the ground. "Dammit, One-Eye! You''ve got to be cheating!"


    One-Eye grinned, revealing several missing teeth. "Ain''t my fault you can''t spot a good bluff, kid. Maybe you should stick to robbing grannies."


    The other bandits roared with laughter, causing the young man''s face to flush red with embarrassment and anger.


    As the night wore on, the bandits'' revelry grew louder and more boisterous. Some began to argue over trivial matters.


    "I''m tellin'' ya, I''m the one who knocked out that old geezer in the village!" a heavyset bandit insisted, swaying slightly on his feet.


    His companion, a man with a long braid, scoffed. "In your dreams, Fat Zhang! You were too busy stuffing your face with stolen food. I saw the whole thing!"


    Fat Zhang''s face contorted with anger. "You callin'' me a liar, Braid-boy?"


    "Maybe I am! What you gonna do about it?" Braid-boy taunted, puffing out his chest.


    Just as it seemed the two might come to blows, a voice cut through the noise. "Enough! Save your energy for something useful, you idiots."


    The bandits immediately fell silent, turning to face the speaker. A tall, imposing man stepped out of the largest tent, his presence instantly demanding respect. Even from his hiding spot, Kai could sense the power radiating from this man.


    It¡¯s him again. Their leader.


    The leader surveyed the camp with cold eyes. "We move out at first light. Make sure the prisoners are ready for travel. And keep your wits about you. We''re not out of the woods yet."


    As the bandits scrambled to follow their leader''s orders, a low, menacing growl suddenly echoed through the camp. The beast Kai had led there had finally made its move.


    In a blur of blue-green fur, the creature burst into the clearing, its massive jaws snapping shut around the nearest bandit before anyone could react. Screams of terror and pain filled the air as chaos erupted.


    "It''s a Thunderclaw Tigress!" someone yelled. "Quick, get your weapons!"


    Kai watched as the battle unfolded. The Thunderclaw Tigress was a whirlwind of destruction. Its glowing coat lit up the night, sparks flying with each movement. Long, curved fangs crackled with electricity, and its claws left scorched gouges in the earth with each step.


    The bandits, caught off guard and many still drunk, struggled to mount an effective defense. Some swung wildly with swords or axes, while others fired arrows that mostly missed their mark.


    This is my chance, Kai thought, his eyes darting between the battle and the group of prisoners. While they''re distracted, I can free the women and get them out of here.


    Keeping low to the ground, Kai began to make his way around the edge of the camp. He used his Qi Condensation skill to create small distractions ¨C a rustling bush here, a floating pebble there ¨C to keep attention away from his movements.


    As he approached the prisoners, Kai couldn''t help but continue observing the battle. The Thunderclaw Tigress moved with a fluid grace that belied its massive size. It effortlessly dodged most attacks, retaliating with swift, brutal strikes of its own.


    I am glad I never engaged it in battle, I definitely wouldn¡¯t stand a chance, Kai let out a sigh of relief.


    The bandit leader had joined the fray, he wielded a long, curved blade that glowed with an eerie blue light. Each swing left trails of frost in the air, and where it struck the Thunderclaw Tigress, patches of ice formed on its fur.


    Interesting. Some kind of ice-attribute weapon. Definitely need to watch out for that.


    Finally reaching the group of prisoners, Kai quickly ducked behind the tent they were tied to. He peeked around the corner, making sure the coast was clear before calling out to the women.


    "Psst! Over here!" he whispered urgently.


    The women''s heads snapped towards him, eyes wide with a mix of fear and hope.


    "Kai?" one of them gasped. It was Mei Li, the village chief''s daughter. "Is that really you?"


    Kai nodded, pressing a finger to his lips. "Shhh. Yes, it''s me. I''m here to get you out, but you need to stay quiet and follow my instructions. Understand?"


    The women nodded.


    Kai quickly set to work, using a small qi-blade to cut through their bonds. As he worked, he kept one eye on the ongoing battle, ready to create a distraction if needed.


    "Alright," he whispered once they were all free. "We''re going to sneak out of here while they''re distracted. Stay low, move quietly, and whatever you do, don''t look back. Head straight for the village. Got it?"


    "But what about you?" Mei Li asked, concern evident in her voice.


    Kai managed a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry about me. I''ll be right behind you. Now go!"


    As the women began to slip away into the darkness, Kai turned his attention back to the battle. The Thunderclaw Tigress was holding its own, but the bandit leader was proving to be a formidable opponent.


    Suddenly, the leader''s eyes flickered towards the escaping prisoners. His face contorted with rage.


    "The prisoners! They''re escaping!" he roared, parrying a swipe from the Thunderclaw Tigress. "Feng Lei! Go after them!" he ordered, pointing at one of the bandits who had been hanging back from the main fight.


    Damn it, Kai thought. So close.


    He turned to the fleeing women. "Go! Run as fast as you can! I''ll hold them off!"


    As the women disappeared into the forest, Kai steeled himself for what was to come. He turned to face the approaching bandit, his mind already racing with possible strategies.


    Okay, Kai. Time to put all that gaming experience to the test. Let''s see what we''re up against.


    As he focused on the bandit, a familiar translucent window appeared in his vision:


    Name: Feng Lei


    Level: 4


    Qi: 75/75


    Strength: 27


    Agility: 23


    Durability: 25


    Intelligence: 13


    Wisdom: 12


    Huh, not as tough as I thought. But still a level above me. This is going to be tricky. I just hope all those years kickboxing comes in handy¡­

 SIX: The First Battle

    Kai''s eyes narrowed as he assessed his opponent. Despite strength being his greatest stat, Feng was lean and wiry.


    "Well, well," Feng sneered, twirling his daggers. "Looks like we''ve got a little hero here. You really think you can take me on, boy?"


    Kai forced a confident smirk onto his face, even as his mind raced through possible strategies. "Why don''t you come find out?"


    Feng''s eyes flashed with anger. "Cocky brat. I''m going to enjoy cutting you down to size!"


    With that, Feng lunged forward, his daggers a blur of motion. Kai barely managed to dodge, feeling the wind from the blades as they passed inches from his face.


    He''s fast, Kai thought, his heart pounding. But speed isn''t everything. I need to outsmart him.


    As the bandit''s right dagger came slicing down in a horizontal arc aimed at Kai''s midsection, Kai focused his qi, channeling it into a thin, translucent barrier just as the blade descended. The dagger struck the barrier with a shower of sparks, deflecting harmlessly away.


    Not wasting a moment, Feng followed up with his left dagger, stabbing straight for Kai''s chest. Kai quickly formed another barrier, this one angled. The blade glanced off, throwing the bandit slightly off balance.


    Now''s my chance! Time to go on the offensive.


    Kai focused his qi into his right hand, quickly forming a dagger of his own. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, aiming for the bandit¡¯s throat.


    Feng''s eyes widened and he tried to jerk his head back, but Kai''s attack was too fast. The dagger sliced through the air, catching Feng across the face.


    A thin, glowing cut appeared from chin to cheekbone, the edges sizzling with residual qi.


    "What kind of technique is this?" Feng stumbled backward, his hand flying to his face. "I-I¡¯ve never seen anything like it."


    "Let''s just say I''ve got a few tricks up my sleeve," Kai smirked.


    And a whole lot of gaming experience to draw from, he added silently.


    "But want to try again?" he continued; his tone purposely nonchalant to rile up his opponent.


    Feng''s face contorted with anger, the cut on his cheek making his expression even more menacing. "Oh, I''m going to do more than try," he growled, tightening his grip on his daggers. "I''m going to carve you up piece by piece!"


    Good, he''s angry, Kai thought. Angry fighters make mistakes. But I need to be careful, condensing qi drains my energy fast. I need to end this as quickly as possible.


    Feng snarled and charged again, both daggers raised. He brought them down in a powerful overhead strike. Kai crossed his arms, channeling qi to form a thick barrier above him. The daggers crashed against the barrier with a resounding clang. The impact sent vibrations through Kai''s arms, but the barrier held.


    As Feng recoiled from the failed strike, Kai noticed the bandit''s eyes flick to his right side.


    There it is, Kai thought. He''s telegraphing his next move. Just like an NPC with a predictable attack pattern.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    When Feng''s right arm whipped out in a wide slash, Kai was ready.


    Predicted and countered, Kai thought with satisfaction as he ducked under the blade. Now to capitalize on this opening.


    He formed a quick qi platform at his feet, propelling himself to Feng''s left side.


    He''ll have a harder time defending from this angle. Time to press my advantage.


    But before Kai could attack, Feng spun, his left dagger coming around in a backhand slash. Kai created a small, disc-shaped barrier in his palm and used it to parry the strike. The clash of qi against metal rang out, and Feng''s arm was knocked wide.


    Perfect, Kai thought, his eyes narrowing as he spotted the opening. He''s off-balance. Time to counter-attack and combo into my next move.


    Kai formed a spiked gauntlet around his right fist and delivered a right hook. The qi-formed spikes raked across Feng''s jaw, leaving thin, glowing scratches. The bandit stumbled back, spitting blood.


    Seizing the opportunity, Kai formed a long, flexible whip of qi. With a flick of his wrist, he wrapped it around Feng''s ankle and yanked. The bandit crashed to the ground with a heavy thud.


    "You son of a-" Feng began, his face contorted with rage. His curse was cut short as the qi whip tightened around his leg, sending a jolt of energy through his body. "Argh! How in the nine hells are you doing this?!"


    Feng thrashed on the ground, trying to free his trapped leg. His daggers scraped against the floor as he attempted to cut himself free, but the qi whip held firm.


    "Damn you, boy!" Feng snarled, his eyes wild with a mixture of pain and fury. "I''ll gut you for this! I''ll-"


    But before Feng could finish his threat, Kai was already moving. His hands glowed with concentrated qi as he shaped his energy into a new weapon. A large hammer began to form above his head.


    As Feng''s eyes widened in fear, Kai shifted his stance and swung the massive qi hammer in a powerful, horizontal arc.


    Just like swinging a giant warhammer in an RPG, Kai thought, his muscles straining with the effort.


    "Oh, shi-" Feng''s curse was cut short as the hammer connected with his midsection. There was a dull thud, followed by a whoosh of air forcibly expelled from the bandit''s lungs.


    The impact lifted Feng off the ground, the qi whip around his ankle dissipating. He flew back several feet, his body limp as a rag doll, before crashing into a nearby tree with a sickening crack.


    Feng slumped to the ground, his daggers clattering uselessly beside him. His eyes rolled back in his head, and a final, weak groan escaped his lips before he fell silent.


    Kai stood up, breathing heavily but grinning from ear to ear. I did it. I actually won my first real fight!


    His gaze turned to the bandit¡¯s unconscious form, and he formed a sharp qi blade, his hands trembling at the thought of what he was about to do.


    I should end this. In the games, it''s so easy. Just click a button and your enemy disappears.


    But as he raised the blade, Kai hesitated. The reality of taking a life hit him hard. This wasn''t a game character made of pixels. This was a living, breathing person.


    Can I really do this? Am I ready to cross that line?


    Images flashed through Kai''s mind - the terrified faces of the kidnapped villagers, the casual cruelty of the bandits'' conversation. He thought of what would happen if he let Feng live. How many more people would suffer at his hands?


    It''s not just about me. It''s about protecting others.


    Kai closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and plunged the qi blade down. He felt a sickening resistance, then nothing. As the life drained from Feng, Kai''s eyes widened in shock. The trident mark on his wrist suddenly blazed with an intense golden light. One of its sharp prongs shifted from black to a deep, blood red, while the other two remained dark.


    A translucent message appeared in Kai''s vision:


    Experience gained: 100 XP


    Level up!


    You are now Level 4!


    Kai stared at his blood-stained hands and the glowing mark on his wrist. His whole body trembled. The metallic smell of blood filled his nostrils, threatening to make him retch.


    What have I done? As much I wish it was, this isn''t a game. I just... I just killed someone. And what''s happening to my mark?


    A deafening roar snapped Kai back to reality. The battle between the Thunderclaw Tigress and the remaining bandits raged on in the distance.


    No time for this now, Kai shook his head, forcing himself to focus. I need to make sure the villagers are safe.


    With one last glance at Feng''s body and a worried look at his changed mark, Kai turned and ran in the direction the freed prisoners had fled. As he disappeared into the forest, the sounds of battle faded behind him, but the weight of what he''d done settled heavily on his shoulders.


    This was no longer a game. The stakes were real, and Kai had just learned the hardest lesson of all - in this world, survival often came at a terrible cost.


    And usually, it was a life.

 SEVEN: The Inner Demon

    Kai stumbled into the village, his mind reeling from the events of the past few hours. The once-quiet village now buzzed with activity as families reunited and tended to the wounded. He spotted familiar faces among the rescued prisoners - women and girls he''d come to know during his short time here.


    "Kai! You did it!" Mei Li rushed towards him with tears in her eyes. "You saved us all!"


    Before he could respond, Kai found himself surrounded by a crowd of grateful villagers. They patted his back, shook his hand, and showered him with praise.


    "Our hero!"


    "We knew you''d come for us!"


    "How can we ever repay you?"


    Their words washed over him, but Kai barely registered them. His mind kept replaying the moment he''d taken Feng''s life. The feeling of the qi blade sinking into flesh, the light fading from the bandit''s eyes...


    It''s not like in the games, he thought. There''s no respawn. No reset button. He''s just... gone.


    "Kai?" Mei Li''s voice cut through his thoughts. She looked at him with concern. "Are you alright? You look pale."


    "I''m fine,¡± Kai forced a smile. ¡°Just tired, I guess."


    Keep it together, he told himself. You did what you had to do. It was him or you.


    But the logical part of his brain couldn''t quite silence the voice of doubt gnawing at him.


    As the crowd continued to celebrate around him, Kai felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Zhang Wei.


    "Come with me, young man," Zhang Wei said quietly. "I think we need to talk."


    Kai nodded, grateful for the excuse to escape the crowd. He followed Zhang Wei to a secluded corner of the village, away from the noise and commotion.


    The old man studied Kai''s face for a moment before speaking. "You had to take a life today, didn''t you?"


    Kai''s eyes widened in surprise. "How did you-"


    Zhang Wei held up a hand. "I''ve seen that look before. On my own face, many years ago."


    Kai slumped against a nearby wall, suddenly feeling exhausted. "I didn''t think... I mean...but this..."


    "Was very real," Zhang Wei finished for him. "And now you''re wondering if you did the right thing. If you''re still a good person."


    Kai nodded, unable to find the words.


    Zhang Wei sighed heavily. "Let me tell you something, Kai. For those of us who walk the path of righteousness, it never gets easier. Taking a life should never be done lightly, and it should never stop affecting you."


    "But what if it does?" Kai asked. "What if I get used to it?"


    The old man''s eyes hardened. "Then you risk becoming the very thing you''re fighting against. Those who say it gets easier, who can kill without remorse... they''re the ones who become monsters."


    Kai didn''t respond. He thought about the games he used to play, how easily he''d racked up virtual body counts without a second thought. Now, faced with the reality of taking a single life, he felt shaken to his core.


    Maybe I''m not cut out for this world after all, he mused. But what choice do I have?


    Zhang Wei seemed to sense his inner turmoil. "Go rest, Kai. What you''re feeling... it''s normal. It''s human. Don''t try to push it away."


    Kai nodded, grateful for the old man''s wisdom. "Thank you, Master Zhang."


    As he made his way back to his room, Kai''s mind continued to race. The villagers'' gratitude, Zhang Wei''s words, the memory of Feng''s death - it all swirled together in a confusing mix of emotions.


    Once inside, Kai collapsed onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. Suddenly, he remembered something - the system notification he''d received after defeating Feng.


    That''s right... I leveled up.


    With a thought, Kai pulled up his status window:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    Level: 4


    XP: 0/400


    Qi: 75/75


    Strength: 25


    Agility: 27


    Durability: 25


    Intelligence: 18


    Wisdom: 15


    Huh. Nice boost across the board, he thought, his gamer instincts kicking in despite his emotional turmoil. But wait... XP?


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Kai sat up, frowning at the screen. He''d never seen an XP bar before. Since arriving in this world, he''d assumed experience points weren''t a thing here. Cultivation had seemed to be the only path to growth.


    So, I do gain XP after all. But how? Just from fighting? Or completing tasks? This changes things. I might be able to level up faster than I thought.


    Kai''s gaze then drifted to his right wrist, where the mysterious trident mark glowed faintly. One of its prongs now shone a deep, blood-red color.


    What are you? Kai wondered, tracing the mark with his finger. And what will happen when the other two turn red?


    Curious, Kai focused his qi, forming a simple dagger construct in his hand. He studied it carefully, looking for any changes or improvements.


    Seems about the same, he mused. Maybe a bit more stable? Hard to tell.


    Kai dispelled the construct and flopped back onto the bed.


    If it took one life to turn the first prong red, does that mean I need to kill two more people to complete it? And then what? Will I unlock some new skill?


    He shook his head, trying to clear the thoughts away. "No point in speculating," he muttered to himself. "I''ll cross that bridge when I come to it."


    If I come to it, a small voice in the back of his mind added.


    Exhaustion finally began to overtake Kai. His eyelids grew heavy as the events of the day caught up with him.


    Maybe sleep will help, he thought as he drifted off. Maybe I''ll wake up and this will all have been a bad dream...


    But Kai''s sleep was far from peaceful. As soon as he closed his eyes, he found himself back in the forest, reliving the fight with Feng.


    The dream-forest was darker, more ominous than reality. Shadows seemed to move of their own accord, and every rustle of leaves sounded like whispered accusations.


    Dream-Kai faced off against Feng, but the bandit''s features were distorted, almost demonic. His eyes glowed red, and his mouth was filled with sharp fangs.


    "You think you can defeat me, little hero?" Dream-Feng taunted, his voice echoing unnaturally. "You''re nothing but a pretender. A fraud playing at being a warrior."


    Kai tried to respond, but no words came out. He reached for his qi, trying to form a weapon, but nothing happened.


    Feng lunged forward, his daggers flashing in the dim light. Kai dodged desperately, feeling the blades whistle past his face.


    "What''s wrong?" Feng sneered. "Can''t use your little tricks here? This isn''t a game anymore, boy. This is real!"


    Kai stumbled backward, his heart pounding. He knew it was a dream, but the fear felt all too real.


    Suddenly, the scene shifted. Kai found himself standing over Feng''s defeated body, a qi blade in his hand. But this time, Feng looked human - scared, vulnerable.


    "Please," Dream-Feng begged, his eyes wide with terror. "I have a family. Children. Don''t do this!"


    Kai tried to lower the blade, to show mercy, but his arm moved of its own accord. He watched in horror as the qi construct plunged into Feng''s chest.


    The bandit''s face contorted in pain and betrayal. "Monster," he gasped. "You''re no better than us."


    As Feng''s life ebbed away, Kai felt a burning sensation on his wrist. He looked down to see the trident mark glowing brightly, its first prong turning blood-red.


    The scene shifted again. Kai stood in the village square, surrounded by the people he''d rescued. But their grateful smiles had turned to looks of fear and disgust.


    "Murderer," Mei Li hissed, backing away from him.


    "We trusted you," another villager accused.


    "He''s dangerous," someone else whispered. "A killer."


    Kai tried to explain, to defend himself, but once again, no words came out. He looked down at his hands and saw they were covered in blood.


    The villagers began to close in around him, their faces twisted with anger and fear. Kai frantically tried to wake himself up, to escape this nightmare, but he remained trapped.


    Suddenly, a new voice cut through the crowd. "This is what you are now, Kai Thorn."


    Kai turned to see a figure emerging from the shadows. It was... himself. But this version of Kai looked different - colder, harder. His eyes glowed with an eerie red light, matching the fully crimson trident mark on his wrist.


    "This is what you''ll become," Dream-Kai said, his voice devoid of emotion. "A killer. A monster. It''s the only way to survive in this world."


    "No," Kai tried to say, but still, no sound came out.


    Dream-Kai smirked. "Oh yes. You''ve taken your first step down this path. And deep down, you know it felt good. The power. The rush of victory."


    Kai shook his head frantically, trying to deny it. But a small part of him, buried deep, knew there was truth in those words.


    "Embrace it," Dream-Kai urged. "Stop fighting what you''re becoming. In this world, only the strong survive. And to be strong, you must be willing to do whatever it takes."


    The scene shifted once more. Kai found himself standing atop a mountain of bodies, his hands dripping with blood. At his feet lay the corpses of Feng, Zhang Wei, Mei Li, and countless others.


    "This is your destiny," Dream-Kai''s voice echoed around him. "This is the price of power."


    Kai wanted to scream, to run, to wake up. But he remained frozen in place, forced to confront the nightmarish vision before him.


    In the sky above, the trident mark appeared, massive and glowing. Its three prongs pulsed with a sickly red light.


    "Three lives to unlock your true potential," Dream-Kai whispered in his ear. "How many more to become a god?"


    Kai felt his resolve weakening. The temptation of power, of safety in this dangerous world, pulled at him.


    Maybe this is the only way, a traitorous part of his mind whispered. Maybe I have to become the monster to survive.


    But then, cutting through the darkness, came another voice. Warm, familiar, full of wisdom.


    "It never gets easier," Zhang Wei''s words echoed in his mind. "Those who say it does... they''re the ones who become monsters."


    Kai clenched his fists, fighting against the nightmare''s pull. "No," he finally managed to say, his voice growing stronger. "This isn''t who I am. This isn''t who I want to be!"


    The nightmarish landscape began to crumble around him. The mountain of bodies dissolved into mist. Dream-Kai''s mocking laughter faded away.


    "You can''t fight it forever," his doppelganger''s voice called out as it faded into nothingness. "Sooner or later, you''ll give in. It''s the only way..."


    Kai sat bolt upright in bed, gasping for air. Sweat drenched his clothes, and his heart raced as if he''d run a marathon.


    For a moment, he sat there in the darkness, trying to calm his breathing. The nightmare''s images still danced behind his eyelids, vivid and terrifying.


    It was just a dream, he told himself. Just a dream. I''m not that person. I won''t become that.


    But as his gaze fell on the trident mark, its single red prong glowing faintly in the moonlight, Kai couldn''t quite shake the lingering doubt.


    What if the dream is right? What if this is the path I''m on?


    He shook his head, trying to clear the dark thoughts away. "No," he muttered aloud. "I make my own choices. My own destiny."


    You have successfully faced your inner demon!


    Reward: 100 XP


    Kai blinked, reading the notification twice to make sure he understood. A weak smile tugged at his lips.


    "So even my nightmares are worth XP now?" he muttered. "I guess that''s... good?"


    New Skill Unlocked: Mental Fortitude


    Kai¡¯s eyes widened, not expecting to unlock a skill.


    Mental Fortitude (Passive): This skill grants the user increased resistance to emotional trauma and mental stress. It helps maintain a calm and logical state of mind in high-pressure situations, reducing the impact of fear, anxiety, and other negative emotions. While it doesn''t completely eliminate these feelings, it allows the user to process them more effectively, preventing them from overwhelming rational thought.


    This could be really useful, Kai thought feeling a subtle shift in his mind as the skill took effect. The lingering fear and doubt from the nightmare seemed to recede, becoming more manageable. Especially if I have to face more situations like today.

 EIGHT: A Qi Refining Stage 7 Cultivator Appears

    A loud knock jolted Kai from his now peaceful sleep. He blinked, disoriented, as the pounding continued.


    "Mister Kai! Please help!" a child''s voice cried out between sobs.


    Kai scrambled out of bed, his mind instantly alert. He yanked open the door to find little Ming, the baker''s son, tears streaming down his face.


    "What''s wrong?" Kai asked, crouching down to the boy''s level.


    "Bad man... in the village..." Ming hiccuped. "He''s hurting people!"


    Kai''s blood ran cold. The bandits are back? But how?


    "Stay here," he told Ming firmly. "I''ll handle this."


    As Kai sprinted towards the village center, his mind raced. This is like a surprise raid event in an MMO. Gotta assess the situation fast and form a strategy.


    The scene that greeted him made his stomach churn. Villagers huddled in terrified groups, many weeping openly. At the center of it all stood a man Kai recognized instantly - the bandit leader.


    The man was a mess. His clothes were torn and bloody, deep gashes visible across his arms and torso. One eye was swollen shut, and he swayed on his feet as if a strong breeze might topple him.


    But what made Kai''s breath catch was the sight of old man Zhang. The elderly cultivator lay prone on the ground, the bandit''s foot pressed firmly on his neck.


    "Please," a woman near Kai whimpered. "We''ve given you everything. Just leave us in peace!"


    The bandit leader''s head snapped towards her, his one good eye blazing with fury. "Peace?" he snarled. "There will be no peace! That little bastard," he gestured wildly with his free hand, "lured a Stage 7 beast to our camp! My men... my entire operation... destroyed!"


    His gaze swept the crowd, finally locking onto Kai. A twisted smile spread across his battered face.


    "There you are," he growled. "The boy who thinks he''s clever."


    Kai met the man''s gaze steadily. The Thunderclaw Tigress must have been stronger than I thought to eliminate the whole camp and put the leader in this state, how is this guy even alive right now?


    "I don''t care about money anymore," the bandit leader continued, pressing down harder on Zhang''s neck. The old man wheezed painfully. "All of you... every last one... will die!"


    Kai''s eyes narrowed, and he focused on the bandit leader. A translucent window appeared in his vision:


    Name: ??? (Injured)


    Level: 7 (Fluctuating)


    Optimal State: Stage 7 Qi Refining (Low)


    Current State: Severely Weakened


    Qi: ???/???


    Strength: ??? (Unstable)


    Agility: ??? (Impaired)


    Durability: ??? (Critical)


    Intelligence: 10


    Wisdom: 8


    So he really is Stage 7, Kai thought, a chill running down his spine. No wonder he was able to survive. But he must be on the lower end of that stage if the beast was still able to do this to him.


    For a brief, shameful moment, Kai considered running. I''m outmatched, even with him injured. I could slip away, start over somewhere else...


    But then he looked at the terrified villagers. At Mei Li, clutching her younger siblings protectively. At Auntie Chen, looking at him with hope. At old man Zhang, still fighting for breath under the bandit''s boot.


    These people helped me, Kai realized. I can''t abandon them now. I¡¯m not that kind of person.


    Taking a deep breath, Kai stepped forward. "Let him go," he said, his voice steadier than he felt. "Your problem is with me."


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    The bandit leader''s eye gleamed with malice. "Oh, it''s with all of you now. But you... you I''ll save for last."


    Kai''s mind raced, assessing the situation. He''s injured, unstable. That''s my only advantage. I need to keep him off balance, use the environment...


    "Big words from a man who can barely stand," Kai taunted, hoping to provoke a rash move.


    It surprisingly worked. With a roar of rage, the bandit leader charged, abandoning his hold on Zhang. The old cultivator gasped for air as Mei Li and another villager quickly dragged him to safety.


    Kai dodged the initial rush, but the bandit was faster than he expected. A wild swing caught Kai across the ribs, sending him stumbling back with a grunt of pain.


    Damn, even injured he hits like a truck, Kai thought, wincing. Can''t take too many of those.


    He focused his qi, forming a shield construct just in time to deflect another blow. The impact still rattled his bones, but it was better than taking the hit directly.


    "Coward!" the bandit leader spat. "Fight me like a man!"


    Kai allowed himself a small smirk. "Sorry, I prefer to fight smart."


    He created a series of qi platforms, using them to leap and bound around the village square. The bandit leader gave chase, growing more frustrated with each missed swing.


    "Stop running!" he bellowed.


    "Make me," Kai shot back, channeling his inner troll. Keep him angry, keep him sloppy.


    As they weaved through the village, Kai heard the murmurs of the watching villagers.


    "Look at him go!"


    "But can he win?"


    "He''s so brave..."


    ¡°I want to marry him!¡±


    "The boy''s going to get himself killed!"


    Marry me? Kai shook his head as he tuned out the chatter, focusing entirely on the fight. He created tripwires of solidified qi, causing the bandit to stumble. He formed slippery patches beneath the man''s feet, throwing off his balance.


    But for all his tricks, Kai couldn''t land a decisive blow. The bandit leader, for all his injuries, was simply too tough. Nothing like the bandit he had fought.


    This isn''t working, Kai realized after several minutes of cat-and-mouse. I need a new strategy.


    He glanced around, looking for any advantage. His eyes fell on a stack of empty barrels near the village well.


    Perfect.


    Kai darted towards the well, the bandit hot on his heels. At the last second, he leapt up, using a qi platform to vault over the barrel stack.


    The bandit leader, unable to stop his momentum, crashed straight into the barrels. They toppled, several smashing over his head and shoulders.


    For a moment, Kai dared to hope it might be enough, even though he knew that wouldn¡¯t be enough to kill any cultivator. A roar of rage proved him right as the bandit leader burst from the wreckage.


    "I''LL KILL YOU!" he roared, his remaining eye blazing with murderous intent.


    Before Kai could react, the bandit shot forward with some sort of dash skill. A massive hand closed around his throat, lifting him off the ground. Kai gasped for air, clawing desperately at the iron grip.


    "Not so clever now, are you?" the bandit sneered, squeezing tighter.


    Black spots danced at the edges of Kai''s vision.


    Can''t... breathe...


    In desperation, he focused every ounce of his remaining qi into his right hand. A blade of pure energy formed, wickedly sharp.


    With the last of his strength, Kai plunged the qi blade into the bandit''s shoulder.


    The man howled in pain, his grip loosening just enough for Kai to squirm free. He fell to the ground, gulping in precious air.


    But his reprieve was short-lived. The bandit leader, driven by pain and fury, lashed out with a vicious kick. It caught Kai square in the ribs, sending him flying back several feet.


    Kai hit the ground hard, the impact driving the air from his lungs. He tasted blood.


    Get up, he told himself. Get up or you''re dead.


    Gritting his teeth against the pain, Kai staggered to his feet. His vision swam, and he could feel warm blood trickling down his side.


    This is bad, he thought. Really bad.


    The bandit leader advanced, a predatory grin on his battered face. "I''m going to enjoy this," he growled.


    Kai tried to form another qi construct, but his reserves were dangerously low. The energy blade flickered and died in his hand.


    No no no, Kai thought, panic rising. I''m out of options. I''m out of-


    His train of thought was cut off as the bandit''s fist connected with his jaw. Kai''s head snapped back, and he tasted more blood.


    Another blow to his stomach doubled him over. A knee to the face sent him sprawling.


    Through the haze of pain, Kai heard the villagers crying out.


    "Someone help him!"


    "He''s going to die!"


    "We have to do something!"


    But no one moved. They were too afraid, too weak to make a difference.


    Can''t blame them, Kai thought as another kick caught him in the side. This guy''s way out of their league. Out of my league too, apparently.


    The bandit leader grabbed a fistful of Kai''s hair, yanking his head back. "Any last words, boy?" he sneered.


    Kai spat blood. "Yeah," he rasped. "Your breath stinks."


    The bandit''s face contorted with rage. "Die!" he roared.


    Kai saw the glint of steel as the bandit drew a wicked-looking dagger. Time seemed to slow.


    So this is it, he thought. Game over. No respawns in this world.


    He closed his eyes, bracing for the killing blow.


    This time, it came.


    Kai felt a searing pain across his neck, and then... nothing. The world spun dizzyingly, and he had the strangest sensation of falling.


    When he opened his eyes, he was staring at the ground. But something was wrong. His perspective was all off. Why was he looking up at his own body?


    With dawning horror, Kai realized the truth. His head was no longer attached to his body.


    I''ve been... decapitated? The thought was surreal, almost comical in its absurdity. This can''t be happening. This isn''t how the game is supposed to end!


    But as he watched his own body crumple to the ground, a lifeless heap, the reality of the situation hit him like a punch to the gut. Or rather, where his gut used to be.


    I''m dead. Actually dead.


    The villagers'' screams seemed distant, muffled. The bandit leader''s triumphant laughter barely registered. All Kai could focus on was the bizarre sight of his own headless corpse.


    This isn''t fair, he thought desperately, his fear fighting against the effects of the Mental Fortitude skill. There has to be a way to reload, to try again. There''s always a way in games.


    As his consciousness began to fade, Kai clung to one final thought:


    Respawn in 3... 2... 1...


    Then the world went dark.

 NINE: Respawn

    Kai opened his eyes to darkness. An endless void stretched in every direction, devoid of light or sensation. He floated in nothingness, unable to see or feel his own body.


    Is this... death? Kai wondered. An eternity of emptiness?


    As the reality of his situation sank in, frustration and regret washed over him.


    I can''t believe I let my guard down like that, he chided himself. I should have known better. Just because that Thunderclaw Tigress took out most of the bandits doesn''t mean they were all gone. Of course, the bandit leader wouldn¡¯t die so easily. I got cocky, and it cost me.


    Kai replayed the fight in his mind, analyzing his mistakes. I underestimated him, even injured. I should have found a way to end it quickly instead of playing around. And my qi reserves were too low - I need to work on that if I get another chance.


    He paused, struck by the absurdity of planning for a future that likely didn''t exist.


    If I get another chance? Who am I kidding? This is it. Game over.


    Just as despair began to set in, a familiar shape materialized before him. The trident-like mark that had appeared on his wrist glowed softly in the darkness. As Kai watched, transfixed, the red prong flickered, its crimson hue fading to black.


    What the-


    Before he could complete the thought, a message appeared before him:


    Respawn will occur in 30 seconds!


    Holy crap, Kai thought, a wave of relief washing over him. There really is a respawn feature! I''m not perma-dead after all!


    As the implications sank in, Kai''s mind raced. But it seems connected to the trident mark somehow. The red prong turned black just before the respawn message appeared...


    He pieced it together quickly. So, respawning uses up a prong? That means I''ve got no more lives left¡­


    He barely had time to process this revelation before another notification popped up:


    Player death has unlocked all game features!


    All game features? What does that mean?


    As if in response to his unspoken question, a flood of information filled his vision:


    Unlocked Features:


    <ul>


    <li>Detailed Stats Window</li>


    <li>Skills List</li>


    <li>Inventory System</li>


    <li>Quest Log</li>


    <li>Achievement Tracker</li>


    <li>Faction Reputation</li>


    <li>Crafting Menu</li>


    <li>Map Function</li>


    </ul>


    Kai''s mind raced with possibilities. This changes everything! It''s like the full game just unlocked. But why now? Why did I have to die first?


    He didn''t have long to ponder. The endless void began to shift and warp around him. Darkness gave way to familiar shapes - buildings, trees, people. The village materialized, but everything was frozen in place, as if time itself had stopped.


    It''s like the game is paused, Kai realized. I can see everything, but nothing''s moving.


    His gaze fell on the scene of his death. His own headless body lay crumpled on the ground, a pool of blood spreading beneath it. The bandit leader stood triumphant, a cruel grin twisting his features.


    A new message appeared before Kai:


    New Quest Available: Kill the Bandit Leader


    Reward: 300 XP, Increased Reputation with Village


    Failure: Permanent Death, Village Destruction


    Now we''re talking! Kai''s spirits lifted. With the full game features unlocked, I can actually do quests to grind for XP and track my progress!


    He glanced at the countdown timer hovering in the corner of his vision. Ten seconds left before respawn.


    Okay, think. I''ve got the element of surprise. He won''t be expecting me to come back from the dead. I need to end this fast - no playing around this time.


    Kai formulated a quick plan. Materialize behind him. Use Qi Condensation to create a blade. Go for the heart - one clean strike.


    As the final seconds ticked away, Kai steeled himself. This is it. No mistakes this time.


    One second.


    Game on.


    The world lurched back into motion. In the blink of an eye, Kai''s consciousness snapped back into a physical form. He materialized silently behind the bandit leader, his body whole and unmarked, as if the brutal decapitation had never happened.


    Without hesitation, Kai focused his qi. A razor-sharp blade of pure energy formed in his hand. With all his strength, he drove the ethereal weapon into the bandit''s back, aiming for the heart.


    The bandit leader''s laughter turned into a choked gasp. He staggered forward, spinning around to face his attacker. His eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Kai standing before him, very much alive.


    "H-how?" the bandit wheezed, blood bubbling from his lips. "I killed you..."


    Kai met his gaze coldly. "You did," he replied. "I got better."


    The light faded from the bandit''s eyes as he collapsed. Kai watched dispassionately as the man''s body hit the ground with a dull thud.


    Quest Completed: Kill the Bandit Leader Rewards:


    <ul>


    <li>300 XP</li>


    <li>Village Reputation increased</li>


    </ul>


    Well, that was anticlimactic, Kai thought. But effective.


    Feeling a sudden warmth on his wrist, he glanced down and noticed one of the prongs on his trident-like mark turn red.


    I''ve got one respawn left if another boss decides to show up out of nowhere, Kai released a quiet sigh, feeling a bit more secure. He then turned to face the stunned villagers, who stared at him in slack-jawed amazement. For a moment, nobody moved or spoke.


    Then, as if a spell had been broken, chaos erupted.


    "He''s alive!" someone shouted.


    "It''s a miracle!" cried another.


    "The Heavens have blessed him!" an old woman proclaimed.


    Mei Li pushed through the crowd, her eyes wide with a mix of joy and disbelief. "Kai? Is it really you? How... how is this possible?"


    Kai raised his hands, calling for quiet. Time to think fast. I can''t tell them the truth, but I need some kind of explanation.


    "It''s... complicated," he began, choosing his words carefully. "What you saw was an illusion technique I''ve been working on. It made it appear as if I had been killed, but I was actually able to escape and strike back at the right moment."


    Zhang Wei hobbled forward, studying Kai intently. "An illusion so perfect it fooled even my old eyes? Remarkable. I''ve heard of such techniques, but to see one used so flawlessly by one so young..."


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Great, now they think I''m some kind of cultivation prodigy, Kai thought. Well, no harm in rolling with it.


    "I''m still perfecting it," he said with a shrug. "But right now, we need to focus on cleaning up this mess and making sure there aren''t any more bandits lurking around."


    The villagers nodded, seemingly accepting his explanation for the moment. They began to disperse, some tending to the wounded while others started the grim task of dealing with the bodies.


    Mei Li lingered, her eyes never leaving Kai''s face. "But I...I saw you die," she said softly. "I watched him... your head..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.


    "I know what you saw," Kai placed a hand on her shoulder. "The illusion was meant to be convincing. To be honest, I wasn''t sure it would work so well."


    Mei Li shook her head. "Kai, it looked so real. I really thought we''d lost you."


    Kai nodded sympathetically. "I needed the bandit to believe he''d won."


    She wiped away a tear, a mix of relief and admiration in her eyes. "It''s incredible. You''re full of surprises, Kai. I''m just glad you''re okay. We all are. You saved us, again."


    As Mei Li walked away to help with the cleanup, Kai took a moment to assess his situation. He pulled up his newly unlocked stats window:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    Level: 5


    XP: 0/500


    Qi: 100/100


    Strength: 31


    Agility: 33


    Durability: 32


    Intelligence: 23


    Wisdom: 20


    Skills:


    <ul>


    <li>Qi Condensation (Level 2)</li>


    <li>Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)</li>


    <li>Unarmed Combat (Level 2)</li>


    <li>Deception (Level 3)</li>


    <li>Mental Fortitude (Passive)</li>


    </ul>


    Quests:


    <ul>


    <li>Completed: Kill the Bandit Leader</li>


    <li>Active: None</li>


    </ul>


    Reputation:


    <ul>


    <li>Misty Waterfall Village: Respected (50/100)]</li>


    </ul>


    Not bad, Kai mused. That level up from killing the bandit leader gave me a nice boost. But I''ve got a long way to go if I want to survive in this world.


    The unlocked game features opened up a whole new world of opportunities. He could track his progress, manage an inventory, even take on proper quests now.


    It''s like the tutorial is finally over, and the real game has begun.


    As Kai studied his status window, a frown appeared on his face, something was nagging at him.


    It''s strange, he thought. Even though the full game features have been unlocked, I still can''t allocate my own stat points when I level up. The system seems to do it automatically.


    He pondered this for a moment, his gamer instincts kicking in. In most RPGs he''d played, reaching a certain point usually meant gaining the ability to customize your character''s growth more directly.


    Is this a limitation of this world''s system? Or is it intentional?


    A theory began to form in his mind. Maybe it''s to prevent someone from becoming too overpowered too quickly. If I could allocate all my points into a single stat, I might be able to max it out early on.


    Kai imagined the possibilities - and potential problems - of having one incredibly high stat while the others remained low. It could create significant imbalances.


    It makes sense, in a way, he reasoned. This world seems to value balanced growth and gradual improvement. The automatic allocation keeps me well-rounded.


    Still, a part of him couldn''t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. The ability to fine-tune his stats would have given him more strategic options.


    I guess I''ll have to rely on skills and techniques to specialize, rather than raw stat allocation, Kai concluded. It''s not ideal, but I can work with this. I''ll just have to be smarter about how I train and which skills I prioritize.


    With that thought, Kai closed his status window as a commotion near the village entrance drew his attention. Several men were dragging something - or someone - into the square.


    "We found one!" one of the men shouted. "He was hiding in the forest!"


    They dumped their captive unceremoniously at Kai''s feet. It was a young man, barely out of his teens, wearing the tattered remains of bandit gear. He looked up at Kai with terrified eyes.


    "P-please," the young bandit stammered. "I didn''t want any part of this! They forced me to join them. I never hurt anyone, I swear!"


    Kai studied the trembling figure before him. This could be interesting. A chance to test out some of these new game mechanics.


    He turned to the villagers who had gathered around. "What do you think we should do with him?"


    The crowd erupted as they all began to give suggestions.


    "Kill him!"


    "Make him pay for what his friends did!"


    "Show mercy! He''s just a boy!"


    "Put him to work rebuilding what they destroyed!"


    Kai held up a hand for silence. He focused on the young bandit and a small information window appeared:


    Captured Bandit


    Name: ???


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 2


    Qi: 20/25


    Strength: 13


    Agility: 17


    Durability: 15


    Faction: Broken Fang Bandits (Dissolved)


    Status: Terrified, Remorseful


    Possible Actions:


    <ol>


    <li>Execute (Gain: 50 XP, -10 Village Reputation)</li>


    <li>Imprison (Gain: 25 XP, +5 Village Reputation)</li>


    <li>Recruit (Gain: 100 XP, +1 Follower, -5 Village Reputation)</li>


    <li>Release (Gain: 0 XP, -5 Village Reputation)</li>


    </ol>


    Now this is more like it. Real choices with clear consequences.


    He considered his options carefully. Execution seemed needlessly cruel, and he didn''t want to risk losing Village Reputation. Imprisonment might be the safe choice, but it didn''t offer much benefit. Releasing the boy would be the "good" thing to do, but Kai wasn''t sure he could afford to be so altruistic in this world, especially when there was no benefit in doing so.


    That left recruitment. It was risky, but the potential rewards were tempting.


    "Listen up," Kai addressed the young bandit. "I''m going to give you a choice. You can either face the village''s judgment for your crimes..." He paused for effect, noting how the boy''s face paled even further. "Or you can swear loyalty to me. Serve me faithfully as a servant, and I''ll ensure you have a chance to redeem yourself. What''s it going to be?"


    The young bandit''s eyes widened. He looked around at the angry faces of the villagers, then back to Kai. Without hesitation, he prostrated himself on the ground.


    "I swear it!" he cried. "I''ll serve you with my life, Master! Thank you for your mercy!"


    Follower Gained: Liu Wei


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 2


    Loyalty: 50/100


    Qi: 20/25


    Strength: 13


    Agility: 17


    Durability: 15


    Intelligence: 11


    Wisdom: 7


    Skills:


    <ul>


    <li>Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 1)</li>


    <li>Stealth (Level 2)</li>


    <li>Lockpicking (Level 1)</li>


    <li>Dagger Proficiency (Level 1)</li>


    </ul>


    Interesting, Kai thought. He''s got some useful skills. This could work out well.


    Out loud, he said, "Stand up, Liu Wei. You''re a member of my party now. Betray me, and you''ll wish I''d let the villagers deal with you. Serve me well, and you may be able to redeem yourself."


    The villagers muttered among themselves, clearly not entirely happy with this turn of events. Kai turned to address them.


    "I know this might seem strange," he said, projecting confidence he didn''t entirely feel. "But trust me. Having an insider''s knowledge of the bandits could prove invaluable if we face similar threats in the future. I''ll take full responsibility for him."


    Zhang Wei stepped forward, stroking his beard. "The boy speaks wisdom beyond his years," the old cultivator proclaimed. "We should trust in his judgment."


    Slowly, the villagers nodded their acceptance, though some still eyed Liu Wei with suspicion.


    As the crowd dispersed, Mei Li approached Kai once more. "You''re full of surprises today," she said, a hint of wariness in her voice. "First you come back from the dead, now you''re recruiting former bandits. What''s next?"


    Kai grinned. "Who knows? I''m just getting started."


    Mei Li shook her head, a mix of admiration and concern in her eyes. "Just... be careful, okay? We''ve all come to care about you. I don''t want to see you get hurt again."


    "I appreciate that," Kai said softly. "Really, I do. But I''ve got a feeling things are going to be different from now on."


    As Mei Li walked away, Kai turned his attention to his new follower. Liu Wei stood nervously nearby, fidgeting with the hem of his torn shirt.


    "Alright, Liu Wei," Kai said. "First things first. Tell me everything you know about the Broken Fang Bandits. Their hideouts, their contacts, everything."


    Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "Of course, Master! I''ll tell you everything I know!"


    As the former bandit began to spill his secrets, Kai''s mind was already racing ahead, plotting his next moves.


    This is it, he thought. Time to start building my power base.


    With a small smile, he turned his full attention to Liu Wei''s information. Every bit of knowledge was power in this world, and Kai intended to gather as much as he could.


    The sun began to set on the village, casting long shadows across the square. As the villagers went about the depressive task of burying their dead and tending to the wounded, Kai stood apart, his mind whirling with plans and possibilities.


    First things first, he thought. I need to get stronger. Fast.


    He pulled up his skills list, studying it intently:


    Skills:


    <ul>


    <li>Qi Condensation (Level 2)</li>


    <li>Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)</li>


    <li>Unarmed Combat (Level 2)</li>


    <li>Deception (Level 3)</li>


    <li>Mental Fortitude (Passive)</li>


    </ul>


    Not bad, but not great either. I need to diversify.


    Kai turned to Liu Wei, who was still hovering nervously nearby. "Tell me about the cultivation techniques the bandits used. Did they have any special skills or abilities?"


    Liu Wei''s eyes lit up, eager to prove his usefulness. "Oh yes, Master! The leader, he knew this technique called ''Iron Skin.'' Made him really tough to hurt. And there was another guy who could do this thing with wind - made his movements super fast."


    Interesting, Kai mused. Defensive and speed techniques. Those could be useful.


    "Do you know how they learned these skills?" he pressed.


    "Not really,¡± Liu Wei shook his head. ¡°I think they got some scrolls from a raid on a merchant caravan. But I never saw them myself."


    Kai nodded. So there really are skill scrolls in this world. I wonder if I can absorb them¡­I''ll need to keep an eye out for those.


    He turned his attention to his newly unlocked map function. To his surprise, it showed not just the village and immediate surroundings, but a vast expanse of terrain. Most of it was shrouded in fog, but he could make out the general layout of the land.


    Looks like I''ve got a lot of exploring to do, Kai thought. I guess the bandit camp, or what¡¯s left of it, is a good place to start as any.

 TEN: Skill Scrolls

    Kai and Liu Wei made their way through the forest, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet of fallen leaves. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and vegetation. Kai''s eyes flicked constantly to the translucent map hovering in his vision, a feature he was still getting used to seeing in real life.


    Red dots of varying sizes pulsed on the map, indicating potential threats. Kai steered them clear of these danger zones, much to Liu Wei''s bewilderment.


    "Master," Liu Wei said, breaking the silence. "It''s strange. We haven''t encountered any spiritual beasts yet. Usually, the forest is teeming with them."


    Kai shrugged, careful to keep his face neutral. "Maybe we''re just lucky."


    Or maybe having a video game mini-map is the ultimate cheat code, he thought with amusement.


    "Still," Liu Wei continued, "when I was with the bandits, we''d get into skirmishes with beasts almost daily. It''s a bit scary with how quiet it is now."


    Kai nodded, only half-listening as he focused on a particularly large red dot on his map. It dwarfed the others, pulsing ominously.


    Wonder what that could be. A boss monster, maybe? Foundation Establishment beast sounds about right for this level of the game. Need to stay far away from that area.


    "We should remain vigilant," Kai said aloud, more for Liu Wei''s benefit than his own. "Just because we haven''t seen any beasts doesn''t mean they''re not out there."


    "Of course, Master,¡± Liu Wei nodded eagerly. ¡°You''re so wise."


    As they walked, Kai''s mind raced with possibilities. I need to level up fast if I want to survive in this world. But how? Grinding low-level mobs would take forever. Cultivation is even slower. There''s got to be a more efficient way.


    He glanced at Liu Wei, who was nervously scanning their surroundings. And what am I going to do with him? Having a follower could be useful, but can I really trust someone with forced loyalty?


    "So, Liu Wei," Kai said casually, "tell me more about your time with the bandits. How''d you end up with them in the first place?"


    Liu Wei''s shoulders slumped. "It''s not a proud story, Master Kai. My family... we were poor. Barely scraping by. When the bandits came to our village, they offered a choice: join or die. I was young and scared. I chose to live."


    Kai nodded, filing away the information. Tragic backstory. Classic NPC stuff. But it could be useful leverage later.


    "And what did you do for the bandits?" Kai pressed.


    "Mostly scouting and lockpicking," Liu Wei admitted. "I was never much good in a fight, but I could sneak around and get into places others couldn''t."


    Interesting. Those could be valuable skills.


    They continued their journey in silence, Kai expertly navigating them around the threat indicators on his map. After a few hours of travel, they finally reached the clearing where the bandit camp had been.


    Kai let out a low whistle as he surveyed the destruction before them. The once-bustling camp was now a scene of carnage and chaos. Tents lay in tatters, supplies were scattered everywhere, and the ground was scarred with deep gouges and scorch marks.


    "By the heavens," Liu Wei breathed, his eyes wide. "I remember it being bad, but this..."


    Kai nodded. "The Thunderclaw Tigress did quite a number on your friends."


    As they picked their way through the wreckage, Kai''s eyes landed on a massive form lying motionless at the edge of the clearing. A slow grin spread across his face.


    No way. Did they seriously leave the beast¡¯s corpse behind?


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    He approached the fallen beast, marveling at its size. Even in death, the Thunderclaw Tigress was an impressive sight.


    This has got to be worth a fortune. And it''s just sitting here, free for the taking.


    Without hesitation, Kai reached out and touched the tigress¡¯ corpse. In an instant, it vanished, absorbed into his inventory.


    Liu Wei''s jaw dropped. "Master! Did you... did you just store that entire beast in your storage ring?"


    Kai turned, hiding his amusement. "Something like that. Now, let''s see what other treasures these bandits left behind, shall we?"


    Liu Wei nodded, still looking a bit shell-shocked. "R-right. The treasure vault is this way, Master."


    As they made their way to the bandits'' stash, Kai''s mind raced with possibilities. A high-level monster corpse, plus whatever loot these bandits had squirreled away. This is turning into quite the profitable expedition.


    Liu Wei led him to a large tent that had somehow survived the destruction relatively intact. Inside, Kai found a treasure trove of stolen goods, spirit stones, and various cultivation resources.


    "Last time I was here, I only had time to grab a few things for the villagers," Kai mused aloud. "But now..."


    He grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Let''s see what we''ve got here."


    As Kai began systematically looting the tent, stuffing everything of value into his inventory, Liu Wei watched with a mix of awe and trepidation.


    "Master," he said cautiously, "some of these items... they''re quite valuable. Are you sure it''s wise to take everything?"


    Kai paused, fixing Liu Wei with a stern look. "Are you questioning my decisions, Liu Wei?"


    The young man paled. "N-no! Of course not, Master. I just... I mean..."


    Kai softened his expression slightly. "Look, these bandits stole all this stuff in the first place, right? We''re just... redistributing the wealth. Besides, we''ll need resources if we''re going to get stronger."


    Liu Wei nodded quickly. "You''re right, of course."


    As Kai continued his methodical looting, his eyes fell upon a small, ornate box tucked away in a corner. Curious, he opened it to find three ancient-looking scrolls inside.


    Jackpot! Skill scrolls, if I''m not mistaken.


    He carefully unrolled the first scroll, and a translucent window immediately popped up in his vision:


    Skill Scroll Discovered!


    Name: Iron Skin Technique


    Description: A defensive cultivation technique that hardens the user''s skin, providing increased protection against physical attacks.


    Would you like to learn this skill?


    Kai''s heart raced with excitement. This must be the technique Liu Wei mentioned earlier. The one that made the bandit leader so tough to hurt.


    He glanced at the other two scrolls:


    Skill Scroll Discovered!


    Name: Wind Step Technique


    Description: An agility-focused cultivation technique that allows the user to move at greatly increased speeds for short bursts.


    Would you like to learn this skill?


    Skill Scroll Discovered!


    Name: Flame Palm Technique


    Description: An offensive cultivation technique that imbues the user''s strikes with fiery energy, dealing additional burn damage.


    Would you like to learn this skill?


    Three new skills, just like that. This is almost too easy.


    Kai glanced over at Liu Wei, who was busy sorting through a pile of spirit stones. Making sure the young man wasn''t paying attention, Kai stepped behind a large crate for privacy.


    I have a feeling this might look a bit weird to an outside observer.


    Taking a deep breath, Kai focused on the Iron Skin Technique and selected ''Yes''.


    Instantly, the scroll in his hand began to glow. It grew warm to the touch, then hot, before suddenly crumbling to dust. Kai felt a rush of knowledge flood his mind, as if he''d just speed-read an entire textbook on the technique.


    A new notification appeared:


    Skill Acquired!


    Iron Skin Technique (Level 1)


    Your Durability increases by 10% when activated


    Grinning from ear to ear, Kai repeated the process with the other two scrolls. Each time, he felt that same rush of knowledge, followed by a notification of his new skill.


    Skill Acquired: Wind Step Technique (Level 1)


    Your Agility increases by 10% when activated


    Skill Acquired: Flame Palm Technique (Level 1)


    Your Attack increases by 10% when activated


    Kai couldn''t help but do a little victory dance. Three new skills, just like that! This is exactly the kind of power-up I needed.


    He pulled up his status window to admire his newly expanded skill list:


    Skills:


    <ul>


    <li>Qi Condensation (Level 2)</li>


    <li>Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)</li>


    <li>Unarmed Combat (Level 2)</li>


    <li>Deception (Level 3)</li>


    <li>Iron Skin Technique (Level 1)</li>


    <li>Wind Step Technique (Level 1)</li>


    <li>Flame Palm Technique (Level 1)</li>


    <li>Mental Fortitude (Passive)</li>


    </ul>


    Not bad at all. Of course, they''re all at Level 1 for now so the increase isn¡¯t that significant, but that just means I''ve got room to grow.


    Lost in his thoughts, Kai didn''t notice Liu Wei approaching until the young man called out.


    "Master! Master, come quick! I''ve found something!"


    Kai quickly closed his status window and turned to face his follower.


    "What is it, Liu Wei?"

 ELEVEN: Treasure Map

    "A map, Master!¡± The young man was practically bouncing with excitement. ¡°I think it might lead to a hidden treasure!"


    Kai raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued but his suspicion immediately aroused. A conveniently discovered treasure map? Handed over willingly by someone whose loyalty is forced? This screams ''trap''.


    "Let me see it," Kai said, keeping his voice neutral.


    Liu Wei handed over a worn piece of parchment. As Kai unfolded it, his eyes widened. The map was intricately detailed, showing a vast expanse of forest with various landmarks and paths marked.


    "This is the Whispering Woods," Liu Wei explained, his finger tracing a winding path through the trees. "It¡¯s rumoured to house beasts above the Qi Refining Realm.¡±


    Kai studied the map carefully, noting the various symbols and notations scattered across it. There were markings for dangerous areas, potential water sources, and what looked like ruins or abandoned structures.


    "It won''t be an easy journey," Liu Wei continued. "The forest itself is said to be alive, constantly shifting and changing."


    Once Kai finished studying the map, he noticed his own map function updating, a new location appearing as a glowing marker. At the same time, a quest notification popped up:


    New Quest: The Bandits'' Hidden Hoard


    Description: Follow the map to uncover a secret treasure vault hidden in the woods.


    Reward: Unknown


    Would you like to accept this quest?


    Kai''s mind raced, weighing the potential risks and rewards. On one hand, this could be a huge payoff. On the other, it''s almost certainly a trap of some kind. But then again, what''s an RPG without a good dungeon crawl? Accept!


    He looked up at Liu Wei, who was watching him expectantly. "Where did you find this, exactly?"


    Liu Wei''s enthusiasm dimmed slightly under Kai''s scrutiny. "It was hidden in a false bottom of one of the chests, Master. I... I remembered seeing the boss consulting it sometimes, but he always kept it secret from the rest of us."


    Kai nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing. "And you''re just handing it over to me? Just like that?"


    Liu Wei''s face fell, and he dropped to his knees. "Master, I swore my loyalty to you! I would never betray you. I thought... I thought you''d be pleased..."


    Kai studied the young man''s face, looking for any signs of deception. His Deception skill was high enough that he was pretty good at spotting lies, but Liu Wei seemed genuinely distraught.


    Either he''s telling the truth, or he''s an even better actor than I am.


    After a moment, Kai softened his expression. "Stand up, Liu Wei. I''m not accusing you of anything. I''m just being cautious. In this world, things that seem too good to be true usually are."


    Liu Wei stood, relief evident on his face. "Of course, Master. Being cautious is good. I just... I want to prove my worth to you."


    Kai nodded, allowing a small smile. "And you have. This could be very valuable information. Good work."


    Liu Wei beamed at the praise, and Kai felt a twinge of guilt. I should probably work on increasing his Loyalty stat. Having a devoted follower could be incredibly useful.


    "So," Liu Wei asked eagerly, "shall we go after the treasure, Master?"


    Kai folded the map carefully, tucking it away in his inventory. "Not just yet. We need to finish up here first, and then head back to the village. We''ll need to prepare properly before we tackle something like this."


    Liu Wei nodded, looking slightly disappointed but not arguing.


    As they resumed their looting of the bandit camp, Kai''s mind was already racing with plans. A hidden dungeon, new skills to level up, and a follower to train. Things are finally starting to get interesting in this world.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    He glanced at Liu Wei, who was happily sorting through a pile of stolen jewelry. I''ll need to be careful, though. I can''t afford to let my guard down, even for a moment. In a world like this, trust is a luxury I can''t afford.


    As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the ruined camp, Kai and Liu Wei finished their scavenging. They had gathered an impressive haul of spirit stones, cultivation resources, and valuable trinkets.


    "I think that''s everything of value," Kai said, surveying the picked-over camp. "We should head back to the village before it gets dark."


    Liu Wei nodded, shouldering a heavy sack. "Yes, Master. Though... are you sure we shouldn''t at least start towards the treasure map location?"


    Kai shook his head firmly. "No, like I said before, we need to prepare first. Besides, I have some business to take care of in the village."


    ***


    The walk back to the village was quiet, both Kai and Liu Wei lost in their own thoughts. Kai periodically checked his map function, ensuring they steered clear of any dangerous areas. The massive red dot that he suspected represented a Foundation Establishment beast still loomed ominously at the edge of his vision.


    I wonder what kind of creature it is, Kai mused. In games, high-level bosses usually guard equally high-level loot. But taking on something like that now would be suicide.


    He glanced at Liu Wei, who was nervously scanning the forest as they walked. The young man''s earlier confusion about the lack of beast encounters seemed to have been forgotten in light of their discoveries at the bandit camp.


    "Liu Wei," Kai said, breaking the silence. "You mentioned earlier that the bandits often encountered spiritual beasts in these woods. What kind of creatures are we talking about?"


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened slightly, as if surprised by the question. "Oh, um, all sorts, Master Kai. Mostly lower-level beasts - shadow wolves, thornback boars, that kind of thing. But occasionally we''d run into something more dangerous."


    "And how did the bandits deal with these creatures?" Kai pressed.


    Liu Wei shrugged. "Depends on the beast. The weaker ones, we''d hunt for food or materials. The stronger ones... well, we usually tried to avoid those. Unless the leader thought there was something valuable to gain."


    Smart. Risk versus reward. Basic gaming logic.


    As they continued walking, Kai''s mind turned to the newly acquired skills burning a hole in his pocket. He was itching to try them out, to see how they worked in this world.


    I need to find some time alone to practice, he thought. Can''t let Liu Wei see me fumbling around with new abilities, that would just be embarrassing.


    Just then, Liu Wei stumbled on a root, nearly falling face-first into the dirt. Kai instinctively reached out to steady him, his hand closing around the young man''s arm.


    To Kai''s surprise, a small window popped up:


    Liu Wei


    Loyalty: 55/100 (+5)


    Mood: Grateful


    Interesting, Kai thought as he helped Liu Wei regain his balance. So his loyalty can increase through such a simple action¡­good to know.


    "Thank you, Master Kai," Liu Wei said, his cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment.


    Kai waved it off. "Don''t mention it. We need to look out for each other out here."


    As they neared the village, Kai''s thoughts turned to the quest notification he''d received. The promise of unknown rewards was tantalizing, but the potential dangers couldn''t be ignored.


    I need more information before I commit to anything, he decided. Maybe there''s someone in the village who knows about this ''Dragon''s Hoard'' place.


    The sun was beginning to set as they finally reached the outskirts of the village. The familiar sights and sounds of Misty Waterfall Village were a welcome change from the eerie quiet of the forest.


    "Liu Wei," Kai said as they approached the village gate, "I want you to go get some rest. You''ve done well today. We''ll talk more tomorrow about our next steps."


    The young man nodded eagerly. "Yes, Master Kai. Thank you for giving me this chance."


    As Liu Wei scurried off, Kai let out a long breath. Now, time to process everything that''s happened and figure out my next move.


    He made his way to the small hut he''d been given, nodding politely to the villagers he passed. Once inside, Kai collapsed onto his bed, the events of the day finally catching up to him.


    What a day, he thought, staring up at the thatched roof. New skills, a mysterious map, a follower with questionable loyalty... it''s like the tutorial is over, and the real game is just beginning.


    Kai closed his eyes, focusing on his internal qi. He could feel it flowing through his body, a comforting warmth that pulsed with potential. With a thought, he pulled up his status window:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    XP: 0/500


    Level: 5


    Qi: 100/100


    Strength: 31


    Agility: 33


    Durability: 32


    Intelligence: 23


    Wisdom: 20


    Skills:


    Qi Condensation (Level 2)


    Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)


    Unarmed Combat (Level 2)


    Deception (Level 3)


    Iron Skin (Level 1)


    Swift Wind Step (Level 1)


    Flame Palm Strike (Level 1)


    Kai couldn''t help but smile as he looked at his new skills. Not bad for a day''s work. But I''ve got a long way to go if I want to survive in this world.


    Kai yawned widely, feeling the weight of the day settle into his muscles. He stretched, wincing slightly at the soreness.


    I should probably get some rest, he thought, glancing out the window at the night sky. It''s been a long day, and there''s still so much to do tomorrow.

 TWELVE: Kai vs Liu Wei

    Kai woke up early, his mind buzzing with excitement. Today was the day he''d start training his new skills. He stretched, feeling the qi flowing through his body.


    Time to level up, he thought with a grin.


    He stepped outside his hut, breathing in the crisp morning air. The village was just starting to stir, a few early risers tending to their daily chores.


    Kai made his way to a secluded clearing on the outskirts of the village. He didn''t want an audience for his first attempts at these new techniques.


    Okay, let''s start with Iron Skin, he decided. In games, defensive skills are always a good foundation.


    He took a deep breath, focusing on the knowledge that had flooded his mind when he absorbed the skill scroll. He channeled his qi, directing it to flow just beneath his skin.


    At first, nothing happened. Kai frowned, concentrating harder. Come on, work!


    Suddenly, he felt a tingling sensation across his body. He looked down at his arms, eyes widening as his skin took on a faint metallic sheen.


    "Whoa," he whispered. "It actually worked!"


    He poked his arm experimentally. It felt solid, almost like he was wearing invisible armor.


    Now, how long can I maintain it? He held the technique, feeling his qi slowly draining. After about a minute, the metallic sheen faded, and Kai let out a breath he didn''t realize he''d been holding.


    "Not bad for a first try," he murmured. "But I need to work on efficiency."


    He spent the next hour practicing Iron Skin, activating and deactivating it repeatedly. Each time, it became a little easier, a little more natural.


    Skill Leveled Up!


    Iron Skin (Level 2)


    Your Durabilty increases by 20% when activated


    You have gained 50 XP!


    Kai grinned at the notification. Progress already! This is way more satisfying than grinding mobs in an MMO.


    He moved on to Wind Step next. This one proved trickier. The first few attempts left him stumbling awkwardly, his body moving faster than his mind could keep up.


    "Oof!" he grunted, picking himself up after a particularly clumsy attempt. ¡°I should have known, increased speed doesn''t automatically mean increased coordination."


    But Kai was nothing if not persistent. He kept at it, gradually learning to control the bursts of speed. By the time another hour had passed, he could dash short distances with reasonable accuracy.


    Skill Leveled Up!


    Wind Step (Level 2)


    Your Agility increases by 20% when activated


    You have gained 50 XP!


    "Nice," Kai said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Now for the fun one."


    He turned his attention to Flame Palm. This offensive technique required careful qi manipulation, channeling the fire element into his strikes.


    His first attempt produced only a faint warmth in his palm. "Come on," he muttered. "I''m going for ''devastating fire attack,'' not ''slightly toasty handshake.''"


    He kept at it, gradually increasing the heat and intensity. Soon, small flames were dancing across his fingers.


    "Now we''re talking!" he exclaimed, throwing a few practice punches at the air. Each strike left a brief trail of fire in its wake.


    Skill Leveled Up!


    Flame Palm (Level 2)


    Your Attack increases by 20% when activated


    You have gained 50 XP!


    As Kai admired the flames flickering around his hand, he heard a gasp behind him. He turned to see Liu Wei standing at the edge of the clearing, eyes wide with awe.


    "M-Master Kai!" Liu Wei stammered. "That was incredible! I''ve never seen anyone master new techniques so quickly!"


    Kai quickly extinguished the flames, hiding his momentary panic. Right, I''m supposed to be some kind of cultivation prodigy. Play it cool.


    He shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, Liu Wei. I didn''t see you there. Just doing some morning practice."


    "Forgive my intrusion, Master,¡± Liu Wei bowed deeply. ¡°I was looking for you and heard sounds of training."


    Kai waved off the apology. "No need for that. Actually, your timing is perfect. I could use a sparring partner to test these skills in combat."


    Liu Wei''s face paled slightly. "M-me? But Master, I''m only at Qi Refining Stage 2. Surely, I''d be no match for you..."


    Kai considered this. Right, I''m supposed to be way stronger than him. But I need realistic combat experience at a lower level...


    "Don''t worry," Kai said, an idea forming. "I''ll suppress my cultivation to match yours. It''ll be good practice for both of us."


    Liu Wei looked both honored and terrified. "If... if you''re sure, Master."


    Kai nodded, then focused inward. Okay, how do I suppress my cultivation? There''s usually some kind of limiter in games for this sort of thing...


    He experimented, trying to mentally "dial down" his qi output. After a few attempts, he felt something click into place. His energy levels dropped, matching what he sensed from Liu Wei.


    "There we go," Kai said. "Now we''re on even footing. Shall we begin?"


    Liu Wei nodded nervously, taking up a basic fighting stance.


    As they squared off, Kai noticed movement at the edge of the clearing. Mei Li had arrived, watching them with curiosity.


    "Oh, don''t mind me," she called out. "I just came to see what all the commotion was about. Please, continue!"


    Kai shrugged. An audience, huh? Might as well put on a good show.


    He turned back to Liu Wei. "Ready when you are."


    Liu Wei hesitated for a moment, then lunged forward with a straight punch. Kai sidestepped easily, but he was impressed by the speed.


    Not bad, Kai thought. He''s got some skill.


    They exchanged a flurry of blows, neither landing any clean hits. Kai was surprised to find himself working up a sweat. With his cultivation suppressed, the fight was more even than he''d expected.


    "You''re doing well, Liu Wei," Kai said, blocking a kick. "But you''re telegraphing your moves too much. Try to be less predictable."


    Liu Wei nodded, adjusting his stance. His next attack came from an unexpected angle, nearly catching Kai off guard.


    "Better!" Kai praised, countering with a swift jab.


    As the spar continued, Kai found himself genuinely enjoying the challenge. It was one thing to practice techniques alone, but applying them in combat was a whole different experience.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    He activated Iron Skin just as Liu Wei landed a solid punch to his ribs. The impact was dulled, but Kai still felt it.


    Note to self: Iron Skin reduces damage, doesn''t negate it entirely, he thought.


    Kai retaliated with a Wind Step-enhanced dash, closing the distance faster than Liu Wei could react. He followed up with a Flame Palm strike, pulling back at the last second to avoid actually burning his sparring partner.


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened as he felt the heat pass just inches from his face. "Incredible, Master!" he exclaimed. "Your control is amazing!"


    "Thanks,¡± Kai said as he allowed himself a small smile. ¡°You''re not doing too badly yourself."


    The spar continued for several more minutes, with Kai mixing in his new techniques while Liu Wei fought the best he could.


    Finally, Kai saw an opening. He feinted left, then used Wind Step to dash right. As Liu Wei turned to block, Kai swept his legs out from under him.


    Liu Wei hit the ground with a thud, the wind knocked out of him. Kai stood over him, hand extended.


    "Do you give up?" Kai asked.


    ¡°Yes, Master. That was... incredible,¡± Liu Wei nodded, accepting the hand up. "I''ve never had a spar like that before. Usually the other bandits just use sparring as an excuse to use me as a punching bag¡­"


    Kai helped him to his feet, feeling uncomfortable. He didn''t know what to say about Liu Wei''s past. "Uh... right. Well, that''s not how we do things here."


    He noticed Mei Li approaching and felt relieved for the distraction. Maybe she could handle this awkward moment better than he could.


    "That was quite a show," she said. "I''ve never seen techniques like that before. Where did you learn them?"


    "Oh, I got them from the bandits after I defeated them," Kai replied casually. "Figured they might come in handy."


    Mei Li''s eyes widened in surprise. "You learned to use them so quickly? That''s... impressive." She studied Kai more closely, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Do all cultivators learn that fast, or are you some kind of prodigy?"


    Kai shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I''m not sure. Maybe I just got lucky?"


    "And you, Liu Wei, well done!¡± Mei Li smiled at the former bandit. ¡°You held your own!"


    "For someone who hasn¡¯t had much combat experience, Liu Wei is quite skilled. He definitely kept me on my toes,¡± Kai nodded.


    Liu Wei beamed at the praise. "Thank you, Master. But I still have much to learn."


    As they caught their breath, Kai mulled over the experience. That was tougher than I expected. If I want to be one of those overpowered isekai protagonists, I''ve got a long way to go.


    He thought back to the novels and anime he''d consumed back on Earth. Those heroes always seemed to breeze through fights against higher-level opponents.


    But that''s not realistic, Kai realized. At least not yet. For now, I need to focus on outsmarting my opponents rather than overpowering them.


    "Liu Wei," Kai said, "whilst you did do well, there''s still room for improvement. Want some tips?"


    Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "Yes, please, Master!"


    Kai spent the next few minutes breaking down the spar, pointing out areas where Liu Wei could improve his technique or strategy. The young man listened intently, soaking up every word.


    Mei Li watched this exchange with interest. "You''re quite the teacher, Kai," she commented. "Have you considered taking on more disciples?"


    Kai chuckled nervously. "Oh, I don''t know about that. I''m still learning myself."


    As they wrapped up the impromptu training session, Kai noticed a small notification in the corner of his vision:


    Liu Wei Loyalty: 60/100 (+5)


    He smiled inwardly. Progress on multiple fronts. Not a bad morning''s work.


    "Alright," Kai said, stretching. "I think that''s enough for today. Liu Wei, why don''t you go get some rest? We''ll train again tomorrow."


    Liu Wei bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Kai. I look forward to it!"


    As Liu Wei departed, Mei Li lingered, her gaze fixed on Kai. "You''re full of surprises, aren''t you?" she said softly.


    Kai shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I just do my best to adapt to whatever situation I find myself in."


    Mei Li nodded slowly. "A useful skill in this world. Just... be careful, Kai. Power attracts attention, and not always the good kind."


    With that cryptic warning, she turned and walked back towards the village, leaving Kai alone with his thoughts.


    He sighed, running a hand through his hair. She''s right. I need to be more careful about showing off. But how am I supposed to get stronger if I don''t push my limits?


    Kai looked down at his hands, remembering the feeling of qi flowing through them during the spar. It had been exhilarating, like nothing he''d ever experienced in a game.


    This is real, he reminded himself. The dangers are real, but so are the rewards. I just need to find the right balance.


    As he made his way back to the village, Kai''s mind was already racing with plans for future training sessions. He had a long way to go if he wanted to survive in this world, let alone thrive.


    But I''m making progress, he thought with a smile. One skill at a time, one level at a time. I''ll get there. After all, isn''t that what a proper isekai protagonist would do?


    Back in his hut, Kai took a moment to review his status window:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    XP: 150/500


    Level: 5


    Qi: 100/100


    Strength: 31


    Agility: 33


    Durability: 32


    Intelligence: 23


    Wisdom: 20


    Skills:


    Qi Condensation (Level 2)


    Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)


    Unarmed Combat (Level 2)


    Deception (Level 3)


    Iron Skin (Level 2)


    Swift Wind Step (Level 2)


    Flame Palm Strike (Level 2)


    Mental Fortitude (Passive)


    He nodded in satisfaction. Solid progress. But I can''t get complacent. There''s always room for improvement.


    Kai sat cross-legged on his bed, closing his eyes to meditate. As he focused on circulating his qi, he reflected on the morning''s events.


    The spar with Liu Wei was¡­enlightening to say the least. Even with my cultivation suppressed, I had an advantage thanks to my previous kickboxing experience and strategy. But in a real fight against a stronger opponent, those alone won¡¯t be enough, I need to learn more qi techniques.


    A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts.


    "Come in."

 THIRTEEN: Azure Sky Sect vs Dark Moon Sect

    The door creaked open, revealing Zhang Wei. The old cultivator looked remarkably better than the last time Kai had seen him. The wounds from his encounter with the bandit leader had all but vanished.


    Looks like he got his hands on a healing pill or something, Kai mused. I''ve got to figure out how to get some of those for myself. The bandit camp had none remaining, most likely they used the little they had during the battle.


    "Good afternoon, Kai," Zhang Wei said, his voice carrying a hint of excitement. "I hope I''m not interrupting anything important?"


    Kai shook his head, gesturing for the old man to enter. "Not at all. I was just finishing up some meditation. What brings you here?"


    Zhang Wei settled himself on a small stool. "I have some news that might interest you, given your... unique circumstances."


    "Oh? What kind of news?" Kai raised an eyebrow, intrigued.


    "Well," Zhang Wei began, stroking his beard, "I know you mentioned to Chen Lao before that you weren''t quite ready to join a sect. And given your mysterious background, I can understand why these local sects might not catch your interest."


    He''s not wrong there, Kai thought. Most of the sects I''ve read about in xianxia novels are either comically evil or frustratingly rigid.


    Zhang Wei continued, "However, I thought you should know that the Azure Sky Sect is conducting their yearly recruitment soon. It''s likely that an Outer Elder will arrive in our village within the next few weeks."


    Kai leaned forward, his interest piqued. "The Azure Sky Sect? That''s the one you used to be part of, right?"


    Zhang Wei nodded, a mix of emotions flashing across his face. "Indeed. And while my time there didn''t end as I''d hoped, I still believe it''s a great opportunity for talented young cultivators like yourself."


    "What makes you think they''d be interested in me?" Kai asked, genuinely curious.


    Zhang Wei chuckled. "My boy, your talent is obvious to anyone with eyes to see. The purity of your qi, the speed at which you''ve advanced, that Qi Condensation skill... trust me, you''ll catch their eye."


    Kai mulled this over. A recruitment drive, huh? That''s pretty standard for xianxia stories. But...


    "Wait a minute," Kai said, voicing a thought that had just occurred to him. "These immortal cultivators... they don''t just, you know, kidnap mortals with potential, do they?"


    Zhang Wei burst out laughing, the sound filling the small hut. "Kidnap mortals? Heavens, no! Where did you get such an idea?"


    Kai shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. "Oh, you know... just stories I''ve heard."


    Stories I''ve read, more like, he thought. But I guess those authors took some creative liberties. Thank goodness for that ¨C I''m not in the mood to get kidnapped anytime soon.


    "No, no," Zhang Wei said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. "As strange as cultivators can be, that would be counterproductive. The Azure Sky Sect, like most respectable sects, values willing disciples. Forced recruitment only leads to resentment and betrayal."


    "I see," Kai nodded. "So, tell me more about this Azure Sky Sect. What are they like?"


    "Ah, the Azure Sky Sect,¡± Zhang Wei''s expression grew thoughtful. ¡°They are one of the most prominent righteous sects in this region. Their main compound is located at the top of the highest peak of the Azure Mountains, surrounded by clouds that are said to be filled with spiritual energy."


    "Sounds impressive," Kai commented.


    "Oh, it is," Zhang Wei agreed. "The sect is known for its mastery of wind and lightning techniques. They value honor, discipline, and the pursuit of immortality through righteous means."


    Kai nodded, encouraging the old man to continue.


    "The sect is divided into Outer, Inner, and Core disciples," Zhang Wei explained. "New recruits start as Outer disciples, of course. But those with exceptional talent can advance quickly. The sect provides resources, training, and protection to its members."


    "What about their cultivation resources?" Kai asked, recalling the importance of such things in xianxia settings.


    Zhang Wei nodded approvingly at the question. "The Azure Sky Sect is known for its rich spirit veins and well-maintained herb gardens. Outer disciples receive a monthly allowance of spirit stones and access to basic cultivation manuals."


    Resource management, check. Probably some kind of currency or point system for higher-level stuff.


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "And what about missions or quests?" Kai inquired, trying not to sound too game-like in his terminology. Despite knowing most of this stuff already, he didn¡¯t see any harm in hearing the old man¡¯s experience, perhaps he may learn something that is different from the stories.


    "Ah, you mean sect assignments," Zhang Wei said. "Yes, disciples can take on various tasks to earn merit points and resources. These range from gathering herbs to exterminating monsters plaguing nearby villages."


    Fetch quests and monster-slaying. Classic.


    "And what about the downsides?" Kai asked, knowing there had to be some.


    Zhang Wei sighed. "Well, like any large organization, there can be politics and infighting. The competition can be fierce, especially for those seeking to advance to Inner or Core disciple status. And of course, there are strict rules and expectations that all disciples must follow."


    Kai absorbed this information, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.


    Pros of joining a righteous sect like Azure Sky:


    <ol>


    <li>Access to resources and training</li>


    <li>Protection from other cultivators and sects</li>


    <li>Potential for rapid advancement if I play my cards right</li>


    <li>A "good guy" reputation, which could be useful</li>


    </ol>


    Cons:


    <ol>


    <li>Strict rules and expectations</li>


    <li>Internal politics and competition</li>


    <li>Possible limitations on my freedom</li>


    <li>Might make enemies of rival sects</li>


    </ol>


    As Kai pondered this, a thought struck him. "What about the Dark Moon Sect? How do they handle recruitment?"


    Zhang Wei''s face darkened at the mention of the name. "Ah, the Dark Moon Sect. They are... a different matter entirely."


    Kai leaned back, surprised by the venom in the old man¡¯s tone. "I take it you''re not a fan?"


    Zhang Wei sighed, visibly trying to calm himself. "Forgive me. I should not let my personal feelings cloud my judgment. You asked, and you deserve an unbiased answer."


    Taking a deep breath, Zhang Wei continued, his voice carefully neutral. "While righteous cultivators won''t kidnap you, the same cannot be said for demonic cultivators like those in the Dark Moon Sect. They are known for their... aggressive recruitment tactics."


    "You mean they do kidnap people?" Kai asked, his eyebrows raised.


    Zhang Wei nodded. "Among other things. The Dark Moon Sect is one of the most powerful demonic sects in the region. They''re known for their mastery of yin energy, blood cultivation techniques, and other... darker arts."


    "But surely they must have some appeal," Kai mused aloud. "Otherwise, why would anyone join them willingly?"


    "Well, to be fair, they do offer certain advantages,¡± Zhang Wei stroked his beard. ¡°Demonic cultivation techniques often promise faster power growth, and the Dark Moon Sect is less restrictive in terms of personal conduct. They also have access to rare and forbidden techniques that righteous sects won''t even think to touch."


    Kai nodded, mentally cataloging this information.


    Pros of joining a demonic sect like Dark Moon:


    <ol>


    <li>Potentially faster power growth</li>


    <li>Access to forbidden techniques</li>


    <li>Less restrictive rules</li>


    <li>Might suit my more... pragmatic approach</li>


    </ol>


    Cons:


    <ol>


    <li>Reputation as "evil" could cause problems</li>


    <li>Aggressive recruitment tactics (I¡¯ll probably get kidnapped)</li>


    <li>Probably even more cutthroat internal competition</li>


    <li>Higher risk of dying or being used as a sacrifice by some evil elder</li>


    </ol>


    As Kai weighed his options, he came to a sobering realization. As much as he valued his independence, he couldn''t ignore the realities of this world. His cultivation would soon hit a plateau without proper resources and guidance. Not to mention, he''d need powerful backers for protection in this dangerous realm.


    I''d be a fool to think I could make it on my own, he realized. This isn''t a single-player game. I need a faction.


    Remembering the cutthroat nature of the xianxia worlds he''d read about in novels; Kai made a decision.


    "I think I''ll entertain the idea of joining the Azure Sky Sect," he said aloud. "It seems like a solid opportunity, at least for now."


    Zhang Wei''s face lit up. "A great choice, Kai! I''m sure you''ll do well there."


    As Zhang Wei stood to leave, Kai had one more question. "What kind of tests can I expect during the recruitment?"


    The old cultivator paused at the door. "Ah, well, that can vary. But typically, they''ll test your cultivation level, your aptitude for their techniques, and your character. Be prepared for anything from qi sensing exercises to combat trials."


    Kai nodded. "Thank you, Zhang Wei. This has been helpful.¡±


    As Zhang Wei rose to leave, he placed a hand on Kai''s shoulder. "Whatever you decide, know that you have my support. You''ve done much for this village, and I believe you''re destined for great things, boy."


    After Zhang Wei left, Kai lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling as he thought about the upcoming recruitment.


    Typical xianxia recruitment tests, huh? Let''s see...


    <ol>


    <li>Qi sensing: Probably something like finding hidden objects or navigating a maze using only qi perception. I''ll need to practice that.</li>


    <li>Combat trials: Could be anything from one-on-one duels to surviving against multiple opponents or even spirit beasts. With my small qi capacity, I''ll have to be clever and use my skills strategically. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if the other potential recruits are the later stages of Qi Refining.</li>


    <li>Technique aptitude: They might have me try to perform basic wind or lightning techniques. I should experiment with my qi to see if I have any natural affinities.</li>


    <li>Character tests: These can be tricky. Could be moral dilemmas, tests of courage, or even hidden tests to see how I treat others when I think no one''s watching. I''ll need to be on my guard at all times, don¡¯t want to scare them off with my ¡®pragmatic¡¯ approach¡­</li>


    <li>Written exams: Some sects test knowledge of cultivation theory or general intelligence. I might have an advantage here with my Earth education and the stories I¡¯ve read, but I should brush up on local knowledge too, I¡¯m still not certain this world is exactly the same as the cultivation novels.</li>


    <li>Alchemy or forging tests: Probably not for initial recruitment, but it''s possible. I should at least learn the basics.</li>


    <li>Endurance trials: Withstanding pain, resisting poisons, or cultivating for long periods. This could be rough, but I''ll have to tough it out.</li>


    </ol>


    As he continued to brainstorm potential challenges, a notification popped up in his vision:


    New Quest Available: Join a Cultivation Sect


    Description: Successfully pass the recruitment trials and join either the Azure Sky Sect or the Dark Moon Sect.


    Reward: Sect Membership, 1000 XP, 3 Random Cultivation Resources


    Failure: Remain Sectless, Limited Future Growth


    Now we''re talking, Kai grinned.

 FOURTEEN: New Title Acquired

    Kai stepped out of his hut, squinting in the bright morning sunlight. The village bustled with activity, but his mind was focused on one task: finding Liu Wei. He had important news to share about the upcoming sect recruitments.


    He made his way to the outskirts of the village, where Liu Wei usually trained. As he approached the small clearing, he saw his servant sitting cross-legged on the ground, eyes closed in deep meditation.


    Kai paused, not wanting to interrupt. Interrupting a cultivator¡¯s training was considered taboo, in worst cases it could even lead to Qi Deviation.


    As he watched, Kai noticed a subtle change in the air around Liu Wei. The young man''s qi, usually a gentle ripple, suddenly surged like a wave.


    Is he... breaking through? Kai thought, eyes widening.


    Sure enough, Liu Wei''s eyes snapped open, glowing with power. The air around him shimmered for a moment before settling back down.


    Kai couldn''t help but smile. Not bad, kid. You''ve hit Qi Refining Stage 3.


    Liu Wei blinked, seeming to come back to himself. He noticed Kai standing nearby and scrambled to his feet, bowing deeply.


    "Master Kai! I... I didn''t realize you were here," Liu Wei stammered, his face flushing.


    Kai waved off the formality. "Relax, Liu Wei. And congratulations on your breakthrough."


    Liu Wei rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Thank you, Master. I''ve been pushing myself hard since... well, since you took me in."


    "It shows," Kai said, genuinely impressed. He pulled up Liu Wei''s stats in his vision:


    Liu Wei


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 3


    Qi: 50/50


    Strength: 20


    Agility: 24


    Endurance: 20


    Intelligence: 13


    Wisdom: 10


    Loyalty: 65/100


    Skills:


    <ul>


    <li>Basic Qi Gathering technique</li>


    <li>Stealth (Level 2)</li>


    <li>Lockpicking (Level 2)</li>


    <li>Dagger Proficiency (Level 2)</li>


    </ul>


    Not bad at all, Kai thought. He''s progressing faster than I expected. Maybe taking on a follower wasn''t such a bad idea after all.


    "So," Kai said aloud, "I actually came to find you because I have some news."


    Liu Wei perked up. "News, Master?"


    Kai nodded. "It seems the Azure Sky Sect and the Dark Moon Sect will be recruiting in the next few weeks."


    At the mention of the Dark Moon Sect, Liu Wei''s face paled visibly. Kai noted the reaction with interest.


    "Don''t worry," Kai continued, "I''m planning to join the Azure Sky Sect."


    Liu Wei''s shoulders sagged with relief. "Oh, thank the heavens," he muttered.


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong with the Dark Moon Sect?"


    Liu Wei fidgeted nervously. "Well... they have a reputation, Master. I was... I was worried you might be considering them. And that I''d have to follow you into a demonic sect."


    "And that would be a problem?" Kai pressed, curious.


    Liu Wei nodded vigorously. "Being forced to be a bandit was torture enough, Master. I''m not cut out for the demonic path. The things they do... the cultivation methods they use..." He shuddered.


    He''s got a strong moral compass, Kai noted. That could be useful, or it could be a liability. I''ll need to be careful how I use him.


    "Well, you don''t have to worry," Kai reassured him. "The Azure Sky Sect seems like a better fit for us."


    Liu Wei''s face lit up. "Really, Master? You''ll let me come with you?"


    Kai shrugged. "Why not? You''ve shown good progress, and I could use a trustworthy assistant in the sect."


    Liu Wei bowed deeply again. "Thank you, Master! I won''t let you down!"


    Kai waved him off, still uncomfortable with the excessive formality. "Alright, alright. We''ll need to prepare thoroughly."


    Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "Of course, Master! What should we focus on first?"


    Kai thought for a moment. "Let''s do some qi sensing exercises. We''ll both benefit from this."


    Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "Yes, Master. What did you have in mind?"


    Kai smiled, an idea forming. "We''ll take turns. One of us will hide, masking our qi, while the other tries to find them using only qi sensing. It''ll help us both improve our concealment and detection skills."


    As Liu Wei darted off into the woods, Kai considered his options. A small icon in the corner of his vision caught his attention - his map function. For a moment, he was tempted to use it to locate Liu Wei easily.


    No, Kai shook his head. That would be cheating. Besides, I can''t rely too heavily on the map function. What if I face an enemy with an ability to hide from it? I need to hone my natural sensing abilities just in case.


    When Liu Wei was ready, Kai began his search. He moved quietly through the forest, trying to extend his senses to detect any trace of qi. At first, he felt nothing but the natural energy of the forest.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    This is harder than I thought, Kai mused. But I can''t give up.


    Pushing himself, Kai focused harder. After several minutes, he noticed a slight disturbance in the natural qi of the forest ¨C a spot where the energy flow seemed just a bit too smooth.


    Smirking, Kai approached the area. As he got closer, he could sense the faintest trace of Liu Wei''s qi.


    "Found you," Kai said, touching the trunk of a hollow tree. Liu Wei emerged, looking impressed.


    "How did you find me so quick, Master?"


    Kai explained his process, watching as understanding dawned on Liu Wei''s face.


    They spent the next few hours taking turns hiding and seeking, each time discussing their strategies and mistakes. By the time the sun was high in the sky, both were sweating and tired, but satisfied with their progress.


    As they finished their final round, Kai felt a sudden rush of insight. It was as if something had clicked into place in his mind, a new understanding of qi and how to manipulate it.


    Two notifications popped up in his vision:


    New Skill Unlocked


    Name: Qi Concealment (Level 1)


    Description: Allows the user to mask their qi presence, making them harder to detect through qi sensing. At higher levels, this skill can completely hide the user''s qi signature.


    Current effect: Reduces detectable qi signature by 10%


    New Skill Unlocked


    Name: Qi Detection (Level 1)


    Description: Enhances the user''s ability to sense and identify qi signatures in their surroundings.


    Current effect: Increases qi sensing range by 10 meters and improves accuracy by 10%


    Kai''s eyes widened. Now we''re talking! he thought excitedly. Before unlocking the skill, he had been using a crude method of spiritual sense to detect nearby beings but now, he was able to sense qi from greater distances and with more precision.


    "Liu Wei," Kai said, unable to keep a grin off his face, "I think we''ve made some real progress today."


    Liu Wei nodded enthusiastically, wiping sweat from his brow. "I feel like I''ve learned so much, Master. Thank you for this training."


    This kind of practical training is simple but incredibly effective, Kai thought. And having Liu Wei here to practice with makes all the difference. I never would have unlocked these skills so quickly on my own. Plus, I''m getting better at relying on my own senses rather than game mechanics. That could be crucial in the future.


    As Kai was lost in his thoughts, a small window popped up.


    Liu Wei


    Loyalty: 65/100 (+5)


    And there¡¯s the other bonus with training with Liu Wei, Kai smiled.


    After drinking some water, Kai remembered the other reason he had sought out Liu Wei.


    "Oh, before I forget," he said casually, "prepare yourself. Tomorrow morning, we''re going to scout out that treasure location."


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened. "Really, Master? You mean the map we found in the bandit camp?"


    Kai nodded. "That''s the one. It''s time we checked it out."


    Liu Wei could barely contain his enthusiasm. "This is amazing, Master! Do you think we''ll find great treasures? Ancient cultivation techniques? Maybe even..."


    Kai held up a hand, chuckling at Liu Wei¡¯s reaction. "Calm down, Liu Wei. We''re just scouting for now. We don''t know what kind of dangers might be guarding the treasure."


    Liu Wei''s face fell slightly, but he nodded. "Of course, Master. You''re right, as always. I''ll prepare carefully."


    As they wrapped up their training session and headed back to the village, Kai''s mind wandered to the last time he had returned from the bandit hideout. The memory brought a smile to his face.


    The villagers had been overjoyed when he produced some of their stolen belongings seemingly out of thin air. Their eyes had widened in amazement, having never seen anything like a storage ring before, let alone the concept of an inventory.


    That was quite the scene, Kai recalled. I felt like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat.


    He remembered the looks of awe on their faces, the tears of joy as families were reunited with precious heirlooms. It had been a good day.


    As they entered the village proper, Kai noticed the way the villagers greeted him. There was respect in their eyes, gratitude in their smiles. Some even bowed slightly as he passed.


    I guess saving the village from bandits and giving them back their belongings really boosted my reputation, Kai mused. In game terms, I''d say I''ve almost maxed out my starting zone rep.


    Curious, he pulled up his status window:


    Reputation: Misty Waterfall Village - 70/100 (Well-Liked)


    Not bad, Kai mused. They''ve basically given me the role of village protector at this point.


    As if on cue, a new notification popped up:


    New Title Acquired: Village Protector


    Effect: While in Misty Waterfall Village, gain +5 to all stats


    Note: This title is temporary and will be lost upon leaving the village permanently


    Titles with buffs? Kai''s eyes widened slightly. Now that''s interesting. I wonder what other titles I can earn...I bet there are all sorts of titles I could earn in the sect, Kai thought eagerly. ''Top Disciple'', ''Sect Champion'', that sort of thing. Each one could give me an edge over the competition. I''ll need to keep an eye out for opportunities.


    As they neared the center of the village, Kai''s excitement faded slightly as he remembered a potential problem.


    The Azure Sky Sect focuses on wind and lightning techniques, he recalled. I only have one wind technique. As for lightning techniques, the affinity itself is quite rare according to the locals, I doubt I could get access to any techniques before joining the sect.


    He remembered his conversation with old man Zhang, who had confessed to Kai that he couldn''t teach him any sect techniques. Breaking such an oath would have dire consequences in this world.


    Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair. I''ll have to hope I can pick up a few more elemental skills on our treasure hunt tomorrow. Or pray the Azure Sky Sect doesn''t test us on that specifically.


    He shook his head, pushing the worry aside. I know I have the talent to enter the sect. But I want more than that. I want to be the best, to catch the sect master''s eye.


    A familiar fire of ambition burned in his chest. If I can do that, I''ll get a prestigious title with some fat buff, access to the best resources... everything I need to dominate in this world.


    Kai''s lips curved into a small, determined smile. After all, what kind of gamer would I be if I didn''t aim for the top spot on the leaderboard?


    As they reached the village square, Liu Wei turned to Kai with a questioning look. "Master, is there anything else you need me to do to prepare for tomorrow?"


    Kai considered for a moment. "Make sure you have any equipment you might need for exploration. We don''t know what we''ll encounter."


    Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "Of course, Master. I still have some tools from my... previous occupation that might be useful."


    "You mean your bandit days?" Kai raised an eyebrow.


    Liu Wei flushed, looking down. "Yes, Master. I''m not proud of it, but..."


    Kai waved off his embarrassment. "Hey, those skills could come in handy. No shame in using what you''ve got."


    Liu Wei looked up, surprise and gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Master. You''re very understanding."


    More like pragmatic, Kai thought. In games, every skill has its use. No point in handicapping ourselves because of some misplaced sense of morality.


    Aloud, he said, "Just be ready at dawn. We''ve got a long day ahead of us tomorrow."


    As Liu Wei hurried off to prepare, Kai found himself with some free time. He decided to take a walk around the village, observing the daily life of the inhabitants.


    He passed by the village blacksmith, the rhythmic clanging of hammer on anvil filling the air. The smell of fresh bread wafted from the baker''s shop, making his stomach growl.


    It''s like a medieval town from an RPG, Kai mused. Except everything''s real. The sights, the smells... it''s all so vivid.


    As he walked through the village, he paused by the village well, watching as children played nearby. Their laughter filled the air, carefree and innocent.


    This is what I''m protecting, Kai realized. These people, this peace... it''s worth fighting for.


    The thought surprised him. When he first arrived in this world, his only goal had been to survive and get stronger. But now...


    Maybe I''m getting too attached, Kai thought, shaking his head. I can''t forget my ultimate goal. I need to focus on getting stronger, on understanding this world. That''s the only way I''ll figure out how I got here...


    He pushed his feelings aside. In a xianxia world, power was everything. He couldn''t afford to let sentimentality hold him back. At least not yet.


    As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the village, Kai made his way back to his hut. He had a lot to think about, and a big day ahead of him.


    Once inside his room, Kai sat cross-legged on his bed, closing his eyes to meditate. He focused on circulating his qi, feeling the energy flow through his body.


    I need to be at my best tomorrow, he thought. Who knows what we''ll encounter on this treasure hunt, but it¡¯ll probably be a boss-level beast¡­

 FIFTEEN: Its not here to make friends!

    Kai and Liu Wei set out at dawn, the cool morning air nipping at their faces as they made their way into the forest surrounding the Misty Waterfall Village.


    Kai kept his eyes on the map floating in his vision, carefully guiding them along the path indicated by the treasure map they''d found in the bandit camp. The digital overlay showed their position as a blue dot, slowly moving across the terrain.


    This is just like following a quest marker, Kai mused. Except the graphics are a lot more realistic.


    Liu Wei trudged along beside him, occasionally casting nervous glances at the shadowy undergrowth. The young man''s hand kept drifting to the dagger at his belt, as if reassuring himself it was still there.


    After about an hour of walking in silence, Liu Wei cleared his throat awkwardly. "So, um, Master Kai... where are you from originally?"


    "To be honest, Liu Wei, I don''t really remember much," Kai said, keeping his eye on the map. "I must have hit my head or something because a lot of my past is fuzzy."


    Liu Wei''s face fell slightly, and he looked down at his feet. "Oh... I''m sorry, Master. I didn''t mean to pry. You probably don''t want to talk about it."


    Kai laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "No, no, I''m being honest. I really don''t remember much."


    Liu Wei perked up a bit at Kai''s laughter. "Is Kai Thorn even your real name? It''s... kind of strange, if you don''t mind me saying."


    Kai shrugged, keeping his expression neutral. "That''s all I remember. It might be a nickname for all I know. Why? Does it mean something funny in your language?"


    Liu Wei shook his head quickly. "No, no! It''s just... unusual. I''ve never heard a name like that before."


    "Well, maybe I''m just an unusual guy," Kai said with a wink. "It keeps things interesting, don''t you think?"


    Liu Wei nodded, a small smile forming on his face. "I suppose it does, Master."


    Better to keep things vague, Kai thought. The less I have to lie about, the easier it''ll be to keep my story straight.


    Sensing Liu Wei''s disappointment, Kai decided to change the subject. "What about you, Liu Wei? Where are you from? What happened to your family when you joined the bandits?"


    Liu Wei''s face clouded over, a mix of sadness and uncertainty in his eyes. "I... I don''t know what happened to them. I haven''t seen my family in five years, since I was 13."


    Kai raised an eyebrow, ¡°Did the bandits promise to leave your family alone if you joined?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the bandit leader promised that if I joined, they''d spare my family. I''m sure they kept their word. They didn''t kill them."


    Kai kept his face carefully neutral, not wanting to dash Liu Wei''s hopes. But inwardly, he was far less certain. Bandit leaders aren''t exactly known for their honesty, he thought. But there''s no point in telling him that now.


    "It''ll be nice to see them again someday," Liu Wei said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.


    "Have you tried to find them since then?" Kai asked gently.


    Liu Wei shook his head. "I was afraid... afraid of what I might find. Or what they might think of me, after all I''ve done."


    Kai placed a hand on Liu Wei''s shoulder. "Hey, you were just trying to survive. I''m sure they''d understand that."


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    "You really think so?" Liu Wei asked, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.


    Kai nodded. "I do. And you know what? After we''ve entered the Azure Sky Sect, we''ll pay a visit to your village. You can show your family how you''ve become an Immortal cultivator."


    Liu Wei''s face lit up, his eyes shining with hope and excitement. "Really, Master? You''d do that for me?"


    Kai nodded, smiling. "Of course. What''s the point of gaining power if you can''t use it to help the people you care about?"


    Plus, having a loyal follower with strong motivations is always useful in these kinds of stories, Kai thought pragmatically. Who knows, maybe Liu Wei is secretly a protagonist, he¡¯s got the tragic backstory after all¡­


    "Thank you, Master," Liu Wei said, bowing deeply. "I... I don''t know what to say."


    As they continued walking, Liu Wei peppered Kai with questions about cultivation and the Azure Sky Sect. Kai answered as best he could, drawing on his knowledge of xianxia novels and games to fill in the gaps.


    "Master, is it true that the Azure Sky Sect compound is always surrounded by clouds?" Liu Wei asked, his eyes wide with wonder.


    Kai nodded sagely. "That''s what I''ve heard from Zhang Wei. They say the clouds are filled with spiritual energy that helps cultivators advance faster."


    At least, that''s how it usually works in these kinds of settings, Kai thought. I hope I''m not setting us up for disappointment.


    Liu Wei''s face scrunched up in confusion. "But how do they see where they''re going if they''re always in the clouds?"


    Kai chuckled. "I''m sure they have ways of navigating. Maybe they can sense the spiritual energy, or they have special techniques for parting the clouds."


    Or maybe it''s just for dramatic effect and they actually live below the cloud line, Kai mused. Fantasy worlds don''t always make perfect sense.


    "It''s beautiful here," Liu Wei remarked, looking at the forest around them. "I never really appreciated nature when I was with the bandits. We were always too busy... well, you know."


    Kai nodded. "It''s amazing what you can see when you''re not constantly looking over your shoulder. But stay alert ¨C beauty can hide danger in this world."


    Liu Wei''s hand drifted to his dagger again. "You''re right, Master. I''ll keep my guard up."


    As they walked, Kai kept one eye on his map display, watching for any signs of danger or points of interest. The forest around them seemed peaceful enough, with birds chirping and small animals scurrying through the underbrush.


    This is almost too easy, Kai thought, a hint of suspicion creeping into his mind. In games, when things seem this calm, it usually means something big is about to happen.


    As if on cue, a red dot suddenly appeared on Kai''s map, rapidly approaching from the east.


    I knew it, Kai thought, his body tensing.


    "Liu Wei," Kai said sharply, cutting off the young man''s latest question about sect life. "Get up in that tree and cover me."


    Liu Wei blinked in surprise but didn''t hesitate. Years of following orders as a bandit had honed his reflexes. He scrambled up the nearest tree with impressive agility, positioning himself on a sturdy branch with a clear view of the area.


    "What is it, Master?" Liu Wei whispered.


    Kai took a deep breath, centering himself as he prepared to face whatever was charging towards them. He ran through his available skills mentally, trying to guess what would be most effective against an unknown enemy.


    Iron Skin for defense, Wind Step for mobility, and Flame Palm for offense, Kai decided. But I''ll have to be careful with my qi usage. I don''t have an infinite mana pool here.


    "Something''s coming," Kai replied, his eyes scanning the underbrush. "Something big. Be ready with those daggers of yours."


    The sound of snapping branches and rustling leaves grew louder. Kai could hear heavy breathing and the thud of something large moving through the forest.


    Please don''t be a boss monster, Kai thought, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. I''m not nearly high enough level for that yet.


    "Master," Liu Wei whispered urgently from above, "I think I see something moving in the bushes to your right!"


    Kai nodded, shifting his stance to face the direction. "Good eye, Liu Wei.¡±


    Suddenly, the bushes in front of them exploded outward. Kai''s eyes widened in shock and disgust as a massive, cockroach-like beast burst into view. It was easily the size of a school bus, its body glowed with a sickly, greenish-black sheen.


    Oh, come on! Kai thought, fighting back a wave of revulsion. I hate insects, and definitely those bigger than me!


    "By the heavens!" Liu Wei shouted, his voice a mix of awe and terror. "What even is that?"


    As the monstrous cockroach skittered towards him on its numerous legs, a message popped up in Kai''s vision:


    Giant Scavenger Roach


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 6


    HP: 500/500


    Strength: 40


    Agility: 37


    Endurance: 43


    Special Ability: Acidic Spit


    Weakness: Fire


    "It''s a Giant Scavenger Roach," Kai called out, his mind racing to formulate a strategy. "And it doesn¡¯t look like it¡¯s here to make friends!"

 Announcement!

    Hey there,


    It''s been a blast writing ''Cultivation is a Game'', I hope you have enjoyed reading it!


    I wanted to let you know that you can read ahead on Patreon</a> for only $10 (¡ê8.50). The number of chapters will increase over the next couple of days until it reaches 20+ chapters. Patrons can expect daily chapters and sometimes even 3 chapters a day!


    The support of the readers is what keeps stories alive. If you''d like to support the story but don''t have the means to do so, then leave a follow, favorite & rating. All of these are free and massively help the algorithm.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    If you don''t have an account then I''d really appreciate it if you make one and follow, every little helps.


    And if you have enjoyed the novel so far then please consider leaving a review :)


    Below is a teaser for latest arc on patreon


    Kai comes face to face with a BOSS level threat!


    Kai''s party of two becomes a party of three.


    Azure Sky Sect Outer Elder arrives at the village!


    Kai notices an unusual village youth who shows signs of being some sort of protagonist. Regressor? Reincarnator?


    And more!

 SIXTEEN: Unknown Entity

    Okay, this is just like a boss battle. Assess the enemy, figure out its weaknesses, and exploit them.


    A notification popped up in Kai''s vision:


    New Quest: Exterminate the Giant Scavenger Roach


    Reward: 150 XP, Rare Item Drop


    Failure: Death


    He quickly compared his physical stats to the beast''s:


    Kai Thorn


    Level: 5


    XP: 150/500


    Qi: 100/100


    Strength: 31


    Agility: 33


    Endurance: 32


    It outclasses me in raw stats, but I have more skills and Liu Wei as backup. Plus, it''s weak to fire. I can work with this.


    "Liu Wei!" Kai called out, his voice steady despite the deadly threat. "It''s weak to fire. Use any fire-based skills you have!"


    "I-I don''t have any fire skills, Master!"


    Right, of course not. That would be too easy, Kai thought.


    The roach charged forward, its mandibles clicking ominously. Kai activated his Wind Step skill, darting to the side just as the creature''s massive form barreled past.


    "Aim for the joints in its legs!" Kai shouted. "We need to slow it down!"


    Liu Wei nodded, pulling out a handful of throwing knives, he threw them at the creature''s leg joints. Two found their mark but the creature''s tough exoskeleton deflected most of the damage.


    This is just like that giant beetle boss in Forest of Doom, Kai thought. We need to find its weak points.


    The roach spun around with surprising speed, its antennae twitching as it faced Liu Wei. A glob of greenish liquid shot from its mouth, narrowly missing the young man.


    "Watch out for its spit!" Kai warned. "It''s acidic!"


    Liu Wei nodded, ducking behind a tree. "Master, what''s the plan?"


    Kai''s mind raced, recalling countless gaming strategies. "We need to kite it!" he shouted, then quickly corrected himself. "I mean, we need to keep it moving, tire it out. You aggro it, and I''ll look for weak spots!"


    Liu Wei looked confused but nodded. "I''ll keep it busy!"


    He then darted out from behind the tree, waving his arms. "Hey, you overgrown bug! Over here!"


    The roach turned, its multifaceted eyes gleaming with hunger. It scuttled after Liu Wei, who led it in a zigzag pattern through the trees.


    Kai took advantage of the distraction, circling around behind the creature.


    Wait a second. My Qi Condensation skill... I wonder...


    Kai focused, drawing on his qi and channeling it through his Qi Condensation skill. He visualized flames, willing the energy to take that form.


    To his amazement, a small orb of condensed fire formed in his hand.


    Holy crap, it worked! This is just like crafting a spell in an RPG.


    "Liu Wei!" Kai called out. "I''m going to try something. When I give the signal, hit it with everything you''ve got! We need to maximize our DPS!"


    "Understood, Master!"


    Kai began to circle the roach, condensing more and more fire qi into the orb in his hand. The creature tracked his movements, its eyes gleaming with malice.


    Just a little closer...


    When he was directly in front of the roach, Kai shouted, "Now!"


    He hurled the condensed fire orb straight at the roach''s face. At the same moment, Liu Wei leaped from his perch, daggers in hand, aiming for the creature''s back.


    The fire orb exploded on impact, engulfing the roach''s head in flames. It thrashed wildly, nearly catching Liu Wei in mid-air. But the young man managed to twist his body, landing on the roach''s back and plunging his daggers deep into a gap in its armor.


    The roach bucked and writhed, trying to dislodge Liu Wei. Kai saw his chance and charged in, activating his Iron Skin for protection. He aimed a powerful Flame Palm Strike at the roach''s underbelly, where the armor looked thinnest.


    The strike connected, and Kai felt the satisfying crunch of chitin giving way under his fiery palm. The roach let out another piercing screech, this time tinged with pain and desperation.


    "Liu Wei, get clear!" Kai shouted.


    His support didn''t need to be told twice. Liu Wei vaulted off the roach''s back, rolling as he hit the ground.


    Kai pressed his advantage, unleashing a flurry of Flame Palm Strikes on the roach''s wounded underside. Each hit caused the creature to shriek and flail, its movements becoming more erratic.


    This is it, Kai thought. Time for the finishing move.


    He gathered his remaining qi, condensing it into the most powerful fire orb he could manage. The effort made his head swim, but he pushed through the discomfort.


    Skill Leveled Up!


    Flame Palm (Level 3)


    Your Attack increases by 30% when activated


    You have gained 75 XP!


    Perfect timing!


    "Hey, ugly!" Kai taunted, backing away from the roach. "Over here!"


    The creature turned towards him, mandibles clicking in fury. It reared up, preparing to bring its full weight down on Kai.


    Wait for it¡­


    Just as the roach lunged forward, Kai hurled his condensed fire orb straight into its gaping maw.


    For a moment, nothing happened. Then the roach''s eyes bulged, and its body began to swell. A muffled boom echoed from within its carapace, and flames burst from every joint in its armor.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    The Giant Scavenger Roach collapsed, twitching a few times before finally going still. A message popped up in Kai''s vision:


    Quest Completed: Exterminate the Giant Scavenger Roach


    Reward: 150 XP, Rare Item Drop: Roach Carapace Fragment


    You have received a bonus reward for defeating your first beast!


    150 XP!


    Level Up! You are now Level 6


    Kai let out a long breath, the tension draining from his body. He turned to Liu Wei, who was staring at the roach''s corpse with a mixture of awe and disbelief.


    "Are you okay?" Kai asked.


    Liu Wei nodded slowly. "That... that was incredible, Master. The way you controlled the fire, it was like nothing I''ve ever seen."


    Kai grinned, trying to hide how drained he felt. "Just a little trick I''ve been working on. You did great too, by the way. Those knife throws were spot on."


    Liu Wei beamed at the praise. "Thank you, Master. But... what do we do now?"


    Kai glanced at the roach''s smoking corpse. "Well, first things first. Let''s see what we can salvage from this thing. In games- I mean, in stories I''ve heard, monster parts can be valuable."


    They approached the dead roach cautiously. Kai reached out and touched its carapace, surprised to find it warm to the touch. A small piece came away in his hand, glowing faintly with residual qi.


    This must be the Roach Carapace Fragment, Kai thought. He slipped it into his inventory, making a mental note to examine it more closely later.


    "Master," Liu Wei said hesitantly, "do you think there are more of these... things out here?"


    Kai frowned. It was a good question. "Possibly. We should stay alert. But hey, look on the bright side. If there are more, that just means more experience for us, right?"


    Liu Wei gave him a puzzled look. "Experience?"


    Right, not a gamer term here, Kai reminded himself. "I mean, more opportunities to test our skills and grow stronger," he clarified.


    "Ah, I see," Liu Wei nodded. "You''re right, Master. Every challenge is a chance to improve."


    As they continued their journey, Kai couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The forest around them seemed more alive now, every rustle in the bushes a potential threat... or opportunity.


    This is way more intense than any game I''ve played, he thought. But the principles are the same. Adapt, overcome, and level up.


    They walked in silence for a while, both lost in thought. Kai used the time to review his new stats and skills:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    Level: 6


    XP: 0/1000


    Qi: 150/150


    Strength: 41


    Agility: 43


    Endurance: 40


    Intelligence: 25


    Wisdom: 22


    Skills:


    Qi Condensation (Level 3)


    Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)


    Unarmed Combat (Level 2)


    Deception (Level 3)


    Iron Skin (Level 2)


    Swift Wind Step (Level 2)


    Flame Palm Strike (Level 3)


    Mental Fortitude (Passive)


    Not bad for one fight, Kai mused. But I''ll need to get a lot stronger if we''re going to face whatever''s guarding that treasure.


    "Master," Liu Wei''s voice broke into his thoughts. "Can I ask you something?"


    "Sure, go ahead."


    Liu Wei hesitated for a moment before speaking. "During the fight, you said some... strange things. Like when you shouted ''aggro'' and ¡®kite¡¯. What does that mean?"


    Kai winced internally. He''d been so caught up in the moment, he''d slipped into gamer lingo without realizing it.


    "Ah, that," he said, trying to sound casual. "Aggro is just a term I picked up... from some mercenaries I met before. It means to attract attention, to make the enemy focus on you."


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened with interest. "I see! That''s sounds useful. And what about when you said ''DPS'' when you were hitting it with those fire strikes?"


    Crap, Kai thought. I really need to watch my language.


    "That''s, uh, short for ''deliver powerful strikes''," he invented on the spot. "It''s just a way to remind myself to hit hard and fast."


    "Fascinating," Liu Wei said. "The way you think about combat is so... structured. Is that how they train in your homeland?"


    Kai tensed slightly at the question, it seems Liu Wei was still curious about his background, problem was, he still hadn''t come up with a solid backstory for himself.


    "Something like that," he said vaguely. "From what I can remember, I¡¯m used to... analyzing battles a lot. Break them down into components, you know?"


    Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "That makes sense. It clearly works well for you, Master. Do you think you could teach me more of these concepts?"


    Kai considered for a moment. On one hand, explaining game mechanics to someone from a non-gaming world could be tricky. On the other hand, having Liu Wei understand his strategies better could be a huge advantage.


    "Sure," he said finally. "I can try to teach you some basics. But remember, these are just ways of thinking about combat. The most important thing is to stay adaptable and trust your instincts."


    "Of course, Master," Liu Wei said, bowing slightly. "Thank you."


    As they continued walking, Kai began explaining some basic gaming concepts to Liu Wei, translating them into terms the young man could understand. He talked about "tanking" as deliberately drawing enemy attacks to protect allies, "kiting" as a way to damage enemies while staying out of their reach, and "crowd control" as techniques to limit an enemy''s actions.


    Liu Wei listened intently, asking thoughtful questions that forced Kai to really think about how these concepts applied to real combat.


    "This is amazing, Master," Liu Wei said after a while. "It''s like you have a whole system for understanding battles. No wonder you were able to defeat that roach so easily."


    Kai chuckled. "Well, I wouldn''t say easily. That thing was tough. And remember, all the strategy in the world doesn''t matter if you can''t execute it. Your skills were just as important in taking that thing down."


    Liu Wei beamed at the praise. "Thank you, Master. I''ll keep practicing to improve my skills."


    As they walked, Kai noticed Liu Wei practicing some of the movements he''d used during the fight, mimicking the way Kai had dodged and struck.


    He''s a quick learner, Kai thought approvingly. That''ll come in handy.


    The sun was high in the sky now. Kai checked his map, noting that they were getting close to the area marked on the treasure map.


    "We should be nearing our destination," he told Liu Wei. "Stay alert. If there was one monster guarding the path, there might be more ahead."


    Liu Wei nodded, his hand moving to the hilt of his dagger. "Do you think we''ll face more of those roach creatures, Master?"


    Kai shook his head. "I doubt it. In ga- I mean, in my experience, challenges tend to vary. We should be prepared for anything."


    As if on cue, a rustle in the bushes ahead caught their attention. Both Kai and Liu Wei dropped into defensive stances, ready for another fight.


    But instead of a monster, a small, furry creature scampered out onto the path. It looked like a cross between a rabbit and a squirrel, with large, curious eyes and a fluffy tail.


    "Oh," Liu Wei said, relaxing slightly. "It''s just a forest critter."


    Kai, however, kept his guard up. In games, cute creatures are often more dangerous than they appear, he thought. He quickly checked his map function, expecting to see a marker for the creature.


    His blood ran cold when he saw... nothing. The map showed the surrounding area, but there was no indication of the being right in front of them.


    What the hell? Kai thought, sweat beading on his forehead. Is my map function broken? Or is this thing so powerful it doesn''t even register?


    Suddenly, a system notification flashed in Kai''s vision:


    Unknown Entity


    Level: ???


    Unable to identify. Entity''s level exceeds your perception ability by a significant margin.


    Holy crap, Kai thought. The map function isn¡¯t broken, this thing is just too OP! It could probably sneeze and accidentally wipe us out.


    The creature tilted its head. Then, to Kai''s surprise, it spoke.


    "Greetings, travelers," it said in a high-pitched voice. "What brings you to this part of the forest?"


    Liu Wei''s jaw dropped. "It... it talks?"


    A talking animal NPC. Maybe, it¡¯s friendly, let''s see where this goes. Kai bowed deeply, nudging Liu Wei to do the same.


    "We''re on a... quest," Kai said carefully. "Looking for a treasure that''s supposed to be in this area. Do you know anything about that?"


    The creature''s whiskers twitched. "Treasure, you say? Hmm... there are many valuable things in this forest. But not all treasures are what they seem."


    Cryptic NPC dialogue. Check, Kai thought wryly.


    "Can you give us any more specific information?" he bowed again.


    The creature scratched its ear thoughtfully. "I might be able to... for a price. Do you have any spirit fruits on you? They''re quite tasty, you know."


    Kai glanced at Liu Wei, who shook his head. "Sorry, we don''t have any spirit fruits," Kai said.


    The creature sighed dramatically. "Oh well. In that case, I can only offer you this advice: beware the guardian of the hollow tree. Its bark is worse than its bite, but its bite is still pretty bad."


    With that cryptic warning, the creature scampered back into the bushes, leaving Kai and Liu Wei staring after it in confusion.


    "Master," Liu Wei said slowly, "what just happened?"


    Kai exhaled slowly, finally relaxing. "We just had an encounter with a being far beyond our current level. We''re lucky it was feeling benevolent."


    Liu Wei nodded, still looking bewildered. "A guardian in a hollow tree... what do you think it means?"


    "I''m not sure," Kai admitted. "But if we¡¯re unlucky, we''ll find out soon enough. Come on, let''s keep moving."


    As they resumed their journey, Kai''s mind raced with possibilities. A guardian in a hollow tree... could it be some kind of plant monster? Or maybe the tree itself is alive? I¡¯d rather not face a demonic tree!


    He glanced at his wrist, where only one prong was red. Still no change. I guess killing monsters doesn''t count towards giving me respawn lives.


    A thought occurred to him, making him frown. It would probably be good to find a few bandits and... deal with them. Just to be prepared for whatever is at that treasure spot.


    The idea made him uncomfortable, but he pushed the feeling aside. This is a xianxia world. It''s kill or be killed. I need every advantage I can get.

 SEVENTEEN: A Tortoise

    Only when they were far enough from that unfathomable being, did Kai¡¯s mind wander to the System.


    1000 XP to break into Stage 7¡­the XP needed to level up is increasing faster than I expected, Kai mused. Soon, I''ll need to take down multiple high-level beasts just to make a dent. And one day, killing might not even give me meaningful XP at all.


    He shook his head, pushing the worrying thoughts aside. No point dwelling on that now. Who knows if I''ll even make it that far?


    Liu Wei''s voice brought him away from his thoughts. "Master, do you think we''re getting close to the treasure?"


    Kai was about to respond when something on his map caught his eye. Three red dots surrounded a single green dot not too far from their position.


    Red usually means hostile, Kai thought. But green... that''s new. Could it be a friendly NPC? Or maybe a quest giver?


    Without warning, Kai grabbed Liu Wei''s arm, cutting him off mid-sentence. "Quiet," he whispered. "Follow me. Stay low."


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened, but he nodded, falling into a crouch as they moved through the underbrush.


    As they drew closer, Kai could make out voices. They crept to the edge of a small clearing, peering through the foliage.


    Three figures stood in the clearing ¨C two men and a woman. At first glance, they appeared to be cultivators, but something about them seemed... off. Their clothes were a mishmash of styles, lacking the uniform appearance of sect members.


    Rogue cultivators, Kai realized. Like me, but probably not isekai''d.


    The trio surrounded what looked like a shell the size of a dinner plate ¨C either a turtle or a tortoise, Kai couldn''t tell the difference. They seemed to be trying to lift it, but no matter what they did, the small thing just wouldn''t budge.


    "Dammit, Chen Yan!" one of the men growled, wiping sweat from his brow. "You said this would be easy money!"


    The woman ¨C Chen Yan, apparently ¨C scowled. "How was I supposed to know the stupid thing would be so heavy? It''s just a baby!"


    "Some ''rare beast expert'' you are," the other man grumbled. "Can''t even tell how strong a tortoise is."


    "Oh, like you''re any help, Huang Lei!" Chen Yan snapped. "All that muscle, and you can''t even budge it!"


    The first man sighed. "Both of you, shut up. We need to figure this out before someone comes along and steals our prize."


    Kai leaned in closer, straining to hear their conversation. Liu Wei shot him a confused look, but Kai held up a hand, motioning for him to stay quiet.


    "Look, Guo," Huang Lei said, addressing the first man. "Maybe we should just give up. This thing clearly doesn''t want to move."


    Guo shook his head. "No way. Do you know how much a Spirit Shell Tortoise is worth? We could live like kings for a hundred years off this haul!"


    Chen Yan nodded. "He''s right. We can''t give up now. Maybe if we all lift together?"


    "We already tried that," Huang Lei pointed out.


    "Well, what''s your bright idea then?" Chen Yan challenged.


    Huang Lei scratched his head. "I don''t know... maybe we could dig it out?"


    Guo rolled his eyes. "Great plan. Let''s spend hours digging while any cultivator in the area senses the commotion and comes to investigate."


    "At least I''m trying to come up with ideas!" Huang Lei protested.


    "Yeah, terrible ones," Chen Yan muttered.


    "Oh, like you''re one to talk!" Huang Lei shot back. "This whole mess is your fault!"


    Chen Yan''s eyes flashed dangerously. "What did you say?"


    "You heard me!" Huang Lei growled. "If you hadn''t insisted on chasing this ''sure thing,'' we could be back at the tavern by now, drinking our troubles away!"


    "Oh, so sorry for trying to improve our lot in life!" Chen Yan said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Next time, I''ll be sure to run all my ideas by the great and powerful Huang Lei first!"


    "Enough!" Guo shouted, stepping between them. "This bickering isn''t helping anyone. We need to focus on the task at hand."


    Chen Yan took a deep breath, visibly calming herself. "You''re right. I''m sorry, Huang Lei. I¡­I shouldn''t have snapped at you."


    Huang Lei''s shoulders slumped. "No, I''m sorry. This isn''t your fault. We all agreed to come out here."


    Guo nodded approvingly at the two childhood friends. "That''s better. Now, let''s think this through logically. What do we know about Spirit Shell Tortoises?"


    Chen Yan''s brow furrowed in concentration. "Well, they''re incredibly rare. Their shells are prized for their defensive properties ¨C they say even Foundation Establishment cultivators have trouble breaking them."


    "Which explains why we can''t lift the damn thing," Huang Lei muttered.


    "Right," Guo said. "What else?"


    "They''re intelligent," Chen Yan continued. "Some say they can understand human speech, even from a young age."


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Huang Lei''s eyes widened. "Wait, are you saying we should try talking to it?"


    Chen Yan shrugged. "It''s worth a shot, isn''t it? We''ve tried everything else."


    Guo nodded slowly. "Alright. Chen Yan, you¡¯re the pretty one, you give it a try."


    Chen Yan took a deep breath, then approached the shell. She knelt down, bringing her face close to its surface.


    "Hello there, little one," she said softly. "We don''t mean you any harm. We''re just trying to help you. It''s dangerous out here in the forest. Why don''t you come with us? We can keep you safe."


    For a moment, nothing happened. Then, ever so slightly, the shell shifted.


    "It''s working!" Huang Lei whispered excitedly.


    Chen Yan shot him a glare, then turned back to the tortoise. "That''s right, little one. You can trust us. We''ll take good care of you."


    The shell lifted a fraction higher, revealing the edge of a scaly leg.


    Guo grinned. "Keep going, Chen Yan. You''ve almost got it."


    Chen Yan reached out a hand, her fingers inches from the tortoise''s shell. "Come on, little one. Just a bit more..."


    Suddenly, the shell slammed back down, nearly crushing Chen Yan''s fingers. She jerked back with a yelp.


    "What happened?" Huang Lei asked.


    Chen Yan shook her head, looking bewildered. "I don''t know. It was working, and then..."


    Guo''s eyes narrowed. "It must have sensed your true intentions. These creatures are more perceptive than we gave them credit for."


    Huang Lei kicked at the ground in frustration. "So, what now? We can''t lift it, we can''t trick it... are we just supposed to give up?"


    Guo''s face hardened. "No. We''re not leaving empty-handed. If we can''t take it alive, we''ll have to..."


    He trailed off, but the implication was clear. Chen Yan and Huang Lei exchanged uneasy glances.


    "Are you sure about this, Guo?" Chen Yan asked quietly. "Killing such a rare creature... it feels wrong."


    Guo''s jaw clenched. "We don''t have a choice. You know how things are for rogue cultivators like us. We need every advantage we can get."


    Huang Lei nodded reluctantly. "He''s right, Chen Yan. It''s not pretty, but it''s survival."


    Chen Yan sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I suppose you''re right. How should we do it? Isn¡¯t its defence basically impenetrable?"


    As the trio discussed their grim plans, Kai''s mind raced. He glanced at Liu Wei, who looked thoroughly confused and more than a little worried.


    Time to make a decision, Kai thought. These rogue cultivators are clearly desperate. If I reveal myself, they''ll probably attack on sight. But I can''t let them kill that tortoise ¨C it could be a valuable ally¡­or make us rich!


    He narrowed his eyes, focusing on the System¡¯s ability to analyse opponents. Information flooded his mind as he analyzed the three cultivators:


    Name: Chen Yan


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 6


    Strength: 38


    Agility: 44


    Endurance: 41


    Name: Guo


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 6


    Strength: 42


    Agility: 42


    Endurance: 42


    Name: Huang Lei


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 6


    Strength: 45


    Agility: 35


    Endurance: 45


    All Qi Refining Stage 6, but with different stat distributions, Kai noted. Chen Yan¡¯s built for speed, Guo more balanced, and Huang Lei¡¯s the tank of the group.


    He studied their attire, noting Chen Yan¡¯s light, flexible clothing, Guo¡¯s robes with various pouches (likely for tools or talismans), and Huang Lei¡¯s heavier, protective gear.


    Their equipment matches their stats. This could be tricky if it comes to a fight.


    He turned his attention to the tortoise, his eyes widened at the information that appeared:


    Spirit Shell Tortoise (Infant)


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 9


    Strength: 77


    Agility: 10


    Endurance: 99


    Special Ability: Impenetrable Shell


    Note: Extremely rare beast with immense potential for growth


    Holy crap, Kai thought. No wonder they want it so badly. But why isn''t it defending itself? Is it because it¡¯s too slow?


    He pondered the situation, weighing his options. If I help the tortoise, I could potentially gain a powerful ally. Plus, taking out these rogue cultivators would fill up my respawn slots. It''s risky, but the potential rewards are too good to pass up.


    Kai didn''t feel particularly guilty about planning a sneak attack. The cultivators showed up as red dots on his map, which usually indicated hostile intent. The life of a rogue cultivator is brutal, he reasoned. They''d probably attack me on sight and rob my corpse if they knew I was here.


    New Quest: Rescue the Spirit Shell Tortoise


    Objective: Prevent the rogue cultivators from capturing the rare spirit beast


    Reward: 600 XP, Increased reputation with Spirit Beasts, ???


    Failure: Decreased reputation with the inhabitants of the Whispering Woods, Potential loss of unique ally


    Accept? Y/N


    Kai blinked in surprise. Well, that''s convenient timing. At least the system agrees with my decision.


    Without hesitation, he mentally selected ''Y'' to accept the quest. The blue box disappeared, replaced by a small quest tracker in the corner of his vision.


    This confirms it, Kai mused. Saving the tortoise is definitely the right move. And that mystery reward looks promising.


    He then began considering his options for a sneak attack. I could try creating a bow with Qi Condensation, but I haven''t practiced enough to be sure of a one-shot kill at this distance. And I need to take at least one of them out immediately to have a chance.


    After a moment''s consideration, Kai settled on a plan. Stealth assassin approach it is. Time to channel my inner rogue.


    Kai turned to Liu Wei, speaking in a whisper. "I''m going to engage them. When I give the signal, I want you to engage from the trees using your throwing knives. Aim to break their coordination. Got it?"


    Liu Wei nodded hesitantly. "Understood, Master."


    Kai turned his focus on his qi, condensing it into the shape of two sharp daggers. Then, with a deep breath, he activated his Swift Wind Step technique.


    In the clearing, the trio were still discussing how to kill the tortoise.


    "Maybe if we all attack at the same time at a targeted..." Guo was saying when a blur of movement caught Chen Yan¡¯s eye.


    "Watch out!" she cried, but it was too late.


    Kai materialised behind Guo, who seemed to be the leader of the group. Without hesitation, he plunged both daggers into the man''s back, aiming for his heart.


    Guo let out a strangled gurgle, blood bubbling from his mouth as he collapsed.


    Cultivator Guo eliminated.


    +100 XP


    Kai stood over Guo''s body, daggers dripping with blood. He kept his expression neutral despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. "I''m the one who''s going to end your little spirit beast hunting expedition."


    As he faced the remaining two cultivators, a part of Kai''s mind was analyzing the XP reward. Only 100 XP for killing a Stage 6 Qi Refining cultivator? I expected a little more, considering I got 300 XP for killing that Stage 7 bandit leader.


    Right, I was three stages below that Stage 7 when I killed him. Now I''m at the same stage as this Stage 6 cultivator. It seems the system balances the XP based on my level relative to my enemies.


    A grim realization settled in. At this rate, I''d need to kill 10 enemies at my level to advance to Stage 7. That''s... a lot of fighting ahead.


    "You bastard!" Chen Yan screamed, her hands already moving to form a martial arts stance.


    Huang Lei dropped into a fighting stance, his fists glowing with earthen energy. "Who the hell are you?" he growled.


    "I''m just someone who doesn''t appreciate bullies picking on rare spirit beasts," Kai replied coolly, his qi-formed daggers at the ready. "Now, are we going to do this the easy way, or the hard way?"


    Two Stage 6 cultivators. If I can take them both out, that''s another 200 XP. But even with the reward from the quest, it¡¯s still not enough to level up!

 EIGHTEEN: Fighting a Pseudo Qi Refining Stage 8

    Chen Yan''s lips curled into a sneer. "Oh, so you''re one of those bleeding hearts who can''t bear to see a poor little animal get hurt? Trust me, kid, in this world, it''s kill or be killed."


    If only you knew, I''ve probably killed more digital creatures than you''ve had hot meals, Kai thought like that counted for something.


    "I''m well aware of how the world works," Kai said. "But that tortoise is more valuable alive than dead. You''re just too short-sighted to see it."


    ¡°If we can¡¯t have it then no one can,¡± Huang Lei''s said as his eyes narrowed. "But what do you know about it?"


    Kai smirked. "More than you, apparently.¡±


    Without warning, Chen Yan lunged forward, her hands glowing with a pale blue energy. Kai barely had time to dodge as she unleashed a flurry of strikes, each one trailing wisps of frost.


    Ice-type skills? Kai rapidly countered with a Flame Palm Strike, the heat from his hand melting the frost on Chen Yan''s fingers. She hissed in pain and jumped back.


    Huang Lei seized the opportunity to charge in, his earth-infused fists swinging in wide arcs. Kai activated his Swift Wind Step, narrowly avoiding a punch that left a small crater in the ground where he''d been standing.


    These guys aren''t messing around, Kai thought. Time to get creative.


    He focused his qi, condensing it into a long staff. Chen Yan and Huang Lei''s eyes widened in surprise.


    "What kind of technique is that?" Chen Yan demanded.


    Kai smirked. "Wouldn''t you like to know?"


    He twirled the staff, using it to keep both opponents at bay. Huang Lei tried to close in, but Kai swung the staff low, sweeping the man''s legs out from under him.


    Chen Yan took advantage of the distraction to unleash another ice attack. Kai raised his staff to block, but the frost began to creep along its length.


    Crap, didn''t think that through, Kai realized. He quickly dissipated the staff, letting the ice shatter harmlessly on the ground.


    "Interesting trick," Chen Yan said, her eyes narrow. "But parlor tricks won''t save you."


    She began weaving complex patterns in the air, frost trailing from her fingertips. The temperature around them plummeted.


    She''s charging up for a big attack, Kai thought. Can''t let her finish.


    He condensed his qi, rapidly shaping it into a series of small daggers. He then fanned out his arm, sending five qi daggers flying towards Chen Yan in a wide spread. Her eyes widened in shock as the glowing projectiles flew towards her.


    At the last second, Huang Lei leaped in front of his companion, a wall of earth rising to block the attack. Three of the qi daggers embedded themselves into the impromptu shield before dissipating, while two flew past on either side.


    Chen Yan ducked to avoid one of the stray daggers, while the other grazed her arm, leaving a thin, glowing cut.


    "Nice try," Huang Lei growled. "But we''ve got each other''s backs."


    Teamwork, Kai thought as he gritted his teeth. Always complicates things.


    He glanced at the spirit tortoise, still withdrawn into its shell. Come on, little guy. A little help would be nice.


    Despite being grazed by the dagger, Chen Yan finished her technique, unleashing a wave of freezing energy that swept across the clearing. Kai activated his Iron Skin technique, feeling the cold wash over him without penetrating.


    Huang Lei, protected by his earth abilities, charged through the frost. His fist, now encased in stone, swung towards Kai''s head.


    Kai ducked under the blow, feeling the wind of its passage ruffle his hair. He countered with a Flame Palm Strike to Huang Lei''s midsection, but the bigger man barely flinched.


    Tough guy, Kai thought. Need to find a weak spot.


    He backpedaled, trying to create some distance. Chen Yan pursued, ice daggers forming in her hands.


    "You can''t run forever," she taunted, flinging the daggers at Kai.


    He deflected most with hastily condensed qi shields, but one slipped through, leaving a shallow cut on his arm. Kai hissed in pain, feeling the cold seep into the wound.


    This is getting dicey, he thought. Time for some backup.


    "Now, Liu Wei!" Kai shouted.


    From the bushes came a volley of throwing knives. They weren''t particularly accurate, but they forced Chen Yan and Huang Lei to break off their attack, diving for cover.


    "Another one?" Chen Yan snarled. "How many of you are there?"


    Kai used the momentary distraction to close the distance to Chen Yan. His Flame Palm Strike caught her in the shoulder, and she cried out in pain as the heat seared through her clothes.


    Huang Lei roared in anger, the ground trembling beneath their feet. Cracks spread across the clearing, forcing Kai to hop from one stable patch to another.


    Terrain manipulation, Kai noted. Gotta be careful not to lose my footing.


    He condensed his qi into a grappling hook, using it to swing to a nearby tree branch. From his new vantage point, he rained down qi arrows on his opponents.


    Chen Yan wove a dome of ice to shield herself and Huang Lei. The arrows shattered against it, but cracks began to form in the icy barrier.


    "We can''t keep this up forever," Chen Yan panted. "We need to end this quickly."


    Huang Lei nodded. "I''ve got an idea. Cover me."


    As Chen Yan reinforced their ice shield, Huang Lei placed his hands on the ground. The earth began to rumble ominously.


    What''s he up to? Kai wondered.


    Suddenly, stone spikes erupted from the ground, shooting towards Kai''s perch. He leaped away just in time, the branch he''d been standing on impaled by the rocky projections.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Kai landed in a roll, coming up with qi daggers in hand. He flung them at Chen Yan, forcing her to dodge and breaking her concentration on the ice shield.


    Huang Lei seized the opportunity to charge, his body now covered in a layer of living stone. Kai''s eyes widened as the man barreled towards him like an unstoppable juggernaut.


    Oh crap, Kai thought. That''s gonna hurt.


    He tried to dodge, but Huang Lei anticipated the move, changing direction with surprising agility for someone covered in rock. His stone-encased fist caught Kai in the ribs, sending him flying across the clearing.


    Kai hit the ground hard, the air driven from his lungs. His vision swam as he struggled to his feet.


    That... that wasn''t fun, he thought dizzily. Note to self: don''t let the big guy hit me again.


    Chen Yan pressed the advantage, sending a barrage of ice shards his way. Kai managed to condense a shield just in time, the frozen projectiles shattering against it.


    "Liu Wei!" Kai called out. "A little help here!"


    More throwing knives came flying from the bushes, forcing Chen Yan to break off her attack. One knife found its mark, embedding itself in her thigh.


    Chen Yan cried out in pain and anger. "You little rat! I''ll freeze you solid when I find you!"


    Kai used the distraction to catch his breath, his mind racing. Okay, think. What would I do in a game situation like this?


    He glanced around the clearing, taking in the terrain. The spirit tortoise was still withdrawn in its shell, seemingly oblivious to the battle raging around it. Trees surrounded them on all sides, their branches reaching overhead.


    Making multiple qi platforms will take too much qi. I can instead use the environment to my advantage.


    He condensed his qi into a long rope, then flung it upwards, wrapping it around a sturdy branch. Using it like a vine, he swung towards Huang Lei, both feet extended.


    The big man, still encased in his stone armor, didn''t have time to dodge. Kai''s kick caught him square in the chest, the momentum of the swing adding to the impact.


    Huang Lei stumbled backwards, cracks appearing in his stone coating. He growled in frustration, trying to grab Kai, but the rope allowed him to swing out of reach.


    Chen Yan, limping slightly from the knife in her leg, sent more ice attacks Kai''s way. He used the rope to swing erratically, making himself a difficult target.


    This is more like it, Kai thought. Now I''ve got the mobility advantage.


    He released the rope at the apex of a swing, soaring over Chen Yan''s head. As he passed, he unleashed a Flame Palm Strike downwards, catching her with a glancing blow on the shoulder.


    Chen Yan screamed in pain and rage, frost spreading from her in all directions. The temperature in the clearing plummeted, ice crystals forming on the grass and trees.


    Kai landed and immediately had to dodge as icicles began raining down from the branches overhead. One caught him on the arm, leaving a nasty gash.


    Okay, maybe pissing her off wasn''t the best idea, he thought, wincing at the pain.


    Huang Lei, his stone armor now repaired, charged at Kai once more. This time, Kai was ready. He condensed his qi into a tripwire, stretching it between two trees.


    The big man, focused on Kai, didn''t see the trap until it was too late. He tripped, his momentum carrying him forward to crash face-first into a tree trunk.


    The impact shattered Huang Lei''s stone armor, leaving him dazed and vulnerable. Kai seized the opportunity, unleashing a flurry of Flame Palm Strikes on the man''s exposed back.


    Huang Lei roared in pain, trying to swat Kai away. But without his armor, the strikes were taking their toll.


    Chen Yan, seeing her companion in trouble, redoubled her efforts. She formed a massive spear of ice, hurling it at Kai with all her might.


    Kai saw it coming at the last second. He dove to the side, feeling the rush of frigid air as the spear passed inches from his face. It embedded itself in a tree behind him, the wood creaking ominously from the sudden cold.


    Too close, Kai thought, his heart racing. Need to end this soon.


    He glanced at Liu Wei''s hiding spot, then back at his opponents. An idea began to form.


    "Liu Wei!" he called out. "Remember that move we practiced?"


    There was a moment of confusion, then understanding dawned in Liu Wei''s eyes. He nodded, readying his remaining throwing knives.


    Kai charged towards Chen Yan, zigzagging to avoid her ice attacks. Just as he neared her, he shouted, "Now!"


    Liu Wei''s knives came flying from the bushes. Chen Yan, focused on Kai, didn''t see them coming. Three found their mark, embedding themselves in her back.


    Chen Yan screamed in pain and surprise, her concentration breaking. The ice forming around her hands shattered.


    Kai seized the moment, closing the distance using Wind Step. His Flame Palm Strike caught her square in the chest, the heat searing through her clothes and skin.


    Skill Leveled Up!


    Wind Step (Level 3)


    Your Agility increases by 30% when activated


    Chen Yan''s eyes widened in shock and pain. She stumbled backwards, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Then, without a sound, she collapsed to the ground.


    Cultivator Chen Yan eliminated.


    +100 XP.


    As Kai stood over Chen Yan''s body, his chest heaving from exertion, he felt a sudden warmth on his wrist. Glancing down, he saw that all three prongs on his trident-like mark had turned red.


    Three lives, he sighed with relief.


    He then turned to face Huang Lei, who was staring at Chen Yan''s fallen form in disbelief.


    "Chen Yan?" Huang Lei whispered, his voice cracking. Then his face contorted in rage. "You... you killed her!"


    Why is he so shocked? Kai wondered. Isn''t this what rogue cultivators do every day? Kill and rob others? Well, looks like I¡¯m going to have to kill him even though killing him won¡¯t give me another life, in these stories, leaving an enemy alive always leads to revenge plots. I can''t take that risk, not after the bandit incident.


    "I did," Kai replied. "And you¡¯re next.¡±


    ¡°You think I''d just let you kill me!" With a roar, Huang Lei slammed his fists into the ground. The earth trembled, and Kai watched in shock as Huang Lei''s body began to change.


    Rocks and soil swirled around the man, covering his skin. His muscles bulged, growing to inhuman proportions. When the transformation was complete, Huang Lei stood nearly twice his original size, his body a patchwork of stone and flesh.


    A notification popped up in Kai''s vision:


    Warning: Enemy power surge detected


    Huang Lei''s stats have temporarily increased to Qi Refining Stage 8


    Current stats:


    Strength: 63


    Agility: 40


    Endurance: 60


    Oh, you''ve got to be kidding me, Kai thought, his eyes widening. A rage-induced power-up? That''s so clich¨¦... and so dangerous.


    Huang Lei''s eyes, now glowing with an unearthly light, fixed on Kai. "I''ll crush you!" he roared, his voice distorted and gravelly.


    Kai barely had time to think before Huang Lei was upon him. A massive fist swung towards his head, and Kai knew that if it connected, it would likely take his head clean off.


    He desperately condensed his qi into a shield, holding it up just as the blow landed. The impact sent shockwaves through Kai''s body, and he felt the shield crack under the immense pressure.


    This isn''t good, Kai thought, gritting his teeth against the pain. I can''t take many hits like that.


    He tried to counterattack with a Flame Palm Strike at the rogue cultivator''s chest, but against Huang Lei''s stone-enhanced body, it barely left a scorch mark.


    Huang Lei grinned savagely, grabbing Kai by the front of his shirt. "Burn this," he growled, before throwing Kai across the clearing.


    Kai sailed through the air, unable to control his flight. He slammed into a tree trunk with bone-jarring force, stars exploding in his vision.


    As he struggled to his feet, he saw Huang Lei charging towards him again, each footstep leaving small craters in the ground.


    Shit, Kai thought, his mind racing. I''m going to lose another life now.


    He tried to dodge, but his battered body was too slow. Huang Lei''s fist, now the size of a boulder, came flying towards him.


    In that moment, something unexpected happened. The spirit tortoise, which had remained inactive throughout the battle, suddenly appeared in front of Kai.


    Kai, seizing the opportunity, grabbed the tortoise shell. He used it as a shield, feeling the impact reverberate through his arms as Huang Lei''s fist connected.


    But the shell held, not even a crack appearing on its surface.


    Huang Lei''s eyes widened in shock. "What? How-"


    His moment of surprise was all Kai needed. With his free hand, he condensed his qi into a long, sharp spike. Before Huang Lei could react, Kai thrust the spike forward with all his strength.


    The qi-formed weapon found its mark, piercing Huang Lei''s throat. The big man''s eyes bulged, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly. His stone armor began to crumble, revealing the man beneath.


    Huang Lei stumbled backward, clutching at his throat. Then, with a final, gurgling gasp, he collapsed to the ground.


    Kai stood there, panting heavily, the spirit tortoise''s shell still held in one hand. He stared at Huang Lei''s fallen form, a mix of guilt and relief swirling within him.


    Cultivator Huang Lei eliminated.


    +200 XP


    I did it. I actually did it.


    Quest Completed: Rescue the Spirit Shell Tortoise


    Reward: 600 XP, Increased reputation with Spirit Beasts, New Skill Unlocked: Spirit Beast Communication (Level 1)


    Level Up!


    You are now Level 7

 NINETEEN: Level 7

    Kai stood in the clearing, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. The bodies of the three cultivators lay scattered around him. He glanced at the spirit tortoise, still hidden safely in its shell.


    Time to check my stats, Kai thought. He focused, calling up his status window.


    Name: Kai Thorn


    XP: 0/2000


    Level: 7


    Qi: 200/200


    Strength: 50


    Agility: 53


    Endurance: 51


    Intelligence: 28


    Wisdom: 27


    Skills:


    Qi Condensation (Level 3)


    Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)


    Unarmed Combat (Level 2)


    Deception (Level 3)


    Iron Skin (Level 2)


    Swift Wind Step (Level 3)


    Flame Palm Strike (Level 3)


    Mental Fortitude (Passive)


    Spirit Beast Communication (Level 1)


    Qi Concealment (Level 1)


    Qi Detection (Level 1)


    It took saving a rare tortoise and killing three cultivators at the same level just to break through, Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair.


    He turned his attention to the spirit tortoise, which had yet to emerge from its shell. Kai cleared his throat and spoke, "Hey there. I''m Kai. Thanks for the help earlier."


    To his surprise, the tortoise''s head popped out of the shell, its eyes wide with wonder. "You... you can speak the beast tongue?" it asked, its voice high-pitched and slightly squeaky.


    "Only the basics," Kai smiled, which was true since he had just acquired the skill. "I''m still learning."


    The tortoise''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, how wonderful! I am Zhi-Zhi, wise spirit of the shell and guardian of ancient knowledge."


    "Nice to meet you, Zhi-Zhi," Kai said, bowing slightly. "Thank you again for your help. That could have ended badly if you didn¡¯t interfere when you did."


    At that moment, Liu Wei dropped down from the trees, landing gracefully beside Kai. He looked between his master and the tortoise, confusion evident on his face. To him, Kai appeared to be talking normally but the beast was just making strange noises.


    Kai noticed Liu Wei''s bewilderment and realized his servant was being left out of the conversation. He turned back to the tortoise. "Say, Zhi-Zhi, would you mind speaking in the human tongue? My friend here doesn''t understand beast language."


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes narrowed slightly, as if offended by the implication that he might not be able to speak human language. But as the tortoise glanced at Liu Wei''s confused expression, its features softened.


    "Of course," Zhi-Zhi said, now in perfect human speech. "My apologies for the oversight, young cultivator. I am Zhi-Zhi, a spirit tortoise of great wisdom and power."


    Claiming to have great wisdom and power somehow makes me doubt it, Kai thought with a wry smile.


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened in amazement. "It... it can actually talk!" he exclaimed, then quickly bowed. "Forgive me, noble spirit. I am Liu Wei, Master Kai¡¯s servant!"


    "Great!¡± Kai said. ¡°Now that we''ve introduced ourselves, I have to ask, Zhi-Zhi. Why didn''t you do anything earlier? Those cultivators were trying to capture you."


    Zhi-Zhi''s head retreated slightly into his shell, his eyes narrowing. "Young one, you must understand that we spirit beasts operate on a different level than mere mortals. Those low-level cultivators could never have harmed me. They would have grown bored and left eventually."


    Interesting, Kai thought. He''s either incredibly powerful or incredibly naive. Maybe both. "I see. Well, I''m glad we were able to resolve the situation quickly."


    A spirit beast companion could be incredibly useful. It''s like having a legendary pet in an MMO. But how do I convince it to join us?


    "So, Zhi-Zhi," Kai said casually, "where are you headed? Do you need any protection on your journey?"


    The tortoise''s head emerged fully from its shell, and it puffed out its chest. "Protection? Ha! My shell is all the protection I need, young cultivator." Then, almost as an afterthought, it added, "Though I am traveling in that direction." Zhi-Zhi pointed with its head towards the east.


    Kai''s eyes lit up. That''s the same direction as the treasure spot. Perfect. "What a coincidence! We''re headed that way too. Maybe we could travel together?"


    Zhi-Zhi seemed to consider this for a moment. "Well... I suppose it wouldn''t hurt to have some company. Very well, young Kai. You may accompany me on my journey."


    Kai grinned. Quest companion acquired, he thought triumphantly. He turned to Liu Wei, who was looking at him with wide eyes. "A... a spirit beast? Traveling with us?" He looked at the small tortoise with distrust. "Is that safe, Master?"


    Kai clapped a hand on Liu Wei''s shoulder. "Don''t worry. Zhi-Zhi here is on our side. This is a great opportunity for us to learn more about spirit beasts."


    Liu Wei nodded weakly, still looking unsure about the prospect of having a spirit beast join their party.


    "Alright," Kai said, clapping his hands together. "Let''s get moving. We''ve got a lot of ground to cover."


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    They set off, with Zhi-Zhi leading the way. However, Kai quickly realized that their pace had slowed to an agonizing crawl. The spirit tortoise moved at a speed that made snails look like sprinters.


    I thought with an agility of 10, it would at least move at a normal pace, Kai thought, frustration building. At this rate, we''ll reach the treasure spot sometime next century.


    After about fifteen minutes of painfully slow progress, Kai cleared his throat. "Uh, Zhi-Zhi? I don''t mean to be rude, but... is there any way we could move a bit faster?"


    Zhi-Zhi''s head swiveled around, his eyes narrowing. "Faster? Young one, haste is the enemy of wisdom. We spirit tortoises move at the perfect speed for contemplation and observation of the world around us."


    Kai bit back a sigh. Great. We''ve got a philosopher tortoise. "I understand, Zhi-Zhi. It''s just that we''re on a bit of a time constraint. Would you perhaps like a lift? To, uh, give you a better vantage point for observation?"


    The tortoise looked offended for a moment, then seemed to consider the offer. "Well... I suppose a higher viewpoint could provide new insights. Very well, I shall accept your offer."


    Kai nodded, relieved the tortoise had taken up his suggestion. He turned to Liu Wei. "Liu Wei, would you mind carrying Zhi-Zhi on your head? It''ll give him the best view."


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened, and he looked at Kai as if to say, "Why me?" But being the loyal servant he was, he nodded. "Of course, Master."


    With some awkward maneuvering, they managed to get Zhi-Zhi situated on top of Liu Wei''s head. The young man wobbled slightly under the unexpected weight but quickly found his balance.


    As they resumed their journey at a much more reasonable pace, Kai found himself pondering the spirit tortoise. The system identified it as a baby, but Zhi-Zhi acts like he''s ancient. Something doesn''t add up.


    "Zhi-Zhi," Kai said, "if you don''t mind me asking, how old are you?"


    The tortoise puffed up with pride. "I have seen one hundred summers, young Kai. A mere blink in the lifespan of a spirit tortoise, but filled with wisdom beyond measure, I can assure you of that."


    Kai''s eyebrows shot up. A hundred years old and still considered a baby? These spirit beasts are something else. "That''s impressive, Zhi-Zhi. What''s the typical lifespan for a spirit tortoise?"


    "Ah, young one," Zhi-Zhi said, his voice taking on a lecturing tone. "We spirit tortoises live for thousands of years naturally. Some say the oldest among us have seen the rise and fall of entire civilizations."


    "Wow," Kai said, genuinely impressed. "So, you''re still quite young by spirit tortoise standards?"


    Zhi-Zhi''s head retreated slightly into his shell. "Well, yes. But do not make the mistake of thinking that makes me any less knowledgeable! Age is but a number, and wisdom knows no bounds!"


    Age is but a number? That kind of thinking would get you locked up back home, Kai suppressed a smirk.


    As they walked, Zhi-Zhi began to tell them tales of his adventures and profound insights into the nature of the world. Liu Wei listened with rapt attention, clearly in awe of the spirit beast. Kai, however, found himself growing increasingly skeptical.


    "And so," Zhi-Zhi was saying, "I told the great Phoenix of the Southern Mountains, ''My friend, true immortality lies not in rebirth, but in the eternal flame of wisdom!'' And do you know what happened next?"


    "What happened?" Liu Wei asked eagerly.


    "The Phoenix bowed its head in recognition of my superior insight and granted me a single feather as a token of respect!" Zhi-Zhi declared proudly.


    Kai raised an eyebrow. That sounds... unlikely. "Wow, Zhi-Zhi. That''s quite a tale. Can we see the feather? A phoenix feather must be an incredible sight."


    The tortoise''s eyes widened slightly, and he seemed to fidget. "Oh, well... you see, young Kai, the feather is... it''s a very delicate artifact. Exposure to the air of the mortal realm could damage its ethereal properties. I keep it safely tucked away in my... uh... spirit space! Yes, that''s it. For safekeeping, you understand."


    Uh-huh, Kai thought, his suspicions confirmed. He''s definitely making this up as he goes along.


    "Of course, how thoughtful of you to preserve such a rare treasure," Kai said, keeping his tone neutral. "Perhaps you could tell us more about this Phoenix? How did you come to meet such a legendary creature?"


    Zhi-Zhi hesitated for a moment. "Well, you see, it was during my great pilgrimage to the... uh... the Sacred Peaks of Enlightenment! Yes, that''s it. A treacherous journey that only the wisest and bravest of spirit beasts dare to undertake."


    Kai nodded, playing along while mentally rolling his eyes. This spirit beast might be a hundred years old, but he''s got the imagination of a children''s story writer. I wonder if any of his ''wisdom'' is actually true, or if it''s all tall tales.


    "Master," Liu Wei whispered, his eyes shining with admiration, "we are so fortunate to have such a wise and experienced spirit beast with us!"


    "We really are." Kai patted Liu Wei''s shoulder. Poor kid. He''s buying every word of this.


    Kai decided to test the tortoise''s knowledge a bit more directly to see if there was any truth in the tortoise¡¯s stories.


    "Zhi-Zhi," he said, "I''ve been wondering about a cultivation technique I heard of. It''s called the ''Celestial Phoenix Rebirth Method.'' Have you heard of it?"


    Kai had completely made up this technique on the spot, but the tortoise nodded.


    "Ah, yes, the Celestial Phoenix Rebirth Method. A most potent and dangerous technique. It allows the cultivator to... uh... be reborn from their own ashes, growing stronger with each rebirth. But it comes at a great cost, you see. One must be prepared to sacrifice much."


    He''s just saying what anyone could guess from the name, Kai thought, suppressing a sigh. Time to press for more specific details.


    "That sounds fascinating, Zhi-Zhi," Kai said, keeping his voice neutral. "Could you tell me more about the specific sacrifices required? I''ve heard conflicting information about the technique''s details."


    The tortoise''s eyes darted around for a moment before he replied, "Well, you see, young cultivator, the Celestial Phoenix Rebirth Method requires the practitioner to sacrifice... their core! Yes, that''s it. With each rebirth, one must destroy their cultivation core and rebuild it anew. It''s a process of constant destruction and renewal, mirroring the cycle of the phoenix itself."


    Kai nodded slowly, processing the information. He''s almost certainly making this up on the spot, he thought. The hesitation, the convenient explanations that match the technique''s name... it all points to fabrication.


    And yet, a small part of Kai''s mind couldn''t help but wonder. For all I know, there could actually be a Celestial Phoenix Rebirth Method out there somewhere, it sounds like a legit technique. And maybe it does work exactly like Zhi-Zhi described.


    "That sounds incredible, Master!¡± Liu Wei''s eyes widened. ¡°Have you thought about learning such a technique?"


    "If it¡¯s a real technique then why not, but remember Liu Wei, not everything you hear about cultivation is true. It''s important to verify information before acting on it."


    The tortoise nodded vigorously. "Yes, yes, very wise, young human. Trust, but verify, as the ancient sages say."


    Now it''s quoting Ronald Reagan. Kai had to suppress a chuckle.


    As they continued their journey, the tortoise¡¯s stories became more and more outlandish. He even began to claim he had the position of royal advisor to a kingdom of talking trees.


    "Zhi-Zhi," Kai said during a pause in the tortoise''s monologue, "all these adventures sound amazing. But I''m curious, what was your most recent experience before we met you?"


    The tortoise fell silent for a moment, caught off guard by the question. "My... most recent experience?"


    "Yes," Kai pressed gently. "What were you doing just before those cultivators tried to capture you?"


    Zhi-Zhi''s head retreated further into his shell. "Well, I... that is to say... I was engaged in deep meditation! Yes, contemplating the mysteries of the universe."


    Kai nodded, keeping his expression neutral. "I see. And before that?"


    "I... I was..." Zhi-Zhi stammered, then suddenly blurted out, "I was learning to swim, okay? My mother said I needed to practice!"


    A heavy silence fell over the group. Liu Wei looked confused, glancing between Kai and the now thoroughly embarrassed tortoise on his head.


    Kai sighed, a mix of amusement and sympathy washing over him. Just as I thought. He''s not some ancient, all-knowing spirit. He''s just a kid trying to act grown-up.


    As Kai was wondering whether to expose the poor tortoise or to continue humouring it, he suddenly noticed something on his map function. A massive red spot appeared, moving towards them at an incredible speed, almost as if it had teleported.


    What the hell? Kai thought, his heart racing. That can''t be good.


    "Liu Wei, get ready-" Kai started to warn, but before he could finish, a rumbling sound erupted from beneath their feet.


    In less than a second, thick tree roots burst from the ground, wrapping themselves tightly around Kai and Liu Wei''s legs. They were bound in place, unable to move.


    "What the-" Kai grunted, struggling against the roots. He looked up to see Zhi-Zhi, who had been thrown into the air from Liu Wei''s head, retreating into his shell in panic.


    Great, Kai thought, his mind racing to find a solution. Just when I thought things were going smoothly. Whatever that red spot on the map was, it''s definitely here now.


    He scanned the area frantically, trying to spot their attacker. The forest around them seemed to have come alive, trees creaking and leaves rustling as though they were greeting their emperor.


    This is no ordinary ambush, Kai realized. We''re dealing with something way beyond our current level.

 TWENTY: Tree

    Kai glanced at Liu Wei, who was frantically trying to free himself from the roots. The young man''s face was pale with fear.


    "Liu Wei, stay calm," Kai said, keeping his voice steady despite the panic rising in his chest. "We need to think this through."


    Suddenly, a translucent blue screen appeared before Kai''s eyes, displaying information about their attacker:


    Danger! Powerful Entity Detected


    Name: Ancient Spirit Tree


    Realm: Peak Nascent Soul


    Age: 10,000 years


    Special Abilities: ???


    Warning: Extreme caution advised. Entity far exceeds current power level.


    Kai''s face went pale as he read the information. We''re dead. We are so dead.


    He glanced up at the massive tree looming before them. Its trunk was as wide as a house, with bark that seemed to shift and move like living skin. Countless branches reached towards the sky, their leaves a mix of gold and emerald. An aura of ancient power radiated from every fiber of its being.


    As Kai stared at their impending doom, he recalled the cryptic warning from that strange, rabbit-squirrel creature they''d encountered earlier:


    "Beware the guardian of the hollow tree. Its bark is worse than its bite, but its bite is still pretty bad."


    Could this be what that creature was warning us about? Kai wondered. A Nascent Soul realm tree would certainly qualify as a formidable guardian, especially in the tutorial stages. If this is the guardian, we''re in serious trouble. Its ''bark'' - that initial attack with the roots - was definitely bad enough. I don''t even want to imagine what its ''bite'' might be.


    Okay, think. There has to be a way out of this. Kai''s mind raced through potential escape routes. Qi Condensation to create a blade and cut through the roots? No, a Nascent Soul realm entity''s defenses would be impenetrable at my level. Swift Wind Step to outrun it? Laughable, it probably controls this entire forest. I probably move at a snail¡¯s pace in its eyes. Maybe if I...


    With each idea, Kai''s hope dwindled. The power gap was simply too vast. He sighed, shoulders slumping in defeat.


    I''m going to die. As soon as I respawn, I need to use the brief window of surprise to create qi platforms and escape into the sky. Please, PLEASE tell me this thing can''t fly. Trees can''t fly, right? He paused, remembering where he was. It''s a xianxia world. Of course it can probably fly. Why wouldn''t a tree be able to fly here? I''m so screwed.


    Just as Kai was resigning himself to his fate, a familiar squeaky voice piped up.


    "Mother! Mother, please don''t hurt them!"


    Kai''s eyes widened as Zhi-Zhi''s head popped out of his shell. The little tortoise was looking up at the massive tree with what could only be described as a pleading expression.


    Mother? Did that little fibber just call that monstrosity ''mother''? Kai''s mind reeled. Wait a second. Didn''t Zhi-Zhi claim to be an envoy to a kingdom of trees? I thought he was making that up, but...


    The roots holding Kai and Liu Wei suddenly stopped tightening. A deep, melodious voice resonated through the clearing, seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.


    "Zhi-Zhi, my child. Are these humans bothering you?"


    Zhi-Zhi shook his head. "No, Mother! I was just sharing some of my vast wisdom with them. They''re my... my disciples! Yes, that''s it. I''ve taken them under my tutelage."


    The tree''s branches swayed gently, and Kai could have sworn he heard a sigh rustle through its leaves. "Oh, Zhi-Zhi. Are you at it again?"


    Zhi-Zhi''s head retreated slightly into his shell, but he quickly popped back out. "Mother, you don''t understand! This human, Kai, he helped when some bad humans wanted to capture me!"


    The roots around Kai and Liu Wei''s legs began to loosen. "Is this true, young human?" the tree asked, its voice softer now.


    Kai nodded vigorously. "Yes, Ancient One. My companion and I found three rogue cultivators attempting to harm Zhi-Zhi. We... intervened."


    Please let that be enough, Kai thought.


    The roots retracted completely, freeing Kai and Liu Wei. The tree''s voice took on an apologetic tone. "I see. I must thank you for protecting my son. Forgive my hasty actions."


    "There''s no need for thanks, Ancient One,¡± Kai bowed deeply, his heart pounding in his chest. ¡°We were simply doing what was right."


    And by ''right,'' I mean ''trying to gain an advantage,'' Kai thought. Let''s just keep that part to ourselves, shall we? But if we hadn''t made the choice to help Zhi-Zhi, we''d be dead right now. No amount of respawns would be enough to survive this.


    Liu Wei, who had been uncharacteristically quiet until now, suddenly blurted out, "But how can a tree be a tortoise''s mother?"


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Oh, for the love of¡­ Liu Wei, you idiot! Kai nearly facepalmed. Didn''t anyone teach you not to question the family dynamics of Nascent Soul beings? He shot a panicked glance at the enormous tree, half-expecting to be smited on the spot.


    To his relief, a sound like gentle laughter rustled through the leaves. "An understandable question, young one. I am not Zhi-Zhi''s birth mother, but I have raised him since he was nothing more than an egg. I found him abandoned in the forest and took him under my protection."


    The tree''s voice became a whisper. "His true parents... well, that is a tale for another time."


    Kai felt the tension in his shoulders ease slightly. Okay, crisis averted. Note to self: give Liu Wei some lessons on when to keep his mouth shut.


    Zhi-Zhi, apparently eager to bring the attention back to himself, began recounting the battle with the rogue cultivators. Kai listened with growing amazement as the little tortoise spun a tale that barely had any similarity to reality.


    "...and then, with my impenetrable shell, I deflected the ice witch''s attacks! Young Kai here provided adequate support, distracting the earth brute while I delivered the finishing blow with my secret technique!"


    Kai managed to keep a neutral expression, but internally he was torn between amusement and exasperation. Adequate support? I practically did all the work! But you know what? If it keeps us alive, Zhi-Zhi can take all the credit he wants.


    The tree''s branches swayed gently, and Kai got the distinct impression it was used to Zhi-Zhi''s embellishments. Nevertheless, it praised the little tortoise.


    "How brave you were, my child! Truly, you are growing into a formidable spirit beast."


    Zhi-Zhi preened under the praise, puffing out his little chest as much as his shell would allow.


    The tree''s attention then turned back to Kai. "Tell me, young cultivator, what brings you so far from human settlements? Humans do not usually come out all this way¡­they know better.¡±


    How much should I reveal? Kai hesitated for a moment, weighing his words carefully. If I lie and it catches me, we''re done for. But the truth might not be much safer...


    Taking a deep breath, he decided on honesty. "We were searching for a treasure, Ancient One. An old map showed something of value in this area."


    The tree''s aura grew serious, and Kai felt a subtle pressure bearing down on him. "A treasure, you say? Tell me, does anyone else know of this map? Have you spoken to others about your destination?"


    Kai shook his head quickly. "No, I retrieved the map from a bandit''s corpse. No one else knows we''re here."


    Please don''t kill us for knowing your location. We''ll leave right now and never come back. We''ll swear a blood oath if that''s what it takes.


    To Kai''s relief, the tree''s aura relaxed once more. "I see. That is... fortunate."


    Before Kai could figure out what the old tree meant by that statement, the ground before them began to shift. Small mounds of earth rose up, and from each one emerged a fruit. Kai counted five in total, each a different vibrant color.


    The tree spoke again. "Humans, what you see before you are the true treasures of this forest. Once every century, I produce fruits imbued with elemental essence. Each has the power to increase one''s affinity for an element."


    Kai''s eyes widened as system notifications began to pop up in his vision:


    Item Discovered: Fruit of Blazing Flame


    Effect: Permanently increases Fire affinity by 20%


    Rarity: Legendary


    Item Discovered: Fruit of Flowing Water


    Effect: Permanently increases Water affinity by 20%


    Rarity: Legendary


    Item Discovered: Fruit of Unyielding Earth


    Effect: Permanently increases Earth affinity by 20%


    Rarity: Legendary


    Item Discovered: Fruit of Howling Wind


    Effect: Permanently increases Wind affinity by 20%


    Rarity: Legendary


    Item Discovered: Fruit of Blessed Lightning


    Effect: Permanently increases Lightning affinity by 20%


    Rarity: Legendary


    Holy crap. Those fruits are insane! A permanent 20% increase to elemental affinity? That''s the kind of power-up you''d normally have to complete an entire story arc to get!


    Kai struggled to keep his composure as his mind raced with the possibilities. But why is the tree showing these to us? Is this a test? Or...

 TWENTY ONE: Fruit of Blessed Lightning

    "Humans, for helping my son, I give you a choice. You can both select one fruit to consume."


    Is this for real? Kai''s eyes widened. A power-up served on a silver platter? He glanced at Liu Wei, who looked equally stunned.


    Zhi-Zhi, the little tortoise, let out a squeak of surprise. "Mother! You''re giving them fruits? But... but you only let me have one every ten years!"


    The tree''s leaves rustled in what sounded suspiciously like a sigh. "Zhi-Zhi, my child, these humans protected you. They deserve a little reward."


    Zhi-Zhi retreated into his shell, grumbling something about "unfair treatment" and "ungrateful humans."


    Looks like someone''s a bit entitled, Kai suppressed a smirk. I guess even spirit beasts can be spoiled brats.


    Liu Wei looked at Kai, uncertainty clear in his eyes. "Master, what should we do?"


    Kai paused, his mind racing. Could this be a trap? He considered the situation carefully. No, that doesn''t make sense. If the tree wanted to harm us, it could have done so already. Why resort to tricks against Qi Refining cultivators? We¡¯re less than ants to it.


    Kai glanced at his map function and noticed a significant change. The large red dot that had represented the Ancient Spirit Tree had now turned green, indicating it was now friendly. He let out a small sigh of relief and made his decision.


    "Thank you for your generosity," Kai bowed to the ancient tree.


    The tree''s aura seemed to warm slightly. "Choose wisely, humans. Each fruit holds the power to enhance your elemental affinity. You may never get a chance like this again."


    Kai nodded, already analyzing the options before him. Okay, time to think this through. Which element should I choose?


    He closed his eyes, visualizing the different paths of cultivation as if they were skill trees:


    Elemental Cultivation Paths:


    Fire Path:


    - Offensive power


    - Destruction and purification


    - Yang energy


    Water Path:


    - Flexibility and adaptability


    - Healing and purification


    - Yin energy


    Earth Path:


    - Defense and stability


    - Strength and endurance


    - Balance of Yin and Yang


    Wind Path:


    - Speed and agility


    - Freedom and unpredictability


    - Yang energy with Yin aspects


    Lightning Path:


    - Speed and destructive power


    - Heavenly authority


    - Pure Yang energy


    Kai opened his eyes. As much as I''d love to be a jack of all trades, that''s not realistic in this world. Specialization is key.


    He remembered the upcoming Azure Sky Sect recruitment. They specialize in wind and lightning techniques. If I want to catch the eye of a powerful master, I should align my talents with their focus.


    Kai weighed the pros and cons of wind and lightning:


    Wind: Pros:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Enhanced speed and agility


    </li>


    <li>


    Versatile in both offense and defense


    </li>


    <li>


    Useful for information gathering (sound transmission)


    </li>


    </ul>


    Cons:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Less raw destructive power


    </li>


    <li>


    Potentially less effective against certain elements


    </li>


    </ul>


    Lightning: Pros:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Incredible speed and destructive force


    </li>


    <li>


    Associated with heavenly authority


    </li>


    <li>


    Potential for paralyzing effects


    </li>


    </ul>


    Cons:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Less versatile than wind


    </li>


    <li>


    Higher risk of self-harm if not controlled properly


    </li>


    </ul>


    After careful consideration, Kai made his choice. Lightning it is. It''s got speed and power, plus it''s the element of heavenly tribulation. In a xianxia world, that''s got to mean something. There''s always some deeper dao philosophy at work.


    Kai turned to Liu Wei and gestured towards the fruits. "You should choose first."


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened in surprise. "Me? But Master, surely you should-"


    Kai shook his head. "I insist. Choose whichever fruit calls to you."


    Liu Wei hesitated for a moment, then nodded. He approached the fruits cautiously, his eyes darting between them. Finally, he reached out and picked up the Fruit of Howling Wind.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Kai nodded in approval. Good choice. It''ll complement his stealthy fighting style.


    Liu Wei stood there awkwardly, holding the fruit and looking unsure of what to do next.


    Kai resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Go ahead and eat it, Liu Wei."


    "Oh! Right, of course." Liu Wei laughed nervously. He brought the large fruit to his mouth and took a big bite. His face contorted as he chewed, clearly struggling with the texture or taste.


    It''s like watching a kid eat vegetables for the first time, Kai thought, amused.


    After what seemed like an eternity, Liu Wei finally managed to swallow the last bit of the fruit. As soon as he did, a soft green aura began to swirl around him. It grew in intensity, whipping his clothes and hair about as if he stood in the center of a miniature tornado. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, the aura faded, sinking into Liu Wei''s skin.


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "How do you feel?"


    Liu Wei blinked, looking down at his hands. "I... I''m not sure. Maybe a bit lighter? It''s hard to describe."


    Kai nodded, then focused on Liu Wei''s stats:


    Liu Wei


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 3


    Qi: 50/50


    Strength: 20


    Agility: 24


    Endurance: 20


    Intelligence: 13


    Wisdom: 10


    Loyalty: 65/100


    Elemental Affinities:


    ¡¤ Wind: 20%


    Skills:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Basic Qi Gathering technique


    </li>


    <li>


    Stealth (Level 2)


    </li>


    <li>


    Lockpicking (Level 2)


    </li>


    <li>


    Dagger Proficiency (Level 2)


    </li>


    </ul>


    It really worked! A straight 20% boost to wind affinity. That''s a significant advantage, Kai mused. Now it''s my turn.


    Kai approached the remaining fruits and picked up the Fruit of Blessed Lightning. He glanced at Liu Wei, who was still examining himself for any visible changes.


    Time to show how it''s done, Kai thought. He focused his qi, using his Qi Condensation skill to form a small, sharp blade. With quick, precise movements, he sliced the fruit into manageable pieces.


    Liu Wei watched, his cheeks reddening slightly in embarrassment. "Oh. That... that does seem easier."


    Kai smirked and popped a slice of the fruit into his mouth. Unlike Liu Wei, he chewed and swallowed without difficulty, quickly finishing the entire fruit.


    For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a brilliant blue-white aura exploded around Kai. Arcs of electricity danced across his skin, and the air filled with the sharp scent of ozone. Kai''s eyes blazed with inner light, small sparks jumping between his pupils.


    As the lightning aura faded, Kai felt a surge of power coursing through his veins. He quickly checked his stats:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    XP: 0/2000


    Level: 7


    Qi: 200/200


    Strength: 50


    Agility: 53


    Endurance: 51


    Intelligence: 28


    Wisdom: 27


    Elemental Affinities:


    ¡¤ Lightning: 20%


    Skills:


    Qi Condensation (Level 3)


    Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)


    Unarmed Combat (Level 2)


    Deception (Level 3)


    Iron Skin (Level 2)


    Swift Wind Step (Level 3)


    Flame Palm Strike (Level 3)


    Mental Fortitude (Passive)


    Spirit Beast Communication (Level 1)


    Qi Concealment (Level 1)


    Qi Detection (Level 1)


    As Kai processed the changes, a new system notification appeared:


    Lightning Affinity Increased to 20%


    Effect: You will learn lightning-related skills 20% faster, and all lightning skills will be 20% more effective.


    Perfect, Kai grinned. This should give me an edge in cultivation and combat.


    Suddenly, another system notification appeared:


    Quest: Rescue the Spirit Shell Tortoise


    Status: Complete


    Secret Reward Received!


    Kai''s eyes widened in surprise. Wait, what? The fruit was the secret reward?


    He furrowed his brow, a disturbing thought occurring to him. If the system expected me to be rewarded by the tree, then... doesn''t that mean the system can think? Is it sapient?


    A chill ran down Kai''s spine as he considered the implications. He''d always assumed the system was just a set of rules and algorithms, but this suggested something more.


    Hey, system, Kai thought deliberately, are you... alive?


    He waited, heart pounding, but no response came. The system remained as silent and impassive as ever.


    Come on, say something, Kai urged mentally. If you''re sapient, now would be a great time to let me know.


    Still nothing.


    Kai frowned, a mix of disappointment and relief washing over him. Maybe I''m reading too much into this. It could just be a pre-programmed response based on likely outcomes.


    But a nagging doubt remained in the back of his mind. The system''s apparent foresight was uncanny, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to it than met the eye.


    I''ll have to keep a closer eye on these system messages, Kai decided. There might be more to this ''game'' than I realized.


    "The ability to condense qi¡­that''s an interesting skill," the Ancient Spirit Tree said, drawing Kai¡¯s attention back to the real world. "Where did you learn to do something like that?"


    Kai knew lying to a Nascent Soul realm being would be futile and potentially fatal. He opted for a version of the truth. "I don¡¯t know where I got this mark from, but whenever I channel qi through it," he said, showing the trident-like mark on his wrist, "I can condense qi into various forms."


    The tree''s aura shifted, and Kai felt a probing sensation on his wrist. Even though he wasn¡¯t pleased by the rude action, he suppressed his discomfort, not wanting to offend the powerful being.


    After a moment, the tree spoke again. "Curious. I sense nothing unique about the mark itself. You must have a strong background, young cultivator."


    Kai shrugged, letting the tree draw its own conclusions. Better to let it think I''m from some mysterious powerful sect than try to explain the whole ''transported from another world'' thing.


    As the tree''s attention lingered on him, Kai began to feel uncomfortable. He turned to Liu Wei. "We should get going. We''ve imposed on the honored spirit''s hospitality long enough."


    He bowed deeply to the Ancient Spirit Tree. "Thank you again for your generosity."


    Before they could leave, however, Zhi-Zhi spoke up. "Mother, can I go with them? Please?"


    The tree''s aura flickered with concern. "My child, the outside world is dangerous. You are safe here."


    "But Mother," Zhi-Zhi argued, his voice taking on a wheedling tone, "I can''t stay protected here forever! How am I supposed to become a great and wise spirit beast if I never leave the forest?"


    The tree''s branches swayed, as if caught in an unseen wind. It was silent for a long moment before finally sighing. "Very well, my son. But you must be careful."


    With another rustle of leaves, a single golden leaf floated down from the tree''s branches. "Take this, Zhi-Zhi. It is a life-saving treasure that will protect you once against any danger at the Nascent Soul realm or below."


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes lit up with excitement. He reached out to take the leaf, but the tree''s voice stopped him.


    "And do try not to lose it this time," the tree added, a hint of exasperation in its tone. "Unlike the Profound Wisdom Pearl you misplaced while ''meditating'' by the river."


    Zhi-Zhi''s head retreated slightly into his shell. "That wasn''t my fault! A fish jumped out of the water and startled me!"


    Kai and Liu Wei exchanged glances, both suppressing smiles at the little tortoise¡¯s response.


    Zhi-Zhi quickly recovered from his embarrassment. He carefully took the golden leaf, examining it with wide eyes. Then, to Kai and Liu Wei''s shock, he opened his mouth and swallowed it whole.


    "Zhi-Zhi!" Kai exclaimed. "What are you doing?"


    The little tortoise looked up at him, confusion evident in his eyes. "What? Oh! You don''t know about my storage space, do you? I can store things inside my body. It''s safer this way - I won''t lose it!"


    Kai nodded slowly, filing away this information for later. A living storage system. Even though I have my own inventory, that could still be incredibly useful.


    The Ancient Spirit Tree''s voice rang out one last time. "Young cultivator, please take care of my son. He can be a...handful."


    "I understand," Kai said, bowing once more. "I''ll do my best to keep him safe."


    With that, the three of them set off, leaving the ancient tree behind. As they walked, Kai let out a long breath, feeling the tension leave his body.


    Man, being in the presence of a Nascent Soul realm being is intense. It''s like being a level 1 character standing next to a raid boss.


    As they made their way through the forest, a notification popped up in Kai''s vision:


    New Quest Acquired: Tame the Spirit Beast


    Objective: Gain Zhi-Zhi''s trust and loyalty


    Reward: ???


    Let''s hope the system actually gives out the reward this time, instead of piggybacking on someone else''s generosity. I''d rather not have to rely on convenient coincidences every time I complete a quest.

 TWENTY TWO: Maybe... maybe Im not just a servant to him after all

    Author''s Note


    This chapter is in Liu Wei''s POV, you''ll see different POVs every now and then as it helps develop the side characters and gives you an idea on how they view Kai.


    <hr>


    Liu Wei made his way through the forest, his eyes fixed on the back of his master. As they walked, Liu Wei''s mind wandered to the events that had brought him to this point.


    How quickly life can change, he mused. Just a few days ago, I was nothing more than a lowly bandit, trapped in a life I despised.


    The memory of that day still sent chills down his spine. He had watched from his hiding spot as Kai, then a stranger to him, confronted the bandit leader. He had really thought that Kai would defeat the bandit leader in their duel, but when he saw the leader''s blade slice through Kai''s neck, his heart had nearly stopped.


    I thought all hope was lost then, Liu Wei recalled. I believed I''d be stuck as a bandit forever.


    A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he remembered his failed escape attempts. Each time, he had been caught and beaten, the bandits threatening to harm his family if he tried again. The thought of his village, of his family, made his chest tighten with longing.


    I wonder if they''re okay, he thought. It''s been so long... I hope the bandit leader kept his word and left them alone.


    No use dwelling on the past, Liu Wei shook his head, trying to dispel the gloomy thoughts. My life is so much better now.


    His gaze returned to Kai, and a small smile tugged at his lips. Despite being Kai''s servant, Liu Wei felt their relationship was something more. Yes, his master could be cold and distant at times, but he had also taken the time to train Liu Wei, helping him improve his Qi Sensing skills and combat abilities.


    Even though we''re both at the Qi Refining Realm, I wouldn''t mind being his disciple, Liu Wei thought. In fact, I''d love it. There''s something special about Master Kai, beyond just being a cultivation prodigy. It''s like he has this aura... as if he''s the hero of his own story.


    His musings were interrupted by an excited squeak from the tortoise sitting on his head.


    "Hey, hey!" Zhi-Zhi called out. "You two should really become my disciples! If you do, I guarantee you''ll both become immortals one day!"


    Liu Wei couldn''t help but smile. When they first met the 100-year-old tortoise, he had thought Zhi-Zhi was wise beyond his years. Now, after spending time with him, Liu Wei realized the tortoise was still very much a child at heart.


    "Oh really?" Liu Wei asked, humoring the little beast. "And how exactly would you make us immortals, Zhi-Zhi?"


    The tortoise puffed up his chest proudly. "Well, first I''d teach you all about the profound mysteries of the universe! Then we''d meditate for a thousand years under a waterfall!"


    "A thousand years? Liu Wei laughed. ¡°That''s quite a long time, Zhi-Zhi. What would we eat?"


    "Eat?" Zhi-Zhi looked confused for a moment before his eyes lit up. "Oh, right! Humans need to eat. Well, we''d... we''d eat spirit fruits! Yes, that''s it! Spirit fruits that grow only once every hundred years!"


    As they bantered back and forth, Liu Wei kept glancing at Kai. His master''s behavior had been puzzling him lately. Kai would often stare off into space, his face cycling through various expressions ¨C excitement, annoyance, disappointment ¨C for no apparent reason.


    What could he be doing? Liu Wei wondered. Does he have some special technique that lets him see the future? Or maybe he can sense things far beyond our range? It would explain why we''ve barely been attacked by beasts on this journey.


    Suddenly, Kai turned and fixed Liu Wei with an intense blue-eyed stare. Liu Wei felt his breath catch in his throat, startled by the sudden attention. But then Kai smiled, and Liu Wei felt himself relax.


    "Liu Wei," Kai said, "how would you like to get some battle experience?"


    Liu Wei blinked in confusion. He couldn''t sense any beasts nearby, and a quick glance at Zhi-Zhi showed the tortoise looked equally perplexed.


    Is Master Kai suggesting we spar right here in the forest? Liu Wei thought, alarmed.


    "Master," Liu Wei began hesitantly, "isn''t it dangerous to fight here? We could be ambushed by-"


    Kai''s laughter cut him off. "No, no. Nothing like that. Come, follow me."


    Relieved but still curious, Liu Wei followed as Kai led them to a small clearing. A small lake stretched before them, its surface like a mirror reflecting the sky above. Liu Wei scanned the area but saw nothing out of the ordinary.


    "There," Kai said, pointing towards the water''s edge.


    Liu Wei squinted, following his master''s finger. At first, he saw nothing, but then... movement. A small, crab-like creature scuttled along the shore, its shell glistening with moisture.


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    "It''s a spirit beast," Kai explained. "Qi Refining Stage 3. A perfect opponent for you, Liu Wei."


    Liu Wei felt his mouth go dry as Kai and Zhi-Zhi turned to look at him expectantly. He swallowed hard and nodded awkwardly. "I... I understand, Master."


    Taking a deep breath, Liu Wei started to walk directly towards the crab-like beast. He had only taken a few steps when he felt Kai''s hand on his shoulder.


    "What are you doing?" Kai asked, his voice tinged with amusement.


    Confused, Liu Wei replied, "I''m... going to fight it?"


    Kai shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "This isn''t a duel, Liu Wei. You can ambush it."


    Liu Wei felt his face grow hot with embarrassment. Of course! How could I be so stupid? He remembered similar situations with the bandits, how they''d always been baffled by his direct approach.


    "I''m sorry, Master," Liu Wei mumbled. "I''ll do better."


    Pushing aside his embarrassment, Liu Wei focused on concealing his qi signature. He crept towards the spirit beast, his footsteps light and careful on the soft earth.


    The crab-like creature remained oblivious to his approach, busy scavenging along the lakeshore. When Liu Wei was just a few paces away, he pounced.


    His fist, infused with qi, slammed into the beast''s shell. There was a satisfying crack, and the creature let out a high-pitched shriek of pain and surprise.


    But the battle was far from over. The spirit beast whirled around, its pincers snapping viciously at Liu Wei''s legs. He jumped back, narrowly avoiding the sharp claws.


    "Watch its movements!" Kai called out. "Predict where it will strike next!"


    Liu Wei nodded, his eyes never leaving the enraged beast. It scuttled sideways, trying to flank him. Remembering Kai''s advice, Liu Wei anticipated its next move and sidestepped just as the creature lunged.


    "Good!" Kai shouted. "Now counter-attack while it''s off-balance!"


    Liu Wei didn''t hesitate. He drove his heel down onto the beast''s exposed back, channeling his qi for extra impact. The creature''s shell cracked further, and it let out another pained cry.


    "Ooh, ooh!" Zhi-Zhi bounced excitedly. "Now do a backflip and land on its head!"


    Without thinking, Liu Wei attempted the acrobatic move. But as he twisted in the air, he realized his mistake. The spirit beast''s pincer clamped onto his ankle, sending a jolt of pain through his leg.


    Liu Wei crashed to the ground, wincing. The crab-like creature advanced, its remaining pincer raised menacingly.


    "Ignore the tortoise!" Kai''s voice cut through Liu Wei''s panic. "Focus on your strengths. You''re agile ¨C use that!"


    Gritting his teeth against the pain, Liu Wei rolled to his feet. He circled the beast, staying light on his toes despite his injured ankle. The creature turned to keep him in sight, but its movements were slower now, hampered by its damaged shell.


    Liu Wei saw his opportunity. He feinted left, then darted right as the beast committed to its attack. In one fluid motion, he brought his fist down on the crack in its shell, channeling every bit of qi he could muster.


    The spirit beast''s shell finally gave way with a sickening crunch. It let out one final, weak chirp before collapsing.


    Panting heavily, Liu Wei stood over his fallen opponent. His body ached, and his ankle throbbed, but a sense of accomplishment washed over him.


    He turned to see Kai approaching, a smile on his face. "Well done, Liu Wei. You made that look easy."


    Liu Wei felt his chest swell with pride at his master''s words. "Thank you, Master. I couldn''t have done it without your guidance."


    Zhi-Zhi suddenly bounced into view. "Hey, don''t forget about me! I helped too! My advice was super important!"


    Liu Wei awkwardly rubbed the back of his head, forcing a smile. "Ah, yes... thank you too, Zhi-Zhi. Your, uh, input was very... interesting."


    If by ''help'' you mean nearly getting me killed, Liu Wei thought to himself. I''m pretty sure if I had followed all of Zhi-Zhi''s advice, I''d be crab food by now.


    "Every bit of experience helps, Zhi-Zhi,¡± Kai chuckled, patting the enthusiastic tortoise''s shell. Glancing at the fallen spirit beast, Kai asked, ¡°So, what are you going to do now?"


    Confused, Liu Wei looked back at the creature. "I... I''m not sure what you mean, Master?"


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "You''re just going to leave the corpse there?"


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened. "Oh! Of course not, I''ll collect it right away!" He hurried back to the fallen beast, his face burning with embarrassment once again.


    As Liu Wei carefully gathered up the spirit beast''s remains, he couldn''t help but reflect on the battle. Despite the pain in his ankle, he felt... alive. It was so different from his time with the bandits, where violence had only ever brought him shame and regret.


    Is this what it means to be a true cultivator? he wondered. To face challenges head-on and grow stronger from them?


    He glanced at Kai, who was now in conversation with Zhi-Zhi. His master''s casual confidence, the way he seemed to know exactly what to do in any situation ¨C it was inspiring.


    I want to be like that someday, Liu Wei thought. Strong, confident, always in control.


    As he finished collecting the spirit beast''s remains, Liu Wei made a silent vow to himself. He would work harder, train more diligently, and do whatever it took to make Kai proud. Maybe then, he could become a disciple rather than just a servant.


    With the crab-like creature in his possession, Liu Wei rejoined Kai and Zhi-Zhi. The little tortoise was bouncing around excitedly, recounting Liu Wei''s battle with his usual, dramatic embellishments.


    "And then he went whoosh! And the crabby went splat!" Zhi-Zhi exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement.


    Kai chuckled, patting the tortoise''s shell. "I''m not sure that''s exactly how it happened, Zhi-Zhi, but Liu Wei did do well."


    Liu Wei felt a warmth spread through his chest at Kai''s words. It was a simple compliment, but coming from his master, the man who spared his life, it meant the world.


    "Thank you, Master," Liu Wei said, bowing slightly. "I still have much to learn, though."


    Kai nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "That''s true for all of us, Liu Wei. The path of cultivation is endless. But you''ve made good progress. I think it''s time we took your training to the next level."


    "Really, Master?" Liu Wei''s eyes widened with excitement.


    "Yes," Kai confirmed. "Using qi-enhanced punches and kicks isn''t going to cut it anymore. I''ll teach you some proper qi techniques."


    Liu Wei could barely contain his enthusiasm. "Thank you, Master! I''ll work hard to learn them." Then a thought occurred to him. "Master, will I be able to read the scrolls we took from the bandits? I¡¯ve always wanted to learn them, but the bandits, they never let me¡­¡±


    At the mention of the scrolls, a flicker of embarrassment crossed Kai''s face. It was gone so quickly that Liu Wei almost thought he had imagined it. His master quickly composed himself, shaking his head.


    "No, not the scrolls," Kai said, his voice steady. "I''ll just teach the techniques to you directly. It''ll be more efficient that way."


    Master Kai is going to teach me personally, Liu Wei thought, his heart swelling with emotion. He''s investing time in my growth, just like a true master would with his disciple. Maybe... maybe I''m not just a servant to him after all.

 TWENTY THREE: Outer Elder

    As Kai, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi reached the top of the final hill, the Misty Waterfall Village came into view. The architecture, a unique blend of fantasy and historical elements, no longer shocked Kai as it had weeks ago. Now, it felt almost... familiar.


    "Home sweet home," Kai murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips.


    Liu Wei, with Zhi-Zhi sat comfortably on his head, stepped up beside him. "It''s good to be back, Master Kai."


    Zhi-Zhi looked down at the village, his tiny eyes narrowing. "This is where you''re from? I thought you''d be from one of the big cities."


    Kai chuckled. "Surprised? Us village boys are no less than city folk."


    If only that were true in this world, Kai thought. Back on Earth, maybe. But here? A Foundation Establishment cultivator could rule a place like this. In a big city, they''d be lucky to sweep the streets.


    "It''s quite... quaint," Zhi-Zhi said, clearly trying to be diplomatic.


    Liu Wei patted the tortoise''s shell. "It may not be grand, but it''s peaceful. After my time with the bandits, I''ve learned to appreciate that."


    As they made their way down the hill, Kai found himself smiling at the memory of Liu Wei''s battle with the crab-like spirit beast. The young man had shown real potential.


    A system notification popped up in Kai''s vision:


    Liu Wei''s Loyalty 80/100


    The poor kid''s been through a lot. A little positive attention, and he''s practically eating out of my hand. In any other situation, I''d feel bad about manipulating him like this, but in this world... I need all the allies I can get. As long as he doesn¡¯t betray me, he can join me in reaching the peak.


    "Master," Liu Wei spoke up, interrupting Kai''s thoughts. "Do you think the village elders will be upset we were gone so long?"


    Kai shook his head. "I doubt it. We were only gone about a week. That''s pretty fast for a round trip to the Whispering Woods."


    As they entered the village, Kai noticed something... off. The usual bustle was subdued. People moved with an air of... was that nervousness?


    What''s going on here? Kai wondered. It''s like everyone''s on their best behavior. Could it be...


    His thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Zhang Wei hurrying towards them. The old man''s eyes widened as he noticed Zhi-Zhi.


    "Kai, my boy! You''re back!" Zhang Wei exclaimed, before his gaze fixed on the tortoise. "But... what is a spirit beast doing here?"


    Before Kai could respond, Zhi-Zhi puffed up his tiny chest and spoke in what he clearly thought was an impressive voice. "I am their master."


    Zhang Wei''s jaw dropped. He looked from Zhi-Zhi to Kai, then back again. Seeing no one contradict the tortoise, he bowed deeply. "Forgive me, honored spirit beast. I didn''t realize-"


    Kai couldn''t hold back his laughter. "Stand up, Elder Zhang. There''s no need for that. We helped Zhi-Zhi out of a tight spot, and now he''s traveling with us. That''s all."


    Zhi-Zhi deflated a bit. "I didn''t need help," he muttered. "No one can break my shell."


    Ignoring the pouting tortoise, Kai turned back to Zhang Wei. "Now, what''s got everyone so worked up? The village feels... tense."


    Zhang Wei''s eyes lit up. "Ah, yes! I''m so glad you made it back in time. The Outer Elder from the Azure Sky Sect arrived a few hours ago. Tomorrow, he''ll be testing the youth of the village for cultivation potential!"


    "That''s great news," Kai replied. "But I assume Liu Wei and I don''t need to be tested?"


    Zhang Wei nodded. "Correct. You''ve both already entered the Qi Refining Realm. But..." He lowered his voice. "I''ve arranged for you to meet the Outer Elder tonight. At my house. For dinner."


    "Tonight?¡± Kai blinked. ¡°Elder Zhang, I appreciate the thought, but we''ve been traveling for days. We''re tired, dirty-"


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "Nonsense!" Zhang Wei waved off Kai''s concerns. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! You need to make a good first impression if you want to go far. Now, listen carefully. There are some things you need to know about proper etiquette..."


    For the next several minutes, Zhang Wei rattled off a list of do''s and don''ts that made Kai''s head spin.


    "Always address him as ''Honored Elder.'' Never speak unless spoken to. Keep your eyes lowered, but not so low that it seems disrespectful. If he offers you a cup of tea, accept it with both hands. Sip it slowly, but not too slowly. If he asks you a question, answer truthfully, but don''t volunteer information..."


    Jesus Christ, Kai thought. I grew up in America. What do I know about all this bowing and scraping?


    But Kai knew the stakes. One wrong move, one perceived slight, and he could kiss his cultivation dreams goodbye. Or worse, get slapped into paste by an offended Outer Elder.


    "...and whatever you do, don''t mention the Crimson Phoenix Sect. The Azure Sky Sect has a blood feud with them going back three thousand years. Got all that?" Zhang Wei finally finished, looking expectantly at Kai.


    If it wasn''t for cultivation boosting my memory, I wouldn''t have a prayer of remembering all this, Kai thought. But outwardly, he just nodded. "I understand, Elder Zhang. Thank you for the guidance."


    Zhang Wei beamed. "Excellent! Now, go get cleaned up. I need to prepare for dinner. Oh, and Kai?"


    "Yes, Elder?"


    "I''m proud of you, boy. You''ve come a long way in a short time. I know you''ll make a good impression tonight."


    As Zhang Wei hurried off, Kai felt a warmth in his chest that had nothing to do with qi cultivation. He pushed the feeling aside, focusing on the task at hand.


    "Liu Wei," he said, turning to his companion. "Get some rest. We''ve got a big night ahead of us."


    Liu Wei bowed. "Yes, Master Kai. And... thank you. For everything."


    As Liu Wei headed off to his own hut, Kai was left alone with Zhi-Zhi. The little tortoise looked from Kai to the simple mud-brick structure that served as Kai''s home.


    Zhi-Zhi sighed dramatically. "You really are a village boy, aren''t you?"


    Kai just shook his head, smiling. "Come on, oh wise and ancient one. Let''s get you settled in."


    Inside the hut, Kai quickly set about cleaning himself up. As he splashed water on his face from a wooden basin, he caught sight of his reflection. The face that looked back at him was leaner, harder than it had been just a few weeks ago.


    I''ve changed, he realized. This world is changing me.


    "So," Zhi-Zhi''s voice piped up from where he was exploring the small space. "This is how mortals live? It''s so... primitive."


    Kai dried his face with a rough cloth. "Not all mortals. Just us simple village folk."


    "Hmph," Zhi-Zhi snorted. "I still can''t believe you''re not from a big city. You seem too... I don''t know. Worldly?"


    "There''s a lot you don''t know about me," Kai laughed.


    More than you could possibly imagine, he added silently.


    As Kai changed into his cleanest set of robes - which, admittedly, weren''t that clean - he found his mind wandering to the upcoming dinner. Meeting an Outer Elder of the Azure Sky Sect... it was a big deal. Possibly a game-changer.


    I need to play this smart, he thought. Make a good impression.


    "Hey," Zhi-Zhi called out, interrupting Kai''s musings. "What am I supposed to do while you''re at this fancy dinner?"


    Kai turned to the tortoise, considering. "You know, that''s a good question. I don''t think bringing a spirit beast to dinner would be appropriate. Even if you are our ''master.''"


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up indignantly. "I am a noble spirit beast! Descended from the great Dragon Turtle! I should be the guest of honor at any dinner!"


    "Uh-huh," Kai said, unconvinced. "And how many great and noble spirit beasts do you know who live in mud huts and eat porridge?"


    Zhi-Zhi deflated. "Well... when you put it that way..."


    "Tell you what," Kai said, kneeling down to the tortoise''s level. "Why don''t you stay here and meditate? Work on your cultivation. I''m sure a wise and powerful being like yourself has many profound insights to contemplate."


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes lit up. "You''re right! I shall enter deep meditation and unravel the mysteries of the universe!"


    That should keep him occupied, Kai thought with amusement. And out of trouble.


    As the sun began to set, Kai made his way to Zhang Wei''s home. The old man''s dwelling was larger than most in the village, befitting his status as an elder, but it was still modest by any real standard.


    Liu Wei was already there, looking nervous but clean in a set of borrowed robes. Zhang Wei ushered them inside, fussing over their appearance.


    "Remember," the old man hissed as he straightened Kai''s collar. "Address him as ''Honored Elder.'' Keep your eyes lowered, but not too low. And for heaven''s sake, don''t mention-"


    "The Crimson Phoenix Sect," Kai finished for him. "I remember, Elder Zhang. Don''t worry."


    Zhang Wei nodded, but he still looked worried. "Good, good. Now, let me go check on the food. You two wait here."


    As Zhang Wei bustled off to the kitchen, Kai turned to Liu Wei. The young man was fidgeting with the sleeves of his robe.


    "Nervous?" Kai asked.


    Liu Wei nodded. "I''ve never met anyone important before. Well, except you, Master Kai."


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "I''m not that important, Liu Wei."


    "You are to me," Liu Wei said quietly. "You saved me from the bandits. Gave me a chance at a real life. At cultivation."


    Kai felt that warmth in his chest again. He pushed it aside. Focus, he told himself. You can''t afford to get attached. This is just a game. A very dangerous, very real game.


    "Just follow my lead," Kai said aloud. "And remember what Elder Zhang told us. We''ll be fine."


    Before Liu Wei could respond, there was a commotion outside. The sound of raised voices, shuffling feet. Then, a presence. It was like the air itself grew heavier, charged with an invisible energy.


    Qi, Kai realized. I''m sensing his qi.


    The door swung open, and a figure stepped through. He was tall, imposing, dressed in blue and white robes. His face was ageless, neither young nor old, with eyes that held the wisdom of centuries.


    This, Kai knew without being told, was the Outer Elder of the Azure Sky Sect.

 TWENTY FOUR: I told you not to mention them!

    Zhang Wei hurried forward, bowing deeply. "Honored Elder Feng, these are the young cultivators I was telling you about, Kai Thorn and Liu Wei."


    Kai and Liu Wei bowed low, careful to keep their eyes respectfully lowered as Zhang Wei had instructed.


    Elder Feng''s gaze swept over them, lingering on Kai. "Rise, young ones. Let me look at you properly."


    As Kai straightened, he felt the weight of the Elder''s qi pressing against him. It was potent, far beyond anything he''d sensed from any other cultivator. But compared to the overwhelming presence of Zhi-Zhi''s mother, the Ancient Spirit Tree...


    This is nothing, Kai thought, suppressing a smile. But then again, if an Outer Elder was at the Nascent Soul Realm, Azure Sky Sect would probably be the number one sect in the whole kingdom, not just one of the greater sects in the region.


    As if triggered by Kai''s thoughts, a translucent window appeared before his eyes:


    Name: Feng Yuliang


    Title: Outer Elder of Azure Sky Sect


    Cultivation: Pseudo Core Formation Realm


    Your Level is too low to observe the character¡¯s stats.


    Pseudo Core Formation? Kai''s mind raced. That''s a transition stage between Foundation Establishment and true Core Formation. Interesting. If an Outer Elder is at this level, the main elders are probably at Nascent Soul. And the Sect Master... who knows?


    Kai suppressed a smirk as he recalled some of the more ridiculous realm names he''d encountered in xianxia novels. Origin Realm? Ascendant Realm? Heavenly Dao? Creators really just make up whatever sounds cool after a certain point.


    Kai''s musings on cultivation realms were interrupted as Elder Feng''s eyes widened fractionally. "Young Kai, Zhang Wei told me you were progressing rapidly through the Qi Refining stages, but I didn''t expect this. You''re already at the 7th stage?"


    Kai bowed his head slightly. "This junior has been fortunate in his cultivation, thanks to Elder Zhang''s guidance."


    Elder Feng waved off Kai''s humble response. "No need for false modesty. Even starting later than most, you''re already surpassing many Outer Disciples. Well done."


    Zhang Wei beamed with pride as though it was him who was praised.


    Elder Feng''s gaze sharpened as it fell on Liu Wei. "And you... I hear you used to be a bandit."


    Liu Wei''s face flushed with shame. "I... I was forced into it, Honored Elder. I never wanted-"


    Elder Feng raised a hand, silencing him. "Your heart will be tested in the trials. If the Azure Sky Sect finds any trace of demonic cultivator tendencies, you will not be allowed to enter. Understand?"


    Liu Wei nodded, eyes downcast. "Yes, Honored Elder."


    Kai felt a pang of sympathy for Liu Wei. Poor guy. He''s too soft-hearted to have any demonic tendencies. It''s me they should be worried about.


    ¡°Dinners ready, let¡¯s eat!¡± Zhang Wei announced.


    As they moved to the dining area, Kai''s thoughts turned inward. I hope they don''t realize just how selfish I really am. Let''s hope their tests aren''t too thorough.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    The group settled around the low table, kneeling on cushions as servants brought out dishes of steamed fish, fragrant rice, and various vegetable dishes. The meal began in silence, broken only by the clink of chopsticks against bowls.


    Elder Feng took a sip of tea, then turned to Zhang Wei. "Old friend, your cooking is as delightful as ever. You should have joined the Azure Sky Sect''s kitchen instead of attempting Foundation Establishment."


    Zhang Wei chuckled, but Kai noticed the slight tightening around his eyes. "You flatter me, Honored Elder. I''m just glad I can still be of some use to the sect, even in my... diminished state."


    Kai observed the interaction closely. Despite calling Zhang Wei ''old friend,'' there''s a clear power dynamic here. Zhang Wei is practically kowtowing with every word.


    "Nonsense," Elder Feng said, waving his hand. "Your eye for talent is as sharp as ever. These two boys are proof of that."


    Liu Wei, who had been quiet until now, spoke up hesitantly. "Honored Elder, may I ask... what are the trials like? For entering the sect?"


    "Worried about your past, are you?¡± Elder Feng''s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°The trials test more than just cultivation level. They probe the very essence of a cultivator''s spirit. Those with impure hearts or evil intentions will be rejected, no matter their talent."


    Liu Wei swallowed hard and nodded, returning his attention to his bowl.


    Kai decided to steer the conversation in a different direction. "Elder Feng, I''m curious about the Azure Sky Sect''s specialties. I''ve heard your wind and lightning techniques are unparalleled."


    The elder''s eyes lit up. "Ah, a young man with good taste! Indeed, our Thundercloud Palm and Gale Step techniques are renowned throughout the cultivation world. But tell me, young Kai, what element calls to you?"


    "Lightning," Kai replied without hesitation. "I find its raw power and speed fascinating."


    Elder Feng nodded approvingly. "A fine choice. Lightning cultivation is challenging, but rewarding. Perhaps, if you join our sect, I could give you some pointers."


    The meal continued, with Elder Feng telling them tales of the Azure Sky Sect''s glorious history. Kai listened attentively, filing away every piece of information for future use. Knowledge is power, especially in a world like this.


    As the final dishes were cleared away, Elder Feng set down his teacup and fixed Kai with an intense gaze. "Young Kai, I will be honest, you''ve caught my eye. I rarely take personal disciples, but I see great potential in you. How would you like to become my disciple, here and now?"


    I knew this was coming, Kai thought. If I were in his position, I''d do the same. Snatch up the promising recruit before anyone else gets the chance.


    He glanced at Zhang Wei and saw the old man''s smile falter. The look in his eyes clearly said: Politely refuse.


    Kai bowed deeply. "Honored Elder, I''m deeply grateful for your offer. But... I''m not ready to make such a momentous decision yet. I''d like to complete the trials and enter the Azure Sky Sect properly before considering such an honor."


    Elder Feng laughed, a sound that didn''t quite reach his eyes. "My boy, if I take you as my disciple right now, you won''t need to compete in any trials. You''ll become an Azure Sky Sect disciple immediately."


    Kai''s smile stiffened slightly. This elder is persistent. He knows I''m making excuses, but he won''t back down.


    "Thank you again, Honored Elder," Kai said carefully. "But I still feel I need time to think about it. This is a life-changing decision, after all."


    The warmth drained from Elder Feng''s face. "You misunderstand, young Kai. I decide who joins the sect. If you''re not interested in my generous offer, perhaps the Azure Sky Sect has no need of you at all."


    Zhang Wei''s eyes widened in alarm. "Honored Elder, please. The boy means no disrespect. He''s simply overwhelmed by your generosity."


    Kai''s eyes narrowed. He''s trying to intimidate me. But he won''t actually harm me. His reputation as a righteous cultivator is too important, and if word got back to the sect that he killed a prodigy for rejecting his offer, he¡¯d lose his role. And it¡¯s not like he would be able to stop word getting back, Zhang Wei would make sure the sect heard about it.


    Just to be sure, Kai glanced at his map. The green dot representing Elder Feng remained unchanged. Still not hostile. Time to push back a little.


    Kai smiled, the expression not quite reaching his eyes. "Actually, Honored Elder, during our recent trip to the Whispering Woods, the Crimson Phoenix Sect expressed interest in recruiting me. If the Azure Sky Sect isn''t interested, perhaps I should consider their offer instead."


    Zhang Wei''s face went from pale to ashen. Kai could almost hear the old man''s voice in his head: "I told you not to mention them!"


    Elder Feng''s face turned serious, his aura flaring. The pressure of his Pseudo Core Formation cultivation bore down on Kai like a physical weight, making it difficult to breathe.

 TWENTY FIVE: Deception Leveled up!

    "You dare," Feng growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You dare mention those crimson demons in my presence?"


    Maybe I pushed a little too hard there, but I can''t back down now, he thought, fighting to keep his breathing steady. This is definitely a dialogue tree with major consequences. I need to choose my words carefully. Too aggressive, and I''ll trigger a combat event. Too submissive, and I''ll lose reputation points with the Azure Sky Sect.


    "I only wished to be transparent about my options," Kai managed to say, his voice strained but still steady. "They seemed quite eager to recruit new talent. I thought it¡¯s important to consider all opportunities. Surely a sect as great as Azure Sky isn''t threatened by a little competition?"


    For a moment, it seemed as though Outer Elder Feng might actually strike Kai. The air crackled with qi, and both Zhang Wei and Liu Wei looked ready to intervene, futile as it might be.


    Then, unexpectedly, Feng threw back his head and laughed. The oppressive aura vanished as quickly as it had appeared.


    "You''ve got spirit, I''ll give you that," Feng said, wiping a tear from his eye. "Not many would dare to speak to me like that, let alone mention those red-robed bastards."


    He fixed Kai with an appraising look. "Very well. You want to prove yourself in the trials? So be it. But know this - I''ll be watching your performance very closely. Impress me, and my offer still stands. Disappoint me..." His eyes hardened. "Well, let''s just say you''d be better off with a second-rate righteous sect like those Crimson Phoenix bastards."


    "Thank you for your understanding, Outer Elder.¡± Kai bowed. ¡°I won''t let you down."


    As he straightened, Kai caught Zhang Wei''s eye. The old man looked both relieved and exasperated.


    Sorry, old man, Kai thought. But I''m not about to let anyone railroad me into a decision, no matter how powerful they are.


    "Now then," Feng said, his tone lighter as he settled back onto his cushion. "Tell me more about this encounter with the Crimson Phoenix Sect. What exactly did they say to you?"


    Kai''s mind raced. He had never actually met anyone from the Crimson Phoenix Sect. This was a dangerous game he was playing, but he couldn''t back down now. He''d have to fabricate a story, and fast.


    Keep it vague, he told himself. Don''t give too many details that could be disproven.


    "It was during our journey to the Whispering Woods," Kai began, keeping his voice steady. "We encountered a group of cultivators wearing crimson robes. At first, we thought they might be bandits or rogue cultivators, but their demeanor was... different."


    Feng leaned forward, his eyes intense. "Different how?"


    "They weren¡¯t like rogue cultivators, they were disciplined, organized. Their leader approached us directly. He said they were scouting for new talent in the region."


    Kai paused, gauging Feng''s reaction. The Outer Elder''s face remained impassive, but there was a tightness around his eyes that suggested barely contained anger.


    "Go on."


    "They spoke of opportunities their sect could offer - advanced cultivation techniques, access to rare resources. It was... intriguing, I''ll admit."


    Liu Wei shifted uncomfortably beside Kai, clearly confused by this fabricated story. Kai shot him a warning glance, silently urging him to stay quiet.


    "And what did you tell them?" Feng asked, his tone dangerously soft.


    Kai allowed a small smile to play across his lips. "I told them I was flattered by their interest, but that I had other plans. Specifically, that I was hoping to join the Azure Sky Sect."


    Feng''s eyebrows rose slightly. "Oh? And how did they react to that?"


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    "They seemed... disappointed," Kai said, choosing his words carefully. "They made some disparaging remarks about Azure Sky''s traditions, implying that I''d be wasting my potential."


    A low growl escaped Feng''s throat, but he quickly composed himself. "I see. And you weren''t swayed by their... persuasive arguments?"


    Kai shook his head firmly. "No, Outer Elder. I''ve heard stories of the Azure Sky Sect from Elder Zhang, he had already convinced me to join the sect. The Crimson Phoenix Sect might be a powerful rival but I trust Elder Zhang¡¯s judgement, I just hope the trust isn¡¯t misplaced¡­¡±


    He was laying it on thick, and he knew it. But from the pleased glint in Feng''s eye, it seemed to be working.


    "Well said, young Kai," Feng nodded approvingly. "Those devils were trying to lead you astray, you were right to listen to old Zhang. Perhaps I was too hasty in my judgment earlier."


    As Kai began to relax, thinking he had successfully navigated this dangerous conversation, Feng suddenly leaned forward, his eyes boring into Kai''s.


    "Tell me, did they mention any specific plans? Locations they were interested in?"


    Kai''s heart raced. This was the most dangerous part of his deception. He needed to provide something that sounded valuable without being too specific. His mind quickly cycled through common tropes from xianxia stories he''d read back on Earth.


    Secret realm opening? Heavenly tribulation? Ancient inheritance? Come on, there''s got to be something generic enough to be believable...


    "They were careful not to reveal too much," Kai said, feigning thoughtfulness. "But... I do remember overhearing something about a ''Celestial Alignment'' happening soon. They seemed quite focused on preparing for it, though I''m not sure of the details."


    Kai held his breath, hoping he''d struck the right balance. In most xianxia stories, celestial events were prime opportunities for breakthroughs or accessing hidden realms. If the Azure Sky Sect and Crimson Phoenix Sect were truly rivals, it wasn''t far-fetched that they''d both be interested in such an event.


    Feng''s eyes widened fractionally, a flash of recognition crossing his face before he schooled his features back into neutrality.


    "I see," he said, his voice thoughtful. "That is... interesting information. Thank you for sharing it."


    As Feng turned to engage Zhang Wei in conversation, Kai felt a subtle shift in his consciousness. A system notification appeared before him.


    Skill Leveled Up!


    You have successfully deceived a high-level cultivator. Your ability to craft believable lies and maintain composure under pressure has improved.


    Deception has reached Level 4!


    Kai suppressed a smile. Well, that''s certainly useful. Though I''ll need to be careful not to rely on it too much. In this world, getting caught in a lie could be fatal.


    The rest of the evening passed in a blur of polite conversation and veiled probing questions. Kai carefully navigated the social minefield, revealing just enough information to satisfy Outer Elder Feng''s curiosity without giving away too much.


    As the night wore on, Feng finally stood. "Well, this has been an¡­interesting evening. I look forward to seeing how you perform in the trials, young Kai. Don''t disappoint me."


    With that, Elder Feng strode towards the door, pausing only to nod at Zhang Wei. "Thank you for your hospitality, old friend. We''ll speak again soon."


    As the door closed behind the Outer Elder, the tension in the room finally broke. Zhang Wei collapsed into his chair, wiping sweat from his brow.


    "By the heavens, boy," he gasped, staring at Kai with a mix of awe and horror. "What were you thinking, mentioning the Crimson Phoenix Sect? I told you specifically not to bring them up!"


    Kai allowed himself a small smile. "I''m sorry for worrying you, Elder Zhang. But it worked out in the end, didn''t it?"


    Liu Wei shook his head in disbelief. "Master Kai, that was... I''ve never seen anyone stand up to a powerful cultivator like that before."


    "Don''t praise him!" Zhang Wei snapped. "That kind of recklessness could have gotten us all killed!"


    Kai raised his hands in the air. "I understand your concern, Elder Zhang. But I had a feeling Elder Feng wouldn''t actually harm us. He''s too smart for that."


    Zhang Wei sighed. "You''re playing with fire, Kai. The rivalry between the Azure Sky Sect and the Crimson Phoenix Sect goes back centuries. It''s not something to be used as a bargaining chip."


    "I know," Kai said, his expression turning serious. "But I couldn''t let him strong-arm me into becoming his disciple. Something about that offer felt... off."


    Zhang Wei nodded slowly. "You''re not wrong. Feng has always been ambitious. Taking a prodigy like you as his personal disciple would have raised his status in the sect considerably whilst also limiting your development¡­"


    He didn''t need to finish the thought. Kai understood all too well. Politics. It''s always politics, no matter what world you''re in.


    "What do we do now?" Liu Wei asked.


    Kai stood, stretching muscles that had been tense throughout the confrontation. "Now? We prepare for the trials. Once we arrive at the Azure Sky Sect, an Outer Elder like Feng Yuliang wouldn¡¯t mean much."


    Zhang Wei nodded approvingly. "Well said. But Kai..." his expression grew stern, "no more reckless gambles. The cultivation world is not a game. One wrong move could cost you everything."


    If only you knew, Kai thought, suppressing a smile. But you''re right. I need to be more careful.


    "I understand, Elder Zhang," he said aloud. "Thank you for your guidance. And... I''m sorry for causing you so much stress tonight."


    The old man waved off the apology. "What''s done is done. Get some rest, both of you. Oh, and remember to attend the Talent Ceremony tomorrow!¡±

 TWENTY SIX: Regressor? Reincarnator?

    The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the Misty Waterfall Village. Kai stood at the edge of the town square, watching as villagers began to gather for the Talent Ceremony.


    Liu Wei shifted beside him, his eyes darting nervously among the crowd. "It feels strange not to be participating, Master. Do you think the other villagers will resent us for already being cultivators?"


    Kai shook his head, his gaze steady as he scanned the crowd. "I doubt it, Liu Wei. Most of them are probably too focused on their own chances to worry about us."


    Not that it matters what they think anyway, Kai mused. In this world, strength is what counts. As long as they can''t harm us, their opinions are irrelevant.


    Sat on top of Liu Wei''s head, Zhi-Zhi puffed out his tiny chest. "Besides, they should be honored to witness my presence at such an event!"


    Kai suppressed a smile. This little guy''s ego is something else.


    "Let''s focus on observing the ceremony," Kai said, his voice low. "We might spot potential allies or rivals among the candidates."


    Liu Wei nodded, his posture relaxing slightly. "You''re right, Master.¡±


    As more villagers filed into the square, Kai noticed Elder Zhang bustling about, directing people and ensuring everything was in order. The old man''s face was a mixture of excitement and worry.


    He''s probably concerned about how I''ll behave after last night''s... eventful dinner, Kai thought.


    Near the center of the square, a simple wooden chair had been set up on a raised platform. Next to it stood a small table with a velvet cloth draped over it.


    "Look," Liu Wei whispered, pointing. "That must be where the Outer Elder will sit."


    Kai nodded. "And I bet that cloth is covering some sort of testing crystal."


    As if on cue, a hush fell over the crowd. Outer Elder Feng strode into the square, his blue and white robes billowing slightly in the morning breeze. Trailing behind Feng was a frail-looking old man Kai vaguely recognized as the village leader.


    I almost forgot that guy existed, Kai mused. Elder Zhang does all the real work around here.


    The village leader cleared his throat and addressed the crowd in a wavering voice. "Esteemed villagers, welcome to this year''s Talent Ceremony! We are honored to have Outer Elder Feng of the Azure Sky Sect with us today. He will test our youth for cultivation potential using the sacred Spirit Essence Crystal."


    A murmur of excitement rippled through the gathering. Kai watched as parents hugged their children, whispering words of encouragement.


    In every xianxia novel I''ve read, this is always a big moment, Kai thought. The start of the protagonist''s journey. I''d better keep my eyes open.


    Elder Feng took his seat on the wooden chair, his piercing gaze sweeping over the assembled villagers. When his eyes met Kai''s, there was a flicker of... something but it was gone too quickly to tell.


    "Let us begin," Feng announced, his voice carrying easily across the square. He reached for the velvet cloth and pulled it away, revealing a palm-sized crystal that seemed to glow with an inner light.


    Elder Zhang stepped forward, unrolling a scroll. "We will proceed in alphabetical order. When your name is called, please step forward and place your hand on the crystal."


    The first name was called, and a nervous-looking boy of about fifteen stumbled forward. He placed a trembling hand on the crystal, and... nothing happened. The crystal remained dark.


    Feng''s face remained impassive. "Next," he called out.


    And so it went. One by one, the village youth approached the crystal. Most produced no reaction at all. A few caused the crystal to flicker weakly, drawing gasps from the crowd.


    Liu Wei leaned in close to Kai. "Master, how bright does the crystal need to get for someone to be accepted?"


    Kai kept his eyes on the proceedings as he answered. ¡°I¡¯m not too sure but from what I can see, it needs to glow steadily for at least a few seconds. A weak flicker isn''t enough."


    Zhi-Zhi snorted. "If I touched that crystal, it would probably explode from my immense spiritual power!"


    Kai and Liu Wei exchanged amused glances but said nothing.


    As the ceremony continued, Kai found his mind wandering. I wonder if this is how the System chose me back on Earth. Some cosmic crystal deciding I had the right "stats" to be isekai''d?


    His thoughts were interrupted by a collective gasp from the crowd. Kai''s attention snapped back to the platform, where a young girl stood with her hand on the crystal. It was glowing steadily, brighter than it had for anyone else so far.


    Elder Feng leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Interesting," he murmured. "You have some potential, child. Not enough for the Azure Sky Sect, but perhaps one of the smaller sects would take you on."


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The girl''s face fell slightly, but her family erupted in cheers. Kai could understand their excitement. Even the chance to join a minor sect was a big deal in a village like this.


    As the girl stepped down, Elder Zhang called out the next name. "Shen Yu, please step forward."


    A young man detached himself from the crowd. Kai estimated him to be around sixteen, with a lean build and sharp features. What caught Kai''s attention, however, was the boy''s eyes. They were calm, almost unnaturally so for someone about to face a life-changing test.


    I don''t know much about this one, Kai realized. He''s always kept to himself. Could he be...


    As Shen Yu approached the crystal, the crowd fell silent. Even Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi stopped their whispered commentary, caught up in the tension of the moment.


    Shen Yu placed his hand on the crystal without hesitation. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, a faint glow began to emanate from the stone. It grew steadily brighter, until it surpassed any glow before it.


    Outer Elder Feng nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Well done, Shen Yu. You have earned the right to attempt our trials."


    The crowd cheered again, but Kai barely heard them. His eyes were fixed on Shen Yu''s face, watching for any reaction.


    There was none.


    No shock. No joy. No relief. Shen Yu''s expression remained as calm and unreadable as it had been before the test.


    That''s not normal, Kai thought, his mind racing. A village boy with the chance to enter an immortal sect should be ecstatic, or at least surprised. Unless...


    "Master Kai?" Liu Wei''s voice broke through his thoughts. "Is something wrong?"


    Kai shook his head slightly. "No, nothing''s wrong. Just... thinking."


    As Shen Yu melted back into the crowd, Kai''s mind whirled with possibilities. Could he be a hidden protagonist? A reincarnator? A regressor? In xianxia novels, there''s always someone with a secret past or future knowledge.


    He ran through the possibilities:


    Reincarnator: Someone reborn into this world with memories of their past life.


    Regressor: Someone who''s lived through these events before and come back in time to change things. They''d know exactly what to expect, which could explain Shen Yu''s lack of reaction.


    Hidden Protagonist: Someone with a secret background or special ability, waiting for the right moment to reveal themselves.


    Or, Kai reminded himself, he could just be an unusually calm teenager. Not everything has to follow story logic.


    Still, Kai made a mental note to keep an eye on Shen Yu. In a world of cultivation and immortal sects, it paid to be cautious.


    Elder Feng''s voice cut through Kai''s thoughts. "We will depart for the Azure Sky Sect in three days. Those who have been selected should prepare themselves. When we arrive at the sect, that is when the real trial begins."


    As he said this last part, Feng''s eyes locked onto Kai. There was a clear message in that gaze: You''d better be ready.


    Then, almost as an afterthought, Feng''s gaze shifted slightly. His eyes widened as he noticed Zhi-Zhi perched on top of Liu Wei''s head.


    Crap, Kai thought. He seems interested in our little "master" here.


    As the crowd began to disperse, chattering excitedly about the results of the ceremony, Kai felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Elder Zhang, looking both relieved and apprehensive.


    "Kai, my boy," Zhang said in a low voice. "A word, if you please."


    Kai nodded. "Of course, Elder Zhang. Liu Wei, why don''t you take Zhi-Zhi back to my hut? I''ll meet you there later."


    Liu Wei bowed slightly. "Yes, Master."


    As Liu Wei walked away, Zhi-Zhi''s voice could be heard complaining. "But I wanted to show that Outer Elder my true power! He would have begged me to join his sect!"


    Kai followed Elder Zhang to a quiet corner of the square. The old man''s face was creased with worry.


    "Kai," Zhang began, "I hope you understand the opportunity before you. The Azure Sky Sect is one of the most prestigious in the region. If you impress them during the trials..."


    Kai held up a hand. "I understand, Elder Zhang. I won''t let you down."


    Zhang''s expression softened. "I know you won''t, my boy. It''s just... after last night''s dinner, I worry that you might... ruffle some feathers."


    Kai couldn''t help but smile. "You mean you''re worried I''ll mouth off to the wrong person and get myself killed?"


    Zhang winced. "Well, I wouldn''t put it quite so bluntly, but... yes."


    "Don''t worry," Kai said, his voice taking on a serious tone. "I know how to play the game. I''ll be on my best behavior."


    As long as no one tries to take advantage of me, he added silently.


    Zhang studied Kai''s face for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. I trust you, Kai. Just remember, one wrong move can be fatal."


    "I''ll remember," Kai promised. Trust me, old man, I''ve read enough xianxia to know how cutthroat this world can be.


    As Elder Zhang walked away, Kai''s gaze drifted back to where Shen Yu stood, still as calm and unruffled as before. The boy''s parents were hugging him, tears of joy streaming down their faces, but Shen Yu''s expression remained neutral.


    There''s definitely more to that kid than meets the eye, Kai thought. I''ll need to keep a close watch on him during the trials.


    With that thought, Kai turned and began making his way back to his hut. He had a lot to prepare for in the next three days.


    As Kai walked through the village, he couldn''t help but notice the change in atmosphere. Everywhere he looked, people were talking excitedly about the Talent Ceremony and Shen Yu''s success.


    "Did you see how the crystal lit up for him?"


    "I always knew that Shen boy was special!"


    "Do you think he''ll become a great cultivator?"


    Kai tuned out the chatter, his mind focused on the tasks ahead. I need to make sure I''m fully prepared for these trials. Who knows what kind of tests the Azure Sky Sect will throw at us?


    As he approached his hut, he heard raised voices from inside. Kai sighed. What are those two arguing about now?


    He pushed open the door to find Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi in the middle of a heated debate.


    "I''m telling you, I could have made that crystal explode with my power!" Zhi-Zhi was saying, his tiny face scrunched up in indignation.


    Liu Wei rolled his eyes. "And I''m telling you, Master Zhi-Zhi, that''s not how the test works. It''s not about raw power, it''s about potential and affinity."


    "Hmph!" Zhi-Zhi turned his back on Liu Wei. "What do you know about it, anyway? You''re just a former bandit!"


    Liu Wei''s face flushed with anger, but before he could retort, Kai cleared his throat loudly.


    Both Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi turned to look at him, their argument forgotten for the moment.


    "Master Kai!" Liu Wei said, bowing slightly. "How did your talk with Elder Zhang go?"


    Kai moved into the hut, closing the door behind him. "It went fine. He''s just worried about how we''ll behave at the Azure Sky Sect."


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up his chest. "He needn''t worry about me! I''ll show those sect elders what true nobility looks like!"


    Kai and Liu Wei exchanged glances, both trying not to laugh.


    "I''m sure you will, Zhi-Zhi," Kai said, keeping his voice neutral. "But for now, we need to focus on preparing for the journey and the trials ahead."


    Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "What should we do first, Master Kai?"


    If this were a game, now would be the time to grind for experience and upgrade our equipment. Kai thought as he sat down on a simple wooden stool. But apart from that Roach Carapace Fragment, I don¡¯t have any other materials that could make a worthwhile item.


    "Well, it¡¯s too late to attempt another breakthrough now," Kai said aloud, "instead we need to make sure we have a few techniques up our sleeves. It¡¯s time I teach you some techniques!¡±

 TWENTY SEVEN: New System Feature Unlocked: Teaching XP

    Kai sat cross-legged in the fields outside his little hut. Opposite him, Liu Wei mirrored his position, his expression a mix of eagerness and nervousness. To Kai''s right, Zhi-Zhi sat on a smooth stone.


    "Alright, Liu Wei,¡± Kai began. ¡°We''re going to start with the Swift Wind Step technique."


    "I''ve been looking forward to learning this for years, Master!¡± Liu Wei exclaimed.


    Kai smiled, pleased by Liu Wei''s enthusiasm. "Well, thanks to that fruit you ate in the Whispering Woods, which boosted your wind affinity by 20%, you''re in an excellent position to learn it quickly."


    "I¡¯m ready to begin but Master," Liu Wei said, his brow furrowing in confusion, "why focus on this technique specifically? Wouldn''t it be better to work on overall qi cultivation with the Azure Sky Sect trials so close?"


    "Good question. In a perfect world, we''d have time to round out all aspects of your cultivation. But we don''t have that luxury. The trials are just around the corner, and we need to play to your strengths." Kai paused, letting his words sink in. "Your main advantage is your speed and agility. The Swift Wind Step will enhance those natural talents. In a trial situation, being able to move quickly and unpredictably could make all the difference."


    It''s basic gaming strategy, Kai mused. Buff your strongest stats first, especially when you''re on a time crunch.


    Liu Wei''s eyes lit up with understanding. "I see! So, we''re focusing on what I''m already good at, rather than trying to improve my weaknesses."


    "Exactly," Kai nodded approvingly. "In the long run, we''ll work on all aspects of your cultivation. But for now, we need to make you as formidable as possible in your areas of strength."


    Zhi-Zhi, who had been uncharacteristically quiet until now, suddenly spoke up. "Ah, yes! As the ancient saying goes: ''A fish that swims faster than the current need not worry about the direction of the river.''"


    Kai and Liu Wei exchanged puzzled glances.


    "Um, Zhi-Zhi," Kai began gently, "I''m not sure that saying really applies here. Or... exists at all."


    The tortoise puffed up indignantly. "Of course it does! It''s a very old and wise saying. You humans simply haven''t lived long enough to hear it."


    Right, because you''re such an ancient and wise being at the ripe old age of... what, a hundred? Kai thought, suppressing a smirk. Instead, he reached out and patted Zhi-Zhi''s shell. "Of course, Zhi-Zhi. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us."


    Looking pleased with himself, the tortoise settled back onto his stone.


    Turning his attention back to Liu Wei, Kai took a moment to gather his thoughts. When he''d used the Skill Scroll for Swift Wind Step, the scroll had disintegrated, its knowledge absorbed directly into his mind. He understood the technique on a fundamental level, but translating that understanding into teachable instructions was proving to be a challenge.


    It''s like trying to explain how to ride a bike, Kai mused. You know how to do it, but putting it into words is trickier than you''d expect.


    "Okay," Kai began, "the key to the Swift Wind Step is in the name itself. You''re not just moving quickly; you''re becoming one with the wind. Start by visualizing your qi as a gentle breeze flowing through your body."


    Liu Wei closed his eyes, his face scrunching up in concentration.


    "Don''t force it," Kai advised. "Let the qi flow naturally, like a stream finding its path. Now, focus on your feet. Imagine the wind gathering there, coiling like a spring."


    Liu Wei nodded, his eyes still closed.


    "When you''re ready to move, release that coiled energy. Let it propel you forward, but don''t fight against it. Move with the flow of the wind."


    Kai watched as Liu Wei''s face twisted in confusion. Maybe I''m being too abstract, he thought. Time for a more practical demonstration.


    "Here, let me show you," Kai said, standing up. He took a few steps back, giving himself some room. "Watch closely."


    Kai closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He felt his qi stirring, responding to his will. In his mind''s eye, he saw it swirling around his feet, building up like a miniature cyclone. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he released it.


    To Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi, it looked as if Kai had simply vanished. A heartbeat later, he reappeared several meters away, leaves and dust swirling in his wake.


    "Wow!" Liu Wei exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement. "That was incredible, Master!"


    Even Zhi-Zhi looked impressed, though he quickly hid it behind a mask of indifference. "Hmph. I suppose that''s somewhat impressive. For a human."


    Kai walked back to his starting position, a slight smile on his face. "That''s the basic idea. Now you try, Liu Wei. Remember, visualize the wind, gather it at your feet, then release."


    Liu Wei nodded eagerly, getting to his feet. He closed his eyes, his face a mask of intense concentration. After a few moments, he opened his eyes and tried to move.


    Instead of the graceful dash Kai had demonstrated, Liu Wei stumbled forward awkwardly, nearly falling flat on his face.


    "That''s... not quite right," Kai said, trying to keep the amusement out of his voice.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Liu Wei''s face fell. "I don''t understand. What am I doing wrong?"


    Before Kai could respond, Zhi-Zhi spoke up. "Ah, young human, you''re thinking about it all wrong! You need to be more... more..." The tortoise paused, clearly struggling to come up with something profound. "More wind-like! Yes, that''s it. Be the wind!"


    Liu Wei''s confusion only seemed to deepen. "Be... the wind? How do I do that?"


    Zhi-Zhi nodded sagely. "It''s simple! Just... um... blow around? No, wait, that''s not right. Swoosh! Yes, you need to swoosh!"


    Kai couldn''t help but chuckle at the tortoise''s well-meaning but utterly useless advice. "I think what our wise friend is trying to say," he interjected, shooting an amused glance at Zhi-Zhi, "is that you need to relax more. You''re too tense."


    He stood up, walking over to Liu Wei. "Here, let me try to explain it differently. Forget about the wind for a moment. Focus on your body. Feel the energy flowing through you."


    Liu Wei nodded, closing his eyes again.


    "Now, imagine that energy gathering in your core," Kai continued, his voice calm and steady. "When you''re ready to move, let that energy flow down to your feet, then push off with it. Don''t try to control every aspect of the movement. Let your body flow with the energy."


    Liu Wei''s brow furrowed in concentration. He took a deep breath, held it for a moment, then exhaled slowly. Suddenly, he moved.


    It wasn''t as smooth or as fast as Kai''s demonstration, but it was a definite improvement. Liu Wei managed to dash forward several steps before stumbling to a stop.


    "That''s it!" Kai exclaimed, genuinely pleased. "That''s the basic idea. You just need to refine it now."


    Liu Wei''s face lit up with a mixture of pride and excitement. "I did it! I mean, it wasn''t perfect, but I felt it! The energy, the movement... it was amazing!"


    Zhi-Zhi huffed from his perch on the stone. "Well, I suppose it wasn''t terrible. For a beginner."


    Kai smiled at the tortoise''s backhanded compliment. "High praise from our esteemed spirit beast friend."


    Turning back to Liu Wei, Kai''s expression grew more serious. "Now comes the hard part. You need to practice this over and over until it becomes second nature. The goal is to be able to use the Swift Wind Step without even thinking about it."


    Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "I understand, Master Kai. I won''t let you down!"


    For the next hour, Liu Wei practiced the technique relentlessly. Each attempt brought small improvements, but also new challenges. Sometimes he would move too quickly and lose his balance. Other times, he wouldn''t gather enough energy and would barely move at all.


    Kai watched closely, offering advice and encouragement. "Remember, it''s not just about speed. It''s about control. Feel the flow of energy and move with it, not against it."


    As Liu Wei continued to practice, Zhi-Zhi couldn''t resist adding his own commentary. "Bah! What good is all this running around anyway? True strength lies in standing your ground!"


    "Oh?¡± Kai raised an eyebrow at the tortoise. ¡°And I suppose you''d just hide in your shell if an enemy attacked?"


    "Hide?¡± Zhi-Zhi puffed up. ¡°I never hide! I strategically defend myself with my impenetrable armor!"


    Kai chuckled, reaching out to pat the tortoise''s shell again. "Of course you do. But remember, Zhi-Zhi, not all of us are blessed with such formidable defenses. We fragile humans sometimes need to rely on speed and agility."


    The tortoise seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding sagely. "Ah, yes. I suppose you poor, shell-less creatures must make do with what you have. Carry on with your running practice, then."


    As Liu Wei continued his attempts, Kai found his mind wandering. It''s strange, he thought. In all the games I''ve played, learning skills was instantaneous. Click a button, spend some points, and bam! New ability unlocked. But here, even with my gamer-like abilities, learning a skill instantanously is one thing, but you still got to put in the practice.


    He watched as Liu Wei made another attempt, this time managing to dash several meters before losing control and tumbling to the ground. The young man got up, brushing dirt from his clothes, a look of determination on his face.


    He''s got potential, Kai mused. More than I initially gave him credit for. With the right training, he could become a formidable cultivator.


    A notification popped up in Kai''s vision:


    Liu Wei''s Loyalty: 85/100


    As Liu Wei prepared for another attempt, Kai called out, "Wait a moment, Liu Wei. Let''s take a short break. You don''t want to exhaust your qi reserves completely."


    Liu Wei nodded, wiping sweat from his brow as he walked back to where Kai and Zhi-Zhi were sitting. He plopped down on the grass, breathing heavily.


    "How am I doing, Master Kai?" he asked, a mix of hope and anxiety in his voice.


    Kai considered his answer carefully. In a game, I''d have exact stats to reference. Here, I have to rely on observation and intuition. "You''re making good progress," he said finally. "Your control is improving with each attempt. The key now is to make the movement more fluid, more natural."


    Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "I think I understand. It''s like... like when I used to scout for the bandits. I had to move quickly and quietly, without thinking about each individual step."


    "That''s a good analogy, Liu Wei. This technique isn''t so different from that. The main difference is that you''re using qi to enhance your natural abilities."


    Just as Kai finished talking, he noticed a message pop up.


    New Title Acquired: Novice Instructor


    Description: Your efforts in teaching others have been recognized. You now have a 5% increased chance of successfully imparting knowledge when instructing others in skills or techniques you know.


    New System Feature Unlocked: Teaching XP


    You can now earn XP from teaching. XP will be gained when a student successfully learns or improves in a skill you''re teaching.


    Kai''s eyebrows rose slightly, but he managed to keep his expression neutral. Another title, and a new system feature? This could be a game-changer.


    He quickly glanced at his existing title:


    Village Protector


    Description: You have proven yourself as a defender of Misty Waterfall Village.


    +10% to all stats when fighting to protect the village or its inhabitants.


    Interesting, Kai thought. This new title is more specialized, but it could be incredibly valuable in the long run. Especially if I end up taking on more disciples in the future. And earning XP from teaching? That''s a whole new avenue for progression.


    He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand. "Alright, Liu Wei. Now that you''ve got the basic movement down, let''s work on incorporating it into combat situations."


    Liu Wei''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Like how you used it against those rogue cultivators? That was incredible, Master. One moment you were there, the next you were behind them."


    Kai nodded, pleased by Liu Wei''s enthusiasm and recollection. "Exactly. The true power of the Swift Wind Step comes from how you use it in battle. It''s not just about moving fast; it''s about moving smart."


    "I remember," Liu Wei said. "You used it to dodge attacks that seemed impossible to avoid, and to strike from unexpected angles. It was like you were everywhere at once."


    ¡°Those are exactly the kind of applications we''ll be working on,¡± Kai nodded. ¡°The technique can be used both offensively and defensively."


    "So, how do we practice these combat applications, Master?" Liu Wei asked eagerly.


    ¡°Let''s set up a little test,¡± Kai grinned. ¡°I want you to try and tag me using the Swift Wind Step. Don''t hold back - I can handle it."


    "Tag you?" Liu Wei''s eyes widened. "But Master, you''re so much more skilled with the technique than I am."


    "That''s the point," Kai explained. "In a real battle, your opponents won''t go easy on you. This will help you learn to use the technique under pressure. Remember how I used it against the rogue cultivators - try to apply those same principles."


    Liu Wei took a deep breath. "I understand. I''ll do my best."

 TWENTY EIGHT: Spirit Stones

    "Before we start," Kai said, his expression turning serious, "I''m going to suppress my qi to Stage 3 Qi Refining. It''ll make things fairer and give you a fighting chance."


    Kai closed his eyes, focusing inward at the qi flowing through his meridians. Slowly, he began to restrict the that flow, dampening his energy until it matched that of a Stage 3 Qi Refining cultivator.


    This should level the playing field a bit, Kai thought. It''ll make things more challenging for me too, which is perfect for training.


    Opening his eyes, Kai noticed Liu Wei watching him with anticipation.


    "Now, let''s begin," Kai said, a slight smirk playing on his lips.


    Without warning, he activated his Swift Wind Step. Even with his qi suppressed, the world around him blurred as he moved with impressive speed, leaving a swirl of dust in his wake. He reappeared behind Liu Wei, tapping him lightly on the shoulder.


    "Too slow."


    Before Liu Wei could react, Kai was gone again, moving to a new position. He watched as his student frantically scanned the area, trying to locate him. He needs to feel the qi, not rely on his eyes, Kai thought.


    From his vantage point, Kai observed Liu Wei closing his eyes, presumably sensing the flow of energy around him. Good, he''s starting to get it.


    Suddenly, Liu Wei''s eyes snapped open, and he gathered qi in his feet, propelling himself forward. Kai watched, impressed, as his student moved faster than ever before, the world blurring around him.


    "Not bad," Kai said. "But you''re still thinking too linearly. The Swift Wind Step isn''t just about moving fast in a straight line."


    Liu Wei nodded, catching his breath. "I understand. I need to be more... unpredictable?"


    "Exactly," Kai confirmed. "Now, let''s try again. This time, focus on changing directions mid-step."


    As they continued to practice, Zhi-Zhi watched from his rock, his expression a mixture of boredom and poorly concealed jealousy. "Hmph," he muttered. "I could move that fast too if I wanted to. I just choose not to."


    Kai, overhearing the tortoise''s grumbling, called out, "Feel free to join us, Zhi-Zhi. I''m sure Liu Wei would benefit from trying to dodge your... um... lightning-fast attacks."


    The tortoise''s eyes widened in alarm. "Ah, no, that''s quite alright. I wouldn''t want to... er... overwhelm you with my superior combat techniques."


    "Of course," Kai said, trying not to laugh. "I''m sure you''d be great at this if you weren''t so focused on ''standing your ground.'' It must be tough being so strategically immobile."


    "It''s not immobility!¡± Zhi-Zhi puffed up. ¡°It''s... it''s tactical positioning! Something you flighty humans wouldn''t understand!"


    "Right, tactical positioning," Kai nodded solemnly, winking at Liu Wei. "Well, if you change your mind about showing us your ''lightning-fast'' moves, just let us know."


    Zhi-Zhi retreated partway into his shell, muttering something about "disrespectful youngsters who don''t appreciate the finer points of combat strategy."


    Kai shook his head at the tortoise¡¯s antics as he turned his attention back to Liu Wei, the young man was improving rapidly. His movements were becoming smoother, more fluid. He''s got real potential, Kai thought approvingly.


    After about an hour of practice, Liu Wei was panting heavily, sweat beading on his forehead. Despite his fatigue, there was a gleam of excitement in his eyes.


    "This is amazing, Master Kai," he said between breaths. "I''ve never moved like this before. It''s like... like I''m becoming one with the wind itself."


    Kai nodded, pleased with his student''s progress. "That''s exactly the feeling you should have. The Swift Wind Step isn''t just a technique - it''s a way of harmonizing with the natural world around you."


    As Liu Wei took a moment to rest, Kai considered his next move. In a game, this would be the point where I''d increase the difficulty, he mused. But I need to be careful not to push him too hard too fast.


    "Alright, Liu Wei," Kai announced. "You''re doing well, but let''s make things a bit more challenging."


    Liu Wei straightened up, his fatigue seemingly forgotten in the face of a new challenge. "I''m ready, Master. What did you have in mind?"


    Kai grinned. "This time, I''m going to fight back. Nothing too serious - just some light sparring. Your goal is still to tag me, but now you''ll have to dodge my attacks as well."


    "Now this sounds interesting!¡± Zhi-Zhi perked up. ¡°Finally, some real action!"


    Kai raised an eyebrow at the tortoise. "Oh? And here I thought you didn''t approve of all this ''running around''."


    Zhi-Zhi huffed, trying to maintain his dignified air. "Well, I suppose there might be some small value in learning to dodge. Not that I need to, of course, with my impenetrable shell."


    For someone who claims to be above it all, he sure is invested in our training, Kai thought, amused. Aloud, he said, "Well then, Zhi-Zhi, why don''t you be our referee? Make sure we''re following the rules."


    "Yes, yes, I suppose I could do that. Someone needs to keep you humans in line, after all."


    As Zhi-Zhi settled into his new role, Kai turned back to Liu Wei. "Remember, the goal is still to tag me. But now you''ll need to be aware of my movements as well. Ready?"


    Liu Wei nodded, settling into a ready stance. "Ready, Master."


    "Then begin!"


    Kai activated his Swift Wind Step, disappearing in a blur of motion. Liu Wei, anticipating this, immediately moved as well. The field became a whirlwind of activity as master and student dashed back and forth.


    To an outside observer, it would have looked like a strange dance. Kai would appear in one spot, arm outstretched to tag Liu Wei, only for the younger man to vanish just in time. Liu Wei, in turn, would materialize behind Kai, fingers grasping at empty air as Kai slipped away.


    "Keep your movements unpredictable," Kai called out as he dodged another of Liu Wei''s attempts. "Don''t fall into a pattern!"


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Liu Wei gritted his teeth, focusing intently. He gathered qi in his feet, preparing to dash forward, but at the last moment changed direction, spinning to his left instead.


    The sudden change caught Kai off guard. For a brief moment, his eyes widened in surprise. Clever, he thought approvingly. He''s learning fast.


    But even as Liu Wei''s fingers brushed the fabric of his robe, Kai was already moving, twisting away in a graceful arc.


    "Close," Kai said with a grin. "But not quite close enough."


    Liu Wei didn''t respond, already gathering qi for his next attempt. His face was a mask of concentration, eyes darting back and forth as he tried to predict Kai''s next move.


    From his position on the rock, Zhi-Zhi was practically bouncing with excitement. "Oh! He almost had you there, Kai! Come on, Liu Wei, show him what you''ve got!"


    Zhi-Zhi sure is getting into it, Kai thought, amused by the tortoise''s enthusiasm.


    As the sparring continued, Kai noticed Liu Wei''s movements becoming smoother, more instinctive. He''s starting to get it, Kai realized. The Swift Wind Step isn''t just a technique to be used consciously. At its highest level, it becomes an extension of the cultivator''s will.


    Deciding to test Liu Wei''s progress, Kai suddenly changed tactics. Instead of dodging, he went on the offensive, his hand darting out in a mock strike towards Liu Wei''s chest.


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened in surprise, but his body reacted instinctively. Qi surged through his legs, and he blurred backwards, narrowly avoiding Kai''s touch.


    "Good!" Kai called out encouragingly. "That''s exactly what I was looking for. You''re starting to internalize the technique."


    Liu Wei''s face lit up at the praise, but he didn''t let it distract him. Immediately, he launched into another series of rapid movements, trying to catch Kai off guard.


    As they continued to spar, Kai felt a familiar sensation. It was subtle at first, a slight tingling in his extremities. But as he executed another Swift Wind Step, narrowly avoiding Liu Wei''s outstretched hand, the feeling intensified.


    Is this...? Kai thought, excitement building. Yes, I think it is!


    Sure enough, a moment later, a notification appeared in his vision:


    Skill Leveled Up!


    Swift Wind Step has reached Level 4!


    Your Agility increases by 40% when activated


    You have gained 50 XP!


    Kai couldn''t help but smirk. This is why it''s better to have a training partner, he thought. The pressure of real combat, even simulated, pushes you to improve faster than solo practice ever could.


    "Alright, Liu Wei, let''s take a break. You''ve earned it."


    Liu Wei, panting heavily, nodded gratefully. He stumbled over to where Zhi-Zhi was sat, collapsing onto the grass beside the rock.


    "That was... intense," Liu Wei gasped out between breaths.


    Zhi-Zhi nodded sagely. "Indeed, indeed. You humans and your running around. I must admit, it was... somewhat impressive. For beings without shells, of course."


    Kai joined them, settling down on the grass. He felt a sense of satisfaction as he looked at Liu Wei. The young man was exhausted, but there was a new light in his eyes, a confidence that hadn''t been there before.


    He''s growing, Kai thought approvingly. Not just in skill, but in spirit. This is what it means to be a teacher.


    As if in response to his thoughts, another notification appeared:


    Teaching XP Gained: 50 XP


    Kai nodded to himself, pleased. Not bad for a day''s work. Liu Wei is improving rapidly, and I''m gaining XP from teaching. It''s a win-win situation.


    "You did well today, Liu Wei," Kai said aloud. "You''re grasping the essence of the Swift Wind Step faster than I expected."


    Liu Wei''s face lit up at the praise. "Thank you, Master. It''s... it''s incredible."


    Zhi-Zhi huffed. "Yes, yes, very impressive. But let''s not forget the importance of a strong defense. Perhaps tomorrow we could focus on something more... stationary?"


    Kai chuckled. "Don''t worry, Zhi-Zhi. We''ll get to defensive techniques soon enough. But for now, Liu Wei needs to focus on mastering this skill."


    ***


    As the sun began to set, they decided to call it a day. Liu Wei bowed deeply to Kai. "Thank you for the lesson, Master. I''ll continue to practice on my own."


    "Good," Kai nodded. "Remember, consistent practice is key. Even a little bit each day will yield results over time."


    Just like grinding skills in an RPG, Kai thought. Small, consistent gains add up to big improvements.


    As Liu Wei headed back to his own quarters, Zhi-Zhi waddled over to Kai. "I suppose you did an adequate job teaching the boy," the tortoise said grudgingly.


    Kai grinned. "Why, Zhi-Zhi, was that almost a compliment?"


    The tortoise huffed. "Don''t let it go to your head. I''ve seen better teachers in my time. Of course, they were all tortoises..."


    "Of course they were," Kai said, trying not to laugh. "Come on, let''s head back. I think we''ve both earned some rest."


    As they made their way back to Kai''s hut, he found himself reflecting on the day''s training. In games, training montages are usually just cutscenes or time skips. But, the process itself is valuable. There''s so much to learn from the act of teaching.


    Once inside, Kai settled onto his bed, crossing his legs in a meditative pose. Zhi-Zhi retreated into his shell in the corner of the room, pretending to meditate but quickly falling asleep. For such a small creature, his snores were surprisingly loud.


    Alright, Kai thought, time to check out this crafting menu.


    He focused his mind, and a translucent window appeared before him:


    Crafting Menu


    Available Materials:


    - Roach Carapace Fragment (Rare) x1


    Recipes:


    - None available


    Craft an item:


    [ ] + [ ] = ???


    Just as I thought, Kai sighed. The Roach Carapace Fragment is a rare material, but by itself, it''s useless for crafting. And even though, I have enough spirit stones from the bandits to probably buy some basic materials, the Misty Waterfall Village doesn''t exactly have a thriving market for cultivation resources.


    Closing the crafting menu, Kai reached into his inventory and pulled out a spirit stone. It was about the size of a small pebble, glowing with a soft, blue light. As he held it in his palm, he could feel the qi pulsing within it, like a tiny heartbeat.


    I''ve been using XP to level up so far because I''m always in the middle of action, Kai mused. But now that I have some downtime, let''s see if these spirit stones are as useful as they claim to be in all those novels.


    Kai closed his eyes, recalling the Basic Qi Gathering technique Zhang Wei had taught him. He focused on his dantian, the energy center in his lower abdomen, and began to circulate his qi.


    Breathe in, drawing qi from the spirit stone. Breathe out, guiding it through the meridians, then circle it into the dantian.


    As Kai cycled his breath and qi, he could feel the spirit stone in his hand growing cooler. The qi within it was slowly being drawn into his body, refining and strengthening his own energy.


    Time seemed to stretch as Kai focused on the technique. He lost track of how long he sat there, absorbing the qi from the spirit stone. Finally, when he could no longer sense any energy within the stone, he opened his eyes.


    The once-glowing spirit stone was now dull and lifeless in his palm, its energy completely depleted. As Kai set it aside, he noticed a notification:


    Skill Leveled Up!


    Basic Qi Gathering technique has reached Level 2!


    You can now gather qi 2x faster.


    You have gained 50 XP!


    Kai smiled, pleased with the progress. He quickly checked his stats:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    XP: 155/2000


    Level: 7


    Qi: 200/200


    My qi is back to full, and I gained 5 XP from absorbing the spirit stone. But that''s it. Kai frowned, doing some quick mental math. At this rate, I''d need almost 350 spirit stones to break through to Level 8. That''s... not great.


    Kai shook his head, putting the thought aside. The Basic Qi Gathering technique is just that - basic. Once I enter the sect, I''ll gain access to better techniques. The conversion rate from those should be much higher and more worthwhile.


    He looked at the dull spirit stone, turning it over in his hand. There''s no point in grinding to level up this basic technique when I''ll be replacing it soon. Better to save my resources for when they''ll have a bigger impact.


    Stretching out on his bed, Kai let his mind wander to the next day''s training plans. Tomorrow, I''ll work on my Iron Skin skill, he thought with a wry smile. The only way to level up Iron Skin is to become a punching bag. It''s not going to be comfortable, but no pain, no gain, right?


    In the corner, Zhi-Zhi let out a particularly loud snore, briefly interrupting Kai''s thoughts.


    At least someone''s getting a good night''s sleep, Kai thought, amused. I wonder if spirit beasts dream? And if they do, what does a baby tortoise dream about?


    Shaking his head at the thought, Kai closed his eyes, allowing himself to fall asleep.

 TWENTY NINE: Rebound Skill

    The next morning, Kai woke up feeling refreshed. He sat up and glanced over at Zhi-Zhi''s corner.


    The little tortoise was already awake, he was perfectly positioned so his shell gleamed in the early morning light, giving him a dignified and wise look.


    I bet he''s been awake for hours, trying to get that ''wise old master'' effect just right, Kai thought, amused. Did he practice different poses? Test out various angles to catch the light? I can almost picture him shuffling back and forth, muttering about optimal feng shui for maximum sagacity.


    "Good morning, Zhi-Zhi," Kai said, smiling. "Ready for some training?"


    "A true cultivator is always ready to impart wisdom, young Kai,¡± the tortoise replied. ¡°I suppose I can spare some time to oversee your training."


    "I''m honored by your generosity," Kai said, keeping his face straight with effort. "Shall we head outside?"


    As they made their way to the training field, Kai spotted Liu Wei already there, practicing the Swift Wind Step. The young man was dashing back and forth across the field, his movements growing smoother with each repetition.


    "Excellent work, Liu Wei!" Kai called out as they approached. "Your control is improving rapidly."


    Liu Wei stopped, bowing deeply to Kai. "Thank you, Master. I''ve been practicing since dawn."


    Kai nodded. "Keep at it for now - I''m going to work on a different skill this morning."


    As Liu Wei resumed his practice, Kai turned to Zhi-Zhi. "Alright, my friend. Today, we''re going to work on defensive techniques. Specifically, my Iron Skin skill."


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes lit up. "Ah, now that''s a proper technique! None of this dashing about nonsense. A strong defense is the foundation of true power!"


    Says the creature with a built-in shield, Kai thought wryly. But he nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And who better to learn from than a master of defense like yourself?"


    The tortoise preened at the compliment. "Well, I suppose I could share some of my vast knowledge. What exactly does this ''Iron Skin'' technique entail?"


    Kai explained the basics of the skill - how it allowed him to reinforce his body with qi, increasing his durability and resistance to damage. "The tricky part," he concluded, "is that to increase my skill, I need to actually take hits while the skill is active."


    Zhi-Zhi nodded. "Ah, yes. The time-honored tradition of learning through pain. Very wise."


    Easy for you to say, Kai thought. You''re not the one who''s about to get beaten up.


    "So," Kai said, clapping his hands together. "I''m going to activate the skill, and then I need you to... well, attack me."


    The tortoise'' blinked. "Are you certain, young Kai? My power is not to be underestimated."


    "Absolutely,¡± Kai nodded. ¡°I''m counting on your strength for this. As a Peak Qi Refining cultivator, your attacks will be perfect for pushing my Iron Skin to its limits."


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up with pride. "Finally, you recognize my true power! Prepare yourself, young Kai. You''re about to experience the might of a superior cultivator!"


    This is going to hurt, Kai thought, steeling himself. But pain is just another form of experience points in this world.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "I''m ready when you are, Zhi-Zhi." Kai announced, his skin taking on a subtle metallic sheen.


    The tortoise''s eyes gleamed with anticipation. Without warning, he charged forward with surprising speed for his stubby legs. His head connected with Kai''s shin with a resounding THWACK.


    "Gah!" Kai gasped, stumbling back. Even through his Iron Skin, the force of the blow was impressive. Yep, definitely going to feel that tomorrow.


    "Ha!" Zhi-Zhi exclaimed, looking smug. "How''s that for a wake-up call?"


    Kai grinned through the pain. "Excellent start. Keep it coming!"


    For the next hour, Zhi-Zhi unleashed a barrage of physical attacks. His lack of agility didn''t matter since Kai was deliberately standing still, acting as a willing punching bag. Each impact pushed Kai''s Iron Skin technique to its limit, the constant stress forcing it to adapt and grow stronger.


    "Adamantine Shell Slam!" Zhi-Zhi cried out, withdrawing into his shell. It began to glow with a soft, golden light before he shot forward like a cannonball, slamming into Kai''s midsection.


    "Oof!" Kai wheezed, doubling over. His Iron Skin flickered but held. This is exactly what I needed. High-level impacts to really test the technique''s limits.


    As they continued, Kai could feel his Iron Skin growing more resilient. The impacts, while still jarring, were becoming easier to withstand.


    Finally, Zhi-Zhi stepped back, looking slightly winded but immensely satisfied. "Ready for the grand finale, young Kai? I''ll show you a true qi technique!"


    Kai nodded, bracing himself. This is where the real test begins.


    Zhi-Zhi''s shell began to glow brightly, the air around him crackled as he gathered his qi. "Celestial Tortoise''s Roar!"


    A visible wave of qi, far more potent than Kai had anticipated, erupted from Zhi-Zhi''s mouth. It slammed into Kai with devastating force, completely overwhelming his Iron Skin technique.


    Kai felt the protective layer shatter like glass, the remaining energy crashing into his now-unprotected body. The impact lifted him off his feet, sending him flying backward several meters before he crashed to the ground with a painful thud.


    "Urgh..." Kai groaned, struggling to catch his breath. Every part of his body ached, and he could already feel bruises forming.


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes widened in shock. He quickly waddled over to Kai, his earlier bravado replaced by genuine concern. "Kai! Are you alright? I... I didn''t mean to... that is... oh dear. I may have... slightly miscalculated the power required for a human of your... fragile constitution."


    Despite the pain, Kai couldn''t help but chuckle at Zhi-Zhi''s flustered state. He held up a hand, waving off the apology. "It''s okay, Zhi-Zhi. This is exactly what I needed."


    Zhi-Zhi blinked in confusion. "You... needed to be blasted across the field?"


    Kai smiled but before he could respond, his attention was caught by a notification that had appeared:


    Iron Skin has reached Level 4!


    Your Durability increases by 40% when activated


    New ability unlocked: Iron Rebound - Damage absorbed has a 5% chance to be reflected back at the attacker


    "Wait, what?" Kai muttered, momentarily forgetting his pain. "Iron Rebound?"


    This is new, he thought, his mind racing. The scroll never mentioned anything about reflecting damage. Is this some kind of hidden ability?


    Zhi-Zhi, still looking concerned, tilted his head. "What is it, Kai? Are you alright?"


    Kai nodded absently, his thoughts elsewhere. "Yeah, I''m fine. Just... surprised."


    Could it be that all skills have secret abilities that aren''t known? Kai wondered. Or is this something unique to my situation?


    He thought back to the games he used to play, how sometimes skills would evolve or unlock new abilities as they leveled up. But this felt different. The Iron Skin scroll had been quite detailed in its description, and there had been no hint of this reflective ability.


    Or maybe, Kai mused, a new idea forming, the system is giving me new abilities based on how I use the skills. I''ve been using Iron Skin as a punching bag, taking hit after hit. Could that have influenced its evolution?


    If this was true, it meant that Kai had even more control over his growth than he''d initially thought. By using skills in specific ways, he might be able to shape their development.


    "Kai?" Zhi-Zhi''s voice broke through his thoughts. "Are you sure you''re alright? Perhaps I really did overdo it with that last attack."


    Kai shook his head, focusing back on the present. He gave Zhi-Zhi a reassuring smile. "No, you did exactly what I needed, Zhi-Zhi. In fact, you helped me discover something incredibly valuable."


    The tortoise puffed up slightly, curiosity overriding his concern. "Oh? And what might that be?"


    Kai patted Zhi-Zhi''s shell. "Let''s just say that sometimes, pushing past your limits can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Thank you for your help, my friend."


    As they made their way back to the hut, Kai was limping slightly but had a satisfied smile on his face. If this is true for Iron Skin, what about my other skills? What hidden potential might they have?


    He knew one thing for certain - he had a lot more experimenting to do.

 THIRTY: The Tutorial Area is Complete

    A few days had passed since the Talent Ceremony, Kai, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi made their way through the busy crowd as they headed towards the village entrance.


    Just a few more steps, and we''re off to the Azure Sky Sect, Kai thought. Time to see if all that grinding was enough.


    He glanced at the tiny spirit beast sitting on Liu Wei''s head. Zhi-Zhi had his chest puffed out, looking for all the world like a proud emperor surveying his domain.


    "Zhi-Zhi," Kai said, breaking the silence, "are you absolutely sure you want to come with us to the Azure Sky Sect? It¡¯s more of a place for human cultivators, I¡¯m not sure how they treat spirit beasts there."


    The tortoise turned his head, fixing Kai with a haughty stare. "Of course I''m sure! You two clearly need my guidance and protection. Consider yourselves lucky I''ve decided to grace you with my presence."


    Liu Wei chuckled nervously. "We''re certainly grateful, Master Zhi-Zhi. Though I hope we won''t need too much protection at a righteous sect."


    "Ha!" Zhi-Zhi scoffed. "You clearly don''t know much about cultivator politics, my naive disciple. Even ''righteous'' sects can be cutthroat."


    Kai nodded, his expression turning serious. "Zhi-Zhi''s right, Liu Wei. We need to be on our guard, especially..." He trailed off, remembering Elder Feng''s keen interest in their spirit beast companion.


    "Especially what, Master?" Liu Wei asked, his brow furrowing with concern.


    Kai shook his head. "Nothing specific. Just... keep your wits about you, both of you. And Zhi-Zhi, try not to draw too much attention, okay?"


    The spirit beast huffed. "As if I could help being extraordinary! But fine, I''ll try to dim my radiance... a little."


    As they walked, Kai''s thoughts drifted to the new skill he''d unlocked. Iron Rebound. Five percent chance to reflect damage... not bad for a passive ability. But why couldn''t I unlock anything new from Wind Step or Flame Palm?


    He''d spent hours over the past few days pushing those skills to their limits, hoping to trigger some hidden technique or evolution. But no matter how he varied his qi flow or adjusted his movements, nothing new had manifested.


    Maybe there''s a cooldown on skill evolution? Or perhaps Iron Skin was just a special case. I''ll have to keep experimenting.


    Liu Wei''s voice broke through Kai''s musings. "Master, do you think... do you think we''ll make it into the sect?"


    Kai turned to his companion, noting the anxiety on Liu Wei''s face. The former bandit had made remarkable progress in his cultivation, but his confidence still lagged behind his abilities.


    "We''ve got a good chance," Kai replied. "You''ve worked hard, Liu Wei. Your Wind affinity is strong, and you''ve got skills that many pampered young masters lack. Just stay focused during the trials and trust in your abilities."


    Liu Wei nodded, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "Thank you, Master. I just... I can''t help but worry. This is such a big opportunity, and after everything that happened with the bandits..."


    "Hey," Kai said, placing a hand on Liu Wei''s shoulder. "The past is the past. You''re not that person anymore. Actually, you were never that kind of person. The Azure Sky Sect will see that."


    At least, I hope they will, Kai added silently. If not, we might need to find a backup plan.


    As they approached the village entrance, Kai spotted Elder Zhang Wei deep in conversation with Outer Elder Feng. The two older cultivators stood apart from a small crowd of villagers, their expressions serious.


    Kai''s gaze swept the gathering, quickly locating Shen Yu. The mysterious youth stood silently by Elder Feng''s side, his face an expressionless mask. Unlike the other villagers, who buzzed with excitement and nervous energy, Shen Yu seemed utterly unaffected by the momentous occasion.


    Still playing it cool, huh? Kai mused, studying the boy. Either he''s got nerves of steel or...


    His train of thought was interrupted as Elder Zhang spotted their approach. The old man''s face lit up with a mixture of pride and concern.


    "Ah, there you are!" Zhang called out, waving them over. "Come, come. Elder Feng was just asking about you."


    As they drew closer, Kai noticed Elder Feng''s gaze fixate on Zhi-Zhi. The Outer Elder''s eyes narrowed slightly, a calculating look visible for just a moment before his expression smoothed into a benign smile. ¡°Are you prepared for your journey?"


    Kai bowed. "Yes, Elder Feng. We''re ready to depart."


    Elder Feng''s eyes turned to Zhi-Zhi, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "And who might this little one belong to? I don''t believe I''ve seen such an... interesting spirit beast before."


    Before Kai could answer, Zhi-Zhi bristled. "I am the great Zhi-Zhi! And I belong to no one, thank you very much. I''m not some common pet to be owned and paraded about! I am my own master!"


    A hush fell over the villagers. Even Liu Wei seemed to hold his breath, waiting to see how the Outer Elder would react to the spirit beast¡¯s bluntness or as some would call it, rudeness.


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Elder Feng''s eyes widened slightly before a smile spread across his face. It wasn''t a kind smile, though. There was something predatory lurking beneath the surface.


    Crap, Kai thought. All he is thinking now is that Zhi-Zhi is up for grabs. This could be trouble.


    "My apologies, noble spirit beast," Feng said, his tone smooth as silk. "I meant no offense. It''s rare to encounter one such as yourself, especially in a small village like this."


    Kai stepped forward, hoping to redirect the conversation. "Zhi-Zhi has been a great help to us, Elder Feng. He is our friend, and his wisdom has been invaluable in our cultivation journey."


    "I''m sure it has," Feng murmured, his gaze still locked on the tiny tortoise.


    Elder Zhang cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "Well then, shall we proceed with the farewells? I''m sure you''re eager to be on your way."


    The next few minutes passed in a blur of tearful goodbyes and well-wishes from the villagers. Kai found himself surrounded by people he''d barely spoken to during his time in the village, all suddenly eager to claim a connection to the promising young cultivator.


    Kai turned to Elder Zhang. The old man''s eyes were misty, though he tried to hide it behind a gruff exterior.


    "Elder Zhang," Kai said, bowing deeply. "I can''t thank you enough for everything you''ve taught me."


    Zhang waved off the thanks, though Kai could see he was pleased. "Bah, you did all the hard work yourself, boy. I just pointed you in the right direction. Now, remember what I taught you about sect politics. Keep your head down, work hard, and don''t draw too much attention to yourself."


    "I''ll do my best, Elder Zhang. And don''t worry about the village. I''m sure they''ll be fine without us."


    At this, Kai turned to Elder Feng, his expression carefully neutral. "Although, I must admit I am a bit concerned, Elder Feng. The village was recently attacked by bandits, and now that we''re leaving..."


    He let the implication hang in the air, watching Feng''s reaction closely.


    The Outer Elder waved a hand dismissively. "You needn''t worry. Should any of you successfully enter the Azure Sky Sect, the village will naturally fall under our protection."


    Elder Zhang nodded in agreement. "It''s true. When I was still a disciple of the sect, Misty Waterfall Village enjoyed the full protection of Azure Sky. It was only after I... left that they had to fend for themselves."


    It makes sense that the sect''s protection is conditional on having an active disciple.


    As Kai continued saying his goodbye, he made his way to a certain old man. "Chen Lao."


    Chen Lao''s eyes crinkled with a mixture of pride and sadness. "Ah, young Kai. Look at you now, off to join a great sect. Hard to believe it''s the same lost boy who stumbled into our village a few weeks ago.¡±


    Kai bowed to the old man. "I owe you a great debt, Chen Lao. You gave me a place to stay, work in the granary... you helped me find my feet."


    Chen Lao waved off the thanks. "Bah, you repaid that debt a hundred times over with your hard work and by protecting the village. Just don''t forget us little folk when you become a great immortal, eh?"


    Kai grinned, clasping the old man''s shoulder. "I could never forget you, Chen Lao. Take care of yourself, and keep an eye on that leaky roof of yours."


    As Chen Lao stepped back, Mei Li, the village chief''s daughter, approached Kai with a shy smile.


    "Master Kai," she said, bowing slightly. "I... we... wanted to thank you again. For saving us from the bandits. Who knows what would have happened if you hadn''t been here."


    Kai blinked, taken aback by the formal address. Master? That''s new. What happened to just ''Kai''?


    "Mei Li," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice, "since when am I ''Master Kai'' to you? Did I miss some kind of promotion ceremony?"


    Mei Li''s cheeks flushed a deeper red. "Well, you''re going to be an official immortal now, aren''t you? It... it seemed appropriate."


    Ah, so that''s it, Kai thought. The illusion of equality is shattered. Now I''m one of those distant, powerful cultivators in her eyes.


    "I appreciate the respect, Mei Li, but I''m still the same person who taught you how to throw a proper punch. Speaking of which, don''t forget what I taught you about self-defense. Keep practicing, and stay vigilant."


    Mei Li nodded. "I will... Kai. We all will. Thanks to you, we''re better prepared now."


    Kai noticed her hesitation before using his name, but he smiled encouragingly. It''s probably for the best, he mused. In this world, maintaining a certain distance might be safer for her in the long run.


    As Mei Li stepped back, joining her father and the other villagers, Kai''s gaze was drawn once more to Shen Yu. The boy stood stoically as his family wept and clung to him, his expression never wavering. It was as if their tears and pleas simply didn''t register.


    Kai stepped closer, curiosity getting the better of him. As he approached, Shen Yu''s eyes met his. The boy held Kai''s gaze steadily, showing no hint of intimidation or deference.


    That''s... not normal, Kai thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. I''m at Qi Refining Stage 7. He should be able to sense my cultivation, even if he can''t see my exact level, he should feel a natural pressure weighing down on him. So why isn''t he reacting at all?


    As if in response to his thoughts, a message flashed before Kai''s eyes:


    Name: Shen Yu


    Level: Mortal


    Kai blinked in surprise. Either he really is just a talented kid, or he has a way to hide himself from the system¡­


    His thoughts were interrupted by Elder Feng''s voice. "Attention, everyone! It''s time for us to depart."


    The Outer Elder raised his hand, a look of concentration passing over his face. With a flash of light, a small object appeared in his palm. As the light faded, Kai saw that it was a miniature ark, no larger than a child''s toy boat.


    Right on cue, Kai thought, suppressing a smirk. The magical transport item. Typical recruiter gear in every xianxia story I''ve read.


    Elder Feng smiled at the gathered crowd. "This is a simple transportation artifact. Now, young cultivators, please step forward."


    As Kai, Liu Wei, and Shen Yu moved towards the ark, Zhi-Zhi looked down from his vantage point on Liu Wei''s head.


    "That tiny thing is supposed to carry us?" the spirit beast scoffed. "I''ve seen more impressive vessels in puddles!"


    Elder Feng''s smile tightened slightly. "I assure you, noble spirit beast, this ark is more than capable of transporting us safely and swiftly to the Azure Sky Sect."


    Zhi-Zhi huffed but said nothing more, settling back into his favorite spot.


    Elder Feng made a subtle gesture with his hand. Suddenly, the miniature boat began to grow, expanding rapidly before their eyes.


    A gasp rose from the villagers as the tiny ark swelled to the size of a small ship, easily large enough to accommodate their group. Even Liu Wei''s eyes widened in awe.


    "It... it grew!" one villager exclaimed.


    "Immortal magic!" another whispered.


    Kai maintained his neutral expression, entirely unsurprised by the display. Standard size-changing artifact. Probably mass-produced by the sect''s artificers for these recruitment trips.


    As they prepared to board, Kai took one last look at the village that had been his home for the past month. Some of the faces he knew well, others only in passing, but all had been part of his introduction to this world.


    It''s strange. In games, you never think twice about leaving the starting village. But now...


    He pushed the thought aside. There was no time for sentimentality. The Azure Sky Sect was waiting, and with it, new challenges and opportunities.


    This is it. The tutorial area is complete. Time for the real game to begin.

 THIRTY ONE: Shen Yus cultivation

    The moment Kai''s foot touched the deck of the ark, he felt a subtle shift in the ambient qi. It was as if the air around them had been brought to life. He glanced at Liu Wei, wondering if his companion had noticed the change. Judging by the wide-eyed look on Liu Wei''s face, he had.


    "Impressive, isn''t it?" Elder Feng said, a hint of pride in his voice. "This ark is infused with wind and water-attributed spirit stones. It can cover vast distances in a fraction of the time it would take to travel on foot."


    Zhi-Zhi, still sat on Liu Wei''s head, snorted. "I''ve seen faster. Why, in my younger days, I once rode a bolt of lightning across half the continent!"


    Kai suppressed a smile. I really need to get the full story behind Zhi-Zhi sometime. His backstory keeps getting more and more ridiculous.


    As Shen Yu boarded the ark, Kai watched him closely. The boy''s movements were smooth and graceful, betraying a level of body control that seemed at odds with his apparent lack of cultivation.


    Another anomaly, Kai thought. His stats say he''s just a normal mortal, but he moves like a trained martial artist. What''s your deal, Shen Yu?


    Once everyone was aboard, Elder Feng made a series of complex hand gestures. The ark shuddered slightly, then began to rise into the air.


    Liu Wei gasped, clutching the railing. "We''re... we''re flying!"


    "Of course we are," Zhi-Zhi said, rolling his eyes. "Did you expect us to sail through the trees?"


    Kai placed a hand on Liu Wei''s shoulder. "It''s okay, Liu Wei. This is perfectly normal for cultivators. Just think of it as... an extremely smooth carriage ride."


    As the ark ascended above the treetops, Kai took a moment to survey their surroundings. The village looked tiny from this height, a cluster of buildings nestled in a sea of green. In the distance, he could make out the faint outline of mountains, their peaks shrouded in mist.


    So that''s where we''re headed, Kai mused. The Azure Sky Sect is probably located on one of those peaks. It looks so close but is actually so far away, classic xianxia style.


    Elder Feng''s voice broke through Kai''s thoughts. "Young cultivators, our journey will take several hours. I suggest you use this time wisely. For those of you who have already begun your cultivation journey, quiet meditation would be appropriate."


    The Outer Elder''s gaze settled on Shen Yu. "As for you, young man, I believe it''s time you learned the basics of qi sensing and gathering. Come, sit with me."


    Kai watched with interest as Shen Yu moved to sit cross-legged in front of Elder Feng. The boy''s face remained impassive, but Kai thought he detected a flicker of... something in his eyes. Anticipation? Or was it recognition?


    This should be interesting, Kai thought. Let''s see how an expert teaches the basics... and how our mysterious friend here reacts.


    Elder Feng smiled at Shen Yu. "Now then, young one. Before we begin gathering qi, you must first learn to sense it. Your body can already feel qi, but your mind needs to recognize and interpret those sensations."


    Shen Yu nodded. There was no hint of the nervousness or excitement one might expect from a complete novice.


    "Close your eyes," Elder Feng instructed. "Take a deep breath and try to feel the world around you. Don''t focus on what you can hear or smell. Instead, try to sense the energy that flows through all things."


    Shen Yu obeyed, his eyelids sliding shut as he took a deep breath. His posture was perfect, Kai noticed, as if he''d sat in meditation a thousand times before.


    "Good," Elder Feng continued. "Now, I''m going to release a small amount of qi. Try to feel it with your mind, not your body."


    Kai watched as Elder Feng extended his hand, palm facing Shen Yu. A faint, barely visible shimmer appeared in the air between them.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    "Do you feel anything?" Elder Feng asked.


    "Yes," Shen Yu said simply. "I can sense it clearly."


    Elder Feng''s eyebrows rose slightly. "Oh? That''s... quite impressive for a first attempt. Can you describe what you''re sensing?"


    "It''s like a gentle current," Shen Yu replied, his eyes still closed. "Warm and flowing, but intangible. It reminds me of sunlight on water."


    That''s an oddly poetic description for someone who''s supposedly never sensed qi before, Kai thought.


    Elder Feng seemed equally surprised but quickly composed himself. "Well done, Shen Yu. You have a natural talent for this. Now that you can sense qi, we can move on to gathering it."


    The elder''s voice took on a more instructional tone. "Qi gathering is the foundation of all cultivation. First, I want you to focus on your breathing and imagine a warm light at the center of your body, behind your navel. This is your dantian, the core of your qi."


    Shen Yu nodded, his breathing steady and rhythmic.


    "As you breathe in," Elder Feng continued, "imagine you''re drawing in the qi you can now sense from the world around you. It enters through your nose, flows down to your dantian, and makes that light grow. As you breathe out, let that energy circulate through your body."


    As Kai watched, he saw a faint shimmer begin to form around Shen Yu almost immediately. It was subtle, but to Kai''s trained senses, it was unmistakable.


    That''s... not normal, Kai thought, his mind racing. Even a prodigy shouldn''t be able to gather qi this quickly on their first try.


    Elder Feng''s eyes widened, a look of astonishment crossing his face. "Shen Yu, this is... remarkable. You''re already beginning to circulate qi. Can you feel it?"


    "Yes," Shen Yu replied calmly. "It''s moving in a circular path, just as you described. From the dantian, up the spine, over the head, down the front, and back to the core."


    Elder Feng seemed at a loss for words for a moment. "That''s... that''s correct. The microcosmic orbit. But how did you...?"


    Shen Yu opened his eyes, his gaze meeting Elder Feng''s. "It just felt natural," he said, his voice neither boastful nor apologetic.


    Natural? There''s nothing natural about this. Either Shen Yu is the biggest cultivation prodigy I''ve ever seen, or...


    A message flashed before Kai''s eyes:


    Shen Yu


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 1


    Qi: 10/10


    Strength: 15


    Agility: 15


    Endurance: 15


    Skills: Basic Qi Circulation


    Or he really isn¡¯t what he seems, but whatever he is, Shen Yu just became the most interesting person on this boat.


    Suddenly, Shen Yu''s eyes darted across the horizon, his usual calm demeanor was tinged with a hint of tension.


    "We should be careful," he said quietly.


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why''s that?"


    Instead of answering, Shen Yu just shook his head slightly.


    Kai frowned. Something about Shen Yu''s warning set off alarm bells in his mind. He decided to check his map. His eyes widened as he noticed three large red spots appear on the map, moving rapidly towards their position.


    What the hell? Kai thought. Those can''t be good.


    Before he could voice his concerns, the boat suddenly rocked violently. Something large whooshed past, barely missing them.


    "What was that?" Liu Wei cried out, stumbling to keep his balance.


    The boat rocked again as another shape flew by. And then a third time.


    Kai gripped the railing, his mind racing. Three fast-moving objects. Big enough to shake the boat. Just what kind of beasts are we up against.


    As if in answer to his thoughts, three massive winged creatures burst into view. They circled the ark, their powerful wings creating gusts of wind that buffeted the small vessel.


    Kai''s eyes widened as he took in their appearance. Each beast was easily the size of a small house, with wings spanning at least thirty feet. Their bodies were covered in scales that shimmered in the sunlight. One drake was a deep blue. Another was a vibrant green. The last one, larger than the others, had rich purple scales.


    Great, Kai thought. Dragon wannabes.


    A quick glance at his status window confirmed his fears:


    Thunderwing Drake


    Level: Foundation Establishment (Peak)


    HP: 4000/4000


    "Liu Wei, Zhi-Zhi, stay low," Kai said. "These aren''t your average birds."


    Liu Wei nodded, his face pale. "Y-yes, Master Kai."


    Zhi-Zhi, however, puffed out his tiny chest. "Ha! As if I would cower before such lowly beasts," the spirit tortoise declared as he waddled over to a corner of the boat and plopped down. "I shall allow you youngsters the chance to prove yourselves. Consider this a valuable learning experience!"


    With that, Zhi-Zhi retreated into his shell, leaving only his eyes peeking out.


    I¡¯m not surprised at the least, Kai shook his head with a smile at the tortoise¡¯s antics.


    Elder Feng stood at the bow of the ark, his face grim as he surveyed the circling drakes. Kai approached him.


    "Elder Feng," Kai said, keeping his voice low. "What are our options here?"


    The Outer Elder''s expression was tense. "This is... unfortunate. While I am at the Pseudo Core Formation realm, which would typically be enough to handle three Peak Foundation Establishment creatures, an aerial battle changes things significantly."


    Right. Humans aren''t exactly built for midair combat. And he''s outnumbered three to one.


    "What about the ark?" Kai asked. "What are its defensive capabilities?"


    Elder Feng shook his head. "I''m afraid this vessel was designed for travel, not combat. It has no significant defensive measures."


    Damn, Kai thought. But I guess that makes sense. Sects probably wouldn''t waste resources on defenses for a simple recruitment trip. Talk about bad luck.

 THIRTY TWO: So Much for Protagonist Luck

    "Stay on the boat," Elder Feng commanded as he drew his sword and leapt into the air. The blade glowed with qi, allowing him to stand on it as if it were a flying platform.


    There it is! The classic ¡®flying sword¡¯, Kai¡¯s eyes widened. I wonder how long it¡¯ll take me to learn it.


    As the elder met the three Thunderwing Drakes in the air, the beasts began to circle him. Elder Feng made sure to keep his back to the boat, not letting them get around him.


    When the first drake dove at him, mouth open wide, Elder Feng didn''t even flinch. He raised his hand, and a powerful gust of wind slammed into the drake, sending it tumbling backward.


    The other two drakes attacked from opposite sides, trying to catch Elder Feng between them. Lightning crackled around their mouths, building up for a devastating attack. But Elder Feng was ready.


    He spun in the air, his robes flapping wildly. As the drakes unleashed their lightning strikes, Elder Feng''s hands shot out, fingers splayed. Two brilliant bolts of lightning erupted from his palms, meeting the drakes'' attacks mid-air.


    The beasts shrieked in pain, their scales smoking. They backed away, regrouping.


    Nice crowd control, Kai thought, watching closely. He''s not just defending, he''s controlling the battlefield.


    Elder Feng pressed his advantage, he thrust his palm towards the green drake, unleashing a concentrated blast of wind that slammed into its chest, sending it tumbling backward.


    The purple drake retaliated, its jaws crackling with electricity as it lunged for Elder Feng''s leg. The elder pivoted mid-air, narrowly avoiding the bite. In the same motion, he brought his elbow down on the drake''s neck, channeling a bolt of lightning through the strike. The beast convulsed, smoke rising from its scales.


    It''s like watching a wizard duel, Kai thought.


    The blue drake circled around, trying to flank Elder Feng. It inhaled deeply as it began to gather lightning qi. Elder Feng noticed just in time. He raised both hands, forming a swirling vortex of wind between them. As the drake released a stream of lightning, Elder Feng''s wind barrier caught the attack, dispersing it harmlessly into the air.


    Without missing a beat, Elder Feng clasped his hands together. The air around him began to ripple and distort. Suddenly, he threw his arms wide, and a shockwave of pure qi erupted in all directions. The drakes shrieked as the invisible force battered their bodies, sending them reeling.


    Elder Feng has area-of-effect attacks to handle multiple enemies, and he''s using the sky as his arena. Smart, Kai nodded.


    The green drake, recovering fastest, dove at Elder Feng with its claws extended. The elder met the attack head-on, his fist crackling with lightning as it collided with the drake''s talons. There was a blinding flash and a thunderous boom.


    When Kai''s vision cleared, he saw the drake''s front leg hanging limply, its scales blackened and cracked.


    The purple drake''s tail whipped towards the elder, only for him to catch it bare-handed, using the beast''s momentum to swing it into its blue companion. Both drakes crashed into each other with a sickening crunch.


    He''s making it look easy, if it was me fighting, I wouldn''t last more than a few seconds against even one of these drakes, Kai realized, a chill running down his spine. The gap between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment is big but the gap between the stages of Foundation Establishment seem even bigger. A Pseudo Core Formation cultivator really is on another level.


    One of the drakes, frustrated, tried to dive past Elder Feng towards the boat. The elder''s eyes widened. He abandoned his offensive, racing to intercept the drake.


    "Wind Wall!" Elder Feng shouted, throwing both hands forward. A massive barrier of swirling air appeared between the drake and the boat.


    The drake slammed into the wind wall, roaring in anger. But Elder Feng''s quick defense left him vulnerable. The other two drakes seized the opportunity, one biting into his shoulder while the other raked its claws across his back.


    Elder Feng grunted in pain but didn''t falter. He maintained the wind wall, protecting the boat even as blood soaked his robes.


    Damn, Kai thought, his fists clenched. He could have dodged that if he wasn''t worried about us.


    As the battle raged on, the elder struggled to fend off all three drakes while still protecting the boat, his movements were slower, his attacks less powerful, his actions more cautious.


    He needs help, Kai thought desperately. But what can we do? At our level, we''d just get in the way¡­


    "The elder is making a mistake," Shen Yu¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts.


    Kai''s ears perked up at this. He moved closer to Shen Yu. "What do you mean?"


    Shen Yu turned to look at Kai, his eyes unreadable. For a moment, Kai thought the boy might not answer. Then, to his surprise, Shen Yu spoke.


    "The Thunderwing Drakes have a weakness to sound. High-pitched noises disorient them."


    "And how exactly do you know that?"


    Shen Yu shook his head. "That''s beside the point. We need to help the elder before he gets himself killed trying to protect us."


    He''s deflecting, Kai thought. But he''s also right. We need to do something.


    Making a split-second decision, Kai focused on his hand, channeling his qi, he began to shape the energy.


    Let''s see... circular shape, thin material for better resonance... Kai''s brow furrowed in concentration as he molded the qi. Slowly, a translucent gong took shape in his hand.


    Shen Yu nodded approvingly. "I was just going to suggest you do that."


    Liu Wei, who had been watching wide-eyed, finally found his voice. "Master, what are you doing?"


    Before Kai could answer, Zhi-Zhi''s muffled voice came from within his shell. "Isn''t it obvious? He''s creating a sonic weapon to exploit the drake¡¯s auditory vulnerability! I was going to suggest it myself, but I wanted to see if any of you would figure it out."


    Kai suppressed a smirk. Nice save, "Master" Zhi-Zhi. Pretend you knew all along.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    With the gong formed, Kai quickly shaped another qi construct - this time, a simple hammer. He knew he had to work fast; maintaining multiple qi constructs was taxing, and he could only hold them for a few seconds at most.


    Usually, that''s fine for battle, Kai mused. Quick tripwires or barriers to catch opponents off guard. But this needs to pack punch after punch.


    Without wasting another moment, Kai brought the hammer down on the gong. A clear, resonant tone rang out, surprisingly loud for its size. The effect on the Thunderwing Drakes was immediate and dramatic.


    The blue-scaled beast was the closest, it recoiled violently at the sound. Its wings suddenly buckled, causing it to drop several feet in the air. It thrashed its head from side to side, eyes unfocused and disoriented.


    The drake with green-tinged scales let out a high-pitched screech. Its flight pattern became erratic, spiraling awkwardly as it tried to escape the sound.


    The larger drake with purple markings seemed the least affected. Still, it shook its massive head, momentarily stunned.


    Elder Feng was also startled by the unexpected sound but he recovered quickly. His eyes narrowed, recognizing the opportunity Kai had created.


    With a burst of speed, Elder Feng shot towards the blue drake - the most vulnerable target. Wind and lightning crackled around his outstretched hand. He struck the drake''s exposed underbelly, just behind its left foreleg where the scales were thinnest.


    The impact was devastating. Lightning arced through the drake''s body, and a sickening crack echoed as ribs shattered under the force of the blow. The blue drake''s eyes rolled back, and it let out an agonized roar.


    Smoke rising from its scales, the injured drake desperately flapped its wings as it fled from battle.


    The green and purple drakes, however, shook off their disorientation quickly. Their eyes, now glowing with rage, fixed on Elder Feng. With ear-splitting shrieks, they charged at him simultaneously.


    It worked better than I expected, Kai thought. But those two recovered fast. And now they look pissed. I need to give the elder another opening.


    As the gong dissipated, he immediately began forming another one. While he worked, he heard Shen Yu speak up again.


    "I''ve never seen anyone form qi constructs as easily as you do," the boy commented, a hint of genuine interest in his voice.


    Kai couldn''t help but laugh. "Well, being a mortal, I''d be surprised if you had."


    A moment later, Kai finished shaping the second gong but that was when he noticed something odd. Shen Yu had moved. The boy was now standing on the opposite side of the boat, as far from Kai as he could get without being obvious about it.


    What''s he up to? Kai wondered. But there was no time to dwell on it. The qi constructs would collapse soon, and he needed to act.


    Once again, Kai brought the hammer down on the gong. The sound rang out, even louder than before. This time, the effect on the Thunderwing Drakes was even more pronounced.


    The green drake, already wounded from Elder Feng''s earlier attacks, reacted violently. Its wings seized up, muscles spasming uncontrollably. Unable to maintain its flight, the massive beast began to plummet. It let out a terrified shriek as it fell, its body twisting and turning in a futile attempt to regain control. It quickly plummeted from the sky, its massive body crashing into the forest below.


    The purple drake, however, had a very different reaction. Its eyes began to glow an angry red, and its movements became erratic. Sparks of electricity danced across its scales as its qi went haywire.


    Oh crap. It''s gone into rage mode, Kai''s eyes widened in realization.


    Does everyone in this world have a berserk button or something? he thought, remembering his encounter with the rogue cultivator. Note to self: Kill enemies before they get a chance to powerup.


    Before anyone could react, the enraged drake let out an ear-splitting roar and dove¡­straight at the boat.


    Time seemed to slow down as Kai assessed the situation. Liu Wei was standing closest to the incoming beast. Shen Yu, unsurprisingly, was the farthest away. Zhi-Zhi was still hiding in his shell.


    That sneaky bastard, Kai thought, a mixture of admiration and annoyance coloring his thoughts. He could have warned us.


    At the speed the drake was moving, it would reach them long before Elder Feng could turn around and intercept it. In its berserk state, the beast would likely kill Liu Wei before anyone could stop it.


    Shit, Kai thought, his mind racing. There goes a respawn.


    Without hesitation, he activated his Wind Step skill. In a burst of speed, he appeared in front of Liu Wei, shoving him backward just as the drake reached them.


    "Master, no!" Liu Wei cried out, his eyes wide with horror.


    Kai looked up to see the drake''s glowing red eyes and rows of razor-sharp teeth looming over him.


    Come on, Iron Rebound, Kai prayed. Now would be a really good time to¡ª


    Pain exploded through his body as the drake''s jaws clamped down. There was no magical reflection of damage, no last-second save. Just razor-sharp teeth tearing through flesh and bone.


    The electricity from the bite set every nerve ending on fire. Kai felt his ribs crack like twigs, puncturing lungs and rupturing organs. The drake shook its head violently, and Kai''s world became a blur of agony and vertigo.


    So much for protagonist luck, Kai thought bitterly as darkness began to creep in at the edges of his vision. Guess I¡¯ll just have to respawn.


    As he fell, Kai saw Elder Feng appear behind the beast. The elder shoved his hand right through the drake''s back. His fingers came out the other side, sparking with lightning. The drake began convulsing, its jaws loosening just enough for Kai to fall.


    Kai hit the deck of the boat hard. He could hear Liu Wei screaming "Master!" and Zhi-Zhi''s shell clattering as the spirit tortoise finally emerged.


    As the darkness closed in, the last thing Kai heard was Shen Yu''s whisper.


    "Let''s see if that was also an ¡®illusion¡¯."

 THIRTY THREE: Reset

    Kai opened his eyes to find himself suspended in an endless void. The familiar nothingness surrounded him, just as it had the last time he died. He couldn''t feel his body or see any part of himself. It was as if he had become one with the emptiness.


    Well, this is familiar. At least I know what to expect this time.


    A glowing message materialized before him, its light the only thing visible in the vast darkness:


    Congratulations!


    You have completed the Trident.


    Unlocking new ability!


    Name: Reset


    Description: Reset allows you to respawn back in time. Each prong grants 3 seconds of rewind. As the mark evolves, rewind time may increase.


    Reset? That''s... incredibly powerful. And convenient.


    One of his main concerns had been explaining away his ''deaths'' to increasingly powerful cultivators. The ''illusion'' excuse might work on mortals and low-level practitioners, but someone like Elder Feng would be far more skeptical.


    Looks like I''ve just unlocked the ultimate ''Get Out of Awkward Death Free'' card. No more explaining to suspicious elders why my ''death illusion'' felt so real. Sorry, creepy cultivation uncles, this protagonist''s not getting kidnapped for your secret experiments anytime soon!


    Initiating Reset in 3... 2... 1...


    The void began to melt away, reality bleeding back into existence. Kai found himself observing the scene on the boat, but from an out-of-body perspective. He saw his own corpse sprawled on the deck, blood pooling beneath it.


    Elder Feng stood over the body, his expression unreadable. "How unfortunate," the cultivator murmured. He turned to Zhi-Zhi, who had finally emerged from his shell. "Don''t worry, little one. I''ll take good care of you now."


    Zhi-Zhi bristled, his tiny form shaking with anger. "Care for me? I don''t need anyone to take care of me! Kai wasn''t my caretaker, he was my friend!"


    Kai''s non-existent eyes narrowed. My body''s not even cold, and the elder is already trying to claim Zhi-Zhi. But at least the little guy is loyal.


    His gaze shifted to Shen Yu. The boy was frowning at Kai''s corpse, a look of confusion and... disappointment? It was as if he had expected Kai to spring back to life at any moment.


    What do you know, Shen Yu?


    Before he could ponder further, the scene began to rewind. It was like watching a video in reverse, everything moving backwards at high speed. The rewinding slowed, then stopped completely. Kai found himself looking at a frozen tableau of the boat, mere seconds before his death.


    He saw himself, hands outstretched, in the process of crafting a second qi gong. Shen Yu was frozen mid-step, clearly in the act of distancing himself from the impending danger.


    Sneaky bastard, Kai thought. He knew what was coming but how? Has he experienced this before? If so, was I there in the previous timeline? Or is he actually a reincarnator, with some kind of precognitive ability? Hell, for all I know, he could have his own system.


    Kai shook the thoughts out of his non-existent head as he focused on the plan. Time had rewound to just after he had used the first sound attack on the drakes. He had time to save Liu Wei and himself.


    3... 2... 1...


    Kai felt a pulling sensation, as if his consciousness was being sucked into his body. The world blurred, then snapped back into focus. He was back in his body, hands still forming the qi gong.


    Without missing a beat, Kai called out, "Liu Wei! Come here, quickly!"


    Liu Wei''s head snapped towards him, eyes wide with confusion. "Master?"


    Kai kept his focus on the forming gong. "Move with me," he instructed, stepping sideways towards the far end of the boat.


    Liu Wei hurried to keep pace, stumbling slightly as he moved. "What''s happening?"


    "Just stay close," Kai muttered, his eyes never leaving the qi construct in his hands. They shuffled across the deck, the half-formed gong floating between Kai''s palms.


    As they reached the far side of the boat, they found themselves standing next to Shen Yu, who regarded them with a mixture of surprise and suspicion.


    Sorry, not-so-mysterious boy. We¡¯re all going to survive this time.


    "Zhi-Zhi," Kai called out. "I need you to let Liu Wei use your shell as a shield."


    The tiny tortoise puffed up. "Excuse me? I am not some common piece of armor to be passed around!"


    Kai fixed him with a stern look. "Zhi-Zhi, please. It could save his life."


    Grumbling, Zhi-Zhi relented. "Fine, fine. But only because you asked so nicely." He hopped into Liu Wei''s outstretched hands.


    Liu Wei held the shell-covered spirit beast like a small shield. It wasn''t much, barely the size of a dinner plate, but Kai knew it could deflect a critical blow if needed.


    Now for the encore, Kai thought, focusing on the qi gong he had just created. With a sharp movement, he struck it.


    The clear, resonant tone rang out even louder than before. The effect on the Thunderwing Drakes was immediate and dramatic.


    The green drake, already wounded from Elder Feng''s earlier attacks, reacted violently. Its wings seized up, muscles spasming uncontrollably. Unable to maintain flight, the massive beast began to plummet. It let out a terrified shriek as it fell, its body twisting and turning in a futile attempt to regain control. Within seconds, it had disappeared from view, crashing into the forest below.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The purple drake, however, had a very different reaction. Its eyes began to glow an angry red, and its movements became erratic. Sparks of electricity danced across its scales as its qi went haywire.


    Here we go again, Kai thought, bracing himself. Berserk mode activated.


    The enraged drake let out an ear-splitting roar and dove straight for the boat. But this time, Kai was ready. He, Liu Wei, and Shen Yu were positioned as far from the drake''s trajectory as possible.


    Elder Feng, noticing the beast''s charge, abandoned his offensive stance and raced to intercept it. Lightning crackled around his hands as he positioned himself between the drake and the boat.


    The drake''s jaws snapped shut mere inches from the boat''s railing. In the same instant, Elder Feng''s lightning fist punched clean through the beast''s chest. The drake''s roar turned into a gurgle as electricity coursed through its body.


    With a final, violent spasm, the Thunderwing Drake went limp. Its massive form crashed onto the deck of the boat, causing the entire vessel to rock precariously.


    For a moment, everyone stood frozen, the sudden silence almost deafening after the chaos of battle. Then Elder Feng turned to face them, his robes singed and torn but a triumphant smile on his face.


    "Well done, young Kai," he said, nodding approvingly. "That was quick thinking with the sound attack. And I see you made sure to protect your companions as well. Very commendable."


    "Thank you, Elder Feng,¡± Kai bowed slightly. ¡°I''m just glad we all made it through safely."


    Yeah, all of us except me the first time around, Kai thought bitterly. And you didn''t seem too broken up about that, did you?


    Outwardly, he maintained his polite demeanor. "Your combat skills are truly impressive, Elder. We would have been lost without your protection."


    Elder Feng waved off the compliment, though Kai noticed the pleased glint in his eyes. "It was nothing. Protecting promising young cultivators is part of my duty as an Outer Elder."


    Sure it is, Kai thought. Along with snatching up rare spirit beasts when the opportunity presents itself.


    Liu Wei, still clutching Zhi-Zhi like a shield, stepped forward. "That... that was incredible, Elder Feng! And Master Kai, your quick thinking saved us all!"


    Zhi-Zhi squirmed in Liu Wei''s grasp. "Yes, yes, everyone''s very impressed. Now would you mind putting me down? I am not a handbag!"


    Liu Wei quickly set the spirit beast down, looking sheepish. "Sorry, Master Zhi-Zhi. And thank you for protecting me."


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up his tiny chest. "Well, of course. Someone has to look after you youngsters.


    As the other continued their conversation, a blue screen appeared before Kai.


    Thunderwing Drake eliminated


    Total XP Earned: 8000 Your Share: 2000 XP


    Qi Condensation has reached Level 4!


    You have gained 50 XP


    Huh, party XP distribution, Kai mused, eyeing the numbers. Just like in an MMO. I guess the system considers Elder Feng part of our ''party'' for this fight.


    His gaze drifted to the Outer Elder, who was busy talking to Shen Yu. He doesn''t have a leveling system like mine. All that extra XP, just going to waste. You know, system, if you''re feeling generous, you could always redistribute that unclaimed XP my way. No need to let it disappear into the void.


    Unfortunately, the system remained stubbornly silent on the matter. Kai sighed. Worth a shot, I suppose. Still, two thousand XP isn''t bad for a single encounter. Especially one where I technically died. Wait¡­two thousand XP? That¡¯s enough to¡ª


    His thoughts were cut short as a sudden surge of energy coursed through his body. The qi in his dantian began to churn and expand, breaking through an invisible barrier. Kai felt his meridians widening to accommodate the increased flow of energy.


    A soft golden glow emanated from his skin, lasting only a few seconds but impossible to miss. When it faded, Kai could feel the difference - his qi was denser, more potent, and he had a greater reservoir to draw from.


    Level Up! You are now Level 8!


    The sudden breakthrough didn''t go unnoticed. Elder Feng''s eyebrows shot up in surprise, his gaze sharpening as he studied Kai intently. Liu Wei''s mouth fell open in shock, while Zhi-Zhi stopped mid-rant, his tiny eyes widening at Kai.


    Even Shen Yu, usually so impassive, couldn''t hide his astonishment. The boy''s eyes narrowed, a calculating look replacing his initial surprise.


    "Young Kai," Elder Feng said slowly, "did you just... advance a stage in your cultivation?"


    Kai smiled awkwardly, acutely aware of all the attention focused on him. "Ah, yes," he replied, trying to sound casual. "I was close to breaking through anyway. The intensity of the battle must have given me that final push I needed."


    Close to breaking through from zero to two thousand XP in an instant, sure, Kai thought wryly. But they don''t need to know that.


    "Most impressive. It''s rare to see someone advance so quickly, especially right after such an intense battle. You truly are full of surprises, young Kai."


    Liu Wei looked at Kai with awe. "That''s amazing, Master! To think you could break through again so quickly!"


    Zhi-Zhi, not to be outdone, puffed up. "Well, of course he did! He''s my disciple, after all. I knew he had it in him all along!"


    Kai suppressed a chuckle at the spirit beast''s claim. Sure you did, Zhi-Zhi. Sure you did.


    As the others continued to express their amazement, Kai''s eyes drifted to his right wrist. The familiar trident mark was there, but something had changed. Where before there had been three vibrant red prongs, now one had turned a deep, inky black.


    Interesting, Kai thought, relief washing over him. So, it only used up one prong. That''s much better than I expected.


    He flexed his wrist slightly, studying the mark. I was worried Reset might use all three prongs at once. That would''ve made it a last-resort ability at best. But this... this I can work with.


    Anyways, let¡¯s see what my stats are like now.


    Name: Kai Thorn


    XP: 50/4000


    Level: 8


    Qi: 250/250


    Strength: 60


    Agility: 63


    Endurance: 62


    Intelligence: 30


    Wisdom: 29


    Titles:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Novice Instructor


    </li>


    </ul>


    Elemental Affinities:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Lightning: 20%


    </li>


    </ul>


    Skills:


    Qi Condensation (Level 4)


    Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)


    Unarmed Combat (Level 2)


    Deception (Level 4)


    Iron Skin (Level 3)


    Swift Wind Step (Level 4)


    Flame Palm Strike (Level 3)


    Mental Fortitude (Passive)


    Spirit Beast Communication (Level 1)


    Qi Concealment (Level 1)


    Qi Detection (Level 1)


    Iron Rebound (Level 1)


    4000 XP? That''s... a lot. I can''t exactly expect to kill my way to the next breakthrough. Not unless I want to become the sect''s resident psychopath.


    But if things in the sect are anything like the novels I''ve read..., a small smirk played at the corner of his lips. Well, I''ll probably face plenty of trials there. And if I''m lucky, there might be quests that let me level up faster. Or maybe my growth is going to slow to a snail''s pace now... no, make that a tortoise''s pace.


    With that thought his gaze drifted to Zhi-Zhi, who was currently perched on Liu Wei''s head, giving him advice on what to do when face to face with a dragon.


    "Now listen closely, my naive disciple. When confronted by a dragon, the first thing you must do is compliment its scales. Dragons are vain creatures, you see. A well-placed compliment can mean the difference between being eaten and being... well, only slightly singed."


    Liu Wei''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Um, Zhi-Zhi? Where did this talk of dragons come from? I thought we were discussing the Azure Sky Sect trials..."


    Zhi-Zhi waved a tiny claw dismissively. "Trials, dragons, it''s all the same in the grand scheme of things! Now, as I was saying, after the compliment..."


    "After?" Liu Wei asked, still bewildered but deciding to humor the spirit beast.


    "Why, you run, of course!" Zhi-Zhi declared. "Run as fast as your legs can carry you. Unless you''re me, in which case you stand your ground and challenge the dragon to a battle of wits. I once outsmarted a whole family of celestial dragons, you know. They still speak of it in the heavenly realms to this day!"


    Liu Wei nodded slowly, clearly unsure how to respond to this unexpected tangent. "I... see. Thank you for the advice. I''ll keep it in mind if I ever encounter a dragon."


    Kai shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips as he listened to the tortoise continue to ramble.


    Who knows? Maybe someday that random bit of dragon advice will come in handy. In this world, anything seems possible.

 THIRTY FOUR: I couldnt even take care of my friend when he needed me most!

    Author''s Note


    This chapter will later be swapped with chapter 33, I wanted to give Zhi-Zhi''s POV on Kai''s death and I feel it is better when it comes before the Reset.


    <hr>


    From within the safety of his shell, Zhi-Zhi peeked out at the chaotic scene unfolding before him. His eyes widened as he watched Kai conjure a translucent gong out of pure qi. The young human''s ability to manipulate energy into solid constructs never ceased to amaze the spirit tortoise.


    How does he do that? Zhi-Zhi wondered. I''ve never seen anyone shape qi so easily, not even mother could do that.


    As impressive as Kai''s skill was, it paled in comparison to the terror inspired by the three massive Thunderwing Drakes circling above. Just the aura emanating from the Foundation Establishment beasts made Zhi-Zhi''s shell quiver. If not for the life-saving treasure his mother had given him, he never would have dared venture so far from the safety of the forest.


    Being a spirit beast is terrifying, Zhi-Zhi lamented. Humans want to hunt or tame us, while other beasts want to devour us to increase their power. Why can''t the world just be peaceful? It would be so nice to relax all day without worrying about being eaten or captured.


    But almost as quickly as the thought formed, he shook his head.


    No, peaceful is boring. I don''t like boring. That''s why I left home with Kai in the first place. I wanted fun and adventure! His inner voice took on a slightly whiny tone. I just wish fun didn''t always come with so much danger.


    As Kai brought the qi hammer down on the gong, a resonant tone rang out across the sky. The effect on the Thunderwing Drakes was immediate and dramatic. The beasts recoiled, their wings faltering as the sound disoriented them.


    Amazing! Such a simple trick, yet so effective against Foundation Establishment creatures. I wonder if he''d teach me how to do that, Zhi-Zhi mused. Then he caught himself. But wait, I can''t just ask him outright. I have an image to maintain. If they realize I''m not the wise, all-knowing spirit beast I pretend to be, they''ll never accept me as their master!


    Zhi-Zhi''s mind raced through various scenarios, trying to come up with the perfect plan. Finally, he settled on an idea that seemed foolproof.


    I''ve got it! I''ll tell Kai I want to observe his technique and offer feedback. That way, he''ll have to show me how it''s done and explain the process. Then I can pretend to correct him, maintaining my wise facade while secretly learning the skill!


    Zhi-Zhi congratulated himself on his cunning plan, already imagining all the amazing things he could create with qi constructs.


    I could make a comfy pillow to nap on, or a little parasol for shade, maybe even¡ª


    His daydreaming was cut short by a blur of motion. Kai vanished from where he''d been standing, reappearing in front of Liu Wei just as the terrifying purple drake dove towards the boat. In a split second, Kai shoved the former bandit out of harm''s way.


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes went wide with horror as the drake''s massive jaws clamped down on Kai''s body. Blood sprayed across the deck as the beast''s teeth tore through flesh and bone.


    "No!" Zhi-Zhi cried out, his head emerging fully from his shell for the first time since the battle began. He watched helplessly as Kai''s limp form fell to the deck with a sickening thud.


    Time seemed to stand still. The world around Zhi-Zhi faded away as memories of his past flooded his mind.


    He remembered his early days, alone and afraid. He had never known his true parents, left to fend for himself in a hostile world. It was the ancient spirit tree who had taken pity on him, raising him as her own. But even under her protection, Zhi-Zhi had always felt isolated. The other spirit beasts kept their distance, too afraid of angering his powerful foster mother to risk befriending him.


    And humans... Zhi-Zhi shuddered at the memories. Every encounter with cultivators had ended the same way. They either tried to hunt him for his valuable spirit beast core or attempted to subjugate him as a tamed companion.


    A single tear rolled down Zhi-Zhi''s scaly cheek as he gazed at Kai''s broken body.


    Why? he thought bitterly. Why did it have to be him?


    Unlike the others, Kai had been different. He had saved Zhi-Zhi from those rogue cultivators, even though he had no obligation to do so. He had invited Zhi-Zhi to travel with them, treating him as an equal rather than a prize to be won. And most remarkably, Kai hadn''t been intimidated by Zhi-Zhi''s foster mother. He had accepted the spirit tortoise for who he was, flaws and all.


    He was my friend, Zhi-Zhi realized. My first real friend.


    "Don¡¯t worry little one," Elder Feng''s voice cut through Zhi-Zhi''s grief. ¡°I''ll take good care of you now."


    "Care for me?¡± Zhi-Zhi''s normally high-pitched voice came out as a low growl. His eyes narrowed as he glared at the elder. ¡°I don''t need anyone to take care of me! Kai wasn''t my caretaker, he was my friend!"


    Elder Feng''s brow furrowed. "I understand you''re upset, but¡ª"


    "You understand nothing!" Zhi-Zhi snapped. His tiny body began to glow with a fierce golden light. "Kai was the first person to treat me like an equal, like a true companion. And now he''s gone because you couldn''t protect us!"


    The spirit tortoise''s gaze burned with an intensity that made even the Pseudo Core Formation cultivator take a step back. A golden leaf¡ªthe life-saving treasure gifted to him by his foster mother¡ªappeared in Zhi-Zhi''s clawed hand.


    This is all my fault, Zhi-Zhi thought, his anger giving way to crushing guilt. I should have used the leaf immediately. I shouldn''t have hidden in my shell like a coward.


    "Listen here," Zhi-Zhi said, his voice quavering. "I am Zhi-Zhi, son of the Ancient Spirit Tree. I''ve lived for a hundred years, and I''ve never felt as useless as I do right now."


    The golden leaf in Zhi-Zhi''s hand began to pulse with energy, but it was erratic, matching the spirit beast''s emotions. Elder Feng''s eyes widened as he sensed the immense, unstable power contained within the small talisman.


    "Young spirit beast," Elder Feng said, his voice now tinged with concern, "please, calm yourself. This power¡ª"


    "Calm?" Zhi-Zhi scoffed, tears welling in his eyes. "How can I be calm? I could have saved him! I had this the whole time, and I did nothing!" He raised the golden leaf, his claws trembling. "One touch of this, and even a Pseudo Core Formation cultivator like you wouldn''t stand a chance against my mother''s Nascent Soul attack. But I was too scared to use it when it mattered!"


    Zhi-Zhi''s fierce expression crumbled, replaced by one of anguish and self-loathing. "I hid in my shell while Kai fought. I watched as that drake attacked him, and I did nothing. What kind of friend am I?"


    His grip on the golden leaf tightened, but not with the intent to use it. Instead, it was as if he was clinging to it for comfort. "I''m no mighty spirit beast. I''m just a coward who pretends to be wise. Kai deserved a better friend than me."


    ¡°I should have been braver. I should have fought alongside him. Maybe then..." the leaf''s golden glow began to fade as Zhi-Zhi''s voice trailed off, unable to finish the thought.


    The tortoise looked up at Elder Feng, his eyes filled with a mixture of defiance and despair.


    "So don''t tell me you''ll take care of me," Zhi-Zhi said softly. "I don''t deserve it. I couldn''t even take care of my friend when he needed me most."

 THIRTY FIVE: Arriving at the Sect

    As the flying boat glided through the air, Kai stood at the bow, his eyes fixed on the horizon. The wind whipped through his hair, carrying the scent of mountain air and something else¡ªsomething mystical. In the distance, a magnificent structure began to take shape, growing larger with each passing moment.


    So this is the Azure Sky Sect, it¡¯s everything I imagined it to be.


    The sect sprawled across a series of mountain peaks, connected by impossibly thin bridges that seemed to defy gravity. Pagodas with curved roofs of deep blue tiles reached towards the sky, their eaves adorned with carvings of blue and white dragons. Waterfalls cascaded down the mountainsides, their mist creating rainbows in the sunlight. At the highest peak stood a grand palace, its golden roof gleaming like a beacon.


    It really does seem like something out of a fantasy novel.


    "Impressive, isn''t it?" Elder Feng''s voice broke through Kai''s thoughts.


    Kai nodded, not taking his eyes off the sight before him. "It''s... magnificent."


    Liu Wei stumbled to the railing, his eyes wide. "I''ve never seen anything like it! Master, is this what all sects look like?"


    Kai chuckled. "I wouldn''t know, Liu Wei. This is my first time seeing one too."


    Though I''ve seen plenty in games and anime, he added silently. But nothing quite compares to the real thing.


    Zhi-Zhi, perched on Liu Wei''s head, puffed out his chest. "Bah! You should have seen the Celestial Tortoise Palace in the Heavenly Realms. Now that was impressive. This is... adequate, I suppose."


    Kai raised an eyebrow at the spirit beast. "Oh? And when exactly did you visit this Celestial Tortoise Palace?"


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes darted back and forth. "Well, you see... it was... a very long time ago. Yes, that''s it! So long ago that the details are a bit fuzzy. But trust me, it was magnificent!"


    As they drew closer, Kai noticed formations etched into the mountains. Defensive arrays, he realized. Probably designed to keep out intruders and contain the sect''s qi.


    The boat began its descent, aiming for a large plateau near the base of the central mountain. As they approached, Kai''s eyes widened at the sight before him. The plateau was teeming with people - a sea of faces and colorful robes stretching as far as he could see.


    "Ah, there are the other Outer Elders with their recruits," Elder Feng said, a note of tension in his voice. "We''re... a bit late."


    Late to an important event with this many people? That''s never good in these kinds of stories, Kai thought.


    As their boat touched down on the edge of the plateau, Kai did a quick headcount. There had to be at least a few hundred potential recruits, if not more, each accompanied by their respective Outer Elders. The chatter of the crowd washed over them, a mix of excited whispers and nervous murmurs.


    From within the crowd, several voices rose above the rest, directed at Elder Feng:


    "Well, well, look who finally decided to join us!"


    "If you were any later, Feng, we might have started without you!"


    Elder Feng straightened his robes, putting on a dignified air as he stepped off the boat. "My apologies for the delay, fellow Elders. We encountered some... unexpected challenges on our journey."


    A bald elder with a thick black beard and black eyes scoffed. "Challenges? What kind of challenges could possibly delay an Outer Elder of the Azure Sky Sect?"


    Elder Feng''s expression tightened slightly. "We were attacked by a group of Thunderwing Drakes."


    "Thunderwing Drakes?" another elder, a woman with gray hair, asked incredulously. "And all your recruits survived?"


    Elder Feng nodded, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "Indeed. Thanks in no small part to the quick thinking of one of my recruits."


    Here we go, Kai thought, bracing himself for the attention he knew was coming.


    As if on cue, the other Outer Elders began boasting about their own recruits.


    "Well, that''s certainly impressive," said the bald elder. "But let me introduce you to Xu Na." He gestured to a girl with long black hair and pale skin. "She''s already reached the third stage of Qi Refining, and she''s only fifteen!"


    Third stage at fifteen? Not bad, Kai mused. But not exactly earth-shattering either.


    The gray-haired woman stepped forward. "And this is Zhao Jian," she said, pointing to a muscular young man. "He may be a mortal, but he''s already mastered three different martial arts styles. I expect great things from him once he begins cultivating."


    Martial arts prodigy, huh? Classic trope. Wonder how he''ll stack up once qi gets involved.


    As the introductions continued, Kai noticed a pattern. Most of the recruits were either mortals or in the early stages of Qi Refining. The highest he heard mentioned was a boy named Wu Feng, who had reached the fifth stage.


    Interesting, Kai thought. I''m already ahead of the curve. But this can¡¯t be all of it, for a sect as big as the Azure Sky Sect, there should be some geniuses. Where are the arrogant young masters?


    Finally, Elder Feng cleared his throat. "Allow me to introduce my own recruits. This is Liu Wei, he¡¯s at the third stage of Qi Refining."


    Liu Wei bowed nervously, his face flushed with embarrassment at the sudden attention.


    "And this," Elder Feng continued, a hint of smugness in his voice, "is Kai Thorn. He''s the one who devised the strategy that saved us from the Thunderwing Drakes. Kai has already reached the eighth stage of Qi Refining."


    A shocked silence fell over the gathered elders and recruits. Kai could feel dozens of eyes boring into him, filled with disbelief, suspicion, and in some cases, fear.


    "Eighth stage?" the bald elder sputtered. "That''s... that''s impossible! How could a mere mortal reach such a level without joining a sect?"


    The gray-haired woman narrowed her eyes. "Did you perhaps acquire some sort of treasure, young man? A cultivation manual or a rare herb, perhaps?"


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    "No, Elder," Kai replied. "I simply... practiced a lot."


    Great answer, he chided himself. Very convincing. They''ll definitely believe that.


    The other recruits were whispering among themselves now, casting furtive glances in Kai''s direction. He could see the uncertainty and worry in their eyes.


    They''re probably wondering how they can compete with someone like me, Kai realized. I need to be careful. Making enemies before the trials even begin would be a bad move.


    Elder Feng cleared his throat, continuing his introductions. "And lastly, this is Shen Yu." He gestured to the calm-faced boy. "A remarkable talent who broke through to Qi Refining on his first attempt."


    The other Outer Elders'' eyebrows shot up in surprise.


    "On his first attempt?" the bald elder asked. "That''s quite¡­unusual."


    The gray-haired woman peered at Shen Yu closely. "Indeed. Almost as unusual as reaching the eighth stage of Qi Refining without a sect." Her gaze flicked between Shen Yu and Kai, suspicion evident in her eyes.


    Shen Yu merely bowed politely, his face betraying no emotion. "I was fortunate to receive good guidance," he said simply.


    Just then, another Outer Elder, a portly man with a jovial face, spoke up. "Well, Feng, you''ve certainly brought an interesting group this year." His eyes twinkled mischievously. "But tell me, have you picked up another spirit beast?"


    Elder Feng''s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "Ah, you must be referring to¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Zhi-Zhi''s voice rang out. "Another spirit beast? I''ll have you know, I am no mere beast! I am Zhi-Zhi, the great and powerful spirit tortoise of the Celestial¡ª"


    "The spirit beast is with the boy," Elder Feng interrupted hastily, gesturing towards Kai.


    Kai nodded, trying to keep a straight face. "Yes, Zhi-Zhi is... my companion."


    The portly elder chuckled. "A spirited little thing, isn''t he? And quite rare too, if I''m not mistaken."


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up with pride. "Of course I''m rare! I''m one of a kind, I''ll have you know!"


    Kai could see the other Outer Elders eyeing Zhi-Zhi. He already felt the start of a headache coming on. Looks like Elder Feng isn¡¯t the only one interesting in ¡®acquiring¡¯.


    The gray-haired woman''s gaze lingered on Zhi-Zhi for a moment before returning to Kai. "First an eighth-stage Qi Refining cultivator, and now a rare spirit beast. You''ve certainly found some... interesting recruits this time, Feng."


    Elder Feng''s smile remained fixed in place, but Kai could sense a hint of tension in his voice as he replied, "Indeed. The Misty Waterfall Village proved to be quite the source of talent this year."


    As the introductions continued, Kai noticed several of the Outer Elders casting envious glances at Elder Feng. Their eyes darted between Kai, Shen Yu, and Zhi-Zhi, a mix of jealousy and calculation in their gazes.


    The portly elder chuckled, elbowing Elder Feng playfully. "Well, well, Feng. Looks like you might be up for the big reward this year, eh? The Sect Leader will be impressed with this batch."


    Of course there''s a reward system, Kai thought. It''s the perfect way to motivate Outer Elders to scout for talent. And let''s be honest, it explains why Elder Feng was so keen on protecting us. To him, we''re basically valuable merchandise.


    Elder Feng tried to look modest, but Kai could see the gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. "Now, now," he said. "Let''s not get ahead of ourselves. The trials haven''t even begun yet."


    The bald elder shook his head, a sly grin on his face. "I wouldn''t count your spirit stones just yet, Feng. I''ve heard that Elder Zhou managed to recruit the young masters from the Sun and Moon clans this year."


    A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd at this news.


    Ah, there it is, Kai thought, suppressing a smirk. I was wondering when the young master archetypes would show up.


    As if summoned by the mention of their names, the crowd suddenly parted. A tall elder strode through the gap, flanked by two young men. Even at a glance, Kai could tell these were the "young master" types he''d read about in countless stories.


    The first young man swaggered forward, his head held high and a cocky grin on his face. His robes were made of the finest silk, embroidered with golden suns. He scanned the crowd with an air of superiority, as if daring anyone to meet his gaze.


    Great, Kai thought. The brash, hot-headed type. Bet he''s got a short temper to match that ego.


    The second young man moved with a more measured grace. His robes, adorned with silver crescent moons, were just as fine as his companion''s. But where the first young man''s eyes blazed with barely contained arrogance, this one''s gaze was cool and calculating.


    And there''s the calm, cunning one, Kai noted. Probably thinks he''s three steps ahead of everyone else.


    Elder Zhou stepped forward, his voice booming across the plateau. "Ah Elder Feng, you¡¯ve finally arrived. Let me introduce you to my recruits: Young Master Sun Jun of the Sun Clan, and Young Master Lu Chen of the Moon Clan. Both these boys have reached the eighth stage of Qi Refining!¡±


    The elder paused, clearly expecting gasps of amazement or murmurs of awe. Instead, he was met with an awkward silence. The crowd shifted uncomfortably, glancing between the new arrivals and Kai.


    Sun Jun¡¯s cocky grin faltered slightly. "What''s wrong with you people?" he demanded. "Didn''t you hear? We''re at the eighth stage of Qi Refining!"


    Lu Chen remained silent, but his eyes narrowed as he scanned the crowd, sensing that something was off.


    The gray-haired woman cleared her throat. "Ah, yes. Most impressive, Young Masters. However... it seems you''re not the only ones to reach such a level. Elder Feng¡¯s recruit, Kai Thorn, he too has reached the eighth stage of Qi Refining."


    Sun Jun¡¯s jaw dropped. "What?! That''s impossible! He looks like some nobody from a backwater village, how can he be at the same level as us?"


    Before Kai could respond, Zhi-Zhi''s voice rang out. "Nobody? Backwater village? How dare you insult my disciple, you arrogant pup!"


    Oh no, Kai thought, inwardly facepalming. Zhi-Zhi, please don''t...


    But the spirit tortoise was just getting started. "Let me tell you something, you silk-robed peacock! My disciple Kai is a once-in-a-millennium talent! He''s mastered techniques that would make your ancestors weep with envy!"


    Kai tried to keep his face neutral, but he could feel a headache coming on. Zhi-Zhi, we talked about this. You''re not my master, and I definitely haven''t mastered any ancient, envious techniques.


    Zhi-Zhi, oblivious to Kai''s internal distress, continued his tirade. "Why, in my younger days, I trained countless prodigies who went on to become immortals! And let me tell you, none of them showed half the potential of my dear disciple Kai!"


    Sun Jun''s face turned an interesting shade of purple. "You... you dare? Do you know who I am?"


    "A loud-mouthed braggart with more pride than sense, that''s who you are!" Zhi-Zhi retorted.


    Lu Chen''s calm facade cracked slightly, a flicker of amusement crossing his face before he quickly suppressed it. "How... interesting," he said, his voice tight. "And how did this village boy manage such a feat?"


    "Hard work and determination, Young Master Lu. Nothing more," Kai smiled as he stepped forward, trying to salvage the situation. He gently patted Zhi-Zhi''s shell. "And perhaps a bit of... enthusiastic encouragement from my spirited companion here."


    Sun Jun¡¯s face turned red with anger. "Hard work? Don''t make me laugh! You must have cheated somehow. There''s no way a commoner could match us!"


    Lu Chen placed a hand on Sun Jun¡¯s shoulder, restraining him. "Calm yourself, brother," he said softly. But Kai could see the calculation in Lu Chen''s eyes as he studied him. "We''ll have plenty of time to... test... this village prodigy during the trials."


    Elder Zhou looked like he had swallowed something sour. His eyes darted between Kai and his prized recruits, clearly recalculating his chances for that reward.


    "Yes, well," Elder Zhou said, forcing a smile. "The more talented recruits, the better for Azure Sky Sect, wouldn''t you agree, Feng?"


    Elder Feng nodded, but Kai could see the smugness in his eyes. "Indeed, Zhou. May the best recruits win."


    As the crowd began to disperse, Kai caught Liu Wei''s worried glance. "Master Kai," Liu Wei whispered. "I think you might have made some powerful enemies."


    Kai sighed, watching as Sun Jun shot him a venomous glare while Lu Chen whispered something to Elder Zhou. "Yeah," he said. "Somehow, I''m not surprised. Welcome to the Azure Sky Sect, I guess."


    He glanced at Shen Yu, wondering how the mysterious boy was reacting to all this. To his surprise, Shen Yu caught his eye and gave him the slightest of nods, a ghost of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.


    Great, Kai thought sarcastically. The calm, mysterious one finds this amusing. That''s never a good sign. Well, at least things are starting to feel more like a proper xianxia story. Arrogant young masters, check. Deadly rivalries before the trials even begin, check. Now all we need is a hidden big bad and maybe a love interest or two, and we''ll have the full set.


    "Now, now, my dear disciple," Zhi-Zhi said, misinterpreting Kai''s expression, "there''s no need to worry. With my guidance and your talent, we''ll have this sect eating out of our hands in no time! Why, I remember when I advised the Jade Emperor himself on matters of cultivation. It all started when..."

 THIRTY SIX: The Sect Master

    Before Zhi-Zhi could finish his story, a hush fell over the crowd. The air seemed to grow heavy, charged with qi that made the hairs on the back of Kai''s neck stand up.


    This pressure... Kai thought, instinctively tensing. It''s similar to what I felt from Zhi-Zhi''s mother, but not quite as overwhelming.


    Zhi-Zhi, who had been mid-boast, suddenly went quiet. His tiny eyes widened, and he quickly retreated into his shell, peeking out cautiously.


    A figure appeared at the top of the grand staircase leading up to the central palace. Even from this distance, Kai could feel the immense power radiating from the newcomer. The Outer Elders immediately bowed their heads in respect.


    "Greetings, Nascent Soul Elder Tao.¡±


    The Nascent Soul elder descended the stairs with graceful steps, each movement seeming to bend the very air around him. As he drew closer, Kai could make out his features¡ªa face that looked no older than thirty, but Kai had no doubt that the elder had lived for centuries.


    "Elder Feng," the Nascent Soul cultivator spoke, "I trust your journey was... eventful?"


    Elder Feng bowed deeper. "Yes, Elder Tao. We encountered some difficulties, but thanks to the resourcefulness of my recruits, we overcame them."


    Elder Tao''s gaze swept over the gathered recruits, lingering for a moment on Kai. A slight furrow appeared in his brow, so quick Kai almost missed it.


    Did he sense something about me? Kai wondered, trying to keep his expression neutral. Or am I just being paranoid?


    Before Kai could ponder further, more figures appeared at the top of the staircase. Other Inner Elders, each radiating an aura of power that made the Outer Elders seem like children in comparison.


    A translucent blue screen materialized before his eyes as he looked at the first elder.


    Elder Tao


    Level: Early Nascent Soul Realm


    Age: 940 years


    Early Nascent Soul, huh?


    Kai quickly scanned the other Inner Elders, noting that most of them registered as mid to late Nascent Soul cultivators. The memory of the colossal tree spirit, with its Peak Nascent Soul status, flashed through his mind.


    The power scaling in this world is still insane. But at least I have some frame of reference now. Whilst these guys are powerhouses, they¡¯re still a step below the ancient tree spirit.


    As the Inner Elders took their places, a new pressure filled the air. It was unlike anything Kai had felt before¡ªa presence so vast and overwhelming that it seemed to distort reality itself.


    Oh boy, Kai thought, his heart racing. I think I know who this is.


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Zhi-Zhi, who had been unusually quiet, suddenly popped his head out of his shell. "Oh my," he whispered. "It''s been a long time since I felt power like this. Not since I arm-wrestled the Jade Emperor himself. Though, of course, his was much more impressive."


    Kai resisted the urge to facepalm. Even now, Zhi-Zhi? Really?


    A figure appeared at the top of the stairs, shrouded in mist that seemed to defy the laws of nature. As the mist parted, it revealed a black-haired man¡ªor perhaps something beyond a mere man. He appeared neither young nor old, his sharp features perfect and timeless. His black eyes, when they opened, seemed to contain entire universes.


    The Outer Elders fell to their knees. Even the Inner Elders bowed deeply. Kai felt an irresistible urge to prostrate himself before this being, but he managed to resist, settling for a deep bow instead.


    "Greetings, Sect Master," the elders called out.


    Sect Master, Kai repeated in his mind, trying to process what he was seeing. A being whose cultivation surpasses even the Nascent Soul realm. Just how powerful is he?


    Unknown Entity Level: ???


    Unable to identify.


    Entity''s level exceeds your perception ability by a significant margin.


    Not surprising, Kai thought, remembering his encounter with the forest critter. But let''s check something else...


    When he opened up his map, he was surprised to see the Sect Master''s position was clearly marked. There was an impossibly large green dot, but a dot nonetheless.


    Well, that''s interesting, Kai mused. The forest critter didn''t show up on the map at all, but the Sect Master does. So, he''s incredibly powerful, definitely beyond Nascent Soul, but not quite at the level of that strange creature.


    As Kai turned his focus back to the elders before him, he caught a glimpse of Shen Yu out of the corner of his eye. The usually impassive boy''s eyes had widened slightly, a flash of... something passing across his face. Recognition? Fear? Anger? It was gone as quickly as it had appeared.


    Does Shen Yu know something about the Sect Master? Or is he just as overwhelmed as the rest of us?


    The Sect Master''s gaze swept over the crowd, seeming to pierce through each person it fell upon. When it reached Kai, he felt as if his very soul was being examined. It took every ounce of his willpower not to flinch away.


    Finally, the Sect Master spoke, his voice somehow both a whisper and a thunderclap. "Thank you all for attending the Azure Sky Sect trials."


    This is it, Kai thought, his mind already racing with possibilities. The start of my cultivation journey in this world. Well, the official start, anyway.


    He glanced around at the other recruits, noting their reactions. Some looked eager, others terrified. Liu Wei was fidgeting nervously beside him, while Shen Yu maintained his usual impassive expression.


    The Sect Master raised a hand, and silence fell instantly. "Before we begin," he said, his voice carrying effortlessly across the plateau, "I would like to remind you all of the purpose of these trials."


    Kai listened intently, not wanting to miss a single word. In games, the quest-giver''s speech often contains crucial information. I doubt this will be any different.


    "The Azure Sky Sect seeks not just talent, but potential," the Sect Master continued. "We look for those who can grow, adapt, and overcome challenges. These trials will test not only your current abilities but your capacity to learn and evolve. And remember to pay attention to your surroundings. The sect has hidden aids and hints throughout the trial grounds. Those with keen observation skills may find their path... easier."


    Hidden aids and hints? Kai thought excitedly. That''s practically screaming ''secret quests'' and ''bonus objectives''. I''ll definitely need to keep my eyes open for those.


    The Sect Master''s gaze swept over the crowd once more. "Remember, while competition is natural, these trials are not meant to pit you against each other. Your true opponent is yourself¡ªyour limits, your fears, your doubts."


    Zhi-Zhi nodded sagely, as if he had been the one to come up with this wisdom.


    Classic motivational speech, Kai thought. But in a world of cultivators and qi, I wonder how literally I should take that ''your true opponent is yourself'' bit.


    "Now," the Sect Master said, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "let us begin with the first trial."

 THIRTY SEVEN: The First Trial

    ¡°The first trial you will face is known as the Trial of Endurance,¡± the Sect Master continued, "You will be transported to a mini-realm, a pocket of space created and controlled by our sect. Within this realm, each of you will face a series of challenges."


    An excited whisper rippled through the crowd. Kai caught fragments of conversation around him.


    "A pocket realm?"


    "I''ve heard stories, but never thought I''d see one!"


    "How do they even create something like that?¡±


    I wonder if it''s like the instance dungeons in MMOs, Kai mused.


    "For those unfamiliar with the concept," the Sect Master explained, noticing the confusion on some faces, "a pocket realm is a small, self-contained space separate from our world. It allows us to create controlled environments for training and trials."


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened. He leaned closer to Kai and whispered, "Master, is such a thing really possible?"


    Kai nodded, keeping his eyes on the Sect Master. "With qi, many things are possible."


    The Sect Master''s voice grew stern. "Listen carefully, for this is crucial. You have one hour to complete the trial. Those who finish early will rank higher than those who finish later. Anyone who fails to complete the trial within the hour will be expelled from the sect."


    A gasp rippled through the crowd. Kai could see the panic setting in on many faces. One hour time limit with expulsion as the penalty. Classic high-stakes scenario.


    "One hour? I''ll finish it in half that time!" Sun Jun scoffed.


    His companion, Lu Chen remained silent, but his eyes narrowed in concentration.


    Kai glanced at Shen Yu, curious about his reaction. The calm-faced boy showed no change in expression, as if the news didn''t faze him at all.


    Either he''s incredibly confident, or he''s mastered the art of the poker face, Kai thought. But with his mysterious background, I''m going with incredibly confident.


    The Sect Master raised a hand, calling for silence. "There''s more you should know. The difficulty of the challenges will depend on your cultivation level. For those who have yet to begin cultivating, the trials will be adjusted to a level a mortal can withstand."


    Kai frowned at this news. Well, there goes my advantage. I was hoping my higher cultivation level would give me an edge.


    Liu Wei let out a sigh of relief. "That''s good news for me, right, Master Kai?"


    Kai nodded, but his mind was racing. If the challenges scale with cultivation level, then raw power might not be enough. This could be more about problem-solving and adaptability.


    Zhi-Zhi, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, suddenly piped up. "Ha! Scaling difficulty? That''s nothing new. Why, I once participated in a heavenly tournament where the challenges adapted to our very thoughts! Of course, I won easily, but¡ª"


    "Shh," Kai hushed the spirit tortoise gently. "Let''s focus on what''s happening now, okay?"


    The Sect Master''s gaze swept over the crowd once more. "Are you ready to begin?"


    Before anyone could respond, he clapped his hands. A blinding light enveloped the recruits, and Kai felt a sudden pulling sensation.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Here we go, he thought, bracing himself. Time to put all that gaming experience to use.


    In an instant, the recruits vanished, leaving only the Sect Master and the elders on the plateau.


    The Sect Master turned to face the elders, his expression unreadable. His gaze swept over them one by one, finally settling on the Outer Elders.


    "You will receive your rewards after the trial.¡±


    The Outer Elders straightened, their eyes lighting up with anticipation. Elder Feng, in particular, seemed to be holding his breath.


    With a casual gesture, the Sect Master reached into his storage ring and produced a small, glowing red pill.


    The Outer Elders'' eyes widened in recognition. Elder Zhou let out an audible gasp.


    "C-Core Formation Pill!" he stammered, unable to contain his shock.


    The Sect Master smiled, a rare expression that made him look almost human. "Indeed. If one of your recruits reaches the top of the leaderboard, the Outer Elder who brought them in will be awarded this pill."


    The reaction was immediate. Elder Feng''s eyes gleamed with barely contained greed. Elder Zhou straightened his back, a determined look crossing his face. Even the usually composed Elder Li couldn''t help but stare at the pill with longing.


    "Sect Master," Elder Zhou ventured, his voice filled with hope, "the young masters I recruited, Sun Jun and Lu Chen, they''re both at the eighth stage of Qi Refining. Surely they have a good chance of claiming the top spot?"


    The Sect Master''s smile faded, replaced by a look of mild disappointment. "Is that supposed to impress me, Elder Zhou?"


    Elder Zhou faltered, taken aback by the Sect Master''s response. "But... but Sect Master, they''re only sixteen! To reach such a level at their age¡ª"


    The Sect Master held up a hand, cutting off Elder Zhou''s protests. "You misunderstand, Elder Zhou. While their cultivation is indeed noteworthy for their age, it is not as impressive as you seem to think."


    He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Those born into powerful clans like the Sun and Moon have advantages from birth. Access to high-quality resources, expert guidance, and optimal cultivation environments. Many such ''prodigies'' struggle to break through to Core Formation, their potential stunted by early advantages that become crutches. Their current level is expected, not exceptional.¡±


    The other elders nodded in agreement, some looking relieved that their own recruits weren''t being dismissed outright.


    Elder Tao stepped forward. "Sect Master, if I may ask... do you intend to take a disciple this time?"


    The question hung in the air. The Sect Master was known for his discerning eye and high standards. It had been 5 years since he last accepted a personal disciple.


    The Sect Master paused, considering the question. "If any of the participants show talent comparable to Wang Lin, then yes, I see no reason why I shouldn''t nurture them myself."


    At the mention of Wang Lin, the Sect Master''s prized disciple, a ripple of excitement passed through the gathered elders. Wang Lin was a legend in the sect, known for his unparalleled talent and rapid advancement. The twenty-year-old was only half a step away from breaking into the Nascent Soul Realm!


    Elder Feng, emboldened by the Sect Master''s words, spoke up. "Sect Master, if I may, what about my recruit, Kai Thorn? He''s also at the eighth stage of Qi Refining, but he comes from a simple village with no clan backing."


    The Sect Master''s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of interest passing across his face. "Yes, that boy... Kai. He is indeed interesting."


    Elder Zhou, still smarting from the dismissal of his prized recruits, couldn''t help but interject. "But Sect Master, what if the boy simply found some hidden resources or a powerful treasure? That could explain his rapid advancement without clan support."


    The Sect Master let out a laugh, the sound echoing across the plateau. "Elder Zhou, at my level of cultivation, do you think such things would escape my notice?"


    He shook his head, amusement clear in his voice. "I can sense when cultivators have used external resources to bolster their progress. That boy, Kai, has definitely not used any. In fact, I would be surprised if he''s ever even used a simple healing pellet. His qi is remarkably pure."


    Elder Zhou''s face fell, but the Sect Master wasn''t finished.


    "Even if he did use some sort of treasure, the fact that it could hide its effects from my senses would make it, and by extension him, all the more remarkable."


    The elders murmured among themselves, casting curious glances at Elder Feng, who was trying (and failing) to hide his smug expression.


    The Sect Master turned to Elder Tao, his expression serious. "Send someone to investigate this Kai Thorn. I want to know everything about him ¨C his background, his training, any unusual encounters he may have had. Something tells me this boy will surprise us all."


    The Inner Elder bowed deeply. "It will be done, Sect Master."


    The Sect Master then raised his hands, conjuring streams of water, his fingers blurred as he formed complex patters in the air, coalescing the water into hundreds of screens. Each watery display flickered to life, showing a different recruit navigating the challenges of the pocket realm.


    As the Sect Master¡¯s gaze fell on a particular screen, a small smile played at the corners of his mouth.


    This year''s trials, he thought, might be more interesting than I anticipated.

 THIRTY EIGHT: Trial of Endurance

    The blinding light faded, and Kai found himself standing in complete darkness. He blinked, trying to adjust his eyes, but it was no use. The darkness was absolute.


    I¡¯m surprised I¡¯m not falling through the air or anything. Small mercies, I guess.


    He took a deep breath, calming his nerves. Okay, think. What would a cultivator do in this situation?


    The answer came to him quickly. Channeling qi to enhance vision was a common trope in cultivation novels. Kai focused, drawing qi to his eyes. It took a few attempts, but eventually, he felt a warm sensation in his eyes, and a faint blue glow illuminated the area immediately around him.


    Not bad for a first try, Kai thought, pleased with himself. But man, this is a crude method. There''s got to be a proper technique for night vision somewhere in this world.


    With his qi-enhanced vision, Kai could make out that he was standing in some sort of tunnel. The walls were rough stone, and the ceiling was low enough that he could touch it if he stretched his arm up.


    Alright, let''s see what we''re working with here. Kai opened his map, hoping it would give him some clue about where to go. To his disappointment, the map showed only a small area around him, with the rest shrouded in fog.


    Limited visibility, huh? Typical dungeon mechanics. Kai sighed. Well, let''s try qi sensing then.


    Kai closed his eyes, extending his senses outward. He felt... nothing. No enemies, no traps, no other cultivators. Just empty tunnel stretching out in both directions.


    That''s... concerning, Kai thought. Either there''s nothing here, or whatever is here is beyond my ability to sense. Neither option is particularly comforting.


    Just then, a message appeared before his eyes:


    Quest: Complete the Trial of Endurance


    Objective: Reach the end of the tunnel and exit the pocket realm


    Time Limit: 1 hour


    Reward: Based on ranking upon completion


    Failure: Expulsion from Azure Sky Sect


    Nothing unexpected.


    Kai glanced down the dark tunnel stretching out before him. I''ve got a feeling this is going to be one of those ''endless'' tunnels. You know, the kind where no matter how far you run, you never seem to get anywhere.


    He took a deep breath. Well, standing here isn''t going to get me anywhere. Time to start running.


    With that thought, Kai began to jog down the tunnel. He kept his senses alert, eyes darting from side to side as he moved.


    No point in conserving energy if I''ve only got an hour. Better to move quickly and deal with obstacles as they come.


    As he ran, Kai''s mind raced through possible scenarios.


    In games, these kinds of trials usually have a few standard elements. Physical obstacles, maybe some puzzles, probably a boss fight at the end. But this is cultivation world, so who knows what kind of crazy qi-based challenges they might throw at us.


    After several minutes of running, Kai hadn''t encountered any obstacles or changes in the tunnel.


    This is... suspiciously uneventful. Either I''m incredibly lucky, or they''re lulling us into a false sense of security.


    Just as the thought crossed his mind, the tunnel ahead split into seven paths. Kai skidded to a halt, eyeing the branching passages warily.


    And there it is. Classic maze scenario. It''s not a proper dungeon without getting lost at least once.


    Kai closed his eyes, trying to sense any differences between them. Nothing.


    Alright, let''s think about this logically, Kai mused. The Sect Master mentioned hidden aids and hints. There''s got to be something here to guide us...


    Kai began examining the area more closely. He looked at the floor, the walls, even the ceiling. At first, nothing stood out. But then, as he was about to give up and just pick a tunnel at random, he noticed something.


    Near the entrance of each tunnel, there was a small, almost imperceptible symbol etched into the stone. Kai had to channel more qi to his eyes to see them clearly.


    Now we''re getting somewhere. But what do these symbols mean?


    He studied each symbol carefully. They seemed to be stylized representations of natural elements - fire, water, earth, wind, lightning, light, and darkness.


    Elemental affinities, Kai realized. Each tunnel probably corresponds to a different element. But which one is the right path?


    Kai thought back to his status window. His strongest elemental affinity was lightning, at 20%.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    It can''t be that simple, can it? Kai wondered. Just pick the tunnel that matches your element?


    He shook his head. No, that''s too obvious. It''s got to be a trick. Usually, the obvious choice is rarely the right one.


    Kai thought harder, trying to recall everything he knew about cultivation novels and game dungeons.


    Wait a minute, he thought suddenly. In a lot of stories, cultivators have to face their weaknesses to grow stronger. What if...Kai''s gaze lingered on the darkness symbol. Something about it made him uneasy. Is that discomfort a sign I should avoid it, or a challenge I need to overcome?


    He shook his head, realizing he might be overthinking things. Maybe there''s more than one correct choice. The strongest affinity might be easiest but longest, while the weakest could be hardest but shortest. And this is a race, after all. But then again, I could be overthinking this¡­


    After a moment''s hesitation, Kai pulled out a small knife from his storage ring and carefully carved a mark into the wall near the entrance.


    Just in case I need to backtrack. Always leave yourself an escape route.


    Taking a deep breath, Kai stepped towards the tunnel marked with the darkness symbol. Time to face my fears, I guess.


    As soon as he entered, the darkness engulfed him completely. Even his qi-enhanced vision couldn''t penetrate the inky blackness. He closed his eyes, focusing on his other senses. The stone beneath his feet felt rough, and a cool breeze whispered past his ears.


    This darkness is intense, Kai thought. It''s like being in one of those pitch-black cave levels in a game. I half expect to run into some kind of monster any second now.


    He opened his eyes and looked at his map, relieved to see at least a small area around him illuminated. Not much, but better than nothing.


    Kai extended his qi sense, probing for any nearby threats. So far, the tunnel seemed empty.


    I could try to create some light with qi, he mused. But that might drain my reserves too quickly. Better to save my strength in case I need to fight.


    As he walked, Kai kept one hand on the rough stone wall to his right, using it to guide his path. The coolness of the stone under his fingers provided a small comfort in the oppressive darkness.


    At least I know I''m still moving forward. Though for all I know, this tunnel could be curving around in circles.


    Kai paused for a moment, focusing on his qi sense. He extended his awareness outward, probing for any sign of danger or other presences. But just like before, he sensed nothing but empty tunnel stretching out before and behind him.


    This is starting to feel like one of those psychological horror games, Kai thought with a wry smile. The kind where the real enemy is your own mind as you wander through endless dark corridors.


    He shook his head, dispelling the thought. No, focus Kai. This is a test, not a game. There has to be some purpose to all this darkness.


    As he continued forward, Kai tried to piece together the logic behind this trial.


    Okay, let''s think about this systematically, he reasoned. The Sect Master called this the Trial of Endurance. So far, the only thing I''m enduring is this darkness. Is that the point? To see how long we can handle being deprived of sight?


    It made a certain kind of sense. In the world of cultivation, adaptability was key. Being able to function without relying on one of your primary senses could be a valuable skill.


    Or maybe, Kai thought, this is about overcoming fear. Plenty of people are afraid of the dark, after all. Testing our mental fortitude in the face of the unknown.


    He chuckled softly to himself. If that''s the case, all those late nights gaming in the dark are finally paying off.


    Suddenly, Kai''s foot struck something solid. He stumbled slightly, catching himself against the wall.


    What the¡ª?


    Crouching down, Kai felt along the ground with his hands. His fingers brushed against something smooth and cylindrical.


    Is this... a step?


    Kai''s heart rate picked up as he explored further. Yes, it was definitely a step. And beyond it, he could feel more steps leading upward.


    Stairs, Kai realized. I''ve reached some kind of staircase.


    A mixture of excitement and wariness filled him. On one hand, this was the first change he''d encountered since entering the darkness tunnel. It had to mean he was making progress. On the other hand, in games, stairs usually meant you were about to face a new challenge or enter a boss room.


    Well, standing here isn''t going to get me anywhere, Kai thought. Time to see what''s waiting for me up there.


    Taking a deep breath, Kai placed his right foot on the first step.


    Instantly, an overwhelming pressure slammed down on him. It felt like the very air had turned to lead, pressing down on his body from all directions. Kai''s eyes widened in shock and he instinctively stepped back.


    As soon as his foot left the step, the pressure vanished.


    What... what was that? Kai wondered, his heart pounding. It felt like standing in front of one of those super-powerful cultivators. Like that Nascent Soul elder, but even stronger.


    Cautiously, Kai reached out with his foot again, lightly touching the first step. The pressure returned immediately, though not as intensely as before. It was as if the staircase was reacting to his presence, exerting force in proportion to how much weight he put on it.


    I see, Kai thought, a grim smile spreading across his face. So that''s the game we''re playing.


    This had to be true trial of endurance - to overcome the increasing pressure and reach the top of the stairs. But how many steps were there? And how intense would the pressure become?


    One way to find out, I guess.


    Before attempting the stairs again, Kai decided to take stock of his resources. He pulled up his status window to review his stats and skills.


    Name: Kai Thorn


    XP: 50/4000


    Level: 8


    Qi: 250/250


    Strength: 60


    Agility: 63


    Endurance: 62


    Intelligence: 30


    Wisdom: 29


    Titles:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Novice Instructor


    </li>


    </ul>


    Elemental Affinities:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Lightning: 20%


    </li>


    </ul>


    Skills:


    Qi Condensation (Level 4)


    Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)


    Unarmed Combat (Level 2)


    Deception (Level 4)


    Iron Skin (Level 3)


    Swift Wind Step (Level 4)


    Flame Palm Strike (Level 3)


    Mental Fortitude (Passive)


    Spirit Beast Communication (Level 1)


    Qi Concealment (Level 1)


    Qi Detection (Level 1)


    Iron Rebound (Level 1)


    Let''s see... My strength, agility, and endurance are all in the low 60s. Not bad, but will it be enough? And what about my mental stats? This feels like it''s testing more than just physical ability.


    Iron Skin might help resist the physical pressure. And Mental Fortitude could be crucial for staying focused and determined. This is going to test both body and mind. But the test is tailored towards my cultivation realm so I should be able to do this.


    Kai took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. He knew he couldn''t stand here forever - the one-hour time limit was ticking away.


    Alright, no more stalling. Time to face this head-on.

 THIRTY NINE: Ascend

    "Let''s do this."


    Kai placed his right foot on the first step, bracing for the pressure. It slammed into him immediately, but this time he was prepared. He gritted his teeth and pushed through, lifting his other foot to the second step.


    Okay, this is just like those high-gravity training rooms in anime, Kai thought, gritting his teeth as the pressure doubled. I''ve got to push through it.


    He focused on his Iron Skin skill, willing his body to become more resilient. A faint metallic sheen covered his skin as the skill activated, the pressure was still immense, but it no longer felt like his bones were about to snap.


    Good to know my skills work here, Kai mused. Now, let''s see what else I can use.


    He closed his eyes, focusing on his Swift Wind Step skill. As he activated it, he felt a sudden lightness in his limbs. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself moving more smoothly, almost gliding to the next step.


    "Now we''re talking," Kai grinned, picking up the pace.


    But the staircase wasn''t done with him yet. As he climbed higher, the pressure intensified, threatening to overwhelm him once more. Kai gritted his teeth, feeling the strain in every muscle.


    Come on, focus. You''ve got this.


    Despite the mounting pressure, Kai''s mind remained clear, his thoughts sharp and focused. He silently thanked his passive Mental Fortitude skill for keeping his head in the game.


    "One step at a time," Kai reminded himself, pushing onward. "Just like grinding levels in a game."


    He settled into a rhythm, using Swift Wind Step to move more efficiently as he climbed. The steps blurred beneath him as he ascended, his breaths coming in controlled gasps.


    By the fortieth step, Kai was drenched in sweat. His muscles screamed in protest with each movement. He paused, leaning against the wall for support.


    "This... isn''t... so bad," Kai muttered between breaths, trying to convince himself.


    But even as the words left his mouth, he looked up, squinting into the darkness above but there was still no end in sight.


    "Okay," he admitted to the empty air. "Maybe I spoke too soon."


    Just then, he heard a voice echoing from somewhere above.


    "Having trouble already? Pathetic."


    Kai''s head snapped up, trying to locate the source of the voice. "Who''s there?" he called out.


    A mocking laugh was his only answer.


    Frowning, Kai quickly pulled up his map interface, but it showed only empty space around his lone marker.


    Weird. No one else here, at least according to this.


    Kai glanced back up into the darkness. Either this is part of the test, or there¡¯s another unfathomable being trolling me.


    He pushed himself off the wall, determined to continue. As he climbed, the voice continued to taunt him.


    "You''ll never make it to the top," it sneered. "Why don''t you just give up now?"


    Kai gritted his teeth, refusing to respond. This has to be part of the test, he reasoned. They''re trying to break me mentally.


    The voice grew more insistent as Kai climbed higher. It hurled insults, mocked his efforts, and tried to plant seeds of doubt in his mind.


    "You''re not good enough," it hissed. "You don''t belong here. You''re just a fraud pretending to be a cultivator."


    That last barb hit a little too close to home. Kai faltered, nearly missing a step.


    No, he thought fiercely. I might not be from this world, but I''ve earned my place here. I won''t let some disembodied voice tell me otherwise.


    Kai pressed on but as he climbed, he noticed something strange. The pressure seemed to fluctuate slightly with each step. Sometimes it would increase dramatically, other times it would ease up just a bit.


    There''s a pattern here, Kai realized. If I can figure it out, maybe I can use it to my advantage.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    He began to pay closer attention to the changes in pressure. After a few more steps, he started to see the pattern.


    It''s like a rhythm, Kai thought excitedly. Three steps of increasing pressure, then one step where it eases up slightly.


    Armed with this knowledge, Kai adjusted his climbing strategy. He would push hard through the three high-pressure steps, then use the brief respite on the fourth to catch his breath and prepare for the next cycle.


    This new approach made the climb more manageable, but it was still grueling work. Kai''s muscles burned with exertion, and his qi reserves were starting to run low.


    I need to conserve energy, he realized. Who knows what''s waiting for me at the top?


    Kai began to ration his qi usage more carefully. He only activated his skills when absolutely necessary, relying more on his physical strength and endurance.


    As he climbed higher, the taunting voice grew more desperate in its attempts to discourage him.


    "You''re going to fail," it snarled. "Just like you''ve failed at everything else in your life."


    Kai couldn''t help but laugh at that. "Nice try," he called out to the darkness. "But you''ll have to do better than that."


    The voice fell silent for a moment, seemingly taken aback by Kai''s response.


    That''s right, Kai thought with a smirk. You can''t break me that easily.


    He continued his ascent, feeling a renewed sense of confidence. The pressure was still intense, but Kai had found his rhythm. He moved steadily upward, one step at a time.


    As he climbed, Kai''s thoughts drifted to the others who must be taking this trial. I wonder how Liu Wei is doing, he mused. And Shen Yu... I bet this is a cakewalk for him.


    The thought of his fellow recruits spurred Kai on. He didn''t want to fall behind, especially not to that arrogant Sun Jun.


    After what felt like hours, but was probably only about a few minutes, Kai noticed a change. The oppressive darkness seemed to be lightening slightly. He could just barely make out the outline of the steps ahead of him.


    I must be getting close to the top, Kai thought with excitement.


    But as the light grew stronger, so did the pressure. Each step now felt like he was trying to move through solid rock. Kai''s progress slowed to a crawl.


    "Come on," he grunted, forcing himself to take another step. "Just... a little... further."


    The taunting voice had gone quiet, replaced by the sound of Kai''s heavy breathing and the pounding of his heart.


    Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Kai saw it ¨C a faint glimmer of light ahead. The top of the staircase was within reach.


    With a final burst of effort, Kai dragged himself up the last few steps. When his foot met level ground, the oppressive pressure vanished so abruptly that he almost fell forward. He stumbled, catching himself at the last moment.


    "I... I made it?" Kai whispered, hardly daring to believe it.


    He stood still for a moment, catching his breath and letting his eyes adjust. The darkness here was different - not quite as absolute as it had been on the staircase. Kai could make out vague shapes and outlines.


    As his vision cleared, Kai''s eyes widened. Before him, sitting on what appeared to be a throne, was a figure. But as the figure slowly stood and faced him, Kai realized with a start that it wasn''t a person or a beast. It was literally just a black silhouette, featureless and somehow more terrifying for its lack of details.


    What in the world...? Kai thought, his mind racing to process what he was seeing.


    Before Kai could think anything further, the figure appeared before him with startling speed. Its right hand, if you could call it that, was outstretched reaching towards Kai''s face.


    Oh shit!

 FORTY: Kai vs Shadow

    In a split second, Kai activated Swift Wind Step, darting to the left. The black silhouette''s fingers grazed his cheek as he moved, sending a chill down his spine.


    Kai stumbled, breathing heavily as he put some distance between himself and the strange entity.


    That was too close. What is this thing?


    As if in answer to his question, a translucent blue screen materialized before his eyes:


    Shadow Construct


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 8


    Qi: 250/250


    Special Ability: Pressure Manipulation


    Qi Refining Stage 8? It''s at the same level as me, Kai''s eyes narrowed as he processed the information. But I''m exhausted from climbing those stairs. This isn''t good.


    The Shadow Construct turned to face him. Kai tensed, ready for another attack.


    He didn''t have to wait long. The faceless being lunged forward, its arm stretching impossibly as it reached for Kai once more.


    Kai ducked under the elongated limb, feeling the air whoosh above his head. He sprang back up, throwing a quick jab at the construct''s midsection.


    His fist connected, but it felt like punching a dense fog. The construct''s form rippled at the impact, but quickly solidified again.


    Physical attacks aren''t very effective, Kai realized. Time to switch tactics.


    He focused his qi, channeling it into his palm. "Flame Palm Strike!"


    A burst of fire erupted from Kai''s hand as he thrust it forward. The flames streaked towards the Shadow Construct, illuminating the dark chamber with an orange glow.


    For a moment, Kai thought he''d succeeded. But at the last second, the construct''s form wavered and shifted, allowing the flames to pass harmlessly through where its center had been a moment before.


    The fire attack struck the far wall, leaving a scorched mark but doing no damage to the shadow being.


    Well, at least fire seems to affect it, Kai thought, a glimmer of hope rising. But it''s too agile for it to land cleanly.


    The construct''s form solidified again, its featureless head tilting as if studying Kai. Then, without warning, the construct attacked again. This time, instead of reaching for him, it seemed to... expand. The air around Kai suddenly felt heavy, as if gravity had increased tenfold.


    Kai''s knees buckled under the intense pressure. It felt like he was back on the staircase, fighting against that oppressive force. He gritted his teeth, fighting to stay upright.


    This must be its Pressure Manipulation ability, he realized. But how do I counter it?


    The strange being moved closer, its form looming over Kai. With each step it took, the pressure intensified. Kai felt like his bones might snap at any moment. In desperation, he activated Iron Skin.


    A faint metallic sheen covered his body, providing some relief from the crushing force. But it wasn''t enough. The construct was still advancing, and Kai knew he couldn''t withstand this pressure much longer.


    Think, Kai, think! he urged himself. There''s got to be a way out of this.


    As the construct reached for him again, an idea struck Kai. It was risky, but it might just work.


    He deactivated Iron Skin, allowing the full force of the pressure to hit him. Pain erupted through his body, but he forced himself to focus.


    Come on, just a little closer, he thought, watching the black hand approach.


    At the last possible moment, Kai activated Swift Wind Step again. He shot forward, passing through the being¡¯s incorporeal form.


    As he emerged on the other side, Kai felt the pressure lessen dramatically. He spun around, facing the construct again.


    Just as I thought, he mused. Its Pressure Manipulation has a limited range. If I can stay mobile, I might have a chance.


    The black figure turned, seeming almost confused by Kai''s maneuver. It reached out again, but Kai was ready this time.


    He darted to the side, then forward, then back, using Swift Wind Step to stay just out of its reach. Each time he moved, he felt the pressure intensify, then lessen as he escaped its range.


    But Kai knew he couldn''t keep this up forever. His qi reserves were already low from the staircase climb, and each use of Swift Wind Step drained them further.


    I need to end this quickly, he realized. But how?


    As he dodged another of the construct''s attacks, Kai''s mind raced through possible strategies.


    There''s got to be a way to use my skills together. Something to give me an edge against this thing.


    Then it hit him. Wait a minute. This thing is made of... shadows, right? What if I could trap it somehow?


    "Alright, you shadowy nuisance," Kai muttered. "Let''s see how you handle this."


    He focused on his Qi Condensation skill, pulling his qi into a visible form. In his hands, a shimmering net of blue qi began to take shape.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    The Shadow Construct lunged at him again, its form stretching impossibly.


    Kai grinned. "Perfect timing."


    He threw the qi net forward, expanding it as it flew. The construct, mid-attack, couldn''t dodge. The net enveloped the shadowy being, its energy crackling as it made contact.


    The construct writhed within the net, its form distorting as it tried to escape.


    I''ve only got a few seconds before this thing dissipates, Kai thought. Better make them count.


    With his right hand, Kai began channeling qi for his Flame Palm Strike. The shadow being was still struggling against the net, its movements growing more frantic as if it sensed the danger.


    "Sorry, pal," Kai said. "But I''m ending this now."


    Just as he felt his qi net beginning to weaken, Kai thrust his flame-wreathed palm forward. "Flame Palm Strike!"


    The fiery attack connected with the trapped construct. For a split second, nothing happened. Then, with a sound like a thunderclap, the shadow being exploded into wisps of darkness.


    The force of the explosion sent Kai stumbling backward. He caught himself, breathing heavily as he watched the last traces of the shadow being dissipate into the air.


    Did that... did that actually work? Kai thought, hardly daring to believe it.


    He stood there for a moment, waiting to see if the Shadow Construct would reform. But the chamber remained empty and silent.


    A grin spread across Kai''s face. "Huh. I guess sometimes the crazy plans do work out."


    He wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling the drain on his qi reserves. That combination attack had taken a lot out of him, but it had paid off.


    As the adrenaline of the fight began to wear off, Kai felt the full extent of his exhaustion. He''d pushed himself to the limit with that last attack.


    "I really hope that was the end of the trial," he muttered. "Because I don''t think I have another fight in me right now."


    As if in answer to his words, Kai heard a loud clap. The dark chamber shimmered and then dissolved around him.


    Suddenly, Kai found himself back on the plateau where the trial had begun.


    He blinked, disoriented by the sudden change. As his vision cleared, he saw all the elders seated on thrones, their eyes fixed on him. The Sect Master sat in the center, a slight nod of approval on his otherwise impassive face.


    "Congratulations," the Sect Master''s voice rang out. "You have completed the trial in 15 minutes, securing the second-fastest time."


    Kai''s eyes widened in surprise. 15 minutes? That''s it? His perception of time in the trial realm had been completely distorted. What felt like hours of grueling challenge had apparently lasted only a quarter of an hour.


    As the implications of the Sect Master''s words sank in, Kai''s eyes narrowed. Second fastest? Then who...


    He turned, scanning the plateau. His gaze landed on a familiar figure standing off to the side, face as blank and unreadable as ever.


    Shen Yu.


    Why am I not surprised? Kai thought, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.


    Kai''s eyes scanned the area, searching for a familiar tiny figure who should be waiting for him. A frown appeared on his face when he couldn''t spot Zhi-Zhi anywhere.


    "Excuse me, Sect Master," Kai called out, bowing. "May I ask where my friend is? The spirit tortoise who was with me earlier?"


    The Sect Master turned to Kai, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, you speak of the small but spirited creature. He is currently undertaking the trial, just as you did."


    Kai''s eyes widened in surprise. "Zhi-Zhi is in the trial? I... I didn''t realize he would be participating as a disciple candidate."


    "Indeed," the Sect Master nodded. "All beings who wish to join the Azure Sky Sect must prove their worth, regardless of their nature or origin."


    I can''t believe I didn''t consider this, I had thought the sect didn¡¯t take in spiritual beasts as disciples, Kai thought, shaking his head. I just assumed Zhi-Zhi would tag along if I passed. I didn''t expect the sect to test him separately.


    As Kai pondered this new information, he noticed a commotion near the edge of the plateau. More recruits were appearing, looking dazed and exhausted. The air was filled with excited chatter as they compared their experiences.


    The Sect Master turned to address the new arrivals. "Ah, it seems more of our aspirants have completed the trial. Well done, all of you."


    As the Sect Master began explaining the results to the other recruits, Kai took the opportunity to catch his breath and assess his condition.


    He felt drained, both physically and in terms of qi. The climb up the endless staircase and the fight with the Shadow Construct had pushed him to his limits.


    I need to be careful, Kai thought. If there are more trials coming, I can''t afford to be this depleted.


    He glanced around, noting the reactions of the other recruits. Many looked shocked to learn that Kai and Shen Yu had completed the trial so quickly. Some, like Sun Jun, wore expressions of barely concealed anger and jealousy.


    Great, Kai thought sarcastically. I''m sure this won''t cause any problems later.


    As more recruits continued to appear, Kai noticed Liu Wei stumbling onto the plateau. The former bandit looked exhausted but relieved.


    Kai made his way over to his follower. "Liu Wei," he called out. "Are you alright?"


    Liu Wei''s face lit up at the sight of Kai. "Master Kai! I did it! I actually completed the trial!"


    Kai smiled, genuinely pleased to see Liu Wei had succeeded. "Well done. I knew you had it in you. How did you find it?"


    Liu Wei''s brow furrowed in confusion. "The wind tunnel was challenging, but I managed to overcome the wind spirit at the end rather quickly.¡±


    Just then, Elder Feng approached them, a scroll in his hand. "Ah, Liu Wei. Well done on completing the first trial. Your time was... 45 minutes."


    Liu Wei''s jaw dropped. "Forty-five minutes? But that''s impossible! It couldn''t have been more than five or ten minutes!"


    Kai''s eyes narrowed as he processed this information. A theory began to form in his mind.


    "Liu Wei," Kai asked, "you said you chose the wind route, right?"


    Liu Wei nodded, still looking bewildered. "Yes, it seemed the most suitable for me, given my wind affinity."


    Interesting, Kai thought. My speculation might be correct after all.


    "I think I understand what''s happening here," Kai said aloud. "The trial ground must have some sort of time distortion effect. If you chose an element that suited you, like wind in your case, it felt like it went by quickly. But in reality, it took longer."


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened in understanding. "And for those who chose an element that was difficult for them..."


    "Exactly," Kai nodded. "It would have felt like it took a long time, but actually finished quicker."


    Kai thought back to his own experience in the darkness tunnel. It had felt like an eternity, but he''d finished in just 15 minutes.


    "That''s... that''s ingenious," Liu Wei said, awe in his voice. "It forces you to face your weaknesses, but rewards you for doing so."


    Kai smiled, impressed by Liu Wei''s quick grasp of the concept. "Precisely. It''s a clever way to test not just our abilities, but our willingness to challenge ourselves."


    Liu Wei suddenly looked around, his brow furrowing.


    "Master," he said, "where''s Zhi-Zhi? I haven''t seen him since we started the trial."


    Kai''s expression grew serious. "The Sect Master told me he''s still in the trial. Apparently, Zhi-Zhi is being tested as a disciple candidate too."


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I didn''t know spirit beasts could become disciples. But wait..." His face filled with concern as he glanced at the sky, noting the position of the sun. "The time limit is almost up, isn''t it?"


    Kai nodded, a knot of worry forming in his stomach. "Yeah, it is. I''m getting worried. Zhi-Zhi talks a big game, but I''ve never actually seen him in a real test like this."


    They both turned their attention to the spot where recruits had been materializing, willing their small friend to appear. The seconds ticked by, feeling like hours.


    Liu Wei fidgeted nervously. "Do you think he''ll make it, Master? What happens if he doesn''t complete the trial in time?"


    Kai''s jaw tightened. "I don''t know. The Sect Master said those who don''t complete the trial in time will be expelled. I''m not sure if that applies to spirit beasts too, but..."


    He left the sentence hanging, not wanting to voice his fears. The thought of continuing without Zhi-Zhi, as annoying as the little tortoise could be sometimes, left a hollow feeling in Kai''s chest.


    "Come on, Zhi-Zhi," Kai muttered under his breath. "Where are you?"


    Suddenly, just as the last second of the trial approached, there was a small pop of displaced air. A tiny figure materialized on the plateau, its shell tightly closed.


    ¡°Zhi-Zhi!¡±

 FORTY ONE: The End of the First Trial

    Slowly, a small head peeked out from the shell. Zhi-Zhi''s eyes were wide, and Kai could see a tremor in the tortoise''s tiny limbs.


    "Are you okay?" Kai asked. "What happened in there?"


    Liu Wei crouched down, his eyes scanning the spirit tortoise for any signs of injury. "You had us worried, little friend."


    At the sound of their voices, Zhi-Zhi seemed to remember himself. He puffed out his chest, his usual air of bravado returning. "Ah, my dear disciples! Worry not, for I have triumphed over the Earth Trial with ease!"


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "The Earth Trial? What was that like?"


    Zhi-Zhi waved a tiny claw dismissively. "Oh, it was nothing for a being of my caliber.¡±


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "You cut it pretty close there, Zhi-Zhi. We were worried you might not make it in time."


    Zhi-Zhi''s expression faltered for a moment before he harrumphed. "Time? Bah! Such arbitrary limits are beneath beings of true power and wisdom. In my day, we understood that greatness cannot be rushed!"


    Liu Wei tried to hide a smile. "But Zhi-Zhi, didn''t you once tell us about how you won a race against the Jade Emperor himself?"


    The spirit tortoise''s eyes darted back and forth. "Well, yes, but... that was different! This trial was clearly biased against those of us with shells. Do you know how hard it is to climb stairs when you''re a tortoise?"


    Despite his bravado, Kai could see that Zhi-Zhi was embarrassed about finishing last. The tortoise''s tiny claws fidgeted nervously.


    "Hey," Kai said gently, "what matters is that you made it. You passed the trial, just like us."


    Zhi-Zhi''s expression softened slightly. "Well, of course I did. I couldn''t very well let my disciples show me up, could I?"


    Despite his boastful words, Kai noticed that Zhi-Zhi''s eyes still held a hint of fear. Liu Wei seemed to notice too, exchanging a concerned glance with Kai.


    "I faced an earth golem of tremendous size!" Zhi-Zhi began his usual ramble. "But of course, its attacks were futile against my impenetrable defense. Not a single blow could penetrate my shell!"


    As Zhi-Zhi spoke, Kai''s mind painted a very different picture. He imagined the tiny tortoise, hidden within his shell, trembling in terror as a massive golem pounded away relentlessly.


    But wait, Kai thought, a frown forming on his face. If Zhi-Zhi was defending the whole time, how did he actually defeat the golem?


    Liu Wei, seemingly having the same thought, gently asked, "That''s amazing, Zhi-Zhi! But... how did you actually beat the golem if you were in your shell the whole time?"


    Zhi-Zhi''s boastful expression faltered for a moment. "Well, you see... that''s... that''s a secret technique passed down through generations of celestial tortoises! Yes, that''s it! I can''t reveal such sacred knowledge to just anyone, you understand."


    Before Kai could ask the tortoise any more questions, the Sect Master''s voice boomed across the plateau.


    "Attention, all recruits!" he called out. "Congratulations to those who have successfully completed the Trial of Endurance.¡±


    His gaze swept over the assembled crowd, his expression growing somber. "To those who did not complete the trial within the time limit, I''m afraid your journey with us ends here. We thank you for your effort and wish you the best in your future endeavors."


    Kai watched as several crestfallen recruits were led away by sect members. He felt a slight pang of sympathy for them, but he knew this was the nature of such trials.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    It''s harsh, he thought, but I guess that''s how these sects maintain their standards.


    The remaining participants looked up as the Sect Master¡¯s gaze swept over them. "You have proven yourselves worthy of consideration for our sect. However, this was merely the first of three trials you must face."


    A murmur of excitement and nervousness rippled through the crowd. Kai''s ears perked up. Just like I expected, three trials but I wonder what the others will be like.


    The Sect Master continued, "Before we proceed, let us acknowledge the top performers in this trial. In first place, completing the trial in 12 minutes, we have Shen Yu."


    All eyes turned to Shen Yu, who bowed slightly, his face still devoid of any emotion.


    "In second place," the Sect Master went on, "with a time of 15 minutes, we have Kai Thorn."


    Kai felt dozens of eyes turn to him. He straightened his posture, trying not to show how exhausted he still felt. He noticed Sun Jun glaring at him from across the plateau.


    Suddenly, a blue window appeared in Kai''s vision:


    Congratulations!


    You have completed the Trial of Endurance


    You have achieved second place in the Trial of Endurance


    You have been awarded a new skill!


    Name: Rock Hard (Passive)


    Description: physical toughness, making your body more resistant to damage and strain, increases your Durability by 5 points


    You have gained 50 XP!


    Kai blinked in surprise. A new skill? This could be useful. Extra durability might help me survive whatever they throw at us next.


    "And in third place, with a time of 18 minutes, we have Young Master Sun Jun of the Sun Clan."


    Sun Jun''s chest puffed out with pride, but Kai could see the frustration in his eyes. Being third clearly wasn''t good enough for the young master.


    As the Sect Master continued reading out the rankings, Kai felt a presence beside him. He turned to see Shen Yu standing there, his calm gaze fixed on the Sect Master.


    "Congratulations on your victory," Kai said, keeping his voice low.


    Shen Yu glanced at him, the barest hint of surprise flickering in his eyes. "Thank you," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "You performed admirably as well."


    Kai nodded, studying Shen Yu''s face for any clue about what he might be thinking. "I''m curious," he ventured, "what kind of challenge did you face in your trial?"


    For a moment, Shen Yu was silent. Then, so quietly Kai almost missed it, he said, "Shadows. Many shadows."


    Before Kai could ask for clarification, the Sect Master''s voice rose again. "The second trial will begin tomorrow at dawn. Use this time to rest and recover. You will need all your strength for what is to come."


    With that, the elders began to rise from their thrones. Outer Elder Feng approached Kai and Liu Wei, a proud smile on his face.


    "Well done, both of you," he said. "Especially you, Kai. Second place is a remarkable achievement for a new recruit."


    Kai bowed slightly. "Thank you, Elder Feng. I couldn''t have done it without your guidance."


    Yeah, right, Kai thought. You''re just happy because my success means you''re closer to whatever prize they''re offering the elders. Probably some pill to help you break through to Core Formation.


    Elder Feng glanced down at Zhi-Zhi. "And you, little one. You may have finished last, but completing the trial is an accomplishment in itself, especially for a spirit beast your size."


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up his chest. "Last? Bah! I simply chose to savor the experience, unlike these rushed youngsters. In my day, we understood that true mastery takes time!"


    Kai and Liu Wei exchanged amused glances, while Elder Feng chuckled.


    "Of course, of course," the elder said diplomatically. "Now, come along. Let me show you to your quarters. You''ve all earned a good rest, regardless of how long it took you to finish."


    As they followed Elder Feng, Kai gently patted Zhi-Zhi''s shell. "You did well, Zhi-Zhi," he whispered. "No need to make excuses."


    Zhi-Zhi huffed but leaned into Kai''s touch, a mix of embarrassment and gratitude in his tiny eyes.


    As they followed Elder Feng, Kai''s mind was racing. Shadows. Many shadows, he repeated Shen Yu''s words in his head. What does that mean? Did he face multiple constructs? Or something else entirely?


    Their group made their way across the plateau, heading towards a series of buildings nestled against the mountainside. As they walked, Kai overheard snippets of conversation from the other recruits.


    "...never felt anything like it..."


    "...thought I was going to die for sure..."


    "...how did that village boy beat us?"


    Kai smirked at the last comment. If they only knew.


    Liu Wei fell into step beside him. "Master," he whispered, "do you think the next trial will be as difficult?"


    Kai considered for a moment. "Probably more so," he replied honestly. "They''ll want to push us to our limits; I think they¡¯ll test different things to see what we''re really capable of."


    Liu Wei''s face paled slightly. "I... I''m not sure I''m ready for that."


    Kai placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You made it through this trial, didn''t you? You''re stronger than you give yourself credit for, Liu Wei."


    The former bandit''s eyes widened at the praise. "You really think so?"


    "I know so," Kai said with a smile. "Just keep focused and trust in your abilities. You''ll do fine."


    Liu Wei nodded, standing a little straighter. "Thank you, Master. I won''t let you down."

 FORTY TWO: A word of warning: Id recommend you pick someone else

    As they approached the buildings, Elder Feng turned to address them. "These will be your quarters for the duration of the trials," he explained. "You''ll find everything you need inside. Food will be provided in the common area, and there are meditation rooms available for those who wish to use them."


    He pointed to a large building at the center of the complex. "That is where you''ll gather for announcements and to receive instructions for the next trial. Make sure you''re there at dawn tomorrow."


    Kai nodded, taking in the layout of the area. Good to know. I should familiarize myself with this place, just in case.


    "Now," Elder Feng continued, "get some rest. You''ve all earned it." With that, he departed, leaving the recruits to settle into their new accommodations.


    Kai turned to Liu Wei. "Let''s check out our rooms and then grab some food. I don''t know about you, but I''m starving after that trial."


    Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "Yes, Master Kai. I feel like I could eat an entire spirit beast!" He paused, glancing nervously at Zhi-Zhi. "Uh, no offense intended, of course."


    Zhi-Zhi huffed. "As if a mere mortal like you could ever hope to consume a majestic being such as myself. Why, I once feasted on an entire mountain of spirit herbs, and it barely satisfied my godly appetite!"


    Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "I''m sure you did, Zhi-Zhi. Come on, let''s go."


    As they made their way to their assigned quarters, Kai''s mind was already working on strategies for the next trial.


    I need to regain my qi as quickly as possible. Some food and meditation should help. I should also try to gather more information about what the other recruits faced in their trials. Knowledge is power, after all.


    They reached a row of small, individual buildings. Each had a simple wooden door with a number carved into it. Kai found the one matching the jade token he''d been given earlier and pushed it open.


    The room inside was sparse but comfortable. A bed, a small table with two chairs, and a cushioned mat for meditation. A window looked out over the misty mountains surrounding the sect.


    "Not bad," Kai murmured, setting his pack down. "Definitely beats the little hut."


    Liu Wei''s voice called from next door. "Master, these rooms are amazing! I''ve never stayed anywhere so nice!"


    Kai smiled at his follower''s enthusiasm. "Enjoy it while you can, Liu Wei. I have a feeling we won''t be spending much time here once the trials really get going."


    Suddenly, Zhi-Zhi''s voice piped up from further down the row. "Hey! Why is my door so small? Don''t they know who I am?"


    Curious, Kai stepped out and looked down the row. Sure enough, between his and Liu Wei''s rooms was a much smaller door, perfectly sized for the spirit tortoise.


    Kai walked over and peered inside. The room was a miniature version of his own, complete with tiny furniture. "Well, look at that," he chuckled. "They gave you your own place, Zhi-Zhi."


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up with pride. "Of course they did! It''s about time my greatness was recognized. Though I must say, this is rather quaint compared to my chambers in the Celestial Tortoise Palace."


    Kai rolled his eyes but couldn''t help smiling. "I''m sure it is. But hey, at least you don''t have to share with us ''mere mortals'' anymore."


    "Indeed!" Zhi-Zhi agreed, scuttling into his new home. "Now I can meditate in peace without your constant snoring interrupting my profound thoughts."


    "I don''t snore," Kai protested weakly, then shook his head.


    After freshening up and changing into clean robes provided in the room, the three made their way to the common area.


    The common area was a large, high-ceilinged hall with cloud patterns carved into the wooden beams above. Long tables of polished oak stretched in neat rows, already half-filled with chattering recruits. Along the far wall, a serving area bustled with activity as workers ladled out steaming dishes from large woks and cauldrons.


    The aroma of sizzling meats, fragrant herbs, and sweet pastries filled the air, causing Kai''s stomach to growl audibly. Liu Wei''s eyes widened at the sight of so much food.


    "I''ve never seen so many dishes in one place," he whispered in awe.


    As they approached the serving area, Kai picked up a wooden tray and began selecting dishes. He spooned some rice onto his plate, then added a helping of stir-fried vegetables with tender strips of pork. A bowl of mushroom soup came next, followed by a small plate of delicate dumplings.


    Zhi-Zhi looked down at Kai''s selections. "Hmph! This is what passes for a feast in the mortal realm?" he sniffed. "Why, in the Celestial Tortoise Palace, we dined on ambrosia and nectar that would make your taste buds explode with joy!"


    Kai rolled his eyes, adding a sweet bun to his tray. "Well, we''ll have to make do with mortal food for now, Zhi-Zhi. Try not to be too disappointed." He picked up a small saucer and filled it with a variety of vegetable pieces for the spirit tortoise.


    As Kai scanned the room, looking for a place to sit, he spotted Sun Jun and Lu Chen sitting at a table near the center of the room, surrounded by a group of admiring recruits. Sun Jun was gesturing dramatically, no doubt bragging about his performance during the trial.


    Typical arrogant young master, Kai thought with a smirk. Always have to be the center of attention.


    He and Liu Wei found an empty table near the edge of the room. As they sat down, Kai noticed Shen Yu entering the common area. The mysterious youth filled his plate quietly and then, to Kai''s surprise, began walking in their direction.


    "Mind if I join you?" Shen Yu asked, his voice as calm and emotionless as ever.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Kai raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Be our guest."


    As Shen Yu sat down, Liu Wei''s eyes widened. "Um, congratulations on gaining first place in the trial."


    Shen Yu inclined his head slightly. "Thank you. You did well to complete it as well."


    An awkward silence fell over the table as they began to eat. Kai studied Shen Yu out of the corner of his eye, trying to glean any information he could from the other youth''s behavior.


    He''s a hard one to read, Kai mused. No wasted movements, no unnecessary words. Is it all an act, or is this really who he is?


    Suddenly, a translucent blue screen flickered into existence before Kai''s eyes.


    Name: Shen Yu


    Level: ???


    Cultivation: ???


    The window flickered erratically, as if struggling to maintain a stable reading. For a brief moment, Kai caught a glimpse of numbers far beyond what should be possible for a new recruit, but they vanished before he could process them fully.


    What the hell? Kai thought, his mind racing. Is my system glitching out, or is there something seriously weird going on with this guy?


    After a few seconds of unstable flickering, the status window finally settled:


    Name: Shen Yu


    Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 4


    Qi: 75/75


    Strength: 25


    Agility: 28


    Endurance: 26


    Kai''s eyes widened in disbelief. Qi Refining Stage 4? Already? But he only started training a few days ago. How is that even possible?


    A part of Kai''s mind, the part still stuck in gamer logic, wondered if Shen Yu had somehow found a way to gain XP and level up rapidly. But he quickly dismissed the thought. This isn''t a game, Kai. People don''t just level up here, only I level up... right? It¡¯s more likely, he has already cultivated before.


    Deciding to test the waters, Kai plastered on a friendly smile and spoke up. "Hey, Shen Yu, congrats on reaching Stage 4 already. That''s really impressive."


    Liu Wei''s chopsticks clattered to the table. "Stage 4? But... but how?¡±


    Zhi-Zhi, not to be outdone, puffed out his chest. "Hmph! Of course he reached Stage 4. I knew it all along. Why, in my day, reaching Stage 4 in a matter of days was considered slow progress!"


    Shen Yu''s eyes widened almost imperceptibly at Kai''s words. He nodded, a hint of wariness in his expression. "Thank you."


    Kai leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "If you don''t mind me asking, how did you break through so quickly? Any tips for the rest of us?"


    Shen Yu made a gesture that almost looked like a shrug, his face returning to its usual blank mask. He didn''t reply, instead focusing on his food.


    Okay, he doesn''t want to talk about it, Kai thought. Time to change tactics.


    "Say, Shen Yu," Kai began, trying to sound casual, "there''s something that''s been nagging at me. When we talked earlier about the trial, you mentioned shadows. Did you pick the Darkness Element?"


    Shen Yu stopped eating and looked up at Kai, his dark eyes unreadable. After a moment, he set down his chopsticks and spoke.


    "I did choose the Darkness Element," Shen Yu said, his voice low. "If you want to finish the trial quickly, you need to face your fears. The Darkness Element doesn''t necessarily mean you''re afraid of the dark. It will pick something from your fears and have you face it."


    Kai nodded, processing this information. "I see. So, what exactly did you face? When you said shadows, I thought-"


    "It''s not the shadow you are thinking of," Shen Yu interrupted, his tone final. He didn''t elaborate further.


    Interesting. He''s willing to share some information, but he''s clearly holding back. What kind of shadows could be so terrible that he won''t even talk about them?


    Aloud, Kai said, "I think I understand what the trials were testing now. It was about facing our weaknesses, right? Pushing us out of our comfort zones to see how we''d adapt."


    Shen Yu regarded Kai for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Your assumption is close," he said finally, "but it isn''t accurate."


    Kai''s eyebrows rose. "Oh? How do you know if it isn''t right?"


    Shen Yu didn''t reply, instead returning his attention to his meal.


    He clearly knows more about these trials than he''s letting on, Kai realized. But how? And why is he sharing anything at all?


    Deciding to press his luck, Kai leaned in closer. "Say, Shen Yu, since you seem to know a lot about these trials... any idea what''s coming next?"


    Shen Yu paused, his chopsticks halfway to his mouth. He stared blankly at Kai for a long moment, as if weighing his options. Finally, he set his chopsticks down and spoke a single phrase:


    "The Enlightenment Stone."


    Liu Wei, who had been listening intently, couldn''t contain his curiosity. "The Enlightenment Stone? What''s that?"


    Shen Yu sighed, as if resigning himself to explaining. "Everyone will be given a stone. The stone will find a technique that you have the most affinity for. You will then be expected to comprehend it."


    "What if you''ve already learned the technique it chooses?" Kai asked, thinking of his own skills.


    "The stone can tell from your qi which techniques you have used," Shen Yu replied.


    Kai''s eyes narrowed as he caught the specific wording. Used, not known. Interesting distinction. Could that mean...


    Before Kai could pursue that line of thought, Liu Wei spoke up again. "But what about people who haven''t cultivated before? How will they be tested?"


    Shen Yu''s expression softened slightly. "They will be given a different test. They''ll be sent to a special meditation chamber, not the basic one here. It''s a place designed to help a mortal become a cultivator. They will be timed and ranked according to who breaks through to the first stage of Qi Refining the fastest."


    A place that can help mortals become cultivators? Kai thought, intrigued. I wonder how that works. Some kind of qi-rich environment, maybe?


    As Kai pondered this new information, Shen Yu suddenly spoke again, his voice low and intense.


    "I can tell from your performance that you want to be the Sect Master''s disciple."


    Kai hesitated for a moment before nodding. It was true, after all. Being chosen as the Sect Master''s disciple would give him a significant advantage in this world.


    Shen Yu leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. "A word of warning: I''d recommend you pick someone else."


    With that cryptic statement, Shen Yu stood and walked away, leaving a stunned silence in his wake.


    Kai''s eyes narrowed as he watched Shen Yu''s retreating form. What was that about? Was he threatening me? Or... warning me?


    Liu Wei leaned in; his voice hushed. "Master, what do you think he meant by that?"


    Kai shook his head, his mind racing. "I''m not sure, Liu Wei. But I intend to find out."


    Zhi-Zhi, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during the exchange, suddenly piped up. "Bah! Don''t listen to that upstart youngster. In my day, we didn''t need warnings or stones or fancy trials. We became disciples through sheer force of will and the strength of our shells!"


    Despite the tension of the moment, Kai couldn''t help but smile at the little tortoise''s bravado. "Is that so, Zhi-Zhi? And how many disciples did you take on in your illustrious career?"


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up his chest. "Why, I''ll have you know that I... that is to say... well, a true master doesn''t need disciples! We''re too busy with important celestial matters to bother with teaching!"


    Liu Wei chuckled, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "Of course, Zhi-Zhi. We wouldn''t want to distract you from your important duties, which is why we had to reject your offer of taking us as your disciples."


    As the conversation lightened, Kai''s mind continued to work, analyzing every detail of his interaction with Shen Yu.


    There''s definitely more to him than meets the eye. Those flickering stats, his rapid advancement, his knowledge of the trials... and now this warning about the Sect Master. What''s his angle?


    Kai glanced around the common area, noting the other recruits still chatting and eating.


    I need more information, Kai decided. About Shen Yu, about these trials, about the Sect Master... about everything.


    "Liu Wei," Kai said, turning to his follower. "After we finish eating, I want you to mingle with the other recruits. See what you can find out about their experiences in the trial. Anything unusual, any patterns in the challenges they faced. Anything they know about the sect. And anything they know about the number one prospect. Can you do that?"


    "Of course, Master Kai. I''ll be discreet."

 FORTY THREE: Enlightenment Stone

    As dawn broke over the Azure Sky Sect, Kai stood on the plateau alongside hundreds of other hopeful disciples. The cool mountain air nipped at his skin, but he barely noticed, his mind focused on the challenge ahead. The elders sat on their thrones, their faces impassive as they surveyed the crowd.


    Kai''s eyes scanned the participants, picking out familiar faces. Liu Wei stood nearby, nervousness evident in his fidgeting hands. Zhi-Zhi perched on a rock, trying to look dignified despite his tiny size. Sun Jun and his cronies clustered together, shooting glares at anyone who dared look their way. And Shen Yu... Kai frowned. The enigmatic youth stood apart from the others, his face as unreadable as ever.


    As Kai waited for the trial to begin, his mind wandered to the information Liu Wei had gathered the previous evening.


    "Master Kai," Liu Wei had reported, his voice low and excited. "I talked to as many people as I could. A few of them had heard about the Enlightenment Stone from family or friends in the sect. It seems Shen Yu was telling the truth about that part."


    Kai had nodded, unsurprised. "And what about the Sect Master?"


    Liu Wei''s face had fallen slightly. "Not much, I''m afraid. Everyone agrees he''s one of the strongest cultivators in the Eastern Region, but beyond that..." He shrugged helplessly.


    "And Shen Yu?"


    "That''s the strange thing, Master. No one seems to know anything about him. But they''re all curious about Misty Waterfall Village now, since both of you are from there."


    Shen Yu knew about the Enlightenment Stone. He has inside knowledge of the sect. But no one knows anything about him which suggests either his contacts are much higher level, or he doesn¡¯t have any because he himself is the source...


    His thoughts were interrupted as one of the elders stood, raising a hand for silence. The chatter among the participants died down immediately.


    The Sect Master rose from his throne, his presence commanding instant attention. His voice, though not raised, carried clearly across the plateau.


    "Young cultivators," he began, "you stand now at the threshold of your second trial - the Trial of Comprehension."


    Kai listened intently as the Sect Master explained the trial. It was similar to what Shen Yu had described.


    "Each of you will receive an Enlightenment Stone," the Sect Master continued. "When you channel your qi into it, the stone will implant a technique into your mind - one that aligns with your innate talents and cultivation path."


    He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "You will have 24 hours to comprehend this technique to the first level and demonstrate it successfully. Those who fail will be eliminated from consideration as disciples."


    A murmur rippled through the crowd at this. Kai''s eyes narrowed. 24 hours. That''s a tight deadline for most cultivators at this level. I wonder how many will make it.


    The Sect Master raised his hand, and silence fell once more. "As for those who are still mortal..."


    He gestured to a group off to the side, comprising about a third of the recruits. "You will be led to a special meditation chamber by Elder Feng. There, you will attempt your breakthrough to the first stage of Qi Refining."


    Kai watched as the group of mortals was led away, a mix of nervousness and excitement on their faces. That''s a pretty big group, he thought. I wonder how many will actually succeed in becoming cultivators.


    As the group of non-cultivators was led away, Kai caught Liu Wei''s eye. His follower looked relieved to have already begun his cultivation journey.


    The remaining participants spread out across the plateau at the Sect Master''s instruction, giving each other space to work. Kai found a spot near the edge, where he could observe the others without being too conspicuous.


    With a wave of his sleeve, the Sect Master sent small, unremarkable-looking stones flying through the air. Each participant caught one, Kai included.


    "Channel your qi into the stone," the Sect Master instructed. "The technique will be implanted in your mind. Remember, you have 24 hours. Begin!"


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Kai held the stone in his palm, feeling its smooth surface. He took a deep breath, centering himself, then began to channel his qi.


    Immediately, a familiar blue screen appeared before his eyes:


    New Technique Available: Lightning Step


    Would you like to learn this technique?


    Yes/No


    Huh, convenient, Kai thought with a smirk. It''s like accepting a free quest reward. He mentally selected ''Yes''.


    The stone in his hand began to glow, and suddenly, information flooded into Kai''s mind. Images, sensations, and instructions all poured in at once, threatening to overwhelm him. But Kai''s gaming-honed mind quickly began to sort and categorize the information.


    New Skill Acquired: Lightning Step (Level 1)


    Description: A movement technique that allows the user to move at incredible speeds, leaving behind a trail of lightning. At higher levels, can be used for short-range teleportation.


    Kai opened his eyes, blinking as he processed the new information. Okay, so I''ve "learned" it, but can I actually do it?


    He looked around, noticing that other participants were still deep in concentration, their faces scrunched up as they absorbed the information from their stones. He knew he had an advantage ¨C his system had allowed him to learn the technique instantly, but that didn''t mean he could perform it perfectly right away.


    Time to break this down, Kai thought, settling into a meditative pose. Let''s treat this like analyzing a new game mechanic.


    He closed his eyes, focusing on the technique in his mind. Okay, Lightning Step. It''s about speed and electricity, while Wind Step was about agility and air currents. The qi flow is similar, but the energy conversion is different.


    Kai visualized the technique step by step:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Gather qi in the dantian.


    </li>


    <li>


    Circulate the qi through the body, focusing on the legs and feet.


    </li>


    <li>


    Convert the qi into lightning energy.


    </li>


    <li>


    Channel the lightning energy into rapid movement.


    </li>


    <li>


    Control the direction and stop safely.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Seems simple enough in theory, Kai mused. But execution is always trickier than tutorial levels make it seem. At least I have some experience with Wind Step to draw from.


    After about ten minutes of meditation and mental practice, Kai decided to attempt the technique. He stood up, noticing that most of the other participants were still deep in concentration. The elders'' eyes seemed to narrow, focusing on him with interest.


    Kai took a deep breath, centering himself. Here goes nothing. Let''s see if I can speedrun this trial.


    He gathered his qi, feeling it swirl in his dantian. Then, he began to circulate it through his body, concentrating on his legs and feet. As the energy flowed, Kai tried to envision it transforming into lightning, crackling and sparking within him.


    This feels different from Wind Step. More intense, harder to control.


    With a burst of effort, Kai attempted to launch himself forward using the Lightning Step. For a split second, he felt a surge of speed, electricity crackling around him. But then, just as quickly, he lost control. The energy dispersed, and Kai stumbled, barely keeping himself from falling flat on his face.


    Well, that was anticlimactic, Kai thought, straightening up. Lightning is harder to control than it looks in anime.


    He noticed Shen Yu''s eyes on him, narrowed in concentration. The mysterious youth closed his eyes again, seemingly redoubling his efforts.


    Kai was about to attempt the technique again when a sudden gust of wind caught his attention. He turned to see Shen Yu performing a series of smooth, flowing movements.


    Shen Yu''s hands traced graceful arcs through the air, leaving faint trails of silvery qi. As he moved, the wind around him began to pick up, swirling faster and faster. Small leaves and bits of grass were lifted off the ground, caught in the growing vortex.


    Then, with a sharp gesture, Shen Yu thrust his palm forward. The swirling wind condensed into a visible blade of air, about as long as a sword. It shot forward with incredible speed, slicing cleanly through a nearby rock before dissipating.


    "Wind Slicer Technique," Shen Yu announced calmly, his voice carrying across the plateau.


    The Sect Master nodded approvingly. "Excellent work, Shen Yu. You''ve completed the trial first, in just under 11 minutes. Truly impressive."


    Kai couldn''t help but feel a twinge of suspicion. That''s... convenient timing, he thought. It''s almost as if he was waiting for me to get close before finishing. Did he already know the technique?


    The ease with which Shen Yu had performed the Wind Slicer Technique seemed at odds with the struggle Kai had witnessed on the faces of other participants. It was as if Shen Yu had simply been going through the motions, waiting for the right moment to reveal his mastery.


    Closing his eyes, Kai focused once more on the Lightning Step technique. This time, he paid extra attention to the control aspect. It''s not just about generating the lightning, he realized. It''s about directing it, making it an extension of my will. With Wind Step, I flowed with the currents. Here, I need to be the current.


    With this new understanding, Kai attempted the technique again. He gathered his qi, circulated it through his body, and transformed it into crackling lightning energy. But this time, instead of trying to move immediately, he held the energy for a moment, feeling its ebb and flow.


    Then, with a burst of concentration, Kai released the energy. The world blurred around him as he shot forward, leaving a trail of sparks in his wake. For a brief, exhilarating moment, Kai felt like he was flying.


    He came to a stop several meters away, his heart racing but a grin spreading across his face. Now that''s more like it! Even faster than Wind Step, but trickier to control.


    "Well done," the Sect Master''s voice rang out. "Kai Thorn, you''ve completed the trial second, with a time of 12 minutes."


    Kai bowed respectfully, trying to hide his satisfaction. Second place isn''t bad, he thought. Especially considering the competition.

 FORTY FOUR: The End of the Second Trial

    With his own trial complete, Kai took the opportunity to observe how the others were faring. He first looked for Liu Wei.


    His follower was standing with his eyes closed, a look of intense concentration on his face. Occasionally, a gentle breeze would ruffle his clothes, but he seemed to be struggling to maintain it.


    Looks like he got a wind technique, Kai mused. Makes sense, given his affinity. But he''s having trouble controlling it. Hopefully he can pull through before the time limit.


    Next, Kai''s gaze fell on Zhi-Zhi. To his surprise, the tiny tortoise seemed to be making good progress. A faint green glow surrounded Zhi-Zhi''s shell, and as Kai watched, small vines began to sprout from the ground around him.


    A wood-based technique? Kai raised an eyebrow. Interesting choice for a tortoise. But he seems to have a knack for it. Maybe it¡¯s got something to do with his ¡®mother¡¯?


    Lu Chen caught Kai''s attention next. The young noble was moving through a series of fluid motions, water droplets forming in the air around him. His face was the picture of peace, almost as if he were dancing rather than practicing a martial technique.


    Water element, huh? He seems pretty comfortable with it, Kai observed. Must be a good match for his temperament. I wouldn''t be surprised if he finishes near the top.


    Finally, Kai''s eyes landed on Sun Jun. The arrogant young master''s face was contorted in frustration as he attempted to perform what looked like a fire-based technique. Flames would flicker to life around his hands, only to sputter out moments later.


    Struggling with control. All that raw power, but he can''t seem to direct it properly. Still, with his resources and training, he''ll probably figure it out eventually.


    As the hours passed, more and more participants completed their trials. Some managed to perform their techniques with varying degrees of success, while others struggled until the very end.


    As the third hour approached, Lu Chen stood, his arms flowing like water itself. As he completed his final gesture, an orb of water formed between his palms. With a gentle push, the orb expanded into a swirling shield of liquid, rotating rapidly around Lu Chen''s body. Droplets flew off, each seeming to dance in the air before returning to the shield.


    The elders nodded approvingly at this display of the "Whirlpool Shield Technique."


    "Excellent control, Lu Chen," one elder commented. "A fine defensive technique, executed with precision."


    Lu Chen bowed, the water shield dissipating into a fine mist around him. He had finished third, just behind Kai.


    Sun Jun, on the other hand, struggled for nearly five hours before he let out a loud kiai and thrust his palm forward. A burst of intense flame erupted from his hand, forming a fiery fist that shot forward several meters before exploding in a shower of sparks. The heat was so intense that those nearby could feel it on their skin.


    "Impressive power, Young Master Sun," an elder remarked. "Though perhaps work on refining your control in the future."


    Sun Jun nodded, trying to hide his heavy breathing. Despite the delay, he had still managed to secure fourth place in the rankings.


    And Zhi-Zhi, much to everyone''s surprise, showed remarkable aptitude with his wood technique. The tiny tortoise managed to grow a small tree in just over five hours, securing fifth place.


    "Ha! Did you see that?" Zhi-Zhi boasted to the other participants. "This is but a fraction of my true power!"


    Kai couldn''t help but smile at the tortoise''s antics.


    After nearly seven hours of intense concentration, Liu Wei finally grasped the essence of his wind technique. His face, covered in sweat, broke into a wide smile as he prepared to demonstrate for the elders.


    Taking a deep breath, Liu Wei spread his arms wide. He began to spin slowly, as he turned, wisps of wind started to swirl around him, picking up loose leaves and dust.


    Gradually, Liu Wei''s spin quickened, and the wind responded in kind. A visible funnel of air formed around him, stretching from the ground to just above his head. The whirlwind wasn''t large - maybe a meter in diameter - but it was unmistakably real.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Inside the vortex, Liu Wei''s clothes and hair whipped about wildly. Despite his obvious exhaustion, his eyes shone with pride and joy.


    "Windshield Vortex," Liu Wei announced, his voice slightly muffled by the rushing air.


    He held the technique for a full minute before letting it dissipate. As the wind died down, Liu Wei stumbled slightly, clearly drained from the effort.


    One of the elders nodded approvingly. "A solid foundation, Liu Wei. With practice, this technique could provide excellent defense against projectiles and even some physical attacks."


    Liu Wei bowed deeply, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. "Thank you, honored elder. I will continue to refine it."


    Kai, watching from nearby, felt a surge of pride for his follower. Not bad at all, Liu Wei, he thought. You''ve come a long way from being a simple bandit.


    As the 24-hour mark arrived, the Sect Master raised his hand, calling for attention. "The trial is complete," he announced. "Those who have not yet mastered their techniques, I''m afraid your journey with us ends here."


    A wave of his hand, and the Enlightenment Stones flew back to him, glowing faintly with residual qi. Then, with another gesture, a shimmering screen of water appeared in the air before him.


    "Behold," the Sect Master said, "the results of the selection so far."


    The water rippled, and names began to appear, ranked from top to bottom. Kai''s eyes quickly scanned the list:


    1. Shen Yu


    2. Kai Thorn


    3. Lu Chen


    4. Sun Jun


    5. Liu Wei


    6. Zhi-Zhi


    Not bad at all. Kai nodded to himself, satisfied with the results. We''ve all made it through. But Shen Yu... he''s going to be tough to beat.


    As the participants began to disperse, discussing their results and new techniques, Kai felt a presence beside him. He turned to see Shen Yu standing there, his dark eyes unreadable.


    "Congratulations," Shen Yu said, his voice low. "Your comprehension speed was... impressive."


    Kai nodded, studying the other youth''s face. "Thanks. But clearly it isn¡¯t as fast as yours."


    For a moment, they stood in silence, each taking the measure of the other. Then Shen Yu spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. "That might not be the case.¡±


    Before Kai could respond, Shen Yu turned and walked away.


    What did he mean by that? Kai wondered. Is he confirming that he already knew the technique beforehand, I¡¯m almost certain he is either a regressor or reincarnator, I just don¡¯t know which one¡­


    As Kai mulled over the enigma that was Shen Yu, Liu Wei approached, his face beaming with pride.


    "Master Kai!" he exclaimed. "I did it! I actually managed to complete the technique!"


    Kai smiled, genuinely happy for his follower. "Well done, Liu Wei. I knew you had it in you."


    Liu Wei''s smile faltered slightly. "But... it was nothing compared to you."


    Kai placed a hand on Liu Wei''s shoulder. "Hey, don''t worry about that. What matters is that you passed. Many others didn''t make it this far. You should be proud."


    Liu Wei''s smile returned, brighter than before. "You''re right, Master. Thank you."


    As Liu Wei chatted excitedly about his new wind technique, they were interrupted by a familiar voice.


    "Ah, my faithful disciples! Bask in the glory of your master''s achievement!" Zhi-Zhi waddled up to them, his tiny chest puffed out. "From last place to sixth place! Sixth, I tell you! A most auspicious number, wouldn''t you agree?"


    Kai couldn''t help but smile at the tortoise''s enthusiasm. "Indeed, Zhi-Zhi. You did very well. That wood technique of yours was quite impressive."


    Zhi-Zhi preened at the praise. "Of course it was! In my younger days, I once grew an entire forest with a single thought! This paltry sapling was but child''s play for one of my immense talents!"


    Liu Wei chuckled. "Of course, great Zhi-Zhi. We''re honored to be in the presence of such a master of wood techniques."


    As the group continued their light-hearted banter, the Sect Master''s voice suddenly rang out across the plateau, silencing all conversations.


    "Disciples," he said, "you have done well to come this far. But your journey is not yet complete. Tomorrow, you will face your greatest challenge yet - the Trial of the Heart."


    The Trial of the Heart. Kai had been expecting this.


    It''s not just about power or technique. It''s about character.


    His mind flashed back to Elder Feng''s warning to Liu Wei, trying to scare the former bandit about this very trial. The Azure Sky Sect was known for its righteousness, its dedication to justice and protecting the weak. This trial wasn''t about combat or comprehension - it was about moral fiber.


    They want to know if we''re worthy of their teachings, if we align with their values, Kai mused. This could be tricky.


    He glanced at Liu Wei, who looked nervous but determined, clearly remembering Elder Feng''s words. Zhi-Zhi, on the other hand, was already boasting about his "immense spiritual fortitude." Kai couldn''t help but smirk at the tortoise''s unwavering confidence.


    At least I''ve had time to prepare for this, Kai reassured himself. I might not be the paragon of virtue they''re looking for, but I''m not a villain either. I just need to show them that sometimes, the ends can justify the means - if the cause is right.


    As Kai looked around at the other disciples, he assessed their potential reactions to this trial. Sun Jun, for all his arrogance, came from a respected family known for their contributions to the sect. Lu Chen had a reputation for kindness and generosity. And Shen Yu... well, Shen Yu remained an enigma.


    I wonder how many others here are putting on a front, Kai thought. How many of us don''t fit the mold of the perfect, righteous cultivator? The real question is, how will the sect judge us?


    As the disciples began to disperse, heading back to their quarters to rest and prepare for the coming challenge, Kai''s mind was already working on strategies. This wasn''t a game he could easily min-max or find exploits for. This was about presenting the core of who he was as a person in the best light possible.


    I need to be smart about this. Show them that sometimes, true righteousness requires making tough choices. After all, in this world, pure idealism can be a luxury not everyone can afford.

 FORTY FIVE: The System is Gone!

    The sun rose over the Azure Sky Sect, casting a warm glow on the trial quarters. This secluded area, separated from the main sect, housed the participants as they prepared for their final challenge.


    Kai stood at the window of his small room, gazing out at the misty mountains surrounding them.


    I had thought the village was the tutorial area, but boy was I wrong. Being stuck here is like I''m unable to access the main game until I clear these trials.


    He turned back to his room, eyeing the meditation mat in the corner. The elders had stressed the importance of mental preparation for the upcoming Trial of the Heart. Most participants were spending their time in deep reflection or meditation.


    But sitting still was never my strong suit, Kai thought with a smirk. Time to see what the others are up to.


    As he stepped into the hallway, Kai nearly collided with Liu Wei, who was pacing back and forth, muttering to himself.


    "Whoa there," Kai said, steadying his follower. "What''s got you so worked up?"


    "Master Kai!¡± Liu Wei said with wide eye. ¡°I... I can''t stop thinking about what Elder Feng said. About the Trial of the Heart. What if they look into my past and see... you know..." He lowered his voice. "My time as a bandit?"


    Poor guy''s really spiraling, Kai thought. Time for some tough love.


    "Liu Wei," Kai said firmly, "look at me."


    Liu Wei raised his eyes, meeting Kai''s steady gaze.


    "You are not defined by your past," Kai said. "You''re defined by your choices now. You chose to leave that life behind. You chose to follow a better path. That''s what matters."


    "But-"


    "No buts," Kai interrupted. "The Azure Sky Sect doesn''t want perfect people. They want people who can recognize their mistakes and strive to be better. That''s you, Liu Wei."


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened. "You really think so, Master?"


    Kai nodded. "I know so. Or else I wouldn¡¯t keep telling you this. Now, take a deep breath and remember why you''re here."


    He''s come so far. I can¡¯t let him falter now.


    "Thank you, Master," Liu Wei said softly. "I... I think I feel better now."


    "That''s the spirit," Kai said with a grin. "Now, how about we grab some breakfast? Can''t face a trial on an empty stomach."


    As they made their way to the common area, Kai''s mind was already working on strategies. The Trial of the Heart. It''s not just about power or skill. They want to know our character. But how do you measure something like that? There has to be a system, a set of criteria they''re using...


    His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.


    "Behold, my loyal disciples! Your master has achieved perfect enlightenment through rigorous meditation!"


    Zhi-Zhi waddled towards them, his tiny chest puffed out with pride. The spirit tortoise had somehow acquired a miniature set of monk''s robes, complete with a small wooden prayer bead necklace.


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "Enlightenment, huh? That was fast."


    "Of course it was!" Zhi-Zhi declared. "For one of my immense spiritual fortitude, such trivial matters as moral quandaries are child''s play!"


    "That''s, uh, very impressive, great Zhi-Zhi,¡± Liu Wei chuckled. ¡°Any tips for the rest of us?"


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes gleamed. "Ah, you wish to learn from my boundless wisdom! Very well, I shall impart upon you the secret to passing this trial." He paused dramatically. "Simply be as magnificent as me!"


    Kai rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the advice, oh wise one. I''m sure we''ll all keep that in mind."


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    As they entered the common area, Kai noticed several other participants already gathered there. Some sat in quiet contemplation over their meals, while others engaged in hushed conversations.


    Sun Jun and his group occupied a table near the center, their voices carrying across the room.


    "...and then I told the elder, ''With all due respect, sir, but I believe my interpretation of the Righteous Fist technique is far superior,''" Sun Jun boasted, earning nods of approval from his cronies.


    Kai shook his head as he grabbed a tray. Typical. Even now, he can''t help showing off. But maybe that confidence will serve him well in the trial...


    They found a quiet table near the edge of the room. As Kai began to eat, he noticed Shen Yu sitting alone in the corner, his eyes closed in meditation even as he mechanically lifted food to his mouth.


    Liu Wei followed Kai''s gaze. "Master, do you think Shen Yu will have trouble with the Trial of the Heart? He seems so... cold."


    Kai shrugged. "Hard to say. Just because someone doesn''t wear their heart on their sleeve doesn''t mean they lack one. He could surprise us all."


    As they finished their meal, Lu Chen approached their table.


    "Good morning, Kai, Liu Wei," he said with a slight bow. "I hope your preparations for the trial are going well?"


    Kai nodded, studying Lu Chen''s carefully neutral expression. "Well enough. And yours?"


    Lu Chen smiled, but it didn''t quite reach his eyes. "Oh, I believe I''m adequately prepared. The Chen family has a long history with the Azure Sky Sect, after all. We know what''s expected."


    Ah, there it is, Kai thought. A subtle reminder of his connections.


    Aloud, Kai simply said, "I''m sure you''ll do fine. May the best cultivators succeed."


    Lu Chen''s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "Indeed. Well, good luck to you both." He bowed again and walked away.


    Liu Wei let out a breath he''d been holding. "Master, do you think he was trying to intimidate us?"


    Kai chuckled. "In his own polite way, yes. But don''t let it get to you. Remember, this trial isn''t about family connections or past glory. It''s about who we are now, in this moment."


    They spent the rest of the morning in the common area, observing the other participants and discussing strategies in low voices. Kai couldn''t help but analyze everyone''s behavior, looking for clues about the upcoming trial.


    "...but what if they ask about that time I..."


    "...my father says the key is to project confidence, no matter what..."


    "...I heard they use some kind of truth-revealing artifact..."


    It''s like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces, he mused. But every bit of information helps. Who knows what could give us an edge?


    Zhi-Zhi, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, suddenly yawned . "Well, my faithful disciples, it seems the time has come for me to engage in some deep, spiritual meditation. Do not disturb me unless the heavens themselves are falling!"


    With that, the spirit tortoise retreated into his shell, which began to let out soft snoring sounds moments later.


    Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "At least someone''s not stressed about the trial."


    As Kai turned to talk with Liu Wei, he suddenly felt a strange sensation wash over him. It felt like a wave of static, briefly distorting his perception. He blinked, shaking his head to clear it.


    "Master, are you alright?"


    Kai held up a hand, trying to focus. "I''m fine, just felt a bit... odd for a moment there."


    What was that? Kai wondered. Some kind of qi fluctuation?


    Out of habit, Kai tried to pull up his status window to check if anything had changed. But to his shock and growing alarm, nothing happened. He tried again, concentrating harder this time. Still nothing.


    This isn''t right, Kai thought, a cold feeling settling in his stomach. The system has never failed before. It''s always been there, even when I''m asleep or unconscious. But now¡­it¡¯s gone.


    "Master?" Liu Wei''s worried voice broke through Kai''s rising panic. "You look pale. Should we go see one of the medical cultivators?"


    Kai forced himself to take a deep breath, his mind racing. Okay, don''t panic. Think this through logically. I still have access to qi. I can still feel my cultivation base. So it''s not like I''ve lost everything. But without the system...


    "I''m okay, Liu Wei," Kai said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Just... thinking about the trial."


    Liu Wei nodded sympathetically, but Kai could see the confusion in his eyes.


    I can''t tell him, Kai realized. He wouldn''t understand, and I can''t risk anyone finding out about the system... or its absence.


    As they continued their conversation, Kai''s mind was working overtime. Is this part of the trial? Some kind of illusion or test? Or has something gone seriously wrong?


    He glanced around the room, studying the other participants more closely now. Everyone seemed normal, going about their business as usual. No one else appeared to be experiencing anything strange.


    Okay, think. If this is an illusion, what''s the objective? To see through it? To resist it? Or is the illusion itself just a setting for the real trial? Will they now test my heart?


    Just as Kai was about to suggest they return to their rooms to regroup and think, a commotion erupted from the direction of the main entrance. The sound of splintering wood echoed through the hallways, followed by gasps and cries of alarm.


    "What in the name of the Celestial Tortoise Palace is going on?" Zhi-Zhi exclaimed, popping his head out of his shell.


    Kai and Liu Wei exchanged worried glances before hurrying towards the source of the disturbance, with Zhi-Zhi scuttling along behind them.


    "Wait for me, you impertinent disciples!" the spirit tortoise huffed. "A master should always lead the charge!"


    As they rounded the corner, they were met with a shocking sight. The massive doors that sealed off the trial quarters had been smashed open. Standing in the wreckage were three figures, their auras releasing power that far exceeded anything Kai had felt from the other participants.


    Foundation Establishment cultivators!

 FORTY SIX: Real or Illusion?

    The three intruders wore the distinctive outer disciple robes of the Azure Sky Sect, white fabric with silver cloud patterns. The leader, a tall man with a sharp nose and narrowed eyes, stepped forward. His companions flanked him ¨C a stocky woman with close-cropped hair and a thin youth with a scar across his left cheek.


    For a moment, Kai''s hand twitched, instinctively trying to bring up his status window. But nothing appeared. The familiar blue screens that had become second nature to him were absent.


    This feels wrong. I''ve gotten so used to seeing stats pop up for everyone. Without my system...


    The tall man''s voice boomed across the room, silencing the confused murmurs of the disciples. "Listen up, you pathetic worms! When you enter the Azure Sky Sect, you''ll need protection. We''re here to offer our... services."


    "Protection?" one of the braver participants spoke up. "From what?"


    "From us, of course. The sect can be a dangerous place for newcomers. Accidents happen all the time. But with our... generous offer, you''ll be safe.¡± the woman beside the leader sneered. ¡°Consider it an investment in your future."


    Kai''s eyes narrowed as he watched from the sidelines.


    This scenario... it''s like something straight out of a cultivation novel, he thought. The bullies arrive to extort the new disciples, setting the stage for the protagonist to swoop in and save the day. Is this what the trial is testing? Our willingness to stand up against injustice? But then again this could be real, it is a cultivation world, after all...


    Liu Wei shifted nervously beside him. "Master," he whispered, "what should we do?"


    Before I do anything, I need to confirm if this is really part of the trial. If it''s just a test, being righteous is the smart play. But if it''s real... I''d rather not get involved in unnecessary drama.


    "For now, we wait and watch," Kai murmured back to Liu Wei. "Let''s see how this plays out."


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up his chest. "Hmph! In my day, we didn''t need protection from anyone! Why, I once faced down an entire army of spirit beasts with nothing but my impenetrable shell and my razor-sharp wit!"


    Kai raised an eyebrow at the spirit tortoise. "Is that so? And how did that work out for you?"


    Zhi-Zhi deflated slightly. "Well... I may have spent most of that battle hiding in my shell. But it was a strategic retreat!"


    Kai¡¯s eyes widened slightly at Zhi-Zhi¡¯s response, he did not expect the tortoise to actually admit that.


    As the Foundation Establishment cultivators began moving through the crowd, demanding "protection fees" from the terrified participants, Kai observed their behavior closely.


    The thin man approached a trembling young woman. "You there! Hand over your spirit stones if you know what''s good for you!"


    The woman fumbled with her pouch, nearly dropping it in her haste. "P-please, I¡¯m from a small clan, I don''t have much..."


    The stocky woman sneered at a group of young men huddled together. "What''s the matter, boys? Too scared to stand up for yourselves? Pathetic!"


    One of the men, his face pale with fear, stepped forward. "We... we don''t want any trouble. How much do you want?"


    Something''s off here. Why aren''t they paying any attention to me? In every story I''ve read, the protagonist always gets singled out in situations like this. Kai glanced at Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi, who were watching the scene with a mix of fear and indignation. And why aren''t they targeting my companions? That would be the easiest way to provoke me.


    "This is outrageous!" Liu Wei whispered. "Someone should stand up to these bullies!"


    Zhi-Zhi nodded. "If I were in my true form, I''d show these upstarts the meaning of real power!"


    Kai patted the spirit tortoise''s shell absently, his mind still working through the puzzle. "I''m sure you would, Zhi-Zhi. But let''s watch for now.¡±


    As the Foundation Establishment cultivators continued their intimidation tactics, more inconsistencies began to pile up in Kai''s mind.


    If this were real, wouldn''t the sect elders have noticed by now? This has to be part of the trial. But I can''t let on that I know. I need to act as if this is real... while still making the ''right'' choice.


    Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room shifted as Sun Jun stepped forward, his face flushed with anger. "How dare you treat us this way! Do you know who I am? I am Sun Jun of the Sun Clan!"


    The tall leader turned slowly, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "Oh? And you think your family name means anything to us?"


    Lu Chen moved to stand beside his friend, his voice cold and calm. "You''re making a grave mistake. Our families have deep connections within the sect. This behavior will not go unpunished."


    The stocky woman laughed. "Big words from such little boys. Why don''t you show us what you can do?"


    This doesn''t make sense. Foundation Establishment cultivators shouldn''t be picking fights with young masters who have powerful backing. Unless...


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Before Kai could complete the thought, the leader moved with blinding speed. His hand shot out, striking Sun Jun squarely in the chest. The young master''s eyes widened in shock as he was sent flying across the room, crashing into the far wall with a sickening thud.


    "Sun Jun!" Lu Chen cried out, his usual composure cracking. He turned to face the attackers, his hands glowing with qi as he prepared a technique.


    But the thin man was already moving. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a wave of invisible force that slammed into Lu Chen. The young cultivator managed to land on his feet, but he skidded backward, his face pale with the effort of remaining upright.


    Gasps of horror echoed through the room. Liu Wei grabbed Kai''s arm, his voice trembling. "Master, we have to do something!"


    Zhi-Zhi had retreated partially into his shell, only his eyes visible as he peeked out. "Perhaps... perhaps a strategic withdrawal is in order? To plan our counterattack, of course!"


    This can''t be real. Those young masters have connections that far outstrip mere Foundation Establishment cultivators. No one would dare treat them like this, unless it''s all an illusion or they were courting death.


    The concept of "courting death" was deeply ingrained in cultivation society. Only fools or the truly powerful would dare to offend scions of major clans so blatantly. These Foundation Establishment cultivators were either suicidal or...


    It has to be an illusion, Kai concluded. In a real xianxia world, those cultivators would be asking for swift and brutal retribution from the Sun and Moon clans. No one with a functioning brain would risk that unless they had the backing of an Immortal powerhouse.


    Kai glanced at Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi, noting their reactions. And despite their comments, these ''bullies'' aren''t paying us any attention. If this were real, they''d have noticed us by now. But it looks like they''re not putting Liu Wei or Zhi-Zhi in danger because it''s obvious I''d defend my friends. This is about seeing if I''ll stand up for someone I don''t like when they''re being treated unjustly.


    Normally, I wouldn''t lift a finger to help Sun Jun, Kai thought, a wry smile tugging at his lips. But since this isn''t real and it''s just a test, I can play the hero without any real consequences. And they can''t tell that I know it''s an illusion, so they won''t think I''m faking it.


    The tall leader advanced on the fallen Sun Jun, who was struggling to rise. Qi began to swirl around the man''s fist, coalescing into a swirling vortex of energy.


    "Let''s see how tough you are now, young master," he sneered, raising his fist.


    Time to make my move, Kai thought, his body tensing.


    In a flash, Kai activated his Swift Wind Step technique. The world blurred around him as he crossed the distance in an instant, materializing between Sun Jun and the attacker.


    "That''s enough," Kai said, his voice steady despite the pounding of his heart. He poured his qi into a barrier, forming a shield of energy just as the Foundation Establishment cultivator''s attack landed.


    The impact was tremendous. Kai felt his barrier shatter almost instantly, the force of the blow sending him staggering backward. He managed to stay on his feet, but his arms trembled with the effort of absorbing the shock.


    Damn, that hurt more than I expected, Kai thought, gritting his teeth. Even if it''s an illusion, they''re not pulling any punches.


    As he slowly straightened up, facing the shocked expressions of the "bullies" and the other participants, a new thought occurred to Kai.


    Wait a minute. Why isn''t the trial over yet? I made the ''right'' choice, didn''t I? Do they expect me to actually fight these guys to the death?


    The leader''s eyes narrowed as he regarded Kai. "Well, well. Looks like we have a hero in our midst. You''ve got guts, kid. But do you have the strength to back it up?"


    This is getting complicated. How far do I need to take this to pass the trial?


    Kai could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on him, waiting to see what he would do next. Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi were calling out to him.


    "Master Kai, be careful!"


    "Show them the power of my disciple, Kai! Er... I mean, the power I''ve bestowed upon you!"


    Sun Jun, still on the ground behind Kai, looked up with a mixture of surprise and grudging respect. "Why... why are you helping me?"


    Kai didn''t turn around, keeping his eyes fixed on the three attackers. "Because it''s the right thing to do," he said, loud enough for everyone to hear. And because it''s probably what the trial expects of me, he added silently.


    The stocky woman cracked her knuckles, a predatory grin spreading across her face. "Ooh, I like this one. He''s got spirit. Let''s see how long it lasts!"


    As the three Foundation Establishment cultivators began to advance, Kai fell into a defensive stance.


    If this is still part of the trial, I need to show courage and determination, even in the face of overwhelming odds. But if it''s real... well, I''m in serious trouble.

 FORTY SEVEN: Kai vs Foundation Establishment Cultivator!

    The leader of the Foundation Establishment cultivators stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the scene. He turned to his two companions.


    "Zhou Ling, Yang Ming, stand back," he commanded. "I''ll handle this myself."


    The stocky woman, Zhou Ling, frowned but nodded. "Fine, Deng Long. Just don''t take too long. We have other disciples to... educate."


    "Hah! These little ones aren''t even worth our time." The thin man did an exaggerated bow, a mocking grin on his face. "We¡¯ll leave them to you, Brother Deng." With that, he took several steps back, crossing his arms as he prepared to enjoy the show.


    Kai''s eyes narrowed as he focused on Deng Long. Without the system, he couldn''t get a clear read on the power difference between them. Still, he''d read enough cultivation novels to know that even an early Foundation Establishment cultivator could easily take on multiple Qi Refining disciples.


    Guess it''s time to see if that holds true here, Kai thought, a wry smile tugging at his lips.


    Suddenly, Liu Wei stepped up beside him, his hands gripping two plain-looking daggers. "Master," he whispered, "how can I help?"


    Kai glanced at his follower. He''s only at Qi Refining Stage 3. Against a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he doesn''t stand a chance.


    "Stay back, Liu Wei," Kai murmured. "This fight is out of your league."


    Deng Long cracked his knuckles. "You know what? Forget about fancy qi techniques. I''m going to beat that smile off your face the old-fashioned way."


    Good, he''s underestimating me, Kai thought. That''s the only chance I have. And no, not a chance to win - just a chance to survive. I''d be an idiot to think I could actually beat him.


    In a blur of motion, Deng Long vanished from sight. Kai''s eyes widened as a fist materialized inches from his face. He activated Swift Wind Step, barely managing to dodge backwards. Even the aftereffect of the missed blow was enough to send Kai skidding back several feet.


    Liu Wei, seeing his master in danger, also activated Swift Wind Step. He appeared behind Deng Long, slashing with his daggers towards his neck. But the Foundation Establishment cultivator simply twisted, avoiding the attack without even looking.


    "Brave," Deng Long sneered, "but foolish." He backhanded Liu Wei, sending him tumbling across the room.


    As Kai steadied himself, his mind raced. This guy is way too OP. There''s no way I can beat him at this stage. I need a strategy, fast.


    Taking a deep breath, Kai forced himself to calm down and think rationally. Okay, game plan: fight evasively, keep my distance, and don''t get hit. One solid blow and it''s lights out.


    His eyes fell on Zhi-Zhi, who was peeking out from behind a table. In anime, teamwork is always looked upon favorably in these kinds of trials. Even in a xianxia world, surely righteous sects care about that sort of thing.


    "Zhi-Zhi!" Kai called out. "I need you to be my shield!"


    The spirit tortoise, who was now somehow cowering behind a pillar, poked his head out of his shell. "What? No way! I don¡¯t like being used as a meat shield!"


    But as Zhi-Zhi saw the look in Kai¡¯s eyes, his expression softened. "Oh, alright. But only because you''re my favorite disciple!"


    Zhi-Zhi retreated into his shell, which then shot towards Kai like a cannonball. Kai caught it with his left hand and moved it around, testing how heavy it felt.


    Let''s see just how impenetrable this shield really is.


    Deng Long shook his head, turning back to Kai with an amused expression. "You''re a slippery one, aren''t you? But hiding behind a turtle shell won''t save you."


    "Tortoise!" came Zhi-Zhi''s muffled voice from inside the shell.


    Ignoring the spirit beast''s protest, Kai called out to Sun Jun and Lu Chen. "Hey, you two! How about some support? Unless you want to face this guy alone?"


    Sun Jun, who had managed to get to his feet, brushed dirt from his robes with a scowl. "Support? I''m usually the one being supported. But... since you helped me, I suppose I can make an exception this time."


    Lu Chen simply nodded and took up position on Kai''s other side. The three of them faced Deng Long, looking like they were in some kind of anime showdown.


    Seeing this, Zhou Ling stepped forward and began manipulating qi. The ground beneath them started to shake.


    "Don''t think you can use numbers against-" she began, but was cut off as Deng Long''s fist slammed into her back, sending her crashing to the floor.


    "What did I tell you about getting involved?" Deng Long growled, standing over her.


    Zhou Ling groaned weakly. "Sorry, boss. Won''t happen again."


    Deng Long turned back to Kai, Sun Jun, and Lu Chen, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "I can take all three of you brats with one hand tied behind my back." His gaze fell on Zhi-Zhi''s shell in Kai''s hand. "And when I''m done, I think I''ll make some turtle soup."


    "I told you, I¡¯m a tortoise!" Zhi-Zhi''s voice rang out from within the shell.


    Deng Long laughed. "Tortoise soup it is, then!"


    With that, he dashed forward, his fist aimed directly at Kai''s face. Kai raised Zhi-Zhi''s shell just in time, deflecting the blow. The impact sent shockwaves through Kai''s arm, but the shell held firm.


    Deng Long¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. He had clearly expected the shell to shatter on impact.


    Now''s our chance! Kai thought.


    In that moment of surprise, Kai, Sun Jun, and Lu Chen launched a coordinated counterattack.


    A qi dagger materialized in Kai''s right hand, stabbing towards Deng Long''s head. Sun Jun''s fist, wreathed in flames, aimed for the Foundation Establishment cultivator''s right side. From the left, Lu Chen sent a spike of water qi hurtling towards their opponent.


    For a split second, Deng Long''s eyes widened. Then a smirk played across his lips as lightning qi crackled over his skin. In the blink of an eye, he vanished, leaving the three attacks to collide harmlessly where he had been standing.


    "Where did he-" Lu Chen started to say, but was cut off as Deng Long reappeared behind him. A lightning-enhanced kick sent the young cultivator flying across the room. He slammed into the wall and crumpled to the ground.


    One blow was enough to knock him out cold.


    Damn, he''s fast! Kai thought, his mind racing. We need to stick together or he''ll pick us off one by one.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    But before Kai could warn Sun Jun, Deng Long had already appeared behind the hot-headed young master. Sun Jun spun around, his fists blazing with fire qi as he roared a challenge.


    What an idiot! Kai thought, watching in horror. You can''t outpower a Foundation Establishment cultivator!


    The clash was over in an instant. Sun Jun''s flaming fists met Deng Long''s lightning-charged punch, and the young master went flying. He hit the ground hard, his body twitching as sparks of electricity danced over his skin.


    Deng Long landed lightly on his feet, turning to face Kai with a predatory grin. "Looks like it''s just you and me now, kid. Ready to get on your knees and beg for mercy?"


    Kai''s mind was working overtime. Why isn''t this trial over yet? We showed courage, teamwork... what else do they want? Unless... unless this isn''t a trial at all.


    A cold feeling settled in Kai''s stomach as he considered the possibility that this might be real. He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the immediate threat.


    Deng Long burst forward, his fist crackling with lightning as it hurtled towards Kai. Kai brought up Zhi-Zhi''s shell, bracing for impact. The punch connected with a thunderous boom. The shell once again held firm, but the force of the blow sent Kai flying across the room.


    He managed to land on his feet, but the impact had knocked the wind out of him. This shell is amazing, but I can''t take too many hits like that.


    Before Kai could catch his breath, Deng Long appeared at his left side. Kai started to raise the shell to defend, but Deng Long vanished again, reappearing on Kai''s right.


    Crap! I can''t get the shield there in time!


    In desperation, Kai activated Iron Skin. A metallic sheen spread over his body just as Deng Long''s lightning-enhanced fist connected.


    What happened next surprised everyone, Kai most of all.


    Instead of Kai being sent flying, it was Deng Long who was suddenly airborne, as if he''d been hit by an uppercut to the jaw. He sailed through the air, a look of utter shock on his face.


    Kai blinked, then a grin spread across his face as he realized what had happened. No way! Did Iron Rebound actually activate? That 5% chance actually came through!


    Not wasting the opportunity, Kai quickly conjured a qi dagger and hurled it at Deng Long, aiming for his neck. But even caught off guard, the Foundation Establishment cultivator''s reflexes were impressive. He twisted in midair, his fist striking the side of the qi dagger and deflecting it.


    Deng Long landed on his feet, a look of anger and grudging respect on his face. He touched his jaw, then spat a mouthful of blood onto the floor.


    "Impressive," he growled, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. "A Qi Refining cultivator actually made me bleed." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "But now... now you''re going to die, boy."


    Kai barely had time to register the threat before Deng Long was upon him. A hand closed around his throat, lifting him off the ground. Kai found himself staring into Deng Long''s cold eyes, his feet dangling uselessly in the air.


    This... this can''t be how it ends, Kai thought, his mind racing even as he struggled to breathe. There has to be a way out of this. Think!


    Zhi-Zhi''s shell clattered to the ground as Kai''s grip loosened. The spirit tortoise emerged, his eyes wide with fear and determination.


    "Unhand my disciple, you brute!" Zhi-Zhi cried out. He began to gather qi, preparing to unleash his most powerful technique. "Behold the might of the Celestial Tortoise! Heavenly Shell Cannon!"


    A blast of golden energy shot from Zhi-Zhi''s mouth, hurtling towards Deng Long. But the Foundation Establishment cultivator simply lashed out with his foot, catching Zhi-Zhi mid-attack. The spirit tortoise went flying across the room, his shell bouncing off the walls.


    Deng Long turned his attention back to Kai, his grip tightening. "You''re no hero, boy," he snarled. "Just another corpse."


    With a cruel smile, Deng Long began to squeeze. As Kai struggled to breathe, his vision starting to darken at the edges, a part of his mind remained calm and analytical as the Mental Fortitude skill took effect.


    If this is real, I''m about to die. If it''s a trial, it''s gone way too far. Either way, I need to do something drastic.


    Suddenly, a blur of motion caught Kai''s fading vision. Liu Wei appeared behind Deng Long and with a scream, he plunged his dagger into Deng Long''s back.


    The blade barely pierced Deng Long''s qi-reinforced skin, but the unexpected attack made him loosen his grip on Kai''s throat and turn his head. "You little-"


    Kai gasped for air, his mind clearing just enough to seize the opportunity. With the last of his strength, he focused his qi into his right hand. A small, dense ball of qi began to form, growing more compact and intense with each passing second.


    Deng Long, distracted by Liu Wei, didn''t notice the gathering energy until it was too late. He turned back to Kai just as the qi ball was completed.


    Kai didn''t hesitate. With all the force he could muster, he slammed the condensed ball of qi directly into Deng Long''s face.


    The explosion was deafening. A blinding flash of light filled the room, accompanied by a shockwave that sent everyone still conscious staggering backwards.


    When the light faded and the dust settled, Kai found himself on the ground, coughing and gasping for air. His entire body ached, and his right hand felt like it was on fire.


    Blinking to clear his vision, Kai looked up to see Deng Long stumbling backwards, his hands covering his face.


    When Deng Long lowered his hands, a big, round bruise covered the middle of his face. His nose looked broken, blood dripping from it. The skin around the bruise was red and puffy.


    "You... you little bastards!" he yelled. His voice sounded funny because of his hurt nose. "I''ll kill you both!"


    Kai tried to move, to defend himself, but his body wouldn''t respond. He''d put everything he had into that last attack, and now he had nothing left.


    So this is it, Kai thought, a strange calm settling over him. Either I pass this trial, or I respawn.


    Suddenly, Deng Long vanished from sight. Kai''s eyes widened but before he could react, he felt a presence behind him.


    A strong hand gripped his head.


    Oh shi-


    There was a sharp crack.


    And everything went dark.

 FORTY EIGHT: Eye of Veiled Truth

    Kai''s eyes snapped open, his heart racing. Instead of the void he''d usually appear in after his "death," he found himself back in the common area of the trial quarters. He blinked, taking in the scene around him.


    Zhi-Zhi was curled up in his shell, seemingly asleep. Liu Wei stood frozen beside Kai, eyes closed as if in a trance. Glancing around the room, Kai realized all the other participants were in similar states - motionless, eyes shut, suspended in time.


    A wave of relief washed over Kai. So it really was just a trial, he thought, letting out a breath he didn''t realize he''d been holding.


    Before he could attempt to wake up Liu Wei, movement caught his eye. Kai tensed, turning sharply - only to relax as he saw the Sect Master materializing in the room.


    The Sect Master''s eyes crinkled with a smile. "Congratulations, you two," he announced. "You both completed the Trial of Heart at exactly the same time - five minutes."


    Kai''s brow furrowed in confusion. You two? His gaze swept the room, landing on Shen Yu, who was regarding him with an unreadable expression.


    Of course, Kai thought. Why was I even surprised? He likely already knew that it wasn''t real and decided to play the hero, just like me.


    A flicker of worry passed through Kai as he remembered the disappearance of his system during the trial. Subtly, he attempted to bring up his status screen. To his relief, it flickered into view.


    Name: Kai Thorn


    XP: 100/4000


    Level: 8


    Qi: 250/250


    Strength: 60


    Agility: 63


    Durability: 67


    Intelligence: 30


    Wisdom: 29


    Titles:


    ¡¤ Novice Instructor


    Elemental Affinities:


    <ul>


    <li>Lightning: 20%</li>


    </ul>


    Skills:


    Qi Condensation (Level 4)


    Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)


    Unarmed Combat (Level 2)


    Deception (Level 4)


    Iron Skin (Level 3)


    Swift Wind Step (Level 4)


    Flame Palm Strike (Level 3)


    Mental Fortitude (Passive)


    Spirit Beast Communication (Level 1)


    Qi Concealment (Level 1)


    Qi Detection (Level 1)


    Iron Rebound (Level 1)


    Rock Hard (Level 1)


    Lightning Step (Level 1)


    The trial was likely created by the Sect Master or some immortal treasure, Kai mused. For it to hide the system from my senses... that''s concerning. Clearly, the system isn''t as overpowered in this world as in other novels. Immortals seem to have some degree of protection against it.


    Putting on his best "confused newcomer" face, Kai looked at the Sect Master. "Excuse me, Sect Master, but... what exactly happened? It all felt so real."


    "What you experienced was the Trial of Heart," the Sect Master explained. "We were testing your core values, your true nature when faced with difficult choices."


    He gestured to Kai and Shen Yu. "You both chose to sacrifice yourselves for others, even those you had no particular attachment to. This shows that, at your core, you possess righteous values."


    Yeah, right, Kai thought, suppressing a snort. If I''d thought it was real, I would''ve been more than happy to watch Sun Jun get taken down a peg or two. No way I''d waste a respawn on that guy. And I bet Shen Yu feels the same.


    But out loud, he simply said, "The illusion was incredibly lifelike. How did you create such a convincing scenario?"


    The Sect Master''s smile widened as he produced a small white crystal from his robes. At its center, Kai could see what looked like a miniature golden eye. "This," the Sect Master explained, "is one of our sect''s treasures ¨C the Eye of Veiled Truth. It''s an immortal-level artifact capable of weaving incredibly realistic illusions."


    From the corner of his eye, Kai noticed Shen Yu''s eyes widen almost imperceptibly. Interesting, he mused. Looks like our resident mystery man recognizes that little bauble.


    "It seems unusual to use such a powerful artifact for disciple selection," Kai ventured, probing for more information.


    The Sect Master''s expression grew serious. "Many sects have been betrayed by disciples they thought they could trust. This allows us to see beyond cultivators'' masks and into their true hearts." He then shook his head. "Besides, in times of peace, the poor thing doesn''t get much use otherwise."


    As if on cue, Zhi-Zhi''s head popped out of his shell, eyes wide with terror. "Great heavens!" the spirit tortoise cried out. "How am I still alive? I saw death itself!"


    Kai placed a hand on Zhi-Zhi''s shell. "It''s okay," he said. "It was just the trial. None of it was real."


    Zhi-Zhi shook his head vigorously. "But... but I saw them die! Even my mother''s sacred life-preserving leaf didn''t work! I...I felt my own essence fade away..."


    Kai''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. For Zhi-Zhi to "die" in the illusion, he must have exposed himself instead of just hiding¡­or the opponents he faced were capable of breaking through his shell.


    Before he could respond, Liu Wei''s eyes snapped open. The former bandit''s hand flew to his throat as he gasped for air. "Master!" he cried out. "My family...died! They all died!"


    Kai patted Liu Wei''s shoulder. "It''s alright," he said, fighting back a sigh. "It wasn''t real."


    "You four have completed the trial in remarkable time," the Sect Master cut in. "While the others continue their tests, you may return to your quarters to rest and reflect."


    He paused, his gaze moving between them. "Tomorrow morning, we will announce the results for all participants. Those who have succeeded will be allocated their positions within the sect."


    "Thank you, Sect Master," Kai gave a bow and then guided Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi towards the door.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    As they left, he noticed Shen Yu heading towards his own quarters, the youth''s face once again an unreadable mask.


    ***


    Kai settled Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi in his room, taking a deep breath to center himself. Time to play counselor, he thought. Let''s see what these two really went through.


    "Alright," Kai said gently, "I know that was intense. But we''re safe now, and it''s over. Let''s talk through what happened. It might help to share our experiences."


    Zhi-Zhi, still trembling slightly, poked his head out of his shell. "You... you really want to know what I saw?" he asked, his voice uncharacteristically small.


    Kai nodded encouragingly. "Of course. Why don''t you go first, Zhi-Zhi?"


    The spirit tortoise took a shaky breath, then began to speak:


    "It... it was terrifying! I found myself back at the Celestial Tortoise Palace. But it wasn''t the peaceful paradise I remembered. It was under attack!"


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes grew wide as he continued. "Demon beasts were everywhere, their dark qi corrupting the very air. And my family... they were fighting for their lives."


    His voice quivered. "They called out to me, begging me to use my legendary wisdom to save them. But I... I didn''t know what to do!"


    Zhi-Zhi looked down, ashamed. "I wanted to run, to hide in my shell where it was safe. But I knew if I did, everyone would die. So I... I forced myself to stay."


    He took a deep breath. "I''m not wise or powerful. Not really. But I realized I could still help. I used my shell to shield the younger tortoises. It wasn''t much, but it was something."


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes met Kai''s. "In the end, there were too many demons. They... they broke through our defenses. I saw the others fall, one by one. And then... then they came for me."


    His voice dropped to a whisper. "I felt my shell crack..."


    Kai listened intently, surprised by Zhi-Zhi¡¯s honesty, this was not a part of the tortoise he saw often.


    "Zhi-Zhi," Kai said softly, "you¡­you did well."


    Zhi-Zhi sniffled, then puffed up slightly. "Well, of course! The great Zhi-Zhi always rises to the occasion... even if it''s scary."


    Kai turned to Liu Wei, who had been listening silently, his face pale. "What about you, Liu Wei? What did you experience?"


    Liu Wei swallowed hard, then began to speak:


    "Master, it... it was like reliving my worst nightmare. But this time, it was different."


    He took a shaky breath. "I was back in my village, with my family. We were poor, struggling to survive. Then the bandits came."


    Liu Wei''s hands clenched into fists. "Their leader, he... he gave me the same choice as all those years ago. Join them, become a bandit, and my family would be spared. Refuse, and we''d all die."


    His voice cracked. "I saw my little sister, Liu Ling. She''s only eight, always smiling despite how hard things were after my father passed away. And my mother, she always worked day and night to keep us fed."


    Liu Wei looked up at Kai, his eyes full of pain. "In the real past, I... I joined them. To save my family. But this time, in the trial, I refused."


    Kai''s eyes widened in surprise. He chose to die? Even thinking it was real?


    Liu Wei continued, his voice barely a whisper. "They... they killed my mother first. She told me she was proud of me, even as she died."


    Tears streamed down Liu Wei''s face. "Then they turned to Liu Ling. She was so brave, Master. She didn''t cry. She just hugged me and said it would be okay."


    He shuddered. "When it was my turn, I felt... at peace. I''d chosen to die rather than become a monster. The bandit leader, he looked... confused. Angry. He asked me one last time if I''d join them."


    Liu Wei''s voice grew stronger. "I spat in his face. Told him I''d rather die a thousand deaths than become like him. That''s when... that''s when he cut me down."


    "Liu Wei," Kai said, "what you did... that took incredible courage. You faced your greatest fear and made an unimaginably difficult choice. You¡¯re exactly what this sect needs."


    And exactly what I need in a follower. Someone who''ll put principles above self-preservation could be incredibly useful... if those principles align with my goals.


    "It¡¯s thanks to your guidance, Master,¡± Liu Wei nodded.


    Kai smiled, but inwardly he felt a twinge of... something. Guilt?


    "We''ve all grown stronger together," he said. "Now, let''s have some rest. We¡¯ll find out how we did tomorrow.¡±


    ***


    Kai lay on his bed that night, staring at the ceiling as his thoughts turned to tomorrow.


    Okay, let''s break this down. Quest objective: Become the Sect Master''s disciple. What are the win conditions?


    He began to mentally list the factors that might influence the decision:


    <ul>


    <li>Performance in the trials. Check. I aced those.</li>


    <li>Potential for growth. With my system? Definitely check.</li>


    <li>Character and values. Well, I faked that pretty well in the last trial.</li>


    <li>Unique abilities or backgrounds. Isekai protagonist so I think I got that covered.</li>


    </ul>


    But then there''s Shen Yu, Kai mused. He beat me in the trials. And there''s definitely more to him than meets the eye. He could be serious competition.


    Kai''s thoughts drifted to Shen Yu''s warning about the Sect Master. Should I play it safe and aim for another elder as a master? He pondered for a moment, then shook his head. No, the benefits of being the Sect Master''s disciple are too good to pass up. Besides, Shen Yu''s motives are unclear. He''s already proven he doesn''t care if I live or die.


    His eyes fell on the trident mark on his wrist. Worst case scenario, I always have my trump card. If things go south, I can respawn.


    Kai''s thoughts then turned to the small crystal the Sect Master had shown them. That artifact... it could see through my system, or at least interfere with it. I need to be careful. If they find out I''m from another world...


    He shook his head, refocusing. No use worrying about what-ifs. I''ve done what I can. Now it''s time to see if it pays off.


    With that thought, Kai closed his eyes, willing himself to sleep. Tomorrow, he would find out if he did enough to catch the Sect Master¡¯s eye.

 FORTY NINE: Results Day

    The next morning, Kai stood amongst the remaining participants on the grand plateau. His eyes scanned the crowd, noting the significant reduction in numbers. Where hundreds had stood just a few days before, now only about a hundred remained.


    There was a nervous energy in the air as the students ¨C well, disciples ¨C whispered and fidgeted, waiting to hear their fate. Kai''s eyes darted to the row of elders, who sat like a panel of college admissions officers. Their faces gave nothing away.


    A scowl from across the plateau caught Kai''s attention. Sun Jun, the arrogant young master, was glaring daggers at him. Kai suppressed a smirk.


    Looks like someone heard about the results of the Trial of Heart.


    Liu Wei, who was standing beside Kai, leaned over. "Master," he whispered, "have you noticed? There are so few of us left."


    Before Kai could respond, Zhi-Zhi''s head popped out from Liu Wei''s robes. "Of course there are fewer participants, you simpleton!" the spirit tortoise declared. "Only the cream of the crop remains! The truly elite! Like myself, of course."


    Kai shook his head. "You''re both right, in a way," he said. "The sect must have kicked out those who failed yesterday''s Trial of Heart as soon as they woke up."


    Liu Wei''s brow furrowed. "But why? Couldn''t they still be useful to the sect?"


    "Think about it," Kai explained, slipping into his ''instructor'' role. "The Trial of Heart tested our moral character and trustworthiness. There''s no place in a powerful sect for people they can''t trust."


    Zhi-Zhi nodded. "Exactly! Just as I was about to say. The Azure Sky Sect can''t afford to harbor potential traitors or troublemakers.¡±


    "So, what happens now?" Liu Wei asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Kai''s eyes scanned the plateau, taking in the nervous faces of the other participants. "Now, we wait to see where we''ll be placed. Everyone here will enter the sect, but our performance will determine whether we end up in the Outer Sect, Inner Sect, or as Core Disciples."


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened. "Core Disciples?"


    A ghost of a smile played on Kai''s lips. "It''s possible for anyone who''s impressed the right people. And if someone''s truly exceptional, they might even become the Sect Master''s disciple - a Legacy Disciple."


    Zhi-Zhi puffed out his tiny chest. "Well, I think we all know who''s going to be chosen as the Legacy Disciple. After all, with my guidance-"


    The spirit tortoise''s boast was cut short as a hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned to the sky, where a figure was descending from the heavens.


    Showtime, Kai thought as the Sect Master gracefully touched down on the central throne.


    Elder Tao, the Nascent Soul cultivator Kai had met earlier, rose from his seat. His voice, amplified by qi, rang out across the plateau. "Congratulations to all who stand before us today. You have successfully completed the trials and may now call yourselves official disciples of the Azure Sky Sect."


    A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd but Kai remained still, his eyes fixed on Elder Tao.


    With a wave of his hand, Elder Tao conjured a screen of water in the air. "Here are the final results of the trial."


    Kai''s eyes quickly scanned the list:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Shen Yu


    </li>


    <li>


    Kai Thorn


    </li>


    <li>


    Zhi-Zhi


    </li>


    <li>


    Liu Wei


    </li>


    <li>


    Lu Chen


    </li>


    <li>


    Sun Jun


    </li>


    </ul>


    Second place, just like I expected. Not bad, but not quite the protagonist''s spot either. Still, having my whole group in the top spots is pretty impressive.


    As if echoing his thoughts, Liu Wei let out a gasp. "Master Kai! We''re all at the top of the list!"


    Zhi-Zhi preened. "Of course we are! With my guidance, how could we be anywhere else?"


    Kai allowed himself a small smile. "We did well," he said quietly. "But don''t let it go to your head. The real challenge begins once we enter the sect."


    As he spoke, a notification popped up in Kai''s vision:


    Quest Complete: Join a Cultivation Sect Description: You have successfully passed the recruitment trials and joined the Azure Sky Sect


    Reward: Sect Membership, 1000 XP, 3 Random Cultivation Resources


    Would you like to accept your cultivation resources now?


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Not now, Kai thought, dismissing the prompt. I''ll check those out when I''m alone. No need to draw unnecessary attention here.


    Elder Tao''s voice cut through Kai''s thoughts. "Those ranked outside the top thirty will join the Outer Sect," he announced, gesturing to one of the Outer Elders. "Please follow Elder Bao. He will guide you to the Outer Sect territory and explain your duties."


    Kai watched as over half of the remaining participants were led away, their faces a mix of disappointment and relief.


    At least they made it into the sect, he thought. For many, that''s a life-changing opportunity in itself.


    Once the new Outer Disciples had left, Elder Tao continued. "The rest of you have earned the title of Inner Disciple," he paused, his gaze sweeping over the remaining participants. "However, some of you may be fortunate enough to be chosen as a disciple by an Inner Elder, elevating you to the status of Core Disciple."


    A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Kai''s eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed Elder Tao''s gaze lingering on him and a few others at the top of the list.


    "And if fate truly smiles upon you," Elder Tao added, his voice dropping to a near whisper that somehow still carried across the plateau, "the Sect Master himself may choose to take a disciple."


    The murmur grew to a fever pitch. Kai could practically feel the hunger radiating from those around him.


    Keep calm, Kai reminded himself. This is just like the climax of a recruitment arc in a game. Stay focused on the goal.


    Elder Tao raised a hand for silence. "Remember, that you have the right to decline if an elder chooses you as a disciple."


    This announcement was met with confused whispers. Kai overheard one participant mutter to another, "Why would anyone do that?"


    Why indeed? Kai thought. Unless they had a very specific plan... or knew something that others didn''t.


    His gaze drifted to Shen Yu, who stood apart from the others, his face an unreadable mask.


    Elder Tao gestured, and five figures rose from their thrones. "Allow me to introduce our Inner Elders," he said. "Each a powerhouse at the Nascent Soul realm."


    Kai studied each elder as they were introduced:


    Elder Yu, a bulky man with a wild beard and hands that looked like they could arm-wrestle a mountain and win. Kai made a mental note: don''t shake his hand.


    Elder Lian, a young-looking woman with blue hair and eyes that seemed to hold the depths of the ocean.


    Elder Xiao appeared next, so tiny that Kai almost missed her. But he knew that the petite brunette had more qi in her pinky than the participants combined.


    The fourth Nascent Soul cultivator was Elder Jiang, a tall man whose face was as impassive as a statue.


    And finally, Elder Wu, rotund and jolly-looking. He remined Kai of the friendly guy who always worked the deli counter at his local supermarket back on Earth. The kind of person who''d slip you an extra slice of cheese with a wink.


    Five Nascent Soul cultivators, Kai thought. Any one of them could probably reshape a mountain with a thought.


    The selection process began. Elder Yu stepped forward first, his voice a rumble like distant thunder. "Sun Jun of the Sun Clan," he called out. "Would you like to take me as your master?¡±


    Sun Jun strode forward, his head held high. "I would be honored, Elder Yu," he said, bowing deeply.


    No surprise there, Kai thought. The brash, arrogant young master type always seems to get picked early in these stories.


    Next was Elder Lian, her voice was nothing like the previous elder¡¯s, it was light and melodious, just like a spring breeze. "Lu Chen of the Moon Clan," she announced. "Will you accept me as your master?"


    "The honor is mine, Master," Lu Chen bowed.


    They''re pairing the disciples with elders that match their temperaments and I assume their elemental affinities, Kai realized. It''s a smart move. The right mentor can magnify a disciple''s strengths and shore up their weaknesses.


    His analysis was interrupted when Elder Jiang spoke. "Liu Wei," he called out.


    Kai felt Liu Wei stiffen beside him. "M-me?" the former bandit stammered.


    "Yes, you," Elder Jiang said, a hint of impatience in his tone. "I see potential in you, boy. Will you accept my guidance?"


    Liu Wei looked at Kai, his eyes wide with a mix of excitement and fear. Kai gave him a subtle nod.


    This is a great opportunity for him. And having a connection to one of the Inner Elders could be useful for me down the line. Especially if the sect is split into factions like they tend to be in novels.


    "I... I accept, Elder Jiang," Liu Wei said, bowing deeply. "Thank you for this honor."


    As Liu Wei took his place beside his new master, Kai''s mind raced. Three down, two to go. And neither Shen Yu, Zhi-Zhi, nor I have been chosen yet. What game are they playing?


    He scanned the faces of the remaining elders, looking for any hint of their intentions. But their expressions remained impassive, giving nothing away.


    This isn''t like the novels, Kai realized. There''s no arguing or competing over disciples. It''s too orderly, too... choreographed. They must have decided all this beforehand.


    The thought was both reassuring and unsettling. On one hand, it meant the sect was well-organized and efficient. On the other, it suggested a level of behind-the-scenes maneuvering that Kai would need to be wary of.


    Zhi-Zhi, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, suddenly piped up. "Ahem! I believe the esteemed elders have overlooked a prime candidate for discipleship. Namely, me!"


    The spirit tortoise puffed out his chest, clearly expecting the elders to fall over themselves to claim him. Instead, they continued their selections, seemingly oblivious to Zhi-Zhi''s existence.


    "But... but..." Zhi-Zhi sputtered, his tiny eyes wide with disbelief. "Don''t they realize what they''re missing? The wisdom I could impart? The secrets of the universe I could reveal?"


    Kai patted Zhi-Zhi''s shell gently. "Maybe they''re saving the best for last," he said, trying to keep the amusement out of his voice.


    Or maybe they''re not interested in a spirit beast who talks big but hides in his shell at the first sign of danger, he thought. Though I have to admit, Zhi-Zhi''s "wisdom" can be unexpectedly useful... when he''s not making things up. And who wouldn¡¯t want a rare spirit beast as a disciple?


    As the selection continued, Kai noticed that neither he nor Shen Yu had been chosen. Interesting. Are they saving us for something special? Or is this a test of some kind?


    He glanced at Shen Yu, trying to gauge the other boy''s reaction. As usual, Shen Yu''s face was an unreadable mask. But for a split second, Kai thought he saw a flicker of... satisfaction? in Shen Yu''s eyes.


    What is your goal? Kai wondered.


    Before he could ponder further, a hush fell over the plateau. Kai looked up to see the Sect Master rising from his throne. The entire plateau fell silent, all eyes fixed on the most powerful cultivator present.


    The Sect Master''s gaze swept over the disciples, seeming to pierce through flesh and bone to examine their very souls.


    "It seems," the Sect Master said, his voice somehow both a whisper and a thunderclap, "that we have some... interesting candidates remaining."


    This is it, Kai thought, his heart rate picking up despite his efforts to stay calm. The moment of truth. Time to see if I''ve done enough to catch the big fish.


    The Sect Master''s eyes moved from Kai to Shen Yu, then to the still-fuming Zhi-Zhi. His expression was unreadable, but Kai thought he detected a glimmer of... amusement?


    "Shen Yu," the Sect Master said, his gaze settling back on Shen Yu. "Step forward."

 FIFTY: Legacy Disciple

    The plateau fell silent as Shen Yu stepped forward. All eyes were on the young man as he stood before the Sect Master.


    "Shen Yu," The Sect Master said. "Not only have you come first in all the trials, but when you began this trial a few days ago, you were only at the first stage of Qi Refining. Yet now you''re already at the fifth stage."


    A gasp rippled through the crowd. Even Kai''s eyes widened slightly at this revelation.


    Fifth stage already? He was only at the fourth stage two days ago. At this rate, he''ll surpass me within a week. A wry smile tugged at the corners of Kai''s mouth. I wonder if this is actually Shen Yu''s story, and I''m just a side character.


    The thought was both amusing and unsettling.


    ¡°To be able to accomplish this while coming from a simple village...,¡± the Sect Master continued. ¡°Elder Feng was not wrong. Your affinity for cultivation is second to none, not only in this trial but perhaps in the entire younger generation."


    "Younger generation?" Liu Wei, who was once again standing beside Kai, whispered.


    Kai leaned over slightly, keeping his eyes on the Sect Master. "In the cultivation world, the ''younger generation'' usually refers to cultivators under 100 years old," he explained quietly. "Age works differently for cultivators. Some can live for centuries or even millennia."


    "Shh," Zhi-Zhi hissed . "Pay attention! This is important!"


    Kai glanced at Elder Feng, the man was beaming with pride, no doubt already counting the rewards he''d receive for bringing in such a promising recruit.


    With so many of his recruits in the top ten, Kai mused, I wouldn''t be surprised if he got more than just a Core Formation pill.


    The Sect Master''s next words sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd. "Shen Yu, would you like to take me as your master?"


    To everyone''s surprise - including Kai''s - Shen Yu smiled. It was a small, almost imperceptible curve of his lips, but on his usually stoic face, it was as noticeable as a shout.


    Shen Yu bowed lightly. "It would be my honor, Sect Master. Thank you for this opportunity."


    The elders smiled, nodding in approval. But Kai''s eyes narrowed, his mind working furiously.


    Wasn''t Shen Yu the one warning me not to pick the Sect Master as my master? Kai thought, suspicion creeping into his mind. Yet here he is, doing exactly that. So he really was trying to sabotage me all along¡­


    Kai shook his head slightly, pushing the thought aside. It doesn''t matter. I''d already decided not to listen to him anyway.


    As Shen Yu took his place beside the Sect Master, Kai couldn''t help but feel a mix of admiration and wariness. The other boy''s cultivation speed was truly phenomenal, even by the standards of this world. It was both exciting and terrifying to think about what Shen Yu might become in the future.


    The crowd''s reaction was just as exaggerated as Kai expected from a xianxia. Eyes widened, jaws dropped, and a few even stumbled back a step.


    "Did you see that? The Sect Master himself chose that village boy!"


    "The Sect Master said he went from first stage to fifth in just days but is that even possible?"


    "My older brother said the Sect Master has only taken one disciple in over five centuries. But a village boy! This¡­this is huge!"


    Just then, Elder Feng''s laugh cut through the chatter. "I told you all, didn''t I? The Misty Waterfall Village was a goldmine of talent this year!"


    Some of the other Outer Elders grumbled, shooting envious glances at Feng. One of them spoke up. "Don''t get too cocky, Feng. We¡¯ll see how they perform in the Sect Tournament."


    Elder Feng''s grin only widened. "Oh? You think your recruits can defeat a disciple of the Sect Master, Zhang?"


    Before the other elder could respond, the Sect Master raised a hand for silence. The plateau immediately fell quiet, all eyes turning back to the most powerful cultivator present.


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Kai held his breath as the Sect Master''s gaze swept over the remaining participants and stopped on him.


    "Kai Thorn," the Sect Master began. "Had it not been for Shen Yu''s exceptional performance, you would have been our number one talent. And make no mistake, you would have deserved that title. Your talent is the kind seen only once in a hundred years."


    As the Sect Master spoke, a translucent blue screen materialized before Kai''s eyes:


    Congratulations!


    You have gained the title ''Once in a Hundred Years Talent''!


    Description: Despite not gaining first place or having the fastest cultivation speed, you are still a talent rarely seen.


    Effects:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Increases XP gained from absorbing qi by 2x


    </li>


    <li>


    Increases your maximum Qi by 50 points


    </li>


    </ul>


    Kai blinked, forcing himself to ignore the notification for now. I''ll check that out later, he thought. Right now, I need to focus on what''s happening.


    The Sect Master continued, his eyes never leaving Kai''s face. "Kai Thorn, would you like to take me as your master?"


    A collective gasp rose from the crowd. Kai could feel the weight of hundreds of eyes upon him, a mixture of shock, envy, and disbelief radiating from the other disciples.


    Sun Jun looked as if he''d been slapped. His face turned an interesting shade of purple as he sputtered incoherently. Kai was surprised no blood was coughed up in the process.


    Lu Chen maintained his usual calm demeanor, but Kai noticed a tightness around his eyes that betrayed his surprise and perhaps a hint of jealousy.


    From the corner of his eye, Kai spotted Liu Wei. His former student was beaming with pride, clearly thrilled that his master had actually done it.


    Zhi-Zhi puffed out his tiny chest. "Of course!" he declared loudly. "It''s all thanks to my guidance. I knew my disciple would be recognized for his greatness!"


    You didn''t do anything, you little shell-dweller. But I suppose I should be grateful for small mercies. At least you''re not causing trouble right now.


    But what truly surprised Kai was the reaction of the Inner Elders. They were looking at each other with wide eyes and raised eyebrows, clearly caught off guard by this turn of events.


    Even Shen Yu, standing beside the Sect Master, showed a flicker of surprise. His eyes widened slightly before his face returned to its usual impassive mask.


    "It would be my honor, Sect Master,¡± Kai fought to keep the smile off his face as he bowed. ¡°Thank you for this opportunity."


    As Kai straightened from his bow, another system notification appeared:


    Congratulations!


    You have become a disciple of the Sect Master and gained the title ''Legacy Disciple''!


    Effects:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Allows you to level up sect techniques twice as fast


    </li>


    <li>


    Grants 5 stat points that can be added to any physical attribute


    </li>


    </ul>


    Kai filed away this information for later as he moved to stand on the other side of the Sect Master, opposite Shen Yu. As he took his place, he saw disciples nudging each other, pointing at Kai and Shen Yu.


    "Two disciples in one day?"


    "Who is that Kai guy anyway? I''ve never heard of him before. He¡¯s not from any of the great clans."


    "Did you see how fast he cultivated? He must have some kind of secret technique!"


    Kai kept his expression neutral, but inwardly, he was grinning. If they only knew, he thought. My ''secret technique'' is being an isekai protagonist with a system. But I think I''ll keep that to myself.


    He glanced at Shen Yu, trying to gauge the other boy''s reaction. Shen Yu''s face was as impassive as ever, but there was a glint in his eyes that Kai couldn''t quite decipher. Was it approval? Challenge? Or something else entirely?


    I''ll have to keep an eye on him, Kai decided. Being fellow disciples might make us allies, but it could just as easily make us rivals. And in this world, rivals tend to end up killing each other¡­


    The Inner Elders were still muttering among themselves, clearly caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events. Whilst it seems they expected Shen Yu to be picked by the Sect Master, Kai''s selection was a surprise even to them.


    Kai caught snippets of their conversation:


    "Two Legacy Disciples at once... I wonder how young master Wang Lin will feel about this."


    "The other sects will be in an uproar when they hear about this."


    "We''ll need to increase security. These two will be prime targets for rival sects now."


    I¡¯ve read all about how Legacy Disciples are targeted, I think I¡¯d rather stay in the safety of the sect until I¡¯m OP. Going out for some excitement just isn¡¯t worth the risk, Kai nodded to himself.


    Kai''s gaze fell on Elder Feng, who looked as if he might burst with pride. He was practically bouncing on his toes, a wide grin splitting his face. The other Outer Elders were shooting him looks that ranged from grudging respect to outright envy.


    "Well done, Feng," one of them grumbled. "You''ve certainly outdone yourself this time."


    Elder Feng''s grin, if possible, grew even wider. "What can I say? I have an eye for talent!"


    More like you got lucky, Kai thought. But I suppose luck is a talent in its own right in this world.


    As the commotion began to die down, Kai noticed the Sect Master''s gaze shifting once more. This time, it landed on Zhi-Zhi, who was still perched on top of Liu Wei''s head.


    "Now," the Sect Master said, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity, "what are we going to do with you?"


    "Ah, I see you''ve finally recognized my greatness as well!" Zhi-Zhi declared. "I suppose you''ll be wanting to make me a disciple too, eh? Well, I''ll have to think about it. After all, I can''t just accept anyone as my master, you know!"


    Shocked gasps ran through the crowd at the tiny tortoise¡¯s words. Even Kai had to fight to keep his expression neutral.


    Zhi-Zhi, you idiot. This is the Sect Master you''re talking to!

 FIFTY ONE: Zhi-Zhis Master

    The Sect Master shook his head, a faint smile on his face. "You are all the same," he muttered, loud enough for the nearby disciples to hear.


    Zhi-Zhi puffed out his chest. "What do you mean by that? I''ll have you know I''m one of a kind!"


    Before the Sect Master could respond, a thunderous voice boomed across the plateau. "Luo Qiang!"


    Everyone''s heads snapped up. A massive shadow loomed over them, growing larger by the second. With an earth-shaking impact, something enormous landed on the plateau. The ground trembled violently, causing many disciples to stumble and fall.


    Kai, however, managed to keep his balance. His eyes widened as he took in the sight before him.


    An enormous tortoise stood before them, easily the size of a small hill. But this was no ordinary tortoise. It had curved horns that sprouted from its head and the azure scales that covered its shell looked more draconic than reptilian.


    A blue box popped up in Kai''s vision:


    Name: ???


    Species: Dragonback Tortoise


    Stats: ???


    You are not of a sufficient level to see this being''s stats.


    Another being that is so powerful the system can''t even show me its stats.


    Kai glanced around, taking in the reactions of those around him. The Elders seemed surprised, but not alarmed. There was no hint of fear or preparation for battle in their postures.


    Okay, so we''re not under attack. They know this... creature. Is it the spiritual beast protector that sects tend to have?


    This tortoise...it''s definitely beyond the Nascent Soul level. But not quite at the Sect Master''s level. There must be a realm between them. I really need to learn more about these cultivation stages soon. My knowledge of this world''s power structure is only based on the novels, it''s too limited.


    The massive tortoise''s gaze swept over the crowd, its eyes narrowing as it spoke again. "Luo Qiang, you said there was a youngling here."


    As if on cue, its gaze settled on Zhi-Zhi, who was perched on a large stone. For the first time since Kai had met him, Zhi-Zhi seemed to lose his bravado. The spirit tortoise let out a sound that was somewhere between a squeak and a whimper before retreating into his shell.


    "Oh ho," the huge tortoise chuckled. "A shy one, are we?"


    The Dragonback Tortoise lumbered forward, each step causing a tremor that rippled through the ground. It lowered its massive head, bringing one enormous eye level with Zhi-Zhi''s shell. It then tapped the shell with the tip of its horn.


    "Come now, little one. No need to be afraid. I don''t bite... much."


    "Cang Long," the Sect Master called out. "Be careful. You might accidentally squash him."


    Cang Long snorted. "Please, Luo Qiang. I''ve been handling delicate things since before you were born. Why, I once balanced an entire mountain on my back just to win a bet with the Mountain Spirit!"


    Sun Jun, standing nearby, muttered under his breath, "Another one that just likes to spout nonsense."


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Cang Long''s head swiveled towards Sun Jun, eyes narrowing. "Did you say something, young human?"


    Sun Jun''s face went pale, then rapidly reddened. His eyes widened, and for a moment, it looked like he might burst into tears. "N-no, great one," he stammered. "I was just... admiring your magnificent shell!"


    Cang Long preened at the compliment, his earlier suspicion forgotten. "Ah, yes. It is quite spectacular, isn''t it? Did you know that each scale holds the essence of a star?"


    As Cang Long launched into a tale how even a dying star wasn''t be able to penetrate its shell, Elder Tao stepped forward. ¡°For those who don''t know, this is Cang Long, the legendary beast of the Azure Sky Sect. He has been our protector for thousands of years."


    "A guardian beast?" one disciple whispered.


    "I thought those were just legends," another replied.


    So, I was right, it really is the sect¡¯s guardian beast. That''s... actually pretty cool. No wonder I couldn''t see its stats. But why a tortoise with dragon features? I would''ve expected a full-fledged dragon to be the guardian of the Azure Sky Sect. Are dragons rare in this world or something?


    Cang Long, who had finished with his tale, turned his attention back to Zhi-Zhi, who still hadn''t emerged from his shell.


    The great beast snorted, a gust of wind erupting from its nostrils. "It really is just a baby," it rumbled. "But a Spirit Tortoise... I haven''t seen one of those in over a millennium."


    "..."


    Seeing that Zhi-Zhi was still hiding within its shell, Cang Long flared its nostrils in annoyance.


    "Come out, little one," Cang Long commanded. "Where''s your confidence? A Spirit Tortoise should stand tall and proud, not cower in its shell!"


    Slowly, trembling, Zhi-Zhi poked his head out. "I... I''m not cowering," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I''m just... conserving energy. Yes, that''s it!"


    Cang Long let out a booming laugh. "Ha! So you do have some spirit. But you need to work on your delivery. Watch and learn."


    The massive tortoise reared up on his hind legs, his voice echoing across the plateau. "I am Cang Long, Guardian of the Azure Sky Sect! My shell has weathered a thousand storms, my claws have carved valleys, and my roar has toppled mountains!"


    He looked down at Zhi-Zhi expectantly. "Now you try."


    Zhi-Zhi cleared his throat, trying to puff himself up. "I am Zhi-Zhi, a...baby spirit tortoise...uh...my shell has... weathered a light drizzle, my claws have... scratched an itch, and my voice has... mildly annoyed people?"


    Cang Long shook his massive head. "We''ve got a lot of work to do."


    Kai couldn''t help but shake his head in disbelief. I''ve never seen Zhi-Zhi like this before. Usually, he has all the confidence of the world and you can''t get him to stop talking. Who knew all it would take to shut him up was a dragon-turtle the size of a hill?


    The Sect Master stepped forward. "Cang Long," he said, "perhaps you''d be willing to take young Zhi-Zhi as a disciple?"


    Cang Long''s eyes narrowed as he considered the proposal. "Hmm," he rumbled. "The youngling''s personality needs a lot of work. But..." He paused, his gaze softening slightly. "He is a Spirit Tortoise. I suppose I could make an exception and take him in. After all, who better to teach him than the greatest tortoise cultivator in history?"


    He turned back to Zhi-Zhi. "Well? Address me as ''Master'', youngling."


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes bulged. "M-Master," he squeaked.


    Cang Long nodded, satisfied. "Good good. Now, let me tell you about the time I raced a phoenix and won...¡±


    As Cang Long launched into what promised to be a long-winded tale of his own greatness, Kai couldn''t help but smile.


    Well, what do you know, he thought. Looks like Zhi-Zhi found the perfect master after all. They''re practically two peas in a pod.


    But this is good, having a connection to the sect''s protector could be incredibly useful in the future.


    The Sect Master clapped his hands sharply, the sound cutting through Cang Long''s boasting and drawing everyone''s attention back to him.


    "Now that that''s settled," the Sect Master said, "I believe we''ve kept you all here long enough. You are dismissed to your new quarters. Remember, I expect great things from each and every one of you."


    He then turned to Kai and Shen Yu. "You two, wait here. Elder Feng will show you to your quarters shortly. We''ll meet again soon to discuss your training."


    Before either of them could respond, the Sect Master simply... vanished. There was no dramatic gesture, no flash of light. One moment he was there, and the next he wasn''t.


    Now that''s what I call a dramatic exit, Kai thought, impressed despite himself. I wonder how long it takes to learn that trick.


    As the crowd began to disperse, Kai noticed Liu Wei following his new master, Elder Jiang. The former bandit caught Kai''s eye and gave him a small wave and a nervous smile before hurrying after his new master.


    Kai''s gaze then drifted to where Zhi-Zhi sat on a nearby rock. The tiny spirit tortoise wore an expression of pure torture as Cang Long continued his endless boasting.


    Finally, Kai thought with a smirk, Zhi-Zhi''s getting a taste of his own medicine.

 FIFTY TWO: Entering the Sect

    As Kai and Shen Yu stood waiting for Elder Feng to arrive, an awkward silence hung in the air. Kai glanced at his fellow disciple, wondering if he should say something to break the tension.


    Maybe I should try to get to know him better, Kai mused. We''re going to be spending a lot of time together as the Sect Master''s disciples.


    But as he opened his mouth to speak, Kai hesitated. On second thought, Shen Yu doesn''t seem like the chatty type. Better to stay quiet for now and observe.


    So Kai remained silent, studying Shen Yu out of the corner of his eye. The other boy stood perfectly still, his face impassive. If the wait bothered him at all, he showed no sign of it.


    I still can''t get a read on this guy, Kai thought with a mix of frustration and grudging respect. It''s like he''s an NPC with no idle animations.


    Before Kai could ponder further, Elder Feng appeared, slightly out of breath.


    "Sorry for keeping you waiting," the elder said, bowing deeply.


    Kai''s eyebrows rose slightly at the bow. Well, this is new. Usually we''re the ones bowing to him.


    "Congratulations on becoming Legacy Disciples," Elder Feng continued, beaming at them. "I knew you were talented, but I never dreamed the Sect Master himself would take you as disciples!"


    Kai studied the elder''s face, noting the flush in his cheeks and the excited gleam in his eyes. Looks like someone''s been celebrating. I bet he got quite the reward for recruiting two Legacy Disciples.


    "Okay, young masters," Elder Feng said, clapping his hands together. "Let''s get you to your new quarters."


    Kai''s eyes widened slightly at being called "young master." Wow, talk about a complete 180. A few days ago, he was trying to intimidate me, and now he''s bootlicking. How does he not feel embarrassed?


    But then Kai shook his head slightly. This is just how things work in this world, I guess. Be nice to the strong, bully the weak. I''d better get used to it.


    Elder Feng reached into his storage ring and pulled out a longsword. This sword was much larger than the one he''d used to fly on during the battle against the Thunderdrakes.


    "Hop on, young masters," Elder Feng said, jumping onto the sword himself. "It''ll be faster this way."


    Kai carefully stepped onto the sword behind Elder Feng, with Shen Yu taking up position at the rear. As they lifted off into the air, Elder Feng began to explain their surroundings.


    "The trial area is separate from the main sect," he said. "We don''t want to bring in anyone who might end up failing, you see."


    Kai nodded, trying to focus on Elder Feng''s words while also maintaining his balance on the flying sword. He noticed that Shen Yu seemed to have no trouble at all staying steady.


    Of course he doesn''t. I bet he''s done this a hundred times in his past life or whatever his background really is.


    As they got close to the main entrance of the Azure Sky Sect, Kai''s mouth almost fell open. A huge gate towered in front of them. It was made of smooth, blue-gray stone. On the face of the gate was a giant azure dragon, carved so carefully that it looked almost alive.


    The dragon''s long body wound around the entire gate, its tail curling at the bottom and its head resting at the very top. Its claws gripped the edges of the gate as if it was guarding the entrance.


    What caught Kai''s attention most were the dragon''s eyes. They seemed to glow with a faint blue light, giving the illusion that the stone beast was watching them.


    "Elder Feng," Kai asked, his curiosity getting the better of him, "does this dragon come to life if the sect is attacked?"


    "Ah, young master, that''s a question many have asked. To be honest, I don''t know for certain. There are old stories that say it has awakened in the past to defend the sect. But it''s been so many years since anyone has dared to attack us, I can''t say I''ve seen it myself."


    Elder Feng chuckled softly. "Who knows? Perhaps the tales are true. It certainly makes for an intimidating sight, doesn''t it?"


    Kai nodded. It probably is true. It''s such a typical xianxia trope after all ¨C an idle statue turning out to be a powerful guardian beast.


    As they hovered near the massive gate, Elder Feng added, "Oh, and just so you know - only Legacy Disciples, Inner Elders, and the Sect Master are allowed to fly within the sect grounds."


    With that, Elder Feng guided the sword downward, and they landed softly before the gate.


    As the Outer Elder led them through into the sect, Kai''s attention was immediately drawn to a group of white-robed disciples engaged in what looked like manual labor. Some were sweeping the pathways, while others tended to gardens or carried stacks of supplies.


    Noticing Kai''s interest, Elder Feng explained, "Those are our Outer Disciples. They handle most of the day-to-day tasks that keep the sect running smoothly."


    "How many Outer Disciples are there?" Kai asked, curious about the sect''s structure.


    "Oh, about 10,000 or so," Elder Feng replied casually.


    Kai''s eyes widened. Ten thousand? That''s like a small city!


    "And how many make it to the Inner Sect?" he asked.


    Elder Feng''s expression grew a bit more serious. "Every year, we hold an Outer Disciple Tournament. The top three disciples earn the right to enter the Inner Sect."


    Only three per year? Kai thought. Talk about fierce competition.


    As they continued walking, one of the Outer Disciples - a young boy with messy hair and dirt-smudged cheeks - approached them nervously.


    A blue box appeared before Kai:


    Name: ???


    Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 7


    Strength: 53


    Agility: 51


    Durability: 55


    Interesting. He''s at the 7th stage of Qi Refining, which is pretty impressive for an Outer Disciple. His physical stats are decent too. This kid''s actually not bad.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    But if this is the level of an average Outer Disciple, then the competition here is even fiercer than I thought. No wonder only three make it to Inner Disciple each year. If I didn¡¯t have the system, this could have been me¡­


    "Excuse me," the boy said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Are you... are you the new Legacy Disciples?"


    Before Kai could respond, Elder Feng snapped, "Show some respect to the young masters!"


    The boy flinched, looking as if he might bolt at any second.


    Kai''s eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed the situation.


    This is a perfect opportunity. If I play this right, I can start building a network of loyal Outer Disciples could be incredibly valuable. They could gather information, run errands, maybe even help me acquire resources from outside the sect without putting myself at risk. And all it would cost me is a few kind words now and then.


    Making a split-second decision, Kai stepped around Elder Feng to address the boy directly. "It''s alright," he said with a gentle smile. "Yes, the Sect Master chose us. But we''re all disciples of the Azure Sky Sect. Work hard, and who knows? You might stand where we are someday."


    The boy''s eyes widened. "Thank you, Senior Brother!" he exclaimed, bowing deeply.


    Kai nodded, putting on his most benevolent expression. "What''s your name, Junior Brother?"


    "Chen Wei, Senior Brother," the boy replied eagerly.


    "Well, Chen Wei, keep up the hard work. If you''d like, I''d be happy to give you a few cultivation tips here and there when I have the time. Just remember to pay it forward to your own junior disciples someday."


    "Really?¡± Chen Wei''s face lit up with excitement. ¡°Thank you so much, Senior Brother! I''ll work harder than ever!"


    As Chen Wei turned to scurry back to his work, Kai noticed a sudden shift in the other Outer Disciples nearby. They began looking at Chen Wei with envy. One disciple, who had been sweeping the courtyard, quickly approached Chen Wei.


    "Brother Chen," the disciple said, bowing slightly, "allow me to finish your sweeping duties. You must be tired after speaking with the Senior Brother."


    Chen Wei looked surprised. "Oh, thank you, Brother Li. That''s very kind of you."


    Well, well, Kai thought. It seems my words carry more weight than I expected.


    As they resumed walking, Shen Yu spoke for the first time since they''d left the plateau. "That was unnecessary," he said quietly.


    Kai glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "What was?"


    "Giving him false hope," Shen Yu replied. "The chances of an Outer Disciple becoming a Legacy Disciple are astronomically low."


    Ah, there''s the cold, calculating xianxia protagonist I was expecting, Kai thought. But he didn''t disagree - not really. The only reason he''d done it was to start building a positive image for himself within the sect.


    In a righteous sect, reputation is probably the next most important thing to raw power.


    As they entered the Inner Sect area, Kai noticed a change in the disciples'' attire. Instead of white robes, these disciples wore red.


    "Elder Feng," Kai said, "could you explain the color scheme? I noticed the Outer Disciples wear white, but here everyone''s in red."


    Elder Feng nodded, seemingly pleased by the question. "Of course, young master. White is for Outer Disciples, red for Inner Disciples, purple for Core Disciples, and black for Legacy Disciples like yourselves."


    It''s like a visual representation of the faction system. Makes it easy to know who''s who at a glance.


    As they walked, Kai noticed Inner Disciples whispering among themselves, casting glances their way. Unlike the Outer Disciple from earlier, however, none approached them directly.


    Interesting, Kai thought. They''re curious, but more cautious. I wonder if that''s natural wariness or if there are unsaid rules about interacting with Legacy Disciples.


    Elder Feng continued his explanation as they walked. "Inner Disciples have more privileges than Outer Disciples, of course. They focus primarily on cultivation and advancing their skills. Every five years, we hold an Inner Disciple Tournament. Those who catch the eye of an Inner Elder during the tournament may be chosen to become Core Disciples."


    The elder''s tone grew slightly bitter as he added, "Even if a disciple comes in first place, if no Elder is interested, they remain an Inner Disciple."


    Kai glanced at Elder Feng, noting the frustration in his voice. Sounds like he''s speaking from experience.


    Sure enough, Elder Feng continued, "When I was a disciple, I worked my way up to Inner Disciple. I even won the tournament once! But no Elder chose me. That''s why my breakthrough to Core Formation has been delayed. I''ve been stuck at Pseudo Core Formation for fifty years."


    Then, his mood suddenly brightening, Elder Feng smiled at Kai and Shen Yu. "But now, because I brought you both to the sect, my breakthrough is guaranteed!"


    No wonder Elder Feng doesn''t mind bootlicking us. The chance to breakthrough has changed his entire life. Becoming a Core Formation cultivator won''t just let him live longer - it''ll hugely improve his status in the sect. After fifty years of being stuck, who wouldn''t swallow their pride?


    As they entered the Core Disciple area, Kai couldn''t help but be impressed. The buildings here were grander and gardens filled with rare and exotic plants dotted the area, and Kai could feel the concentrated spiritual energy in the air.


    Now this is more like it. I bet cultivation is much easier in an environment like this.


    Suddenly, a young woman in purple robes approached them. She had long, dark hair and sharp features that gave her a fox-like appearance.


    Wow, Kai thought, momentarily taken aback. She''s gorgeous. Like, protagonist''s-love-interest level of beautiful.


    Then he mentally shook himself. Focus, Kai. Remember, in this world, jade beauties like her usually bring nothing but trouble. Either they''re secretly evil cultivators, or they have some kind of tragic backstory that ends up dragging the hero into deadly situations. Best to be on guard.


    The system immediately provided more information:


    Name: Li Ying


    Cultivation: Early Foundation Establishment Realm


    Strength: 110


    Agility: 120


    Durability: 105


    Early Foundation Establishment, Kai noted, impressed despite himself. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to take on a Foundation Establishment cultivator¡­


    "Welcome, new Legacy Disciples,¡± the girl bowed slightly. ¡°I''m Li Ying. I hope we''ll have a chance to exchange techniques sometime soon. It''s always exciting to see what new blood can bring to the sect."


    She wants to test us, Kai tensed slightly. Probably to establish dominance early on.


    He glanced at Elder Feng, surprised to see the normally talkative elder remaining silent. Then it clicked. Ah, I see. Even though his cultivation is higher, his status is lower than a Core Disciple. He doesn''t want to risk offending her.


    Before Kai could respond, Shen Yu spoke up. "We look forward to it. But right now, we have other matters to attend to."


    Li Ying¡¯s smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "Of course," she said, bowing again. "I''m excited to see what Legacy Disciples can bring to our little exchanges."


    As they walked away, Kai frowned slightly. How transparent. She''s only targeting us because we''re new and our cultivation is lower. Classic bully behavior.


    A small, cold smile played at the corners of Kai''s lips as he felt Li Ying¡¯s gaze on their backs, but he didn''t turn around.


    I¡¯ve read too many xianxia novels to fall for this. I might not be able to handle a Foundation Establishment cultivator right now, but just you wait, Kai''s eyes narrowed slightly. Once I break through, I''d be happy to "exchange techniques" with you. And I have a feeling you won''t like the outcome.


    Finally, they reached the Legacy Disciple area. Kai''s jaw nearly dropped at the sight. Each Legacy Disciple had their own small pavilion, surrounded by gardens and what looked like private training grounds.


    "Here we are, young masters," Elder Feng said proudly. "Your new homes. You''ll each have servants allocated to you to handle day-to-day tasks, allowing you to focus entirely on your cultivation."


    Kai nodded, trying not to show how impressed he was. This is more like a luxury resort than a cultivation sect. But I can''t let myself get too comfortable. I need to stay focused on getting stronger.


    After a brief tour of the available pavilions, Kai selected one that overlooked a small waterfall. Shen Yu chose a pavilion on the opposite side of the area, as far from Kai as possible.


    Keeping his distance, huh? Kai thought. Fine by me. The less we interact, the less chance of him figuring out my secrets.


    "I''ll check up on you every now and then to see how things are going," the elder said, bowing once more.


    Yeah, I bet you will. More likely you just want to create a connection so you can use our names to throw your weight around in the future.


    As Elder Feng departed, Kai turned to Shen Yu. "Well," he said, "I guess this is where we part ways for now. See you around."


    Shen Yu nodded, then turned and entered his pavilion without another word.


    Not much for goodbyes, is he? Kai thought, shaking his head slightly.


    Kai then entered his own pavilion, taking in the spacious main room with its polished wooden floors and elegant furniture. A staircase led up to what he assumed was a bedroom, and he could see a door that probably led to a private cultivation room.


    Not bad, Kai thought, nodding in approval. Not bad at all. But now, it''s time to get down to business.


    He sat down on a chair, closed his eyes, and focused his thoughts inward.


    Alright, system. Let''s see what rewards we''ve got waiting for us.

 FIFTY THREE: Quest Rewards

    A translucent blue screen materialized before him:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    XP: 1100/4000


    Level: 8


    Qi: 300/300


    Strength: 60


    Agility: 63


    Durability: 67


    Intelligence: 30


    Wisdom: 29


    Titles:


    ¡¤        Novice Instructor


    ¡¤        Once in a Hundred Years Talent


    ¡¤        Azure Sky Sect Legacy Disciple


    Elemental Affinities:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Lightning: 20%


    </li>


    </ul>


    Skills:


    Qi Condensation (Level 4)


    Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)


    Unarmed Combat (Level 2)


    Deception (Level 4)


    Iron Skin (Level 3)


    Swift Wind Step (Level 4)


    Flame Palm Strike (Level 3)


    Mental Fortitude (Passive)


    Spirit Beast Communication (Level 1)


    Qi Concealment (Level 1)


    Qi Detection (Level 1)


    Iron Rebound (Level 1)


    Rock Hard (Level 1)


    Lightning Step (Level 1)


    A small smile played on Kai''s lips as he examined his status screen. Not bad, he thought. That 1000 XP boost from completing the ''Join a Sect'' quest was pretty sweet. And look at that Qi increase - gotta love that ''Once in a Hundred Years Talent'' title.


    He focused on the new title he''d gained: Azure Sky Sect Legacy Disciple. The effects were impressive: sect techniques would level up twice as fast, and he gained 5 stat points to allocate to any physical attribute.


    Now this is interesting, Kai mused. First time the system''s letting me choose where to put points. Time to min-max this bad boy.


    He began breaking down his options:


    Strength: Already decent at 60. More power is always good, but I''m not aiming to be a brute force fighter.


    Durability: 67 is my highest stat because of the Rock Hard bonus. Tempting to boost it further, but I don''t want to rely on tanking hits.


    Agility: Currently at 63. With my Qi Condensation ability, I can create all sorts of constructs on the fly. The faster I can move and react, the more versatile that becomes. Plus, in xianxia worlds, speed is life. You can''t hit what you can''t catch.


    All 5 points into Agility. Let''s lean into that hit-and-run playstyle!


    The system responded instantly:


    Agility increased by 5!


    New Agility: 68


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    With that settled, Kai turned his attention to the last notification - the option to accept three random cultivation resources.


    Time to see what kind of loot drop I''ve got.


    He accepted the offer, and information about three items appeared:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Root Grasping Vines (Rare) - A living plant that responds to the user''s will, allowing them to control its growth and movement.


    </li>


    <li>


    Mystic Jade Pendant (Rare) - A small, translucent green pendant that gradually purifies the wearer''s meridians and Qi.


    </li>


    <li>


    Thunderstorm Essence (Very Rare) - A swirling, electric blue liquid that can be fused with a Foundation Establishment pillar to imbue the user''s Qi with natural lightning properties.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Kai raised an eyebrow at the Root Grasping Vines. Huh. Not exactly what I''d expect for my build. This seems more suited for someone like Zhi-Zhi.


    Curious, he activated the skill. Immediately, thin green vines sprouted from the floor around him, swaying gently as if in a breeze.


    Interesting, let¡¯s see what it can do. Kai focused, and the vines responded, weaving together to form a simple chair. Not bad for crowd control. Maybe I could even combine it with my lightning Qi for some shock value.


    He shook his head. Getting ahead of myself there. That''s way beyond my current abilities. File that away for later.


    Next, Kai examined the Mystic Jade Pendant. It was a simple design, a pale green disk on a silver chain. As he slipped it over his head, he felt a cool, soothing sensation spread through his body.


    Oh, that''s nice, Kai thought, closing his eyes to better focus on the feeling. I can actually feel it purifying my qi.


    He nodded to himself. Impure qi is bad news in cultivation. Makes breakthroughs harder, stunt growth, can even cause qi deviation if it gets bad enough. Wearing this long-term could give me a serious edge and prevent issues from breaking through too quickly.


    Finally, Kai turned his attention to the Thunderstorm Essence. It looked like a small vial filled with swirling, miniature storm clouds. Occasional tiny flashes of lightning could be seen.


    Now this... this is something special, Kai thought, a grin spreading across his face. I''ve never heard of an essence that could be fused with a foundation pillar like this. Then again, my knowledge of this world''s specific cultivation methods is pretty limited.


    His grin faded slightly. I''m going to need to hit the library, do some serious research before I even think about using this. Can''t risk messing up a major breakthrough because I didn''t understand the process.


    After a moment''s consideration, Kai carefully placed the vial into his inventory.


    Better keep this one safe. A natural lightning effect to my qi would be a massive advantage. Can''t risk anyone getting their hands on it.


    Just as Kai finished securing his new treasures, a voice called from outside the pavilion. "Young Master?"


    Kai stood, smoothing out his robes as he walked to the entrance. Time to see what this is about, he thought, keeping his expression neutral as he stepped outside.


    Outside stood a middle-aged man in white robes, an Outer Disciple no doubt.


    "Young Master, I''ve brought the list of candidates for your personal servant," he said, offering Kai a scroll.


    Kai''s eyebrows rose slightly. That was fast. The sect doesn''t waste time, do they?


    "Thank you," Kai said, accepting the scroll. "I appreciate the promptness."


    The Outer Disciple bowed. "It is our honor to serve the Legacy Disciples, Young Master."


    As Kai unrolled the scroll, the Outer Disciple continued speaking. "All candidates are from the Outer Sect, as is tradition. Being chosen as a Legacy Disciple''s servant is a great honor and opportunity for advancement."


    Kai nodded absently, his eyes already scanning the list. There were fifty names, each accompanied by a brief description of skills and attributes. Three, in particular, caught his eye:


    Name: Huang Hui


    Age: 18


    Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 5


    Notable Skills: Talented herbalist, knowledgeable about medicinal plants


    Background: Orphaned at a young age, raised by an eccentric hermit who taught her herbal lore.


    Zhao Feng


    Age: 20


    Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 8


    Notable Skills: Former city guard, skilled in basic combat and security protocols


    Background: Seeks to redeem family honor after his father''s disgrace in a corruption scandal.


    Name: Chen Wei


    Age: 16


    Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 7


    Notable Skills: Exceptional memory, quick learner


    Background: From a merchant family in a nearby town. Joined the sect hoping to elevate his family''s status.


    Kai tapped his finger against the scroll, considering his options.


    Apart from their role as a servant, each of these could be useful in their own way.


    Huang Hui: Her herbal knowledge could be helpful, especially if I need to brew potions but I really don¡¯t think it¡¯ll give me an edge. I could just hire an Alchemist instead¡­


    Zhao Feng: Combat skills and security experience would be great for a bodyguard. And his background means he''s likely to be loyal, eager to prove himself. But then again, I¡¯m not leaving the sect anytime soon, and even I did, I expect the Sect Master will provide at least a Core Formation elder if not a Nascent Soul elder as protection.


    Chen Wei: I''ve already met him, and he seemed eager and respectful. His merchant background could be useful for gathering information or handling sect resources. And that exceptional memory could come in handy. Plus, he seems like a good kid, they¡¯re usually easier to use...


    After a few more moments, Kai made his decision. "I''ll take Chen Wei as my servant," he told the waiting Outer Disciple.


    The man nodded, making a note on another scroll. "An excellent choice, Young Master. I''ll inform him immediately. Is there anything else you need?"


    Before Kai could respond, another figure appeared. This one was older, dressed in the robes of an Outer Elder. His face was narrow and pinched, reminding Kai of a weasel.


    The newcomer bowed. "Young Master Kai, I apologize for the interruption, but the Sect Master has summoned both you and Young Master Shen Yu."


    Already? Kai''s eyebrows rose. I thought I''d have more time to prepare.


    "I see. Thank you for informing me. We¡¯ll head there right away."


    The weasel-faced elder nodded. "Very good, Young Master. I''ll escort you."

 FIFTY FOUR: Luo Qiang

    Sect Master Luo Qiang sat in his private quarters, his mind replaying the events of the Disciple Selection Trials. A faint smile played on his lips as he contemplated the unexpected boon the heavens had bestowed on the Azure Sky Sect.


    Two Immortal Rank talents, he mused. What are the odds?


    Talent was categorized into distinct ranks.


    At the pinnacle stood the Immortal Rank, those rare individuals with the potential to ascend beyond mortal limitations and achieve true immortality. Below them were the Heaven Rank talents, capable of reaching the Enlightenment Realm. Earth Rank talents had the potential to reach the Astral Realm, while Mortal Rank talents could aspire to become Nascent Soul cultivators.


    And anything below that, Luo Qiang thought with a hint of disdain, is hardly worth the attention of a true cultivator.


    However, the Sect Master''s amusement faded as he considered the harsh realities of the cultivation world. Potential was just that - potential. The path to immortality was fraught with dangers, both internal and external.


    He leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming on the armrest. How many promising disciples have I seen fall over the millenniums? Luo Qiang wondered. Some succumb to qi deviation, pushing themselves too hard in their quest for power. Others fall prey to their own arrogance, challenging opponents far beyond their capabilities. And then there are those who simply lack the will to persevere, giving up when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.


    His face darkened as his thoughts turned to a more immediate threat. Assassination.


    "With news of two Immortal Rank talents spreading, it won''t be long before the Dark Moon Sect and other demonic cultivators send their assassins," Luo Qiang muttered to himself. "They''ll want to nip this threat in the bud."


    He shook his head, a bitter smile twisting his lips. "And it''s not just the demonic sects we need to worry about. Even our so-called righteous allies will be eyeing our new disciples with envy and fear."


    The Sect Master''s thoughts turned to their most bitter rival. The Crimson Phoenix Sect. We''ll have to be especially wary of them.


    Despite both being considered "righteous" sects, the Azure Sky Sect and the Crimson Phoenix Sect had been locked in a blood feud for heavens knows how long.


    Some say the founders were brothers, Luo Qiang mused. Brothers whose rivalry spiraled into this mess we''re dealing with millions of years later. Hmph. Family.


    Whilst the exact cause of this enmity was lost to time, the consequences were clear.


    As soon as one sect produces an immortal, the other''s end is all but sealed. We can''t allow the Crimson Phoenix to gain such an advantage... and they also know the same.


    A soft tap at the door interrupted his brooding. A muffled voice called out, "Master, I have returned."


    Luo Qiang straightened in his chair. "Come in," he commanded.


    The door swung open, revealing a thin, middle-aged man. His features were sharp and angular, giving him a distinctly rodent-like appearance. Luo Qiang had long ago learned that such men often made the best information gatherers.


    What was his name again? Luo Qiang wondered briefly before dismissing the thought. It doesn''t matter. Anyone below Core Formation without Heaven Rank talent isn''t worth remembering. He likely won''t last a millennium anyway.


    The Outer Elder bowed low. "Master, I have completed my investigation of the Misty Waterfall Village as instructed by Elder Tao."


    "What have you learned?"


    "Regarding the disciple Shen Yu," the man began, "his background appears unremarkable. His father is a simple farmer, his mother tends to their home. He has a younger sister who has shown no aptitude for cultivation."


    The Outer Elder paused, as if gathering his thoughts. "The villagers speak well of the boy, though they find him... unusual. It seems he has rarely shown emotion since he learned to speak. Always the silent type, they say."


    "Go on," Luo Qiang prompted.


    "They describe him as intelligent, never causing trouble. A model child, by all accounts, if somewhat distant."


    Luo Qiang nodded slowly. The lack of emotion is a bit concerning, but not unheard of. Many great cultivators have... eccentric personalities. And the silent types often harbor great depths.


    "And what of Kai Thorn?" the Sect Master asked.


    The Outer Elder''s expression grew slightly uncertain. "That''s where things become... interesting, Master. The boy seems to have appeared in the village out of nowhere. None could tell me of his origins or family."


    Luo Qiang''s eyes narrowed. "Explain."


    "A former disciple of our sect, one Zhang Wei, apparently took the boy under his wing. He taught Kai the basics of cultivation." The Outer Elder hesitated before continuing. "Zhang Wei noticed something... unusual about the boy. A strange mark on his wrist that allows him to condense qi in ways Zhang Wei had never seen before."


    "A birthmark?" Luo Qiang asked, his interest piqued.


    The Outer Elder shook his head. "Zhang Wei didn''t think so. He... he wondered if the boy might be a member of one of the Hidden Clans."


    Luo Qiang''s eyes widened fractionally. The Hidden Clans were a subject of much speculation and fear in the cultivation world. Five families, each led by an immortal cultivator, shrouded in secrecy and wielding techniques beyond the comprehension of most.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    The Song, the Li, the Chen, the Wang, and the Zhao, Luo Qiang recited mentally. Each clan a power unto itself, their true strength unknown.


    Of course, sharing a family name with one of these clans doesn''t necessarily mean a connection. There are countless Songs, Lis, Chens, Wangs, and Zhaos throughout the realm with no ties to their secretive namesakes.


    This fact often led to confusion and false alarms in the cultivation world. Many times throughout the years, ambitious young cultivators have claimed to be from the Hidden Clans, only to be exposed as a fraud and killed.


    The converse was also true, genuine members of these clans often hid behind the commonality of their surnames, blending in with the masses.


    It''s a clever tactic. The very ubiquity of their names serves as both camouflage and smokescreen. But if the boy truly was from one of the Hidden Clans... Luo Qiang suppressed a shudder. Offending such a group could see the Azure Sky Sect reduced to rubble before the night was through.


    Luo Qiang shook his head, forcing himself to consider the situation logically. "It''s unlikely," he muttered.


    "Sect Master?" the Outer Elder questioned.


    "It''s unlikely that one of the Hidden Clans would send a member to a medium-sized sect like ours, even for training," Luo Qiang explained. "They know we possess the Eye of Veiled Truth. It would have detected any duplicity in the boy''s heart during the trials."


    The Outer Elder nodded, visibly relieved. "Of course, Sect Master. You''re right."


    Luo Qiang continued his train of thought aloud. "Moreover, I doubt they''d give a clan member an immortal treasure just to infiltrate a sect of our size. It doesn''t make sense."


    He saw confusion flicker across the Outer Elder''s face and sighed internally. Sometimes he forgot how limited the knowledge of lower-ranked cultivators could be.


    "You see," Luo Qiang explained, slipping into a lecturing tone, "sects are generally categorized by the cultivation level of their leaders. Large sects are those led by true immortals. Medium-sized sects, like ours, are led by cultivators who''ve reached the Enlightenment Realm. Small sects have Astral Formation masters at their head."


    The Outer Elder nodded eagerly, drinking in the knowledge.


    Luo Qiang''s lip curled slightly. "As for sects led by mere Nascent Soul cultivators... well, they''re hardly worth mentioning."


    The mark and the boy¡¯s ability to condense qi... that''s precisely why I chose him as my disciple, Luo Qiang reflected. During the trials, his demonstration was unlike anything I''ve seen in millenniums of cultivation. Such an unusual and powerful technique simply couldn''t be overlooked.


    A plan began to form in the Sect Master''s mind. "I need to inspect this mark myself," he said aloud. "The ability to condense qi in such a manner... it''s not something even I can do."


    For a brief moment, a hungry look flashed in Luo Qiang''s eyes. The Outer Elder caught a glimpse of it and visibly flinched.


    Luo Qiang quickly schooled his features back into a calm mask. "Go. Summon my new disciples."


    The Outer Elder bowed hastily. "At once, Sect Master!" He turned and practically ran from the room, clearly eager to be away from the sudden intensity radiating from Luo Qiang.


    As the door closed behind the retreating elder, Luo Qiang allowed himself a small smile. Two Immortal Rank talents, he mused. Each with their own mysteries. This could be exactly what I need to finally break through to the next realm.


    His fingers absently traced the patterns on his chair''s armrest. I must tread carefully. If the boy truly is from a Hidden Clan, I can''t afford to act rashly. But if he''s not...


    Luo Qiang''s smile widened, taking on a predatory edge. Well, there are many ways to nurture young talent. And many secrets an old master might... borrow... from his disciples.


    He rose from his seat and moved to stand by the window, looking out at the majestic peaks of the Azure Sky Sect. Clouds drifted lazily between the mountain spires, giving the impression that the sect really did float in the heavens.


    How long has it been, Luo Qiang wondered, since I reached the peak of the Enlightenment Realm? Millenniums of meditation, of seeking that final epiphany that would propel me to true immortality... and nothing.


    He clenched his fist, feeling the immense power surging through his body. To most cultivators, his strength would seem godlike. But Luo Qiang knew the truth. He was still bound by mortality, still subject to the ravages of time - albeit on a much-extended scale.


    "Perhaps," he murmured to himself, "these new disciples hold the key. If I can unravel the secrets of that mark, understand how it allows for one to use a skill reserved only for immortals..."


    Luo Qiang''s thoughts were interrupted by another knock at the door. This time, a young voice called out, "Sect Master? The Outer Elder said you wished to see us."


    A smile spread across Luo Qiang''s face. "Enter," he called out as he closed his eyes, composing himself. It wouldn''t do to reveal his eagerness to the boys. A Sect Master must always project an aura of calm wisdom.


    Calm wisdom, and absolute authority.

 FIFTY FIVE: Master-Disciple Ceremony

    Kai and Shen Yu stood before the door of the Sect Master''s quarters. They exchanged a brief glance before Kai raised his hand to knock.


    A moment passed before a voice called out from within.


    "Enter."


    The door swung open silently, revealing a spacious room adorned with elegant furnishings. At the far end, a figure stood facing the window, hands clasped behind his back.


    Dramatic pose, check, Kai thought wryly. Now all we need is some ominous background music.


    As they approached, the Sect Master turned to face them. A smile spread across his face, but something about it made Kai''s skin crawl.


    That''s... not a real smile, Kai realized. It looks forced. Creepy, even.


    Pushing the thought aside, Kai bowed low. "Greetings, Master.¡±


    "Welcome, my new disciples," the Sect Master said. "I trust you''re settling in well?"


    "Yes, Master," Shen Yu replied. "The accommodations are more than satisfactory."


    Kai nodded in agreement. "We''re very grateful for your generosity, Master."


    The Sect Master waved a hand dismissively. "Think nothing of it. You are my disciples now, after all. It''s only right that you''re treated accordingly."


    He gestured for them to sit on the cushions arranged before a low table. As they settled themselves, the Sect Master took a seat opposite them.


    "Now," he began, "I''m sure you''re curious about your new status as my disciples. I currently have three other disciples. The youngest, Wang Lin, is twenty years old and is currently in the sect. You''ll meet him soon enough."


    Kai leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. "And the others, Master?"


    The Sect Master''s smile turned slightly forced. "Ah, yes. Your senior brother and sister. I''m afraid you won''t be meeting them for quite some time. They''re... busy with important tasks."


    Something in the Sect Master''s tone made Kai wonder if there was more to that story, but he knew better than to pry.


    "But enough about them," the Sect Master continued. "Today is about you two. We must complete the master-disciple tea ceremony to formalize our relationship."


    He clapped his hands, and servants appeared carrying trays laden with a tea set and various implements. As they set up the ceremony, the Sect Master began to explain.


    "The ceremony symbolizes the bond between master and disciple. The sharing of tea represents the sharing of knowledge and wisdom. The warmth of the tea signifies the warmth of guidance and protection a master provides."


    Interesting, Kai mused. I wonder if this will have any effect on my system. New skill, maybe?


    The ceremony itself was surprisingly simple. Once the servants had left, the Sect Master brewed the tea using water infused with spiritual energy. He then poured it into three cups - one for himself and one for each of his new disciples.


    "Drink," he instructed. "And as you do, focus on the connection forming between us."


    Kai lifted the cup to his lips, inhaling the fragrant steam. As he sipped the tea, he felt a warmth spreading through his body. It was more than just the heat of the liquid - there was a spiritual component to it, a sense of connection forming.


    A notification popped up in his vision:


    Master-Disciple Bond Formed!


    You are now officially recognized as a disciple of Sect Master Luo Qiang.


    Effects:


    <ul>


    <li>Increased learning speed for techniques taught by your master</li>


    <li>Ability to sense your master''s general location and well-being</li>


    <li>???</li>


    </ul>


    Huh, Kai thought. That''s actually pretty useful. I wonder what that last effect is, though. Usually, when games hide effects like that, it''s either something really good or really bad.


    Once the ceremony was complete, the Sect Master had them sit down again. His expression turned serious as he regarded them.


    "Now," he said, "I''d like to hear about your cultivation plans. What path do you intend to follow? Kai, let''s start with you."


    Kai paused, considering his answer carefully. None of my plans are really a secret, he decided. Might as well be honest.


    "I''d like to focus on lightning techniques, Master," Kai said. "I feel a strong affinity for lightning, and I believe it suits my style."


    The Sect Master nodded approvingly. "A good choice. Lightning techniques can be powerful indeed. But tell me, do you have any interest in particular fields of cultivation? Alchemy, perhaps? Or artifact refinement?"


    Kai thought about this for a moment. He had put some thought into this before.


    In most isekai stories, the protagonist would probably go for alchemy. It''s a classic choice - create your own power-ups, sell them for resources, that kind of thing. But...


    Kai realized that alchemy didn''t really suit his style. He wasn''t particularly interested in spending hours grinding ingredients and experimenting with formulas. It seemed too time-consuming and finicky for his tastes.


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    No, he thought, I need something that plays to my strengths. Something strategic, something that can give me an edge in various situations.


    Suddenly, an idea struck him. "Actually," Kai said, "I''m quite interested in formations."


    The Sect Master''s eyebrows rose slightly. "Oh? That''s an unusual choice. What draws you to formations?"


    "From what I''ve read, they can be used for defense, offense, traps, even enhancing cultivation. It''s like... like setting up the perfect strategy before a battle even begins."


    As he spoke, Kai''s mind raced with possibilities. Trap formations to catch enemies off guard. Defensive formations to protect a base. Formations that can alter the environment or manipulate qi flow. The potential is incredible.


    "Plus," Kai added, "I''ve always been good at recognizing patterns and solving puzzles. I think that might translate well to understanding and creating formations."


    From the corner of his eye, Kai noticed Shen Yu''s eyes narrow imperceptibly at the mention of formations. The expression vanished as quickly as it had appeared.


    Interesting. Does Shen Yu have some history with formations? Or maybe he sees it as a threat somehow?


    The Sect Master nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression on his face. "A well-reasoned choice," he said. "We have a Nascent Soul elder who is a master of formations. Elder Han. I''ll arrange for you to meet with him soon."


    Kai bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Sect Master."


    Luo Qiang then turned his attention to Shen Yu. "And what about you, Shen Yu? What are your cultivation plans?"


    Shen Yu''s face remained blank as he spoke. "I am interested in learning both the wind and lightning techniques of the Azure Sky Sect."


    The Sect Master''s eyebrows rose. "Both? That''s quite ambitious. It would be better to focus on one element first. Mastering two simultaneously would be extremely difficult."


    "I am confident in my ability to learn both," Shen Yu replied bluntly.


    Luo Qiang paused for a moment, then let out a small sigh. It was clear he thought Shen Yu was overestimating himself. "Very well," he said. "Making your own mistakes now will teach you valuable lessons for the future."


    Ouch, Kai thought. That''s a polite way of saying ''you''re going to fail, but at least you''ll learn from it.''


    "Is there anything else you''re interested in studying?" the Sect Master asked Shen Yu.


    Shen Yu shook his head. "No, Sect Master. I wish to focus solely on cultivation techniques for now."


    The Sect Master nodded, though Kai thought he detected a hint of disappointment in the old man''s eyes.


    Shen Yu''s really going all-in on the stoic warrior trope, Kai thought.


    "I see," Luo Qiang said. He reached into his robes and pulled out two scrolls, handing one to each of them. "These contain the first level of the Azure Sky Sect''s lightning legacy technique. The other eight levels will be given to you one at a time as you progress."


    Kai unrolled his scroll, eager to see what it contained. As he began to read, a system notification appeared:


    New technique available: Azure Sky Legacy Lightning Technique (Level 1)


    Would you like to learn this technique?


    [Yes] [No]


    Not yet, Kai thought quickly. If I absorb the scroll now, it''ll disappear. That would be... awkward to explain.


    "Thank you, Master," Kai said, carefully tucking the scroll away.


    The Sect Master nodded. "Study it well. Shen Yu, we''ll see how you progress with this before I give you the wind technique."


    The Sect Master then reached into his robes once more and pulled out two small rings. He tossed one to each of them. "These are storage rings," he explained. "They contain a pocket dimension where you can store items. These particular rings should be sufficient until you reach the Nascent Soul realm."


    Kai caught the ring, examining it curiously. I already have an inventory system, he thought, but I guess this will help keep up appearances.


    "Thank you, Sect Master," Kai said, slipping the ring onto his finger.


    "Now then," Luo Qiang said, his gaze settling on Shen Yu. "You are dismissed, Shen Yu. Go to your quarters and begin studying the lightning technique. I''ll send someone to fetch you later for our first lesson."


    Shen Yu stood, bowed to the Sect Master, and then left the room without a word.


    What could the Sect Master want to talk about in private? Kai wondered. I hope I haven''t done anything to arouse suspicion.


    As the door closed behind Shen Yu, the Sect Master turned his full attention to Kai. His gaze seemed to intensify, making Kai feel as if he was being examined under a microscope.


    "Kai," Luo Qiang said, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "there''s something I''d like to discuss."

 FIFTY SIX: An Interrogation?

    "What did you want to discuss, Master?" Kai asked, keeping his voice level and his face neutral.


    The Sect Master''s gaze seemed to bore into Kai. "As part of our process for accepting new disciples, we conduct thorough background checks. It''s standard procedure, you understand."


    Kai nodded, his heart rate picking up slightly. He''d been expecting this, but it still made him nervous. "Of course, Master. That makes sense."


    "However," the Sect Master continued, his brow furrowing slightly, "in your case, we encountered some... difficulties. Our investigations found nothing about your past, except that you suddenly appeared in the Misty Waterfall Village one day. No records, no family, no history. It''s as if you simply materialized out of thin air."


    Oh boy, here we go, Kai thought. Time to play the amnesia card. It''s clich¨¦, but it''s the best I''ve got but quite effective¡­probably why it¡¯s so common with isekai protagonists.


    Kai took a deep breath, putting on a look of confusion. "I... I''m afraid I can''t explain that, Master. The truth is, I have no memory of my life before I found myself in the forest near Misty Waterfall Village. It''s all just... blank."


    He watched the Sect Master''s face carefully, looking for any sign that the cultivator could detect his lie. Please don''t have some kind of truth-sensing ability, Kai silently pleaded. That would be so unfair.


    The Sect Master''s expression remained unreadable as he studied Kai. After a moment that felt like an eternity, he spoke. "I see. Amnesia is a rare condition, but not unheard of. Especially in our world, where cultivators sometimes encounter... unusual phenomena."


    Kai nodded. "Yes, exactly! I''ve been trying to remember, but nothing comes back to me. It''s very frustrating."


    "I can imagine," the Sect Master murmured. "If you do happen to remember anything about your past, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem, I want you to come to me immediately. Understood?"


    "Of course, Master," Kai replied, bowing his head slightly. "I''ll tell you right away if I remember anything."


    Fat chance of that. I''m not telling anyone in this world about my true origins. Not now, not ever. Trust is a luxury I can''t afford here.


    The Sect Master leaned back slightly. "Now, there''s another matter I''d like to discuss. During the trials, I noticed you possess a rather... unique ability. The power to condense qi into physical forms. It''s quite remarkable."


    Kai shifted uncomfortably. He''d known this topic would come up eventually, it wasn¡¯t something he was trying to hide, but he still wasn''t sure how to handle it. "Ah, yes. That ability. I''ve had it since I found myself in the forest. I''m not sure where it came from or why I have it."


    "I see," the Sect Master said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And it''s related to a mark on your body, correct? Elder Feng mentioned something about it in his report."


    Kai nodded, knowing there was no point in denying it. The Sect Master clearly already knew. "Yes, Master. There''s a strange mark on my wrist. I don''t know what it means or how I got it."


    "May I see it?" the Sect Master asked, though his tone made it clear it wasn''t really a request.


    Not like I have much choice here, Kai thought. Refusing would just make me look suspicious.


    "Of course, Master," Kai said aloud. He rolled up the sleeve of his robe, exposing his right wrist.


    The Sect Master leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the mark. It resembled a stylized trident. What caught the Sect Master''s attention, however, were the colors. Two of the prongs glowed blood red, while the third was a deep, inky black.


    The old cultivator reached out, his fingers hovering just above Kai''s skin. "May I?" he asked.


    Kai nodded, knowing again that it wasn¡¯t a request.


    "Fascinating," the Sect Master murmured as his fingers gently traced the mark. "I''ve never seen anything quite like this. The two red prongs and one black... does this coloration have any significance that you''re aware of?"


    Kai shook his head. "No, Master. I don''t know what it means or why it''s colored that way.¡±


    ¡°Has it changed at all?¡±


    Kai hesitated for a moment, then decided to share a bit more information, it¡¯s not like it was something he could hide. "The colors do change sometimes. Occasionally, the prongs turn black or turn red, sometimes all of them or just one or two of them. But I''ve never seen any other colors."


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    The Sect Master''s eyebrows rose slightly. "Interesting. And do these color changes correspond to anything? Any changes in your abilities or how you feel?"


    Kai shook his head. "Not that I''ve noticed. The changes seem random."


    The Sect Master''s eyes flicked up to meet Kai''s. "And you''re certain there are no other techniques or abilities you''ve gained from this mark? Nothing at all beyond the qi condensation?"


    Well, there''s the whole respawning thing, Kai thought. But I''m taking that secret to my grave. All of my graves, actually.


    "No, Master," Kai said aloud. "Just the qi condensation, as far as I know."


    The Sect Master held Kai''s gaze for a long moment, and Kai had the distinct impression that the old man didn''t entirely believe him. But after a moment, the Sect Master nodded.


    "Very well," he said. "I''m going to channel some of my qi into the mark. It may feel strange, but it shouldn''t hurt. Let me know if you experience any unusual sensations."


    Before Kai could respond, the Sect Master''s fingers pressed more firmly against the mark, and Kai felt a surge of foreign qi entering his body. It was like a cool stream flowing into him, probing and searching.


    The mark tingled more intensely, but otherwise remained unchanged. After a minute or so, the Sect Master withdrew his hand, a look of disappointment flashing across his face before he schooled his features back to neutrality.


    "Interesting," the Sect Master murmured. "It seems resistant to external qi. Another mystery to add to the list."


    Kai let out a small sigh of relief. He hadn''t been sure what would happen if the Sect Master probed the mark, but he was glad it hadn''t revealed anything.


    The Sect Master sat back, his eyes still fixed on Kai. "Now then, I''d like you to demonstrate this qi condensation ability for me. Show me exactly what you can do."


    "Certainly, Master," Kai said. He held out his hand, palm up, and concentrated. Qi flowed from his core, down his arm, and into his palm. As it gathered there, Kai shaped it with his mind, condensing it into a solid form.


    A moment later, a hammer made of pure, condensed qi appeared in Kai''s hand. It glowed with a soft blue light, looking both solid and ethereal at the same time.


    The Sect Master leaned forward, his eyes wide with fascination. He reached out to touch the hammer.


    "This is... extraordinary," the Sect Master said, turning the hammer over in his hands. "It''s completely solid, with real weight to it. And you can create this at will?"


    Kai nodded. "Yes, Master. Though the constructs only last for a short time, but with practice it is slowly increasing."


    As if on cue, the hammer flickered and then vanished after about six seconds. The Sect Master''s hand closed on empty air, a look of fascination on his face.


    "Remarkable," he murmured. "Truly remarkable. And you say you''ve always been able to do this?"


    He''s way too interested in this. I need to be careful not to reveal too much.


    Kai nodded. "Yes, Master. Since I first became aware of my ability to manipulate qi."


    The Sect Master nodded. "Excellent, excellent. Now, I''d like you to create another construct. This time, explain the process to me as you do it. I want to understand exactly how this ability works."


    Kai considered the Sect Master''s request for a moment. I don''t mind explaining it. It''s a simple process, and without this mark, no one else could do it anyway. Might as well be straightforward.


    "Of course, Master," Kai replied. He held out his hand, focusing on creating a simple dagger.


    "The process is actually quite straightforward," Kai began. "First, I gather qi from my core and direct it to my palm. As it gathers, I visualize the shape I want to create ¨C in this case, a dagger."


    The qi in Kai''s palm began to glow and take shape.


    "Next, I concentrate on condensing the qi," Kai continued. "I compress it, making it denser and more solid. It''s similar to how water becomes ice under pressure. The more I compress it, the more solid and durable the construct becomes."


    The glowing shape in Kai''s hand solidified into a sleek dagger made of pure qi. It looked completely solid, with a sharp edge that caught the light.


    "Finally, I maintain my focus to keep the construct intact," Kai finished. "The duration of the construct depends on how long I can maintain my concentration."


    The Sect Master watched intently, his eyes never leaving the solid qi dagger. As Kai explained, the old man''s expression shifted from curiosity to growing frustration.


    "I see," the Sect Master said, his tone tight. "And this process... it truly comes naturally to you? No special techniques or methods?"


    Kai shook his head. "No, Master. It''s as simple as I''ve described. I think about what I want to create, and my qi responds."


    The Sect Master''s brow furrowed deeply, his frustration now plainly visible. He opened his mouth as if to ask another question, then closed it abruptly.


    Kai could almost see the wheels turning in the old man''s head as he struggled to understand how such a simple process could be impossible for him to replicate.


    After a long moment, the Sect Master spoke, his voice carefully controlled. "Very well. Thank you for the demonstration, Kai. You may go now. We''ll begin your formal training soon."


    "Thank you, Master,¡± Kai bowed. ¡°I look forward to learning from you."


    As Kai turned to leave, he could feel the Sect Master''s eyes boring into his back.


    He''s not satisfied with my explanations; he realizes it''s a simple method. But that''s fine. He understands without the mark, it¡¯s impossible for him to replicate it.


    Kai reached the door and paused, looking back at the Sect Master, who was still sitting there, his face a mask of deep thought.


    "Is there anything else you need, Master?" Kai asked.


    The Sect Master seemed to snap back to focus. "No, no. You''re dismissed. Go and rest. You''ll need your energy for the training to come."


    Kai nodded and slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him. As soon as he was in the hallway, he let out a long, quiet breath.


    Well, that was intense. But I think I managed to get through it without revealing too much. Now I just need to keep my guard up and stay alert. In this world, you never know who might be a friend or an enemy.


    But I need to get stronger. Fast. The Sect Master is too interested in my abilities. If I''m not careful, I might end up as some kind of research subject rather than a disciple.

 FIFTY SEVEN: Elemental Affinity Crystal

    Liu Wei shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his eyes darting nervously around the room. Across from him sat Elder Jiang, his new master, whose face remained as impassive as a stone statue.


    Should I say something? Liu Wei wondered, his palms growing sweaty. No, that might be rude. I shouldn''t speak first to an elder. But how long are we going to sit here? Is this some kind of test?


    Just as Liu Wei felt he might crack under the pressure, Elder Jiang finally broke the silence.


    "I am Elder Jiang," he stated simply. "Your new master."


    Liu Wei blinked, caught off guard by the abrupt introduction. That''s it? But I¡­I already know that. This isn''t how an introduction should go. You''re supposed to tell me more about yourself!


    But he kept his face carefully neutral, not wanting to offend the powerful cultivator before him. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, unsure how to respond. Elder Jiang''s eyebrows drew together in a slight frown.


    "Are you not going to introduce yourself?" the elder asked, a hint of disapproval in his tone.


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened in panic. Oh no! I was waiting for him to say more. I''ve already messed up!


    "I-I''m Liu Wei," he stammered, bowing his head quickly. "Your new disciple, Elder Jiang. It''s an honor to meet you."


    Elder Jiang nodded, apparently satisfied with this basic introduction. "Very well," he said. "Now, let me explain why I chose you as my disciple."


    Liu Wei leaned forward slightly, eager to hear the reason. Had the elder seen some hidden potential in him? Some spark of greatness?


    "You seem to have a talent with the wind affinity," Elder Jiang stated matter-of-factly.


    Liu Wei nodded, thinking back to the strange fruit he''d eaten from the ancient tree during the trip to the Whispering Woods. It had increased his elemental affinity for wind, though he hadn''t fully understood what that meant at the time.


    "I myself specialize in wind techniques," Elder Jiang continued. "It''s a versatile element, capable of both graceful precision and devastating power when mastered properly."


    He reached into his robes and pulled out a small, multifaceted crystal.


    "This is an Elemental Affinity Crystal," Elder Jiang explained, holding it up for Liu Wei to see. "It''s a tool used to measure one''s elemental affinities. When you channel qi into it, it will display colors corresponding to your elemental alignments."


    Liu Wei leaned closer, fascinated by the object. This was his first time seeing such a crystal.


    "The crystal tests for the major elements," Elder Jiang continued. "Fire, water, wind, earth, lightning, darkness, and light. Each has its own corresponding color."


    He held up the crystal, pointing to different facets as he spoke. "Red for fire, blue for water, green for wind, brown for earth, yellow for lightning, purple for darkness, and white for light."


    Liu Wei nodded, committing the information to memory. This is incredible, he thought. I never knew there was a way to actually see someone''s elemental affinities.


    "Allow me to demonstrate," Elder Jiang said. He held the crystal in his palm and closed his eyes. A moment later, a soft glow emanated from his hand.


    Liu Wei watched as the colors within the crystal shifted. The other hues faded away, leaving only a brilliant green that pulsed like a heartbeat.


    "As you can see," Elder Jiang explained, opening his eyes, "my affinity is strongly aligned with wind. The brighter the color, the stronger the affinity."


    He held out the crystal to Liu Wei. "Now, you try."


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Liu Wei took the crystal carefully, marveling at how light it felt in his hand. He closed his eyes and focused, channeling his qi into the object as he''d been instructed.


    When he opened his eyes, he gasped. The crystal was glowing with a vibrant green, even brighter than it had been for Elder Jiang. But there was something else ¨C a softer blue light pulsing alongside the dominant green.


    Elder Jiang nodded approvingly. "Interesting. Your wind affinity is quite strong ¨C even slightly stronger than my own. And you have a secondary water affinity as well, though it''s much weaker."


    Liu Wei stared at the crystal. I knew I had a wind affinity from the fruit, but this water affinity¡­was that my natural affinity?


    "It would be best to focus on developing your wind affinity," Elder Jiang advised. "But don''t neglect your water affinity entirely. Used in conjunction, they can create powerful techniques."


    Liu Wei nodded. "Yes, Master. I''ll work hard to develop both!"


    Elder Jiang''s expression remained neutral, but Liu Wei thought he detected a hint of approval in the elder''s eyes.


    "Now," Elder Jiang said, "what is your current cultivation method?¡±


    Liu Wei felt his enthusiasm deflate slightly. "I... I only know the basic qi gathering method," he admitted, his voice small. "I haven''t had the chance to learn any advanced cultivation methods yet."


    To his surprise, Elder Jiang didn''t seem disappointed. The elder simply nodded, as if this was exactly what he''d expected.


    "That''s not unusual for new disciples," he said. "The basic qi gathering method is a good foundation, but it''s insufficient for true advancement. It''s also non-elemental, which means it''s not taking advantage of your natural affinities."


    Elder Jiang reached into his robes once more, this time producing a tightly bound scroll. "This," he said, "is the Wind Rider''s Path. It''s the cultivation method I personally use, and now, it will be yours to learn."


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened as he took in the scroll. Its case was made of polished wood, inlaid with swirling patterns that seemed to move if he looked at them too long.


    "The Wind Rider''s Path has nine levels," Elder Jiang explained. "Each one will push your understanding of wind-natured qi to new heights. By the time you master the ninth level, you will breakthrough to the Immortal Realm and be able to ride the very currents of the air itself."


    Liu Wei could barely contain his excitement as Elder Jiang handed him the scroll. He held it carefully, feeling the weight of knowledge and potential it contained.


    "Let me explain the basics of the first level," Elder Jiang said. "Unlike the generic qi gathering method you''ve been using, this technique will teach you to attune yourself to the wind around you. You''ll learn to draw in qi that''s naturally aligned with your affinity, making your cultivation more efficient and powerful."


    Liu Wei nodded eagerly, drinking in every word.


    "The wind is ever-present," Elder Jiang continued. "Even in stillness, there are currents and eddies of air. The first level will teach you to sense these subtle movements, to feel the breath of the world around you."


    As Elder Jiang spoke, Liu Wei found himself becoming more aware of the air in the room. He could feel the faintest stirring against his skin, the gentle flow as he breathed in and out.


    "Once you can sense the wind," Elder Jiang said, "you''ll learn to draw it into yourself along with the qi. This will not only increase the speed of your qi absorption but also begin the process of refining your internal energy to match your wind affinity."


    Liu Wei nodded, his fingers itching to unroll the scroll and begin studying immediately. He began to unfurl it, eager to see the technique described within.


    But before he could open it fully, Elder Jiang''s hand shot out, grasping the scroll firmly. Liu Wei looked up in surprise, worried he''d done something wrong.


    "Wait," Elder Jiang said, his tone suddenly serious. "It seems we''ve forgotten something important."


    Liu Wei blinked, his mind racing. What could they have overlooked? Had the elder made a mistake in choosing him as a disciple?


    "We haven''t performed the Master-Disciple Tea Ceremony," Elder Jiang announced.


    Liu Wei''s brow furrowed in confusion. "The... what?"


    Elder Jiang''s expression remained impassive, but there was a glint in his eye that might have been amusement. "The Master-Disciple Tea Ceremony," he repeated. "It''s an important tradition, one that formally establishes our relationship as master and disciple."


    Liu Wei nodded slowly, trying to hide his embarrassment at not knowing about such an apparently crucial custom. "I see," he said, hoping he sounded more knowledgeable than he felt. "Of course, the tea ceremony. How could I forget?"


    If Elder Jiang noticed his discomfort, he didn''t comment on it. Instead, he rose from his seat and moved to a small cabinet in the corner of the room.


    As Liu Wei watched his new master prepare for the ceremony, he couldn''t help but compare Elder Jiang to Master Kai. The differences were striking.


    Master Kai would have explained the tea ceremony to me first, Liu Wei thought. He always made sure I understood things before we did them.


    He remembered how patient Kai had been, always ready with a joke or a story to make difficult concepts easier to grasp. Elder Jiang, in contrast, seemed to expect Liu Wei to already know these things.


    But then again, Master Kai was new to being a teacher. Maybe this is how real masters are supposed to act.


    Still, he couldn''t shake a feeling of longing for his first master''s more approachable style. Kai had felt like a friend as well as a teacher. Elder Jiang, despite his higher cultivation level and knowledge, seemed distant and hard to read.


    I wonder what Master Kai is doing now. I hope he doesn¡¯t forget me. Maybe someday I''ll be able to show him how much I''ve learned.

 FIFTY EIGHT: Zhi-Zhi - The Insecure Tortoise

    "Hey, what did I tell you about hiding?"


    Zhi-Zhi froze inside his shell. The booming voice of his new master echoed through the massive cave. With a gulp, the tiny spirit tortoise poked his head out.


    "H-hiding is for the weak!" Zhi-Zhi squeaked, his voice cracking. "And the reason tortoises have shells is not for protection but for attacking!"


    Cang Long''s enormous eye peered down at his new disciple. After a moment, he nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer.


    "Good, good," Cang Long rumbled. "You''re learning. Now, let me tell you about the time I single-handedly saved the entire Azure Sky Sect from certain doom!"


    As his master launched into yet another tale of his heroic exploits, Zhi-Zhi took the opportunity to look around. They were in an enormous cave, carved deep into the heart of a mountain. The rough stone walls stretched up so high that Zhi-Zhi could barely make out the ceiling.


    But what truly caught his attention was the treasure. Piles upon piles of gold coins, glittering spirit stones, and all manner of precious artifacts littered the floor of the cave. It was like something out of tales the ancient tree spirit would read to him - a dragon''s hoard come to life.


    Of course he''s a hoarder, Zhi-Zhi thought to himself. He''s a tortoise from a dragon bloodline. It''s in his nature.


    Despite his desire to puff out his chest and feel proud of being a pure-blooded spirit tortoise unlike his master, Zhi-Zhi couldn''t help but quake in fear at the sheer size of the elder tortoise¡¯s shell.


    Zhi-Zhi knew the significance of a tortoise''s shell. A tortoise''s shell was more than just protection - it was a symbol of status and power. The larger and more ornate the shell, the more respected the tortoise.


    And right now, Zhi-Zhi was acutely aware of just how small and plain his own shell was compared to the magnificent, azure-scaled fortress that protected Cang Long.


    "...and that''s when I used my Shell Quake technique!" Cang Long was saying, his voice filled with pride. "The entire mountain range shook, and those upstart demons fled in terror!"


    Zhi-Zhi nodded, trying to look impressed. But as his master continued to boast, he felt a growing sense of frustration. Is this how Kai and Liu Wei feel when I talk? he wondered. No, no, my stories are more interesting, I can''t be this bad. Can I?


    Remembering how Kai and Liu Wei often dealt with his own lengthy stories, Zhi-Zhi decided to try a similar tactic. Maybe if he poked some holes in Cang Long''s tales, the massive tortoise would finally stop.


    "But master," Zhi-Zhi piped up, trying to keep the nervousness out of his voice, "how could you shake an entire mountain range? Wouldn''t that have damaged the sect as well?"


    Instead of being annoyed, Cang Long''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Ah, an excellent question, my young disciple! Allow me to show you the proof!"


    With surprising agility for his size, Cang Long lumbered across the cave. He stopped at a particularly large pile of treasures and began rummaging through it with his massive claws.


    "Aha!" he exclaimed, pulling out what looked like a chunk of rock. "This, my dear Zhi-Zhi, is a piece of the very mountain I shook that day. See how the layers are all twisted? That''s from the force of my Shell Quake!"


    Zhi-Zhi blinked in surprise. He hadn''t expected actual evidence. "But... but what about the sect? Surely they would have been affected too?"


    "Oh, they were,¡± Cang Long chuckled. ¡°But I had warned them beforehand, of course. The entire sect had evacuated to a safe distance. In fact..." He moved to another pile, this one filled with scrolls and books. After a moment of searching, he produced an ancient-looking document.


    "This is a letter of commendation from the Sect Master at the time, praising my quick thinking and decisive action," Cang Long said, his voice swelling with pride. "He even mentions how my warning saved countless lives!"


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes widened. This was... actually impressive. But he wasn''t ready to give up just yet.


    "What about the demons?" he asked. "Surely they wouldn''t have just run away from an earthquake. They must have had some sort of plan!"


    "Ah, now we''re getting to the good part!" Cang Long exclaimed. He waddled over to a weapon rack Zhi-Zhi hadn''t noticed before. With great care, he lifted a wicked-looking spear from its stand.


    "This," he said, holding the spear aloft, "is the weapon of the demon general who led the attack. When my Shell Quake disrupted their formations, I was able to engage him in single combat. It was a fierce battle, but in the end, I emerged victorious!"


    Zhi-Zhi stared at the spear in awe. It was clearly a powerful artifact, its blade still gleaming with a demonic light even after all these years.


    "But... but how did you wield a spear?" Zhi-Zhi asked. "We don''t have hands like humans do."


    Cang Long let out a booming laugh. "Ah, my young disciple, you have much to learn about the powers of high-level cultivation! When you reach my level, you can manipulate qi to form temporary limbs. Observe!"


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    With a short burst of qi, ghostly appendages appeared around Cang Long''s massive form. One of them grasped the spear, wielding it with ease.


    Zhi-Zhi''s jaw dropped. This was far beyond anything he had imagined possible.


    As Cang Long continued to show off various artifacts and documents, each one backing up another incredible story, Zhi-Zhi felt a strange mix of emotions bubbling up inside him.


    On one hand, he was utterly amazed by his master''s achievements. Each tale was more incredible than the last, and unlike Zhi-Zhi''s own made-up stories, they all seemed to be true.


    With each piece of evidence, Zhi-Zhi''s skepticism faded, replaced by a growing sense of awe and... something else. Something that felt uncomfortably like shame.


    "And this," Cang Long said, gesturing to a simple-looking rock with his massive head, "is a piece of the mountain I once carried on my back for a thousand years, just to win a bet with the Mountain Spirit!"


    Zhi-Zhi stared at the rock, then at his master, then back at the rock. "But... but it''s just a normal rock," he said.


    Cang Long''s eyes twinkled with amusement. "Is it? Pick it up, then."


    Dubiously, Zhi-Zhi waddled over to the rock. It was about the size of his own shell, and he figured he could probably roll it if he tried hard enough. He pressed against it with his head, ready to push...


    And nothing happened. The rock didn''t budge an inch.


    "What?" Zhi-Zhi exclaimed, pushing harder. Still, the rock remained immovable. "How is this possible?"


    Cang Long let out another booming laugh. "That, my young disciple, is a fragment of the Unmoving Mountain, said to be the heaviest substance in all of creation. I carried the whole thing on my back for a millennium!"


    As his master launched into yet another story, this one about how he once outswam a legendary water dragon, Zhi-Zhi felt tears welling up in his eyes.


    What am I compared to him? he thought miserably. I''m nothing but a fake, a liar who makes up stories because I have no real achievements of my own.


    But as he watched his master, a small spark of hope ignited in Zhi-Zhi''s heart. Maybe, just maybe, Cang Long could help him become something more. Perhaps under his tutelage, Zhi-Zhi could become a real tortoise worthy of pride, not the sham he currently was.


    Then I could finally tell Kai real stories. I wouldn''t have to make things up anymore.


    "Master," Zhi-Zhi said, interrupting Cang Long mid-boast. "Do you... do you think you could teach me to be like you someday?"


    Cang Long paused, looking down at his tiny disciple with an unreadable expression. For a moment, Zhi-Zhi feared he had overstepped.


    But then, to his surprise, Cang Long''s face split into a wide grin. "Like me? Oh no, little Zhi-Zhi. I''m going to teach you to be even better!"


    Zhi-Zhi''s eyes widened in shock. "B-better? But how? You''re so amazing and I''m... I''m just..."


    "You''re just starting out," Cang Long finished for him. "But let me tell you a secret, little one. When I was your age, I was even smaller than you are now."


    "Really?" Zhi-Zhi couldn''t keep the disbelief out of his voice.


    Cang Long nodded solemnly. "Oh yes. In fact, come with me. I want to show you something."


    With that, the massive tortoise began to make his way deeper into the cave. Zhi-Zhi hurried after him, his tiny legs working overtime to keep up with his master''s lumbering pace.


    When they reached what appeared to be the back of the cave. Here, the piles of treasure gave way to a more organized collection. Shelves carved directly into the rock held an assortment of items, each one carefully labeled.


    Cang Long stopped in front of one particular shelf. With surprising gentleness, he used his qi-formed hands to lift a small object from its place.


    "This," he said, lowering the item so Zhi-Zhi could see, "is my first shell."


    Zhi-Zhi gasped. The shell in Cang Long''s spectral grip was tiny, barely larger than Zhi-Zhi himself. It was a plain, unremarkable thing, with none of the luster or grandeur of Cang Long''s current shell.


    "But... but it''s so small!" Zhi-Zhi exclaimed.


    Cang Long chuckled. "Indeed it is. Hard to believe, isn''t it? But we all start somewhere, my young disciple. The journey of a thousand li begins with a single step, as the saying goes."


    Zhi-Zhi stared at the shell in wonder. "How... how did you grow so much?"


    "Ah, now that''s the real question, isn''t it?" Cang Long said, carefully returning the shell to its place. "It took time, effort, and no small amount of hardship. But most importantly, it took belief. Belief in myself, and belief in the path I had chosen."


    He turned back to Zhi-Zhi. "Tell me, young one. Do you believe in yourself?"


    Zhi-Zhi hesitated. Did he? For so long, he had hidden behind big words and made-up stories. But deep down, did he truly believe he could become something great?


    "I... I don''t know," he admitted finally, hanging his head in shame.


    To his surprise, he felt a gentle touch on his shell. Looking up, he saw Cang Long smiling down at him.


    "That''s okay," the great tortoise said softly. "Belief can be learned, just like any other skill. And I''m going to teach you."


    Zhi-Zhi felt a warmth spreading through him. For the first time he felt hopeful.


    "Now then," Cang Long said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "Let''s begin your first lesson. Tell me, Zhi-Zhi, what do you think is the most important quality for a spirit tortoise to have?"


    Zhi-Zhi thought hard. What would impress his master? What answer would a truly great tortoise give?


    "Um... strength?"


    Cang Long shook his massive head. "A good guess, but no. Try again."


    "Wisdom?" Zhi-Zhi tried, remembering all the stories about wise old tortoises.


    "Also important, but not the most crucial," Cang Long said. "One more try."


    Zhi-Zhi wracked his brain. What could be more important than strength or wisdom? Then, he remembered something Kai had once said during their journey. "Is it... perseverance?"


    Cang Long''s eyes lit up. "Excellent! Yes, perseverance is key. The ability to keep going, to never give up, even when things seem impossible. That is what separates true cultivators from the rest."


    Zhi-Zhi nodded eagerly. "I understand, Master! I won''t give up, no matter how hard it gets!"


    "We''ll see," Cang Long said, a hint of a challenge in his voice. "Now, for your first task. You see that spirit stone over there?" He gestured with his head towards a softly glowing crystal about the size of Zhi-Zhi''s shell.


    Zhi-Zhi nodded. "Yes, Master."


    "I want you to move it," Cang Long said simply.


    Zhi-Zhi blinked. "Move it? But... how? It''s bigger than I am!"


    Cang Long''s expression remained impassive. "That''s for you to figure out. You have until sunrise tomorrow. Remember, a true warrior uses everything at his disposal."


    With that, the massive dragon-tortoise turned and began to lumber towards a darker part of the cave. "I''ll return in the morning to see your progress. Good luck, my disciple."


    As Cang Long disappeared into the shadows, Zhi-Zhi stared at the spirit stone.


    How am I supposed to move something that big? I can barely move myself sometimes!


    But then he remembered Cang Long''s words about perseverance. This was his chance to prove himself, to start becoming the great spirit tortoise he wanted to be.


    "Alright," Zhi-Zhi said aloud, puffing out his tiny chest. "Time to get to work!"

 FIFTY NINE: Heavenly Thunderstorm Cultivation Method

    Kai sat cross-legged on his cultivation pillow, the scroll the Sect Master handed him resting in his hands. His eyes flicked between the parchment and the glowing message floating before him:


    New technique available: Azure Sky Legacy Lightning Technique (Level 1)


    Would you like to learn this technique?


    [Yes] [No]]


    He tapped his fingers against the scroll, weighing his options.


    If I accept, I''d master level 1 instantly. A few hours of practice and I could ask for the next level. But...


    His brow furrowed as he considered the downsides.


    The scroll would vanish. How would I explain that to the Sect Master? He might think I sold it and leaked sect secrets.


    A chill ran down Kai''s spine as he imagined the consequences.


    These cultivators are nuts, they guard their techniques like dragons hoarding gold. They might even kill me over it.


    He shook his head, cutting off that train of thought.


    What am I thinking? I''d never risk my life over something so stupid.


    With a sigh, Kai unfurled the scroll. His eyes widened as he saw the elegant Chinese characters covering the parchment. For a moment, the foreign script swam before his eyes. Then, as if by magic, the characters blurred and reshaped themselves into familiar English words.


    Gotta love that system translation, Kai thought with a smirk. I don''t have to learn an entire language on top of everything else.


    His gaze fell on the title at the top of the scroll:


    "Heavenly Thunderstorm Cultivation Method"


    Cultivators and their dramatic names. Everything has to be ''Heavenly'' this or ''Divine'' that.


    He began to read the description, his eyebrows rising higher with each line:


    "The Heavenly Thunderstorm Cultivation Method is a legendary technique passed down through generations of the Azure Sky Sect. This profound method harnesses the raw power of lightning, allowing cultivators to channel the very essence of storms through their bodies.


    As practitioners advance through the nine levels of this technique, they will find themselves drawing ever closer to the fundamental truths of the universe. Those who reach the pinnacle of this cultivation path will transcend mortal limits, becoming one with the primal forces of nature.


    At the ninth and final level, the cultivator achieves a state of enlightenment where their qi becomes indistinguishable from lightning itself. They embody the unstoppable power of the tempest, their every action as swift and devastating as a thunderbolt."


    Kai couldn''t help but chuckle. Sounds impressive, but cultivators always exaggerate. I wonder how much of this is actually true?


    As if in response to his thoughts, a new system message appeared:


    Name: Heavenly Thunderstorm Cultivation Method


    Rank: Legendary


    Description: A lightning-based cultivation technique. Masters of this method gain unparalleled control over lightning, eventually merging their essence with the primal forces of storms.


    "Huh," Kai muttered, genuinely surprised. "Guess it wasn''t exaggerating after all."


    He shook his head in amazement. If it''s really this powerful, I definitely need to learn it.


    Turning his attention back to the scroll, Kai focused on the first layer of the technique:


    "Name: Lightning Meridian Awakening


    Description: This initial stage focuses on opening and reinforcing the meridians to handle the volatile nature of lightning qi. The cultivator must master special breathing techniques to circulate lightning qi through their body, gradually strengthening their spiritual pathways.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Key Technique: ''Electric Meridian Flow'' - Use controlled bursts of lightning qi to gradually open and fortify the meridians."


    Kai nodded to himself.


    Makes sense. I''ll need to start from Qi Refining 1, but at least I don''t have to completely destroy my current cultivation. The transition in cultivation methods should be quite smooth.


    The Basic Qi Gathering Method is popular for a reason, Kai mused. It''s like the tutorial level in a game ¨C simple, effective, and doesn''t lock you into any particular path.


    He recalled what he''d learned about the technique. Unlike specialized methods that focused on specific elements or styles, the Basic Qi Gathering Method was universal. It taught cultivators how to sense, gather, and circulate qi without attuning it to any particular affinity.


    This neutrality made it the perfect starting point for novice cultivators. They could build a solid foundation without committing to a specific path too early. When they were ready to specialize, they could easily transition to more advanced techniques without having to start from scratch.


    If I''d picked a fire-based method or something similar right from the start, I''d be in trouble now, Kai thought. I''d have to break down my entire cultivation base and rebuild it from nothing to switch to a lightning path.


    Kai then continued reading, his eyes fell on the description of the first meridian:


    "1. Meridian of the Tempest


    <ul>


    <li>


    Location: Crown of the Head


    </li>


    <li>


    Method to Open: ''Thunder''s Crown'' - The cultivator must meditate under an open sky during a storm, allowing raindrops and the natural energy of the tempest to strike the crown of their head, gradually awakening the meridian."


    </li>


    </ul>


    Kai''s eyes widened slightly. Meditate in a storm? With lightning striking my head? That sounds like a death sentence.


    He took a deep breath, calming his nerves. Relax. I''m at Qi Refining Stage 8. If it¡¯s created for mortals, it won''t kill me... probably.


    As he stared at the scroll, he thought of a new idea.


    I wonder... if I copy out the technique myself, would the system let me learn it that way?


    It was worth a try. Kai glanced around his room, spotting a writing desk in the corner. He walked over and began rummaging through the drawers.


    Come on, there''s got to be something to write with in here.


    After a moment, his hand closed around a long, feathered object. He pulled out a quill pen, turning it over in his hands with a look of curiosity.


    A quill. Of course. No ballpoint pens in this world.


    For a brief moment, Kai entertained the thought of trying to invent modern writing implements. The image of himself leading an industrial revolution armed with nothing but half-remembered high school science flashed through his mind.


    He snorted, shaking his head. Yeah, right. I''m no super-genius with the entire history of technology memorized. I''ll leave the world-changing inventions to someone else.


    Settling himself at the desk, Kai dipped the quill in a nearby inkwell and positioned it over a blank sheet of parchment.


    Okay, how hard can this be? Just... write.


    The moment the quill touched the parchment, Kai realized he had severely underestimated the difficulty of using such an archaic writing tool. The ink blob splattered across the page, creating a mess that looked more like a Rorschach test than writing.


    "Damn it," Kai muttered, reaching for another sheet of parchment.


    His second attempt wasn''t much better. The quill scratched and caught on the paper, leaving a trail of uneven lines and ink splotches. Kai''s handwriting, never particularly neat to begin with, now resembled the scrawlings of a drunken chicken.


    This is harder than it looks, he thought, gritting his teeth in frustration.


    As he worked, memories of his old life flashed through his mind. Typing on a computer, tapping out messages on his phone ¨C it all seemed so effortless compared to this struggle.


    I never thought I''d miss homework, but right now I''d kill for a word processor.


    After what felt like hours but was probably only about twenty minutes, Kai finally managed to produce a somewhat legible copy of the first layer of the technique. He leaned back, massaging his cramped hand and surveying his handiwork.


    Not exactly calligraphy, but it''ll do.


    He picked up the parchment, half-expecting it to glow or trigger some kind of system response. But as the seconds ticked by, nothing happened. No messages appeared, no options to learn the technique materialized.


    Kai sighed, setting the parchment back down. Well, it was worth a shot.


    He leaned back in his chair, pondering his next move. Maybe it needs to be written in Chinese? Or more likely... the person writing it might need to have mastered the technique first.


    As he mulled over his options, Kai realized he was at a crossroads. He could try to find someone else who knew the legacy technique and ask them to write it down ¨C the Sect Master, his new senior brother Wang Lin, or even Shen Yu once he''d learned it. Alternatively, he could attempt the traditional method of learning through trial and error.


    After a moment''s consideration, Kai made his decision. I''ll try the traditional way first. It can''t hurt to be less reliant on the system.


    He glanced at the glowing interface only he could see. While the system hadn''t shown any signs of manipulating him so far, Kai knew better than to take anything for granted in this world.


    What if I encounter another situation where the system doesn''t work? Like with those immortal treasures...


    The memory of his encounter with artifacts that could affect or bypass his system sent a shiver down his spine. It was a brutal reminder of how little he truly understood about his new reality.


    Before I start training, I should learn more about this world. It''s time I paid a visit to the library.


    Decision made, Kai stood up and stretched. His stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn''t eaten since before the Sect Master''s tea ceremony.


    Food can wait, he thought. First things first ¨C I need more information.


    With that decision made, Kai headed for the door and stepped out into the garden.


    I need to approach this systematically, he thought. Start with the basics ¨C history, geography, common cultivation practices. Then I can move on to more advanced topics.


    He couldn''t help but chuckle at himself. Listen to me, planning out a study schedule like I''m back in college. Some things never change, I guess.

 SIXTY: The Sect Library

    Just as Kai set off from his pagoda, a white-robed figure nearly collided with him. Kai instinctively sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the collision.


    "Oh! I''m so sorry!" The young man exclaimed, stumbling back. His messy brown hair fell into his eyes as he bowed deeply. "Please forgive me, Senior Brother Kai! I didn''t mean to get in your way."


    Kai blinked, taking in the boy''s appearance. White robes... an Outer Sect disciple. Wait, I know this kid.


    "Chen Wei?"


    The boy''s eyes widened. "Y-yes! That''s me. I''m honored you remember, Senior Brother." He bowed again. "And thank you so much for choosing me as your servant! I promise I won''t let you down."


    My servant? Oh right, I forgot about that whole thing. Kai had been so focused on his meeting with the Sect Master that he''d completely forgotten about selecting a personal servant.


    But as he looked at Chen Wei''s eager face, an idea struck him. Actually, this is perfect timing.


    Kai smiled. "No need to apologize, Chen Wei. In fact, your arrival is quite fortunate. I was just about to head to the library, but I''m not entirely sure where it is. Would you mind showing me the way?"


    Chen Wei''s face lit up. "Of course, Senior Brother! I''d be happy to guide you. Please, follow me."


    As they set off down the path, Kai gestured for Chen Wei to walk beside him rather than behind. The boy seemed surprised but quickly fell into step.


    As they walked, Kai noticed other disciples in white robes watching them. Many shot envious glances at Chen Wei.


    To distract from the awkward atmosphere, Kai decided to probe for information. "Tell me about the library, Chen Wei."


    Chen Wei''s face lit up at the chance to be helpful. "Oh, the sect library is incredible, Senior Brother! It''s one of the largest collections of knowledge in the entire kingdom. There are scrolls and books on every subject imaginable - history, geography, cultivation techniques, alchemy recipes, and so much more!"


    "That sounds promising," Kai said. "What kind of access do disciples have?"


    Chen Wei''s excitement dimmed slightly. "Well, as an Outer Disciple, my access is quite limited. We''re only allowed in certain sections, mostly basic cultivation manuals and general knowledge. But you''re a Legacy Disciple! You should have access to almost everything, except perhaps some restricted areas for Elders only."


    "What about you, Chen Wei?" Kai asked. "What do you like to study when you visit the library?"


    Chen Wei''s eyes lit up with excitement. "I love reading about sect history and famous cultivators! There are so many incredible stories. Did you know our sect once had a disciple named Yan who reached the Nascent Soul realm in just three years?"


    Kai''s eyebrows shot up. "Three years? That''s... incredible."


    "Oh yes!" Chen Wei nodded enthusiastically. "Senior Brother Yan was a true prodigy. They say he mastered all of the sect''s lightning techniques before he was twenty. Everyone believed he would become the next Sect Master."


    Kai leaned in, intrigued. "So what happened to this Yan? Did he become Sect Master?"


    Chen Wei''s expression turned somber. "That''s the mystery. Senior Brother Yan disappeared a few hundred years ago. No one knows what happened to him. It was a huge loss for the sect."


    Kai''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Disappeared? Just like that?"


    "Yes," Chen Wei replied. "One day he was here, amazing everyone with his talent. The next... gone. Some say he ascended early, others think he might have been killed by rival sects. But no one really knows."


    Kai mulled this over. "Has anything like that happened since then?"


    Chen Wei nodded slowly. "It has, actually. Every now and then, a promising disciple will vanish. Not as talented as Yan, but still... it''s concerning."


    Kai felt a chill run down his spine. Multiple disappearances? That''s not good.


    "How often does this happen?" Kai asked, trying to keep his voice casual.


    Chen Wei furrowed his brow. "It''s hard to say. Maybe once every few decades? It''s not common, but it happens enough that people talk about it."


    Great, Kai thought. I show off my talent and become a Legacy Disciple, and now I find out my sect has a habit of losing its promising disciples.


    I need to be careful. Very careful. I can''t let my guard down, not even for a moment. And I definitely need to investigate these disappearances further. My life might depend on it, especially if they went missing whilst in the sect...


    As they rounded a corner, a massive structure came into view. It was easily the largest building Kai had seen in the sect so far, its sweeping roof adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes.


    "Here we are!" Chen Wei announced proudly. "The Grand Library of the Azure Sky Sect!"


    Kai let out a low whistle, genuinely impressed. "It''s certainly... grand."


    The library was a sprawling, multi-story building that seemed to blend seamlessly with the mountainside. Its walls were a pristine white, with large windows allowing natural light to flood the interior. The entrance was flanked by two massive statues of robed figures, their hands outstretched as if offering knowledge to all who entered.


    As they approached the entrance, Kai noticed an old man in a white robe sweeping the steps.


    Odd. You''d think they''d have younger disciples do the cleaning.


    "Chen Wei," Kai said quietly, "who''s that old man?"


    Chen Wei glanced at the sweeping figure and shrugged. "Oh, him? That''s just old Shan. He''s an Outer Disciple who failed to reach Foundation Establishment. Now he just keeps the library clean."


    Kai''s eyes widened slightly at the description. Wait a minute. Old man, seemingly insignificant job, guarding a place of great knowledge... This sounds suspiciously like a classic xianxia trope.


    Just as the thought crossed his mind, a system message appeared in Kai''s vision:


    Unknown Entity


    Level: ???


    Unable to identify.


    Entity''s level exceeds your perception ability by a significant margin.


    Well, well, well, Kai thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. Looks like my genre savviness is paying off. This "old man" is definitely more than he appears.


    Curious, Kai checked his map. Sure enough, the old man''s position was marked by a large green dot. Comparing it to his memory of the Sect Master''s marker, Kai estimated it was only slightly smaller.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    So, probably in the same cultivation realm as the Sect Master, but a lower sub-stage. Interesting.


    Kai considered his options. In most stories, being kind to the undercover powerful character usually led to some benefit for the protagonist. And even if it didn''t, what was the harm in being polite?


    "Chen Wei," Kai said, "wait here for a moment. I''d like to say hello to Elder Shan."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened in confusion. "Elder? But he''s just a-"


    Kai was already walking towards the old man, leaving a bewildered Chen Wei to scramble after him.


    "Good morning," Kai said as he approached, bowing respectfully. "I''m Kai, a new disciple of the Azure Sky Sect. It''s a pleasure to meet you."


    The old man stopped sweeping and looked up, studying Kai intently. After a moment, he nodded. "Shan," he said simply.


    Kai bowed again. "It''s an honor to meet you, Elder Shan."


    The old man''s eyebrows rose slightly. "Elder? No, no. Just Shan. No elder here, young man."


    Playing the part well. But two can play at this game.


    "My apologies, Shan," Kai said. "I shouldn''t have presumed. I''m new here and still learning my way around."


    An awkward silence fell. The old man stared at Kai expectantly, as if to say, "Well? What do you want?"


    Not wanting to seem suspicious, Kai smiled. "I just wanted to say hello. It''s my first time visiting the library."


    Shan blinked, clearly not expecting such a simple reason. After a moment, he nodded again.


    "Well, I won''t keep you from your work," Kai said. "Have a good day, Shan."


    As Kai turned to enter the library, he caught a glimpse of the old man''s face. For just a moment, a flicker of... something... passed across his features. Interest? Amusement? It was gone too quickly for Kai to be sure.


    Once inside, Chen Wei hurried to catch up with Kai. "Senior Brother," he whispered, "why did you speak to Old Shan?"


    Kai smiled, knowing that if his hunch was correct, the old man could probably hear every word with his superior cultivation. "You know, Chen Wei, I come from a simple village. Just because I''m a Legacy Disciple now doesn''t mean I''ve forgotten my humble beginnings. Everyone deserves respect, no matter their station."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened, clearly impressed by Kai''s words. "That''s... that''s very wise, Senior Borther."


    And hopefully, that earns me some brownie points with our hidden powerhouse. If I''m going to be spending a lot of time in the library, it can''t hurt to have him on my good side. Best case, it leads to some secret technique or hidden knowledge. Worst case, I''ve wasted a few minutes being polite. Low risk, potentially high reward.


    As they stepped into the main hall of the library, Kai couldn''t help but gasp. The main hallway of the library was impressive, to say the least. The ceiling soared high above, supported by tall pillars. Rows upon rows of shelves stretched out in every direction, filled with scrolls and bound volumes. Natural light filtered in through large windows, supplemented by glowing crystals placed strategically around the room.


    Now this is more like it. If knowledge is power, then this place is a goldmine.


    A middle-aged man in blue robes approached them, a gentle smile on his face. "Welcome to the Azure Sky Sect Library," he said, bowing slightly. "I am Elder Jie, the head librarian. How may I assist you today?"


    Kai returned the bow, noting the system message that popped up:


    Name: ???


    Cultivation: Nascent Soul Realm


    "Greetings, Elder Jie," Kai replied. "I''m Kai, a new Legacy Disciple. I''ve come to do some research."


    Elder Jie''s eyebrows rose slightly. "Ah, yes. The Sect Master mentioned you might be paying a visit. Welcome, young Kai. What area of study interests you? Perhaps you''d like to see our technique scrolls? We have quite an impressive collection."


    Kai shook his head. "Thank you, Elder, but not today. Since it''s my first day here, I thought I''d start with some history and background information. There wasn''t much of that available in my village, you see."


    Elder Jie nodded approvingly. "A wise choice, young man. It''s important to understand the foundations before delving into advanced techniques. Please, follow me. I''ll show you to our history section."


    As they walked, Elder Jie explained the library''s organization system. "We use a color-coded system to denote different subjects. Blue for history, green for geography, red for combat techniques, and so on. As a Legacy Disciple, you have access to most sections, though some areas are restricted to Elders only."


    Kai nodded, making mental notes. This will save time later. No need to wander aimlessly when I can go straight to what I need.


    "Over there is our alchemy wing," Elder Jie said, indicating an area blocked by blue barriers. "And that staircase leads to the formation theory levels."


    I''ll definitely need to explore those areas later, especially the formation section.


    They soon arrived at a section filled with blue-bound scrolls and books. Elder Jie gestured with a wave of his hands. "Here we are. This section contains our general histories. If you need anything more specific, please don''t hesitate to ask. I or one of my assistants will be happy to guide you."


    ¡°Thank you, Elder,¡± Kai bowed.


    As the Elder departed, Kai turned to Chen Wei. "You''re welcome to browse as well, Chen Wei. Just stay nearby in case I need anything."


    Chen Wei''s eyes lit up. "Really? Thank you, Senior Brother!"


    As the boy scampered off to a nearby shelf, Kai began scanning the titles before him. Let''s see... ''A Complete History of the Azure Sky Sect''... ''Great Battles of the Eastern Continent''... ''Legendary Cultivators Through the Ages''...


    His eyes suddenly locked onto a scroll near the bottom shelf. The title, written in elegant calligraphy, read: "The Era of the Gods."


    Now that sounds promising, Kai thought, reaching for the scroll. If I want to understand this world, might as well start at the beginning.


    As his fingers closed around the ancient parchment, Kai felt a slight tingle run through his hand. He glanced around, but nothing seemed amiss. Chen Wei was engrossed in a book a few shelves away, and the other disciples in the library went about their business as usual.


    Probably just my imagination. Or maybe some kind of preservation technique on the scroll?

 SIXTY ONE: Era of the Gods

    Kai settled into a chair in a quiet corner of the library, the ancient scroll cradled in his hands. As he unfurled it, a blue box appeared in his vision:


    Item: The Era of the Gods Scroll


    Rarity: Rare


    Description: An ancient text detailing the mythical era before cultivation. Contains valuable historical information.


    Kai''s eyebrows rose. Rare, huh? Looks like I stumbled onto something good.


    He began to read, the elegant script transforming into familiar English words before his eyes:


    In the time before cultivation, when the world was young and raw, the gods ruled supreme. These beings of immense power shaped the very fabric of reality, creating all that exists - including mortal life. But the gods were not content with their dominion. Each sought to be the supreme ruler, leading to endless conflicts that shook the heavens and earth.


    Among these warring deities was Anion, a god of wisdom and cunning. Seeing the potential in the mortal races, Anion chose a different path. He descended to the mortal realm and taught humans the first steps of cultivation, granting them the ability to harness the energy of the world ¨C qi.


    At first, Anion used these cultivators as soldiers in his divine army, bolstering his strength against rival gods. But as millennia passed, the cultivators grew in power and knowledge. They pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible, eventually breaking through to the Immortal Realm itself.


    These new immortals looked upon their divine creators and no longer saw beings worthy of worship. They saw rivals.


    Having tasted divinity and found it within their grasp, the cultivators turned against their former masters.


    A great war erupted, shaking the very foundations of existence. The gods, immortal and eternal, could not be truly killed. But the cultivators found a way to seal them away. One by one, the gods were bound and banished, their power locked away from the world they once ruled.


    Thus ended the Era of the Gods, and the Age of Cultivation began...


    Kai leaned back, processing what he''d read. Classic origin story. Feels like the setup for a major plot twist down the line.


    He couldn''t help but chuckle softly. If this were a game, I''d bet my last coin that some ''sealed god'' is going to break free and cause havoc. Probably manipulating some power-hungry cultivator to release them.


    Kai rolled up the scroll. Note to self: Stay far, far away from any ancient-looking sealed artifacts. I''m not getting roped into a war against immortal beings, thank you very much.


    He turned to Chen Wei, who was engrossed in his own book nearby. "Hey, Chen Wei. Have you ever heard stories about the Era of the Gods?"


    The young disciple looked up, eyes wide. "Oh yes, Senior Brother! Every child knows the tales. They say the Heavenly Pagoda of our sect was built on the ruins of a god''s palace!"


    "Interesting. And has anyone ever found... artifacts from that time?"


    Chen Wei shrugged. "I''ve heard rumors of cultivators finding strange objects in ruins, but the Sect Master always confiscates them. Why do you ask, Senior Brother?"


    "Just curious," Kai said casually. "History is fascinating, isn''t it? Now, could you help me find a good map of the world? I''d like to study the geography a bit."


    "Of course!" Chen Wei jumped up eagerly. "I know just the one. Follow me, Senior Brother!"


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Chen Wei led him to a large table where a beautifully detailed map was spread out. Kai''s eyes widened as he took in the vast expanse of the world before him.


    "This is incredible," he murmured.


    Chen Wei beamed. "Isn''t it? This is the most up-to-date map of the known world. See how it''s divided into four great regions?"


    Kai nodded, studying the layout. The world was indeed split into four distinct areas: North, South, East, and West. Each region had its own unique geography and climate.


    "We''re here," Chen Wei said, pointing to a spot in the Eastern Region. "The Azure Sky Sect is located in the Misty Peaks, this mountainous area."


    Kai leaned in, examining the Eastern Region more closely. It was a land of towering mountains, dense forests, and winding rivers. The Azure Sky Sect''s location was marked by a small lightning bolt symbol.


    "I see other sect symbols scattered around," Kai observed. "Are these all the cultivations sects in the East?"


    Chen Wei nodded. "Yes, Senior Brother. But notice how some symbols are larger than others? Those represent the power and influence of each sect."


    Kai''s eyes narrowed as he spotted a massive symbol dominating the center of the Eastern Region. "And that one?"


    "Ah," Chen Wei''s voice took on a note of awe. "That''s the Great Kirin Sect, the most powerful sect in the East. They''re one of the four great sects that rule over the entire cultivation world."


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "Only four? What about the Azure Sky Sect? Where do we rank?"


    Chen Wei shifted uncomfortably. "Well... we''re considered a medium-sized sect. The Azure Sky Sect is powerful, but not on the level of the four great sects or the Hidden Clans."


    That''s surprising. The Sect Master seemed incredibly strong, but the Azure Sky Sect is only ''medium-sized'', how powerful are these great sects?


    "Tell me more about these four great sects," Kai said. "What makes them so special?"


    Chen Wei''s eyes lit up at the chance to share his knowledge. "The four great sects are each led by an Immortal Ascension cultivator ¨C a true immortal who has transcended mortal limitations. In the East, we have the Great Kirin Sect. The North is ruled by the Great Roc Sect. The South belongs to the Great Leviathan Sect. And in the West, the Great Tiger Sect reigns supreme."


    Kai nodded slowly, processing the information. "And the medium-sized sects like ours? Who leads them?"


    "Medium sects are typically led by Enlightenment Realm cultivators," Chen Wei explained. "They''re incredibly powerful, but still a step below true immortals. Small sects are usually led by Astral Formation cultivators."


    Enlightenment Realm... that must be where our Sect Master is, Kai realized. And probably that old man Shan too.


    "What''s the relationship between the great sects and medium sects like ours?" Kai asked.


    Chen Wei''s expression grew serious. "It''s... complicated, Senior Brother. Medium sects like ours have to pay tribute to the great sects in our region. In exchange, we receive a measure of protection and access to some of their resources."


    Kai frowned. "Tribute? What kind of tribute?"


    "Spirit stones, rare materials, sometimes promising disciples," Chen Wei said quietly. "It''s a heavy burden, but the alternative is... worse."


    Ah, politics, Kai thought grimly. Some things never change, no matter what world you''re in.


    "I see," Kai tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Could you find me some information on the different cultivation realms? I''d like to understand the path ahead of me better."


    "Of course!" Chen Wei hurried off, returning moments later with a stack of scrolls. "These should cover the basic information from Qi Refining to Immortal Ascension."


    ¡°Thank you, Chen Wei. And could you ask Elder Jie for a scroll that has detailed information about the Qi Refining Realm specifically? I''d like an in-depth explanation of the theory behind cultivation in this realm."


    ¡°An in-depth explanation?¡± Chen Wei''s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Of course, Senior Brother. I''ll do my best to get that scroll for you."


    A few moments later, Chen Wei hurried back to Kai''s table, slightly out of breath but with a smile on his face. In his hands, he carefully cradled an jade-green scroll case. "Senior Brother, I have it!"


    Why is a Qi Refining cultivator out of breath...? Kai wondered, slightly shaking his head at his servant¡¯s enthusiasm.


    "That was quick. Did you have any trouble?"


    Chen Wei shook his head. "Not at all! When I mentioned your name, Elder Jie smiled and said it had already been recorded that you would be borrowing this scroll. He seemed pleased that you were taking your studies so seriously."


    "Thank you, Chen Wei," Kai said, taking the scroll case.


    He examined the scroll case closely, turning it over in his hands. "This looks valuable. I should keep it safe."


    He made a show of reaching towards his ring finger, as if to place the scroll in a storage ring. However, what Chen Wei couldn''t see was the blue box that appeared in Kai''s vision:


    Store item in inventory?


    [Yes] [No]


    Kai mentally selected ''Yes'', and the scroll case vanished from his hands, safely tucked away in his inventory.


    To Chen Wei, it appeared as though Kai had simply slipped the scroll into his storage ring


    "I''ll study this in detail later," Kai said. "For now, let''s go through these other scrolls you brought. I want to get a general overview of all the cultivation realms."

 SIXTY TWO: Cultivation Realms

    Kai settled back into his chair, unrolling the first scroll. As he read, he found himself nodding along. The early stages were familiar territory:


    Qi Refining: The foundation of cultivation. Cultivators learn to sense and manipulate qi, strengthening their bodies and spirits.


    Foundation Establishment: Cultivators form a stable qi foundation in their dantian.


    Core Formation: The qi foundation is compressed into a dense core, allowing for more advanced techniques and the beginning of true immortality.


    Nascent Soul: A cultivator forms a miniature version of themselves from pure qi, giving them the ability to fly and extending their lifespan.


    Standard progression, Kai thought. But what comes next?


    He unrolled the next scroll, his eyes widening as he read:


    Astral Formation: Cultivators learn to project their consciousness into the stars, forming connections with celestial bodies. This grants them immense power and the ability to draw on starlight to power their techniques.


    Now that''s interesting, Kai mused. I wonder if it''s literal star connection or more metaphorical?


    Enlightenment: At this stage, cultivators gain profound insights into the nature of reality. They can manipulate fundamental forces and even create small pocket dimensions.


    Creating dimensions? Kai thought. That''s some high-level stuff. It¡¯s probably the Enlightenment cultivator who created the pocket dimension for the Trial of Endurance.


    Finally, Kai reached the last scroll:


    Immortal Ascension: The pinnacle of cultivation. Those who reach this realm truly transcend mortality, gaining eternal life and godlike powers. Cultivators at this stage are considered living embodiments of natural laws.


    Kai let out a low whistle. "Well, that explains a lot."


    Chen Wei, who had been hovering nearby, looked at him curiously. "What do you mean, Senior Brother?"


    Kai gestured to the scrolls. "This progression. It puts everything into perspective. The gap between a medium sect and a great sect isn''t just political or numbers based ¨C it''s a fundamental difference in power."


    Chen Wei nodded solemnly. "That''s right. They say when an Immortal Ascension cultivator fights seriously, they have to fight in the heavens to prevent the world from being reduced to rubble."


    Note to self: Do NOT anger any Immortal Ascension cultivators, Kai thought wryly.


    "Chen Wei," Kai said, "you''ve been incredibly helpful. Thank you."


    The young disciple beamed. "It''s my honor to serve you, Senior Brother! Is there anything else you need?"


    Kai shook his head. "Not right now. I think I need some time to process all this information."


    As Chen Wei bowed and retreated, Kai leaned back in his chair, his mind whirling with everything he''d learned.


    So, I''m in a world with sealed gods, immortal cultivators, and sects paying tribute like feudal vassals. This is... a lot.


    He glanced at his status window, focusing on his current level: Qi Refining Stage 8.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    I''ve got a long way to go before I can even think about challenging the big players. For now, I need to focus on survival and cultivation.


    Kai''s eyes drifted back to the map, lingering on the symbol of the Great Kirin Sect.


    Know your enemy, he thought. Or in this case, know the power players who could squash you like a bug if you''re not careful.


    He stood up, stretching after hours of reading. As he did, he glanced at the stack of books and scrolls they had accumulated. "Chen Wei, I think we''ve done enough reading for one day. How about we take a break and grab some food?"


    Chen Wei looked up from  his book as his stomach growled in response, causing both of them to laugh. As they stood to leave, Kai cast one last look at the library around them.


    So much knowledge, so many secrets, he thought. I''ll definitely be coming back here often.


    As they walked out, Kai nodded respectfully to Old Shan, who was still sweeping near the entrance. The old man gave him a slow nod in return.


    Outside, the sun was starting to set, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and purple. Kai took a deep breath, enjoying the clean mountain air.


    "So, Chen Wei," he said as they walked, "what''s good to eat around here?"


    Chen Wei''s face lit up. "Oh, Senior Brother, you have to try the spirit fruit dumplings! They''re amazing!"


    As Chen Wei launched into an enthusiastic description of the sect''s cuisine, they made their way to the dining hall.


    Unlike the dining hall in the trial area, this was a large, open-air pavilion. Disciples of all ranks milled about, chatting and eating.


    As they entered, Kai noticed several people turning to look at him, whispering amongst themselves. He caught snatches of conversation:


    "Black robes¡­is that the new Legacy Disciple?"


    "I heard he impressed the Sect Master..."


    "Do you think he''ll reach Nascent Soul before he''s thirty?"


    ¡°How will Senior Brother Wang Lin react to this?¡±


    Chen Wei tugged on Kai¡¯s sleeve. "Senior Brother, over here! I''ll show you where to get the best dishes."


    After they loaded their trays with an assortment of colorful and fragrant foods, they found a quiet table in a corner, away from most of the curious stares. As they sat down, Chen Wei looked at Kai with admiration.


    "Senior Brother, may I ask you something?"


    Kai nodded, taking a bite of a dumpling. It was delicious, bursting with flavors he couldn''t quite identify. "Go ahead."


    "How do you stay so calm?" Chen Wei asked. "If it were me, I''d be overwhelmed by everything - being chosen as a Legacy Disciple, meeting the Sect Master, all the attention..."


    Kai considered the question carefully. He couldn''t exactly tell Chen Wei that he was treating this whole experience like a complex strategy game. Instead, he said, "I try to take things one step at a time. Focus on what I can control and learn as much as I can about what I can''t."


    Chen Wei nodded thoughtfully. "That''s very wise, Senior Brother."


    Kai shrugged. "It''s just common sense. In cultivation, as in life, knowledge is power. The more you understand about your situation, the better equipped you are to handle it."


    As they continued to eat, a commotion across the dining hall caught Kai''s attention.


    To his surprise, he spotted Liu Wei surrounded by three larger Inner Disciples. Two loomed over Liu Wei, while the third hung back, looking uncomfortable.


    "Come on, street rat," one of the disciples sneered, shoving Liu Wei. "Hand over your spirit stones. A former bandit like you doesn''t deserve them anyway."


    Liu Wei raised his hands. "Please, I don''t have any to give. I just got here and¡ª"


    The second disciple cut him off with a laugh. "Liar! We know all disciples get a starting allowance. Fork it over, or we''ll take it by force."


    Kai''s eyes flicked to the bullies'' status:


    Name: ???


    Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 7


    Qi: 200


    Strength: 52


    Agility: 51


    Durability: 54


    Name: ???


    Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 6


    Qi: 150


    Strength: 40


    Agility: 41


    Durability: 43


    Name: ???


    Cultivation Qi Refining Stage 5


    Qi: 100


    Strength: 30


    Agility: 29


    Durability: 32


    They''re stronger than Liu Wei, Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed. But he needs to learn to stand up for himself. Let¡¯s see how he handles this.


    Chen Wei tugged at Kai''s sleeve. "Senior Brother, isn''t that your friend? Shouldn''t we help him?"


    ¡°Wait,¡± Kai held up a hand. " Let''s see what happens."


    Liu Wei glanced around nervously, clearly looking for an escape route. "I really don''t have any spirit stones. Please, just let me go."


    The leader grabbed Liu Wei''s collar. "Wrong answer, trash. Looks like we''ll have to teach you a lesson."


    As the disciple raised his fist, Kai sighed and tensed, ready to intervene. But before he could move, a high-pitched voice rang out across the dining hall.


    "Hey! Don''t you bully my disciple!"


    Everyone froze, looking around in confusion. Suddenly, a tiny green shape zipped through the air, landing on Liu Wei''s shoulder.

 SIXTY THREE: The New Zhi-Zhi?

    The dining hall fell silent as all eyes turned to the tiny green shape perched on Liu Wei''s shoulder.


    The tortoise''s high-pitched voice rang out again:


    "I said, don''t bully my disciple!"


    For a moment, nobody moved. Then laughter erupted across the hall.


    "Did that little turtle just call the new guy his disciple?" one disciple snickered.


    "Maybe it''s a new pet trick," another chimed in. "Next it''ll do a backflip!"


    The leader sneered at Zhi-Zhi. "Beat it, pipsqueak. This is between us and the street rat."


    Kai watched closely, noticing something odd about Zhi-Zhi''s demeanor. The little tortoise wasn''t puffing out his chest or hiding in his shell like usual. Instead, his eyes were narrowed, and he seemed... serious.


    Well, this is new, Kai thought. Looks like our little friend grew a backbone.


    Liu Wei shifted uncomfortably, trying to whisper to the tortoise. "Zhi-Zhi, please, it''s not worth getting involved. I can handle this. We don¡¯t need to fight"


    Zhi-Zhi raised a tiny claw, gently shushing Liu Wei. Then he turned to face the bullies, his small form radiating an unexpected intensity.


    Suddenly, the air around them grew heavy. An invisible pressure descended on the group, making it hard to breathe. The bullies'' eyes widened in shock as they felt the weight of Zhi-Zhi''s aura.


    One of them stumbled backward, his face pale. "N-ninth Stage," he muttered, his voice trembling. "How is this possible?"


    The leader¡¯s sneer faltered, replaced by a look of disbelief. "You''re lying," he said, but his voice lacked conviction. His eyes darted between Liu Wei and the tiny tortoise on his shoulder.


    "You''re bullying Liu Wei because of his low cultivation realm, aren''t you? Why don''t you try bullying me instead?"


    The leader¡¯s face contorted with anger and embarrassment. "Don''t mock me, you stupid turtle!" he shouted, lashing out with a qi-infused palm strike aimed at Zhi-Zhi.


    In a flash, Zhi-Zhi retreated into his shell. The Inner Disciple¡¯s attack struck the green surface and rebounded with shocking force. There was a sickening crack as the bully''s own qi-enhanced strike smashed into his chest, sending him flying backward into his companions.


    The dining hall fell silent as the lead bully crumpled to the ground, gasping for air. His friends stared in horror, looking between their fallen leader and the small tortoise that had emerged unscathed from its shell.


    The bullies exchanged nervous glances, their earlier bravado evaporating as they realized that Zhi-Zhi was in fact a 9th Stage Qi Refining spirit beast.


    "We... we didn''t know he was your disciple," the leader stammered, as he tried to get back on his feet. "It was just a misunderstanding."


    "A misunderstanding?¡± Zhi-Zhi¡¯s eyes narrowed, and he gave a slow, deliberate blink. ¡°Why did you attack me then?¡±


    The leader took a step back, sweat beading on his forehead. "I... I just wanted to be sure you''re at the ninth stage¡­"


    "I see," he said, his tiny beak clicking softly. "Then I''m sure you won''t mind handing over your spirit stones to make amends."


    The bullies'' jaws dropped. "Our spirit stones?" one of them squeaked.


    "You heard me," Zhi-Zhi said. "Hand them over. Now."


    Is this really happening? Kai''s eyes widened as he watched the scene unfold. The little guy is robbing them!


    With shaking hands, the bullies reached into their storage rings and pulled out small pouches. They hesitantly offered them to Liu Wei, who seemed just as shocked as everyone else.


    Zhi-Zhi nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Now, leave. And if I hear about you bothering my friend again..." He let the threat hang in the air, somehow managing to look menacing despite his small size.


    The bullies scrambled away, nearly tripping over each other in their haste to exit the dining hall. As they disappeared, excited chatter broke out among the remaining disciples.


    "Did you see that?"


    "I can''t believe they got robbed by a turtle!"


    "It''s not a turtle, it looks more like a tortoise!"


    "And it''s at the Ninth Stage of Qi Refining!"


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Zhi-Zhi turned to Liu Wei, his expression softening slightly. "You can keep the spirit stones," he said, his voice gentler now. "Use them for cultivation. Your, um... your current level could use a boost. Not that there''s anything wrong with where you are now! It''s just... well, there''s always room for improvement, right?"


    Zhi-Zhi''s claws fidgeted slightly on Liu Wei''s shoulder, betraying his discomfort at trying to phrase things delicately. "What I mean is, these spirit stones could really help you catch up to... I mean, advance your cultivation more quickly. Yes, that''s it."


    Liu Wei stared at Zhi-Zhi, his mouth hanging open. He looked the tortoise up and down as if trying to spot what had changed. "I... thank you," he managed to stammer out. "But... what happened to you? You''re so... different."


    Kai watched the exchange with interest, noting the shift in Zhi-Zhi''s demeanor. Looks like his new master did more than just train him, he thought. He''s actually starting to act like a proper cultivator. Even though he''s uncomfortable being...nicer, that''s still a lot of progress in a few days¡­what did his master have him do?


    Deciding it was time to leave, Kai caught Chen Wei''s eye and gestured towards the exit. As they stood to leave, Chen Wei looked surprised.


    "Senior Brother, aren''t we going to talk to your friends?" he asked as they walked out of the dining hall.


    Kai shook his head. "Not now. They''re having a moment, and it looks like they''re growing well by themselves. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your friends is to let them stand on their own."


    As they stepped out into the cool evening air, Kai''s mind wandered back to his first encounter with Zhi-Zhi in the Whispering Forest. It hadn''t been that long ago when he''d found the little tortoise hiding in his shell, terrified as rogue cultivators tried to kidnap him.


    It wasn''t long ago that Zhi-Zhi was cowering from low-level cultivators, Kai mused. Sure, he was facing weak opponents just now, but that confidence... it¡¯s genuine. His master must be quite something.


    He couldn''t help but feel a small surge of pride. While he hadn''t been directly responsible for Zhi-Zhi''s growth, he had played a part in connecting the spirit beast with his new master.


    Maybe I should check in on them soon, Kai thought. It''d be interesting to see how their training is going.


    As they walked back towards Kai''s quarters, Chen Wei''s curiosity got the better of him. "Senior Brother, if you don''t mind me asking... how did you become friends with a spirit beast? And such a powerful one at that?"


    Kai chuckled at Zhi-Zhi being called powerful. "It''s a long story, Chen Wei. Let''s just say we ran into each other at the right time and place."


    Chen Wei nodded, clearly bursting with more questions but too polite to press further. As they reached Kai''s pagoda, Kai paused at the entrance.


    "Chen Wei, I have a task for you," he said. "Could you go to the sect''s treasury and collect my stipend? I believe as a Legacy Disciple, I''m entitled to a monthly allowance of spirit stones."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened. "Of course, Senior Brother! I''ll go right away." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Um, would you like me to explain the different allowances for disciples when I¡¯m back?"


    "That would be helpful,¡± Kai nodded.


    As Chen Wei hurried off, Kai entered his room and settled onto his cultivation pillow. He closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing as he waited for Chen Wei to return.


    About fifteen minutes later, a knock at the door interrupted Kai''s meditation. "Enter," he called out.


    Chen Wei stepped in, carrying a small but clearly heavy pouch. He set it down carefully on a nearby table before turning to Kai with an excited expression. "I have your stipend, Senior Brother."


    Kai nodded, gesturing for Chen Wei to continue.


    "Well," Chen Wei began, "as an Outer Disciple, I receive 10 low-quality spirit stones each month. It''s not much, but it helps with basic cultivation resources."


    Kai raised an eyebrow. Ten stones a month? That''s practically nothing.


    Chen Wei continued, "Inner Disciples get 50 low-quality spirit stones monthly. It''s a significant increase, which is why many Outer Disciples work so hard to advance."


    "And Core Disciples?" Kai prompted.


    "They receive 100 low-quality spirit stones each month," Chen Wei said, his voice filled with awe. "It''s enough to purchase some truly valuable resources."


    Kai nodded, processing the information. "And Legacy Disciples like myself?"


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened. "Legacy Disciples receive 1000 low-quality spirit stones every month, Senior Brother. It''s... it''s an incredible amount."


    A hundred times what an Outer Disciple gets, Kai thought. The sect really values its Legacy Disciples.


    "Tell me about the different qualities of spirit stones," Kai said. "How do they compare?"


    Chen Wei''s face lit up at the chance to share his knowledge. "Well, Senior Brother, it''s quite interesting. One mid-quality spirit stone is equivalent to 100 low-quality stones. And one high-quality stone is worth 100 medium-quality stones!"


    Kai''s eyebrows shot up. "So, one high-quality stone is worth 10,000 low-quality stones?"


    Chen Wei nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly, Senior Brother! As for anything higher than that..." He trailed off, looking a bit embarrassed. "Well, I''m afraid I don''t know. Such high-grade spirit stones are beyond my knowledge."


    Interesting, Kai thought. So there are even more powerful spirit stones out there. I wonder what they''re capable of.


    "Thank you, Chen Wei," Kai said. "You''ve been very helpful. You can leave the spirit stones here and take the rest of the evening off."


    Chen Wei bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior Brother. Is there anything else you need before I go?"


    Kai shook his head. "No, that will be all. Good night, Chen Wei."


    As the door closed behind his servant, Kai reached for the pouch of spirit stones. He opened it carefully, pouring the contents onto the table. A pile of glowing, crystalline stones tumbled out, each about the size of a large marble.


    A thousand low-quality spirit stones, Kai mused. In game terms, this would be like starting cash. But it would be good to pay a visit to the treasury myself and make sure Chen Wei isn''t swindling me. I don''t think he is but it doesn''t hurt to be sure.


    He picked up one of the stones, feeling the gentle pulse of energy within it. It was tempting to start using them right away, to boost his cultivation and see how it compares to the spirit stones he retrieved from the bandit leader¡¯s corpse, or purchase resources. But Kai knew better than to rush into things blindly.


    First, I need to understand exactly what I''m working with. It''s time to dive deeper into this cultivation system.


    He set the spirit stone down and retrieved the jade-green scroll case he''d gotten from the library earlier from his inventory. As he unrolled the scroll on detailed information about the Qi Refining realm, Kai settled in for a long night of study.


    This reminds me of cramming for finals back in college, Kai thought with a wry smile. Except now, instead of worrying about grades, I''m studying to avoid getting killed by cultivation mishaps.

 SIXTY FOUR: Closing & Opening Meridians

    As Kai unrolled the scroll, he half-expected a system prompt to appear, asking if he wanted to learn its contents instantly. But no such message came.


    Not that it matters. I couldn''t exactly explain a vanishing scroll to the librarian.


    The parchment crackled softly as Kai began to read:


    "The Qi Refining Realm: Foundation of Immortality


    To step onto the path of immortality, one must first master the Qi Refining Realm. This initial stage of cultivation is divided into nine levels, each representing a significant milestone in a cultivator''s journey.


    The first and most crucial step is to awaken one''s ability to sense and absorb qi. This marks the transition from mortal to cultivator, opening a world of possibility previously hidden from view.


    As the cultivator progresses through the nine stages of Qi Refining, they must activate nine key meridians within their body:


    <ul>


    <li>Crown of the Head</li>


    <li>Third Eye</li>


    <li>Throat</li>


    <li>Heart Center</li>


    <li>Solar Plexus</li>


    <li>Lower Dantian</li>


    <li>Sacral Region</li>


    <li>Legs</li>


    <li>Soles</li>


    </ul>


    Each meridian serves as a conduit for qi, allowing the cultivator to channel and manipulate this vital energy with increasing skill and power. The order in which these meridians are awakened can vary, though many choose to focus on the Third Eye early to develop their spiritual sense..."


    Kai paused in his reading, a soft smile playing on his lips. Looks like I got lucky, he mused. Waking up in this world with the first stage of Qi Refining already unlocked saved me a lot of trouble.


    His eyes drifted to the strange trident mark on his wrist. Was this the source of his head start? Or was it just a side effect of whatever or whoever it was that brought him to this world? Kai shook his head, pushing the questions aside for now. He had more pressing matters to focus on.


    Returning to the scroll, Kai continued reading about the Nine Meridians. He''d already unlocked eight of them through his system-assisted levelling, leaving only one ¨C the Heart Center ¨C still dormant.


    But that''s not my priority right now, Kai reminded himself. I need to follow the Azure Sky Legacy Lightning method, which means starting with the Crown of the Head.


    He continued reading, his eyes widening as he came across a section on spiritual sense:


    "Spiritual sense, awakened through the opening of the Third Eye meridian, allows a cultivator to perceive qi and spiritual energies beyond their physical senses. This extrasensory ability is crucial for advanced techniques such as Qi Detection, enabling cultivators to sense the presence and strength of others from a distance."


    Kai''s brow furrowed as he considered this. So that''s what Qi Detection is based on. Interesting... but my map function seems way more powerful. Even if Immortals can hide from it, it''s still better than spiritual sense that Foundation Establishment cultivators can fool.


    Still, Kai knew better than to rely solely on his system abilities. He''d need to develop his spiritual sense eventually, even if it wasn''t his immediate focus.


    The next section of the scroll detailed the process of closing meridians:


    "Closing a Meridian: Temporary Regression for Greater Growth


    While it may seem counterintuitive, there are times when a cultivator must close an awakened meridian. This process temporarily limits one''s cultivation, reducing it by one stage for each closed meridian. However, this regression allows for the reawakening of meridians using specialized techniques, potentially leading to greater power and deeper understanding of one''s chosen cultivation path.


    To close a meridian, follow these steps:


    <ul>


    <li>Enter a deep meditative state, focusing your awareness on the chosen meridian.</li>


    <li>Visualize the flow of qi through the meridian as a stream of light.</li>


    <li>Gradually narrow this stream, constricting the flow of qi.</li>


    <li>When the stream has become a thin trickle, imagine a barrier forming, blocking the flow entirely.</li>


    <li>Hold this visualization until you feel a subtle ''click'' within your body, signaling the meridian''s closure.</li>


    </ul>


    Caution: Closing multiple meridians simultaneously can leave a cultivator vulnerable. It is advisable to close and reopen meridians one at a time, maintaining a stable level of power throughout the process."


    Kai nodded to himself as he finished reading. Smart advice. I''m definitely not leaving myself defenseless in a sect full of cultivators who might decide I''m more valuable as a cultivation resource than a disciple.


    He set the scroll aside and straightened his posture, preparing to attempt the meridian closure technique. He closed his eyes, trying to focus on the Crown of the Head meridian.


    Alright, let''s do this step by step.


    But as Kai tried to sense the meridian, he realized he had no idea what he was looking for. His brow furrowed in concentration.


    Come on, it should be right there at the top of my head. Why can''t I feel anything?


    He took a deep breath, attempting to sink into meditation. He tried to visualize the flow of qi through his body, but all he saw in his mind''s eye was a vague, indistinct blur.


    This is ridiculous. I''m at Qi Refining Stage 8. I should be able to do this easily.


    But Kai had never had to actually feel his meridians before. The system had always just... handled it. He''d level up, and suddenly he''d have a new meridian open. No effort required.


    Maybe I''m overthinking this. Let''s try again.


    He focused all his attention on the top of his head, straining to sense even the slightest tingle of energy. For several long minutes, he sat there, trying over and over again.


    Just as he was about to give up, Kai felt... something. A faint whisper of energy, so subtle he almost missed it.


    Is that it? It has to be.


    Latching onto that faint sensation, Kai tried to follow the scroll''s instructions.


    Narrow the stream... constrict the flow...


    But how do you narrow something you can barely feel? Kai gritted his teeth, pushing his concentration to its limits. In his mind, he imagined squeezing that whisper of energy, trying to force it into a trickle.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    For a moment, nothing seemed to happen. Kai was about to let out a frustrated sigh when suddenly, he felt a subtle shift within him. It was like a door quietly clicking shut, but so faint he almost thought he''d imagined it.


    Kai''s eyes snapped open. "Did it work?" he muttered, unsure if he''d actually accomplished anything or just given himself a headache.


    To his relief, a message appeared:


    Meridian Closed: Crown of the Head


    Cultivation reduced to Qi Refining Stage 7


    "Well, that was a little harder than I expected,¡± Kai murmured as he stood up, stretching to work out the stiffness from sitting so long. Now came the real test ¨C reawakening the meridian using the Azure Sky Legacy method.


    "Time to find myself a storm," he muttered, heading for the door.


    As Kai stepped outside, he was startled to see Chen Wei hurrying towards him. His eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion.


    "Chen Wei? I thought I dismissed you earlier. What are you doing here?"


    The young disciple fidgeted nervously, his eyes darting around. "I... I''m sorry, Senior Brother. It''s just... my friends said..."


    Kai raised an eyebrow, waiting for Chen Wei to continue.


    Chen Wei took a deep breath and blurted out, "They said I might lose my position as your servant if I wasn''t here to help you when you needed it! I didn''t want to risk disappointing you, so I came back to check if you needed anything."


    Kai''s expression softened slightly as realization dawned on him. Oh right, he should be staying in the servants¡¯ quarters. I completely forgot about that.


    He''d been so focused on his own cultivation that he''d neglected to properly settle his new servant.


    "Chen Wei," Kai said, his voice gentler now. "You don''t need to worry about losing your position. But... I realize I forgot to offer you proper accommodations. There''s a servants'' quarter in my pagoda. You''re welcome to stay there if you''d like."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened in surprise and relief. "R-really? You''d let me stay in your pagoda, Senior Brother?"


    Kai nodded, feeling slightly awkward about the whole situation. "Of course. It''s meant for my personal servant, after all. You should have a place to rest nearby."


    "Thank you, Senior Brother!" Chen Wei exclaimed, bowing deeply. "I... I accept your kind offer."


    As Chen Wei straightened up, Kai decided to change the subject. "Now that you''re here, I actually could use your help. I need to find a place with constant storms for my cultivation. Any ideas?"


    "Of course!" Chen Wei beamed. "Follow me, Senior Brother, I''ll take you to the Thunderpeak Plateau."


    As they walked, Kai decided to probe for more information. "Tell me, Chen Wei, have you ever trained at Thunderpeak Plateau?"


    The young disciple''s enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Ah, no, Senior Brother. As an Outer Disciple, I''m not allowed there without special permission. It''s mainly for Core Disciples and above."


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "But you''re my servant now. Surely that grants you some privileges?"


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened. "I... I hadn''t thought of that! Do you think it would be okay for me to accompany you?"


    "We''ll soon find out," Kai said with a slight smile. No harm in bringing the kid along. He might prove useful, and if nothing else, it''ll build some loyalty. Even though he is my servant, the system hasn¡¯t added him to my Follower list¡­


    As they neared the edge of the sect grounds, the air began to crackle with charged energy. In the distance, Kai could see dark clouds swirling around a towering plateau.


    "There it is," Chen Wei said, his voice filled with awe. "Thunderpeak Plateau."


    Jagged bolts of lightning danced between the clouds, occasionally striking the plateau''s peak. The constant rumble of thunder filled the air.


    "Impressive," Kai murmured. If this doesn''t open the meridian, nothing will.


    As they approached the base of the plateau, a disciple in purple robes stepped forward to block their path.


    "Stop right there," he commanded. "This area is restricted to¡ª" The disciple''s eyes widened as he noticed Kai''s black robes. "Forgive me, Legacy Disciple. I didn''t realize... Please, go right ahead."


    Kai nodded, then gestured to Chen Wei. "My servant will be accompanying me."


    The guard hesitated for a moment, then bowed. "As you wish."


    As they passed, Kai could hear Chen Wei''s excited whisper. "Did you see that, Senior Brother? He just let us through!"


    Kai simply nodded, not surprised.


    They began climbing the path up the plateau. With each step, the air grew thicker and thicker with electrical energy. Kai could feel his hair starting to stand on end.


    "Senior Brother," Chen Wei called out, his voice slightly strained. "How long do you plan to stay up here?"


    Kai glanced back at his servant. The boy''s face was pale, his eyes darting nervously at each flash of lightning.


    "Not too long," Kai assured him. "Just long enough to complete a cultivation session. You don''t have to come all the way up if you''re uncomfortable."


    Chen Wei shook his head firmly. "No, I want to help however I can!"


    Brave kid, Kai thought approvingly. Or maybe just desperate to prove himself. Either way, it could be useful.


    As they neared the summit, the storm intensified. Lightning bolts struck closer and more frequently, the thunder now a constant, deafening roar.


    Kai spotted a flat area near the peak, partially sheltered by an overhanging rock. "There," he shouted over the storm. "That looks like a good spot."


    They hurried to the shelter, Chen Wei visibly relieved to be out of the direct path of the lightning.


    "Alright," Kai said, settling into a cross-legged position. "I''m going to meditate now. Keep watch and make sure no one disturbs me."


    Chen Wei nodded eagerly. "Yes, Senior Brother! I won''t let you down."


    As the young disciple took up a vigilant stance at the edge of their shelter, Kai closed his eyes and focused on his breathing.


    Now, let''s see what this Heavenly Thunderstorm cultivation method can do.


    Kai recalled the instructions from the Azure Sky Legacy scroll:


    "To awaken the Crown Meridian with lightning, one must become a conduit for the storm''s power. Open yourself to the raw energy of the heavens, letting it flow through you like a living lightning rod..."


    Taking a deep breath, Kai extended his senses outward.


    Come on, he thought. I''m right here. Hit me with your best shot.

 SIXTY FIVE: Thunders Crown

    Kai took a deep breath, trying to focus on the faint trickle of energy he''d felt earlier when closing the meridian. He tilted his head back, exposing the crown of his head to the rain. Cold droplets pelted his skin, making him flinch.


    This better not give me pneumonia¡­,Kai shook his head wryly, pneumonia was the least of his concerns.


    "Um, Senior Brother?" Chen Wei''s nervous voice cut through the sound of rain. "Are you sure this is safe?"


    Kai cracked one eye open. "Probably not. But that''s cultivation for you."


    Chen Wei gulped but nodded, clearly trying to look brave.


    Closing his eyes again, Kai attempted to ''open'' himself to the storm''s energy, whatever that meant. He pictured his body as an empty vessel, waiting to be filled with lightning.


    At first, nothing seemed to happen. Kai frowned, concentrating harder. He pictured himself as a lightning rod, trying to draw the storm''s energy towards him.


    Come on, where¡¯s the lightning?


    As if in response to his thoughts, a bolt of lightning struck nearby, causing Chen Wei to yelp in surprise. Kai''s eyes snapped open.


    "Senior Brother! Are you alright?" Chen Wei called out, his voice shaky.


    Kai nodded. "I''m fine. That was just a warm-up. But it looks like we need to get closer to the action."


    He stood up, scanning the area. A jagged rock formation jutted out from the plateau''s peak, offering the perfect vantage point.


    "There," Kai pointed. "That''s where we need to be."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened in alarm. "But Senior Brother, that''s right in the middle of the storm!"


    Kai grinned, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Exactly."


    As they made their way towards the rock formation, the wind picked up, howling around them.


    This is more like it.


    Reaching the base of the rock formation, Kai turned to Chen Wei. "You can stay here if you want. It might get a bit intense up there."


    Chen Wei hesitated for a moment, then squared his shoulders. "No, Senior Brother. I''ll come with you. It''s my duty to assist you, no matter the danger."


    Kai nodded approvingly. "Alright then. Let''s climb."


    They scrambled up the slick rocks, the storm intensifying with each foot of elevation gained. By the time they reached the top, they were both soaked to the bone, their robes clinging to their bodies.


    Kai positioned himself at the highest point, the wind whipping his hair into a frenzy. Chen Wei crouched nearby, looking both terrified and exhilarated.


    "Now what, Senior Brother?" Chen Wei shouted over the howling wind.


    Kai closed his eyes, raising his face to the sky. "Now, we wait for lightning to strike."


    He thought back to the scroll''s instructions. "Become a conduit for the storm''s power," he muttered. "Like a living lightning rod..."


    With that, he raised his arms, palms up, as if welcoming the storm. He imagined tendrils of electricity reaching down from the clouds, searching for a target.


    Here I am, he thought. Nice, juicy lightning rod right here.


    For a long moment, nothing changed. Then Kai felt a tingling sensation on his skin, like static electricity but stronger.


    Is it working? he wondered, hardly daring to hope.


    The tingling intensified, spreading across his body. It wasn''t painful, exactly, but it wasn''t comfortable either. Kai gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain still.


    "Senior Brother!" Chen Wei cried out in alarm. "You''re... you''re glowing!"


    Kai''s eyes snapped open. Sure enough, faint blue sparks danced across his skin, growing brighter by the second.


    Well, that''s new and surprisingly not painful, Kai thought, torn between fascination and concern. But is it actually doing anything?


    He closed his eyes again, focusing inward. The energy coursing over his skin felt wild, untamed. It wasn''t entering his body, just skittering across the surface.


    I need to guide it in somehow, Kai realized. But how?


    He pictured the closed meridian at the crown of his head, imagining it as a locked door. The lightning was the key, but he needed to insert it into the lock.


    Kai concentrated, trying to direct the electricity to that specific point. It was like herding cats made of lightning ¨C every time he thought he had it, the energy would slip away.


    "Come on," he muttered through clenched teeth. "Work with me here."


    Minutes ticked by, with Kai growing increasingly frustrated. The tingling sensation was starting to become uncomfortable, bordering on painful.


    This isn''t working, he thought grimly. I need a different approach.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Kai took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. He''d been trying to control the lightning, to bend it to his will. But maybe that was the wrong tactic.


    What if I sync up with an element''s natural rhythm¡­?


    Instead of fighting the erratic dance of electricity across his skin, Kai tried to match its rhythm. He let his thoughts flow in jagged, unpredictable patterns, mirroring the lightning''s path.


    To his surprise, the discomfort began to fade. The energy no longer felt like it was trying to escape. Instead, it seemed to pulse in time with his heartbeat.


    That''s more like it, Kai thought, a smile tugging at his lips. Now, let''s try this again.


    With his mind and the lightning in sync, Kai once more attempted to guide the energy to the crown of his head. This time, instead of trying to force it, he simply... invited it.


    The effect was immediate. Kai gasped as he felt a surge of power rush to the top of his skull. It was like someone had poured liquid fire directly into his brain.


    "Senior Brother!" Chen Wei''s voice seemed to come from very far away. "Are you alright? Should I get help?"


    Kai wanted to reassure his servant, but he couldn''t spare the concentration. Every ounce of his focus was on the incredible sensation at the crown of his head.


    The ''locked door'' of his meridian was vibrating now. Kai could almost see it in his mind''s eye ¨C a glowing, pulsing gateway.


    Just a little more, he thought, gritting his teeth against the increasing pressure. Come on, open up!


    The energy built and built, until Kai felt like his skull might crack open from the strain. Just when he thought he couldn''t take anymore, something... shifted.


    With a sensation like a cork popping from a bottle, the meridian burst open. Lightning flooded in, racing through pathways Kai hadn''t even known existed in his body.


    Kai''s eyes flew open, and he let out a cry that was equal parts pain and exhilaration. Blue-white light blazed from his skin, illuminating the surroundings.


    Chen Wei yelped and stumbled backward, shielding his eyes. "S-Senior Brother? What''s happening?"


    Kai couldn''t answer. He was too busy trying to contain the incredible rush of power flowing through him. As the initial surge began to subside, he became aware of changes in his perception. The storm around him seemed different now. He could feel the electricity in the air, sense the patterns of energy in the clouds above.


    Slowly, carefully, Kai got to his feet. His body felt charged, almost weightless. Static electricity crackled between his fingers as he flexed them.


    "That," he said, a grin spreading across his face, "was absolutely wild."


    Chen Wei approached cautiously, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and admiration. "Senior Brother, are you... okay? You look different."


    Kai glanced down at himself. Faint lines of blue light traced patterns under his skin, following what he assumed were his meridians. As he watched, they began to fade, leaving only a slight residual glow.


    "I''m better than okay," Kai said, still grinning.


    As if on cue, a familiar notification appeared in his vision:


    Congratulations! You have successfully converted your Crown Meridian to Thunder''s Crown!


    Lightning Affinity increased to 22%


    New Skill Unlocked: Static Charge (Level 1)


    You have gained 100 XP


    Now we''re talking. I wonder what else this new meridian can do?


    Kai began stretching his muscles which were stiff from hours of meditation. "How long was I meditating?"


    Chen Wei looked up at the sky. "Most of the night, Senior Brother. The sun is starting to rise."


    Time really seems to fly when cultivating...


    "Come on," Kai said, clapping his servant on the shoulder. "Let''s head back. I''ve got to get some sleep and then I have some experimenting to do."


    As they neared the base of Thunderpeak Plateau, Kai noticed the guard who had let them pass earlier was still on duty. The man''s eyes widened as they approached.


    "Legacy Disciple," the guard said, bowing. "I hope your cultivation was successful?"


    Kai nodded, keeping his expression neutral. "It was... enlightening," he said carefully.


    The guard seemed to want to ask more questions, but a look from Kai silenced him. They passed by without further conversation.


    I''ll need to be careful. People will be watching me closely now. There¡¯s no need to brag about every little success I have, not when there might be a kidnapper on the loose¡­

 SIXTY SIX: Chen Wei - The Cook

    The first rays of sunlight peeked through the windows of Kai''s pavilion, gently rousing him from his sleep. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the light. As he sat up, stretching his arms above his head and yawning, he heard a voice from outside.


    "Senior Brother Kai? Are you awake?" Chen Wei called softly. "I''ve left a warm basin of water outside for your morning wash."


    Kai smiled to himself. Chen Wei is certainly taking his duties seriously.


    "Thank you, Chen Wei," Kai called back. "I''ll bring it in now."


    He stood up, his muscles still a bit stiff from the previous night''s cultivation. The events came flooding back - the storm, the lightning, the awakening of his Crown Meridian. Kai''s fingers tingled at the memory.


    I wonder if I''ll ever get used to this cultivation stuff, he mused as he made his way to the door.


    Opening it, Kai found a steaming basin of water waiting for him. He carefully lifted it, appreciating the warmth seeping through the ceramic.


    "Is there anything else you need, Senior Brother?" Chen Wei asked, hovering nearby.


    Kai shook his head. "This is perfect. Thank you."


    Carrying the basin back into his room, Kai set it down and dipped his hands into the warm water. splashing some on his face. The sensation was familiar yet strange.


    Back on Earth, he''d have stumbled to the bathroom, turned on the tap, and had instant hot water. Here, someone had to heat the water over a fire and carry it to his room.


    It''s like camping, except the camping never ends.


    He continued his morning ablutions, using a soft cloth to wash himself. As he did, he couldn''t help but compare it to his time in the Misty Waterfall Village.


    At least I''m not jumping into a freezing lake anymore, Kai thought with a chuckle. Though I bet some cultivators would say that''s good training.


    Once he finished bathing, Kai dried himself off and donned a fresh set of black robes.


    As he stepped out of his sleeping area, a delightful aroma wafted through the air. Kai''s stomach growled in response, reminding him that he hadn''t eaten since before his cultivation session at Thunderpeak Plateau.


    In the main room of the pavilion, Kai found a low table set with various dishes. Steam rose from bowls of rice and soup, while plates of vegetables and meat dishes waited invitingly. Standing nearby, looking nervous, was Chen Wei.


    "Good morning, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said, bowing slightly. "I... I prepared breakfast for you."


    Kai nodded, taking in the spread before him. "It looks great, Chen Wei. Thank you."


    Despite his words, Kai didn''t immediately sit down to eat. Instead, he stood there, eyes slightly unfocused as he examined each dish.


    Name: Rice Porridge


    Description: A nutritious dish made from rice cooked in water until soft and creamy.


    Effects: None detected


    Name: Steamed Vegetables


    Description: A mix of local vegetables lightly seasoned and steamed to perfection.


    Effects: None detected


    Name: Grilled Fish


    Description: Freshwater fish grilled with herbs and spices.


    Effects: None detected


    Kai nodded to himself, satisfied with the results. No poison detected. Not that I really expected Chen Wei to try anything, but better safe than sorry.


    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    This was a precaution he had decided to take after hearing about the mysterious disappearances of genius disciples over the years. It might seem paranoid, but Kai preferred caution to ending up as another statistic.


    "Senior Brother?" Chen Wei''s worried voice broke through Kai''s thoughts. "I... I''m sorry if the food doesn''t look good. I can try to make something else if you prefer."


    Kai blinked, realizing how his behavior must appear. "No, no, it''s not that at all. Everything looks delicious. I was just... taking it all in. It''s been a while since I''ve had such a nice breakfast."


    Relief washed over Chen Wei''s face. "Oh, I see. I''m glad you think it looks good, Senior Brother."


    Kai sat down at the table, gesturing for Chen Wei to join him. "Come on, let''s eat. You must be hungry too after last night''s adventure."


    Chen Wei hesitated for a moment before sitting across from Kai. "Thank you, Senior Brother. But... are you sure it''s appropriate for me to eat with you?"


    Kai waved off his concern. "Of course it is. You''re my servant, but we''re both cultivators here."


    As they began to eat, Kai couldn''t help but savor each bite. The rice porridge was creamy and comforting, the vegetables crisp and flavorful, and the fish perfectly cooked.


    This beats instant ramen any day.


    He had never given much thought to cooking back on Earth, living off mostly on takeout and microwave meals. But he could appreciate the skill that went into preparing a meal like this from scratch.


    "This is really good, Chen Wei," Kai said between bites. "Where did you learn to cook like this?"


    Chen Wei''s cheeks reddened slightly at the praise. ¡°My family runs an inn back home. I grew up helping in the kitchen and tending to guests."


    "How''d you end up joining the sect then?" he asked.


    "A cultivator stayed at our inn," Chen Wei explained. "He sensed I had some aptitude and recommended I apply to join the Azure Sky Sect. My parents were overjoyed - they saw it as a chance for me to have a better life."


    Kai nodded thoughtfully. It was a common story in this world - talented youths plucked from obscurity and given a chance to pursue immortality through cultivation.


    Kind of like getting a scholarship to a prestigious university back on Earth. Except with more lightning bolts and qi¡­


    "And how are you finding sect life so far?" Kai asked.


    Chen Wei''s eyes lit up. "It''s amazing, Senior Brother! There''s so much to learn. Though..." He hesitated.


    "Go on," Kai encouraged.


    "Well, it can be a bit overwhelming at times," Chen Wei admitted. "Some of the other disciples look down on those of us from common backgrounds. And the cultivation techniques are so complex..."


    Kai nodded. He could relate to feeling out of his depth in this new world.


    "You''ll get the hang of it," Kai assured him. "Just take it one step at a time. And don''t let anyone make you feel inferior. Talent and hard work are what matter in cultivation, not your background."


    Chen Wei smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Senior Brother¡±


    They continued eating in comfortable silence for a while. Kai found himself relaxing, enjoying the simple pleasure of a good meal shared with someone else.


    It''s nice, almost like having a roommate. Except this roommate can shoot fireballs and probably bench press a car.


    As he ate, Kai''s mind wandered to his cultivation plans for the day. He needed to further refine his newly opened Thunder Crown meridian. And then there was the matter of opening the next lightning meridian...


    One step at a time, he reminded himself. No point rushing and making mistakes.


    Kai¡¯s thoughts then turned towards Chen Wei. And I need to sort out this whole servant situation. Having him cook every meal is a waste of his potential as a cultivator.


    Once they finished their meal, Kai leaned back, patting his stomach contentedly. "That was excellent. Thank you."


    Chen Wei beamed, clearly relieved and pleased. "I¡¯m glad you enjoyed it, Senior Brother. Shall I prepare lunch and dinner as well?"


    Kai shook his head. "Actually, Chen Wei, I don''t think you need to cook for me all the time."


    The young servant''s face fell, his earlier joy evaporating in an instant. "Oh... I see. Was the food not to your liking after all? I promise I can improve-"


    "No, no," Kai quickly interjected, realizing his mistake. He let out a small laugh. "The food was delicious. That''s not the issue at all."


    Chen Wei''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Then... why, Senior Brother?"


    Kai leaned back, considering how to explain. "Chen Wei, you''re a cultivator first and foremost. Yes, you''re my servant, but that doesn''t mean you should neglect your own cultivation. Cooking takes time ¨C time you could be using to train and grow stronger."


    "But serving you is my duty," Chen Wei protested weakly.


    "And you''re doing an excellent job," Kai assured him. "But think about it this way ¨C the stronger you become, the more useful you''ll be to me. A powerful servant is far more valuable than a good cook, wouldn''t you agree?"


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened as understanding dawned. "I... I hadn''t thought of it that way, Senior Brother."


    Kai nodded. "Besides, I don''t mind going to the dining hall for meals. There''s no need for you to spend hours cooking when we have that option available."


    "Are you sure, Senior Brother?" Chen Wei asked, still seeming uncertain.


    "Absolutely," Kai confirmed. "Your cultivation should be your priority. Of course, I still appreciate your help with other tasks, but let''s focus on what''s truly important for both of us ¨C getting stronger. That''s an order from your Senior Brother."


    A determined look came over Chen Wei''s face. "I understand, Senior Brother. I''ll do my best to become stronger!"


    "Good," Kai said, standing up. "Now, I''m going to be doing some cultivation of my own. Don''t disturb me unless it''s an emergency, alright? Use this time to cultivate yourself."


    Chen Wei nodded eagerly. "Yes, Senior Brother!"


    As Chen Wei began clearing the table, Kai retreated to his private cultivation area. He settled down on a comfortable cushion and pulled out the Heavenly Thunderstorm cultivation manual.


    Alright, time to get back on the grind!

 SIXTY SEVEN: Third Eye

    Kai unrolled the Heavenly Thunderstorm scroll, his eyes finding the section on the Crown Meridian he had opened the night before.


    Key Technique: ''Electric Meridian Flow'' - Use controlled bursts of lightning qi to gradually open and fortify the meridians.


    He took a deep breath, centering himself. Okay, I''ve opened the meridian. Now I need to fortify it. Sounds simple enough... right?


    He closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of qi flowing through his body. After his experience on Thunderpeak Plateau, it was easier to identify the unique feeling of lightning qi.


    It''s like... a tingling current, always wanting to move.


    Following the manual''s instructions, Kai began to direct small bursts of lightning qi towards his Crown Meridian. The first attempt was... less than successful.


    A jolt of electricity shot through Kai''s skull, making him wince. Ouch. Okay, maybe a little less power next time.


    He tried again, this time using a gentler touch. The lightning qi flowed more smoothly, creating a pleasant buzzing sensation at the top of his head.


    That''s more like it, Kai thought, a small smile playing on his lips.


    As he continued the exercise, Kai felt the meridian slowly expanding, becoming more receptive to the flow of lightning qi. It was a strange sensation, like his skull was becoming a lightning rod.


    I wonder if this is how Benjamin Franklin felt, Kai mused, then chuckled at the absurdity of the thought.


    Time seemed to slip away as he focused on the technique. The world around him faded, his awareness narrowing to the flow of qi through his body. It was almost meditative, in an electrifying sort of way.


    Suddenly, Kai felt something... shift. The Crown Meridian seemed to pulse, and for a brief moment, he could have sworn he saw a flash of light even with his eyes closed.


    A series of system notifications popped up:


    Congratulations!


    You have successfully fortified the Thunder''s Crown Meridian!


    New Skill Unlocked: Crown of Lightning (Level 1) (Passive)


    Description: A temporary, visible aura of lightning can form around the cultivator''s head during meditation, boosting the cultivator''s qi regeneration by 5%.


    New Skill Unlocked: Sky''s Favor (Level 1) (Passive)


    Description: The cultivator''s absorption rate increases by 5% whenever they are under an open sky, this increases to 10% when under stormy weather.


    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    New Skill Unlocked: Electric Resistance (Level 1) (Passive)


    Description: The cultivator gains 5% resistance to lightning-based attacks, reducing the damage taken from electric or lightning-based techniques.


    You have gained 300XP


    Kai''s eyes widened as he read through the notifications. Now we''re talking! This is way better than just Static Charge.


    Initially, he had been somewhat disappointed when opening the meridian had only granted him the Static Charge skill and a 2% increase in lightning affinity. These new skills, while still offering relatively small percentage boosts, were much more promising.


    And they''ll likely improve as I open more lightning meridians. The Electric Resistance, in particular, could be incredibly useful in a lightning-focused sect like this.


    Kai nodded, pleased with himself. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It was one thing to gain skills through the system, but actively cultivating and unlocking new abilities felt... different. More rewarding, somehow.


    Eager to continue his progress, Kai turned his attention back to the cultivation manual. His eyes fell on the next section:


    Meridian of the Storm Eye


    <ul>


    <li>


    Location: Third Eye (Forehead)


    </li>


    <li>


    Method to Open: "Lightning Insight" - The cultivator focuses on the space between their eyebrows, visualizing a storm cloud gathering. A special herb, Thundergrass, is placed on the forehead to stimulate the meridian''s opening.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Kai let out a small sigh of relief. At least this one doesn''t involve standing on a mountain peak during a thunderstorm.


    He read through the instructions carefully, committing them to memory. The use of Thundergrass intrigued him. I wonder what other mystical herbs exist in this world. Maybe I should start a garden...


    Shaking off the momentary distraction, Kai focused on the task at hand. He knew he''d need to close his Third Eye meridian before attempting to reopen it with the lightning technique. But first things first - he needed to get his hands on some Thundergrass.


    I''ll get the herb before I close the meridian.


    Decision made, Kai stood up, stretching to work out the stiffness from sitting so long. He made his way out of the pavilion, looking for Chen Wei.


    He found the young disciple in the garden, seated in a meditation pose. A faint glow surrounded Chen Wei, indicating he was in the middle of cultivation.


    Good, Kai thought approvingly. He took my advice seriously.


    Not wanting to disturb Chen Wei''s cultivation, Kai waited patiently. He took the opportunity to observe the garden, noting the various plants and flowers. Some looked familiar, while others were completely alien to him.


    I wonder if any of these have special properties for cultivation, Kai mused. Even though I don¡¯t want to specialise in alchemy, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to learn more about magical plants.


    After a few minutes, the glow around Chen Wei began to fade. The young disciple''s eyes fluttered open, a look of contentment on his face.


    "Ah, Senior Brother!" Chen Wei said, quickly scrambling to his feet and bowing. "I''m sorry, I didn''t notice you there. Do you need something?"


    Kai waved off the apology. "No need to apologize. I''m glad to see you taking your cultivation seriously."


    Chen Wei beamed at the praise. "Thank you, Senior Brother. I was just practicing the breathing techniques you showed me."


    "Good, good," Kai nodded. "I need your help with something. Do you know where I can get an herb called Thundergrass?"


    Chen Wei''s brow furrowed in thought. "Thundergrass? I believe I''ve heard of it. It''s used in some lightning-based cultivation techniques, right?"


    "That''s right," Kai confirmed. "I need some for my next stage of cultivation."


    "I see," Chen Wei said, nodding. "Well, the sect should have some in the Celestial Herb Pavilion. That''s where they keep all the special cultivation resources."


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "Celestial Herb Pavilion? Fancy name."


    Chen Wei chuckled. "Everything in the sect has a fancy name, Senior Brother. You should see what they call the latrines in the Outer Sect."


    Kai couldn''t help but laugh at that. "I''m almost afraid to ask. Alright then, can you show me the way to this Celestial Herb Pavilion?"


    "Of course, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said eagerly. "It''s not far from here. Follow me!"

 SIXTY EIGHT: Celestial Herb Pavilion

    Kai and Chen Wei made their way through the Azure Sky Sect as they headed towards the Celestial Herb Pavilion.


    "So," Kai said, breaking the silence. "What can you tell me about this Celestial Herb Pavilion?"


    Chen Wei''s face lit up at the question. "Oh, it''s a marvelous place, Senior Brother! It''s where the sect keeps all its rare and valuable herbs. They say some of the plants there are over a thousand years old!"


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "A thousand years? That''s impressive."


    Wonder if they have any Earth plants that have gone extinct. Could be valuable if I ever decide to head back, well, that¡¯s if there even is a way to head back¡­


    As they walked, Kai noticed other disciples hurrying about their daily routines. Some carried scrolls or practice weapons, while others seemed lost in meditation even as they moved.


    "Is it open to all disciples?"


    Chen Wei shook his head. "Not exactly, Senior Brother. Outer Disciples like me need special permission to enter. But as a Legacy Disciple, you should have unrestricted access."


    They rounded a corner, and Kai''s eyes widened slightly. Before them stood a massive structure that looked more like a greenhouse than a traditional building. Its walls were made of what appeared to be crystal, allowing sunlight to stream through freely.


    "Wow," Kai muttered, impressed despite himself. "That''s... not what I expected."


    Chen Wei nodded enthusiastically. "It''s beautiful, isn''t it? The crystal walls are specially designed to filter and enhance spiritual energy. They say it helps the herbs grow stronger and faster."


    As they approached the entrance, they found a pair of disciples in white robes standing guard. The disciples bowed deeply as Kai approached.


    "Welcome, Senior Brother," one of them said. "How may we assist you today?"


    Kai nodded in acknowledgment. "I''m here to acquire some Thundergrass for my cultivation."


    The guards exchanged a quick glance before the second one spoke. "Of course, Senior Brother. Please, enter. One of our herbalists will assist you shortly."


    As Kai and Chen Wei stepped inside, they were hit by a wave of fragrant air. The interior was even more impressive than the outside. Rows upon rows of plants stretched as far as the eye could see, each section carefully labeled and maintained.


    It''s like a magical Costco for plants.


    A figure approached them. The man wore robes of deep purple, embroidered with golden symbols that seemed to shift and change as he moved.


    "Greetings, young Legacy Disciple," the man said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "I am Alchemist Zhang, overseer of the Celestial Herb Pavilion. I didn¡¯t expect our humble abode of botanical wonders to be so popular today."


    So popular? What does he mean by that?


    Kai bowed slightly. "I¡¯m Kai, I''m looking for Thundergrass herb."


    Zhang''s eyebrows rose. "Ah, another one looking into lightning techniques? One of our herbalists will assist you." He turned and called out, "Li Jing! Come here, please."


    Another one? Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    A young woman in green robes hurried over, her long black hair tied back in a braid. She bowed to Zhang and Kai. "Yes, Alchemist Zhang?"


    "Please show young Kai to the Thundergrass section," Zhang instructed. "And answer any questions he might have."


    "Of course," Li Jing replied, turning to Kai with a bright smile. "Please, follow me."


    As they walked through the pavilion, Kai couldn''t help but notice the other disciples browsing the shelves. Some wore the white robes of outer disciples, but most sported the red of inner disciples. They all gave Kai a wide berth, eyeing his black robes with a mixture of awe and wariness.


    It''s like being a high-level player in a starting zone, Kai mused. Everyone''s afraid I might one-shot them if they look at me wrong.


    As they passed by a section of particularly colorful flowers, Kai noticed a familiar figure examining the plants. Shen Yu stood with his back to them, seemingly absorbed in his study of a bright blue flower.


    What''s he doing here? And what''s he looking at?


    Kai slowed his pace, trying to get a better look without being obvious. Shen Yu''s hand hovered over the flower, a faint glow emanating from his palm.


    As if sensing Kai''s gaze, Shen Yu suddenly looked up. Their eyes met, and for a moment, Kai saw a flash of... something in the other boy''s expression. Surprise? Wariness? It was gone too quickly to tell.


    Shen Yu''s face settled into its usual calm mask as he abandoned the herb and began walking towards Kai. As he passed by, he leaned in close, his voice barely a whisper.


    "You should have listened to my advice.¡±


    Before Kai could react, Shen Yu had disappeared into the crowd of disciples and herbalists.


    "Senior Brother?" Chen Wei''s voice snapped Kai out of his thoughts. "Is everything alright?"


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Kai blinked, realizing he had stopped walking. "Yes, everything''s fine. Let''s keep going."


    As they continued following Li Jing, Kai''s mind raced with possibilities. Was Shen Yu trying to help him? Or was this some kind of trap?


    Why can¡¯t he be straightforward? No need to be so cryptic¡­


    I need more information. But how to get it without revealing what I know... or don''t know?


    They finally reached a section near the back of the pavilion.


    Li Jing gestured to a row of plants that looked like miniature lightning bolts frozen in time. "Here we are, Legacy Disciple. The finest Thundergrass in the Azure Sky Sect."


    Kai leaned in for a closer look, careful not to touch the volatile-looking plants.


    A translucent window appeared in Kai''s vision:


    Thundergrass (High Quality)


    Description: A rare herb that grows in areas frequently struck by lightning. Contains concentrated lightning essence.


    Uses: Cultivation aid for lightning-based techniques, ingredient in high-level lightning pills and elixirs.


    Warning: Highly volatile. Handle with care.


    "Impressive," Kai murmured. "How much for a portion suitable for one cultivation session?"


    Li Jing hesitated for a moment. "For a portion of this quality, it would be 80 low-grade spirit stones, Legacy Disciple."


    Kai managed to keep his expression neutral, but internally he winced. 80 spirit stones? Even though I have over a thousand spirit stones, I have a lot of other things I want to look into buying¡­


    He glanced at Chen Wei, who was trying not to look shocked at the price. An idea formed in Kai''s mind.


    "Chen Wei," he said casually. "You come from a merchant family, don''t you? Perhaps you could handle this transaction for me."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened in surprise. "M-me, Senior Brother? But... I''m just an Outer Disciple. Surely you don''t want me to..."


    Kai placed a hand on Chen Wei''s shoulder, giving him an encouraging smile. "I trust your judgment, Chen Wei. Show me what you can do."


    Li Jing looked between them, clearly confused by this turn of events. "Legacy Disciple, I... I''m not sure if..."


    Kai held up a hand, silencing her protest. "It''s alright. Chen Wei speaks with my authority in this matter."


    Let''s see how he handles this. It''ll be a good test of his skills.


    Chen Wei took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. When he spoke, his voice was steadier than Kai had ever heard it.


    "Miss Jing," he began, "while we certainly appreciate the quality of your Thundergrass, 80 spirit stones seems a bit steep. Perhaps we could discuss a more... reasonable price?"


    Li Jing blinked, clearly thrown off balance by this turn of events. "I... well, our prices are set by the head alchemist. I''m not sure if I have the authority to negotiate."


    Chen Wei nodded sympathetically. "Of course, I understand. But surely as a representative of the Celestial Herb Pavilion, you have some discretion? After all, we''re not just talking about any customer here, but a Legacy Disciple of the Azure Sky Sect."


    Kai watched as Chen Wei continued to negotiate. The young disciple''s demeanor had completely changed. Gone was the nervous, eager-to-please servant. In his place stood a confident, articulate negotiator.


    He''s got talent. With the right training, he could be incredibly useful.


    After several minutes of back-and-forth, Li Jing finally relented. "Very well. For the Legacy Disciple, we can offer the Thundergrass for 50 spirit stones. But please understand, this is a one-time courtesy."


    Chen Wei bowed deeply. "Thank you for your generosity, Miss Jing. The Azure Sky Sect appreciates your flexibility in this matter."


    As Li Jing went to prepare the Thundergrass for transport, Kai turned to Chen Wei with a smile. "Well done. You''ve got quite a talent for negotiation."


    Chen Wei''s face flushed with pride, but Kai noticed a hint of discomfort in his eyes. "Thank you, Senior Brother. I... I hope I didn''t overstep my bounds."


    Kai shook his head. "Not at all. You did exactly what I asked. Now, let''s get that Thundergrass and head back. I''ve got some cultivation to do."


    As they left the Celestial Herb Pavilion, Thundergrass safely stored in a special container and in his inventory, Kai noticed Chen Wei fidgeting nervously.


    "Something on your mind?" Kai asked casually.


    Chen Wei hesitated before speaking. "Senior Brother, I... I hope you don''t think less of me for haggling like that. I know as cultivators we''re supposed to be above such worldly concerns, but..."


    Kai held up a hand, stopping Chen Wei mid-sentence. "Chen Wei, let me ask you something. In a battle between two equally skilled cultivators, what do you think gives one the edge?"


    Chen Wei furrowed his brow in thought. "Well... better techniques? Or maybe stronger spiritual energy?"


    Kai nodded. "Those are certainly factors. But often, it comes down to who has better resources. More spirit stones for cultivation, rarer herbs for breakthroughs, higher quality weapons and artifacts. And how do you get those things?"


    "By... by having more spirit stones?"


    "Exactly," Kai said with a smile. "In this world, spirit stones aren''t just currency. They''re power. Every stone you save through skillful negotiation is a stone that can be used for cultivation, for acquiring knowledge, for gaining an edge over your competitors."


    He paused, letting his words sink in. "Never be ashamed of your merchant background, Chen Wei. Those skills you learned? They''re just as valuable as any cultivation technique. And in the right hands, maybe even more so."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened as he processed Kai''s words. "I... I never thought of it that way, Senior Brother. Thank you for your wisdom."


    Kai chuckled. "Don''t thank me yet. Now that I know what you can do, I think I''ll put you in charge of all my resource acquisitions from now on. If you''re willing, of course."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened in shock. "M-me? But Senior Brother, I''m just an Outer Disciple. Surely someone of your status should have a more... qualified assistant."


    Kai placed a hand on Chen Wei''s shoulder, his voice firm but kind. "Chen Wei, in the short time I''ve known you, you''ve shown intelligence, loyalty, and now, impressive negotiation skills. Those qualities are far more valuable to me than status or cultivation level."


    Though I have to admit, nothing can beat a loyal high levelled cultivator¡­


    He continued. "But I understand if you''re not comfortable with the responsibility. It''s your choice."


    Chen Wei stood silent for a moment, his expression a mix of emotions. Finally, he took a deep breath and bowed deeply.


    "Senior Brother, I would be honored to serve you in this capacity. I promise I won''t let you down."


    Follower Gained: Chen Wei.


    Loyalty: 50


    Kai nodded, satisfied. Finally, the system recognises him as my follower, now I can work on building up his loyalty.


    As they walked back towards Kai''s residence, his mind turned to the encounter with Shen Yu.


    What was he doing in the herb pavilion?


    Kai recalled the herbs Shen Yu had been examining. He pulled up his system interface, searching his memory for details.


    Azure Lightning Flower


    Description: A rare herb that grows in areas with high concentrations of lightning essence. Known for its ability to enhance lightning-based cultivation techniques.


    Rank: Uncommon


    Wind Whisper Grass


    Description: A delicate herb that thrives in areas with strong wind currents. Often used in techniques involving speed and agility.


    Rank: Uncommon


    Interesting combination. Lightning and wind¡­ I know he is planning on mastering both legacy cultivation methods, could he be using some secret recipe that has yet to be discovered to help him?


    And then there is the warning about the Sect Master? Is the Sect Master linked to the mysterious disappearances? It wouldn¡¯t surprise me; he does seem a little creepy¡­


    Regardless, I need more information. I guess I have to pay Shen Yu¡¯s pavilion a visit¡­

 SIXTY NINE: Storm Eye

    The sun had begun to set as Kai stood outside Shen Yu''s pavilion, the evening breeze rustling his black robes. He had just returned to the Legacy Disciple quarters after dismissing Chen Wei, who was now cultivating in the servant''s quarters.


    "Shen Yu?" Kai called out, his voice carrying across the quiet courtyard. "Are you there?"


    Silence greeted him. Kai waited a moment, then took a step forward. Instantly, a shimmer of energy rippled across the air in front of him as glowing lines of blue light appeared around the pavilion''s perimeter.


    Protection formations, Kai thought, stepping back quickly. Of course. Every Legacy Disciple''s pavilion would have basic defenses against intruders.


    He sighed, running a hand through his hair. Looks like Shen Yu doesn''t want to talk. Or he''s not here. Either way, I''m not getting in.


    Kai turned away from the pavilion. Next time I see him alone, I''ll have to confront him. But not somewhere too isolated. If he really is what I suspect...


    A chill ran down Kai''s spine as he considered the possibilities. Reincarnator or regressor... both are dangerous. But a regressor? That''s on a whole other level.


    He had played enough games and read enough stories to know the terrifying implications of someone who had lived through these events before. If Shen Yu is a regressor, how much does he know about me? Was I even in the previous timeline? And what''s his deal with the Sect Master? There''s clearly some history there.


    Kai''s eyes narrowed as he walked. Whatever was going on between Shen Yu and the Sect Master, he wanted no part of it. He had enough on his plate just trying to survive and advance in this world without getting caught up in ancient grudges or time-traveling schemes.


    Best to focus on my own cultivation for now. I can worry about Shen Yu''s secrets later.


    As Kai approached his own pavilion, he forced his mind to clear. He had important work to do tonight, and he couldn''t afford to be distracted by speculation about his fellow disciple''s true nature.


    Entering his private quarters, Kai made his way to the cultivation room. He settled onto a cushion in the center of the floor, crossing his legs and straightening his back.


    Alright, time to get to work. First step: closing the Third Eye meridian.


    Kai took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he closed his eyes. He focused his attention on the space between his eyebrows, searching for the telltale tingle of energy that would indicate the meridian''s location.


    At first, he felt nothing. Kai frowned, concentrating harder.


    Come on, I know you''re there. I''ve done this before.


    Minutes ticked by as Kai struggled to sense the elusive meridian. Just as frustration began to set in, he felt it ¨C a faint buzz of energy.


    There you are.


    Now that he''d found it, Kai focused on the sensation. He visualized the flow of qi through the meridian as a stream of light. Slowly, carefully, he began to narrow that stream.


    The process was much easier this time. The meridian seemed to respond readily to his will, the flow of energy slowing to a trickle.


    Practice really does make perfect.


    With a final push of concentration, Kai felt the meridian close completely. A subtle ''click'' resonated through his body.


    Meridian Closed: Third Eye


    Cultivation reduced to Qi Refining Stage 7


    Kai allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction. One down, one to go. Now for the tricky part.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    He reached into his inventory, withdrawing the container of Thundergrass he''d purchased earlier. The crystalline box glowed faintly.


    Alright, let''s see what this ''Lightning Insight'' technique can do.


    Kai carefully opened the container, the scent of ozone filling the air. He plucked a single blade of Thundergrass and placed the herb on his forehead, right between his eyebrows.


    A jolt of energy surged through him the moment the Thundergrass made contact with his skin. Kai gasped, his back straightening involuntarily.


    Whoa. That''s... intense.


    Kai closed his eyes once more, focusing on the space between his eyebrows. Following the manual''s instructions, he began to visualize a storm cloud gathering in that spot.


    At first, nothing happened. The mental image kept slipping away, replaced by random thoughts and distractions. Kai took a deep breath, refocusing his efforts.


    Come on, picture the storm. Dark clouds, swirling winds, flashes of lightning...


    Slowly, the image began to solidify in Kai''s mind. He could almost hear the rumble of thunder, feel the electric charge in the air. The Thundergrass on his forehead began to tingle, a faint warmth spreading from the herb.


    That''s it, build the storm...


    In his mind''s eye, Kai saw lightning flashing within the cloud. Each bolt sent a jolt through his body, making his fingers twitch. The warmth on his forehead intensified, spreading outward.


    Almost there...


    Kai pushed harder, imagining the storm growing stronger and stronger. The mental lightning increased in frequency, each flash brighter than the last. The tingling sensation spread from his forehead down his spine, making his whole body feel charged.


    Just when Kai thought he couldn''t take any more, something... shifted. It felt like a door bursting open in his mind, releasing a flood of energy. Kai gasped as lightning seemed to course through his entire being.


    His eyes flew open and for a moment, the world looked... different. Sharper, somehow.


    The sensation faded quickly, but Kai knew something fundamental had changed. He reached up, touching the spot where he''d placed the Thundergrass. The herb had disintegrated, leaving only a faint residue on his skin.


    A series of system notifications appeared:


    Meridian Opened: Third Eye


    Cultivation returned to Qi Refining Stage 8


    Congratulations! You have successfully converted your Third Eye Meridian to Storm Eye!


    Lightning Affinity increased to 25%


    Skill Leveled Up: Crown of Lightning (Level 2)


    Effect: A temporary, visible aura of lightning can form around the cultivator''s head during meditation, boosting the cultivator''s qi regeneration by 10%.


    Skill Leveled Up: Sky''s Favor (Level 2)


    Effect: The cultivator''s qi absorption rate increases by 10% whenever they are under an open sky, this increases to 15% when under stormy weather.


    Skill Leveled Up: Electric Immunity (Level 2)


    Effect: The cultivator gains 10% resistance to lightning-based attacks, reducing the damage taken from electric or lightning-based techniques.


    New Skill Unlocked: Storm Eye (Level 1)


    Description: The cultivator can create a small eye made of lightning energy. This eye can be detached and sent to scout nearby areas, allowing the user to see through it.


    Range: 100 meters.


    You have gained 400 XP


    Kai''s eyebrows rose as he read through the notifications. Now we''re talking. This is more like it.


    He focused on the new skill, Storm Eye. Following his instincts, Kai channeled a small amount of lightning qi to his forehead, causing a tiny blue orb of energy to form and hover just in front of him.


    Whoa. It''s like a magical drone.


    Kai concentrated, willing the lightning construct to move. The orb drifted across the room, stopping near a bookshelf. Suddenly, Kai''s vision split. He could still see normally through his own eyes, but he also had a second perspective - a view of himself from the bookshelf.


    "That''s... incredibly weird," Kai said aloud, watching his own mouth move from two angles simultaneously.


    He experimented for a few minutes, guiding the lightning eye around the room. The dual vision was disorienting at first, but Kai could see the potential usefulness of such an ability.


    Remote scouting, seeing around corners, maybe even spying if I can make it small enough... yeah, this could be really handy.


    As the novelty wore off, Kai allowed the construct to dissipate. He sat back down on his cultivation cushion.


    No wonder this is the Azure Sky Sect''s prized technique. The enhanced perception alone is a huge advantage, never mind the other benefits.


    Kai closed his eyes, focusing on his newly opened Storm''s Eye meridian.


    Two down, seven to go. I wonder what other surprises this method has in store.


    Kai glanced out the window, surprised to see the first hints of dawn peeking over the horizon.


    Wow, I really lost track of time there. I should probably get some rest.


    As he prepared to turn in, a thought struck him. Maybe I could use the Storm Eye to check on Shen Yu, see what he''s up to...


    But almost immediately, Kai shook his head, dismissing the idea. No, that''s too risky. The Storm Eye is an Azure Sky Sect technique. It would be shocking if the barrier formations didn''t have precautions against it, especially a level 1 skill like mine.


    With a sigh, Kai settled onto his bed. Better to play it safe for now. I''ll find another way to get information.

 SEVENTY: Chaos

    Kai sat cross-legged in his room, frustration etched across his face. For the past three days, he''d been attempting to open the third meridian, the Meridian of Rolling Thunder. Despite his efforts, he had yet to make any real progress.


    He unrolled the cultivation scroll once more, eyes scanning the text that he had already memorised:


    Meridian of the Rolling Thunder


    <ul>


    <li>


    Location: Throat


    </li>


    <li>


    Method to Open: "Voice of the Storm" - The cultivator chants an incantation that mimics the sound of rolling thunder. The vibrations of the chant gradually open the throat meridian.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair. This is like trying to unlock a new skill tree without meeting the prerequisites. There must be something I''m missing.


    He took a deep breath, preparing to attempt the incantation again. The strange syllables rolled off his tongue, a rhythmic chant that was supposed to mimic rolling thunder.


    "Grum-bul-lum-bum, kra-ka-thoom..."


    As he chanted, Kai focused on his throat, trying to direct his qi to that area. He imagined storm clouds gathering, electricity crackling in the air. But no matter how hard he concentrated, he couldn''t feel the telltale signs of a meridian opening.


    After several minutes, Kai stopped, letting out a frustrated groan. This is getting nowhere. Maybe I need to grind some more basic skills before tackling this advanced technique.


    "Senior Brother?" Chen Wei''s voice called from outside the room. "The Sect Master has summoned you for your first lesson."


    Kai stood up, stretching his stiff muscles. Perfect timing. Maybe I can get some answers from the Sect Master.


    He opened the door to find Chen Wei waiting patiently. "Thanks, Chen Wei. Has Shen Yu been informed as well?"


    Chen Wei nodded. "Yes, Senior Brother. One of the elders went to his pavilion to inform him."


    "I see," Kai mused. "Does Shen Yu have a servant?"


    Chen Wei shook his head. "No, Senior Brother. It''s only me and Senior Brother Wang Lin¡¯s disciple in the servants'' quarters for the Legacy Disciples."


    Interesting. Shen Yu with all his secrets probably can''t afford to have any servants around.


    As they made their way to the Sect Master''s quarters, Kai''s mind raced. I need to pay attention to everything, especially how Shen Yu interacts with the Sect Master. There might be clues about his true nature.


    They arrived at the building, Chen Wei bowed and stepped back, leaving Kai to enter alone.


    Inside, Kai found the Sect Master sat on a raised platform, his expression unreadable. To Kai''s right, Shen Yu knelt on a cushion, his posture perfect and his face calm.


    It''s like facing the final boss with an NPC whose allegiance is unclear, Kai thought as he took his place opposite Shen Yu.


    The Sect Master''s gaze swept over them both, a slight nod the only acknowledgment of their presence. Then, to Kai''s surprise, he turned to Shen Yu with a smile.


    "Congratulations, Shen Yu, on awakening the seventh meridian using the Heavenly Thunderstorm cultivation method. Your progress is truly remarkable."


    Kai''s eyes widened slightly. Seventh meridian? In just one week? Here I am, stuck on the third, and this guy''s already more than doubled my progress.


    Shen Yu merely inclined his head slightly, his expression unchanged.


    The Sect Master then turned to Kai, his smile a bit less enthusiastic. "You''ve made good progress as well, Kai. Two meridians isn''t too bad for a beginner."


    Isn''t too bad? Kai repeated in his head, trying to keep his face neutral. I thought I was making decent progress with natural cultivation. Guess I need to step up my game.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    He forced himself to nod respectfully. "Thank you, Master. I''ll continue to work hard."


    I need to stop comparing myself to Shen Yu, Kai reminded himself. For all I know, he could have been close to the Immortal Realm in his previous life. This is like competing against a max-level player who''s started a new character.


    The Sect Master clasped his hands together. "Now, before we begin your lesson, I''d like to test your elemental affinities. This will help guide your future cultivation."


    Probably would have been a good idea to do this before we starting cultivating using the new method¡­Kai thought.


    He produced a multifaceted crystal, holding it up for them to see. "This is an Elemental Affinity Crystal. When you channel qi into it, it displays colors corresponding to your elemental alignments."


    The Sect Master proceeded to explain what each colour indicated:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Fire: Red


    </li>


    <li>


    Water: Blue


    </li>


    <li>


    Wind: Green


    </li>


    <li>


    Earth: Brown


    </li>


    <li>


    Lightning: Yellow


    </li>


    <li>


    Darkness: Purple


    </li>


    <li>


    Light: White


    </li>


    </ul>


    To demonstrate, he channeled his own qi into the crystal. It glowed with a mixture of yellow and green light.


    "As you can see, I have strong affinities for both lightning and wind," the Sect Master explained. He then handed the crystal to Shen Yu. "Your turn, young disciple."


    Shen Yu took the crystal without a word, channeling his qi into it. The crystal glowed a bright, pure red.


    The Sect Master''s eyebrows rose fractionally before his expression smoothed out. "Interesting. You have a strong fire affinity, Shen Yu, but no others. Most cultivators struggle with techniques outside their elemental alignment. It''s quite¡­unusual for someone with no lightning affinity to progress so quickly in the Heavenly Thunderstorm method."


    Shen Yu remained silent, his face betraying nothing.


    No lightning affinity? Kai thought, his mind racing. Then how... Suddenly, he remembered seeing Shen Yu at the Celestial Herb Pavilion, examining some basic lightning and wind herbs. Could those have something to do with his rapid progress?


    The Sect Master shook his head slightly, then turned to Kai with a wry smile. "Well, Kai, it''s your turn. Perhaps you''ll surprise us as well."


    Kai took the crystal from Shen Yu, their eyes meeting briefly. He thought he saw a flicker of... something in Shen Yu''s gaze, but it was gone too quickly to interpret.


    As he channeled qi into the crystal, Kai wondered what his results would show. I know I have a 25% lightning affinity from my stats, but do I have any others?


    The crystal in his hands began to glow. Yellow light suffused most of it, confirming his lightning affinity. But to Kai''s surprise, portions of the crystal turned completely black.


    The Sect Master''s eyes widened, a mix of shock and perhaps a hint of fear crossing his face before he regained his composure. Kai glanced at Shen Yu, expecting to see surprise, but instead found what looked like recognition or even anticipation in the other disciple''s eyes.


    "What... what does black mean?" Kai asked.


    The Sect Master cleared his throat. "Black indicates a rare element ¡ª the chaos element."


    Kai''s eyes widened. No Wind element but instead a Chaos element? Could this have something to do with my isekai situation? In most stories, the world is surrounded by chaos qi. Maybe being transported here gave me this affinity?


    "I''ve never heard of a chaos affinity," Kai said carefully. "Do we have any techniques in the sect that could help me develop it?"


    The Sect Master laughed, but it sounded forced. "Only the largest sects would have such techniques, and even they might only possess one or two. It''s an exceedingly rare and difficult element to cultivate. For now, I suggest we focus on your lightning affinity."


    Kai nodded, but filed the information away for later. There has to be a way to develop this. If it''s tied to my arrival in this world, it could be key to understanding why I''m here...and if there were others like me here.


    "Sect Master," Kai ventured, "what determines a person''s elemental affinities? Is it something we''re born with, or can it change?"


    "That''s a matter of much debate among cultivators," the Sect Master replied. "We believe affinities are influenced by a range of factors: personality, life experiences, bloodline, and even the circumstances of one''s birth or significant life events. Some say that profound spiritual experiences can awaken new affinities."


    Like being transported to another world? Kai thought wryly.


    The Sect Master''s expression grew serious. "Kai, you need to keep your chaos affinity a secret for now. Such rare abilities can attract... unwanted attention."


    Kai nodded, understanding the implication. In game terms, I''ve just discovered I have a super rare class. Best not to advertise it until I level up enough to defend myself. Though, I would feel better if the Sect Master didn¡¯t know¡­


    "Now," the Sect Master continued, "let''s begin our lesson. Shen Yu, what aspect of your cultivation do you need guidance with?"


    Shen Yu spoke for the first time, his voice calm. "I don''t require assistance with the Heavenly Thunderstorm method at present. However, I would like to begin learning the Azure Sky Sect¡¯s Legacy Wind cultivation method."


    The Sect Master''s brow furrowed as he considered this request. After a moment, he shook his head. "Not yet, Shen Yu. Complete the first layer of the Heavenly Thunderstorm method and open the final two meridians. That will be the optimal time to introduce the wind cultivation method."


    Shen Yu nodded once, accepting the decision without argument.


    "If that''s all, you''re dismissed," the Sect Master said to Shen Yu. "I''ll work with young Kai on his cultivation now."


    As Shen Yu stood to leave, Kai caught another brief, unreadable glance from the other disciple. Then Shen Yu was gone, leaving Kai alone with the Sect Master.

 SEVENTY ONE: Meridian of Rolling Thunder

    The Sect Master turned his full attention to Kai. "Now, Kai, let''s discuss your progress. You seem to be having trouble with the third meridian?"


    Kai took a deep breath. "Master, I''ve been struggling with the Meridian of Rolling Thunder for three days now. I haven''t made any real progress."


    The Sect Master''s eyebrows rose slightly. "I see. Can you describe what happens when you attempt to open it?"


    Kai nodded, thinking back to his many failed attempts. "I chant the incantation as instructed. I can feel my qi moving towards my throat, but... nothing happens. The meridian doesn''t open."


    The Sect Master tapped his chin, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Interesting. Tell me, Kai, how do you perceive thunder?"


    The question caught Kai off guard. He blinked, trying to understand its relevance. "Thunder? It''s... loud and rumbling, I suppose."


    The Sect Master shook his head. "Think deeper, young disciple. What is the true nature of thunder?"


    Kai furrowed his brow, recalling thunderstorms from both his old world and this new one. "Well... it''s not just one sound, is it? There''s the initial crack, followed by the rumble. And sometimes it''s a low growl, other times a sharp boom."


    A smile tugged at the corners of the Sect Master''s lips. "Exactly. Thunder is complex, with layers and interplay between different tones and vibrations. It''s not simply a single, continuous sound."


    Of course, Kai thought. It''s like sound design in a game. You don''t just use one audio file for thunder - you layer multiple sounds to create a realistic effect.


    The Sect Master stood up, his robes rustling softly. "Perhaps a demonstration will help clarify things. Watch closely."


    Kai leaned forward, eager to see what the Sect Master would do. The older cultivator closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and began to chant.


    "Grum-bul-lum-bum, kra-ka-thoom..."


    At first, the chant sounded similar to what Kai had been doing. But then, the Sect Master''s voice changed. It cracked like lightning, then rumbled low like distant thunder. The sound rose and fell, sometimes a whisper, sometimes a roar.


    Kai watched as the Sect Master''s throat vibrated visibly. The air around them seemed to thrum with energy.


    When the Sect Master finished, he opened his eyes and looked at Kai. "Do you understand now?"


    Kai nodded slowly. "I think so. It''s not about making a continuous sound. It''s about building and releasing energy, like real thunder does."


    "Precisely," the Sect Master said, looking pleased. "The Meridian of Rolling Thunder isn''t about constant power. It''s about the ability to build, release, and resonate."


    Just like combo moves in a fighting game, Kai thought. It''s not about mashing one button, but about stringing together different actions.


    The Sect Master gestured for Kai to stand. "Now, try it again. Let your voice crack and rumble. Feel the vibrations shift in your throat."


    Kai got to his feet, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. He took a deep breath, centering himself. Okay, let''s do this. Think of it like adjusting audio settings, finding the right balance.


    He began the incantation, this time focusing on varying his tone. He let his voice fluctuate, sometimes high and sharp, sometimes low and rumbling. As he chanted, he paid close attention to the sensations in his throat.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    At first, nothing seemed different. But then, Kai felt a tingling sensation deep in his throat. It grew stronger, spreading outward. Energy built within him, rising and falling like waves.


    Kai''s voice grew stronger, more resonant. The air around him began to vibrate, just as it had for the Sect Master. The tingling in his throat intensified, becoming almost uncomfortable.


    And then, with a sensation like a dam breaking, Kai felt something shift inside him. His voice boomed out, a perfect mimicry of rolling thunder. The sound filled the room, making the walls tremble slightly.


    As the last echoes faded, Kai stood there, breathing heavily. He looked at the Sect Master, who nodded with satisfaction.


    "Well done, Kai. You''ve successfully opened the Meridian of Rolling Thunder."


    A familiar notification popped up in Kai''s vision:


    Congratulations!


    You have successfully opened the Meridian of Rolling Thunder!


    Cultivation returned to Qi Refining Stage 8


    Lightning Affinity increased to 27%


    Skill Leveled Up: Crown of Lightning (Level 3)


    Effect: A temporary, visible aura of lightning can form around the cultivator''s head during meditation, boosting the cultivator''s qi regeneration by 15%.


    Skill Leveled Up: Sky''s Favor (Level 3)


    Effect: The cultivator''s qi absorption rate increases by 15% whenever they are under an open sky, this increases to 20% when under stormy weather.


    Skill Leveled Up: Electric Immunity (Level 3)


    Effect: The cultivator gains 15% resistance to lightning-based attacks, reducing the damage taken from electric or lightning-based techniques.


    New Skill Unlocked: Thunder Voice (Level 1)


    Description: Your voice can now mimic the sound and power of thunder, potentially stunning or intimidating opponents.


    You have gained 400 XP


    "Thank you, Sect Master," Kai said, bowing deeply. "Your demonstration was incredibly helpful. I don''t think I would have figured it out on my own."


    The Sect Master waved off the thanks. "You did the work, Kai. I merely pointed you in the right direction. Remember this lesson - in cultivation, understanding the deeper mechanics is often crucial."


    Kai nodded, filing away the advice. Makes sense. It''s like knowing the underlying game mechanics instead of just button-mashing.


    "Now," the Sect Master continued, "I want you to work on the next three meridians. Try to complete the sixth meridian by our next lesson. If you encounter any difficulties, don''t hesitate to come to me."


    "Yes, Sect Master," Kai replied. "I''ll do my best."


    As Kai turned to leave, the Sect Master spoke once more. "And Kai? Well done today. You show promise."


    Kai bowed again and left the room. As he walked back to his quarters, he couldn''t help but reflect on the lesson.


    Despite his ulterior motives, I have to admit - he''s a damn good teacher.


    Kai shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside for now. He had work to do. Three more meridians to open.


    As he entered his pavilion, Chen Wei jumped to his feet. "Senior Brother! How did your lesson go?"


    Kai smiled at his eager servant. "It went well, Chen Wei. I opened the third meridian."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened. "That''s amazing, Senior Brother! You''re progressing so quickly!"


    If only he knew, Kai thought wryly. I''m actually behind Shen Yu.


    "Thank you, Chen Wei," Kai said aloud. "But I still have a lot of work to do. I need to open three more meridians before my next lesson with the Sect Master."


    Chen Wei nodded enthusiastically. "Is there anything I can do to help, Senior Brother?"


    Kai thought for a moment. "Actually, yes. Could you bring me some food and water? I''ll need to keep up my strength while cultivating."


    "Of course!" Chen Wei exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. "I''ll be right back!"


    As Chen Wei hurried off, Kai sat down on his meditation mat. He pulled out the Heavenly Thunderstorm scroll, unrolling it to the section on the fourth meridian.


    Meridian of the Thunderous Heart


    <ul>


    <li>


    Location: Heart Center


    </li>


    <li>


    Method to Open: "Electric Pulse" - The cultivator places their hands over their heart, focusing on the rhythmic pulse. They must visualize bolts of lightning striking their heart, aligning their heartbeat with the rhythm of thunder.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Kai''s eyes widened as he read the instructions. He let out a low whistle, shaking his head in disbelief.


    "Well, that''s certainly one way to stop my heart," he muttered dryly. "Nothing says ''cultivation'' quite like self-induced cardiac arrest."


    This world''s cultivation methods are insane, Kai thought. This should definitely come with a warning label: ''Caution: May cause death or severe electrocution. Attempt at your own risk.''


    He reread the instructions, trying to wrap his head around the concept. The idea of deliberately visualizing lightning strikes to his heart made him more than a little uneasy.


    "I wonder if there''s a cultivation insurance policy," Kai sighed, a wry smile on his face. "Or maybe a ''lightning strike survivor'' achievement?"

 SEVENTY TWO: Trading

    Kai placed his hands over his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath his palms. Kai began to visualize bolts of lightning striking his heart in time with each pulse.


    At first, nothing seemed to happen. Kai furrowed his brow, concentrating harder. He imagined the lightning growing stronger, more frequent, trying to sync it perfectly with his heartbeat.


    Come on, it''s like timing a combo move. Just got to get the rhythm right...


    A tingling sensation began to spread through his chest. Kai''s hopes rose. Was it working? The tingling intensified, becoming almost uncomfortable. His heart rate increased, thumping harder against his ribs.


    Steady now. Don''t want to overclock the system.


    He tried to maintain the visualization, keeping the lightning strikes in sync with his accelerating pulse. The energy built, and for a moment, Kai thought he had it.


    Then, without warning, the energy dissipated. The tingling faded, leaving Kai feeling slightly out of breath and more than a little disappointed.


    He opened his eyes, sighing as he looked down at the scroll. "Well, that was anticlimactic," he muttered.


    Kai glanced out the window, noting the position of the sun. He''d been at this for hours.


    I should probably take a break. No use burning myself out.


    As he stood up, Kai couldn''t help feeling a twinge of frustration. Part of him had hoped he''d be able to master this technique quickly, like a protagonist unlocking a new skill with ease. But reality, it seemed, had other plans.


    It''s fine. Real cultivation takes time and effort. But I do wish I could use the system to learn it instantaneously¡­


    Kai walked over to his desk, picking up a cup of now-cold tea. He sipped it anyway, grimacing slightly at the bitter taste.


    "Senior Brother?" Chen Wei''s voice called from outside the room. "Are you finished with your cultivation for now?"


    "Come in, Chen Wei," Kai replied, setting down the cup.


    The young servant entered, bowing respectfully. "I brought some fresh fruit and water, in case you needed refreshment."


    Kai smiled. "Thank you. That''s exactly what I need right now."


    As Chen Wei set down the tray, he glanced curiously at the open scroll. "How is your cultivation progressing, Senior Brother?"


    Kai shrugged, picking up an apple from the tray. "Slowly. This new meridian is proving... challenging."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened. "But you''re a Legacy Disciple! Surely it can''t be that difficult for someone of your talent?"


    Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "Talent isn''t everything, Chen Wei. Even the most gifted cultivators have to put in the work." And I''m not exactly working with a cultivator''s background or a prodigy¡¯s talent here.


    "Of course, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said quickly, looking slightly embarrassed. "I didn''t mean to imply... It''s just, well, you''ve progressed so quickly already."


    Kai took a bite of the apple, considering his words carefully. "Progress isn''t always linear. Sometimes you hit roadblocks. The key is to keep pushing forward."


    As Kai finished the apple, his mind was already turning back to the problem at hand. There has to be something I''m missing. Maybe I need to approach this from a different angle...


    He spent the rest of the day alternating between meditation attempts and studying the scroll, searching for any clue he might have overlooked. By nightfall, Kai was no closer to opening the meridian, but he refused to let it discourage him.


    Rome wasn''t built in a day, and I''m not going to become an immortal overnight. Just got to keep grinding.


    ***


    The next few days fell into a similar pattern. Kai would wake early, attempt to open the meridian, study the scroll, then try again. Each failure only strengthened his resolve.


    The Sect Master''s offer of help lingered in the back of his mind, but he pushed it aside. He knew how cultivation worked in this world. Masters didn''t hold their disciples'' hands through every little challenge. They expected you to struggle, to push your limits before you came to them.


    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Besides, Kai mused as he prepared for yet another attempt, I''ve only been at this for a few days.


    On the fourth day, as the sun was setting, Kai sat back on his heels, rubbing his temples. Another unsuccessful attempt. He could feel the energy, could almost grasp it, but something was still... off.


    A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. "Enter," Kai called out.


    Chen Wei stepped in, carrying a tray laden with steaming dishes. The aroma of spiced meat and vegetables filled the room, making Kai''s stomach growl.


    "I thought you might be hungry, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said, setting the tray down on a low table. "You''ve been working so hard, I worried you might forget to eat."


    Kai''s expression softened. "Thank you, Chen Wei. You''re right, I did lose track of time." He moved to sit at the table and noticed Chen Wei hesitating. "Well, don''t just stand there. Take a seat and dig in."


    Chen Wei smiled, visibly relaxing. "Of course, Senior Brother. Thank you." He sat down across from Kai without further prompting.


    As they ate, Kai found his mind wandering to practical matters. I''ve been so focused on cultivation, I haven''t given much thought to my financial situation.


    "Chen Wei," Kai said between bites, "I''ve been meaning to ask you something."


    The young servant looked up attentively. "Yes, Senior Brother?"


    "You mentioned before that your family owns an inn. What other ways does your family earn money?"


    Chen Wei''s eyes lit up at the question. "Oh, we have several ventures! Besides the inn, we have a small trading caravan that travels between towns. My older sister manages a textile shop, and my uncle runs a vineyard just outside the city."


    Kai nodded, impressed by the family''s entrepreneurial spirit. "That''s quite diverse. Smart to have multiple income streams."


    "Father always says not to put all your eggs in one basket," Chen Wei said proudly. Then he looked at Kai curiously. "If you don''t mind me asking, Senior Brother, why are you interested in earning money?"


    Kai leaned back, considering how to answer. "Well, as a Legacy Disciple, I receive a monthly allowance of spirit stones. It''s generous, but not limitless. And in my experience, you can never have too many resources."


    Chen Wei nodded. "Father says the same thing about money. But... what ways can a cultivator earn spirit stones? I mean, aside from sect missions and tournaments."


    Kai grinned. "That''s exactly what I was going to ask you. Any ideas?"


    Chen Wei''s brow furrowed in thought. "Well... I''ve heard some cultivators take on disciples or offer tutoring services. Others sell talismans or pills they''ve crafted. And some even act as mercenaries or guards for merchant caravans."


    "Interesting options," Kai mused. Tutoring could work, but it might take time away from my own cultivation. Talisman crafting sounds promising, but I''d need to learn the skill first. And mercenary work... probably not the best idea while I''m still in the Qi Refining stage. Also, leaving the sect would just put me in unnecessary danger.


    "What about trading?" Kai asked. "I remember you mentioning your family has some experience with that."


    Chen Wei nodded enthusiastically. "Oh yes! Trading can be very profitable. Some cultivators specialize in finding rare herbs or minerals and selling them to sects or other cultivators. Others buy goods in one town and sell them for a profit in another."


    Kai''s eyes lit up. Now that sounds promising. Buy low, sell high, and take advantage of market inefficiencies.


    "Chen Wei," Kai said, leaning forward, "I think I''ve found my side business. How would you like to help me start a small trading operation?"


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened. "Me? But... I don''t know much about trading, Senior Brother. I''ve only heard stories from my family."


    "That''s more experience than I have. And you''ve got good instincts. I think your perspective could be valuable in this."


    Chen Wei fidgeted nervously. "I... I''d be honored to help, Senior Brother.¡±


    Kai nodded, pleased. "Excellent. Now, let''s start brainstorming. What goods do you think would be in high demand among cultivators?"


    As they discussed potential products and markets, Kai found himself impressed by Chen Wei''s knowledge. The young servant might not have direct experience, but he''d clearly been paying attention to his family''s business discussions.


    "You know," Kai said after a particularly insightful suggestion from Chen Wei, "you deserve more than just a servant''s wage for this kind of work. How about I give you a percentage of the profits?"


    "Oh no, Senior Brother! I couldn''t possibly... This is my job as your servant. I already receive ten low-grade spirit stones a week, which is more than generous."


    Kai shook his head firmly. "Chen Wei, you''re a Stage 7 Qi Refining cultivator. You''ll need more resources than that if you want to break through to the next level and enter the Inner Sect someday."


    Chen Wei hesitated, clearly torn between his sense of duty and the opportunity being offered. "Well... if you insist, Senior Brother. But really, even five percent would be more than enough."


    "Ten percent," Kai countered.


    Chen Wei''s jaw dropped. "Ten percent? But that''s... that''s too much, Senior Brother!"


    Kai smiled. I would have gone up to twenty-five or even thirty-three percent, but if he''s happy with ten, who am I to argue?


    "It''s settled then," Kai said. "Ten percent of the profits will go to you. Consider it an investment in your future, Chen Wei. The stronger you become, the more you can help me in return."


    Chen Wei bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior Brother. I... I don''t know what to say."


    "You don''t need to say anything," Kai replied. "Just keep up the good work. Now, let''s start planning our first venture. I''m thinking we should start small, maybe with some common cultivation resources that are always in demand..."


    As they delved into the details of their new business plan, Kai felt a sense of satisfaction. This is a good start. Extra income, a loyal helper, and a chance to learn more about this world''s economy. It''s like setting up a gold farming operation.


    The rest of the evening flew by as they refined their plans. By the time they finished, Kai had a clear idea of their first steps.


    "Alright, Chen Wei," Kai said as they wrapped up. "Tomorrow, I want you to start gathering information. Find out what cultivation resources are in highest demand right now, and who the main suppliers are. Don''t make any purchases yet, just scout the market."


    Chen Wei nodded eagerly. "Yes, Senior Brother! I''ll visit the sect''s trading area and ask around discreetly."


    "Good," Kai said. "And remember, we''re starting small. We don''t want to draw too much attention right away."

 SEVENTY THREE: Trident Guild

    The morning sun filtered through the window as Kai sat cross-legged on the floor, his eyes closed in deep meditation. A faint crackling sound filled the air, and anyone who entered the room would have seen an unusual sight - a crown of lightning dancing above Kai''s head.


    As he focused on his cultivation, Kai could feel the electric energy coursing through his body. With each breath, the lightning grew stronger, more controlled.


    After an hour of meditation, Kai opened his eyes and stretched. The crown of lightning faded away, leaving behind a slight tingling sensation on his scalp.


    Another day, another meditation session, and still no progress on opening the next meridian.


    He glanced at the door, expecting Chen Wei to return any moment with information about trading opportunities in the sect. While he waited, Kai''s mind turned to his plans for the future.


    Once we have enough capital from trading, I should think about forming a guild. It''s not typical in this world, but it could give us a real advantage.


    Kai knew that in most xianxia stories, cultivators preferred to work alone. Cultivation was often portrayed as a solitary journey, with practitioners seeking enlightenment through isolation and personal trials.


    But in other fantasy worlds, people group together in guilds all the time. Mage guilds, warrior guilds... why not a cultivator guild?


    He began to list the potential benefits in his mind:


    <ul>


    <li>Earning spirit stones without leaving the sect</li>


    <li>Reducing personal danger</li>


    <li>Pooling resources and knowledge</li>


    <li>Creating a support network</li>


    </ul>


    And as we grow stronger, we could become a real powerhouse within the sect. Right now, we''re just Qi Refining cultivators - no threat to the current power structure. But once we reach higher realms like Nascent Soul... we''d have some serious weight to throw around.


    Kai already had a small group forming around him - Liu Wei, Zhi-Zhi, and Chen Wei. But he knew it wasn''t enough to form a proper guild yet.


    I wonder if the system will even let me form a guild. It''s worth checking.


    System, is it possible to form a guild with my followers?


    A translucent blue window appeared before him.


    Guild Creation Available.


    Would you like to proceed?


    Kai''s eyes lit up. "Yes!"


    Congratulations!


    You have initiated guild creation.


    Please choose a name for your guild.


    Kai paused, considering. His first instinct was to call it the Gamer Guild, but he quickly dismissed that idea.


    That would be way too obvious, he chided himself. If there are other isekai protagonists in this world, I''d be painting a target on my back. Gotta be smarter than that.


    He pondered for a few moments, running through various cool-sounding names in his head. Then his eyes fell on the strange trident-shaped mark on his hand.


    The Trident Guild. That could work. It''s mysterious enough to sound cool, but doesn''t give away any of my secrets.


    Guild Name Confirmed: The Trident Guild


    Guild Leader: Kai Thorn


    Guild Members: 0


    Kai frowned at the last line. Zero members? But what about Liu Wei, Zhi-Zhi, and Chen Wei?


    As if sensing his confusion, another message appeared:


    To add members to your guild, you must formally invite them and they must accept. Current relationships do not automatically translate to guild membership.


    "Ah," Kai murmured. "That makes sense. Can''t have people joining without their knowledge."


    I''ll be the leader, obviously. Chen Wei and Liu Wei can compete for the second-in-command spot ¨C a little friendly rivalry never hurt anyone. And Zhi-Zhi... well, every respectable guild needs a mascot, right?


    He made a mental note to speak with his followers as soon as possible. The sooner he could get them officially on board, the better.


    Would you like to view the Guild Management interface?


    Y/N


    "Yes," Kai replied, eager to learn more about this new feature.


    A complex diagram appeared before him, filled with various tabs and options. Kai''s eyes darted from one section to another, taking in as much information as he could.


    There were sections for member management, resource allocation, mission assignments, and even an internal ranking system. One particular feature caught Kai''s attention: a loyalty meter for each member.


    Interesting, Kai thought. This could be useful for keeping track of potential problems.


    As he delved deeper into the interface, Kai found options for setting guild rules, establishing a headquarters, and even creating specialized roles for members.


    This is perfect. With this system, I can run the guild like a well-oiled machine. Everyone will have their place, their purpose.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    He spent the next hour exploring the guild interface, making mental notes of the most important features. By the time he finished, Kai felt confident that he had a solid grasp of how to manage his fledgling organization.


    Now I just need to convince the others to join. Liu Wei should be easy enough. Chen Wei too, given our new business arrangement. Zhi-Zhi might be trickier, but I''m sure I can find a way to appeal to that little troublemaker.


    As Kai closed the guild interface, he heard footsteps approaching his door. He quickly composed himself, adopting a casual pose as he waited for the knock.


    That must be Chen Wei. Time to see what he''s learned about the market.


    ¡°Enter.¡±


    The door opened, and Chen Wei stepped in, looking slightly out of breath but excited.


    "Senior Brother," Chen Wei said with a bow. "I''ve returned with the information you requested."


    Kai nodded, gesturing for Chen Wei to sit. "Excellent. Tell me what you''ve learned about the trading opportunities in the sect."


    Chen Wei sat down across from Kai, pulling out a small notebook. "I visited the sect''s trading area and spoke with several merchants and fellow disciples. I tried to be discreet, as you instructed."


    "Good," Kai said. "What did you find out?"


    Chen Wei flipped open his notebook. "The most in-demand cultivation resources right now are spirit herbs, particularly those used for breakthrough pills. There''s also a high demand for low-grade spirit stones and basic talismans."


    "Any specific herbs that stand out?"


    "Yes," Chen Wei nodded enthusiastically. "Cloud Grass and Starfire Root are especially sought after. They''re key ingredients in pills that help cultivators break through to the Foundation Establishment realm."


    That makes sense. Lots of disciples are probably stuck at the bottleneck between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment. Hmm, should I go the typical protagonist route and become an alchemist? With the system, it shouldn''t be too hard to learn...


    "What about the suppliers?" Kai asked. "Who are the main players in the market?"


    Chen Wei consulted his notes again. "There are three major suppliers of spirit herbs within the sect. The largest is run by Elder Bao of the Alchemist Division. The other two are smaller operations run by Core Disciples."


    "And the spirit stones and talismans?"


    "Spirit stones are mainly supplied by the sect itself," Chen Wei explained. "But there''s always a demand for more, especially among outer sect disciples. As for talismans, there are several small-scale producers, but no dominant supplier."


    Interesting. There might be an opportunity there. Especially since I¡¯m interested in formations and talismans.


    "Good work, Chen Wei," Kai said, genuinely impressed by the young man''s thoroughness. "This is exactly the kind of information we needed."


    "Thank you, Senior Brother. I''m glad I could help. What''s our next move?"


    Kai leaned back, considering their options. "We need to start small, as we discussed. I don¡¯t know enough about talismans so I think our best bet is to focus on spirit herbs for now. We can buy them from outside suppliers and sell them within the sect at a markup."


    And once we earn enough spirit stones, I can buy some alchemy skill scrolls. Then we won''t need external suppliers anymore.


    "But won''t we be competing with Elder Bao and the other suppliers?" Chen Wei asked, looking worried.


    Kai grinned. "That''s the beauty of it. We''re not going to compete directly. We''re going to find a niche."


    Chen Wei looked confused. "A niche?"


    "A specific market segment that isn''t being served well by the current suppliers," Kai explained. "For example, we could focus on providing small quantities of herbs to outer sect disciples who can''t afford to buy in bulk from the bigger suppliers."


    Understanding dawned on Chen Wei''s face. "Oh! Like how my family''s inn caters to travelers who can''t afford the fancy inns in the city center?"


    "Exactly," Kai nodded. "We''ll start small, build a reputation for reliability and fair prices, and then expand from there."


    "That''s brilliant, Senior Brother! When do we start?"


    Kai held up a hand. "Not so fast. We need to do more research first. I want you to go back to the trading area tomorrow and gather more specific information. Find out exact prices for Cloud Grass and Starfire Root from different suppliers. Also, talk to some outer sect disciples and see how much they typically spend on cultivation resources each month."


    Once we have that information, we can start sourcing from external suppliers. And when we''ve built up enough capital, I''ll invest in those alchemy skills. It''s a long-term strategy, but it should pay off big time.


    Chen Wei nodded eagerly, jotting down notes. "I''ll do that first thing in the morning, Senior Brother."


    "Good," Kai said. Then he paused, considering his next words carefully. "Chen Wei, there''s something else I wanted to discuss with you."


    The young servant looked up, curious. "Yes, Senior Brother?"


    Kai took a deep breath. Time to recruit my first guild member¡­

 SEVENTY FOUR: The First Guild Member

    Kai leaned back, considering how to explain the concept of a guild to Chen Wei. He didn''t know if they used that word in this world, so he decided to use a term more familiar in this setting.


    "Chen Wei," Kai began, "I''m starting my own faction within the sect."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened. "A faction, Senior Brother? But you''re already a Legacy Disciple. Why would you need a faction?"


    Kai smiled. "Being a Legacy Disciple is great, but it''s also isolating. I think we can accomplish more if we work together as a team."


    "I see," Chen Wei nodded slowly. "And what would this faction do, exactly?"


    "Well," Kai said, "we''d support each other in our cultivation, share resources, and take on missions together. It''s about pooling our strengths and covering each other''s weaknesses."


    Chen Wei looked intrigued. "That does sound beneficial. But won''t the sect elders disapprove?"


    Kai shook his head. "Not if we do it right. We''re not going against the sect, we''re just organizing ourselves to be more effective within it. Think of it as... a study group, but for cultivation."


    "I understand," Chen Wei said. "And you¡­you want me to be part of this faction?"


    "Exactly," Kai nodded. "You''d be one of the founding members. But before you decide, let me explain the rules I''ve come up with."


    As Kai spoke, he noticed blue text appearing in his vision.


    Guild Rules Added:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Loyalty to the guild and its members


    </li>


    <li>


    Share information beneficial to the guild


    </li>


    <li>


    Assist other members when possible


    </li>


    <li>


    Keep guild matters confidential


    </li>


    <li>


    Contribute a portion of personal gains to guild resources


    </li>


    <li>


    Do not harm other guild members


    </li>


    </ul>


    Betrayal of guild rules will result in the Guild Leader being notified.


    Kai blinked, surprised at how the system was integrating his impromptu rules. Well, that''s convenient. I guess I''m on the right track.


    "Those sound like reasonable rules, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said. "But what will you call this faction?"


    Kai grinned. "I''m calling it the Trident Guild."


    Chen Wei''s eyes lit up with recognition. "Guild? Ah, like the Merchant''s Guild in the city or the Alchemist''s Guild in the sect? That''s a clever choice, Senior Brother."


    It''s a common term here after all. I definitely should have known that if I wasn¡¯t so obsessed with just cultivating. Well anyway, that makes things much easier.


    "Exactly. I thought it would be fitting for our group. It has a certain... professional ring to it, don''t you think?"


    Chen Wei nodded. "Indeed, Senior Brother. It sounds very official and respectable."


    Using a familiar term will make our guild seem more legitimate to others in the sect. And it reduces the risk of standing out to any potential isekai protagonists who might be around.


    "I''m glad you approve, Chen Wei," Kai said with a smile. "The Trident Guild has a nice ring to it, doesn''t it?"


    ¡°Yes, Senior Brother,¡± Chen Wei nodded.


    "So¡­," Kai said, "would you like to join the Trident Guild?"


    Chen Wei stood up and bowed deeply. "It would be my honor, Senior Brother."


    Chen Wei has accepted the guild invitation. Where would you like to place the Trident Mark on his body to show allegiance?


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Kai blinked, taken aback by the sudden message. A mark? I didn''t expect this. Is it just to show allegiance, or does it have special abilities like my own?


    "Chen Wei," Kai said, trying to keep his excitement in check, "as a member of the Trident Guild, you''ll receive a special mark. Where would you like it placed?"


    Chen Wei looked startled. "A mark? Like... a tattoo?"


    "Not exactly," Kai said, though he wasn''t entirely sure. "It''s more of a spiritual imprint, I believe. It won''t be visible to others unless you choose to reveal it."


    At least, I hope that''s how it works. I should probably check the details before we proceed.


    "System," Kai thought, "can you give me more information about this mark?"


    The Trident Mark serves multiple purposes:


    <ul>


    <li>


    It identifies guild members to each other.


    </li>


    <li>


    Guild members can communicate with each other from a distance


    </li>


    <li>


    Members can use credits earned through missions to activate the mark''s powers at a limited degree.


    </li>


    <li>


    The mark will be visible to non-guild members when its abilities are in use


    </li>


    </ul>


    Kai''s eyes widened. This... this is huge. My guild members could potentially condense Qi like me, or even... respawn after death?


    "Chen Wei," Kai said, trying to keep his voice calm, "the mark is more significant than I initially realized. It will grant you access to special abilities as you complete tasks for the guild. Think of it as... a cultivation aid."


    Chen Wei''s eyes lit up. "Really? That''s amazing! In that case, I''d be honored to bear the mark. But where do you think it should go, Senior Brother?"


    Kai considered for a moment. "How about on your right shoulder blade? It''s easy to conceal but also accessible if needed."


    Chen Wei nodded. "That sounds perfect."


    Kai stood up and placed his hand on Chen Wei''s right shoulder blade. He felt a brief surge of energy, and Chen Wei gasped.


    "Did you feel that?" Kai asked.


    Chen Wei nodded, his eyes wide. "Yes, it was... warm. And it felt like... like a surge of power?¡±


    Kai smiled. "Good. That means it worked. Now, Chen Wei, I need you to do something for me. Can you go find Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi and bring them here? It''s time to invite them into the guild as well."


    Chen Wei bowed. "Of course, Senior Brother. I''ll find them right away." He turned and left the room.


    As the door closed behind Chen Wei, Kai let out a long breath. That went better than I expected. Now, let''s see what else this guild system can do.


    Guild members who die and have enough credits to respawn will reappear at the location of the Guild Leader.


    Kai nodded to himself. That''s incredibly convenient, especially if someone gets killed in a place where they''re stuck. It''s like having a mobile respawn point.


    He opened his map function and noticed a new feature. Chen Wei''s location was now visible as a small blue dot.


    Interesting. So, I can always see where my guild members are. And... wait, is that...?


    Kai noticed another dot on the map, this one gold in color. He zoomed in and saw it was labeled "Sect Master."


    Oh yeah, since the tea ceremony, I could see the Sect Master''s location too. With how strange he¡¯s been acting, at least I''ll know if he''s nearby or following me. But then again if he''s spying from far away with some Enlightenment level technique, I won''t know so I still need to keep my guard up.


    Kai sat down, he began to plan out potential missions and ways to earn credits for his guild members.


    We''ll need to start small. Maybe some gathering missions in the nearby forest? Or we could offer our services to other disciples for a fee. As we build up our reputation and resources, we can take on bigger challenges.


    He thought about the trading operation he and Chen Wei had discussed earlier. That could be our first big guild project. We''ll use our combined knowledge and resources to corner the market on certain cultivation supplies.


    It''s like setting up a player-run economy in an MMO. Find the most in-demand items, control the supply, and watch the profits roll in.


    He began jotting down ideas in a notebook, occasionally glancing at the map to check Chen Wei''s progress. The blue dot representing his first guild member was moving quickly through the sect compound.


    Kai paused in his writing, a new thought occurring to him. I should probably come up with some sort of initiation ceremony. Nothing too elaborate, but something to make new members feel like they''re part of something special.


    He began sketching out ideas for a simple ritual. Maybe a recitation of the guild rules, followed by a symbolic gesture... like clasping hands over the Trident Mark? Which might be a little difficult for Chen Wei¡­And we could have special robes or accessories for guild members to wear during meetings.


    Kai chuckled to himself. Look at me, getting all caught up in the details. But that''s what makes a good guild leader, right? Attention to detail and planning for every contingency. Not only that but humans love to feel part of a group, even if these humans could collapse a mountain with a thought.


    He turned his attention back to the guild interface, exploring the various menus and options available to him as the guild leader.


    Guild Management Options:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Member Rankings


    </li>


    <li>


    Mission Assignment


    </li>


    <li>


    Resource Allocation


    </li>


    </ul>


    Kai was so engrossed in his planning that he almost missed the sound of footsteps approaching his door. He quickly closed the guild interface and composed himself, trying to look casual as he waited for the knock.


    Here we go. Time to expand the Trident Guild.


    The door opened, and Chen Wei stepped in, followed by Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi. Liu Wei looked curious, while Zhi-Zhi was perched on Liu Wei''s shoulder.


    "Senior Brother," Chen Wei said with a bow, "I''ve brought Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi as you requested."


    Kai nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Excellent work, Chen Wei. Please, everyone, come in and make yourselves comfortable. We have much to discuss."


    This is it. The real beginning of the Trident Guild. Time to see if I can turn this ragtag group into a force to be reckoned with. Let the recruitment begin!

 SEVENTY FIVE: Recruitment Time

    As they settled into seats, Kai took a moment to observe them. Liu Wei seemed more confident than before, his posture straighter and his eyes clearer. Zhi-Zhi, on the other hand, appeared less boastful than even the last time Kai saw him in the canteen.


    Interesting character development. Time to gather some intel.


    "So," Kai began, his tone casual, "how have you both been? It''s been a while since we last spoke."


    Liu Wei bowed his head slightly. "It''s been... an adjustment, Master. My new¡­master, Elder Jiang, is strict but fair. The training has been difficult, but..." He paused, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "I''ve managed to break through to the fifth stage of Qi Refining."


    Kai''s eyebrows rose slightly. "That''s impressive, Liu Wei. Congratulations."


    Liu Wei


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 5


    Qi: 100/100


    Strength: 33


    Agility: 34


    Endurance: 32


    Intelligence: 15


    Wisdom: 12


    Loyalty: 80/100


    Elemental Affinities:


    ? Wind: 20%


    ? Water: 15%


    Skills:


    ? Basic Qi Gathering technique (Level 1)


    ? The Wind Rider''s Path (Level 2)


    ? Wind Step (Level 2)


    ? Stealth (Level 2)


    ? Lockpicking (Level 2)


    ? Dagger Proficiency (Level 2)


    The system''s information confirmed Liu Wei''s words. Kai''s eyes lingered on the "Wind Rider''s Path" skill.


    I¡¯m glad Liu Wei has now got a real cultivation method.


    "Your new master seems to be teaching you well," Kai said, nodding approvingly. "The Wind Rider''s Path is a respected cultivation method."


    ¡°How did you know¡­,¡±Liu Wei''s eyes widened slightly. "Are you familiar with it, Master?"


    Kai smiled enigmatically. "Something like that."


    Turning his attention to Zhi-Zhi, Kai asked, "And what about you, little one? How have you been faring with your new master?"


    To Kai''s surprise, Zhi-Zhi didn''t immediately launch into a boastful tirade. Instead, the spirit beast''s eyes shone with admiration as he spoke.


    "Master Cang Long is amazing!" Zhi-Zhi exclaimed. "He''s so wise and powerful. Did you know he can create entire islands with his Qi? And he''s teaching me all sorts of techniques. Like how to reinforce my shell with spiritual energy, and how to..."


    As Zhi-Zhi continued to share his master''s virtues, Kai found himself smiling. The little tortoise''s character seemed to have undergone quite a transformation.


    Looks like Zhi-Zhi found a role model. That''s good. A mentor figure will help temper that ego of his.


    After letting Zhi-Zhi ramble for a few more moments, Kai gently cut in. "I''m glad to hear you''re both progressing well. Actually, that''s part of why I asked Chen Wei to bring you here today."


    Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi fell silent, their attention fully on Kai.


    Kai quickly summarized his plan to form a guild within the sect, explaining the benefits of working together and supporting each other. He emphasized how it would allow them to share resources, take on missions as a team, and combine their strengths.


    "What kind of benefits are we talking about?" Zhi-Zhi asked.


    Always looking out for number one, eh? Kai thought, amused. Some things never change.


    "Well," Kai said, "for starters, members of the guild would have access to a unique form of communication. It''s similar to spiritual transmission, but distance isn''t an issue. You''d be able to contact any guild member, anywhere, at any time."


    Liu Wei''s eyes widened. "That''s... impressive. How is that possible?"


    Kai smiled mysteriously. "Let''s just say it''s a special technique I''ve developed. But that''s not all. You''ve all seen my Qi condensing ability, right?"


    They nodded, and Kai held out his hand. With a thought, he condensed his Qi into a small, glowing hammer. The others leaned in, fascinated.


    "If you complete enough missions for the guild," Kai continued, "you''ll gain the ability to use this technique as well."


    Liu Wei gasped softly. "Really? But... how?"


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Kai dispelled the Qi construct. "It''s part of the guild''s... let''s call it a cultivation secret. The more you contribute to the guild, the more you''ll be able to tap into this power.¡±


    The room fell silent for a moment as Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi processed this information. Then, chaos erupted.


    "What? Really?" Liu Wei exclaimed, leaping to his feet. "Master, that''s... that''s incredible! With an ability like that, I could..."


    "I could create an impenetrable fortress!" Zhi-Zhi interrupted, his eyes gleaming. "No, a floating island! No, wait, a¡ª"


    "Calm down, both of you," Kai said, holding up his hands. "Remember, you''ll need to earn this ability through hard work and dedication to the guild."


    As Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi continued to chatter excitedly about the possibilities, Kai noticed Chen Wei''s more subdued reaction. Right, he hasn''t seen me use this ability much. I''ll need to make sure he understands its value too.


    Kai cleared his throat, regaining everyone''s attention. "So, would you like to join?¡±


    Liu Wei was quiet for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then he nodded, a small smile on his face. "I''d be honored. To be honest, I''ve... missed having you as my master. This feels right."


    Kai felt a warmth in his chest at Liu Wei''s words. Loyalty is a rare and valuable thing in this world, he thought. I''m glad I chose to bring Liu Wei with me.


    "Thank you, Liu Wei, I''m glad to have you on board."


    He turned to Zhi-Zhi. "And what''s your decision?"


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up his chest, trying to look important. "Well, I''ll have to think about it. After all, I''m quite busy with my own training, and Master Cang Long might not approve of..."


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "I see. Well, if you''re not interested, that''s fine. This is a limited-time offer, after all. I''m sure we can find another spirit beast to join in your place."


    "Wait!" Zhi-Zhi exclaimed, his facade crumbling. "I... I accept! I want to join the guild!"


    Kai struggled to keep a straight face. Zhi-Zhi is still as predictable as ever.


    "Excellent," Kai said, smiling. "Welcome to the Trident Guild, both of you."


    Liu Wei tilted his head. "The Trident Guild?"


    "Yes, that''s the name I''ve chosen for our faction,¡± Kai answered as he looked at the mark on his right wrist. ¡°Now, there''s one more thing we need to do to make your membership official. Each guild member receives a special mark. It''s what allows for the long-distance communication I mentioned, and will eventually grant you access to the Qi condensing ability."


    He held up a hand to forestall any questions. "Don''t worry, it''s not visible unless you choose to reveal it. But I do need to know where you''d like the mark placed."


    Liu Wei considered for a moment. "Could I have it on my right forearm?"


    Kai nodded. "Of course. Zhi-Zhi?"


    The spirit tortoise hesitated. "Um... can it go on my shell? Or would that not work?"


    "Your shell is fine," Kai assured him. "The mark is spiritual in nature, so it will work regardless of where it''s placed."


    With their choices made, Kai approached Liu Wei first. He placed his hand on the former bandit''s right forearm, channeling a small amount of Qi. Liu Wei gasped as a faint, trident-shaped mark appeared briefly before fading from view.


    New guild member added: Liu Wei


    Kai smiled at the system message, then moved to Zhi-Zhi. He placed his hand on the spirit tortoise''s shell, repeating the process.


    New guild member added: Zhi-Zhi


    "There," Kai said, stepping back. "It''s done. You''re now officially members of the Trident Guild."


    Liu Wei rubbed his forearm, a look of wonder on his face. "I can feel it. It''s like... a warm presence."


    Zhi-Zhi was twisting his neck, trying to see the mark on his shell. "Does this mean I can talk to you whenever I want now?"


    Kai nodded. "That''s right. Just focus on the mark and think of who you want to communicate with. It might take some practice at first, but you''ll get the hang of it."


    As the others experimented with their new ability, Kai''s mind turned to the more serious matters at hand. Now comes the tricky part. How much should I tell them about the guild''s true capabilities?


    He thought about the respawn ability, the ace up his sleeve that had saved his life more than once. It was tempting to share this information with his guild members, to assure them that they had a safety net.


    But I can''t tell them about the respawn ability. If the sect found out, they''d never let me leave. They''d probably lock me up and use me as some kind of resurrection machine.


    Kai made his decision. Better to keep that ability hidden for now. I can always reveal it later if absolutely necessary.


    Your request to hide the respawn ability from guild members has been granted. You will have the option to respawn fallen members if they have sufficient credits.


    Perfect. That gives me some flexibility without revealing too much.


    "There''s one more thing you should know about the guild marks," Kai said, his tone serious. "They have... a protective quality. If you''re ever in mortal danger, the mark will activate and try to save you. I can''t say more than that right now, but know that being part of this guild means you have an extra layer of security."


    The others nodded, looking both intrigued and slightly confused.


    That should be enough to hint at the respawn ability without giving too much away. If the worst happens and I need to use it, I can come up with an explanation then.


    "Now," Kai said, clapping his hands together, "let''s talk about our first guild activity."


    The others leaned in, eager to hear more.


    "We''re going to start a trading operation," Kai explained. "Nothing too big at first, but with the potential to grow into something significant."


    He outlined the plan he and Chen Wei had discussed earlier, explaining how they would focus on supplying cultivation resources to outer sect disciples who couldn''t afford to buy in bulk from the larger suppliers.


    "Each of you will have a role to play," Kai continued. "Chen Wei has been gathering information on the current market. Tomorrow, he''ll share what he''s learned, and we''ll start putting our plan into action."


    Liu Wei nodded thoughtfully. "This could work well, Master. My time with the bandits taught me a lot about supply and demand. I could help identify potential customers and negotiate deals."


    "Excellent idea, Liu Wei. You can help Chen Wei with that."


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up his chest. "And what about me? What''s my role in this grand plan?"


    Kai smiled. "You, Zhi-Zhi, have perhaps the most important role of all. You''ll be our scout and our secret weapon."


    The spirit tortoise''s eyes widened. "Secret weapon?"


    Kai nodded. "That''s right. Your small size and ability to hide in your shell make you perfect for gathering information unnoticed. And if anyone tries to cheat us or cause trouble, well... they certainly won''t be expecting a Qi Refining Stage 9 spirit beast to pop out and teach them a lesson, will they?"


    Zhi-Zhi''s chest swelled with pride. "No, they certainly won''t! I''ll show them the might of a Spiritual Tortoise!"


    And there''s the Zhi-Zhi we know and love, Kai thought, amused. At least now his boasting might actually be useful.


    "Remember," Kai cautioned, "this operation needs to start small and grow naturally. We don''t want to draw too much attention too quickly. The goal is to build a stable, profitable enterprise that will benefit all of us in the long run."


    The others nodded their understanding.


    "Good," Kai said. "Now, let''s go over the specifics of what we''ll be trading and how we''ll structure our operation..."


    An hour later, the meeting began to wind down, Kai could see the wheels turning in each of his guild members'' heads. Liu Wei was already muttering to himself about potential information sources, while Zhi-Zhi was listing off offensive techniques under his breath. Chen Wei was scribbling notes in a small book, probably planning out tomorrow''s market research.


    This is a good start. We''ve got a solid core group, each with their own strengths. Now we just need to execute our plan.


    "Alright," Kai said, drawing everyone''s attention once more. "We''ll meet again tomorrow evening to discuss Chen Wei''s findings and plan our first trades.¡±


    The others nodded as they filed out of the room.


    Once he was alone, Kai pulled up his guild management interface.


    Trident Guild Status


    Members: 4


    Guild Level: 1


    Available Missions: 0


    Guild Funds: 0 spirit stones


    Not much to look at yet. But every guild has to start somewhere. We''ll build this up, step by step.

 SEVENTY SIX: Change of Plans

    Kai sat cross-legged on his cultivation pillow, eyes closed in deep concentration. A crown of lightning danced above his head. As he focused, a charge of lightning began to surround his chest, pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat.


    Almost there, Kai thought, maintaining his focus. Just need to sync the lightning with my pulse.


    He visualized bolts of lightning striking his heart, aligning each strike with the steady thump-thump of his heartbeat. The energy built, growing more intense with each passing moment.


    Suddenly, Kai felt a shift within his body. His eyes snapped open. It had worked. A smile spread across his face as he looked down at the scroll beside him.


    Meridian of the Thunderous Heart


    <ul>


    <li>Location: Heart Center</li>


    <li>Method to Open: "Electric Pulse" - The cultivator places their hands over their heart, focusing on the rhythmic pulse. They must visualize bolts of lightning striking their heart, aligning their heartbeat with the rhythm of thunder.</li>


    </ul>


    I did it. Another meridian opened.


    As if on cue, a series of blue windows appeared before him:


    Congratulations!


    You have successfully opened the Meridian of Thunderous Heart!


    Cultivation returned to Qi Refining Stage 8


    Lightning Affinity increased to 30%


    Skill Leveled Up: Crown of Lightning (Level 4) Effect: A temporary, visible aura of lightning can form around the cultivator''s head during meditation, boosting the cultivator''s qi regeneration by 20%.


    Skill Leveled Up: Sky''s Favor (Level 4) Effect: The cultivator''s qi absorption rate increases by 20% whenever they are under an open sky, increases by 25% during stormy weather.


    Skill Leveled Up: Electric Immunity (Level 4) Effect: The cultivator gains 20% resistance to lightning-based attacks, reducing the damage taken from electric or lightning-based techniques.


    New Skill: Heart of Thunder (Level 1)


    Description: Unleash a powerful, thunderous shockwave from their heart, stunning and damaging nearby enemies while providing a surge of protective energy for 10 seconds to allies within the radius.


    You have gained 400 XP!


    Not bad. The Heart of Thunder skill seems pretty useful. It''s like an AOE stun with a party buff. Could come in handy if I ever need to protect the others during a group battle.


    As he put the scroll away, Kai felt a sense of satisfaction. Opening meridians was never easy, he knew the difficulty would only increase as he continued, but he was getting better at it.


    Just glad I finally cracked this one. The lightning cultivation method is working well for me.


    He stood up, stretching his arms above his head. Now, time to check on the others and see what info Chen Wei managed to gather.


    As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door.


    "Come in," Kai called out.


    The door opened, revealing Chen Wei, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi. They filed into the room, taking seats around Kai.


    "Senior Brother," Chen Wei said with a bow. "I''ve gathered the information you requested."


    Kai nodded. "Excellent. Let''s hear it."


    Chen Wei pulled out his small notebook and began to read. "I''ve collected data on the exact prices for Cloud Grass and Starfire Root from various suppliers outside the sect. Each bundle contains 30 of either material. The prices range from 50 to 80 spirit stones per bundle, depending on quality and quantity."


    "Good start," Kai said. "What about the outer sect disciples? How much do they typically spend on cultivation resources?"


    "On average, outer sect disciples spend between 10 to 50 spirit stones per month on cultivation resources," Chen Wei replied. "This varies based on their cultivation level and personal wealth, of course."


    Interesting, Outer Disciples get a stipend of 10 spirit stones a month, but they need more than that just to continue cultivating, Kai nodded, remembering seeing the Outer Disciples were always busy with one manual job or another.


    Liu Wei leaned forward. "That''s quite a range. Did you notice any patterns in their spending habits?"


    Chen Wei nodded. "Yes, actually. Those closer to breaking through to the next stage tend to spend more, often pushing their budgets to the limit."


    That''s a potential market we could tap into but that might not be enough. Hmm, I think I have a better idea¡­


    "What about Qi Gathering pills?" Kai asked. "What''s the current market price for those?"


    Chen Wei consulted his notes. "Low grade Qi Gathering pills sell for about 30 spirit stones each in the sect''s market. However, I also looked into the materials needed to make them."


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what did you find?"


    "The main ingredients are Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and Qi Crystals," Chen Wei explained. "If bought separately, these materials cost about 15 spirit stones total per pill."


    Half the price¡­If we could make our own, we''d double our profit margin.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "Did you look into alchemy at all?" Kai asked.


    Chen Wei nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Senior Brother. I gathered information on the different levels of alchemy and alchemists. There are five main levels: Novice, Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, and Grandmaster."


    "And the cost of basic alchemy skill scrolls?" Kai pressed.


    "A basic Novice-level alchemy guide scroll costs about 500 spirit stones," Chen Wei replied.


    That''s half of my current funds. But it could be a worthwhile investment.


    "What do you all think?" Kai asked, looking around at his guild members. "Should we stick with trading Cloud Grass and Starfire Root, or should we consider making our own Qi Gathering pills?"


    Liu Wei spoke up first. "Making our own pills could be more profitable in the long run, but it would require a larger initial investment. Plus, we''d need to ensure our quality matches or exceeds what''s currently on the market."


    "I say we make the pills!¡± Zhi-Zhi grinned.


    "Chen Wei, what''s your opinion?" Kai asked.


    Chen Wei hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I believe making our own pills could be very profitable, Senior Brother. However, it would require more time and effort than simply trading existing goods. We''d need to factor in the time spent on learning to produce pills."


    He''s right. Time is a resource too, especially in cultivation. However, since the scroll would belong to me, it wouldn¡¯t matter if it disappeared so I could learn it instantaneously.


    After a moment of consideration, Kai made his decision. "Alright, here''s what we''re going to do. We''re going to start by making our own Qi Gathering pills."


    "Really?" Liu Wei asked, looking surprised. "Are you sure, Master?"


    Kai nodded. "Yes. It''s a bigger risk, but also a bigger potential reward. Plus, it gives us more control over our product."


    "Excellent choice!" Zhi-Zhi exclaimed. "I knew you''d see the wisdom in it!"


    More like I saw the profit margin, Kai thought wryly.


    "Chen Wei," Kai continued, "I need you to go outside the sect and purchase the materials we need for the pills. Take Zhi-Zhi with you."


    Chen Wei bowed. "Of course, Senior Brother. How many spirit stones should I take for the purchases?"


    Kai did some quick mental math and brought out some spirit stones from his inventory. "Take 300 spirit stones. That should be enough for a good initial stock of materials."


    "Understood," Chen Wei said, taking the pouch from Kai and making a note in his book.


    Kai turned to Zhi-Zhi. "Zhi-Zhi, you''re going as protection. Stay hidden and don''t get involved in the negotiations. Your job is to watch for any signs of trouble and protect Chen Wei if necessary."


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up his chest. "I shall be as silent as a shadow and as vigilant as a mountain eagle!"


    As long as you''re as quiet as a shadow, we should be fine, Kai thought, amused.


    "Liu Wei," Kai said, turning to the former bandit. "I want you to start scouting potential customers within the sect. Focus on outer sect disciples who are close to breaking through. They''re likely to be our best market."


    Liu Wei nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "I understand, Master.¡±


    "Good," Kai said. "Remember, we''re not making any sales yet. Just gather information on who might be interested. A list of customers will be useful once we start selling so start on that, let¡¯s get some preorders."


    "What will you be doing, Senior Brother?" Chen Wei asked.


    Kai stood up, straightening his robes. "I''m going to the Alchemist Pavilion to buy some skill scrolls. We can''t make pills without the knowledge, after all. We''ll meet back here in four days, I should have some pills ready by then."


    The others exchanged surprised glances.


    Liu Wei spoke up. "Master, forgive me, but... learning to make pills takes years of study. Even the most talented alchemists spend months mastering the basics."


    Kai smiled confidently. "I appreciate your concern, but trust me. I have my ways. Plus, we''re just talking about basic Qi Gathering pills to start with, not some high-level elixirs."


    Chen Wei bit his lip, clearly torn between respect for Kai and disbelief at the timeline.


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up. "Now see here! Even my Master couldn''t¡ª"


    Kai held up a hand, cutting off the spirit tortoise''s protest. "Four days. Trust me."


    As they filed out of the room, Kai could hear them whispering among themselves, their doubt palpable. He couldn''t help but smile.


    It¡¯s the best long-term decision. If we can establish ourselves as reliable pill makers, we could corner a significant portion of the market. I did want to avoid competing with the big boys from the get-go but hopefully my title as Legacy Disciple should give me enough protection. Especially since no one will expect me to become an alchemist so suddenly.


    He looked into his inventory and began to manage his finances.


    500 for the skill scroll, 300 for materials which I¡¯ve already handed to Chen Wei. That leaves me with 200 as an emergency fund. It''s cutting it close, but it should work.


    In another week, the month will end and I¡¯ll get another 1000 spirit stones anyway.

 SEVENTY SEVEN: Alchemist Pavilion

    Kai stood in the hallway of the Alchemist Pavilion, his eyes darting from one corner to another. Unlike the Celestial Herb Pavilion, this place buzzed with activity. Everywhere he looked, he saw alchemists hurrying about.


    Wow, this place is like an anthill, Kai thought, observing the organized chaos around him. Reminds me of crafting districts. Always busy, always productive.


    The air was thick with the scent of herbs and minerals, a complex mix that tickled Kai''s nose. He could hear the distant clanging of mortars and pestles, the bubbling of concoctions, and the occasional hiss of steam.


    As Kai stood there, taking in the sights and sounds, a young man in blue robes approached him. The man''s eyes widened slightly as he noticed Kai''s black robes.


    The blue-robed man bowed deeply. "Greetings, Legacy Disciple. This humble one is Ye Tao, a Novice Alchemist. How may I be of service?"


    "Hello, Ye Tao," Kai replied, his voice calm and measured. "I''m Kai, I¡¯m looking to learn some alchemy. I heard you have some novice guides available?"


    Ye Tao''s eyes widened, surprise evident on his face. He quickly schooled his expression, but not before Kai caught the reaction.


    Interesting. Looks like none of the other Legacy Disciples have shown any interest in alchemy.


    "Of course, Senior Brother Kai," Ye Tao said. "We have several excellent guides for beginners. May I ask what sparked your interest in the art of alchemy?"


    Kai considered his response carefully. No need to reveal too much. A vague answer should suffice.


    "I''ve always been fascinated by the process of transformation," Kai said, his tone nonchalant. "Turning simple ingredients into powerful elixirs... it''s quite remarkable, don''t you think?"


    Ye Tao nodded vigorously. "Indeed, Senior Brother! Alchemy is truly a wondrous art. The ability to refine and transmute, to create something greater than the sum of its parts... it''s nothing short of magical."


    He''s certainly passionate about it¡­


    "Well said, Ye Tao," Kai replied with a small smile. "Now, about that novice guide..."


    "Ah, yes!" Ye Tao exclaimed. "Please, follow me. I''ll show you to our collection of beginner texts."


    As they walked through the bustling hallways, Kai took mental notes of everything he saw. Alchemists of various ranks hurried past, some carrying stacks of scrolls, others balancing trays of bubbling vials.


    This place is a goldmine of information. I''ll need to come back here when I have more time to explore.


    Ye Tao led Kai to a quieter section of the pavilion. The walls here were lined with shelves, each filled with scrolls and books of various sizes.


    "Here we are," Ye Tao said, gesturing to the shelves. "These are our beginner texts. Is there any particular aspect of alchemy you''re interested in? Herbal remedies? Qi-enhancing elixirs? Poison crafting?"


    "I think it''s best to start with the fundamentals," Kai replied. "Don¡¯t you have a comprehensive guide that covers the basic principles of alchemy?"


    Ye Tao''s face lit up. "We do have just the thing. Please, wait here a moment."


    The young alchemist hurried off, leaving Kai alone in the quiet section. Kai took the opportunity to examine the shelves more closely.


    Interesting titles, he thought, reading the labels on the scrolls. "A Beginner''s Guide to Herbal Infusions", "Fundamentals of Mineral Refinement", "Qi Circulation in Alchemical Processes"... I could spend weeks just reading through these.


    A few minutes later, Ye Tao returned, carrying a thick scroll. He presented it to Kai with both hands, a look of reverence on his face.


    "This is our finest guide for beginners," Ye Tao said, his voice filled with pride. "It contains the most important basic five techniques needed for alchemy. If one were to master these techniques to their peak, it would be enough to become an Advanced Alchemist."


    Kai took the scroll, feeling its weight in his hands. This is the one Chen Wei was referring to.


    ¡°What are these five techniques?"


    Ye Tao''s eyes sparkled as he began to explain.


    "The first technique is ''Essence Extraction''. This is the foundation of all alchemy, teaching you how to draw out the purest essence from herbs, minerals, and other materials. The second is ''Elemental Fusion''. This technique allows you to combine different elemental properties in your concoctions, creating more potent and complex effects. Third is ''Qi Infusion''. This technique teaches you how to imbue your creations with Qi, enhancing their potency and allowing for the creation of cultivation aids."


    Now we''re getting to the good stuff, Kai mused. This is probably crucial for making those Qi Gathering pills.


    "The fourth technique is ''Stability Control''. This is vital for preventing your concoctions from becoming unstable or explosive during the creation process."


    Ah, the safety measures. Definitely important.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    "And finally," Ye Tao said, his voice filled with awe, "there''s ''Spiritual Resonance''. This advanced technique allows you to attune your creations to specific spiritual frequencies, creating pills and elixirs tailored to individual cultivators or cultivation methods."


    Interesting. That sounds like it could be incredibly useful for customizing pills for the guild members. I could focus on that later down the line¡­


    "These five techniques form the core of alchemy," Ye Tao concluded. "Master them, and you''ll have a solid foundation for any pill."


    Kai nodded, impressed. "That does sound comprehensive. How much does this scroll cost?"


    Ye Tao hesitated for a moment before answering. "This particular scroll is quite valuable. It''s priced at 500 low-quality spirit stones."


    That''s exactly what Chen Wei said but I should probably negotiate a bit.


    "That''s quite expensive for a beginner''s guide," Kai said, his tone casual. "Are you sure there isn''t a more... economical option?"


    "I assure you, Senior Brother, this scroll is worth every spirit stone,¡± Ye Tao replied. ¡°The techniques contained within are distilled from centuries of alchemical wisdom. Many have used this very scroll as the foundation for illustrious careers in alchemy."


    ¡°Is there anyway we could make it more affordable?¡± Kai asked.


    Ye Tao shook his head firmly. ¡°The prices are set by the Head Alchemist; it would be a violation of the rules to manipulate the prices, even for a Legacy Disciple¡­¡±


    Kai sighed for a moment then nodded. "Very well. I''ll take it."


    "An excellent decision, Senior Brother! You won''t regret it."


    Kai reached into his inventory and retrieved the 500 low-quality spirit stones. He handed them over to Ye Tao, who accepted them with a deep bow.


    "Thank you, Senior Brother," Ye Tao said. "Is there anything else you need?"


    Kai was about to decline when a thought struck him. Wait a second. There''s usually some kind of certification process for crafting professions. I should probably check if that applies here too.


    "Actually, Ye Tao," Kai said, "I have a question. Once I''ve learned these techniques, would I be able to start creating and selling pills immediately?"


    Ye Tao''s eyes widened in surprise. "Ah, I see you''re thinking ahead! You¡¯re right, there is one more step before you can officially sell pills."


    Kai raised an eyebrow, encouraging Ye Tao to continue.


    "Before anyone can start selling pills," Ye Tao explained, "they must pass an alchemy exam and become a certified Novice Alchemist."


    I knew it. There''s always a quest or a test to unlock new professions.


    "I see," Kai said aloud. "Can you tell me more about this exam? What does it entail?"


    Ye Tao nodded eagerly. "Of course. The exam to become a Novice Alchemist consists of three parts."


    Kai nodded as he listened intently.


    "The first part is a written test," Ye Tao began. "It covers basic alchemical theory, herb identification, and safety procedures. You''ll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of alchemy."


    That shouldn''t be too hard. With the system, I can probably learn all that information quickly if they¡¯re skill scrolls.


    "The second part," Ye Tao continued, "is a practical test. You''ll be required to create a basic pill under observation. Usually, it''s something simple like a minor healing pill or a low-grade Qi replenishment pill."


    "And the final part?"


    Ye Tao smiled. "The final part is an oral examination. A senior alchemist will ask you questions about your creation process, your understanding of alchemical principles, and how you would handle various scenarios that might arise during alchemy."


    Ah, the classic ''defend your work'' part of any exam. I''ll need to be prepared to explain my methods clearly.


    "I see," Kai said aloud. "And how often are these exams held?"


    "The exams are held monthly," Ye Tao replied. "The next one is in 3 days, but I¡¯d suggest you practice for a few months at least¡­"


    Kai considered for a moment. Three days... that''s cutting it close. But with the system''s help, it might be possible.


    "I''ll see how it goes," Kai said with a confident smile. "One more question, Ye Tao. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Novice Alchemist?"


    "Oh, there are many benefits!¡± Ye Tao''s eyes lit up. ¡°First and foremost, you gain the legal right to sell your alchemical creations within the sect. You also gain access to the Alchemist Pavilion''s resources - our libraries, our ingredient stores, and our practice rooms. You''ll be able to take on alchemy-related missions from the sect. These can be quite lucrative and often involve creating specific pills or researching new alchemical formulas."


    Missions that can be completed within the sect is one of the main reasons I was interested in becoming an Alchemist or a Formation user, but with the system, it shouldn¡¯t take me too long to become both, at least to the Novice level.


    "And of course," Ye Tao added, "there''s the prestige. Alchemists are highly respected. Even a Novice Alchemist commands a certain level of respect."


    Respect is good, but the access to resources and missions is the real prize here.


    "Thank you, Ye Tao," Kai said. "You''ve been incredibly helpful. I think I have everything I need for now."


    "It''s my pleasure, Senior Brother. If you have any more questions as you begin your alchemical journey, please don''t hesitate to ask. We''re always happy to assist a budding alchemist, especially one of your status."


    Kai nodded, then paused as a thought struck him. "Actually, Ye Tao, there is one more thing. Do you have any recommendations for practice materials? Things I could use to experiment with as I learn these techniques?"


    "For beginners, I would recommend starting with some common herbs and minerals. Things like Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and basic Qi Crystals are perfect for practicing Essence Extraction and Qi Infusion,¡± Ye Tao answered.


    Those are the exact ingredients for a low-grade Qi Gathering pills, Kai thought, pleased. This works out perfectly.


    "For Elemental Fusion," Ye Tao continued, "you might want to try working with elemental essences. We have starter kits available that contain small amounts of various elemental materials. They''re quite safe for beginners."


    "And what about equipment? What sort of tools would I need to start practicing?" Kai asked.


    "For basic practice, you don''t need anything too elaborate," Ye Tao explained. "A good quality mortar and pestle, a set of measuring tools, and a few heat-resistant containers should be sufficient to start. Oh, and of course, a small furnace for pill refinement."


    "I see, is it possible to purchase the equipment here at the Alchemist Pavilion?"


    Ye Tao''s face brightened. "Of course! We have complete beginner''s sets available. They include everything you''d need to start your alchemical journey."


    "And the cost?" Kai asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "A full set, including the small furnace, would cost 1000 low-grade spirit stones," Ye Tao replied. "It''s a bit of an investment, but the quality is excellent, and it will serve you well as you learn."


    1000 spirit stones¡­that''s more than I can afford right now. But maybe there''s another option...


    "What about practice space?" Kai inquired. "You mentioned practice rooms, is it possible to rent a room here to use the equipment?"


    "Absolutely!¡± Ye Tao clapped his hands. ¡°We have practice rooms available for rent. They''re fully equipped with all the necessary tools and safety measures."


    "And the cost for that?"


    "The rooms can be rented for 5 spirit stones per hour," Ye Tao explained. "It''s quite reasonable, especially for beginners who aren''t ready to invest in their own equipment yet."


    Perfect, Kai smiled. I can practice the techniques at home, then come here to actually create pills when I''m ready.

 SEVENTY EIGHT: Negotiations

    The small village of Greenleaf nestled among three hills, a patchwork of fields stretching out around it. Thatched roofs and wooden buildings huddled together. In the distance, workers toiled under the hot sun as they tended to the crops.


    In one of the larger fields, a group of farmers worked diligently, their backs bent as they moved through rows of plants. A middle-aged man stood at the edge of the field, his arms crossed as he observed their efforts with a critical eye. This was Yu Fen, a former disciple of the Azure Sky Sect.


    Yu Fen''s graying hair was tied back in a simple ponytail, and his clothes, while of decent quality, showed signs of wear. As he watched the workers, his lips pressed into a thin line.


    "You there!" he called out to a young man struggling with a hoe. "Put your back into it! You''re barely scratching the surface."


    The worker nodded quickly, redoubling his efforts. Yu Fen shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Useless, the lot of them..."


    If only I had broken through to Foundation Establishment, he thought bitterly. I wouldn''t be stuck here, managing these peasants.


    Behind Yu Fen stood two men, both in their early twenties. They were his followers, cultivators who had attached themselves to the former disciple in hopes of learning from him. Both were at the Qi Refining Stage 7, a respectable level for those outside a major sect.


    "Master Yu," one of them spoke up. "Should we demonstrate the proper technique to the workers?"


    Yu Fen waved a dismissive hand. "Don''t waste your energy, Liang. These fools barely have the capacity to understand basic farming, let alone the intricacies of Qi-enhanced labor."


    The other follower, a stocky man named Mu, nodded in agreement. "You''re right, Master. It''s best to save our strength for more important tasks."


    As they stood there, a commotion began to stir in the village. People were gathering, pointing and whispering. Yu Fen''s eyes narrowed as he spotted the cause of the excitement - a young man in white robes walking purposefully through the village.


    "An Azure Sky Sect disciple?" Mu muttered.


    Yu Fen''s jaw clenched. "Outer Disciple, by the look of his robes. What business does he have here?"


    They watched as the newcomer made his way towards their field. As he drew closer, Yu Fen could see that he was quite young, probably no more than sixteen or seventeen. The boy''s eyes scanned the area, finally settling on Yu Fen and his followers.


    "Greetings," the young man said as he approached, bowing politely. "My name is Chen Wei. I''m looking for Yu Fen. Might that be you, sir?"


    Yu Fen raised an eyebrow, studying the boy. "I am Yu Fen. What brings an Outer Disciple of the Azure Sky Sect to our humble village?"


    Chen Wei straightened, a polite smile on his face. "I''ve heard about some of the materials you''re selling, sir. My master is interested in making a purchase."


    His master? Yu Fen thought, intrigued. An Inner Disciple, perhaps?


    Out loud, he said, "Is that so? And who might your master be?"


    Chen Wei hesitated for a moment before responding. "I''m afraid I''m currently not at liberty to say, sir. But I can assure you, he''s very interested in doing business."


    Yu Fen nodded slowly, his mind working. He gestured to Liang and Mu, who immediately moved to stand behind him. The subtle show of force wasn''t lost on Chen Wei, whose eyes flickered briefly to the two men.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "Well, Chen Wei," Yu Fen said, his tone casual, "I''m afraid you may have wasted a trip. You see, I already have plenty of customers for my goods. In fact, demand has been so high that I''m not sure I see the point in selling at my old prices anymore."


    Chen Wei''s brow furrowed slightly. "I see. Well, perhaps we could discuss a new price that would be beneficial for both parties?"


    Yu Fen smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Of course, of course. Why don''t we step into my office and talk numbers?"


    As they walked towards a small building at the edge of the field, Yu Fen''s mind raced. This could be an opportunity. If this boy''s master is truly influential, a favorable deal could open new doors. But if not...


    Inside the cramped office, Yu Fen settled behind a desk while Chen Wei took a seat across from him. Liang and Mu remained standing, flanking the door.


    "Now then," Yu Fen began, leaning forward. "Let''s talk business. What exactly are you looking to purchase, and in what quantities?"


    Chen Wei pulled out a small notebook, consulting it briefly. "We''re interested in Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and Qi Crystals. Ideally, enough to produce around twenty low-quality Qi Gathering pills."


    Yu Fen''s eyebrows shot up. "Twenty? That''s quite an order for an Outer Disciple''s master. Are you sure you have the spirit stones to cover such a purchase?"


    Chen Wei nodded confidently. "My master has provided me with sufficient funds, sir. Now, about the price..."


    What followed was a back-and-forth negotiation that lasted nearly half an hour. Chen Wei proved to be surprisingly adept for his age, countering Yu Fen''s inflated prices with well-reasoned arguments and alternative offers.


    This boy is no fool, Yu Fen thought grudgingly. He''s been well-trained.


    As their discussion wore on, Yu Fen found himself growing increasingly frustrated. Chen Wei refused to budge beyond a certain point, and the price he was offering, while fair, wasn''t the windfall Yu Fen had hoped for.


    Finally, Yu Fen slammed his hand on the desk. "Enough! I''ve entertained this long enough. My final offer is 500 spirit stones for the lot. Take it or leave it."


    Chen Wei frowned. "I''m sorry, sir, but that''s simply too high. My master was very clear about the maximum we could spend. The price should be around 300 spirit stones. Perhaps we could-"


    "Perhaps," Liang cut in, "you should consider your position more carefully, little Outer Disciple."


    Chen Wei turned to look at him. "Excuse me?"


    Mu stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "What my friend means is that you''re awfully far from the safety of your sect, boy. It might be wise to show some... flexibility in your negotiations."


    Yu Fen watched Chen Wei carefully, noting the flicker of fear that passed across the young man''s face. Good. Let him sweat a little.


    "Now, now," Yu Fen said, his tone deceptively mild. "There''s no need for threats. I''m sure Chen Wei understands the delicate nature of his situation. After all, we have some very powerful backers in this region as well as in the sect. It would be a shame if an accident were to befall such a promising young cultivator."


    Chen Wei''s eyes darted between the three men, his earlier confidence evaporating. "I... I don''t understand. Are you threatening me?"


    Yu Fen spread his hands in a gesture of mock innocence. "Threatening? Not at all. Simply explaining how things work out here in the real world. The sect won''t care if a single Outer Disciple goes missing, you know. It happens all the time."


    Chen Wei swallowed hard, then seemed to steel himself. "My master is a Legacy Disciple of the Azure Sky Sect. If anything happens to me-"


    The laughter that erupted from Yu Fen and his followers cut Chen Wei off mid-sentence. Yu Fen wiped a tear from his eye, shaking his head.


    "Oh, you poor, naive boy," he said. "Do you think I don''t know how it is? I was an Outer Disciple once, long ago. I know all about the lies and exaggerations you tell to make yourselves feel important."


    Chen Wei''s face reddened. "It''s not a lie! My master really is-"


    "Enough!" Yu Fen roared, all pretense of friendliness gone. His aura flared, the oppressive weight of a Qi Refining Stage 9 cultivator filling the small room. Chen Wei gasped, visibly struggling under the pressure.


    "Let me explain how this is going to work," Yu Fen said, his voice dangerously soft. "You''re going to hand over all the spirit stones you brought with you. In exchange, I might consider letting you leave here in one piece. Understand?"


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened in panic. "But... but I can''t! The spirit stones aren''t mine, they belong to my master! Please, you don''t understand-"


    Yu Fen stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "I understand perfectly. You came here thinking you could play with the big boys, and now you''re in over your head. It''s time you learned a harsh lesson about the cultivation world, boy."


    With a burst of Qi-enhanced speed, Yu Fen vanished from behind the desk and reappeared directly in front of Chen Wei, who had no idea how things had escalated so far.


    The young disciple''s eyes barely had time to widen before Yu Fen''s fist came hurtling towards his face.


    But the blow never landed.

 SEVENTY NINE: Lin Yue

    A small, round object suddenly materialized between Yu Fen and Chen Wei. Yu Fen''s fist connected with it, and he stumbled backward, pain shooting through his hand.


    "What in the-" he began, but was cut off by a high-pitched voice.


    "Chen Wei didn''t come alone, you big bully! He''s under my protection!"


    The round object unfurled, revealing itself to be a small tortoise. It glared up at Yu Fen with surprising ferocity for such a tiny creature.


    Yu Fen''s eyes narrowed as he studied the newcomer. "A spirit beast? Here?"


    The tortoise puffed out its chest, trying to look intimidating despite its small size. "That''s right! I am Zhi-Zhi, and you''d better back off if you know what''s good for you!"


    Despite his bravado, Zhi-Zhi felt a tremor of fear run through him as he met Yu Fen''s intense gaze. Stay calm, he told himself. Remember your training. Master Cang Long wouldn''t be scared of this bully!


    Yu Fen''s lips curled into a sneer. "How amusing. The little Outer Disciple brought his pet along for protection. I''m quaking in my boots."


    ¡°I¡¯m the disciple of the Great Cang Long!¡±


    Yu Fen''s eyebrows rose at the mention of Cang Long. Even he, years removed from the sect, knew that name. Cang Long was a legend, the Guardian Beast of the Azure Sky Sect. If this little spirit beast was truly his disciple...


    But no. Yu Fen shook his head, dispelling the momentary doubt. This had to be another bluff, another desperate attempt by these Outer Disciples to save themselves.


    "Cang Long''s disciple?" Yu Fen scoffed. "Do you take me for a fool? Cang Long wouldn''t waste his time on a pipsqueak like you."


    Zhi-Zhi''s face fell for a moment, hurt flashing in his eyes. But then his expression hardened, determination replacing the fear. "Think what you will," he said, his voice steadier now. "But know this: I won¡¯t let you harm Chen Wei!¡±


    Yu Fen''s followers exchanged uneasy glances. This was not how they had expected things to go. A spirit beast, even a young one, was not to be trifted with lightly.


    But Yu Fen was not so easily deterred. With lightning speed, he lashed out at Zhi-Zhi. But the spirit tortoise was faster than he looked. Zhi-Zhi retreated into his shell just as Yu Fen''s fist connected, the blow glancing off the impenetrable surface.


    "Ow!" Yu Fen yelped, shaking his hand. "What is that shell made of?"


    Zhi-Zhi poked his head out, a smug expression on his face. "Back off before I start attacking!"


    Yu Fen''s face contorted with rage. "Liang! Mu! Deal with the Outer Disciple. I''ll handle this impudent creature."


    As his followers moved towards Chen Wei, Yu Fen focused his attention on Zhi-Zhi.


    "Wind Blade Strike!" Yu Fen shouted, slashing his hand through the air. A crescent of compressed air shot towards Zhi-Zhi.


    The spirit tortoise''s eyes widened. Oh no, that looks dangerous! He quickly retreated into his shell once more. The Wind Blade struck the shell, creating a loud ringing sound but leaving no visible damage.


    Meanwhile, Chen Wei found himself facing off against Liang and Mu. Despite being outnumbered, the young disciple held his ground.


    "Flowing Wind Palm!" Chen Wei called out, his hand glowing with a soft blue light. He struck out at Liang, who barely managed to dodge the attack.


    Wei attempted to flank Chen Wei, but the Outer Disciple was ready. "Whirlwind Kick!" Chen Wei spun, his leg lashing out in a Qi-enhanced roundhouse that caught Wei in the chest, sending him stumbling backward.


    I can do this, Chen Wei thought, his confidence growing. They¡¯re not at the level of the disciples I¡¯ve fought.


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Back with Yu Fen and Zhi-Zhi, the battle had turned into a strange game of cat and mouse. Yu Fen unleashed attack after attack, but Zhi-Zhi''s shell proved impervious to them all.


    "Stand still and fight like a real cultivator!" Yu Fen roared in frustration.


    Zhi-Zhi poked his head out just long enough to retort, "I am fighting like a real cultivator! A smart one who uses his strengths!"


    As the battles raged on, Yu Fen found himself growing increasingly annoyed. This is taking too long. That spirit beast''s defense is too strong, and the Outer Disciple is holding his own against Liang and Mu. Time to end this.


    With a burst of speed, Yu Fen disengaged from Zhi-Zhi and turned his attention to Chen Wei. The young disciple was preoccupied with fending off Liang and Wei, leaving him vulnerable.


    The tortoise is too slow to protect him now. One clean hit, and this farce will be over.


    Just as Yu Fen prepared to sneak attack, a voice cut through the chaos of the room.


    "What exactly is going on here?"


    Everyone froze. Standing in the doorway was a young man dressed in the red robes of an Inner Disciple of the Azure Sky Sect. His aura was clearly beyond the Qi Refining realm, he was without a doubt a Foundation Establishment cultivator.


    Yu Fen''s eyes widened. "B-Boss!" he stuttered, immediately bowing low. "I... we were just..."


    The newcomer raised a hand, silencing Yu Fen''s fumbling explanation. His gaze swept the room, taking in the scene before him.


    "I see," he said, his voice cold. "And would someone care to explain why my subordinates are attacking an Outer Disciple of my sect?"


    Yu Fen swallowed hard. "There... there must have been some misunderstanding, Boss. We were simply negotiating a business deal, and things got a bit... heated."


    The Inner Disciple''s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is that so?"


    He turned his attention to Chen Wei and Zhi-Zhi, his expression softening slightly. "You two. I recognize you. You''re friends of the new Legacy Disciple, aren''t you?"


    Chen Wei nodded, still catching his breath. "Yes, sir. My name is Chen Wei, and this is Zhi-Zhi. We''re here on behalf of Senior Brother Kai."


    The Inner Disciple nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, allow me to introduce myself. I am Lin Yue, an Inner Disciple of the Azure Sky Sect. And it seems I owe you an apology for the behavior of my... associates."


    He shot a dark look at Yu Fen, who seemed to shrink under his gaze.


    "Now then," Lin Yue continued, "perhaps we can discuss this business deal in a more civilized manner? I''m sure we can come to an arrangement that satisfies everyone."


    After an hour of discussion, Lin Yue and Chen Wei finally came to an agreement. Chen Wei had brought 300 spirit stones with him, as per Kai''s instructions. Initially, this would have been enough for materials to make 20 Qi Gathering pills, as each set of materials cost 15 spirit stones.


    However, due to Lin Yue''s intervention and as compensation for the earlier "misunderstanding," Yu Fen agreed to a substantial discount. The final deal was struck at 300 spirit stones for materials sufficient to produce 25 Qi Gathering pills.


    As Chen Wei and Zhi-Zhi prepared to leave with their hard-won goods, Lin Yue pulled them aside.


    "Please convey my apologies to your master for this incident," he said. "And let him know that if he ever needs assistance with matters outside the sect, he''s welcome to contact me directly."


    Chen Wei bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior Brother Lin. I''ll be sure to pass along your message."


    As they walked away, Zhi-Zhi perched on Chen Wei''s shoulder, the young disciple couldn''t help but feel a mix of relief and pride. We did it, he thought. We completed the mission, even if it didn''t go exactly as planned. Wait until Senior Brother Kai hears about this!


    Back in his office, Lin Yue stood by the window, watching Chen Wei and Zhi-Zhi disappear down the road. His eyes narrowed in thought.


    Lin Yue turned back to face Yu Fen and his followers, who were standing nervously in the corner of the room.


    "Now then," Lin Yue said. "Let''s discuss your recent... indiscretions."


    Yu Fen swallowed hard, sweat beading on his forehead. "Boss, I swear, we didn''t know they were connected to a Legacy Disciple. We were just trying to-"


    Lin Yue held up a hand, silencing him. "Save your excuses, Yu Fen. You were willing to kill a sect member over petty spirit stones, not only that but that disciple has a scarier backing than my own. Your actions today have jeopardized our operations and potentially created an enemy out of someone who could have been a powerful ally. Do you understand the gravity of your mistake?"


    Yu Fen nodded quickly, his face pale. "Yes, Boss. It won''t happen again, I promise."


    Lin Yue''s eyes narrowed. "See that it doesn''t. For now, you''ll continue your work here, but know that you''re on thin ice. One more misstep, and you''ll find yourself wishing you were merely expelled from the sect."


    As Yu Fen and his followers scurried out of the office, Lin Yue sat down at the desk, his mind working furiously. This new Legacy Disciple, Kai... he''s not what I expected. Sending his subordinates out on errands like this, and with a spirit beast for protection no less. He''s either very confident or very foolish.


    Lin Yue pulled out a small communication talisman, activating it with a pulse of Qi. "Mo Fe, I need you to gather all the information you can on the new Legacy Disciple, Kai. Be discreet, but thorough. I want to know everything - his background, his abilities, his connections within the sect. Take a look at both the Celestial Herb Pavilion and the Alchemy Pavilion in particular, our friend is interested in herbs. Oh, and report back to me as soon as possible."


    As he ended the transmission, Lin Yue leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. Things are about to get very interesting in the Azure Sky Sect. I''d better make sure I''m prepared for whatever comes next. Allying myself with a Legacy Disciple wouldn¡¯t hurt¡­

 Announcement

    Hello everyone,


    It has been a while since I''ve made a post addressing you all. My Rising Stars run is ending and we will soon be off the Main Page.


    I want to thank all of you who have followed, favorited, rated and left reviews, it is all appreciated! I have done a lot of writing during these past few weeks and have tried to release 3 chapters a day. It has been exhausting writing 3 chapters, much harder than I expected but I believe it was worth it.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I hope you all enjoyed the 3 chapters a day and I would greatly appreciate if you could leave a review, that would be awesome :)


    The release schedule I will aim for is daily chapters and when I have some extra time, maybe even some double chapters!


    As for those who read DSE, that will resume as I will now have time to focus on it.


    Thank you all!


    Remember to leave a review if you enjoyed the 3 daily chapters :)

 EIGHTY: Novice Alchemy Guide

    Kai sat cross-legged on his meditation cushion, his eyes fixed on the glowing blue window floating before him. The scroll he''d purchased from the Alchemist Pavilion lay unfurled on the table nearby.


    Basic Novice Alchemy Guide acquired. Would you like to learn the skills?


    Kai''s lips curved into a small smile. This is it. The first step towards becoming an alchemist. With this, I can start producing pills for the guild and generate some much-needed income.


    "Yes.¡±


    The moment the word left his lips, Kai felt a rush of information flood his mind. It was like drinking from a firehose of knowledge - theories, techniques, and practices all poured into his consciousness at once. He closed his eyes, letting the information settle.


    When he opened them again, five new windows had appeared before him:


    New Skill Acquired: Essence Extraction (Level 1)


    Description: The foundational technique for drawing out the purest essence from herbs, minerals, and other materials.


    New Skill Acquired: Elemental Fusion (Level 1)


    Description: A technique for combining different elemental properties in concoctions, creating more potent and complex effects.


    New Skill Acquired: Qi Infusion (Level 1)


    Description: The art of imbuing creations with Qi, enhancing their potency and allowing for the creation of cultivation aids.


    New Skill Acquired: Stability Control (Level 1)


    Description: A vital technique for preventing concoctions from becoming unstable or explosive during the creation process.


    New Skill Acquired: Spiritual Resonance (Level 1)


    Description: An advanced technique for attuning creations to specific spiritual frequencies, creating pills and elixirs tailored to individual cultivators or cultivation methods.


    Kai''s eyes scanned over each skill, his mind already working to process and categorize the information. Five skills, each essential for alchemy. I''ll need to practice them all if I want to pass that exam in three days.


    He stood up, stretching his arms above his head. Let''s start with the basics. Essence Extraction seems like the logical first step.


    Kai held out his hand, focusing on the newly acquired knowledge of Essence Extraction. He closed his eyes, visualizing the process as described in the skill''s information.


    Okay, so the first step is to gather Qi in my palm, he thought, concentrating on drawing his spiritual energy to his hand. A faint blue glow appeared around his fingers. Good. Now, I need to shape it into a sort of... spiritual sieve.


    He focused on molding the Qi, trying to form it into a net-like structure. The blue energy flickered and wavered, struggling to hold its shape.


    This is harder than I thought, Kai mused, his brow furrowing in concentration. It''s like trying to weave with electricity.


    After several minutes of intense focus, Kai managed to form a crude, unstable net of Qi in his palm. He opened his eyes, studying his handiwork.


    "Not perfect," he muttered, "but it''s a start."


    He reached for a nearby cup of water, deciding to practice on something simple. Holding the Qi net over the cup, Kai attempted to ''extract'' the essence of the water.


    To his surprise, a few droplets of water actually rose from the cup, suspended in his Qi net. They seemed... different somehow. Clearer, more vibrant.


    Is this... pure water essence? Kai wondered, studying the droplets closely. It looks more... concentrated somehow.


    The effort of maintaining the Qi net was starting to strain him, and after a few more seconds, his concentration slipped. The net dissipated, and the water droplets fell back into the cup with a small splash.


    Kai let out a breath he didn''t realize he''d been holding. "Well, that was... interesting."


    He glanced at the cup of water, then around his room. I should probably practice this more, but without proper materials, there''s only so much I can do. Let''s move on to the next skill.


    Kai turned his attention to Elemental Fusion. This skill seemed more complex, requiring the manipulation of different elemental energies.


    Okay, so for this one, I need to gather two different types of elemental Qi and combine them, Kai thought, recalling the information from the skill description. I have no idea how to even sense chaos qi so I can forget about that for now. I can already manipulate lightning and wind to some degree, so let''s start with those.


    He held out both hands, concentrating on gathering lightning Qi in his right hand and wind Qi in his left. It took several minutes of intense focus, but eventually, small sparks danced in his right palm while a tiny whirlwind formed in his left.


    Now for the tricky part, Kai thought, slowly bringing his hands together. I need to merge these without letting them cancel each other out.


    As his hands drew closer, Kai could feel the energies resisting each other. The sparks crackled and the wind swirled more violently, both threatening to dissipate.


    Come on, Kai urged, gritting his teeth. Mix, damn it!


    For a brief moment, the lightning and wind energies touched, creating a swirling vortex of electrified air between his palms. Then, with a small ''pop'', both energies vanished, leaving Kai''s hands empty.


    "Damn," Kai muttered, shaking out his hands. "That''s harder than it looks."


    He took a deep breath, centering himself. Okay, let''s try again. Maybe if I start with smaller amounts of each element...


    Kai spent the next hour practicing Elemental Fusion, gradually making progress. By the end, he could maintain a small orb of swirling lightning and wind for a few seconds before it destabilized.


    "Two down, three to go," Kai said to himself, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. The constant manipulation of Qi was starting to tire him out, but he pressed on. He had already realised that these skills could be used for more than just alchemy, perhaps in the future he could create his own techniques, especially if he involved his Qi Condensation skill.


    Shaking his head, Kai turned to the technique next on the list, Qi Infusion. This skill seemed more straightforward, at least in theory.


    So, I need to imbue an object with my Qi, enhancing its properties, Kai mused, looking around his room for a suitable target. His eyes fell on a small rock sitting on his windowsill.


    Kai picked up the rock, turning it over in his hand. This should work. Now, how do I go about infusing it with Qi?


    He closed his eyes, focusing on the flow of energy within his body. Slowly, carefully, he directed a stream of Qi towards his hand, willing it to seep into the rock.


    At first, nothing seemed to happen. The rock remained cool and inert in his palm. But as Kai continued to pour Qi into it, he felt a subtle change. The stone grew warmer, and he could sense a faint vibration emanating from it.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Kai opened his eyes, studying the rock closely. To his amazement, it was glowing faintly with a blue light - the color of his Qi.


    "It worked," he breathed, a smile spreading across his face. "I actually did it!"


    The glow faded after a few moments, but Kai could still feel a residual energy in the stone. I wonder how long the infusion lasts? And what exactly did it do to the rock? Something to experiment with later, I suppose.


    Setting the rock aside, Kai turned his attention to the next skill: Stability Control. This one seemed particularly important, especially given the volatile nature of alchemical concoctions.


    Okay, so this is about maintaining balance in a mixture of energies or elements, Kai thought, recalling the skill description. But how do I practice that without actual ingredients?


    After a moment''s consideration, Kai decided to improvise. He gathered his lightning and wind Qi, holding them separately in his mind.


    Now, I need to bring these together without letting either element overpower the other, he thought, slowly beginning to merge the energies.


    It was like trying to balance on a tightrope while juggling. Each element seemed to have a mind of its own, constantly trying to expand and consume the other. Kai''s brow furrowed in concentration as he struggled to keep them in check.


    For a brief moment, he managed to achieve a perfect balance - a swirling sphere of lightning and wind, each element distinct yet harmonious. Then, with a soft ''whoosh'', the sphere collapsed, the energies dissipating into the air.


    Kai let out a long breath, feeling drained. "That... was intense."


    Despite his fatigue, Kai felt a sense of accomplishment. Four out of five. Just one more to go.


    The final skill, Spiritual Resonance, seemed to be the most advanced of the set. Kai read over the description again, trying to wrap his head around the concept.


    Attuning creations to specific spiritual frequencies... how am I supposed to practice that? he wondered, scratching his head.


    After some thought, Kai decided to try a meditation exercise. He sat back down on his cushion, closing his eyes and focusing on his own spiritual energy.


    If I can attune something to my own frequency, that would be a start.


    Kai began by observing the flow of Qi through his body, paying close attention to its rhythm and vibration. It was like listening to a song only he could hear, a unique melody that defined his spiritual essence.


    Once he felt he had a good grasp on his own frequency, Kai reached for the Qi-infused rock he had created earlier. Holding it in his hand, he tried to align its energy with his own.


    At first, nothing seemed to happen. The rock''s energy remained distinct, out of sync with Kai''s own Qi. But as he continued to focus, pouring his concentration into the task, he felt a subtle shift.


    The rock''s energy began to pulse in time with his own, its frequency gradually aligning with Kai''s spiritual essence. It was a strange sensation, like finding perfect harmony in a duet.


    Kai opened his eyes, looking down at the rock in wonder. It wasn''t glowing this time, but he could feel a deep connection to it, as if it had become an extension of himself.


    "Incredible," Kai murmured, turning the rock over in his hand. "If this works with actual pills..."


    He trailed off, his mind racing with potential applications. Custom-tailored pills, elixirs attuned to specific cultivation methods, maybe even...


    Kai''s thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. He quickly set the rock aside and stood up.


    "Come in," he called out.


    The door opened, revealing Chen Wei. The young disciple bowed deeply.


    "Senior Brother," Chen Wei said, "I''ve returned from the mission. We... encountered some difficulties, but we were successful."


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "Difficulties? What happened?"


    Chen Wei hesitated for a moment, then launched into a detailed account of their encounter with Yu Fen and his group, as well as the timely intervention of Lin Yue.


    As Chen Wei spoke, Kai''s expression remained calm, but his mind was working overtime.


    So, there''s an Inner Disciple running some kind of operation outside the sect. And he''s interested in me. This could be either a problem or an opportunity.


    When Chen Wei finished his report, Kai nodded slowly. "You both did well, Chen Wei. Especially in a difficult situation. Did you manage to secure the materials?"


    Chen Wei''s face brightened. "Yes, Senior Brother! In fact, thanks to Lin Yue''s intervention, we got an even better deal. We have enough materials to make 25 Qi Gathering pills."


    "Excellent work," Kai said, allowing a small smile to cross his face. "Both you and Zhi-Zhi."


    Chen Wei beamed at the praise. "Thank you, Senior Brother. What would you like us to do next?"


    Kai considered for a moment. "For now, hand me the materials. I''ll need to rent a practice room at the Alchemist Pavilion to actually create the pills. In the meantime, I want you to gather more information on this Lin Yue. Be discreet about it."


    "Of course, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said with a bow as he turned to leave, Kai called out, "Oh, and Chen Wei?"


    The young disciple paused at the door. "Yes, Senior Brother?"


    "Good job handling yourself in that fight. Keep up with your training."


    Chen Wei''s face lit up with pride. "Thank you, Senior Brother! I will!"


    As the door closed behind Chen Wei, Kai let out a long breath. Things are moving faster than I anticipated. I need to master these alchemy skills quickly if I''m going to keep up.


    He picked up the Qi-infused rock again, turning it over in his hand. I wonder...


    Kai focused on the rock, trying to combine several of the skills he had just learned. He began by extracting the essence of the stone, then attempted to infuse it with a fusion of lightning and wind Qi. As he worked, he kept a tight control on the stability of the energies, all while trying to attune the whole process to his own spiritual frequency.


    It was like trying to solve five complex puzzles simultaneously while juggling electrified torches. Sweat beaded on Kai''s brow as he poured all his concentration into the task.


    For a brief, shining moment, it all came together. The rock in his hand began to crackle with inner lightning, its very essence seeming to resonate with Kai''s own energy. He could feel the perfect balance of elements within it.


    Then, as quickly as it had come, the moment passed. The crackling faded, and Kai was left holding what appeared to be an ordinary rock once more.


    He let out a long, slow breath. "Well... that was something."


    Skill: Essence Extraction has reached level 2!


    Skill: Elemental Fusion has reached level 2!


    Skill: Qi Infusion has reached level 2!


    Skill: Stability Control has reached level 2!


    Skill: Spiritual Resonance has reached level 2!


    You have gained 500 XP!


    Kai''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "All at once? I guess combining the techniques paid off."

 EIGHTY ONE: The First Pill

    Kai stood in the practice room of the Alchemist Pavilion, taking in his surroundings. The room was smaller than he expected, but well-equipped. Shelves lined the walls, filled with various jars, vials, and tools. A large stone table dominated the center of the room, its surface scarred and stained from countless alchemical experiments.


    In one corner, a small furnace glowed with a steady heat. Next to it, a set of scales and measuring tools sat neatly arranged on a side table.


    Kai sighed, running his hand over the smooth surface of the worktable. I can''t wait to have my own setup, he thought. But for now, this will have to do.


    From his inventory, he withdrew the materials he''d need for his first attempts at pill-making: Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and Qi Crystals.


    The Spirit Grass was green, its blades were long and slender, with a faint, sweet aroma that filled the air as Kai set it on the table.


    Next came the Yin Berries. They were small, dark purple fruits that looked almost black in the room''s lighting. These berries were prized for their ability to balance and stabilize Qi.


    Finally, he picked up one of the Qi Crystals, turning it over in his hand. Unlike spirit stones, which cultivators could use directly to boost their cultivation, Qi Crystals were primarily used in pill-making and weapon formation. Their energy was too raw and unstable for direct absorption.


    The thought of weapon forging sparked another train of thought. Once I''ve got enough spirit stones saved up, I could try my hand at creating a weapon. The crafting menu in my system should make that interesting.


    Kai shook his head, pushing the thought aside for now. He had more immediate concerns. From his inventory, he produced a small scroll - the recipe for the Qi Gathering pill. It had cost him 150 spirit stones, a significant investment but he knew it would be worth it.


    He unrolled the scroll, reading over the instructions once more:


    Qi Gathering Pill (Low Grade)


    Ingredients:


    - 1 blade of Spirit Grass


    - 3 Yin Berries


    - 1 Qi Crystal (crushed)


    Method:


    1. Extract the essence from the Spirit Grass using the Essence Extraction technique.


    2. Crush the Yin Berries and mix with the Spirit Grass essence.


    3. Pulverize the Qi Crystal and add to the mixture.


    4. Use Elemental Fusion to combine the ingredients.


    5. Apply Qi Infusion to stabilize the mixture.


    6. Use Stability Control throughout the process to prevent volatile reactions.


    7. Finally, use Spiritual Resonance to attune the pill to general Qi frequencies.


    8. Form into a pill and heat in the furnace for precisely 49 seconds.


    Kai looked at his pile of ingredients. He had enough for 25 attempts, but he knew better than to expect success on every try. If I can make 12 successful pills, I''ll be able to make sufficient profit, that¡¯ll be a win.


    Taking a deep breath, Kai began his first attempt. He picked up a blade of Spirit Grass, holding it gently between his fingers. Closing his eyes, he focused on the Essence Extraction technique he''d learned.


    Kai extended his Qi, feeling for the essence within the grass. It was there, pulsing just beneath the surface. He began to draw it out, visualizing his Qi as a sieve, filtering the pure essence from the physical matter.


    For a moment, it seemed to be working. A faint green mist began to form above the grass. But then, Kai felt his control slip. The essence scattered, dissipating into the air.


    "Damn," Kai muttered, opening his eyes. The Spirit Grass in his hand had withered, its vibrant green faded to a dull brown. He''d failed to extract its essence properly, rendering it useless.


    Okay, that was too forceful. I need to be gentler, coax the essence out rather than trying to pull it.


    He picked up another blade of Spirit Grass, determined to do better this time. Again, he closed his eyes and extended his Qi. This time, he imagined his Qi as a gentle stream, encouraging the essence to flow out naturally.


    Slowly, a green mist began to form above the grass. Kai carefully guided it into a small glass vial, feeling a surge of satisfaction as the essence collected at the bottom.


    "That''s more like it," he said with a small smile.


    Next, Kai turned his attention to the Yin Berries. He placed three in a mortar and began to crush them with the pestle. As he worked, he focused on maintaining a steady rhythm, infusing each stroke with a touch of Qi to help break down the berries more thoroughly.


    Once the berries were reduced to a fine paste, Kai added them to the vial containing the Spirit Grass essence. He swirled the vial gently, watching as the two substances began to mix.


    Now came the tricky part. Kai took the Qi Crystal and placed it in a separate mortar. He began to grind it down, applying steady pressure. The crystal resisted at first, but gradually began to give way under Kai''s persistent efforts.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    This is harder than I expected, Kai thought, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. No wonder alchemists are so respected. This takes real skill and patience.


    Finally, the crystal was reduced to a fine, glittering powder. Kai carefully added it to the vial with the other ingredients. Now it was time for the real test - combining everything using Elemental Fusion.


    Kai held the vial in both hands, closing his eyes to focus. He began to channel his Qi into the mixture, visualizing the different elements within each ingredient. The vital energy of the Spirit Grass, the balancing force of the Yin Berries, the pure Qi of the crystal - all swirling together in a complex dance.


    He tried to guide them, encouraging them to merge and combine. For a moment, it seemed to be working. The mixture in the vial began to glow softly, the different components starting to blur together.


    But then, Kai felt something go wrong. The energies began to clash, repelling each other instead of combining. The glow in the vial intensified, becoming uncomfortably bright.


    "No, no, no," Kai muttered, trying to regain control. But it was too late. With a small ''pop'', the mixture in the vial suddenly evaporated, leaving behind nothing but a faint, acrid smell.


    Kai opened his eyes, staring at the empty vial in frustration. "Well, that didn''t work," he said to the empty room.


    He set the vial aside and took a deep breath, calming himself. Okay, what went wrong there? he thought, analyzing his failure. I was too aggressive with the fusion. I need to be more subtle, guide the energies rather than force them.


    Determined to do better, Kai began his second attempt. This time, he took extra care with each step, moving slowly and deliberately.


    The Essence Extraction went smoother this time, the green mist of Spirit Grass essence collecting easily in a new vial. Kai crushed the Yin Berries with careful precision, ensuring they were reduced to a perfectly smooth paste before adding them to the essence.


    When it came time to grind the Qi Crystal, Kai took his time, applying steady, even pressure until the crystal was a fine, uniform powder. He added it to the vial with the other ingredients, then paused, taking a moment to center himself before attempting the Elemental Fusion again.


    This time, Kai approached the fusion more gently. He extended his Qi into the mixture, but instead of trying to force the components together, he simply encouraged them to mingle. He visualized the energies dancing around each other, gradually coming closer and closer together.


    For a while, it seemed to be working. The mixture in the vial began to shimmer, the different components starting to blur at the edges. But as Kai continued to guide the fusion, he realized something was off. The energies weren''t fully combining - instead, they were forming distinct layers in the vial.


    Something''s not right, Kai thought, frowning. He tried to adjust his technique, encouraging the layers to mix. But as he did so, he felt the delicate balance he''d achieved start to slip.


    Suddenly, the mixture in the vial began to bubble violently. Kai''s eyes widened in alarm. He quickly set the vial down on the table and took a step back, just in time. With a loud ''pop'', the contents of the vial exploded outward, splattering the table and nearby tools with a sticky residue.


    Kai stared at the mess, a mix of frustration and determination on his face. "Well," he said aloud, "at least it didn''t evaporate this time. Progress, I suppose."


    He began to clean up the failed attempt as he tried to figure out what went wrong.


    The fusion was better, but still not quite right. I managed to get the energies to interact, but they weren''t truly combining. And I completely forgot about Stability Control - that''s probably why it exploded at the end.


    As he wiped down the table, Kai found himself chuckling softly. You know, he thought, if someone had told me a few months ago that I''d be this invested in magical pill-making, I''d have thought they were crazy. But here I am, getting frustrated over exploding potions like some kind of fantasy alchemist.


    With the mess cleaned up, Kai took a moment to review the recipe again. He realized he''d been so focused on the Essence Extraction and Elemental Fusion that he''d neglected some of the other techniques. Qi Infusion, Stability Control, Spiritual Resonance - I need to incorporate all of these if I want to succeed.


    Determined to get it right this time, Kai began his third attempt. He started with the Essence Extraction, once again coaxing the green mist from a blade of Spirit Grass. This time, as he guided the essence into the vial, he also began to infuse it gently with his own Qi.


    Qi Infusion from the very beginning, Kai thought. This should help stabilize the essence and make it more receptive to combining with the other ingredients.


    Next, he crushed the Yin Berries, again taking care to maintain a steady rhythm and infuse each stroke with Qi. As he added the berry paste to the vial, he focused on maintaining the stability of the mixture, using the Stability Control technique he''d learned.


    Steady now, Kai thought, watching the mixture carefully. Keep everything balanced.


    When it came time to add the powdered Qi Crystal, Kai took extra care. He sprinkled the powder in slowly, bit by bit, using Stability Control to ensure each addition was properly incorporated before adding more.


    Finally, it was time for the Elemental Fusion. Kai took a deep breath, centering himself. He extended his Qi into the mixture, gently encouraging the different components to mingle. This time, instead of trying to force them together, he visualized them as dancers, each with their own rhythm, gradually coming into sync with each other.


    As he worked, Kai made sure to maintain his Stability Control, keeping a close eye on the energies to ensure nothing became too volatile. Slowly, ever so slowly, he felt the components beginning to merge.


    It''s working, Kai thought, a spark of excitement in his chest. But he didn''t let it distract him. He knew he wasn''t done yet.


    As the fusion progressed, Kai began to apply the Spiritual Resonance technique. He focused on attuning the merging energies to a general Qi frequency, one that would be compatible with most cultivators. It was like fine-tuning an instrument, adjusting each component until they all sang in harmony.


    After what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, Kai felt the mixture stabilize. He opened his eyes, looking down at the vial. The liquid inside was a soft, pearlescent white, gently pulsing with Qi.


    "I think... I think I did it," Kai murmured, hardly daring to believe it.


    But he knew he wasn''t finished yet. Carefully, Kai poured the liquid onto a small, flat stone designed for pill formation. Using his Qi, he began to shape the liquid, condensing it into a small, perfect sphere.


    Once the pill was formed, Kai picked it up carefully and placed it in the furnace. He set the timer for exactly 49 seconds, as the recipe specified, and waited.


    The seconds ticked by slowly. Kai found himself counting along in his head, his eyes fixed on the furnace. What if it dissolves? What if it explodes? What if I did everything right except this last step?


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the timer chimed. Kai quickly opened the furnace and, using a pair of tongs, carefully removed the pill.


    It was perfect. A small, round pill, slightly larger than a pea, with a soft, pearlescent sheen. Kai could feel the Qi emanating from it.


    "I did it," Kai breathed, a wide smile spreading across his face. "I actually did it!"


    He held the pill up to the light, admiring his handiwork. Then, curious to see how the system would classify his creation, Kai focused on the pill, willing its information to appear.


    A blue window materialized before him:


    Item Created: Qi Gathering Pill


    Quality: Poor


    Effects: Increases Qi absorption rate by 10% for 1 hour


    Warning: Toxic, may lead to Qi Deviation


    Kai''s smile faded as he read the last line, replaced by a frown. "Toxic?" he murmured, staring at the warning. "That''s... not good."

 EIGHTY TWO: Novice Alchemy Exam

    Three hours later¡­


    Kai held the small pill between his thumb and forefinger, a sense of accomplishment washing over him.


    Item Created: Qi Gathering Pill


    Quality: Low


    Effects: Increases Qi absorption rate by 20% for 3 hours


    A smile spread across Kai''s face. It had taken two more attempts after his initial success, but he''d finally managed to create a Low-Grade Qi Gathering Pill. The improvement from his earlier efforts was significant - better potency, longer duration, and most importantly, no toxicity warning.


    Not bad, Kai thought, turning the pill over in his hand. It''s not perfect, but it''s a solid start.


    He knew he couldn''t consistently produce pills of this quality yet. Sometimes he''d still fail entirely, ending up with a useless lump of ingredients. Other times, he''d produce a poor-quality pill, potentially toxic if used improperly. But this... this was progress.


    This should be enough to pass the exams, Kai mused, carefully placing the pill in a small jade box he''d brought for storage then storing it within his inventory. If I can replicate this during the practical test, I should be in good shape.


    The thought of the upcoming alchemy exam sent a mix of excitement and nervousness through him. He''d come a long way in a short time, but he knew he''d be competing against disciples who''d been studying alchemy for years.


    Still, I''ve got a few advantages they don''t. My system, for one.


    Shaking his head, he glanced around the practice room, noting the scattered tools and the lingering scent of herbs in the air. It had been a long, intense session, but Kai felt it was time well spent. Not only had he improved his pill-making skills, but he''d also gained a deeper understanding of the alchemical process.


    Now, Kai thought, stretching his arms above his head, I just need to get some rest, and I should be ready for tomorrow''s exam.


    ***


    The sun had barely risen over the Azure Sky Sect when a steady stream of disciples began making their way toward a large, circular building near the center of the compound. This wasn''t the usual combat arena where disciples tested their martial prowess. Instead, it had been transformed into a venue for a different kind of challenge: the Alchemy Exam.


    The building''s exterior remained unchanged - a grand structure of white stone with blue markings etched into its surface. But inside, the usual training equipment and weapon racks had been cleared away. In their place stood rows of desks, each equipped with writing materials and basic alchemical tools.


    As the participants approached, their nervous chatter filled the air.


    "I barely slept last night," a young woman with long black hair confessed to her friend. "I kept dreaming about mixing the wrong ingredients and blowing up the exam room."


    Her companion, a young man, laughed. "At least in your dreams you made it to the practical part. I''m worried I''ll fail the written test again before I even get to touch a cauldron."


    "Come on, Fu, you''ve been studying for months," the woman reassured him. "You won¡¯t fail again, you know this stuff better than anyone."


    Fu shook his head. "Maybe, but Hui, have you seen the competition? I heard even some of the Core Disciples are taking the exam this year."


    The young woman¡¯s eyes widened. "Really? Why would they bother? They''re already..."


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Her words trailed off as a hush fell over the crowd. Heads turned to watch a figure approaching in black robes that set him apart from the sea of white-clad Outer Disciples.


    Kai walked toward the arena, his face had a blank expression as he felt the weight of dozens of stares on him, he could almost hear the thoughts behind them.


    Who does he think he is?


    Just because he is a Legacy Disciple, does he think he can pass the exam in three days?


    He must be so confident. Or maybe just arrogant.


    Kai didn''t blame them for their assumptions. If he were in their shoes, he''d probably think the same. But they didn''t know about the system, about how he''d managed to cram months of learning into just three intense days of study and practice.


    As he passed by a group of whispering disciples, he caught fragments of their conversation which confirmed his thoughts.


    "...heard he''s only been practising for a few days..."


    "...probably thinks he''s too good for us..."


    "...bet he fails spectacularly..."


    Kai kept his expression neutral as he made his way to the entrance of the arena, joining the line of nervous disciples waiting to be let in.


    As he walked past, he noticed a group of young men huddled together, furiously comparing notes.


    "Quick, quiz me on the properties of Spirit Grass!" one of them demanded.


    His friend obliged, rapid-firing questions. "What''s the optimal harvesting time for Spirit Grass?"


    "Uh... during the full moon?"


    "Wrong! It''s at dawn on the day after the full moon. Come on, you need to know this!"


    Looks like I''m not the only one feeling the pressure, Kai thought.


    As they waited, he overheard more snippets of conversation around him.


    "I heard the written test is brutal," a thin, pale-faced boy was saying. "My senior brother took it last year and said there were questions about herbs he''d never even heard of."


    "That''s nothing," replied a girl with short, spiky hair. "I''m more worried about the practical. What if they ask us to make something we''ve never practiced before?"


    "They wouldn''t do that," a third voice chimed in, though he sounded far from certain. "Would they?"


    They''re so focused on what might go wrong, Kai thought. They''re forgetting that this is just the first step. Pass or fail, it''s all part of the journey.


    The doors to the arena swung open, and the crowd of disciples began to file in. Kai followed, taking in the transformed interior. The usual sand-covered floor had been replaced with smooth stone tiles. Rows of desks filled most of the space, each equipped with brushes, ink, and blank scrolls.


    At the far end of the arena, Kai could see a raised platform where several older disciples in green robes stood watching the incoming examinees. Their faces were stoic, betraying no emotion as they observed the nervous crowd.


    As the last of the participants entered, a hush fell over the arena. A middle-aged man in green robes with gold embroidery stepped forward on the platform, raising his hands for silence.


    "Welcome, disciples of the Azure Sky Sect," he said, his voice carrying easily across the arena. "I am Elder Bin, and I will be overseeing your Alchemy Exam today."


    He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled disciples. For a moment, his eyes seemed to linger on Kai, a flicker of curiosity passing across his face before he continued.


    "This exam will test not just your knowledge, but your practical skills and your ability to think on your feet. It is divided into three parts: a written test, a practical demonstration, and an oral examination."


    A murmur ran through the crowd at this, and Elder Bin waited for it to subside before continuing.


    "The written test will cover basic alchemical theory, herb identification, and safety procedures. You will need to demonstrate a solid understanding of fundamental alchemy principles."


    Kai nodded to himself. Thanks to the system, I should be able to handle that.


    "The practical test will require you to create a basic pill under observation. You may be asked to make a minor healing pill or a low-grade Qi replenishment pill, among other possibilities."


    This elicited another round of whispers from the crowd. Kai could see several disciples looking nervous, while others seemed excited at the prospect.


    "Finally," Elder Bin continued, "the oral examination will be conducted by a senior alchemist like myself. You will be asked questions about the creation process, tested on your understanding of alchemical principles, and presented with scenarios that might arise during alchemy. You will need to explain how you would handle these situations."


    He paused, letting the information sink in. "Remember, this exam is not just about memorization. We are looking for disciples who can think critically and apply their knowledge in practical situations. Alchemy is as much an art as it is a science."


    Elder Bin''s stern expression softened slightly. "I know many of you are nervous. But remember, every master alchemist started exactly where you are now. Trust in your training, stay calm, and do your best. That is all we ask. You are not competing against anyone but yourself. No sect can ever have enough alchemists."


    He gestured to the rows of desks. "We will begin with the written portion of the exam. Please take your seats. You will find everything you need at your desk. You have two hours to complete this portion. Begin when you are ready."


    As the disciples began to move toward the desks, Kai could hear the nervous chatter starting up again.


    "Two hours? Is that enough time?"


    "I hope I can remember everything..."


    "Good luck, everyone!"

 EIGHTY THREE: Written Exam

    Kai made his way to an empty desk near the back of the arena. As he sat down, he could feel the eyes of nearby disciples on him, curiosity and suspicion mingling in their gazes. He ignored them, focusing instead on the materials before him.


    A stack of blank scrolls sat neatly at one corner of the desk. Beside them were several brushes of varying sizes and a pot of ink. At the center of the desk lay a sealed scroll - the exam questions.


    Kai took a deep breath, centering himself. Alright, system, he thought. Let''s see if the Basic Alchemy Guide was enough.


    He broke the seal on the scroll and unrolled it, revealing the first question:


    1. Describe the process of Essence Extraction and explain its importance in pill creation.


    Kai allowed himself a small smile. Starting off with the basics, I see. He dipped his brush in ink and began to write and answer question after question.


    30. List five common mistakes in herb preparation and their potential consequences.


    Kai''s brush moved swiftly across the paper. Improper drying leading to loss of potency... Incorrect cutting techniques causing uneven distribution of active compounds...


    Around him, he could hear the scratching of brushes and the occasional frustrated sigh from his fellow examinees. But Kai remained focused, barely aware of the passage of time as he focused on his own exam.


    56. Explain the difference between Yin and Yang herbs, and provide three examples of each.


    Yin herbs are those that cool and calm the body''s energies, while Yang herbs warm and invigorate. Examples of Yin herbs include Moon Lotus, Frost Grass, and Tranquil Root. Yang herbs include Fire Ginseng, Sun Pepper, and Dragon Scale Leaf.


    Satisfied with his answer, Kai moved on.


    89. Describe the proper method for harvesting Spirit Grass to maximize its potency.


    Ah, this was what those guys were arguing about earlier, Kai thought with a smile. He put brush to paper once more.


    Spirit Grass should be harvested at dawn on the day following a full moon. The harvester must use a silver sickle and cut the grass at a 45-degree angle, being careful not to damage the roots. The grass should be immediately placed in a jade container to preserve its spiritual essence.


    98. Explain the principle of Elemental Harmony and its application in creating balanced elixirs.


    This question gave Kai pause. He remembered struggling with this concept during his practice sessions. He wrote carefully, explaining how different elemental energies could be balanced within a pill to create more stable and effective results.


    As he neared the end of the exam, Kai found himself facing a particularly challenging question:


    118. Describe a scenario where a typically stable alchemical reaction might become volatile, and explain how you would prevent or mitigate such an occurrence.


    Kai tapped his brush against his chin, considering. This is where real-world experience would come in handy, he thought. But I can work with what I know.


    He began to write, describing a scenario where impurities in the ingredients could lead to an unexpected reaction. He detailed the warning signs an alchemist should watch for and the steps they could take to stabilize the mixture.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    As he wrote, a memory surfaced of one of his failed attempts at pill creation. The mixture had become unstable, nearly exploding in his face.


    That''s it. I can use that experience here.


    Kai added to his answer, describing the techniques he had used to prevent a full-blown explosion. He explained how careful application of Qi and quick thinking could save not just the concoction, but potentially the alchemist''s life as well.


    As he finished his answer, Kai heard Elder Bin''s voice ring out across the arena. "You have thirty minutes remaining."


    A ripple of panic seemed to pass through the room. Kai could hear the increased scratching of brushes and muffled exclamations of surprise. He glanced around, noting the furrowed brows and tense postures of his fellow examinees.


    Thirty minutes, Kai thought. Plenty of time to review my answers.


    As Kai was reviewing his answers, he became aware of a faint whispering nearby. At first, he tried to ignore it, focusing on his own exam. But the whispers grew more insistent, impossible to tune out completely.


    "Psst, Li, what did you put for question seven?" a hushed voice asked.


    "I think it was about the Yin-Yang balance in pill cores," came the barely audible reply. "I wrote that¡ª"


    Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the whispers. "Disciples Li and Fei!"


    Kai looked up to see Elder Bin standing over two pale-faced young men a few desks away. The elder''s face was a mask of disappointment and anger.


    "You were explicitly told that there was to be no communication during the exam," Elder Bin said. "Your actions show a blatant disregard for the rules and a lack of integrity befitting an alchemist of the Azure Sky Sect."


    The two disciples looked terrified, their faces drained of color. "Elder Bin, please," one of them started to say, but the elder held up a hand, silencing him.


    "There will be no excuses," Elder Bin said firmly. "You have violated the trust placed in you and the sanctity of this examination. You are both hereby expelled from this exam. Leave the arena immediately."


    A gasp went through the room as the two disciples, heads bowed in shame, gathered their things and shuffled towards the exit. The other examinees watched in stunned silence, the reality of the situation sinking in.


    As the door closed behind the expelled disciples, Elder Bin addressed the room. "Let this serve as a reminder to you all. Alchemy is a discipline that requires not just knowledge and skill, but also integrity and respect for the craft. Any further attempts at cheating will be met with the same consequence. Return to your exams."


    Kai watched as Elder Bin returned to his position at the front of the room. The arena was now eerily quiet, the scratching of brushes on scrolls the only sound to be heard.


    Even in the world of cultivation, some things never change. Exams are exams, but no matter where you are, you can expect cheaters¡­


    "Time''s up! Please put down your brushes and remain seated. We will collect your exam papers shortly,¡± Elder Bin announced.


    Kai set down his brush and leaned back in his chair, letting out a long, slow breath.


    As the exam scrolls were collected, he could hear the buzz of conversation growing around him. Disciples were comparing answers, lamenting over questions they had struggled with, and speculating about what the practical exam might entail.


    "I completely blanked on the question about rare herb substitutions," one disciple groaned.


    "Really? I thought that was one of the easier ones," another replied. "It was the theoretical question on advanced purification techniques that got me."


    "I just hope I wrote enough," a third voice chimed in. "I felt like I was running out of things to say for some of those questions."


    Kai remained silent, listening to the chatter around him. He was curious to hear how others had found the exam, but he was also aware that his presence seemed to make many of the other disciples uneasy so he remained silent.


    As the last of the scrolls were collected, Elder Bin stepped forward once again. "Well done, all of you," he said, his voice carrying a hint of warmth that hadn''t been there before. "Completing this exam is an achievement in itself. Take a moment to breathe and center yourselves."


    He paused, allowing the disciples to do just that. Kai closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. He could feel the tension in the room starting to dissipate, replaced by a sense of nervous anticipation.


    "When you are ready," Elder Bin continued, "please make your way to the preparation area for the practical portion of the exam. You will be called in one by one to demonstrate your pill-making skills. While you wait, you may review your notes or meditate, but please do not discuss the exam or attempt any last-minute practice."


    As the disciples began to stand and move towards the designated area, Kai remained seated for a moment longer. He took another deep breath, centering himself.


    One down, two to go, he thought. The real test is yet to come.

 EIGHTY FOUR: The Practical Exam

    The participants waited in silence in the practical area of the arena. Tension filled the air as they stood, lost in their own thoughts.


    A young woman to Kai¡¯s left was repeatedly clenching and unclenching her fists, her eyes closed in concentration. To his right, a thin, pale-faced boy muttered ingredient lists under his breath, as if trying to burn them into his memory at the last minute.


    They''re so nervous. It''s just an exam. This is not a demonic sect. Even if they fail, it''s not the end of the world. I¡¯m pretty sure there¡¯s some here that have done the exams like three or four times already. Just pay the 50 spirit stone exam fee and they let you do it as many times as you want¡­


    A few minutes later, Elder Bin arrived, accompanied by an old man in gold robes. The newcomer''s presence caused several disciples to straighten their posture.


    Elder Bin cleared his throat. "Disciples, your attention please. We have a special guest with us today for the practical portion of the exam."


    He gestured to the old man beside him. "This is Elder Xiao, the top alchemist of the Azure Sky Sect. It is a rare honor for him to attend these examinations, so I trust you will all do your utmost to impress."


    The top alchemist, huh? This just got interesting, Kai raised an eyebrow.


    Elder Xiao stepped forward, his eyes sweeping over the assembled disciples. "I look forward to seeing what the next generation of Azure Sky alchemists can do. Remember, true alchemy is not just about following recipes - it''s about understanding the essence of the materials and the flow of Qi. Show me your insight, not just your memorization."


    Elder Bin nodded, then addressed the disciples once more. "Now, for the practical component of the exam. Your task is to craft one Low-Grade Qi Replenishing pill within three hours.¡±


    Kai''s eyes narrowed slightly. Low-Grade Qi Replenishing pill? I''ve been practicing Qi Gathering pills, but I''ve never made this one before.


    He quickly ran through what he knew about the two types of pills. Qi Replenishing only restores Qi, while Qi Gathering not only replenishes (albeit at a slower rate) but also increases Qi absorption and capacity. Logically, Qi Gathering should be more complex. This might not be as hard as I thought.


    Around him, other disciples were having similar thoughts.


    "Qi Replenishing? That''s not too bad," one disciple whispered.


    "Speak for yourself," another hissed back. "I''ve never made one before!"


    Elder Bin''s voice cut through the chatter. "You will find all necessary materials at your assigned stations. Remember, you have three hours. Begin when you''re ready. May the heavens favour your efforts."


    As the disciples moved to their stations, Kai approached his own. He found three ingredients laid out before him, different from what he''d used for Qi Gathering pills.


    Alright, let''s see what we''re working with here.


    He activated his system to get a detailed view of the ingredients:


    Item: Qi Root


    Description: A common herb with moderate Qi-enhancing properties. Often used as a base in Qi-related pills.


    Item: Azure Petal


    Description: Flower petals with a calming effect. Helps stabilize Qi and promote smooth circulation.


    Item: Spirit Crystal Powder


    Description: Finely ground crystals that amplify the effects of other ingredients. Adds potency to pills.


    Kai raised an eyebrow. Interesting. These are different from the Qi Gathering pill ingredients I''ve been practicing with. This should be... enlightening.


    As the other disciples scrambled to start, Kai took a moment to read over the provided recipe. Even if I fail, at least I''ll have another recipe memorized.


    Low-Grade Qi Replenishing Pill:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Prepare Qi Root by slicing thinly and extracting essence.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    </li>


    <li>


    Grind Azure Petals into a fine powder.


    </li>


    <li>


    Mix extracted Qi Root essence with Azure Petal powder.


    </li>


    <li>


    Add Spirit Crystal Powder gradually while infusing mixture with Qi.


    </li>


    <li>


    Form mixture into a pill shape and stabilize with controlled heat.


    </li>


    <li>


    Infuse completed pill with purified Qi to enhance potency.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Kai nodded to himself. Seems straightforward enough.


    He began by focusing on the Qi Root, using the Essence Extraction technique. As he sliced the root thinly, he concentrated on drawing out its pure essence.


    This is different from the Qi Gathering ingredients. The essence feels... calmer somehow. Less potent, but more stable.


    Next, he turned his attention to the Azure Petals. Using a mortar and pestle, he ground them into a fine, bluish powder. The sweet scent wafted up, and Kai could feel a subtle calming effect.


    Interesting. These petals must help balance and stabilize the Qi. Clever combination with the more energetic Qi Root.


    As he worked, Kai glanced around at the other disciples. Many were furrowing their brows in concentration, some muttering instructions to themselves. A few looked on the verge of panic.


    "Oh no, oh no," a young disciple nearby moaned. "I think I added too much Spirit Crystal Powder!"


    "Shh!" his neighbor hissed. "Focus on your own work!"


    Kai shook his head. Keep calm and carry on, as they say.


    He returned his attention to his own concoction, carefully mixing the extracted Qi Root essence with the Azure Petal powder. The two substances seemed to swirl together, creating a pale blue mixture.


    Now came the tricky part. Kai began to add the Spirit Crystal Powder, bit by bit, while simultaneously infusing the mixture with his Qi. This required careful concentration and control.


    Steady now. Too much Qi could destabilize the mixture, too little and it won''t bind properly.


    As he worked, Kai could feel the mixture growing more potent. The Elemental Fusion technique came into play, helping him balance the various properties of the ingredients.


    Sweat beaded on his forehead as he carefully molded the mixture into a pill shape. Now for the final step ¨C stabilizing the pill with controlled heat.


    Kai closed his eyes, focusing intently. He channeled his Qi, creating a gentle warmth around the pill. Slowly, carefully, he increased the heat, watching for any signs of instability.


    Almost there...


    Finally, with a small sigh of relief, Kai completed the heating process. The pill before him looked... well, like a pill. It was roughly spherical, with a pale blue color and a slightly glossy sheen.


    Now for the moment of truth, Kai thought as he picked up the pill to examine it more closely.


    Item Created: Qi Replenishing Pill


    Quality: Poor


    Effects: Restores 10 Qi


    Warning: Toxic. May lead to Qi Deviation.


    Kai sighed, setting the pill aside. Well, that''s disappointing. But not entirely unexpected for a first attempt.


    He glanced around the room, assessing the progress of the other disciples. To his surprise, he noticed a few purple-robed Core Disciples who had already finished their pills. They sat calmly at their stations, looking rather pleased with themselves.


    Most of the red-robed Inner Disciples seemed to be nearing completion as well. As for the white-robed Outer Disciples, Kai saw many frustrated expressions and failed attempts.


    A nearby disciple let out a groan of despair. "It''s hopeless! I''ll never get this right!"


    "Calm down," his friend whispered. "You still have time for another attempt."


    Kai nodded to himself. They''re right. I''ve got time for one more try. Let''s figure out where I went wrong.


    He closed his eyes, mentally reviewing each step of the process. The essence extraction seemed fine, as did the initial mixing. But something went off during the Qi infusion and heating process...


    His eyes snapped open. Of course! I treated it too much like a Qi Gathering pill. This one needs a gentler touch, more focused on stability than raw power.


    Kai prepared for his second attempt. He carefully measured out fresh ingredients, his movements more precise this time.


    "One hour remaining, disciples," Elder Bin called out, causing a ripple of panic through the arena.


    Cutting it close. But I can do this.


    Kai began again, this time paying careful attention to the unique properties of each ingredient. As he extracted the essence from the Qi Root, he focused on its calming nature rather than trying to draw out maximum potency.


    When mixing the Azure Petal powder, he took extra care to achieve a perfectly smooth consistency. The stability of the mixture is key, he reminded himself.


    As he added the Spirit Crystal Powder, Kai used his Qi Infusion technique with a lighter touch. Instead of pushing raw power into the mixture, he focused on creating a harmonious blend of energies.


    It''s like a cultivation technique, he realized. Finding the right balance, the perfect flow of Qi.


    The mixture began to take on a soft glow. Kai allowed himself a small smile. That looks more promising.


    Forming the pill shape came easier this time, the mixture more pliable and responsive to his touch. As he began the heating process, Kai closed his eyes, focusing intently on maintaining the delicate balance he''d achieved.


    Gentle now. Like coaxing a flame, not forcing it.


    Time seemed to slow as Kai poured his concentration into the final steps. He could feel the pill stabilizing, its energy settling into a steady, soothing rhythm.


    Finally, with a deep breath, Kai opened his eyes. The pill before him was a perfect sphere, its surface smooth and unblemished. It glowed with a soft, blue-white light.


    Kai picked up the pill, a smile spreading across his face as he examined it. It felt... right. Balanced. Harmonious.


    The blue message before him confirmed his success:


    Item Created: Qi Replenishing Pill


    Quality: Low


    Effects: Restores 30 Qi


    Kai''s smile widened. Now that''s more like it. It''s not spectacular, but it''s a solid Low-Grade pill. That should be enough to pass.


    As he carefully placed the pill in a jade box for preservation, he heard Elder Bin''s voice ring out across the room. "Time''s up! Please step away from your stations. We will now begin the evaluation process."

 EIGHTY FIVE: Alchemy Master

    Kai looked around, curious to see how his fellow examinees had fared. The Core Disciples seemed relaxed, quietly chatting among themselves. Most of the Inner Disciples also appeared confident, though a few looked worried. Among the Outer Disciples, the mood was mixed. Some looked pleased with their efforts, while others seemed on the verge of tears.


    As the evaluation began, Kai found himself standing next to a nervous-looking Outer Disciple. The young man, probably no more than eighteen, was fidgeting with the sleeves of his white robe.


    "H-how do you think you did?" the disciple asked Kai, his voice trembling slightly.


    "I think I managed to create a passable pill. How about you?"


    The disciple''s shoulders slumped. "I''m not sure. My first attempt was a complete failure. The second one looked better, but... I don''t know if it''s good enough."


    Kai nodded. "The first time is always the hardest. But remember, even attempting this exam is an achievement. Many disciples never even make it this far."


    The young man''s eyes widened slightly. "You''re right. I hadn''t thought of it that way. Thank you, um..."


    "Kai."


    "Thank you, Senior Brother Kai," the disciple said, bowing slightly. "I''m Wu Gang."


    Their conversation was interrupted as Elder Bin approached their section, Elder Xiao following close behind. The two elders moved from station to station, examining the results of each disciple''s efforts.


    When they reached Wu Gang, the young disciple presented his pill with shaking hands. Elder Bin took it, turning it over in his palm before passing it to Elder Xiao. The old alchemist held it up to the light, his eyes narrowing as he studied it.


    "Barely passable," Elder Xiao pronounced. "But passable nonetheless. You have much to learn, young one."


    Wu Gang¡¯s face lit up. "Thank you, Elder Xiao! I will work hard to improve!"


    As the elders moved on, Wu Gang turned to Kai, his eyes shining. "I passed! I can''t believe it!"


    Kai smiled. "Congratulations. You earned it."


    Then it was Kai''s turn. He presented his pill to Elder Bin, who raised an eyebrow as he took it. "Interesting," the elder murmured, before handing it to Elder Xiao.


    Elder Xiao held up the pill to examine it closely. His eyes narrowed as he studied the small sphere, turning it this way and that.


    A blue box appeared before Kai:


    Name: ???


    Stats: ???


    You are not of a sufficient level to see this being''s stats.


    From the size of the blue dot on the map, he seems to be at the level of Zhi-Zhi''s master, so I''m assuming he''s at the Astral Formation stage...


    After a long moment, the elder looked at Kai with an expression of disbelief.


    "Is it truly the case that you only began practicing alchemy three days ago?"


    Kai nodded, keeping his expression neutral. "Yes, Elder. That''s correct."


    The elder shook his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "In all my years, I have never seen talent quite like this. You must be an alchemy genius, young man."


    As Elder Xiao spoke, a blue message appeared in Kai''s vision:


    Your talent has impressed an Alchemy Master.


    You have gained the title: Alchemy Prodigy.


    Title: Alchemy Prodigy


    Description: Your innate talent for alchemy has been recognized by a true master of the craft. This title increases your learning speed for alchemy-related skills by 2x and improves your success rate in pill formation by 20%.


    Well, that''s certainly useful, Kai thought, careful not to let his satisfaction show on his face. This should make advancing my alchemy skills much easier.


    Elder Xiao sighed, his gaze distant. "Luo Qiang has stolen quite a talent," he muttered, almost to himself. He began to mumble, seemingly lost in thought. "Perhaps if I were to... No, that wouldn''t work. Maybe if..."


    Kai stood silently, waiting for the elder to finish his musings. After a moment, Elder Xiao shook his head and focused on Kai once more.


    "Young man, I will need to have a conversation with your master," he said firmly. "Such talent cannot be allowed to go to waste. We must ensure you receive the best possible training."


    Kai smiled awkwardly, unsure how to respond. Getting the backing of another top figure in the sect wouldn''t be a bad thing. Especially one as respected as Elder Xiao. I just don¡¯t want to get caught up in elder politics¡­


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    "Thank you for your kind words, Elder," Kai said, bowing slightly. "I''m honored by your praise."


    Elder Xiao reached out and patted Kai''s shoulder, his eyes twinkling. "I look forward to testing your comprehension in the next round, young Kai. I have a feeling you''ll surprise us all once again."


    With that, the elder leaned in close to one of the nearby alchemists, whispering something Kai couldn''t quite catch. Then, with a final nod to Kai, Elder Xiao moved on with Elder Bin to the next station.


    As they walked away, Kai let out a small breath. That went better than expected.


    Wu Gang turned to him with wide eyes. "Congratulations, Senior Brother Kai!" he exclaimed. "Elder Xiao seemed really impressed with your pill."


    Kai shrugged, trying to downplay the elder''s praise. "Thank you, Wu Gang. You did well too."


    As Wu Gang began to respond, another blue message appeared before Kai''s eyes:


    Name: Wu Gang


    Qi: 25/100


    Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 5


    Strength: 30


    Agility: 32


    Durability: 30


    For a moment, Kai considered recruiting Wu Gang to his guild. The young disciple''s earnest personality could be an asset. However, a nagging doubt made him pause.


    System, can I have an unlimited number of members in my guild? Kai asked silently.


    A Level 1 Guild can only have 10 members, including the Guild Master.


    Kai sighed internally. I''ll need to be more selective then. It would be smart to recruit a novice alchemist, someone who can focus on the trade while I work on other aspects of cultivation. But Wu Gang might not be the best choice for that.


    He looked around the room, assessing the other disciples. The purple-robed Core Disciples caught his eye first, but Kai quickly dismissed them. They''d be too arrogant to follow a new Legacy Disciple like me. Maybe Wang Lin has some under him, but they wouldn''t give me the time of day.


    Instead, Kai focused his attention on the red-robed Inner Disciples. He began checking their stats, looking for anyone who stood out.


    Name: ???


    Qi: 89/150


    Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 6


    Strength: 42


    Agility: 41


    Durability: 40


    Not bad, Kai thought, but nothing special either.


    Name: ???


    Qi: 140/200


    Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 7


    Strength: 55


    Agility: 51


    Durability: 49


    Qi Refining Stage 7 and pretty strong, but not really what I''m looking for in an alchemist.


    Just as Kai was about to give up, his eyes fell on a red-robed girl standing near the front of the room. As he focused on her, her stats appeared:


    Name: ???


    Title: Alchemy Talent


    Qi: 140/200


    Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 7


    Strength: 50


    Agility: 55


    Durability: 51


    Kai''s eyes widened. A title! And an alchemy-related one at that.


    He quickly read the description of the Alchemy Talent title:


    Title: Alchemy Talent


    Description: You possess a natural affinity for the alchemical arts. This title increases your success rate in pill formation by 10% and reduces the Qi cost of alchemical techniques by 10%.


    Not as impressive as my new title, but still quite good. She could be exactly what I''m looking for.


    As if on cue, Elder Xiao approached the girl''s station. Kai watched as the elder examined her pill, a look of approval spreading across his face.


    "Well done, Disciple Xie Li," Elder Xiao said. "Your control over the pill''s stability is impressive. Keep refining your technique, and you''ll go far in the alchemical arts."


    Xie Li bowed deeply, her face flushed with pride. "Thank you, Elder Xiao. I will continue to work hard."


    Talented and modest, Kai thought. Definitely someone to keep an eye on.


    As the last of the pills were evaluated, Elder Bin stepped forward to address the group. "Disciples, you have all done well today. The practical portion of the exam is now complete. Please proceed to the waiting room outside. We will call you in one by one for the final part of the examination."


    The disciples began to file out of the room, a mix of relief and nervousness on their faces. Kai timed his exit carefully, making sure to end up walking beside Xie Li as they headed to the waiting area.


    As they entered the corridor, Kai turned to her with a friendly smile. "Congratulations on your performance," he said. "You did quite well in there."


    Xie Li looked up at him, surprise evident in her eyes. It was clear she hadn''t expected the new Legacy Disciple to speak to her.


    "Oh! Thank you," she replied, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "But you did much better. Elder Xiao seemed really impressed by your pill."


    Kai shrugged. "We all have our strengths. I was particularly impressed by your control over the Spirit Crystal Powder. That''s usually the trickiest part."


    Xie Li''s eyes lit up at the mention of alchemy techniques. "Oh, yes! I find that if you add it in three stages instead of all at once, it''s easier to maintain stability."


    As they entered the waiting room, Kai nodded thoughtfully. "That''s clever. I hadn''t thought of that approach. Do you mind if I ask how you came up with it?"


    Xie Li smiled, clearly pleased to be discussing her passion. "Well, it was actually an accident at first. I was nervous during a practice session and added the powder too slowly. But then I noticed the mixture was more stable than usual."


    They found a quiet corner of the waiting room and continued their conversation. Kai listened intently as Xie Li explained her technique in more detail, asking questions and offering his own insights.


    I can''t just ask her to join my guild out of nowhere, Kai thought as they talked. Better to build some rapport first. Besides, this is actually quite interesting.


    Around them, some of the disciples were frantically flipping through notes, while others sat in tense silence, eyes closed in concentration.


    "Disciple Jin Hui," a voice called out. Kai turned to see a young man in white robes stand up, his face pale with nervousness.


    "Good luck," someone whispered as Jin Hui made his way to the examination room.


    As the minutes ticked by, more names were called. But Kai and Xie Li remained engrossed in their discussion of alchemy theory.


    "What about the Azure Petals?" Kai asked. "I noticed they seemed to have a calming effect on the mixture. Do you think that property could be enhanced somehow?"


    Xie Li''s eyes widened with excitement. "Oh, absolutely! I''ve been experimenting with different grinding techniques. If you grind them under moonlight, it seems to enhance their Yin properties."


    "Have you tried combining that with¡ª"


    "Xie Li!" a voice called out, interrupting their conversation. "You''re next for the oral assessment."


    Xie Li stood up, smoothing her robes nervously. "Well, I guess it''s my turn," she said, offering Kai a small smile. "Thank you for the conversation, Senior Brother Kai. It was... really nice."


    Kai nodded, returning her smile. "The pleasure was mine. Good luck with your assessment. Though I doubt you''ll need it."


    As Xie Li walked away, Kai leaned back in his seat.


    That went well. She seems intelligent and passionate about alchemy. And she¡¯s not arrogant like some talents tend to be, she¡¯s definitely a good candidate for the guild. Now, I just need to figure out the best way to approach her about it.

 EIGHTY SIX: Oral Examination

    Kai sat in the waiting room as the other disciples around him fidgeted nervously or frantically reviewed notes, but Kai remained outwardly calm. He''d learned long ago that panicking never helped in high-pressure situations.


    An hour ticked by slowly. Kai observed as more and more disciples were called in for their oral exams until finally, the door opened and Xie Li emerged. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. As she passed by Kai, she flashed him a quick smile before being led away by one of the proctors. Kai noticed her exam had taken significantly longer than the others.


    Interesting. They must have recognized her talent and wanted to test her further.


    He watched as Xie Li disappeared through the door, feeling a twinge of disappointment that he couldn''t speak with her again. I''ll have to find her later. She could be a valuable ally...


    "Kai Thorn," a voice called out, breaking through his thoughts.


    Kai stood, smoothing out his black robes. He took a deep breath, centering himself. Show time.


    As he approached the examination room, he could feel the eyes of the remaining disciples on him. Kai ignored them all as he pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside.


    The room was smaller than he expected, with dark wood paneling and shelves lined with ancient-looking tomes and alchemical equipment. A large window let in the afternoon sunlight.


    At the center of the room sat a long table. Behind it were three figures: Elder Bin, Elder Xiao, and another elder Kai didn''t recognize. Their faces were impassive as they gestured for him to take the seat across from them.


    Kai sat down, his posture straight but relaxed. He met each elder''s gaze in turn, careful to show respect without appearing intimidated.


    Elder Bin cleared his throat. "As you know, this oral examination will test your understanding of alchemical principles, creation processes, and your ability to handle unexpected situations. Elder Po, Elder Xiao, and I will be conducting the examination."


    Stay calm. You''ve prepared for this, Kai reminded himself as he nodded.


    Elder Bin began, "Let''s start with the basics. Can you explain the principle of Essence Extraction and its importance in pill creation?"


    Kai took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "Essence Extraction is the foundation of alchemy. It''s the process of drawing out the purest, most potent aspects of an ingredient. This is crucial because the quality of the extracted essence directly impacts the potency and stability of the final product."


    He paused, considering how to elaborate. "For example, when extracting essence from Spirit Grass, the timing and technique used can greatly affect the result. Extracting at dawn after a full moon, using a silver blade, will yield a more potent essence than harvesting at noon with a regular knife."


    Elder Po nodded. "Good. Now, can you describe the relationship between Essence Extraction and Qi Infusion?"


    Kai''s brow furrowed slightly as he considered the question. This is a bit trickier. They''re testing how well I understand the interactions between techniques.


    "Essence Extraction and Qi Infusion are complementary techniques," Kai began. "The purity and potency of the extracted essence determine how effectively it can be infused with Qi. A poorly extracted essence might resist Qi Infusion or become unstable when infused. On the other hand, a well-extracted essence can accept and amplify the infused Qi, resulting in a more powerful final product."


    He paused, then added, "Additionally, the type of Qi used in the infusion should be compatible with the nature of the extracted essence. For instance, using Yang Qi to infuse an essence with strong Yin properties could lead to instability or even negation of effects."


    Elder Po''s eyebrows rose slightly. "You seem to have a good grasp of the interplay between techniques."


    Elder Bin leaned forward. "Let''s move on to Elemental Fusion. Can you explain its importance in creating complex pills?"


    Kai nodded. "Elemental Fusion is crucial for creating pills with multiple effects or for balancing opposing forces within a single pill. It allows an alchemist to combine ingredients with different elemental properties harmoniously."


    He thought for a moment, then continued, "For example, creating a pill that both invigorates and calms would require fusing Yang and Yin elements. Without proper Elemental Fusion, these opposing forces might negate each other or cause the pill to become unstable."


    "And how would you go about achieving this fusion?" Elder Po interjected.


    "The key is to find a balance point between the elements. This often involves introducing a neutral element as a bridge or using techniques to gradually blend the opposing forces. The exact method would depend on the specific elements involved and the desired outcome of the pill."


    Kai paused, then added, "It''s also important to consider the order of fusion. Sometimes, fusing the weaker elements first before introducing the stronger ones can lead to a more stable result."


    Elder Xiao, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke. "Interesting approach. Now, let''s consider a more complex scenario."


    Kai straightened in his seat, his full attention on Elder Xiao. This is unexpected. What''s he planning?


    Elder Xiao''s eyes gleamed as he presented the scenario. "Imagine you''re tasked with creating a pill that enhances a cultivator''s affinity with both fire and water elements simultaneously. This pill must not only boost these opposing elements but also ensure they don''t conflict within the cultivator''s body. How would you approach this challenge?"


    Kai blinked, momentarily taken aback. This is far beyond novice level, possibly Advanced or even Master level theory. He''s testing my limits¡­


    The other two elders exchanged surprised glances but remained silent.


    Kai took a deep breath before beginning, "This is a complex problem that would require careful application of multiple techniques," he began slowly. "The first challenge would be selecting appropriate ingredients that embody fire and water essences without being mutually destructive."


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    He paused, thinking through the process step by step. "I would start by using Essence Extraction on fire-attributed and water-attributed ingredients separately. The key would be to extract essences that are pure but not overly potent, to avoid immediate conflict."


    "Next, I would use Elemental Fusion to create a neutral ''bridge'' element, perhaps using earth-attributed ingredients. This bridge would serve as a buffer between the fire and water essences. The fusion process would be delicate. I''d gradually introduce the fire and water essences into the neutral base, using Stability Control techniques to prevent any violent reactions. The goal would be to create a harmonious blend where fire and water coexist without neutralizing each other."


    He continued, "Once the fusion is stable, I''d use Qi Infusion to imbue the mixture with balanced Qi, reinforcing the harmony between the elements. This step would be crucial in ensuring the pill doesn''t cause internal conflict when consumed."


    "Finally," Kai concluded, "I would use Spiritual Resonance techniques to attune the pill to the general spiritual frequency of human cultivators. This would help the body accept and utilize the dual-nature pill without rejection. But this whole process is easier said than done..."


    Elder Xiao listened intently, his expression unreadable. When Kai finished, the elder nodded. "An interesting approach," he mused. "Not precisely what I would do and likely unrealistic, but for a novice, it''s a remarkably insightful attempt."


    Elder Bin cleared his throat. "I agree, that was certainly a thorough explanation. Now, let''s move back on to-"


    "If I may," Elder Xiao interrupted again, leaning forward with a glint in his eye. Elder Bin slightly frowned but nodded, gesturing for Elder Xiao to continue.


    ¡°Let me pose another scenario to you. Imagine you''re in the field, far from your usual supplies. A fellow cultivator has been gravely injured and needs a powerful healing pill immediately. You have access to local herbs, but they''re not the standard ingredients you''re used to working with. How would you approach this situation?"


    Real-world problem-solving, not just regurgitating facts¡­


    Kai took a deep breath, centering himself before responding. "That''s certainly a challenging scenario, Elder Xiao. The first step would be to quickly assess the available herbs and the nature of the cultivator''s injury."


    He continued, "I''d focus on identifying herbs with strong healing properties, even if they''re not the standard ingredients for healing pills. Plants with high vitality or regenerative properties would be key."


    Kai leaned forward, "Given the time constraint, I''d have to simplify the pill-making process. Instead of a fully-formed pill, I might opt for a potent elixir or even a raw paste that could be applied directly to the wound."


    He then paused, considering the potential complications. "The main challenge would be ensuring the stability and safety of the concoction without access to my usual tools and stabilizing agents. I''d likely use a combination of Qi manipulation and natural balancing ingredients to prevent adverse reactions."


    Kai looked directly at Elder Xiao. "It wouldn''t be as refined or potent as a properly prepared healing pill, but in an emergency situation, the goal would be to create something effective enough to stabilize the injured cultivator until proper medical attention could be obtained."


    Elder Xiao nodded slowly, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "And how would you test the safety of this improvised remedy? You wouldn''t want to further endanger your injured comrade."


    Kai''s brow furrowed slightly as he considered the question. This is the real test, he thought. Balancing urgency with caution whilst also being an ethical dilemma.


    "Testing would indeed be crucial, Elder," Kai began carefully. "Given the emergency nature of the situation, we couldn''t afford a lengthy testing process, but we also can''t risk making the situation worse."


    He paused, organizing his thoughts. "I would start by using my Qi sense to analyze the energy of the concoction, looking for any obvious signs of instability or harmful interactions."


    Kai''s voice took on a more decisive tone as he continued. "Then, I would test a small amount on myself. As the creator of the remedy, I would have the best chance of recognizing and counteracting any negative effects quickly."


    He saw Elder Bin''s eyebrows raise at this, but pressed on. "I would apply a tiny amount to a small cut or scrape on my own body. This would allow me to observe both topical reactions and any internal effects from absorption."


    Kai leaned back slightly, his expression serious. "It''s not a perfect solution, and it does carry some personal risk. But in an emergency situation where a fellow cultivator''s life is at stake, I believe it''s a necessary precaution."


    Elder Xiao''s smile widened slightly. "A bold approach, young Kai. Many would hesitate to put themselves at risk in such a manner."


    "In critical situations, hesitation can be more dangerous than calculated risk, Elder,¡± Kai met the elder''s gaze steadily as he prayed the elder doesn¡¯t have some technique that could detect lies. ¡°As an alchemist, I believe it''s our responsibility to ensure the safety of our creations, even in less-than-ideal circumstances."


    He turned to the other elders. "I believe we''ve seen enough. Disciple Kai, you may proceed to the room where successful examinees are receiving their Novice Alchemist tokens."


    Elder Bin and Elder Po looked surprised by the quick decision but didn''t object.


    "Thank you, Elders," Kai said, bowing. "I''m honored by your guidance and assessment."


    As Kai left, he heard Elder Xiao address the other elders. "Continue with the remaining examinations. I need to speak with the Sect Master immediately."

 EIGHTY SEVEN: Sect Master vs Master Alchemist

    Sect Master Luo Qiang sat in his private quarters, a frown creasing his brow. He drummed his fingers on the armrest of his chair, lost in thought. His drumming was shortly interrupted by a sharp knock at the door.


    Luo Qiang''s brow furrowed slightly. He wasn''t expecting any visitors at this hour.


    "Come in."


    The door swung open, revealing Elder Xiao. The Master Alchemist''s eyes were bright with excitement.


    "Luo Qiang," Elder Xiao began as he strode into the room. "I¡¯m glad I was able to get a hold of you, I have urgent news that just couldn''t wait."


    Luo Qiang raised an eyebrow. "What is it, old friend?"


    Elder Xiao''s lips curved into a smile. "It''s about your disciple. He''s a prodigy."


    The Sect Master''s eyebrows rose slightly. He had expected great things from Shen Yu, but for Elder Xiao to be this excited... "Shen Yu has shown promise in alchemy as well?"


    Elder Xiao shook his head, his excitement growing. "No, not Shen Yu. I''m talking about Kai Thorn."


    Luo Qiang''s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Kai Thorn? The one with the strange mark? Explain, Xiao."


    Elder Xiao took a deep breath, as if trying to contain his enthusiasm. "I just finished overseeing the Novice Alchemy Examination. Kai''s performance was... extraordinary."


    The Sect Master leaned forward in his chair, his interest fully captured. "Go on."


    "First, his pill creation was flawless. For someone who claimed to have only started learning alchemy three days ago, it was unheard of. Not even my master learned pill making that fast," Elder Xiao''s eyes gleamed as he spoke. "But it was his performance during the oral examination that made me certain."


    Luo Qiang listened intently as Elder Xiao recounted the events of the examination. With each passing moment, his eyebrows rose higher.


    "I posed theoretical scenarios far beyond novice level," Elder Xiao continued. "Questions that brute memorisation couldn¡¯t answer, questions that would challenge even some of our Intermediary Alchemists. And Kai... he answered them all. His answers weren¡¯t correct of course, but he provided insights that I''ve rarely seen in cultivators four times his age."


    The Sect Master''s eyes narrowed. A prodigy in alchemy. This boy could be even more valuable than I first thought.


    "His understanding of alchemical principles, his ability to think on his feet, his willingness to take calculated risks - it''s all there, Luo Qiang," Elder Xiao said, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and excitement. "This boy has the potential to become a Master Alchemist. Perhaps even..."


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Elder Xiao paused, as if hesitant to voice his next thought.


    "Perhaps even what?"


    "Perhaps even surpass me one day," Elder Xiao finished, his voice barely above a whisper.


    The weight of those words hung in the air between them. For Elder Xiao, widely regarded as one of the greatest alchemists of their generation, to make such a statement was no small thing.


    Luo Qiang sat back in his chair, processing this new information. An Immortal Rank talent, and now this. The heavens truly are smiling on this boy...


    "I see," the Sect Master said slowly. "And what do you propose we do with this information, old friend?"


    Elder Xiao''s eyes lit up. "I want to take him as my disciple."


    The words hung in the air for a moment. Luo Qiang''s eyes narrowed, a flicker of something dark passing behind them.


    "No," he said, his voice firm. "The boy is my disciple."


    Elder Xiao''s excitement faltered, replaced by confusion. "But Luo Qiang, surely you see the potential here? With my guidance, he could become one of the greatest alchemists our sect has ever produced."


    The Sect Master shook his head again. "I understand your enthusiasm, Xiao, but my decision stands. Kai Thorn will remain under my tutelage."


    Elder Xiao''s brow furrowed, his earlier excitement giving way to suspicion. "Why are you so adamant about this, Luo Qiang? I know you''re not usually this invested in disciples. Your focus has been on your own breakthrough for centuries now. It''s not like you have time to dedicate to training them. You barely give that boy, Wang Lin, any time at all!"


    The Sect Master opened his mouth to respond but found himself struggling to articulate a reason. His hesitation didn''t go unnoticed by Elder Xiao.


    Seeing the Sect Master''s hesitation, Elder Xiao''s eyes widened in realization. "I hope you''re not thinking of using the boy for... that."


    The Sect Master''s silence was all the answer the elder needed.


    "Luo Qiang," Elder Xiao sighed. "That method won''t work. We''ve tried it before, remember? The cost is too high, and the chances of success are negligible."


    "But if we use the boy, it might work this time!" Luo Qiang burst out, his carefully maintained facade cracking for a moment. "You''ve seen his talent, his unique abilities. He could be the key, Xiao!"


    Elder Xiao shook his head sadly. "Listen to yourself, old friend. This isn''t the way. Think about what you''re suggesting."


    The two old friends stared at each other, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Elder Xiao saw the desperation in Luo Qiang''s eyes, the hunger for advancement that had consumed him for centuries.


    "Luo Qiang," Elder Xiao said softly. "It would be better to nurture the boy. Guide him, teach him. One day, he might help you breakthrough through his own achievements and discoveries. Isn''t that a better path than... the alternative?"


    The Sect Master''s shoulders sagged slightly, the weight of centuries seeming to press down on him. For a long moment, he was silent, lost in thought.


    Finally, Luo Qiang looked up, meeting Elder Xiao''s gaze. "Perhaps... perhaps you''re right.¡±


    A hint of a smile tugged at Elder Xiao''s lips. "Of course I''m right. I usually am, you know."


    Luo Qiang snorted, "Don''t push your luck, old man." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Very well. The boy will remain my disciple, but... you can teach him whatever you''d like. His alchemy training will be in your hands."


    A wide smile spread across Elder Xiao''s face. He gave a small bow to the Sect Master. "Thank you, old friend. You won''t regret this decision."


    As Elder Xiao turned to leave, Luo Qiang called out, "And Xiao?"


    The elder paused at the door, looking back.


    "Keep me informed of the boy''s progress," Luo Qiang said. "I''m... curious to see how he develops."


    Elder Xiao nodded, a sad look briefly passing in his eyes. As he walked out of the room, Luo Qiang could hear him muttering excitedly about potential successors and breakthrough theories.


    As the door closed behind Elder Xiao, Luo Qiang leaned back in his chair.


    Patience.


    The path to immortality is a long one.


    What''s a few more centuries of careful planning and preparation?

 EIGHTY EIGHT: Novice Alchemist

    Kai followed the group of successful examinees into a small chamber adjacent to the examination room. At the front of the room, an elderly disciple sat behind a table, meticulously recording names and handing out small tokens.


    As Kai approached, he noticed the token''s intricate design - a mortar and pestle surrounded by swirling Chinese symbols. The elderly disciple looked up at him with a tired smile.


    "Name?" he asked, his voice slightly hoarse from repeating the same question countless times.


    "Kai Thorn," Kai replied, keeping his voice steady despite the excitement bubbling within him.


    The disciple''s eyes widened slightly at the name, his gaze flickering to Kai''s black robes. "Ah, the new Legacy Disciple. Congratulations on passing the exam."


    He scribbled Kai''s name in a large ledger before handing over one of the bronze tokens. "This marks you as a Novice Alchemist of the Azure Sky Sect. Wear it with pride."


    Kai accepted the token, feeling its weight in his palm. He turned it over, studying the craftsmanship.


    Not bad, he thought. Wonder if it has any special properties beyond just being a fancy ID.


    New Item Acquired: Novice Alchemist Token


    Description: Proof of your status as a Novice Alchemist in the Azure Sky Sect. Grants access to basic alchemy resources and facilities within the sect.


    Ah, there we go. Useful, but nothing too exciting.


    New Title Acquired: Novice Alchemist


    Description: Increases your chances of success by 5% when crafting Novice-level recipes.


    You have gained 100 XP!


    Now, that is exciting.


    As he turned away from the table, Kai''s eyes scanned the room, searching for a familiar face. He spotted Xie Li near the back, her red Inner Disciple robes standing out among the sea of white-robed Outer Disciples. She was speaking with another young woman, her expression animated as she gestured with her hands.


    Kai made his way through the crowd, politely excusing himself as he navigated around excited disciples. As he approached, Xie Li glanced up, her eyes lighting up.


    "Senior Brother Kai," she greeted him with a small bow. "Congratulations on passing the exam."


    Kai returned the gesture. "Thank you, and congratulations to you as well. Your performance was impressive."


    Xie Li''s cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. "You''re too kind. I still have much to learn."


    The young woman beside Xie Li cleared her throat softly, looking between them with curiosity. Xie Li started, as if suddenly remembering her companion.


    "Oh! My apologies," she said quickly. "Senior Brother Kai, this is my friend Li Ting. Li Ting, this is Senior Brother Kai, the new Legacy Disciple."


    Li Ting¡¯s eyes widened as she hurriedly bowed. "It''s an honor to meet you, Senior Brother Kai. We''ve heard so much about you."


    "Oh? And what have you heard?" Kai raised an eyebrow.


    Li Ting hesitated, suddenly looking unsure. "Well... that you''re incredibly talented, and that you impressed the elders and even the Sect Master during the entrance exam."


    "I see, well, I wouldn''t put too much stock in rumors. I''m just here to learn and improve, like everyone else."


    Li Ting nodded, a look of understanding crossing her face. "That''s admirable, Senior Brother. It''s easy to get caught up in competition and forget why we''re really here."


    Kai turned his attention back to Xie Li, seeing an opportunity. "Speaking of learning and improving, I was wondering if you''d be interested in practicing alchemy together sometime? Your insights during our earlier conversation were fascinating, and I think we could both benefit from collaboration."


    Xie Li''s eyes widened in surprise, a mix of excitement and hesitation crossing her face. "I... I would be honored, Senior Brother Kai. But are you sure? Surely there are more advanced alchemists you could practice with."


    Kai shook his head, offering a small smile. "Advanced doesn''t always mean better for learning. Sometimes it''s more beneficial to work with someone closer to your own level. Besides, your approach to alchemy is intriguing. I think we could learn a lot from each other."


    Li Ting watched the exchange, "Xie Li, you should definitely accept! This is an amazing opportunity!"


    Xie Li bit her lip, considering for a moment before nodding. "You''re right. Thank you, Senior Brother Kai. I would love to practice alchemy with you."


    "Excellent," Kai said, his smile widening slightly. "We can discuss the details later and find a time that works for both of us."


    This is perfect. Not only will I have a chance to recruit her for my guild, but I can also gauge her skills more thoroughly.


    As Kai opened his mouth to suggest a time, a hush fell over the room. He turned to see Elder Xiao striding through the crowd, his gaze fixed directly on Kai.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    The disciples parted before the elder, whispers of excitement and curiosity rippling through the room. Elder Xiao came to a stop in front of Kai, his expression unreadable.


    "Disciple Kai," he said. "Come with me. There are matters we must discuss."


    Kai blinked in surprise. "Of course, Elder. But..." he glanced at Xie Li.


    Elder Xiao chuckled. "Don''t worry, you''ll have plenty of time to find a dual cultivation partner later. This is important."


    Kai held back a sigh, realizing the elder had completely misunderstood the situation. "I''m sorry, we''ll have to continue this conversation another time," he said to Xie Li.


    Xie Li bowed again. "Of course, Senior Brother. Thank you for the offer. I look forward to our future practice sessions."


    "Practice sessions, eh?" Elder Xiao laughed, winking at Kai. "Is that what they''re calling it these days?"


    Kai felt his face heat up as he gave Xie Li a small, apologetic nod before following Elder Xiao out of the room, acutely aware of the curious stares and barely suppressed giggles boring into his back.


    They walked in silence through the corridors of the sect, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Kai noticed they were heading towards a part of the complex he hadn''t visited before, the architecture becoming more ornate as they progressed.


    Finally, Elder Xiao came to a stop before a plain wooden door. He pressed his palm against it, and Kai felt a pulse of Qi as the door swung open silently.


    "Enter," Elder Xiao said, gesturing for Kai to go first.


    Kai stepped into the room, his eyes widening slightly as he took in his surroundings. It was a spacious chamber, filled with shelves upon shelves of bottles, jars, and strange implements. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and minerals, and in the center of the room stood a massive stone table, its surface covered in complex alchemical arrays.


    This must be Elder Xiao''s personal alchemy workshop.


    Elder Xiao closed the door behind them and moved to stand across from Kai, his eyes studying the young disciple.


    "I''m sure you''re wondering why I''ve brought you here," the elder began, his tone now serious.


    "Yes, Elder. I admit I''m curious about the reason for this meeting."


    Elder Xiao''s lips quirked into a small smile. "Direct and honest. Good. I appreciate disciples who don''t waste time with unnecessary flattery."


    He walked around the stone table, running his fingers along its edge as he spoke. "As you may have guessed, this is about your performance in the alchemy exam. Your theoretical knowledge is... surprisingly advanced for someone who claims to have only started learning alchemy a few days ago."


    Kai tensed slightly, wondering if he had somehow given himself away. Elder Xiao continued, seemingly oblivious to Kai''s discomfort.


    "Normally, I would have taken such a promising student as my personal disciple immediately. However," he paused, a note of frustration entering his voice, "Luo Qiang has... other plans for your training."


    Ah, of course. The old ''you''re too valuable to be given away'' routine.


    The Elder Xiao then sighed, shaking his head. "Politics and cultivation should not mix, but alas, that''s the reality we live in. However, the Sect Master has agreed to allow you to learn alchemy under my guidance, even if I cannot formally take you as my disciple."


    Learning from the sect''s top alchemist would be an incredible opportunity, I can¡¯t let this opportunity pass¡­


    "Thank you, Elder Xiao. I''m honored,¡± Kai bowed.


    The elder waved a hand dismissively. "Save your thanks for when you''ve actually learned something. Your theoretical knowledge may be impressive for a Novice Alchemist, but theory alone does not make a great alchemist. You need practice ¨C a lot of it."


    He fixed Kai with a stern gaze. "I''ve brought you here to assess your practical skills and begin your true training. Are you prepared for that, Disciple Kai?"


    Kai straightened his posture, meeting the elder''s eyes. "Yes, Elder. I''m ready to learn."


    Elder Xiao nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, before we begin, I have some critiques based on your exam performance."


    He began pacing slowly around the table, his voice taking on a lecturing tone. "Your understanding of elemental interactions is solid, but you tend to overcomplicate things. In alchemy, simplicity often yields the best results. Remember, we''re guiding natural processes, not forcing them."


    Kai listened intently, absorbing every word.


    "Additionally," Elder Xiao continued, "your ideas about improvisation in the field were creative, but somewhat reckless. While quick thinking is admirable, an alchemist must always prioritize stability and safety. A hastily made remedy can often be worse than no remedy at all."


    He stopped pacing and turned to face Kai directly. "That being said, your willingness to take calculated risks shows promise. With proper training, you could become a truly exceptional alchemist."


    Kai bowed slightly. "Thank you for your insights, Elder. I''ll work hard to improve in these areas."


    Elder Xiao nodded, a ghost of a smile playing at his lips. "See that you do. Now, let''s put your skills to the test. Which pill would you like to attempt making?"


    Kai considered for a moment. He knew he needed to craft the Qi Gathering pills to sell soon. "I''d like to try making a Qi Gathering Pill, if that''s acceptable, Elder."


    Elder Xiao raised an eyebrow. "An interesting choice. So why have you selected that particular pill?"


    "Well, to be honest, Elder, the Qi Gathering Pill and the Qi Replenishing Pill are the only recipes I''m familiar with at the moment."


    The elder''s eyes narrowed slightly, a knowing look crossing his face. "I see. And I suppose you learned the Qi Gathering Pill recipe to sell its pills for some profit, didn''t you?"


    Kai''s silence and awkward expression were answer enough. Elder Xiao burst into laughter, the sound echoing off the workshop walls.


    "Ah, youth," he said, shaking his head in amusement. "Always so focused on immediate gains. A Qi Gathering pill is always a Novice Alchemist¡¯s first venture. But in a few years, you''ll realize such profit is nothing compared to the wealth of knowledge and skill you can accumulate. You need to focus on your alchemy skills, young Kai. That''s your true future."


    That''s easy for you to say, Kai thought, careful to keep his face neutral. You''ve already got wealth and power in the sect. For me, it''s a long-term investment.


    Aloud, he said, "You''re right, Elder. I''ll dedicate myself to improving my skills. That''s why I''d like to practice making more Qi Gathering Pills. My success rate is only about 60-70% for low-grade pills at the moment."


    Elder Xiao''s eyebrows shot up. "Only 60-70%? My boy, that''s an excellent success rate for a Novice Alchemist. Most struggle to achieve even 50% consistency at your level."


    Kai blinked in surprise, the elder was right, Kai was comparing himself to those protagonists he had only read about.


    "Now," Elder Xiao continued, "you can do whatever you''d like with the pills you successfully create. Just make sure not to sell any poor-grade ones. They can be toxic if consumed."


    Kai nodded solemnly. "I understand, Elder. My instincts warned me about that as well."


    Elder Xiao clapped his hands together. "Excellent. Then let''s begin. I''ll guide you through the process step by step, offering advice along the way."


    Kai moved towards the central table, then paused. "Ah, Elder Xiao? I''m afraid I don''t have any materials with me."


    The elder chuckled. "Of course you don''t. What kind of master would I be if I didn''t provide materials for my student?"


    With a wave of his sleeve, three bundles appeared on the table: Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and Qi Crystals. Kai''s eyes widened as he realized there were enough materials for at least 25 attempts.


    This is great, I can use my own materials for more pills later when I¡¯m alone.


    Elder Xiao gestured towards the materials. "Now then, Disciple Kai. Shall we begin?"


    Kai felt a smile spread across his face as he stepped up to the table. "Yes, Elder. I''m ready."


    Elder Xiao watched closely as Kai began to sort through the materials. "Very good," he said. "Now, start by preparing the Spirit Grass. Remember, the key is in how you cut it..."

 EIGHTY NINE: Fast Hands

    Kai trudged back to his quarters, his body heavy with exhaustion. Elder Xiao had pushed him to his limits, making him craft pills until his Qi reserves were completely drained. Despite the fatigue, a sense of accomplishment filled him. The old man''s guidance had been invaluable, improving Kai''s success rate and boosting his confidence in pill-making.


    Twenty low-grade Qi Gathering Pills. Not bad for a day''s work.


    As he walked, he glanced down at his hand, where five poor-grade Qi Gathering Pills rested. His brow furrowed as he contemplated what to do with them. Throwing them away seemed wasteful, but selling them would go against alchemist ethics. Whilst he wasn¡¯t concerned about the ethical issue behind it, the last thing he wanted was to lose his newly acquired alchemy token by breaking the rules.


    Maybe I could use them for experiments. Or find a way to recycle the ingredients...


    His thoughts were abruptly interrupted as someone collided with him, nearly knocking him off balance. Kai looked up to see a young man in white robes - an Outer Disciple - stumbling backward.


    "I-I''m so sorry, Senior Brother!" the youth stammered, his eyes wide with panic. "Please forgive my clumsiness!"


    Before Kai could respond, a system message flashed before his eyes:


    Name: ???


    Title: Fast Hands


    Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 6


    Qi: 150/150


    Strength: 48


    Agility: 50


    Endurance: 49


    "Hold on," Kai called out, but the young disciple was already backing away, bowing repeatedly.


    "It won''t happen again, Senior Brother. I promise!" With that, the young man turned and dashed off, disappearing into the crowd of disciples milling about the courtyard.


    Kai¡¯s focus turned to the new title.


    Title: Fast Hands


    Description: Your dexterity and sleight of hand are exceptional. Your movements are twice as fast for acts requiring quick, subtle hand movements.


    Fast hands? Wait a minute¡­


    He glanced down at his hand again and froze. Where there had been five poor-grade pills, now only three remained.


    That little thief!


    ***


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Su Jie''s heart pounded as he wove through the crowded streets of the Outer Sect, putting as much distance as possible between himself and the Legacy Disciple he''d just robbed. It was a risky move, he knew, but desperation had driven him to it.


    It''s not like he''ll come looking for me, Su Jie reassured himself. To someone like that, we''re all just faceless nobodies.


    He ducked into a narrow alley, finally slowing his pace as he caught his breath. Leaning against the cool stone wall, Su Jie closed his eyes and tried to calm his racing thoughts.


    Five years. That''s how long he''d been stuck at the peak of Qi Refining Stage 6. When he''d first joined the Outer Sect, Su Jie had been filled with dreams of rapid advancement. He''d imagined himself rising to the Inner Sect within a year, impressing the elders with his talent and determination.


    What a joke, he thought bitterly. Seven years later, and I''m still here, scraping by on the lowest rung of the sect.


    Su Jie''s mind drifted back to his childhood, to the grimy streets of the capital where he''d grown up. An orphan with no name and no future, he''d learned to survive by his wits and quick hands. Petty theft and picking pockets had kept him fed, but it was a precarious existence.


    Then, like a miracle, an Azure Sky Sect elder had visited the city. Su Jie, desperate for a way out, had tried to pickpocket the imposing cultivator. Instead of punishment, he''d received an opportunity. The elder, amused by the boy''s daring, had offered him a place in the sect.


    I thought I''d found my ticket to a better life, Su Jie mused, a wry smile twisting his lips. Instead, I just traded one form of poverty for another.


    Pushing off from the wall, Su Jie made his way deeper into the alleys of the Outer Sect. He couldn''t risk returning to the communal cultivation areas. The so-called "Senior Brothers" who ruled over the lower ranks would demand their cut as a ¡°protection fee."


    Su Jie had learned that lesson the hard way too. His first year in the sect, he had managed to win a low-grade spirit stone in a disciples'' competition. His joy had been short-lived. That very night, a group of older disciples had cornered him and "asked" for a contribution to the "Outer Sect welfare fund."


    When Su Jie had refused, they beat him so badly he couldn''t train for a week. Since then, he had learned to keep any gains a secret.


    After what felt like an eternity of twists and turns, Su Jie arrived at his destination: a tiny, half-collapsed shrine tucked away in a forgotten corner of the sect. He''d discovered it months ago and had been using it as a private cultivation spot ever since.


    Slipping inside, Su Jie settled into a cross-legged position on the dusty floor. He pulled out the two pills he''d swiped from the Legacy Disciple, examining them closely in the dim light filtering through the cracks in the walls.


    They look like standard Qi Gathering Pills, he thought, turning one over in his palm. Low-grade, but that''s still better than anything I could afford on my own.


    Without further hesitation, Su Jie popped one of the pills into his mouth. He grimaced at the bitter taste but forced himself to swallow. Closing his eyes, he began to circulate his Qi, waiting for the pill''s effects to kick in.


    At first, everything seemed normal. Su Jie felt the familiar warmth of Qi spreading through his meridians, gradually intensifying as the pill''s power took hold. But then, something changed. The warmth became uncomfortable heat, then searing pain.


    Su Jie''s eyes snapped open as panic set in. This wasn''t right. Qi Gathering Pills were supposed to be gentle, helping to accumulate and refine Qi. This felt like his very blood was boiling.


    What''s happening? he thought frantically, struggling to control the chaotic energy surging through his body. Did I take too much? Or is this...


    With dawning horror, Su Jie realized the truth. The pill he''d stolen wasn''t a low-grade Qi Gathering Pill at all. It was a poor-grade imitation, unstable and dangerous.


    He tried to disperse the Qi, to push it out of his body, but it was too late. The corrupt energy had taken hold, sending him spiraling into Qi Deviation. Su Jie''s muscles seized, his back arching as waves of agony crashed over him.


    As darkness began to creep in at the edges of his vision, Su Jie heard a voice. Cool, calm, and terrifyingly familiar.


    "Stealing from me," the Legacy Disciple said, stepping out of the shadows, "was a bad idea."

 NINETY: The Pickpocket

    Kai stood over the convulsing form of Su Jie, his expression a mixture of pity and disappointment. He''d followed the young thief at a distance, curious to see what he''d do with the stolen pills. This outcome, while not entirely unexpected, was far from what he''d hoped for.


    I could have stopped him sooner, Kai thought, kneeling beside Su Jie. But I wanted to see if he''d notice the difference between a real pill and a poor imitation. There goes any hopes of selling off Poor-Grade Qi Gathering pills as Low-Grade¡­


    Su Jie''s body arched in pain, a strangled gasp escaping his lips. Kai''s hand hovered over the boy''s chest, sensing the chaotic Qi roiling beneath the surface.


    Qi Deviation at Stage 6 isn¡¯t too difficult to rectify, especially since it was caused by a pill, I just have to let out the toxic qi.


    "Listen to me," Kai said firmly. "I''m going to help you, but you need to focus. Can you hear me?"


    The disciple¡¯s eyes flew open, and he managed a weak nod, his face contorted in agony.


    "Good. Now, I want you to picture a calm lake. The surface is smooth, undisturbed. Focus on that image."


    As Kai spoke, he placed one hand on Su Jie¡¯s forehead and the other over his heart. "This is going to hurt, but it''s better than the alternative."


    Closing his eyes, Kai began to channel his Qi into Su Jie''s body. He could feel the chaotic energy raging through the young disciple''s meridians, threatening to tear him apart from the inside. Carefully, methodically, Kai began to guide the corrupt Qi out of Su Jie''s system.


    "That''s it," Kai encouraged. "Keep focusing. Let my Qi guide yours. Don''t fight it."


    It was a delicate process, one that required all of Kai''s concentration and control. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he worked, drawing out the poisonous energy bit by bit. Su Jie''s body jerked and spasmed, but Kai held him steady, refusing to let go until the last traces of the poor-grade pill''s effects were purged.


    Finally, after what felt like hours, Kai sat back, exhausted but satisfied. Su Jie lay still, his breathing ragged but steady. The immediate danger had passed.


    Now comes the hard part, Kai thought, watching as Su Jie''s eyes fluttered open. Dealing with this.


    "W-what happened?" Su Jie croaked, his voice hoarse and weak. "Am I... am I dead?"


    Kai couldn''t help but chuckle. "Not yet, though you came pretty close. How are you feeling?"


    Su Jie blinked, focusing on Kai''s face. Recognition dawned in his eyes, quickly followed by fear. "You! But how... why..."


    "Why did I save you, you mean?" Kai asked, raising an eyebrow. "Or why did I follow you in the first place?"


    Su Jie struggled to sit up, wincing at the lingering pain in his muscles. "Both, I guess. I don''t understand any of this."


    Kai sighed, leaning back against the crumbling wall of the shrine. "Let''s start with the basics, then. Do you know what Qi Deviation is?"


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Su Jie nodded hesitantly. "It''s when your Qi goes out of control, right? When you try to cultivate beyond your limits or use techniques you''re not ready for."


    "Close enough," Kai said. "It can also happen when you introduce corrupt or unstable Qi into your system. Like, say, by taking a poor-grade pill thinking it''s a proper cultivation aid."


    Su Jie''s eyes widened in understanding. "The pills I took... they weren''t real Qi Gathering Pills?"


    "Oh, they were real alright," Kai replied. "Real failures, that is. Alchemy isn''t an exact science, especially for beginners. Sometimes the process goes wrong, and you end up with pills that are more poison than medicine."


    "But why would you have pills like that?" Su Jie asked, a tinge of anger creeping into his voice. "And why didn''t you stop me from taking them?"


    Kai''s expression turned serious. "I was going to dispose of them properly. As for why I didn''t stop you... well, I was curious. I wanted to see what you''d do with them. It was a gamble, I''ll admit. One that nearly cost you your life. But you should never have stolen them."


    Su Jie looked down, shame coloring his cheeks. "I''m sorry," he mumbled. "You¡¯re right. I¡­I shouldn''t have stolen from you. I was just... desperate."


    "I gathered that much," Kai said, his tone softening slightly. "Want to tell me why? It might help me decide what to do with you."


    For a moment, Su Jie remained silent, weighing his options. Then, with a deep breath, he began to speak. He told Kai everything - his childhood on the streets, his recruitment into the sect, and his years of struggle and stagnation in the Outer Sect.


    As Su Jie''s story unfolded, Kai listened intently, his mind working to process the information. When the young disciple finally fell silent, Kai nodded slowly.


    "I see," he said. "You''re not the first to feel trapped in the Outer Sect, and you won''t be the last. But stealing and taking unknown pills isn''t the answer. You could have died today, Su Jie."


    "I know," Su Jie replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I didn''t know what else to do. I can''t afford proper cultivation resources, and without them, I''ll never advance. It feels like I''m running in place while everyone else moves forward."


    Kai sighed, rubbing his temples. Part of him wanted to turn Su Jie in, to let the sect deal with a thief and rule-breaker. But another part... another part saw potential.


    He''s resourceful, if misguided. That ''Fast Hands'' title could be useful...


    "Alright, Su Jie," Kai said at last. "I''m going to give you a choice."


    Su Jie looked up, hope and fear warring in his eyes.


    "Option one: I turn you in to the sect elders. The sect takes stealing pills very seriously. You''ll be punished for theft and unauthorized use of alchemy products. Best case scenario, you''re demoted or expelled from the sect."


    Su Jie paled but nodded, accepting the possibility.


    "Option two," Kai continued, "you work for me. In secret. I''ll help you train, provide you with safe resources to advance your cultivation. In return, you''ll run errands for me, gather information, and yes, occasionally use those ''fast hands'' of yours for my benefit."


    Su Jie''s eyes widened in disbelief. "You... you''d do that for me? Even after I stole from you?"


    Kai shrugged. "Consider it an investment. You have potential, Su Jie. It''d be a shame to waste it. But make no mistake ¨C this isn''t charity. I''ll work you hard, and I''ll expect results. Cross me, and you''ll wish I had turned you in instead. Understood?"


    Su Jie nodded vigorously. "Yes! Yes, I understand. I won''t let you down, I swear it!"


    "Good," Kai said, standing up. "Then let''s get you back to the dormitories. You need rest after that Qi Deviation. We''ll talk more tomorrow about your new... duties."


    As they made their way back through the sect grounds, Kai''s mind raced with possibilities. Chen Wei stayed mostly at the Legacy Disciple quarters, having a set of eyes and ears in the Outer Sect could prove invaluable. And if Su Jie''s talents could be properly honed...


    This could be the start of something interesting, I don¡¯t trust him enough to recruit him yet but if he proves useful and loyal, then I may have just found another guild member¡­


    Su Jie walked beside him in silence, still processing the night''s events. His near-death experience, the unexpected mercy from the Legacy Disciple he had wronged, the sudden change in his fortunes... it was almost too much to take in.


    As they reached the Outer Disciple dormitories, Kai turned to Su Jie. "Remember, not a word of this to anyone. As far as the sect is concerned, nothing happened tonight. Got it?"


    "Of course. I won''t say anything," Su Jie nodded.


    "Good," Kai said. "Get some rest. I''ll contact you soon with your first assignment."

 NINETY ONE: The Plan

    Kai sat cross-legged in his pavilion, his gaze sweeping over the three figures seated before him. He reached into his robes and produced a small pouch. He opened it carefully, revealing twenty small, round pills.


    "Here are the Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills.¡±


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened slightly as he looked at the pills. He nodded, a hint of familiarity in his expression. "Thank you, Senior Brother Kai. I''ve had the opportunity to use one before."


    Kai then noticed a flicker of hesitation cross Chen Wei''s face. The young disciple seemed to be wrestling with something, his fingers tapping nervously on the table''s surface.


    "What is it, Chen Wei?" Kai asked, raising an eyebrow. "You look like you have something on your mind."


    Chen Wei took a deep breath before speaking. "It''s about the deal we made, Senior Brother. Regarding how the profits are split."


    Kai''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you not happy with the 10%?" He couldn''t help but notice the confused looks that passed between Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi at this mention of profit sharing.


    Chen Wei quickly shook his head. "No, no, it''s not that. It''s just... now that we''re part of the guild, I don''t think it''s fair for me to have a share of the profits while the other guild members don''t."


    Is he asking for the others to get a split too? Or is he saying he doesn''t want a share at all? Kai fell silent as he tried to decipher Chen Wei''s intentions.


    As if reading Kai''s thoughts, Chen Wei continued, "Since we''re all in this together now, I... I don''t want a share anymore. I think it would be better if the profits went to the guild as a whole."


    Kai blinked, genuinely surprised. He knew the Azure Sky Sect was considered a righteous sect, but he hadn''t expected such... selflessness. I certainly wouldn''t do the same in his shoes, or in this case, sandals. Well, this only benefits me so why not?


    After a moment of consideration, Kai nodded slowly. "You''re right, Chen Wei. Since we''re no longer just business partners but a guild, this makes sense. Sometimes we need to do things for the better of the guild as a whole."


    Chen Wei''s face lit up with a smile, clearly relieved that Kai understood and agreed with his suggestion.


    Kai turned his attention to the group as a whole. "Now, let me explain how this is going to work. Each of you will receive a Low-Grade Qi Gathering pill for your own cultivation after you complete this job."


    Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi perked up at this news, while Chen Wei nodded.


    "But more importantly," Kai continued, his voice taking on a serious tone, "your work will contribute to your trident mark. As you know, this mark is crucial. Once your contribution is high enough, it will allow you to condense qi."


    All three of them nodded eagerly.


    Turning his attention back to the task at hand, Kai addressed Liu Wei. "Now, Liu Wei, do you have the list of potential buyers?"


    Liu Wei nodded, producing a small notebook from his robes. He flipped it open and began to read. "Yes, Senior Brother Kai. I''ve compiled a list of 30 potential buyers, all of whom have expressed interest in Qi Gathering pills."


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    As Liu Wei read out the names, Kai listened, his mind already working on strategies. When Liu Wei finished, Kai nodded thoughtfully.


    "Good work, Liu Wei. However, we only have 20 pills right now." Kai''s brow furrowed slightly as he considered their options. "Our competitors are selling the same pill for 30 spirit stones, and it takes 15 spirit stones to make one pill. To make a respectable profit, we need to sell for at least above 20 spirit stones."


    Chen Wei leaned forward, "What price should we aim for, Senior Brother?"


    Kai turned to Chen Wei. "Here''s what we''ll do. Let the 30 potential buyers argue amongst themselves. It''s unlikely any of them will pay higher than 27 or 28 spirit stones, so aim for 25 spirit stones per pill."


    Chen Wei nodded.


    "However," Kai added with a sly smile, "if someone is willing to pay more, we have no problem with that. Just don''t push too hard and risk losing a sale."


    Liu Wei looked slightly nervous. "But what if they try to haggle? Some of these buyers are known for their... aggressive negotiation tactics."


    Kai''s smile widened. "That''s where our secret weapon comes in. Chen Wei, if you encounter any issues or resistance, don''t hesitate to use my title as Legacy Disciple. It should give our sales pitch some extra weight."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened. "Are you sure, Senior Brother? I know you were trying to keep things quiet."


    Kai nodded. "I''m sure. Besides, I''m now a Novice Alchemist. That, combined with my status as a Legacy Disciple, should be more than enough to smooth over any difficulties you might encounter."


    Zhi-Zhi puffed up his small chest. "And I shall act as Chen Wei''s protector again! I did a good job last time, did I not?"


    Kai couldn''t help but smile at the tortoise''s enthusiasm. "Yes, you did, Zhi-Zhi. Your presence adds an¡­intimidation factor that can be quite useful in negotiations. Just remember, your primary role is to protect Chen Wei, not to show off."


    Zhi-Zhi deflated slightly but nodded. "Of course."


    With the plans set, Kai looked at each of his guild members in turn. "Does everyone understand their roles?"


    They all nodded.


    "Excellent," Kai said. "You''re dismissed. Good luck, and remember, your success is the guild''s success."


    As Chen Wei, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi stood to leave, Kai called out one last time. "Oh, and Chen Wei?"


    The young merchant turned back. "Yes, Senior Brother?"


    Kai''s expression softened slightly. "Your idea about the profit-sharing... it was a good one. The kind of thinking that will help our guild thrive."


    Chen Wei''s face broke into a wide smile, and he bowed deeply before following the others out of the pavilion.


    Once alone, Kai turned his attention to his cultivation. From within his robes, he produced an ancient-looking scroll: the Heavenly Thunderstorm technique. He carefully unrolled it, his eyes scanning the text until he found the section he was looking for.


    Meridian of the Lightning Core


    <ul>


    <li>


    Location: Solar Plexus


    </li>


    <li>


    Method to Open: "Storm''s Core" - The cultivator consumes a Thundercore elixir made from Lightning Lotus petals, concentrating on the solar plexus. The elixir induces a powerful surge of qi, awakening the core meridian.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Kai''s eyes narrowed as he reread the passage. The Storm''s Core was different from the typical core that cultivators developed during Core Formation. This core meridian, located at the solar plexus, was opened much earlier in the cultivation process ¨C during the Qi Refining realm.


    Everyone opens a core meridian eventually, Kai mused. The difference is that mine will have a lightning element infused into its very essence.


    However, as Kai continued reading, he felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. The Thundercore Elixir required to open this meridian was far beyond his current alchemical skills. As a Novice Alchemist, he simply didn''t have the expertise to brew such a complex concoction.


    Kai sighed, rubbing his temples. I''ll need to buy it with spirit stones. Which, unfortunately, I''m severely lacking at the moment.


    He stood up, pacing the pavilion as he considered his options. The soft swish of his robes against the floor was the only sound as he thought.


    Perhaps... An idea began to form in Kai''s mind. Elder Xiao, the Alchemy Master. It shouldn''t be too difficult to convince him to give me the elixir on loan. I could always pay the spirit stones back later. For an elder of his standing, it''s hardly a significant amount.


    Kai nodded to himself, his decision made. He would seek out Elder Xiao and present his case. With his status as a Legacy Disciple and his performance in alchemy exam, surely the elder would see the wisdom in investing in Kai''s progression.


    He seems pretty interested in my cultivation anyways, it shouldn¡¯t be too hard to convince him

 NINETY TWO: New Item Created: Thunder Fizzle

    Kai stood outside Elder Xiao''s practice alchemy room, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. The corridor was quiet, with only the occasional muffled sound of bubbling liquids or clinking glassware from behind the closed door.


    He''d been waiting for nearly an hour, but patience was a virtue he''d learned to cultivate since arriving in this world. Also, he knew better than to interrupt an elder during their work.


    I hope this isn''t a waste of time, Kai thought, glancing at the door. But if anyone can help me with this elixir, it''s Elder Xiao.


    Just as Kai was considering whether to come back later, the door swung open. Elder Xiao stepped out, his eyes widening slightly as he noticed Kai.


    "Disciple Kai?" Elder Xiao said. "I didn''t expect to see you back so soon. Is everything alright?"


    Kai bowed. "Elder Xiao, I apologize for the unexpected visit. I hope I''m not interrupting anything important."


    The elder waved his hand dismissively. "Not at all. I was just finishing up some experiments. What brings you here?"


    "Well, Elder, I''ve been making progress with the Heavenly Thunderstorm cultivation method, and I''ve reached a point where I need a Thundercore Elixir to continue."


    Elder Xiao''s eyebrows rose. "Ah, so you''re trying to awaken the Storm''s Core already? Impressive progress, young Kai."


    "Thank you, Elder," Kai said. "However, I''ve run into a small... problem."


    The elder''s expression turned curious. "Oh? And what might that be?"


    Kai felt his face grow warm with embarrassment. "Well, you see, I don''t currently have enough spirit stones to purchase the elixir. I was wondering if... if perhaps you might be willing to provide one as a loan? I promise I''d pay you back as soon as possible."


    Elder Xiao''s brow furrowed. "A loan? But Kai, you should still have plenty of spirit stones left from your stipend. Unless..." His eyes narrowed. "You''ve invested it all in that little trading business of yours, haven''t you?"


    Kai''s silence was answer enough. He managed a sheepish smile. "Hopefully, spirit stones won''t be a problem for much longer if this works out."


    The elder sighed, shaking his head. "Ah, you young people. Always chasing after material gains. I wish you''d focus entirely on alchemy, but I suppose that''s too much to ask."


    Kai opened his mouth to protest, but Elder Xiao held up a hand, his expression growing serious. "Disciple Kai, I don''t give out loans like that, no matter how talented the disciple. It sets a bad precedent."


    Kai''s heart sank. He hadn''t expected outright rejection. "I... I understand, Elder. I apologize for troubling you."


    An awkward silence fell between them. Kai was about to excuse himself when Elder Xiao''s stern expression softened into a smile.


    "However," the elder said, a glint in his eye, "loans won''t help you in the long run. Instead, why don''t I coach you to produce the elixir yourself?"


    Kai blinked, caught off guard by the offer. "But... isn''t the Thundercore Elixir an intermediary-level concoction? I''m still just a Novice Alchemist."


    Elder Xiao nodded. "Indeed it is. But it''s also something that talented Novice Alchemists can create with proper guidance. In fact, I made my first Thundercore Elixir when I was only a Novice myself."


    "Really?" Kai couldn''t hide his surprise.


    The elder chuckled. "Don''t look so shocked, young Kai. With my guidance, I believe you''re more than capable of creating this elixir."


    Kai felt a surge of excitement. Learning to create the elixir himself would be far more valuable in the long run than simply being given one. "Thank you, elder."


    "Excellent," Elder Xiao said, gesturing towards the open door. "Come inside, and we''ll get started."


    Kai followed the elder into the alchemy room, his eyes darting around to take in the various apparatus and ingredients lining the shelves. Elder Xiao moved to a large bookshelf and began rifling through several scrolls and notebooks.


    "Now, where did I put that recipe..." the elder muttered.


    Seeing Kai''s curious look, Elder Xiao explained, "Don''t worry, I know the recipe by heart. But you''ll need a written version to study. Even though I''ll be guiding you, I won''t be holding your hand through every step."


    Kai nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I didn''t say anything, Elder."


    "No, but I could practically hear you thinking it," Elder Xiao retorted good-naturedly. "Ah, here we are!"


    He pulled out a slightly yellowed piece of parchment and handed it to Kai. "The recipe for the Thundercore Elixir. Read it carefully."


    Kai accepted the parchment with both hands, his eyes scanning the contents:


    Thundercore Elixir Recipe


    Ingredients:


    <ul>


    <li>


    3 Lightning Lotus petals


    </li>


    <li>


    1 Thunder Quartz crystal (crushed)


    </li>


    <li>


    2 drops Storm Serpent venom


    </li>


    <li>


    1 Azure Cloudberry


    </li>


    <li>


    5 strands of Skysilk


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Instructions:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Begin by infusing the cauldron with lightning-attuned Qi.


    </li>


    <li>


    Crush the Lightning Lotus petals and Thunder Quartz together, using Essence Extraction to draw out their properties.


    </li>


    <li>


    Add the Storm Serpent venom, using Elemental Fusion to combine it with the crushed ingredients.


    </li>


    <li>


    Introduce the Azure Cloudberry, applying Qi Infusion to enhance its spiritual properties.


    </li>


    <li>


    Weave the Skysilk strands through the mixture, using Stability Control to maintain balance.


    </li>


    <li>


    Apply Spiritual Resonance throughout the process to attune the elixir to lightning-based cultivation methods.


    </li>


    <li>


    Simmer for one hour, maintaining a constant flow of lightning-attuned Qi.


    </li>


    <li>


    Cool and condense into liquid form.


    </li>


    </ul>


    Warning: Extreme caution required. Improper balance may result in volatile reactions.


    As Kai finished reading, he nodded to himself. The recipe didn''t seem overly complex, but he knew from experience that alchemy was often trickier than it appeared on paper.


    "Well?" Elder Xiao asked, watching Kai''s expression closely. "What do you think?"


    Kai looked up from the parchment. "It doesn''t seem too difficult, at least in theory. And it looks like I won''t need to learn any new techniques ¨C the five basic alchemy skills should cover everything."


    The elder nodded. "Good. Now, are you ready to begin?"


    Kai rolled up his sleeves, a determined glint in his eye. "Yes, Elder. I''m ready."


    Elder Xiao gestured towards a nearby workstation. "Then let''s get started. I''ll provide the ingredients for your attempts but I expect to be paid back in full."


    I had hoped the situation was like the Qi Gathering pills but I guess the elder doesn¡¯t want me to take advantage of him, I don¡¯t blame him, he¡¯s already been more helpful than I deserve.


    As Kai moved to the workstation, Elder Xiao gathered the necessary materials. Soon, everything was laid out neatly before him: the Lightning Lotus petals with their faint electric glow, the Thunder Quartz crystal, a small vial of viscous Storm Serpent venom, a plump Azure Cloudberry, and the gossamer-thin strands of Skysilk.


    Kai took a deep breath and began by channeling his Qi into the cauldron, focusing on the lightning aspect of his qi. The cauldron hummed faintly, a few sparks dancing along its rim.


    "Good start," Elder Xiao commented from where he stood observing. "But be careful not to overdo it. Too much lightning Qi at this stage can destabilize the entire process."


    Nodding, Kai adjusted his Qi flow, tempering it slightly. He then picked up the Lightning Lotus petals and Thunder Quartz, placing them in a mortar. As he began grinding them together, he applied his Essence Extraction technique, drawing out the inherent properties of both ingredients.


    A fine, glittering powder began to form in the mortar, occasionally emitting tiny sparks. Kai carefully transferred this into the cauldron, where it settled into a gently swirling mass.


    "Now for the tricky part," Elder Xiao warned as Kai reached for the vial of Storm Serpent venom. "Remember, only two drops. Any more and you risk a violent reaction."


    Kai''s hand was steady as he uncorked the vial and tilted it over the cauldron. One drop fell, then another. As soon as the second drop hit the mixture, Kai quickly pulled the vial away and recorked it.


    Immediately, he began applying his Elemental Fusion technique, working to combine the venom with the powdered ingredients. The mixture in the cauldron began to bubble and spark more vigorously.


    "Careful now," Elder Xiao cautioned. "Keep your Qi flow steady."


    Kai gritted his teeth, concentrating hard on maintaining the delicate balance. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he reached for the Azure Cloudberry. He dropped it into the cauldron and began applying Qi Infusion, enhancing its spiritual properties.


    The mixture in the cauldron took on a faint blue glow.


    So far, so good.


    Next came the Skysilk. Kai carefully picked up the delicate strands and began weaving them through the mixture, using his Stability Control technique to maintain balance. This was perhaps the most challenging part yet ¨C the Skysilk was so fine that it threatened to dissolve instantly in the bubbling concoction.


    "Steady hands," Elder Xiao murmured. "Let the Skysilk guide your movements."


    Kai tried to relax, allowing his hands to move more fluidly. To his surprise, he found that the Skysilk seemed to almost weave itself, drawn by the currents in the mixture.


    Throughout the entire process, Kai had been applying Spiritual Resonance, attuning the elixir to lightning-based cultivation methods. Now, as the last strand of Skysilk disappeared into the mixture, he increased this resonance, feeling the elixir harmonize with his own Qi.


    "Excellent work so far," Elder Xiao said, a note of approval in his voice. "Now comes the true test of patience. Maintain a constant flow of lightning-attuned Qi for the next hour."


    Kai nodded, settling into a comfortable stance. He regulated his breathing, establishing a rhythm that allowed him to maintain a steady flow of Qi into the cauldron. The mixture continued to bubble and spark, occasionally emitting small flashes of light.


    As the minutes ticked by, Kai found his concentration wavering. Maintaining such precise Qi control for an extended period was more challenging than he''d anticipated, especially with qi capacity at the Qi Refining realm. Sweat dripped down his back, and his arms began to tremble slightly.


    "Focus, Kai," Elder Xiao''s voice cut through his fatigue.


    Kai closed his eyes briefly, picturing the swirling vortex of lightning Qi flow through his meridians and into the mixture.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Elder Xiao spoke again. "Time''s up. Now, cool and condense the mixture into liquid form."


    With a sigh of relief, Kai began to draw back his Qi, allowing the mixture to cool. As it did so, he used his Qi to shape it, condensing it into a small vial of glowing blue liquid. Occasional sparks danced across its surface.


    Kai stepped back from the workstation, his legs wobbling slightly, more from the fatigue than the extended period of standing still. He looked at Elder Xiao expectantly.


    The elder approached, looking closely at the vial. He picked it up, examining it from all angles. After what seemed like an eternity, he set it back down and turned to Kai.


    "Well," Elder Xiao began, his face unreadable, "you''ve certainly produced... something."


    Kai''s heart sank. "It''s not right, is it?"


    Elder Xiao shook his head. "I''m afraid not. While you''ve managed to create an elixir, it lacks the proper balance and potency to be a true Thundercore Elixir. Consuming this would be... unpleasant, to say the least."


    New Item Created: Thunder Fizzle Elixir


    Description: A botched Thundercore Elixir.


    Warning: If consumed, it could generate unpredictable lightning in the user''s meridians, potentially disrupting Qi flow for weeks. May attract lightning strikes during storms.


    Reading the warning, disappointment washed over Kai. He''d been so sure he was doing everything correctly. "What went wrong, Elder?"


    The elder stroked his chin. "Tell me, Disciple Kai, where do you think you made mistakes?"


    Kai furrowed his brow, thinking back over the process. "Well... I think I might have been too cautious with the Storm Serpent venom. And perhaps I didn''t maintain a consistent enough Qi flow during the simmering stage?"


    "Those are indeed part of the problem," Elder Xiao nodded. "But there''s more to it than that. Your Essence Extraction was too aggressive ¨C you drew out too much from the Lightning Lotus petals, which threw off the balance from the very beginning. And your Spiritual Resonance wasn''t quite attuned correctly ¨C you were resonating more with your own Qi than with the lightning aspect specifically."


    Kai listened intently, mentally noting each point of critique. "I see."


    The elder smiled. "Don''t be discouraged, Disciple Kai. No one creates a perfect Thundercore Elixir on their first try. Even I failed multiple times before succeeding."


    This admission made Kai feel slightly better. "How many attempts did it take you, Elder?"


    Elder Xiao chuckled. "More than I care to admit. But each failure taught me something valuable. Now, are you ready to try again?"


    Kai nodded. "Yes, Elder. I won''t give up until I succeed."


    "That''s the spirit," Elder Xiao said approvingly. He gestured to a fresh set of ingredients he had prepared while Kai was working. "Let''s try again. This time, focus on gentler Essence Extraction and more precise Spiritual Resonance."

 NINETY THREE: Storms Core

    Kai stared at the glowing vial in his hand, a tired smile spreading across his face.


    New Item Created: Thundercore Elixir


    Description: An elixir that awakens the Storm''s Core meridian, enhancing lightning-based cultivation.


    "Well done, Disciple Kai. It took three days, but you finally did it," Elder Xiao smiled at him.


    Kai nodded, his gaze shifting to the system messages that had appeared before him. He watched as each of his five basic alchemy skills leveled up to 4.


    Essence Extraction has reached Level 4!


    Elemental Fusion has reached Level 4!


    Qi Infusion has reached Level 4!


    Stability Control has reached Level 4!


    Spiritual Resonance has reached Level 4!


    You have gained 1000 XP!


    Two whole levels from creating an Intermediate Elixir? Kai¡¯s eyes widened. Not bad at all.


    "Thank you for your guidance, Elder Xiao," he said, bowing his head. "I couldn''t have done it without your patience and instruction."


    The elder waved his hand dismissively, but there was a small smile on his face. "You have talent. But talent alone isn''t enough. It was your persistence that saw you through."


    Kai nodded, remembering the countless failed attempts over the past three days. Each failure had been frustrating, but also instructive. He''d learned to fine-tune his Essence Extraction, balancing it delicately to draw out just the right amount of power from each ingredient. His Elemental Fusion had become more precise, allowing him to blend the volatile components without causing unwanted reactions.


    "Elder Xiao," Kai began, a question forming in his mind. "Now that I can create an Intermediate Elixir, does that mean I''m close to becoming an Intermediate Alchemist?"


    "Ah, the impatience of youth,¡± the elder chuckled. ¡°No, you still have a long way to go. Creating a single Intermediate Elixir is impressive, but to become an Intermediate Alchemist, you must master a wide range of elixirs and pills. Not to mention, your foundational skills need to be honed further."


    How much further do I need to go? Kai glanced at his skill levels, all now at 4. Maybe I need to get them all to level 9, or even 10, to be considered an Intermediate Alchemist.


    "I understand, Elder," Kai said. "There''s still much for me to learn."


    "Indeed," Elder Xiao nodded. "But don''t be discouraged. You''ve made remarkable progress in a short time. Many disciples spend years just to reach where you are now. You can''t expect to rush through the ranks overnight."


    Kai smiled, with the aid of the system and enough resources, he knew he probably could.


    He then glanced at his XP bar. Only 500 left before I break through to the next level. I''m so close.


    As if reading his thoughts, Elder Xiao cleared his throat. "Well, what are you waiting for? Off you go and use that elixir. No point in crafting it if you''re not going to put it to use."


    Kai blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Of course, Elder. Thank you again for everything."


    He bowed deeply, then turned to leave the alchemy room. As he walked through the door, he heard Elder Xiao call out, "And Kai? Don''t forget to come back for more lessons. You may have created one Intermediate Elixir, but there are many more to master!"


    "I won''t forget, Elder. I''ll be back soon."


    ***


    Reaching his pavilion, Kai quickly entered and sealed the door behind him. He didn''t want any interruptions during this crucial moment. He moved to the center of the room and sat cross-legged on the floor, placing the vial of Thundercore Elixir in front of him.


    Taking a deep breath, Kai closed his eyes and began to meditate. He needed to prepare his body and mind for the coming transformation. As he sank into a meditative state, he felt his qi circulating through his meridians.


    After what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, Kai opened his eyes. He was ready. Following the instructions from the Heavenly Thunderstorm technique, he began to close off his core meridian.


    It was always a strange sensation, like trying to dam a river with his bare hands, but slowly, ever so slowly, he felt his qi flow diminishing, the warmth in his core fading.


    Your cultivation has dropped to Qi Refining Stage 7


    Okay, step one complete. Now for the main event.


    He reached for the vial of Thundercore Elixir, uncorking it with slightly trembling hands. The liquid inside glowed with a soft blue light. Kai lifted the vial to his lips.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Here goes nothing, he thought, and drank the elixir in one swift gulp.


    For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a sensation like liquid lightning coursed through Kai''s body. He gasped, his back arching involuntarily. Every nerve felt like it was on fire, every muscle taut with electric energy.


    Kai''s eyes squeezed shut as he fought to maintain his concentration. He could feel the elixir''s power surging through him, seeking out his closed core meridian. With monumental effort, Kai directed the energy, guiding it to where he wanted it to go.


    In his mind''s eye, Kai could see his qi channels lighting up like a network of glowing blue veins. The energy from the elixir flowed along these channels, converging at his solar plexus. There, where his core meridian had been closed off, the energy began to pool.


    Kai felt a pressure building in his chest, growing more intense by the second. It was like trying to contain a storm within his body. Just when he thought he couldn''t take it anymore, when the pressure threatened to tear him apart from the inside, something... shifted.


    With a sensation like a dam breaking, the energy burst through the barrier of his closed meridian. Kai''s eyes flew open, a gasp escaping his lips. Blue-white light poured from his eyes and mouth, and arcs of electricity danced across his skin.


    For a timeless moment, Kai hung suspended between agony and ecstasy, his body a conduit for raw elemental power. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, it was over.


    He slumped forward, panting heavily. His whole body tingled, and he could still feel traces of electricity crackling through his veins. But more than that, he felt... different. Stronger. More alive.


    He looked up, his eyes seeking out the familiar blue rectangle of his status window. A series of messages greeted him:


    Congratulations!


    You have successfully opened the Storm''s Core meridian!


    Cultivation returned to Qi Refining Stage 8


    Lightning Affinity increased to 35%


    Skill Leveled Up: Crown of Lightning (Level 5) Effect: A temporary, visible aura of lightning can form around the cultivator''s head during meditation, boosting the cultivator''s qi regeneration by 25%.


    Skill Leveled Up: Sky''s Favor (Level 5) Effect: The cultivator''s qi absorption rate increases by 25% whenever they are under an open sky, this increases to 30% when under stormy weather.


    Skill Leveled Up: Electric Immunity (Level 5) Effect: The cultivator gains 25% resistance to lightning-based attacks, reducing the damage taken from electric or lightning-based techniques.


    You have gained 300 XP!


    Kai let out a long, slow breath. He''d done it. He''d successfully opened the Storm''s Core meridian. But as he read through the system messages, a small frown creased his brow.


    No new techniques? he thought, a twinge of disappointment in his chest. He''d been hoping that opening the Storm''s Core would unlock some new lightning-based skills.


    Then his eyes caught on the Lightning Affinity increase. Wait a minute... my Lightning Affinity went up by 5%? That''s... that''s actually huge.


    Kai''s disappointment quickly turned to excitement as he realized the implications. Increasing elemental affinities was notoriously difficult. Most cultivators could only do so with OP cultivation methods like his own or by finding extremely rare treasures like an elemental fruit.


    This is worth way more than a new skill. I can always learn new techniques with skill scrolls, but increasing affinities? That''s not something you can just buy or learn easily.


    As the initial euphoria of his success began to fade, Kai became aware of a bone-deep weariness settling over him. The process of opening the Storm''s Core had taken more out of him than he''d realized. He glanced out the window, not the least surprised to see that night had fallen. How long had he been at this?


    The others must have already sold the pills. There¡¯s no rush, I can meet up them with tomorrow, right now, I need some much deserved sleep¡­


    With a groan, Kai pushed himself to his feet. His legs felt wobbly, like he''d just run a marathon. He stumbled over to his bed and collapsed onto it, not even bothering to change out of his sweat-soaked robes.

 NINETY FOUR: Chen Wei Returns

    Chen Wei walked through the bustling grounds of the Outer Sect, his eyes scanning the list of names Liu Wei had given him. As he walked, a few curious glances were cast his way. It had been a while since Chen Wei had ventured into this part of the sect grounds.


    "Well, well, look who decided to grace us with his presence!" a voice called out.


    Chen Wei turned to see Pan Huo, a fellow Outer Disciple he''d trained with in the past. Pan Huo approached with a grin, slapping Chen Wei on the back.


    "We were starting to think you''d forgotten about us little people, now that you''re working for a Legacy Disciple," Pan Huo teased.


    "How could I forget where I came from?¡± Chen Wei chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°I''ve just been busy, that''s all."


    Another disciple, Li Ling, joined them. "Busy, huh? Must be nice, having important tasks to do. What brings you back to our humble corner of the sect?"


    I don¡¯t want to attract the attention of our competitors, the first sale needs to go well.


    Chen Wei hesitated, not wanting to reveal too much. "Just some errands. Nothing too exciting."


    "Come on, Chen Wei," Pan Huo pressed. "You can tell us. We''re all friends here, right?"


    I can''t let them know about the pills, Chen Wei thought. But I don''t want to be rude either.


    "It''s sect business," he said finally. "I''m afraid I can''t say more than that."


    Pan Huo whistled. "Look at you, all mysterious now. Well, don''t be a stranger, alright? Come train with us sometime, show us what you''ve learned from that Legacy Disciple of yours."


    Chen Wei nodded, "I''ll do that. Take care, both of you."


    As he continued on his way, his mind was on the pills. How should I approach this? Meeting buyers one at a time would take forever, and it wouldn''t create the competition Senior Brother Kai wants.


    He considered holding a public auction, but quickly dismissed the idea. That would draw too much attention. We don''t want to risk conflicts with other groups selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills. Even with Zhi-Zhi as backup, I''d rather avoid any confrontations. He''s better as a shield than for offense, anyway.


    Lost in thought, Chen Wei almost bumped into a younger disciple hurrying past. As he looked up to apologize, a smile appeared on his face.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    It was Li Jun, a scrappy kid who''d do just about any odd job for a few spirit stones. More importantly, Li Jun owed Chen Wei a favor.


    Chen Wei''s mind flashed back to Li Jun''s first days in the sect. The boy had arrived wide-eyed and overwhelmed, struggling to find his footing in the competitive environment. Chen Wei, remembering his own difficult early days, had taken pity on the newcomer.


    He''d shown Li Jun around, explaining the unwritten rules of sect life and helping him avoid the pitfalls that often tripped up new disciples. When Li Jun had accidentally offended an older disciple, it was Chen Wei who smoothed things over, saving the boy from a beating - or worse.


    Now, seeing Li Jun, Chen Wei realized he might have found the solution to his current dilemma.


    "Li Jun!" he called out. "Do you have a moment?"


    The younger boy stopped, turning with a mixture of surprise and wariness on his face. "Senior Brother Chen Wei? What can I do for you?"


    Chen Wei smiled. "I was hoping you might be able to help me with a small favor."


    Li Jun''s expression relaxed slightly, but he still looked cautious. "What kind of favor?"


    "Nothing too difficult," Chen Wei said, keeping his voice low. "I just need you to deliver some messages for me. Discreetly."


    Li Jun''s eyes narrowed. "Messages? To who?"


    Chen Wei produced the list of names. "To these disciples. I need you to tell each of them to meet me at the old willow grove near the eastern training fields. Today, two hours before sunset."


    Li Jun''s eyes widened as he scanned the list. "These are all upper-level Outer Disciples. What''s this about?"


    Chen Wei shook his head. "They already know. It''s better if you don''t know the details. Can you do that for me?"


    Li Jun hesitated, clearly wanting to ask more questions. But after a moment, he nodded. "Alright. But... you don''t owe me for this one, Senior Brother. I haven''t forgotten how you helped me when I first got here."


    Chen Wei smiled, patting the younger disciple on the shoulder. "I appreciate that, Li Jun. Thank you."


    As Li Jun hurried off to complete his task, Chen Wei felt a weight lift from his shoulders.


    Now to prepare for the meeting. This could get... interesting.


    ***


    Two hours before sunset, Chen Wei stood in the shade of the ancient willow tree, its long branches swaying gently in the breeze. The grove was secluded enough to offer privacy, but open enough that no one would feel trapped. Perfect for what he had planned.


    A rustle from nearby made him tense, but it was just Zhi-Zhi, poking his head out from his hiding spot in a dense patch of undergrowth.


    "Are they here yet?" the spirit tortoise asked eagerly. "I want to see the look on their faces when-"


    "Shh!" Chen Wei hissed, glancing around nervously. "They''ll be here soon. You need to stay hidden, remember?"


    Zhi-Zhi deflated slightly. "But I wanted to help with the negotiations. I''ve been practicing my intimidating glare!"


    Chen Wei sighed. "I appreciate the offer, but we need to keep this low-key. Just stay out of sight unless there''s real trouble, just like last time, okay?"


    The tortoise grumbled but retreated back into the bushes. Chen Wei straightened his robes, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves.


    A few minutes later, the first disciple arrived. It was Feng Yan, a tall, lean young man with sharp features and green eyes. He was at the peak of Qi Refining Stage 8, known for his aggressive demeanour, which probably had something to do with his aggressive cultivation style.


    "Chen Wei," Feng Yan said. "Do you have it?"

 NINETY FIVE: The First Sale

    Before Chen Wei could answer, more disciples began to trickle in. Within minutes, the grove was filled with curious and slightly wary Outer Disciples, their cultivation levels ranging from Qi Refining Stage 4 to Stage 9.


    Chen Wei recognized most of them. There was round-faced Liu Qian, only at Stage 4 but with an uncanny talent for pill refinement, a shame he had yet to pass the Novice Alchemy Exams. Lin Hui, Stage 7, whose sword techniques were the talk of the Outer Sect. Broad-shouldered Wu Cheng, Stage 9, rumored to be on the verge of breaking through to Foundation Establishment.


    As the group grew, Chen Wei noticed the disciples naturally clustering into their various factions.


    The Azure Fang group, known for their brash and confrontational attitudes, gathered near a gnarled tree root. They were the "tough guys" of the Outer Sect, always ready for a fight and quick to assert dominance. Feng Yan was their leader; he was already glaring at the others.


    The Misty Palm faction, on the other hand, stood off to one side, eyeing the others warily. They were the intellectuals and strategists, preferring to solve problems with wit rather than brawn. Ling Xiao, their de facto spokesperson, had her arms crossed as she assessed the disciples around her.


    Near the center, the Emerald Harmony group chatted animatedly. They were the social butterflies, always organizing events and trying to keep the peace between the other factions. Wu Cheng, ever the mediator, was already moving between groups, trying to ease tensions.


    Chen Wei knew that Wu Cheng, with his Peak Qi Refining Stage 9 cultivation, would make sure no conflicts broke out.


    Off in a corner, the Shadows of Solitude kept to themselves. These were the loners and outcasts, either by choice or circumstance. Xu Kai, looking nervous as always, kept glancing around as if searching for an escape route.


    Once it seemed everyone had arrived, Chen Wei cleared his throat. All eyes turned to him, a mix of curiosity, impatience, and in some cases, barely concealed hostility.


    "Thank you all for coming," Chen Wei began. "I''ve gathered you here because my friend had mentioned that you were interested in some cultivation resources."


    He reached into his robes and produced a small pouch, revealing the Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills within.


    "As you can see, I have here twenty Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills," Chen Wei announced. "I know many of you have been seeking these to aid in your cultivation."


    "Convenient,¡± Ling Xiao muttered. ¡°How do we know these aren''t just sugar pills you''ve cooked up to scam us?"


    "A fair question," Chen Wei acknowledged. "But consider this - would I risk my reputation, not to mention potential retaliation from thirty angry disciples, over fake pills? I assure you, these are the real deal."


    Feng Yan stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the pills. "But that Inner Disciple was pretty tight-lipped about where these came from. Care to fill us in on that little detail?"


    "Wait a moment," Xu Kai said, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "These pills... they must be connected to your master, the Legacy Disciple. Am I right?"


    A hush fell over the gathering as all eyes turned to Chen Wei, waiting for his response.


    Chen Wei nodded slowly, "Yes, these pills are indeed connected to Senior Brother Kai."


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Excited whispers broke out among the disciples. Chen Wei raised his voice slightly to be heard over the commotion.


    "What''s more, I can now reveal that Senior Brother Kai has recently attained the rank of Novice Alchemist. These pills are some of his first successful creations."


    "Novice Alchemist? ¡°Liu Qian, the pill refiner, exclaimed. "At his age? That''s... that''s incredible!"


    Chen Wei smile widened. "Indeed it is. Which means you can be assured of the quality of these pills. They''re not just any Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills - they''re crafted by a Legacy Disciple with exceptional talent."


    Zhang Liang spoke up. "But if they''re made by a Novice Alchemist, how do we know they''re safe?"


    This is my chance to really sell these pills. I need to make Senior Brother Kai look as impressive as possible.


    "An understandable concern," Chen Wei acknowledged. "But remember, this is Senior Brother Kai we''re talking about. His talent is unprecedented. Even the Alchemy Master Elder Xiao was impressed by his skills and wanted to take him as a disciple. These pills have been thoroughly tested and verified by the Alchemy Master himself. They''re not only safe but potentially more effective than standard Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills."


    The atmosphere in the grove shifted once again. The initial suspicion had given way to a palpable sense of eagerness. Disciples who had been hesitant before now looked at the pills with naked want in their eyes.


    "So," Chen Wei said, holding up one of the pills. "Now that you know the true value of what''s being offered, let''s begin the bidding. Who wants to make the first offer for a pill crafted by the Azure Sky Sect''s most promising young alchemist?"


    "What''s your starting price?" Liu Qian asked.


    Chen Wei thought for a moment. "Since Senior Brother Kai cares a lot about customer satisfaction, let''s start the bidding at 20 spirit stones per pill."


    It was a reasonable starting price, considering that they usually sold for 30 per pill.


    "I''ll give you 21 for one," called out a voice from the back.


    "22 here," countered another disciple.


    Soon, the grove was filled with a cacophony of bids, each disciple trying to outdo the others. Chen Wei watched with satisfaction as the price climbed steadily upward.


    This is going even better than I hoped. Senior Brother Kai will be pleased.


    As the bidding hit 25 spirit stones, tensions began to rise. Some disciples dropped out, unable to afford the increasing price. Others grew more aggressive in their bids, determined to secure a pill at any cost.


    "26 spirit stones!" shouted Ling Xiao.


    "27!" countered Feng Yan, glaring at anyone who dared to challenge him.


    "28 spirit stones!" called out Liu Qian, his round face determined. Studying this pill could be what he needed to breakthrough and become a Novice Alchemist himself!


    The bidding war ended, no one was willing to spend anymore spirit stones as it was close to the original price.


    As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, the rest of the pills were sold off. Most of the disciples had either secured their pills or dropped out of the running, unable to match the increasingly steep prices.


    In the end, Wu Cheng claimed five pills at 28 spirit stones each, his resources as a Stage 9 disciple allowing him to outbid most of the others. Lin Xiao and Feng Yan each secured three, Liu Qian secured two, while the remaining nine were distributed among various other disciples who had managed to scrape together enough spirit stones.


    As Chen Wei carefully handed out the pills in exchange for spirit stones, he couldn''t help but smile. He had managed the entire transaction smoothly, without any major incidents.


    "Thank you all for your participation," Chen Wei said, bowing slightly. "I hope these pills serve you well in your cultivation."


    The disciples nodded, some grudgingly, others eagerly clutching their hard-won pills. As they began to disperse, Chen Wei caught snippets of conversation.


    "Can''t believe I managed to get one..."


    "Do you think he''ll have more in the future?"


    "A Legacy Disciple and an alchemist? No wonder Chen Wei''s been moving up so fast..."


    ¡°But what do you think Senior Brother Su Fang will do when he hears about this¡­¡±


    Once the last disciple had left the grove, Chen Wei allowed himself a moment to relax. He slumped against the old willow tree, letting out a long breath.


    "You can come out now, Zhi-Zhi," he called softly.


    The spirit tortoise emerged from the bushes, leaves stuck to his shell. "That was amazing!" he exclaimed. "The way you handled them all, it was like watching a master merchant at work!"


    Chen Wei chuckled, patting Zhi-Zhi''s shell. "I had a good teacher. Now, let''s head back. We need to report our success to Senior Brother Kai."

 NINETY SIX: The Core Disciple - Su Fang

    Zhao Jun stumbled through the Azure Sky Sect grounds, his breaths coming in short gasps. His legs burned from running, but he couldn''t slow down. Not when he had such important news to share.


    He weaved between groups of disciples, ignoring their startled looks. His eyes were fixed on his destination - the Core Disciple region. More specifically, Sun Jun''s quarters.


    As he approached the building, Zhao Jun slowed his pace. He took a moment to catch his breath and straighten his robes. It wouldn''t do to appear too disheveled in front of a Core Disciple.


    With shaky hands, he knocked on the door.


    "Enter," a voice called from inside.


    Zhao Jun pushed open the door and stepped into Sun Jun''s quarters. The room was spacious and well-furnished, unlike the cramped dormitories of the Outer Disciples.


    Sun Jun sat at a desk, poring over a scroll. His friend, Lu Chen, lounged on a nearby couch, idly tossing a spirit stone in the air and catching it.


    Both young men looked up as Zhao Jun entered. Sun Jun''s eyes narrowed.


    "What is it?" he asked, his tone sharp. "This had better be important."


    Zhao Jun bowed deeply. "Senior Brother Sun, I have news that I believe you''ll find very interesting."


    Sun Jun leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? And what might that be?"


    Zhao Jun took a deep breath. "It''s about the new Legacy Disciple, Kai. He''s... he''s selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills."


    The spirit stone Lu Chen had been tossing clattered to the floor. Sun Jun''s eyes widened.


    "What did you say?" Sun Jun asked, his voice dangerously low.


    Zhao Jun swallowed hard. "I... I was just at a meeting in the Outer Sect. Chen Wei, who works for Kai, was selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills. Twenty of them."


    Lu Chen sat up straight. "Twenty? Where did he get so many?"


    "He said they were made by Kai himself," Zhao Jun explained. "Apparently, Kai has become a Novice Alchemist."


    Sun Jun''s fists clenched. "Impossible. He''s only been here for a short time. How could he, a village bumpkin, have advanced so quickly?"


    Zhao Jun shrugged. "I don''t know, Senior Brother. But Chen Wei was very clear about it. He even said the pills had been verified by Alchemy Master Elder Xiao."


    Sun Jun stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. He began to pace, his face twisted in anger.


    "Not only did he steal my Legacy Disciple spot," he spat. "But he is now trying to humiliate me further."


    Lu Chen watched his friend. "What does any of this have to do with you?"


    Sun Jun whirled to face him. "Don''t you see? This Kai, this... this nobody from some backwater village, is not only a Legacy Disciple but now a Novice Alchemist too? And he''s using these skills to gain influence among the Outer Disciples? He is trying to take any chance of me becoming the next Sect Master!"


    Lu Chen nodded slowly. "I¡­see. But what can we do about it?"


    A slow, cruel smile spread across Sun Jun''s face. "We don''t have to do anything. We just need to make sure the right people know about this."


    Zhao Jun, who had been standing silently, spoke up. "What do you mean, Senior Brother?"


    Sun Jun turned his gaze to the Outer Disciple. "Tell me, Zhao Jun, how much were these pills being sold for?"


    "They started the bidding at 20 spirit stones," Zhao Jun replied. "But by the end, some were going for as much as 28 spirit stones each."


    Lu Chen whistled. "That''s not bad. Cheaper than the usual price, but still a tidy profit."


    Sun Jun''s smile widened. "Exactly. And do you know who usually supplies Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills to the Outer Disciples?"


    Zhao Jun''s eyes widened in realization. "Senior Brother Su Fang!"


    "Precisely," Sun Jun said. "I wonder how Senior Brother Su Fang would feel about this new... competition."


    Lu Chen stood up, a glint in his eye. "Are you suggesting we inform Su Fang about this?"


    Sun Jun nodded. "It''s our duty as loyal disciples of the Azure Sky Sect to keep our seniors informed of any... unusual activities."


    Zhao Jun shifted uncomfortably. "But... won''t that cause trouble for Kai? He is a Legacy Disciple, after all."


    Sun Jun''s eyes flashed dangerously. "Are you questioning me, Zhao Jun?"


    The Outer Disciple quickly shook his head. "No, no, of course not, Senior Brother!"


    "Good," Sun Jun said. "Because I think it''s time we paid a visit to Senior Brother Su Fang. Don''t you agree, Lu Chen?"


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Lu Chen nodded. "I think that''s an excellent idea, Sun Jun."


    Sun Jun turned back to Zhao Jun. "You''ve done well bringing this information to us. You may go now."


    Zhao Jun bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior Brother Sun."


    As he turned to leave, Sun Jun called out, "Oh, and Zhao Jun? Not a word of this to anyone else. Understood?"


    Zhao Jun nodded quickly. "Of course, Senior Brother. My lips are sealed."


    As the door closed behind Zhao Jun, Lu Chen turned to Sun Jun. "Are you sure about this? Su Fang isn''t known for his gentle temperament."


    "That''s exactly what I''m counting on,¡± Sun Jun smirked. ¡°It''s time this village boy learned his place. Legacy Disciple or not, he can''t just waltz in here and do as he pleases."


    Lu Chen nodded slowly. "And if Su Fang deals with him, our hands stay clean."


    "Precisely," Sun Jun said. "Now, let''s go pay our respects to Senior Brother Su Fang, shall we?"


    The two friends left Sun Jun''s quarters and made their way to Su Feng¡¯s quarters.


    This is perfect, Sun Jun thought. Su Fang, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, will put that upstart Kai in his place.


    Lu Chen glanced at his friend, noting the satisfied smirk on his face. "You seem pleased with yourself," he observed.


    Sun Jun chuckled. "Why shouldn''t I be? This Kai has been a thorn in my side since he arrived. It''s about time someone did something about him."


    "And you''re sure Su Fang will react the way you want?" Lu Chen asked.


    Sun Jun''s smirk widened. "Oh, I''m counting on it. Su Fang''s pride won''t allow him to let this slide. He''ll crush Kai, that village boy will learn that the Azure Sky Sect isn''t his personal playground."


    As they approached Su Fang''s residence, a grand building befitting a senior Core Disciple, Sun Jun paused.


    "Remember," he said to Lu Chen, "let me do most of the talking. We''re just concerned junior disciples bringing important information to our senior''s attention."


    Lu Chen nodded. "Of course. I''ll follow your lead."


    Sun Jun took a deep breath, composing his features into a mask of respectful concern. Then, he knocked on the door.


    "Enter," came a voice from within.


    Sun Jun pushed open the door, Lu Chen close behind him. They stepped into the room. At a large desk sat Su Fang, his sharp eyes fixed on the two young men who had just entered.


    "Sun Jun, Lu Chen," Su Fang said. "To what do I owe this... pleasure?"


    Sun Jun and Lu Chen gave a small bow. "Senior Brother Su," Sun Jun said, his voice dripping with respect. "We apologize for disturbing you, but we have information that we believe you should be aware of."


    Su Fang leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Oh? And what might that be?"


    Sun Jun straightened, meeting Su Fang''s gaze. "It''s about the new Legacy Disciple, Kai. We''ve just learned that he''s selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills to the Outer Disciples."


    For a moment, Su Fang''s face remained impassive. Then, almost imperceptibly, his left eyebrow twitched.


    "Is that so?" he said, his voice carefully neutral. "And where did you hear this?"


    "One of the Outer Disciples came to us directly," Sun Jun explained. "Apparently, Kai''s assistant held a meeting where he sold twenty Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills."


    Lu Chen chimed in, "They claim the pills were made by Kai himself. That he''s become a Novice Alchemist."


    Su Fang''s eyes widened slightly at this. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk. "A Novice Alchemist, you say? That''s... interesting."


    Sun Jun nodded eagerly. "Yes, Senior Brother. And what''s more, they were selling the pills for as low as 20 spirit stones each."


    This time, Su Fang couldn''t hide his reaction. His fist clenched on the desk, and a flash of anger crossed his face.


    "Twenty spirit stones?" he repeated, his voice low and dangerous.


    Sun Jun fought to keep the satisfaction off his face. He''s taking the bait, he thought. Now to reel him in.


    "We were shocked too, Senior Brother," Sun Jun said, his voice full of false concern. "We know you''ve been supplying the Outer Disciples with pills. We were worried this might... interfere with your business."


    Su Fang stood up abruptly, turning to look out the window. His back was rigid, his hands clasped tightly behind him.


    "Thank you for bringing this to my attention," he said, his voice tightly controlled. "You''ve done well, both of you."


    Sun Jun and Lu Chen exchanged a quick glance. This was going even better than they had hoped.


    "We''re always happy to help, Senior Brother," Lu Chen said smoothly. "We just want what''s best for the sect."


    Su Fang turned back to face them, his expression unreadable. "Indeed. Well, if that''s all, you may go. I have much to think about."


    Sun Jun and Lu Chen bowed again. "Of course, Senior Brother. We''ll take our leave."


    As they turned to go, Su Fang spoke again. "Oh, and Sun Jun?"


    Sun Jun paused, looking back. "Yes, Senior Brother?"


    Su Fang''s eyes bore into him. "In the future, if you hear anything else about this... Kai, I want you to come to me immediately. Understood?"


    Sun Jun nodded, suppressing a smile. "Of course, Senior Brother. You can count on us."


    As the door closed behind them, Sun Jun and Lu Chen walked quickly away from Su Fang''s residence. Once they were out of earshot, Sun Jun let out a low chuckle.


    "Did you see his face?" he said, his voice filled with glee. "He was furious!"


    Lu Chen nodded, a small smile on his face. "You played it perfectly, Sun Jun. He took the bait hook, line, and sinker."


    Sun Jun''s eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Just wait. Su Fang won''t let this stand. He''ll go after Kai, and when he does..."


    "We''ll be there to watch the fireworks," Lu Chen finished.


    As they walked back to their own quarters, Sun Jun''s mind raced with possibilities. Soon, he thought, soon that upstart Kai will learn his place. And when he falls, I''ll be there to take what should have been mine all along.


    ***


    Meanwhile, back in his quarters, Su Fang paced back and forth, his mind whirling with the information he had just received.


    A Legacy Disciple selling pills? And not just any pills, but Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills. My pills.


    He stopped at the window, looking out over the sect grounds. His eyes narrowed as he considered his options.


    On one hand, this Kai was a Legacy Disciple. Going against him directly could be dangerous. But on the other hand, if he let this slide, it could seriously damage his business and his reputation.


    I''ve worked too hard to let some newcomer ruin everything, and it¡¯s not like this Kai is another Wang Lin, I¡¯m not defenceless against him. But how to handle this...


    He turned away from the window, his decision made. He wouldn''t confront Kai directly, at least not yet. First, he needed more information.


    Su Fang sat back down at his desk, pulling out a blank scroll. He began to write, outlining his plan.


    First, verify the information. Then, if it''s true, find out more about this Kai. His strengths, his weaknesses, his goals. And most importantly, find out why he''s selling these pills. Is he trying to rile me up or is he just looking to make some spirit stones?


    As he wrote, a new thought occurred to him. What if... what if I could turn this to my advantage?


    Su Fang leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. Yes, this could work. Instead of seeing Kai as a threat, why not see him as an opportunity?


    If he really is a Novice Alchemist, Su Fang thought, then he could be incredibly valuable. And if I could bring him into my operation...


    With a Legacy Disciple as his alchemist, he could expand his business using the name of a Legacy Disciple. The profits would be astronomical.


    Su Fang stood up, his decision made. He would meet this Kai, but not as an enemy. No, he would approach him as a potential business partner.


    Let''s see what you''re made of, Legacy Disciple Kai, Su Fang thought as he headed for the door. This could be the beginning of a very profitable relationship... for both of us.

 NINETY SEVEN: Well Played

    Su Fang approached the area demarcating the Legacy Disciple quarters, his steps slowing as he took in the unfamiliar surroundings. He had never ventured this far into the sect''s inner sanctum before, a plain Core Disciple like himself had never been important enough to garner Wang Lin¡¯s attention.


    As he drew near, his eyes widened in surprise. An invisible barrier shimmered into existence, halting his progress. The air in front of him rippled like water, a translucent wall of energy barring his path.


    "So the rumors are true," Su Fang murmured to himself, reaching out a hand to touch the barrier. He felt a gentle resistance, like pressing against a cushion of air. "The Legacy Disciples really do have their own protective wards."


    He took a step back, scanning the area with newfound respect. The pavilions beyond the barrier seemed to shimmer slightly, as if viewed through heat haze. Su Fang had always known the Legacy Disciples were afforded special privileges, but seeing it firsthand was another matter entirely.


    How am I supposed to get through? he wondered, frowning slightly. Surely there must be a way for other disciples to visit, or at least leave messages.


    Su Fang cleared his throat. "Legacy Disciple Kai? It''s Su Fang, a Core Disciple. I was hoping we could talk."


    Silence greeted his words. He frowned, straining his ears for any sign of movement within. Nothing.


    Is he ignoring me? Or perhaps he''s not home?


    Su Fang''s frown deepened. He hadn''t come all this way to be thwarted by an empty house. With a resigned sigh, he settled himself on a nearby rock, closing his eyes in meditation.


    I can be patient. He''ll have to return eventually.


    Time passed, the sun inching across the sky. Su Fang remained motionless, his breathing slow and even. To any passerby, he might have appeared to be a statue, were it not for the occasional twitch of his eyebrow.


    The sound of approaching footsteps roused him from his trance. Su Fang''s eyes snapped open, a smile curving his lips. But it wasn''t Kai who rounded the corner.


    Instead, a young man came into view, accompanied by... was that a tortoise? Su Fang blinked, wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him. But no, there was indeed a spirit beast waddling alongside the boy.


    Ah, this must be Kai''s servant. Chen Wei, and that tortoise must be Cang Long¡¯s disciple, if I recall correctly.


    Su Fang stood, brushing off his robes. "Greetings, young Chen Wei. I don''t suppose your master is at home?"


    Chen Wei froze, his eyes widening as he recognized Su Fang. The tortoise at his side bumped into his leg, letting out a squawk.


    "S-Senior Brother Su Fang," Chen Wei stammered. "I... I''m afraid Senior Brother Kai isn''t here at the moment."


    Su Fang''s smile didn''t waver, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "I see. That''s unfortunate. I was hoping to discuss some business with him."


    Chen Wei shifted uncomfortably. "Business? What kind of business?"


    "Oh, nothing too serious," Su Fang said, waving a hand dismissively. "I just heard some interesting rumors about your master selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills. I thought we might have a little chat.¡±


    Chen Wei''s posture stiffened. "I''m not sure what you mean, Senior Brother. The Low-Grade Qi Gathering pill business isn''t exclusive to anyone. Anyone can sell them if they have the means to produce them."


    Su Fang chuckled. "Of course, of course. I''m not here to cause any trouble. Quite the opposite, in fact. I see this as a potential business opportunity. Your master clearly has talent as an alchemist. I thought perhaps we could combine our resources, expand our reach."


    Chen Wei''s eyes narrowed. He''d seen tactics like this before, back when he worked in the family business. Competitors would come in, all smiles and promises of cooperation, only to try and squeeze them out of business later.


    "That''s very kind of you to offer, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said carefully. "But I''m afraid I can''t speak for Senior Brother Kai on such matters. You''ll have to discuss it with him directly."


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Su Fang''s smile widened. "Of course, I understand completely. I wouldn''t expect you to make such decisions. When do you think your master will return? I''d be happy to wait."


    Chen Wei''s mind raced. He needed to warn Kai about this unexpected development. "I''m not sure, Senior Brother. He didn''t say when he''d be back. It could be quite a while."


    "That''s no problem," Su Fang said, settling back onto his rock. "I can be very patient."


    Chen Wei hesitated, then bowed slightly. "If you''ll excuse me, Senior Brother, I have some errands to run for Senior Brother Kai. I should get going."


    "Of course, of course," Su Fang said, waving him off. "Don''t let me keep you."


    Chen Wei hurried away, the spirit tortoise scrambling to keep up. As soon as they were out of earshot, the tortoise spoke up.


    "I don''t trust that guy," Zhi-Zhi said, his tiny eyes narrowed. "He smells like trouble."


    Chen Wei nodded. "I agree. We need to warn Senior Brother Kai as soon as possible."


    Back at the pavilion, Su Fang remained in his meditative pose, unmoving. Hours passed, the sun slowly sinking towards the horizon.


    As night fell, lanterns flickered to life along the paths. Still, Su Fang waited.


    One day turned into two, then three. Su Fang maintained the meditative pose, only occasionally shifting his position or taking small sips of water from a flask at his side.


    On the third day, as the sun began to set once more, Su Fang finally opened his eyes. His face was a mask of frustration and weariness.


    Three days, he thought bitterly. Three days, and still no sign of Kai.


    Su Fang stood up, stretching his stiff muscles. He glared at the still-empty pavilion, his patience finally wearing thin.


    That Outer Disciple must have warned him, Su Fang realized. That''s why he hasn''t returned. He''s avoiding me.


    For a moment, anger flared in Su Fang''s chest. Was Kai testing him? Trying to see how long he would wait? The thought of being toyed with by some upstart Legacy Disciple made Su Fang''s blood boil.


    But then, as quickly as it had come, the anger faded. Su Fang took a deep breath, forcing himself to think rationally.


    Calm down, he told himself. Think about this logically. If a higher-level cultivator was waiting outside your home for days, how would you feel?


    The answer came to him immediately: cautious. Wary. Perhaps even a little afraid.


    Su Fang took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. He looked at the pavilion with new eyes, a grudging respect growing within him.


    Kai is being careful, he realized. He''s not avoiding me out of cowardice, but out of prudence. He''s assessing the situation before making a move.


    A slow smile spread across Su Fang''s face. I can respect that. Caution is a valuable trait in both cultivation and business.


    Decision made, Su Fang straightened his robes and gave a respectful nod towards the pavilion. "Well played, Legacy Disciple Kai," he murmured. "Well played indeed."


    As he turned to leave, Su Fang''s mind was already formulating a new plan. I''ll do this the right way, he thought. Send a formal request for a meeting through proper channels. Show him the respect his position deserves.


    Su Fang walked away from the pavilion, his steps lighter than they had been in days.


    This new Legacy Disciple is a cautious man. And I like working with cautious men. This could be the start of a very interesting partnership.


    As Su Fang disappeared down the path, the sect grounds fell quiet. The last rays of sunlight faded, leaving the area bathed in the soft glow of lanterns.


    For several minutes, all was still. Then, suddenly a black-robed figure appeared on the path. Without hesitation, the figure approached the barrier. There was no utterance of a pass phrase, no gesture to dispel the protective force. The barrier simply... parted, as if recognizing its master''s touch.


    The black-robed figure slipped inside, the door to the pavilion opening and closing in one smooth motion.


    And just like that, Kai was home.

 NINETY EIGHT: Xie Li

    Kai''s eyes fluttered open, sunlight streaming through the window of his pavilion. He groaned, his body still aching from the intense process of opening the Storm''s Core meridian.


    As he sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, a knock sounded at the door.


    "Come in," Kai called out, his voice still rough with sleep.


    Chen Wei entered, carrying a tray with a steaming pot of tea and a small pouch.


    "Senior Brother Kai, you really are back! How are you feeling?"


    Kai stretched, wincing slightly. "Like I''ve been hit by a lightning bolt. But I''ll live. What''s that you''ve got there?"


    Chen Wei set the tray down on a nearby table and held up the pouch. "The spirit stones from the pill sale, Senior Brother. We managed to sell all twenty pills for an average of 26 spirit stones each."


    Kai''s eyebrows rose. "That''s better than I expected. Well done, Chen Wei."


    As Chen Wei poured tea for both of them, Kai''s mind raced. 520 spirit stones. Not a bad haul for our first sale. But if word gets out, we''ll have competition soon. We need to move fast.


    Congratulations!


    Guild members Chen Wei, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi have completed their first task. They have gained 10 contribution points.


    Contribution points will now be awarded.


    "Senior Brother Kai?" Chen Wei''s voice was filled with surprise. "My trident mark... it''s glowing!"


    Kai watched in fascination as 10% of the black mark on Chen Wei''s right shoulder blade turned a vibrant blue.


    "Interesting," Kai murmured. He focused his thoughts, addressing the system directly. "System, when will my guild members be able to use the trident mark to condense qi?"


    Once the mark is complete, guild members will be able to use the mark to condense qi at will. Use of the technique will not deplete the mark. However, without continuous completion of tasks contributing to the guild, they will lose this ability.


    "And what about the respawn ability? How does that work for guild members?"


    Guild members can respawn when their mark is complete. However, a respawn will use up the entire mark and their ability to condense qi. They will need to complete the mark once again to regain these abilities.


    It would be a waste if condensing qi used up their mark, it makes much more sense for respawning to use up the mark.


    Kai turned to Chen Wei, who was still staring at his glowing mark in wonder.


    "That¡¯s the reward I mentioned, Chen Wei. I¡¯ll give you all a Qi Gathering Pill when I make the next batch. But keep up the good work, and you''ll be able to condense qi and even... well, let''s just say you''ll be much harder to get rid of."


    Chen Wei looked up. "Thank you, Senior Brother. I''ll work hard to complete this mark!¡± His expression then shifted, becoming more serious. "There''s something else you should know, Senior Brother. Su Fang was waiting outside your pavilion for three days."


    Kai frowned, accepting the cup of tea Chen Wei offered. "Su Fang? I don''t know of any Su Fang. What did he want?"


    Chen Wei shifted uncomfortably. "He said he wanted to discuss business with you. Specifically about the Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills we sold."


    "I see," Kai murmured, taking a sip of tea. "Tell me everything you know about this Su Fang."


    Chen Wei nodded, his brow furrowing in concentration. "Su Fang is a Core Disciple, known for his business acumen. He''s been selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills to Outer Sect disciples for a while now. From what I''ve heard, he hires alchemists to make the pills for him."


    Kai''s eyes narrowed. So, he sees us as competition. This could be trouble.


    "Is that all?" Kai asked.


    Chen Wei hesitated. "Well, there''s one more thing. Su Fang''s servant arrived about an hour ago. He requested a meeting for Su Fang at a time convenient for you."


    Kai leaned back, considering this new information. After a moment, he looked at Chen Wei. "What do you think I should do?"


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened in surprise. "Me? I... I''m not sure, Senior Brother. Su Fang is a Core Disciple. He could be a powerful ally... or a dangerous enemy."


    "You''re right on both counts," Kai said. "But we need to be careful. We can''t afford to make enemies this early, but we also can''t show weakness."


    Kai stood up, pacing the room as he thought. I can''t spend all my time making pills, even if Elder Xiao would love that. We need to make this business sustainable. And for that, we need help.


    An image of Xie Li, the quiet alchemist he''d met earlier, flashed in his mind. She could be exactly what we need.


    Coming to a decision, Kai turned back to Chen Wei. "Alright, here''s what we''re going to do. Respond to Su Fang''s servant. Tell him I''ll meet with Su Fang in ten days."


    Chen Wei nodded. "And in those ten days, Senior Brother?"


    Kai smiled. "In those ten days, we''re going to shore up our position. Starting with recruiting some help. I want you to pass a message to Xie Li. Tell her I''m interested in practicing some alchemy with her."


    "Xie Li?" Chen Wei asked. "The Inner Disciple who passed the Novice Alchemy Examination?"


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    "That''s the one," Kai confirmed. "She''s talented, and we could use her skills."


    Chen Wei nodded, a look of understanding dawning on his face. "I see. You want to bring her into our guild?"


    "Not yet,¡± Kai shook his head. ¡°We need to vet her first. For now, we''ll just see if she''s interested in working with us."


    "Understood, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said, bowing slightly. "I''ll deliver the messages right away."


    As Chen Wei turned to leave, Kai called out, "Oh, and Chen Wei?"


    The young disciple paused at the door. "Yes, Senior Brother?"


    "Good work with the pill sale."


    Chen Wei''s face lit up. "Thank you, Senior Brother!"


    As the door closed behind Chen Wei, Kai sank back onto his bed.


    Ten days to prepare for Su Fang. Ten days to set up a sustainable operation. It''s going to be a busy week and a half.


    With a groan, Kai forced himself to his feet. He had work to do.


    ***


    Later that day, Kai found himself standing outside the alchemy practice room, waiting for Xie Li to arrive. He''d spent the morning reviewing his alchemy notes and planning his approach.


    The sound of footsteps pulled Kai from his thoughts. He looked up to see Xie Li approaching, her steps hesitant and her eyes downcast. As she drew closer, Kai noticed a faint blush on her cheeks.


    "Senior Brother Kai," she said softly, bowing. "Thank you for inviting me to practice with you."


    Kai smiled, trying to put her at ease. "Thank you for coming, Xie Li. I''ve been looking forward to working with you."


    Xie Li''s blush deepened, but she managed a small smile. "What... what did you want to practice today?"


    "I was thinking we could focus on the Spiritual Resonance technique," Kai said. "It''s a crucial skill for creating high-quality pills, and I''d love to get your insights on it."


    Xie Li''s eyes widened slightly. "Spiritual Resonance? That¡¯s quite a difficult technique, most disciples struggle with it.¡±


    Kai nodded. "That¡¯s right. But from what I''ve seen of your skills, I think your understanding of it is quite good. So, shall we go in?"


    He gestured towards the practice room door. Xie Li nodded, her earlier nervousness seemingly replaced by excitement at the prospect of practicing alchemy.


    As they entered the room, Kai took a moment to observe Xie Li. There was a focus in her eyes that hadn''t been there before.


    She really comes alive when she''s working with alchemy. That''s a good sign.


    "So," Kai said as they finished setting up, "what''s your understanding of the Spiritual Resonance technique?"


    Xie Li paused, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "Spiritual Resonance is about attuning the energy of the pill to the spiritual frequency of the cultivator who will use it. It''s what allows us to create pills that are tailored to specific individuals or cultivation methods."


    "Exactly. And what do you think is the most challenging aspect of the technique?"


    Xie Li bit her lip, considering the question. "I think... it''s maintaining the resonance throughout the entire pill-making process. It''s not enough to just attune the ingredients at the beginning. You have to keep that resonance going as you refine and shape the pill."


    "But how do you maintain that resonance? What''s your approach?"


    Xie Li''s eyes lit up as she began to explain her method. Kai listened intently, asking questions and offering his own insights. As they talked, he could see Xie Li becoming more animated, her earlier shyness melting away as she delved into a topic she was clearly passionate about.


    She¡¯s good, her understanding is a few levels above my own¡­


    After a while, Kai suggested they try putting theory into practice. "Why don''t you demonstrate the technique?" he proposed. "I''d love to see your approach in action."


    Xie Li nodded, a determined look on her face. She selected a set of ingredients and began the process of creating a simple energy pill. Kai watched closely as she worked, noting the subtle ways she manipulated the qi in the ingredients.


    As Xie Li worked, Kai activated his Qi Detection skill, trying to sense the spiritual resonance she was creating. To his surprise, he found he could perceive faint threads of energy connecting Xie Li to the pill she was crafting.


    She''s not just maintaining the resonance, she''s actively shaping it as she works.


    When Xie Li finished, she held up a small, perfectly formed pill. It glowed with a soft light, pulsing gently in time with Xie Li''s own qi.


    "Amazing work," Kai said, genuinely impressed. "The resonance is so clear, I can almost see it."


    Xie Li blushed at the praise. "Thank you, Senior Brother. Would you like to try now?"


    Kai nodded, stepping up to the alchemy table. He selected his ingredients and began the process, trying to replicate what he''d seen Xie Li do.


    As he worked, Kai focused on maintaining a connection between his qi and the forming pill. This was always the technique he found the most challenging, it felt like trying to hold onto a slippery fish. Several times, he felt the resonance start to slip away, only to catch it at the last moment.


    After ten minutes, Kai completed the pill. It wasn''t as perfect as Xie Li''s, the glow a bit uneven and the shape slightly lopsided. But as he held it up, he could feel the resonance humming through it.


    A system message popped up in his vision:


    Congratulations!


    Skill: Spiritual Resonance has reached level 5!


    You have gained 100XP!


    Kai couldn''t help but smile.


    "Well done, Senior Brother," Xie Li said, examining the pill. "The resonance is strong, even if the form isn''t perfect. With practice, you''ll be able to maintain better control over the shape."


    Kai nodded. "Thank you, Xie Li. Your demonstration was incredibly helpful. I learned a lot just from watching you work."


    Xie Li ducked her head, but Kai could see she was pleased by the compliment.


    As they finished cleaning up the alchemy station, Kai decided it was time to make his move.


    "Xie Li," he said, his tone casual. "I''ve really enjoyed working with you today. Your skill in alchemy is truly impressive."


    "Thank you, Senior Brother," Xie Li replied, her cheeks pink. "I''ve enjoyed working with you too."


    Kai nodded, then continued. "I have a proposition for you. As you know, I''ve recently started producing and selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills. But as a Legacy Disciple, my time is often limited. I''ve been thinking of bringing on someone to help with the pill production."


    Xie Li''s eyes widened as she realized where this was going.


    "Would you be interested in making pills for me?" Kai asked. "I''d pay you, of course. Your skill would be invaluable, and it could be a good opportunity for you to gain more practical experience."


    Xie Li bit her lip, clearly considering the offer. "It''s a generous proposal, Senior Brother. But... I''m not sure if I''m ready for such a responsibility. What if I make a mistake? It¡¯s not just my reputation at stake but also the reputation of a Legacy Disciple."


    Kai shook his head. "Don''t sell yourself short, Xie Li. I''ve seen your work. You''re more than capable. And as for mistakes... well, they''re part of the learning process. I''m not expecting perfection, just your best effort."


    He could see Xie Li was still hesitant, so he decided to sweeten the deal. "Tell you what," he said. "Why don''t we start with a trial period? Two weeks. You can see if you enjoy the work, and I can assess how well we work together. After that, if you''re not comfortable continuing, we can part ways with no hard feelings. What do you say?"


    Xie Li was quiet for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the alchemy equipment around them. Finally, she looked up at Kai, a small smile on her face.


    "Alright, Senior Brother Kai," she said. "I accept your offer. A two-week trial period sounds fair."


    Kai grinned. "Excellent! I look forward to working with you, Xie Li."


    ¡°I... I do too, Senior Brother."


    They then left the practice room together but Kai was lost in deep thought.


    With Xie Li''s help, we can increase production and maybe even improve the quality of our pills. Su Fang won''t know what hit him.


    However, as he glanced at Xie Li, who was still blushing slightly and sneaking shy looks at him, Kai felt a twinge of guilt. I hope I''m not taking advantage of her. She seems so... innocent.


    Kai pushed the thought aside. This is for the good of the guild. And for my own survival in this world. I can''t afford to be too sentimental. And this will only benefit her, no need to feel guilty.


    As they parted ways, Kai heading back to his pavilion and Xie Li to her quarters, Kai couldn''t shake the feeling that things were about to get very interesting.


    Su Fang, whoever you are, I hope you''re ready for a challenge. Because the Trident Guild is just getting started.

 NINETY NINE: Meridian of the Thunderclap

    Kai sat cross-legged on the floor of his pavilion, the Heavenly Thunderstorm cultivation method scroll unfurled before him. He scanned the text once more:


    Meridian of the Thunderclap Location: Lower Dantian (Abdomen)


    Method to Open: "Thunder Clap Meditation" ¨C Perform a series of physical exercises that simulate the movement of thunderclaps. This vigorous activity helps to channel lightning qi into the lower dantian, gradually opening the meridian.


    Unlike many of his fellow gamers back on Earth, Kai had never shied away from physical exertion. His mind drifted briefly to memories of university kickboxing sessions.


    This should be interesting, he thought, cracking his knuckles in anticipation.


    He read through the three exercises outlined in the scroll:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Thunderclap Stance


    </li>


    <li>


    Skyward Reaches


    </li>


    <li>


    Electric Dragon Twists


    </li>


    </ul>


    "Alright," Kai muttered to himself, "let''s get started."


    First, he needed to close his Lower Dantian meridian. He''d done this several times now with other meridians, so the process went smoothly. As he finished, a familiar blue message appeared in his vision:


    Your cultivation has dropped to Qi Refining Stage 7


    "Here goes nothing," Kai said, standing up and shaking out his limbs.


    He began with the Thunderclap Stance. Planting his feet firmly on the ground, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, Kai bent his knees and lowered his center of gravity. He formed fists with both hands, then thrust them downward in a synchronized motion.


    Imagine striking the ground with immense force, he reminded himself, visualizing shockwaves of energy traveling up through his legs and into his lower dantian.


    Kai held the stance, focusing on deep, rhythmic breathing. He tried to sense the gathering of energy in his abdomen, but... nothing happened.


    "Hm," he frowned, straightening up. "Maybe I''m not visualizing it strongly enough?"


    He tried again, this time closing his eyes to better focus on the mental image. As he thrust his fists down, Kai pictured bolts of lightning striking the ground, sending ripples of electric energy through the earth and up into his body.


    Still nothing.


    "Okay," Kai muttered, "let''s try the next one. I might have more success with that one"


    He moved on to the Skyward Reaches exercise. Standing with his feet shoulder-width apart and arms relaxed at his sides, Kai slowly raised his arms above his head. He stretched upwards, imagining his fingers grasping at lightning bolts in the sky.


    As he reached up, Kai took a deep breath, visualizing himself pulling down energy into his body. On the exhale, he brought his hands down slowly, trying to guide the imagined energy towards his lower dantian.


    He repeated this fluid motion several times, focusing intently on the stretch and the imagined flow of energy. But after several minutes, Kai still felt no different.


    "Come on," he grumbled. "What am I missing?"


    Determined not to give up, Kai moved on to the final exercise: Electric Dragon Twists. He widened his stance, placed his hands on his hips, and began slowly twisting his torso from side to side.


    As he reached the peak of each twist, Kai visualized a coiled dragon wrapping around his abdomen, releasing bursts of lightning qi into his lower dantian. He gradually increased the speed and intensity of the twists, maintaining control and focus.


    After several minutes of this, Kai stopped, breathing heavily. He waited, hoping to feel some change, some spark of energy in his core. But there was nothing.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    "Damn it," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "What am I doing wrong?"


    Kai paced the room, his mind racing. He''d followed the instructions to the letter, hadn''t he? Maybe he was missing something obvious. He returned to the scroll, reading through the descriptions again more carefully.


    As he studied the text, he realised something. "Wait a minute," he murmured. "These exercises are supposed to simulate thunderclaps, right? But I''ve been too focused on lightning."


    He pondered this realization. Thunderclaps weren''t just about the flash of lightning ¨C they were about the boom, the vibration, the raw power of nature.


    "Let''s try this again."


    He returned to the Thunderclap Stance. This time, as he thrust his fists downward, Kai didn''t just visualize lightning. He imagined the earth-shaking rumble of thunder, the way it could be felt as much as heard.


    As his fists connected with an imaginary ground, Kai let out a loud, "BOOM!" startling himself with the volume of his own voice.


    To his amazement, he felt a slight tremor in his lower abdomen. It was faint, barely perceptible, but definitely there.


    "Yes!" Kai grinned. "That''s it!"


    Encouraged, he moved on to the Skyward Reaches. As he stretched upwards, Kai didn''t just picture grasping lightning ¨C he imagined the sky itself rumbling with the promise of an oncoming storm. With each exhale as he brought his arms down, he let out a low, rumbling sound from deep in his chest.


    The sensation in his lower dantian grew stronger, a buzzing energy slowly building.


    Finally, Kai tried the Electric Dragon Twists once more. As he twisted from side to side, he synchronized his movements with imagined claps of thunder. Each twist was punctuated with a sharp exhalation, like the staccato beats of a thunderstorm.


    The energy in his core intensified, spreading warmth throughout his body. Kai could feel his qi responding, swirling and condensing in his lower dantian.


    "It''s working!" he panted, increasing the speed of his twists.


    Sweat beaded on his forehead as Kai pushed himself, repeating the three exercises in sequence. Each time through, he focused on the multisensory experience of a thunderstorm ¨C the flash of lightning, the rumble of thunder, the electric charge in the air.


    Hours passed, though Kai barely noticed the passage of time. His world narrowed to the rhythm of the exercises and the growing power in his core. The energy built and built, like a storm gathering strength.


    Just when Kai thought he couldn''t continue any longer, when his muscles burned and his lungs heaved for air, something shifted and then suddenly the energy in his lower dantian exploded outward.


    Kai gasped, his eyes flying open. Blue-white light crackled across his skin, and for a moment, he could have sworn he heard the boom of thunder echoing in the small room.


    As quickly as it had come, the surge of power faded. Kai collapsed to his knees, panting heavily. His whole body tingled with residual energy, and he could still feel a new warmth pulsing in his core.


    Slowly, a grin spread across Kai''s face. "I did it," he whispered, then louder, "I actually did it!"


    Congratulations!


    You have successfully opened the Meridian of the Thunderclap!


    Cultivation returned to Qi Refining Stage 8


    Lightning Affinity increased to 40%


    Skill Leveled Up: Crown of Lightning (Level 6)


    Effect: A temporary, visible aura of lightning can form around the cultivator''s head during meditation, boosting the cultivator''s qi regeneration by 30%.


    Skill Leveled Up: Sky''s Favor (Level 6)


    Effect: The cultivator''s qi absorption rate increases by 30% whenever they are under an open sky, this increases to 35% when under stormy weather.


    Skill Leveled Up: Electric Immunity (Level 6)


    Effect: The cultivator gains 30% resistance to lightning-based attacks, reducing the damage taken from electric or lightning-based techniques.


    You have gained 300 XP!


    Kai¡¯s smile faltered slightly as he realized yet again, he hadn''t gained any new skills.


    I guess I shouldn''t keep expecting new skills every time.


    But his disappointment was short-lived as he noticed the increase in his lightning affinity by yet another 5%.


    Kai''s gaze then fell on his XP total, and his excitement returned full force. He was now at 3900 XP, just 100 away from breaking through to the Peak of Qi Refining!


    Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.


    "Come in," he called out, still catching his breath.


    Chen Wei entered, his eyes widening as he took in Kai''s disheveled appearance and the faint traces of electricity still crackling in the air.


    "Senior Brother Kai," Chen Wei said, bowing slightly. "Sorry, I didn¡¯t know you were cultivating.¡±


    Kai chuckled, pushing himself to his feet. "It¡¯s fine, Chen Wei. If I hadn¡¯t finished, I wouldn¡¯t have responded.¡±


    Chen Wei nodded. "Thank you. I came to inform you that Lin Yue is here to see you."


    Kai''s eyebrows rose in surprise. "Lin Yue? The Inner Disciple you met in Greenleaf Village?"


    "The very same," Chen Wei confirmed. "He said it''s about business. Should I tell him you''re available?"


    Kai considered for a moment. He was tired from opening the new meridian, but his curiosity was piqued. What could Lin Yue want? Was it related to this Su Fang?


    "Yes, tell him I''ll see him," Kai decided. "But give me a few minutes to clean up first."


    As Chen Wei turned to leave, Kai called out, "Oh, and Chen Wei? Could you bring some tea? I have a feeling we might need it."


    Chen Wei nodded and left to fetch Lin Yue and prepare the tea.


    Alone once more, Kai quickly straightened his robes and smoothed down his hair. He took a few deep breaths, centering himself.


    This Lin Yue is a Foundation Establishment cultivator like Su Fang, I can¡¯t let my guard down¡­

 ONE HUNDRED: Its a Deal

    Kai sat across from Lin Yue, the silence between them broken only by the gentle clink of teacups. After what felt like an eternity, Kai decided to break the silence. He set his cup down with a soft tap and looked directly at Lin Yue.


    "So, Lin Yue," Kai began. "What brings you to see me today?"


    Lin Yue''s lips curved into a polite smile. "Two reasons, actually. First, I wanted to personally apologize for the trouble my associates caused Chen Wei in Greenleaf Village. It was... unfortunate."


    Kai nodded. "I appreciate that. Chen Wei mentioned there were some issues."


    "Indeed," Lin Yue said, his brow furrowing slightly. "Rest assured, those responsible have been dealt with. It won''t happen again."


    "Good to hear," Kai replied. He took another sip of tea. "And the second reason?"


    Lin Yue''s eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and something sharper. "Ah, yes. I''ve heard about your... situation with Su Fang. It seems many disciples are hoping for some fireworks between you two."


    Kai couldn''t help but chuckle, though there was little humor in it. "Is that so? Well, they might be disappointed. I''ve read the sect rules. Disciples can''t just fight unofficially. If there''s a problem, it has to be settled in the arena."


    He leaned back. "Besides, I doubt a Foundation Establishment cultivator like Su Fang would challenge a mere Qi Refining cultivator like myself to a battle. It would be embarrassing for him, don''t you think?"


    Lin Yue nodded slowly, his expression growing more serious. "You''re not wrong, Kai. But there are more ways to come to blows than just physical combat."


    The Inner Disciple leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Su Fang isn''t to be trusted. He didn''t become the prime seller of Qi Gathering pills by playing nice. Rules were bent, competitors were... dealt with."


    Kai''s eyes narrowed slightly. Not exactly shocking news in the cultivation world, he mused. Even in a supposedly righteous sect like Azure Sky, business could be cutthroat.


    "I see," Kai said aloud. "And what would you suggest I do about that?"


    "Well, from what I''ve observed of your personality, you''re not the type to want to spend all your time as an alchemist making pills. Especially not for someone else. Am I right?"


    Kai nodded, curious where this was going.


    "So, why don''t we enter into a partnership?" Lin Yue proposed. "You''ve already purchased Qi Gathering materials from me. Why not make it an official, long-term arrangement?"


    Kai''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Correct me if I''m wrong, but don''t you already have someone you supply to? Su Fang, perhaps?"


    Lin Yue''s smile faltered, replaced by a grimace. "Ah, well... since it''s not exactly a secret, I''ll be honest. I used to supply Su Fang, yes. But due to certain... difficulties and disagreements, we''ve gone our separate ways."


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Sounds like Lin Yue got replaced, Kai thought, studying the Inner Disciple''s face.


    Lin Yue seemed to read Kai''s thoughts. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yes, I suppose you could say I was replaced. But it was because I refused to go along with Su Fang''s bullying tactics. There are lines I won''t cross, even in business."


    Kai remained silent, turning the situation over in his mind. If he partnered with Su Fang, who already had an established business, Kai would be relegated to the role of just another alchemist. He''d have no real ownership or control. Both scenarios went against his reasons for starting his own venture.


    On the other hand, not partnering with Su Fang meant they''d be direct competitors. And Su Fang, with his mature business, would likely try to crush Kai''s fledgling operation.


    No, partnering with Su Fang is out of the question, Kai decided. It goes against everything I''m trying to build here.


    As for Lin Yue''s offer... Kai already needed a long-term supplier. Working with Lin Yue couldn''t hurt, at least for now. If things didn''t pan out, he could always terminate the relationship.


    "Alright," Kai said, breaking the silence that had fallen between them. "Let''s talk specifics. The main ingredients for Qi Gathering pills are Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and Qi Crystals, correct?"


    Lin Yue nodded, sitting up straighter. "That''s right."


    "Now, if bought separately, these materials cost about 15 spirit stones total per pill," Kai continued. "But I''m planning to buy in bulk. So, let''s negotiate."


    Lin Yue''s eyes lit up with interest. "I''m listening."


    "How about 9 spirit stones per bundle?" Kai proposed, knowing he was starting too low.


    Lin Yue shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "Come now, Senior Brother. You know I can''t go that low. How about 14 spirit stones?"


    Kai leaned forward, his voice firm but not aggressive. "14 is barely a discount. Remember, I''m offering you a long-term, stable business relationship. That''s worth something. How about 11 spirit stones?"


    Lin Yue stroked his chin, considering. "You drive a hard bargain. But 11 is too low for me to make a profit. Let''s meet in the middle ¨C 12.5 spirit stones per bundle."


    Kai shook his head. "Close, but not quite there. 12 spirit stones, and I guarantee you''ll be my exclusive supplier for these materials."


    Lin Yue''s eyebrows rose at that. He paused, clearly weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he nodded. ¡°With that exclusivity guarantee, I¡¯ll settle for 12 spirit stones."


    They sealed their agreement with a small bow of their heads.


    "Now," Kai said, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Tell me about Su Fang''s operation. How many alchemists does he have working for him? What''s their daily output?"


    Lin Yue leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Su Fang has three Novice Alchemists under him. Each produces about 10 pills per day, which he sells for 30 spirit stones apiece."


    Kai''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Only three alchemists? I would have expected more."


    Lin Yue chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, you''d think so. But alchemists are a prideful bunch. They don''t like working under others, especially someone like Su Fang who''s not an alchemist himself."


    Kai nodded slowly. I have Xie Li and myself, though Xie Li is just on a trial basis. And I don''t want to spend all my time making pills. But as an alchemist myself, it might be easier for me to hire others...


    His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Chen Wei''s voice called out, "Senior Brother Kai? A servant is here to take you to the Sect Master for your next lesson."


    Kai looked at Lin Yue apologetically. "It seems our time is up."


    Lin Yue stood, smoothing out his robes. "No worries. We''ve accomplished much today. My men will be in contact with you regarding the specifics."


    With that, he left, leaving Kai alone with his thoughts.


    Alright, time to plan my next move. My 1000 low-grade spirit stone stipend comes tomorrow. That should be enough to hire two or three alchemists of my own as well as buy a substantial amount of materials. I doubt he¡¯ll make any moves before our meeting so if I play this right, I could be a real threat to Su Fang''s business before then¡­

 ONE HUNDRED ONE: Not That Type of Dual Cultivation

    Kai sat cross-legged on the cushion, facing the Sect Master. To his left, Shen Yu mirrored his position.


    The Sect Master''s gaze swept over them both. "It''s been some time since our last meeting. How has your cultivation progressed?"


    Kai straightened his back, "I''ve made good progress, Sect Master. I opened the next three meridians using the Heavenly Thunderstorm method. Now I only have three left to go."


    The Sect Master nodded. "Good. You''re moving at a steady pace." He turned to Shen Yu. "And you?"


    Shen Yu''s face remained blank as he spoke. "I''ve completed the first layer of the Heavenly Thunderstorm cultivation method."


    Kai''s eyes widened. He couldn''t help but turn to look at his fellow disciple.


    Completed the first layer? Already?


    As if triggered by his surprise, Kai''s system flashed Shen Yu''s stats before his eyes:


    Name: Shen Yu


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 9


    Qi: 500/500


    Strength: 80


    Agility: 80


    Endurance: 80


    Holy crap. He really has already surpassed me. But then again, I shouldn¡¯t be surprised. Competing with him right now is like a level 1 character trying to take on a max-level player who just restarted. My only shot at catching up is to hope his previous cultivation stopped not too far ahead, which is unlikely since he was able to reincarnate/regress...


    For now, I''ll focus on my own path and worry about competing with him later... much later.


    Kai glanced at the Sect Master to see the older man''s reaction, the Sect Master¡¯s face remained calm, almost as if he''d expected this outcome.


    Oh, right. He probably sensed our cultivation levels as soon as we walked in. Or maybe he''s been keeping tabs on us this whole time¡­


    The Sect Master''s lips curved into a slight smile. "Excellent work, Shen Yu. Your progress is truly remarkable."


    Shen Yu bowed his head slightly. "Thank you. Now that I''ve completed the first layer, can I begin learning the Legacy wind cultivation method?"


    The room fell silent. Kai turned to see how the Sect Master would respond. For a few seconds, the older man said nothing, his eyes studying Shen Yu intently.


    Then, a smile spread across the Sect Master''s face. "Yes, I believe you''re ready."


    Kai watched as the Sect Master reached into his robes and pulled out a scroll. He handed it to Shen Yu with a nod.


    "This," the Sect Master said, "is the Wind God method. Like the Heavenly Thunderstorm technique, it consists of nine layers. The first layer involves opening the same nine meridians you''ve already worked on, but this time using wind-based qi."


    Kai leaned forward. This is what I''ve been wondering about. How does someone cultivate two different methods at once?


    As if reading his mind, the Sect Master continued. "Now, you both might be wondering how one cultivates using two different methods. There are a few approaches, but the two most common are as follows."


    Kai and Shen Yu listened as the Sect Master explained.


    "The first method involves using both techniques in tandem to open each meridian. This approach is more difficult and carries a higher risk of qi deviation. The second method is simpler: close the meridian you''ve already opened, then reopen it using the new technique."


    Kai nodded, absorbing the information. He glanced at Shen Yu, noticing that the other disciple didn''t seem surprised by any of this.


    Of course. He wanted to start both methods from the beginning. He must have been planning to use the first approach all along.


    Unable to contain his curiosity, Kai spoke up. "Sect Master, if I may ask... Why don''t cultivators just keep adding more and more cultivation methods? Wouldn''t that make their foundation even more stable and give them greater advantages later on?"


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "An excellent question, Kai. The answer isn''t as simple as you might think."


    The Sect Master paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "First and foremost, cultivation methods must be compatible with each other. Our Azure Sky Sect''s legacy methods, the Heavenly Thunderstorm and the Wind God techniques, are designed to work in harmony. But not all methods play well together."


    I wonder if my system can tell me which methods are compatible? That could be a huge advantage.


    "Let me give you an example," the Sect Master said. "Imagine trying to mix oil and water. No matter how hard you try, they''ll always separate. Some cultivation methods are like that ¨C fundamentally incompatible."


    "I see," Kai said. "So even if we wanted to, we couldn''t just pick up any random method and add it to our cultivation?"


    "That is right," the Sect Master nodded. "Which is why I must warn you both: do not attempt to add other cultivation methods to your practice without proper guidance. The consequences could be... severe."


    After a brief pause, the Sect Master continued. "There''s another factor to consider as well. While cultivation does increase your lifespan, the higher you climb, the longer it takes to breakthrough to the next level. Cultivators can''t afford to spend all their time learning new methods when their lifespan is slowly ticking away."


    But with my system, I might be able to learn multiple methods quickly. If I can find compatible techniques, I could have a massive edge.


    "Thank you for the explanation, Sect Master," Kai said, bowing his head. "I''ll be sure to focus on mastering our sect''s methods before considering anything else."


    The Sect Master nodded, then his expression shifted to one of mild surprise. "Ah, before I forget ¨C congratulations on becoming a Novice Alchemist, Kai. Elder Xiao was quite impressed by your performance."


    Kai blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change of topic. "Oh, thank you, Sect Master. I''m honored by Elder Xiao''s praise."


    From the corner of his eye, Kai noticed Shen Yu watching him. The other disciple''s face remained neutral, showing no signs of surprise.


    Either he already knew I was going to become an alchemist by now, or he heard about it through the sect grapevine. It''s not like it was a secret ¨C becoming an alchemist in just three days probably got people talking.


    "I must admit," the Sect Master said, "I thought you were more interested in formations than alchemy. What prompted this change?"


    Kai shrugged, trying to appear casual. "I''m still interested in formations, Sect Master. But I figured alchemy might be a quicker way to earn spirit stones in the short term."


    And to create some useful pills for myself, he added silently.


    The Sect Master''s eyes narrowed slightly. "A practical approach. Just be sure not to neglect your cultivation, Kai. All the spirit stones in the world won''t help if your foundation is weak."


    "Of course, Sect Master," Kai said quickly. "I won''t let my cultivation suffer, I promise."


    The older man nodded, seemingly satisfied. Then his expression grew serious as he looked at both disciples.


    "There''s something else I need to discuss with you both," the Sect Master said, his voice taking on a graver tone. "Cultivation is about more than just sitting and meditating. You will face trials not only outside the sect but within it as well."


    Kai and Shen Yu exchanged a quick glance before returning their attention to the Sect Master.


    "I hope you understand," he continued, "that if you have trouble with other cultivators, you should not expect me to intervene. Problems between the younger generation must be resolved by the younger generation."


    Kai nodded, keeping his face neutral. He''s talking about my issues with Su Fang. Clearly, he doesn''t care that Su Fang''s cultivation is higher than mine. He''s not going to step in.


    But that''s fine. I never planned on involving him anyway. I''ll deal with Su Fang myself.


    "I don¡¯t require anyone¡¯s help,¡± Shen Yu said bluntly, breaking the momentary silence.


    The Sect Master nodded. "Good. That''s the attitude I expect from my legacy disciples." He paused, looking at them both. ¡°Do you have any questions?"


    Kai shook his head. "No, Sect Master. I''ll focus on opening the final three meridians."


    Shen Yu remained silent.


    "Very well," the Sect Master replied. His gaze moved between both disciples. "However, I must caution both of you. Do not attempt a breakthrough to Foundation Establishment without speaking to me first. I can assist you with the necessary preparations."


    "We understand, Sect Master," Kai said, bowing his head respectfully. "We''ll be sure to seek your guidance before attempting the breakthrough."


    Shen Yu nodded once more.


    "Good. Unless there''s anything else, you''re both dismissed."


    As Kai and Shen Yu left the pavilion, Kai''s mind raced. He needed to talk to Shen Yu privately, but he couldn''t be obvious about it. The Sect Master was likely still listening.


    Kai stretched casually, then said, "Man, all this cultivation talk has made me hungry. I could really go for some of those spicy dumplings from the dinner hall."


    He glanced at Shen Yu, hoping the other disciple would catch his hint. "Want to grab a bite?"


    Shen Yu''s face remained impassive. "No, thank you. I have matters to attend to."


    Hmm, I don¡¯t know if he is taking me literally or he doesn¡¯t want to talk, but I''m not giving up that easily.


    As they turned the corner, Kai tried again. "Actually, Shen Yu, I was hoping to ask your advice on something. There''s this tricky part of the Heavenly Thunderstorm technique I''m struggling with. Maybe we could discuss it on the way to the training grounds?"


    Kai held his breath, hoping this approach would work. But Shen Yu''s expression didn''t change.


    "Perhaps another time," Shen Yu replied coolly. "You should speak to the Sect Master, I have my own training to focus on."


    Before Kai could come up with another excuse, Shen Yu turned to him. His voice was low, lower than even a whisper. "Your cultivation is low. Too low. You need to be faster."


    Before he could process what he''d heard, let alone ask for clarification, Shen Yu was gone.


    Kai''s eyes narrowed as he stood alone.


    What the hell was that about? If Shen Yu really is a regressor, is this some kind of warning? Does he know something''s coming, something I need to be prepared for? Or maybe I''m reading too much into it. Maybe he''s just trying to get under my skin, pointing out how far behind I am.


    He shook his head, a determined look settling on his face.


    It doesn''t matter what his motivation is. He''s right. I do need to speed up my cultivation, and it also wouldn¡¯t hurt to prepare in case there is some big event coming up.

 ONE HUNDRED TWO: Storm Peak

    Kai was back in his pavilion, a small pouch resting in his palm. He opened it to look at the 33 Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills he''d just finished making.


    It had been a full day since his meeting with the Sect Master. Instead of immediately jumping into cultivation, Kai had dedicated his time to crafting pills.


    Finally, I can focus on my own cultivation. The guild can handle the sales.


    He leaned back, calling up his status window:


    Name: Kai Thorn


    XP: 3900/4000


    Level: 8


    Qi: 300/300


    Strength: 60


    Agility: 63


    Durability: 67


    Intelligence: 30


    Wisdom: 29


    Titles:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Novice Instructor


    </li>


    <li>


    Once in a Hundred years Talent


    </li>


    <li>


    Legacy Disciple


    </li>


    <li>


    Alchemy Prodigy


    </li>


    <li>


    Novice Alchemist


    </li>


    </ul>


    Elemental Affinities:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Lightning: 35%


    </li>


    <li>


    Chaos: 10%


    </li>


    </ul>


    Skills:


    Qi Condensation (Level 4)


    Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)


    Unarmed Combat (Level 2)


    Deception (Level 4)


    Iron Skin (Level 3)


    Swift Wind Step (Level 4)


    Flame Palm Strike (Level 3)


    Mental Fortitude (Passive)


    Spirit Beast Communication (Level 1)


    Qi Concealment (Level 1)


    Qi Detection (Level 1)


    Iron Rebound (Level 1)


    Rock Hard (Level 1)


    Lightning Step (Level 1)


    Static Charge (Level 1)


    Crown of Lightning (Level 5) (Passive)


    Sky''s Favor (Level 5) (Passive)


    Storm Eye (Level 1)


    Thunder Voice (Level 1)


    Heart of Thunder (Level 1)


    Essence Extraction (Level 4)


    Elemental Fusion (Level 4)


    Qi Infusion (Level 4)


    Stability Control (Level 4)


    Spiritual Resonance (Level 5)


    Elemental Resistance:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Lightning (Level 6) (Passive)


    </li>


    </ul>


    Quests:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Active: None


    </li>


    </ul>


    I¡¯m so close to breaking through to the 9th Stage of Qi Refining.


    I¡¯ve got 2 options. I could open the next 3 meridians using the Heavenly Thunderstorm cultivation method, or I could enter the final stage of Qi Refining through the help of the system and then later reopen the last meridian using the Heavenly Thunderstorm cultivation method.


    I would have gone with the former method if time wasn¡¯t an issue, but I don¡¯t know how soon the problem Shen Yu was warning me about will arrive, it¡¯s probably best if I breakthrough now¡­


    But, how should I get that last 100 XP?


    Kai scratched his chin, considering his options. Without any active quests from the system, he had limited choices for gaining XP: killing humans or beasts, teaching skills to his followers, or upgrading his own skills through practice.


    Kai frowned as he thought about killing humans. I''m not about to become some murderhobo protagonist, offing people just to level up. He shook his head. Maybe if I knew someone who really deserved it, but even then, I can¡¯t kill sect members, so I''d have to leave the sect to find someone that met the requirement. And with only two lives left, I''d rather not risk it.


    His mind wandered to teaching skills. Can''t teach sect techniques even to other disciples, that''s taboo. He then pictured Chen Wei learning Swift Wind Step. Nah, I don''t want all my followers using the same moves as me. Defeats the purpose of having a group. And I don¡¯t even know what his affinity is, I should probably find out.


    That left upgrading his own skills. Best way to do that is through combat. Plus, I could use the battle practice. Kai nodded to himself. Hunting beasts it is. I can do that without leaving the sect territory.


    Man, it''s been a while since I''ve seen some action, he thought as he stood up and rolled his shoulders.


    "Chen Wei!"


    A moment later, the door slid open, and Chen Wei stepped inside. The young man bowed slightly. "Yes, Senior Brother?"


    Kai grabbed three pills from his desk and held them out to Chen Wei. "Here," he said. "One each for you, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi."


    Chen Wei''s eyes widened as he accepted the pills. "Thank you!"


    Kai nodded, then picked up the pouch of remaining pills. He tossed it to Chen Wei, who caught it with both hands. "That''s the next batch for sale. Xie Li will bring her batch over soon. Once we get the profits, I''ll look into hiring another alchemist."


    "Understood," Chen Wei said, carefully tucking the pouch into his robes. "Is there anything else you need?"


    "Actually, yeah, what''s your elemental affinity?"


    Chen Wei blinked, surprised by the question. "Oh, it''s Water, Senior Brother. Why do you ask?"


    Kai nodded, more to himself than to Chen Wei. Yeah, teaching him a wind technique would be a waste of his and my own time. Better to stick with what suits him naturally.


    "Just curious," Kai said aloud. "It''s good to know these things about my team members. Anyways, I¡¯m thinking of getting some battle practice in, what territories and mini-realms does the sect have where I could hunt some beasts?"


    "Well, there are several options suitable for disciples in the Qi Refining realm. Let me think..."


    Kai leaned against the wall, crossing his arms as he waited for Chen Wei to gather his thoughts.


    "Alright," Chen Wei said after a moment. "There are five main mini-realms that would be suitable for a Qi Refining disciple like yourself. I''ll break them down by difficulty."


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Kai nodded, gesturing for him to continue.


    ¡°First, there''s the Green Forest Realm. It''s perfect for lower Qi Refining stages, mostly filled with plant-based spirits and small woodland creatures.


    ¡°Then there''s the Stone Cavern Realm. It''s a bit tougher, good for mid-level Qi Refining cultivators. Lots of rock elementals and cave-dwelling beasts."


    Kai nodded, encouraging him to go on.


    "The third is the Rainy River Realm. Also mid-level, but with water-based creatures. I hear the terrain can be tricky."


    Might be fun, but not what I''m looking for right now.


    "Fourth is the Windy Plateau Realm. It''s on the higher end, good for stages 6 through 8. Lots of flying beasts and air elementals."


    Getting warmer, Kai thought. But I would rather go against a lightning beast, I could test out my lightning resistance.


    "And finally," Chen Wei said, "there''s the Storm Peak Realm. It''s the toughest, meant for stages 7 through 9. Mostly lightning-based creatures there."


    Kai''s eyes lit up. "Storm Peak, huh? That sounds perfect."


    Chen Wei nodded. "It''s a popular choice for lightning cultivators. The beasts there are quite fierce, though."


    "Even better," Kai grinned. "Where do I sign up?"


    "You''ll need to go to the Realm Management Hall," Chen Wei explained. "It''s near the center of the sect. You can''t miss it ¨C big building with a glowing blue dome."


    "Got it," Kai said. "Anything else I should know?"


    Chen Wei hesitated. "Well... entry to a mini-realm usually costs 100 spirit stones."


    Not cheap, especially if disciples aren¡¯t able to earn more than that with the carcasses of beasts they kill. I wonder how these Outer Disciples even survive when everything costs so much here.


    "Alright, thanks for the info, Chen Wei. I''ll head there now."


    As Kai walked out of his pavilion, Chen Wei called after him, "Good luck, Senior Brother! Be careful in there!"


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kai waved without looking back.


    ***


    The walk to the Realm Management Hall took about thirty minutes. Kai found himself wishing he could just fly there on a sword like some of the other cultivators he had seen.


    I really need to learn how to fly on a sword. I heard cultivators at stage 7 Qi Refining Realm and above could all do it, all it takes is qi manipulation practice. Maybe this hunting trip could be a good time to add that skill to my list.


    Kill two birds with one stone ¨C or maybe kill some beasts while balancing on a flying sword.


    As he approached his destination, Kai couldn''t help but smile. True to Chen Wei''s word, the building was hard to miss. Its blue dome pulsed with a soft light, like a beacon in the heart of the sect.


    He noticed other disciples coming and going from there. Some looked excited, others nervous. A few sported minor injuries ¨C scratches, bruises, and the occasional singed eyebrow.


    Looks like I''m in for a good time.


    He pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside. The interior was cooler than outside, with a faint smell of ozone in the air. Five large stone arches lined the far wall, each one dark and inactive.


    As Kai looked around, he noticed a young brown-haired woman seated at a desk near the entrance. She looked up as he neared, offering a polite smile.


    "Welcome, Senior Brother," she greeted him. "How may I assist you today?"


    Kai nodded in return. "I''m interested in accessing the Storm Peak Realm."


    The disciple''s eyes widened slightly. "Ah, Storm Peak. An excellent choice for lightning cultivation. Are you sure you don¡¯t want to try one of the safer realms first?"


    "I think I¡¯ll give this one a try,¡± Kai smiled.


    She nodded, reaching into a drawer. "Very well. The entry fee is 100 spirit stones."


    Kai produced the required payment, placing the stones on the desk. The disciple quickly counted them, then handed him a small, round token in exchange.


    "This token will grant you access to Storm Peak," she explained. "It also serves as your way back. Simply channel your qi into it when you wish to return, and it will teleport you out of the realm immediately."


    Kai turned the token over in his hand. "Interesting. What happens if I lose it?"


    The disciple''s expression grew serious. "Do not lose that token, Senior Brother. Without it, you''d have no way to return except by using a communication talisman to call for help or finding another disciple within the realm. Most disciples tend to avoid that realm, as for the ones who do, they don¡¯t seem the type to offer any help¡­"


    Kai nodded, storing the token securely into his inventory. "Understood. Can you tell me more about what I can expect inside?"


    "Storm Peak is... intense,¡± the disciple replied. ¡°The moment you enter, you''ll feel the charge in the air. Lightning strikes are common, and the beasts there have adapted to harness that power."


    "What kind of beasts are we talking about?" Kai asked, his curiosity piqued.


    She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Well, there are the Storm Wolves ¨C they love to hunt in packs, they could probably take down a Foundation Establishment cultivator with their teamwork. Another common type are Lightning Serpents, they are solitary but deadly. Oh, and watch out for the Thunder Birds. They may look small, but they pack quite a punch, and most disciples really struggle to outrun them."


    "Anything else?"


    "Well, there are rumors of a lightning dragon in the highest peaks, but no one''s ever confirmed it. Probably just stories to scare the newbies."


    A lightning dragon at Qi Refining Realm? Now that would be worth some serious XP.


    "Any particular areas I should be aware of?"


    The disciple nodded. "The realm is divided into three main zones. The outer ring is the safest, with weaker beasts and less frequent storms. As you move inward, both the creatures and the weather become more dangerous. At the center is the Eye of the Storm ¨C I wouldn''t recommend going there unless you''re very confident in your abilities."


    "Good to know," Kai said. "Anything else I should be prepared for?"


    She thought for a moment. "The lightning there isn''t just dangerous ¨C it can also be beneficial. Some cultivators have reported breakthroughs after absorbing the natural energy of the realm. Just be careful not to overdo it."


    Kai nodded. "Thanks for the tips. How long can I stay in the realm?"


    "Standard time limit is three days. After that, the token will automatically bring you back. You can leave earlier if you want, of course."


    "Got it," Kai said. He glanced at the dark portal. "So, how do I activate this thing?"


    The disciple pointed to a small pedestal in front of the arch. "Place your token there. It''ll open the portal. Step through, and you''ll be in Storm Peak. Ready when you are."


    Kai took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. He walked up to the pedestal, the token back in his hand. He placed it on the pedestal. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, suddenly the arch came to life. The empty space within filled with swirling, purplish energy.


    Kai could hear the faint rumble of thunder from the other side. The hair on his arms stood up from the static electricity emanating from the portal.


    He turned back to the disciple. "Guess I¡¯ll see you in three days.¡±


    The disciple gave him a smile. "Good luck in there. Try not to die."


    "I don¡¯t plan to,¡± Kai grinned.


    With one last deep breath, he stepped forward into the portal. There was a moment of disorientation, a feeling of being stretched and compressed at the same time. Then, with a flash of light and the crack of thunder, Kai found himself standing on rocky ground.

 ONE HUNDRED THREE: Bad Timing for a Breakthrough

    Kai blinked, adjusting to the new environment. As expected, dark, ominous clouds swirled overhead, occasionally lighting up his surroundings with flashes of lightning.


    He looked around and realised that he stood on a wide plateau, dotted with jagged rocks and sparse vegetation. In the distance, he could see mountain peaks shrouded in mist, and he could hear the occasional rumble of thunder.


    "Alright, let''s see what we''re dealing with here."


    Instinctively, Kai focused on the translucent screen showing his current location and the surrounding area. He scanned it carefully, looking for any signs of danger.


    Can''t be too careful. Even if they say it''s just Qi Refining beasts here, you never know. Wouldn¡¯t surprise me if one of those Peak Qi Refining beasts broke through to the Foundation Establishment realm¡­


    The map showed several clusters of energy signatures scattered throughout the realm. Most were relatively weak, likely lower-level beasts. But as Kai''s gaze moved towards the center of the map, he noticed stronger concentrations of energy.


    Hmm, the sizes of the red dots are difficult to determine from this distance, I can¡¯t tell if these beasts have entered the Foundation Establishment or are a half step away. Guess I¡¯ll steer clear of those for now.


    Kai took another look at his immediate surroundings. The outer ring of the realm seemed relatively safe, with only a few weak energy signatures nearby.


    Perfect. This should be a good spot to work on my skills.


    Kai closed the map and focused on his goal. He wanted to improve two particular skills: Qi Concealment and Qi Detection. Both were crucial for survival in this world, especially if the map began to lose its usefulness.


    Kai took a deep breath and began to suppress his qi. It was a strange sensation, like trying to hold your breath underwater. He could feel his energy signature dimming, becoming less noticeable to the world around him.


    At the same time, he extended his senses, trying to detect the qi of nearby creatures. It was like straining to hear a whisper in a noisy room. He could sense faint echoes of energy, but nothing concrete.


    It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve done this, this might take some practice.


    Kai realized that to truly improve these skills, he''d need to turn off his map function. The thought made him uneasy. Since unlocking the feature, he''d come to rely on it heavily. It provided a sense of security, even if it couldn''t detect the most powerful beings.


    Not like immortal rank cultivators would be waiting to ambush small fry like me in this place.


    With a mental command, Kai deactivated his map. The world suddenly felt larger, more uncertain. He took another deep breath, steeling himself.


    Okay. I can do this. I just have to stay in the outer region, work on my skills. Once I level up one of the skills, I¡¯ll automatically breakthrough to the 9th stage of Qi Refining. Then I can worry about working on my battle prowess.


    With his plan set, Kai began to move. He picked his way carefully across the rocky terrain, senses alert for any sign of danger. Without the map to rely on, the constant rumble of thunder in the distance kept him on edge, each flash of lightning making him flinch.


    As he walked, Kai continued to practice his Qi Concealment. He imagined his energy signature shrinking, becoming as small and unnoticeable as possible. It was hard work, requiring constant concentration.


    At the same time, he strained his Qi Detection, trying to sense any nearby presences. Without his map, he felt blind. But slowly, very slowly, he began to pick up faint traces of energy.


    There... I think I sensed something.


    Kai paused, focusing on the faint flicker of qi he''d detected. It was weak, probably a low-level beast. He changed course, moving towards it cautiously.


    As he drew closer, the energy signature became clearer. Kai could almost picture the creature in his mind - small, quick, with a hint of electrical energy. Probably one of those Thunder Birds the receptionist had mentioned.


    Perfect for practice.


    Kai crouched behind a large boulder, peering out at the area where he sensed the creature. For a long moment, he saw nothing. Then, a flash of movement caught his eye.


    A small, bird-like creature hopped into view. It was about the size of a crow, with blue feathers. Sparks danced along its wings as it pecked at the ground, searching for food.


    Kai watched it intently, focusing on maintaining his Qi Concealment while sharpening his Qi Detection. He could sense the bird''s energy more clearly now, a constant buzz of electrical qi.


    Okay, this is good practice. Just stay hidden and¡ª


    Suddenly, the bird''s head snapped up. It looked directly at Kai''s hiding spot, eyes glowing with an eerie blue light.


    Shit.


    Before Kai could react, the bird let out a piercing screech. Electricity arced from its body, striking the ground around it. In a flash, it launched itself into the air and opened its mouth, shooting a lightning bolt through the air towards Kai¡¯s head.


    He immediately scrambled backwards, narrowly avoiding the attack, the lightning bolt struck where he''d been crouching. The Thunder Bird wheeled overhead, screeching in anger.


    "So much for staying hidden," Kai muttered, pulling himself to his feet.


    He raised his hand, channeling fire qi into his palm. A ball of fire formed, he planned to use Swift Wind Step to appear behind the bird and kill it in one blow using Flame Palm Strike.


    Killing the 6th Stage Qi Refining beast would not be enough for a breakthrough, likely only earning him 25 or so credits, but the last thing he needed was for it to call for backup. A flying 9th Stage Qi Refining beast was not something he was confident in defeating, especially if outnumbered.


    However, before he could make his move, the creature let out another screech and flew off, disappearing into the storm clouds.


    Well, that could have gone better.


    Kai sighed as he lowered his hand, letting the fireball dissipate.


    He dusted himself off, looking around to make sure no other creatures had been drawn by the commotion. The area seemed clear, for now.


    I need to get out of here quickly before backup arrives...


    Kai set off again, moving deeper into the realm but still staying within the relative safety of the outer ring. He found a small ravine, sheltered on both sides by high rock walls. It seemed like a good spot to continue his practice.


    Settling into a comfortable position, Kai once again began to suppress his qi. This time, he focused on making his energy signature match the background energy of the realm. It was like trying to camouflage himself, blending in with the constant electrical buzz in the air.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    As he worked on his Qi Concealment, Kai also extended his senses. He pictured his Qi Detection as a sort of radar, sweeping out in all directions. Faint blips of energy appeared on his mental map, growing clearer as he concentrated.


    Time passed, though Kai wasn''t sure how much. The constant storm made it impossible to gauge the time of day. He practiced tirelessly, alternating between hiding his presence and sensing others.


    But despite his efforts, his skills didn''t seem to be improving. No matter how hard he concentrated, his Qi Concealment and Qi Detection remained stubbornly at Level 1.


    I should have leveled up by now, Kai sighed as he stood up. He''d been sitting in one position for too long, lost in his concentration. As he moved, he noticed a faint ache in his body, a sign that his qi was depleted from constant use.


    Maybe I''m going about this the wrong way. Perhaps I should use the skills during battle, it usually helps with the offensive skills, maybe it¡¯ll help with detection and concealment?


    With that thought in mind, Kai decided to venture a bit deeper into the realm. He climbed out of the ravine, scanning the area for any signs of life.


    In the distance, he spotted movement. Something large was prowling among the rocks, its form obscured by the constant flashes of lightning. Kai narrowed his eyes, focusing his Qi Detection on the creature.


    Whoa. That''s... that''s a strong one.


    The beast''s energy signature was powerful, easily matching Kai''s own. It was clearly a Qi Refining Stage 8 creature, just like him.


    Perfect. If I can take this one down, even if the skills don¡¯t level up during battle, I''ll get enough XP to break through to Stage 9 regardless. I guess I can always focus on the skills later.


    Kai crouched low, slowly making his way towards the creature. As he drew closer, he could make out more details. The beast was wolf-like in shape, but much larger than any normal wolf. As expected of a wolf with a bias towards the lightning element, its fur was a dark blue colour.


    A Storm Wolf. Just like the receptionist mentioned.


    If I can get behind it, use Swift Wind Step for a surprise attack...


    He began to circle around, keeping low and using the rocky terrain for cover. The Storm Wolf seemed unaware of his presence, focused on something in the distance.


    Kai was just about to make his move when suddenly, his system pinged with a notification. His eyes widened as he read the message:


    Skill Leveled Up: Qi Concealment (Level 2)


    Skill Leveled Up: Qi Detection (Level 2)


    You have gained 200 XP


    Oh no, bad timing.


    Before Kai could process what was happening, he felt a surge of energy within him. His qi swelled, pushing against the limits of his current stage. In an instant, he knew what was coming.


    The breakthrough to Qi Refining Stage 9 hit him like a thunderbolt. Kai gasped as he felt the rush of qi flowing down to the soles of his feet. The meridians there, previously closed, burst open under the pressure.


    Level Up!


    You are now Level 9!


    Name: Kai Thorn


    XP: 100/8000


    Level: 9


    Qi: 500/500


    Strength: 75


    Agility: 77


    Durability: 79


    Intelligence: 32


    Wisdom: 30


    Titles:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Novice Instructor


    </li>


    <li>


    Once in a Hundred years Talent


    </li>


    <li>


    Legacy Disciple


    </li>


    <li>


    Alchemy Prodigy


    </li>


    <li>


    Novice Alchemist


    </li>


    </ul>


    Elemental Affinities:


    <ul>


    <li>


    Lightning: 35%


    </li>


    <li>


    Chaos: 10%


    </li>


    </ul>


    Skills:


    Qi Condensation (Level 4)


    Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)


    Unarmed Combat (Level 2)


    Deception (Level 4)


    Iron Skin (Level 3)


    Swift Wind Step (Level 4)


    Flame Palm Strike (Level 3)


    Mental Fortitude (Passive)


    Spirit Beast Communication (Level 1)


    Qi Concealment (Level 2)


    Qi Detection (Level 2)


    Iron Rebound (Level 1)


    Rock Hard (Level 1)


    Lightning Step (Level 1)


    Static Charge (Level 1)


    Crown of Lightning (Level 5) (Passive)


    Sky''s Favor (Level 5) (Passive)


    Storm Eye (Level 1)


    Thunder Voice (Level 1)


    Heart of Thunder (Level 1)


    Essence Extraction (Level 4)


    Elemental Fusion (Level 4)


    Qi Infusion (Level 4)


    Stability Control (Level 4)


    Spiritual Resonance (Level 5)


    Elemental Resistance:


    ¡¤ Lightning (Level 6) (Passive)


    The breakthrough had been exhilarating, powerful... and incredibly noticeable.


    Grrrrrrrr


    The Storm Wolf''s head snapped around, its glowing eyes locking onto him. The beast''s lips pulled back in a snarl, revealing razor-sharp teeth. The wolf tilted its head towards the sky and let out a roar that split the air and shook the ground beneath them.


    Kai remained still, quickly assessing his situation.


    In some cases, a cultivator would fight immediately after a breakthrough, relying on their increased raw power even if it wasn''t fully controlled, however, that led to a higher chance of qi deviation.


    Not the best time for a breakthrough, but I can work with this.


    A breakthrough using the system allowed Kai to adapt more rapidly. The surge of qi through his meridians was intense, but manageable.


    As the echoes faded, the wolf slowly lowered its head, its eyes locking onto Kai¡¯s own.


    For a moment, neither man nor beast moved, locked in a tense standoff.


    Wolves are pack animals, Kai thought, eyes narrowing. So, where''s the rest of its pack?


    As if in answer to his thoughts, he heard more howls in the distance. Kai''s eyes widened, his head turning slightly towards the sound while keeping the Storm Wolf in his peripheral vision. The Storm Wolf''s pack was coming.


    Finally, Kai felt his qi settle within him. A grim smile spread across his face as he moved into a fighting stance.


    I¡¯ll have to finish this one before the others arrive.

 ONE HUNDRED FOUR: Sword Flight

    Kai vanished in a blur, activating Swift Wind Step to appear behind the Storm Wolf. But when he materialized, his eyes widened in surprise. The wolf was gone, leaving only a fading trail of electricity.


    Damn, it''s faster than I thought.


    He scanned the area, muscles tense. A flash of blue caught his eye as the wolf reappeared several meters away.


    It''s not attacking. Why?


    The wolf''s eyes met his, and Kai saw intelligence there. It wasn''t just a beast - it was a cunning opponent.


    It''s stalling. Waiting for backup. If the pack didn¡¯t have anyone that could challenge me, then it wouldn¡¯t be waiting which means there must be a Stage 9 in its pack. Maybe more.


    Kai knew he had to act fast. He couldn''t let the wolf''s reinforcements arrive. Opening his mouth, he activated Thunder Voice.


    The roar that erupted from his throat was deafening. It shook the air, sending shockwaves rippling through the rocky terrain. The retreating wolf, caught mid-leap in another lightning jump, stumbled. Its body flickered into view as it yelped in pain and surprise.


    Got you.


    Not wasting a second, Kai activated Lightning Step. He became a living bolt of electricity, streaking across the ground towards the disoriented wolf.


    The beast, recovering quickly, snarled. Its eyes flashed with anger and... was that fear? It opened its maw.


    Oh crap.


    The wolf launched the attack, a sphere of pure lightning hurtling towards Kai. There was no time to dodge. In that split second, Kai''s Iron Skin skill activated, hardening his body against the incoming blow.


    The lightning ball slammed into him. Pain exploded across his chest, but it was duller than he expected. His lightning resistance had kicked in, nullifying almost a third of the attack''s power.


    Thank goodness for that 30% resistance.


    Gritting his teeth, Kai pushed through the pain. The wolf''s eyes widened as Kai emerged from the dissipating energy, palm blazing with fire.


    "Surprise," Kai growled.


    The Flame Palm Strike connected against the wolf¡¯s neck with a satisfying thud. The wolf let out a pitiful whimper, its body convulsing as fire and lightning danced across its fur. Then it went still, eyes glazing over.


    You have gained 50 XP!


    Not bad for a quick fight.


    Kai sighed, looking down at the smoking corpse. "Sorry, buddy. Nothing personal."


    He reached out, focusing his qi. The wolf''s body shimmered and disappeared into his inventory space.


    Might be useful for crafting later.


    Just as the last wisps of smoke cleared, a chorus of howls split the air. Kai''s head snapped up, eyes narrowing as he scanned the horizon.


    One, two, three... twelve? Oh, come on!


    But it wasn''t just the number that made his stomach drop, it was their cultivation realms. Most were at Qi Refining stages 7 and 8, formidable opponents in their own right. But what made him grimace were the larger wolves at the front.


    Stage 9. And three of them. Perfect.


    Kai began to slowly back away as the wolves fanned out, circling him. Their movements were fluid, coordinated. These weren''t just beasts - they were a well-oiled hunting machine.


    The largest wolf, its fur as black as night, stepped forward. Its eyes, glowing with an eerie blue light, locked onto Kai. It let out a low, rumbling growl that seemed to vibrate through the ground.


    I don''t need Spirit Beast Communication to know what that means. ''Give back our packmate, or else.''


    Kai''s mind raced. He''d wanted to battle a Stage 9 beast for the experience, sure. But three at once, plus their underlings? That was suicide.


    Sometimes, the best strategy is a tactical retreat.


    "Sorry, boys," Kai said, forcing a grin. "Finders keepers."


    The black wolf''s snarl deepened, lips pulling back to reveal razor-sharp teeth. The circle of wolves began to tighten.


    Time to go.


    Kai took a deep breath, centering himself. He focused on his core meridian, feeling the energy building there. With a shout, he activated Heart of Thunder.


    The effect was immediate and spectacular. A massive shockwave erupted from Kai''s chest, a visible ripple of thunderous energy that expanded outward in all directions. The closest wolves yelped in pain and surprise, their advance halted as they were pushed back by the force.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Not wasting a second, Kai channeled his qi. His body crackled with electricity, and in a flash, he transformed into a bolt of lightning.


    He shot upward, faster than any of the wolves could react. As he ascended, platforms of solidified qi materialized beneath him, providing stepping stones for his lightning form to jump between.


    Up, up, and away!


    Kai bounded from platform to platform, each one dissipating behind him as soon as he left it. He could hear the frustrated howls of the wolf pack below, growing fainter as he put distance between them.


    He was careful not to ascend too high - the last thing he needed was to attract the attention of any flying beasts that might be lurking in the storm clouds above. Instead, he kept to a middle altitude, racing across the landscape in a series of lightning jumps.


    Lightning travel is awesome. I need to do this more often.


    As he fled, Kai couldn''t help but feel a mix of exhilaration and disappointment. On one hand, he''d survived an encounter with a formidable pack of Storm Wolves. On the other...


    I really wanted to test myself against those Stage 9 beasts.


    ***


    An hour later, Kai found himself huddled in a small cave, catching his breath. The relentless pursuit of the wolf pack had driven him deep into the inner region of Storm''s Peak before they finally gave up the chase.


    Wolves are persistent. Very persistent.


    He leaned against the rough cave wall, fishing the teleportation token out of his inventory. The small token felt heavy in his hand, a tempting escape route.


    I could leave right now. I''ve already broken through to Stage 9. Mission accomplished, right?


    But something held him back. A nagging feeling, a mix of ambition and caution.


    If Shen Yu''s warning was right, I might need more than just raw power. I need experience. Real combat experience.


    Kai turned the token over in his hand, remembering the intense battle with the Storm Wolf. The rush of adrenaline, the split-second decisions, the satisfaction of overcoming a worthy opponent.


    When will I get another chance like this? In the sect, everything is controlled, and there¡¯s no action. But here, it''s raw, unpredictable.


    With a sigh, he tucked the token back into his inventory.


    Besides, he thought, glancing at the trident mark on his wrist, I''ve got a backup plan if things go really south.


    Still, caution was the better part of valor. Kai closed his eyes, concentrating. A moment later, a glowing, electric-blue eye materialized in front of him - his Storm Eye skill.


    "Alright, little spy," Kai muttered. "Let''s see what''s out there."


    The eye zipped out of the cave, and suddenly Kai''s vision split. Through the eye, he could see the rocky landscape outside, illuminated by frequent flashes of lightning. The terrain was rougher here in the inner region, with more jagged peaks and deeper ravines.


    To double-check, Kai pulled up his map. The area around his position was clear of any hostile signals.


    Good. Some breathing room at last.


    A smile spread across Kai''s face as an idea formed.


    You know what? Before I jump back into the fray, maybe it''s time to learn a new trick.


    He reached into his inventory, pulling out a simple sword. It was a basic model, standard issue for sect disciples. Nothing fancy, but it would do for now.


    One day, I''ll craft my own. But for now...let''s see if I can''t add ''flying'' to my resume.


    A few seconds later, Kai stood at the mouth of the cave, sword in hand, staring out at the stormy sky.


    Okay, I¡¯ve seen other disciples do this. How hard can it be?


    He took a deep breath, channeling his qi into the sword. The blade hummed faintly, responding to his energy.


    "Right," he muttered. "Step one: Don''t fall and die."


    Kai placed the sword horizontally in front of him, then gingerly stepped onto the blade. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the sword began to rise, wobbling slightly under his feet.


    Holy crap, it''s working!


    His excitement was short-lived. The sword suddenly tilted, and Kai found himself flailing his arms wildly to keep balance.


    "Whoa, whoa, whoa!"


    He managed to right himself, but not before nearly faceplanting onto the rocky ground. The sword hovered about a foot off the ground, vibrating slightly.


    Okay, maybe this is harder than it looks.


    Kai took another deep breath, focusing on his qi flow. He imagined it as a steady stream, flowing from his core, down his legs, and into the sword.


    Slowly, steadily, the sword began to rise higher. Kai''s legs trembled with the effort of maintaining balance, but he kept his concentration.


    Up, up, up. That''s it. Nice and easy.


    He was about ten feet off the ground when a gust of wind caught him off guard. The sword tilted sharply, and this time Kai couldn''t recover. With a yelp, he tumbled off, hitting the ground with a thud.


    "Ow," he groaned, sitting up and rubbing his backside. The sword clattered to the ground beside him.


    Well, that was graceful.


    But Kai wasn''t one to give up easily. He stood, dusting himself off, and picked up the sword again.


    "Round two.¡±


    Over the next hour, Kai practiced relentlessly. He fell more times than he could count, each tumble adding new bruises to his collection. But with each attempt, he stayed airborne a little longer, moved a little more smoothly.


    It''s all about the qi control, he realized. Like balancing on a tightrope, but the rope is your own energy.


    Finally, after what felt like the hundredth try, something clicked. Kai found himself gliding smoothly through the air, the sword stable beneath his feet. He weaved between rocky outcroppings, even managing a tentative turn.


    A wide grin spread across his face. "Now we''re talking!"


    He waited for the familiar ping of his system, anticipating a new skill notification. But nothing came. Kai sighed, a bit disappointed.


    Guess the system doesn''t count this as a separate skill. Probably just considers it part of overall qi manipulation.


    Despite the lack of a new skill entry, Kai felt proud of his achievement. Feeling bold, he decided to push his limits. He angled the sword upward, ascending higher into the sky. The wind whipped around him, but this time he was ready for it, adjusting his stance to maintain balance.


    As he rose above the peaks, the full scale of Storm''s Peak revealed itself. Lightning arced between clouds, illuminating the vast, treacherous landscape below. Despite the danger, Kai couldn''t help but feel a sense of awe.


    This is incredible. No wonder cultivators love flying so much.


    He was so caught up in the moment that he almost missed the dark shape emerging from a nearby cloud. Almost.


    Kai''s eyes widened as he recognized the form of a massive bird, easily three times his size. Its feathers crackled with electricity, and its eyes glowed with an intelligence that sent a chill down his spine.


    Oh, right. Flying beasts. How could I forget?


    Thunder Bird


    Level: Qi Refining Stage 9


    HP: 898/900


    Qi: 400/500


    Strength: 70


    Agility: 85


    Durability: 72


    The thunder bird let out a screech that seemed to shake the air. Kai winced, his ears ringing.


    "Okay, big guy," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Let''s not do anything hasty."


    In response, the bird opened its beak. A ball of lightning qi began to form.

 ONE HUNDRED FIVE: Aerial Battle

    The Thunder Bird''s beak snapped shut, and the ball of lightning it had been forming shot towards Kai.


    He tried to maneuver his flying sword out of the way, but Kai wasn''t used to aerial combat. The lightning grazed his shoulder, and even with his lightning resistance, it sent a jolt of agonizing pain through his body.


    "Okay, not off to a great start," Kai muttered.


    He focused on his Qi Condensation skill, rapidly forming a shield of solidified qi in front of him. Just in time, too, as the Thunder Bird launched another attack.


    The lightning bolt splashed against Kai''s shield, dissipating harmlessly. But the force of the impact sent him tumbling backward on his sword. He struggled to regain his balance, his feet slipping on the narrow blade.


    Aerial battle is much harder than it looks. Maybe I could avoid fighting, I did want to fight a Qi Refining Stage 9 beast but definitely not in the air.


    "Hey there, big guy," Kai said, knowing that with his Spirit Beast Communication skill the beast could understand him. "How about we talk this out?"


    The Thunder Bird tilted its head, its glowing eyes fixed on Kai. It opened its beak and let out another ear-splitting screech.


    Kai winced. "I guess that''s a no on the talking."


    It seemed unlike Zhi-Zhi, this beast''s intelligence was very low. It seemed to operate on pure instinct, with little room for reason or negotiation.


    The Thunder Bird dove towards Kai with its talons extended. Kai managed to dodge, but just barely. He could feel the wind from the creature''s wings buffeting him.


    "I need to get back to the ground," Kai decided. He angled his sword downward, aiming for the rocky terrain below.


    But the Thunder Bird wasn''t about to let its prey escape. It swooped in front of Kai, blocking his path. Its wings released a stream of electricity, creating a barrier of lightning.


    Kai pulled up short, nearly falling off his sword again. "Okay, I guess we''re doing this up here."


    He took a deep breath, centering himself. He needed to adapt to this new fighting environment quickly if he wanted to survive.


    Kai activated his Swift Wind Step skill, hoping it would work in the air as well as it did on the ground. To his relief, he felt his body become lighter, more agile.


    When the Thunder Bird lunged at him again, Kai was ready. He sidestepped the attack, landing on a qi platform and then using it to leap over the beast''s back.


    As he passed over the Thunder Bird, Kai channeled qi into his palm, preparing a Flame Palm Strike. He brought his hand down on the creature''s back, and a burst of fire erupted on impact.


    The Thunder Bird screeched in pain, its feathers singed. It wheeled around, eyes blazing with fury.


    "Looks like that got your attention."


    The beast retaliated with a barrage of lightning bolts. Kai weaved between them, his improved agility allowing him to dodge more effectively now.


    But he knew he couldn''t keep this up forever. The constant movement was draining his qi reserves. Flying, while exhilarating, was not qi-friendly at all. One misstep could be fatal.


    Kai needed a plan. He glanced around, taking in his surroundings. The storm clouds above, the jagged rocks below, the electricity in the air...


    An idea began to form in his mind. It was risky, but it might just work.


    Kai turned to face the Thunder Bird head-on. "Alright, big guy. Let''s see how you handle this."


    He raised his hand, palm out, and activated his Static Charge skill. Sparks danced between his fingers, growing in intensity.


    The Thunder Bird, sensing the buildup of electrical energy, responded in kind. It opened its beak wide, a ball of lightning forming once again.


    Kai waited, timing his move carefully. Just as the Thunder Bird was about to release its attack, Kai shouted, activating his Thunder Voice skill.


    The sound that erupted from his throat was deafening, a perfect mimicry of a thunderclap. The shockwave hit the Thunder Bird just as it released its lightning bolt.


    The creature faltered, its aim thrown off. The lightning bolt went wide, missing Kai entirely.


    Kai didn''t waste the opportunity. He charged forward, his flying sword propelling him at high speed. As he neared the disoriented Thunder Bird, he leaped off his sword, using Swift Wind Step and a qi platform to close the remaining distance.


    His fist, charged with both fire and lightning qi, connected solidly with the Thunder Bird''s chest. The impact sent both of them plummeting towards the ground.


    Kai gritted his teeth, fighting to maintain his hold on the thrashing creature. The ground was approaching fast, and he knew the landing would be rough.


    At the last moment, Kai activated his Iron Skin skill, reinforcing his body against the impending impact. They hit the rocky terrain hard, kicking up a cloud of dust and debris.


    For a moment, everything was still. Then, slowly, Kai pushed himself up, his body aching but intact. The Thunder Bird lay beside him, stunned but still very much alive.


    Even though, he was now on the ground, Kai knew he couldn''t let his guard down yet. He quickly retrieved his sword, which had fallen nearby, and readied himself for the next round.


    The Thunder Bird struggled to its feet, shaking off the impact. Its eyes locked onto Kai, filled with a mixture of pain and rage.


    "Round two," Kai said, raising his sword.


    The Thunder Bird spread its wings and it quickly launched into the air and began circling above Kai.


    Kai kept his eyes on the beast, tracking its movements. He knew it would be more cautious now, having felt the sting of Kai''s attacks.


    The Thunder Bird dove, its talons extended. Kai raised his sword to block, the clash of metal and claw sending sparks flying.


    Kai pushed back, using the sword to create some distance between them. He needed to end this fight soon, before exhaustion set in.


    He thought of another idea. Kai focused on his Qi Condensation skill, but instead of forming a shield or weapon, he created a network of thin, nearly invisible qi threads around him.


    The Thunder Bird attacked again, this time with a barrage of lightning bolts. Kai dodged and weaved, letting some of the bolts hit his qi threads. The thread caught and held the electrical energy. It was like he had created a web of lightning.


    The Thunder Bird, oblivious to the trap, pressed its attack. It swooped in close, aiming to overwhelm Kai with its size and strength.


    Kai waited until the last moment, then activated his Heart of Thunder skill. A powerful shockwave erupted from his chest, catching the Thunder Bird mid-dive. The creature screeched in pain and surprise, its momentum carrying it forward into Kai''s web of electrically charged qi threads.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    The effect was immediate and devastating. The Thunder Bird''s own lightning, combined with the energy from Kai''s Heart of Thunder, created a feedback loop. Electricity coursed through the beast''s body, amplified by its own conductive feathers.


    Kai shielded his eyes from the brilliant display of light. When he looked again, the Thunder Bird lay motionless on the ground, wisps of smoke rising from its singed feathers.


    ¡°It seems being a lightning beast doesn¡¯t come with lightning resistance¡­¡±


    Only high-rank cultivation methods or more noble beasts typically possessed elemental resistance. Kai''s knowledge of beast types was limited, but he knew this Thunder Bird was just a Qi Refining beast and didn''t seem particularly special. There were many of its kind in this realm, after all. It was cannon fodder.


    The lack of lightning resistance in a lightning beast might seem counterintuitive, but it made sense from a cultivation perspective. These lower-rank creatures hadn''t yet reached the level where they could fully internalize and resist their own element. It was a reminder that true mastery and resistance often came at higher levels of cultivation


    Kai approached cautiously, sword at the ready. But there was no need for caution. The Thunder Bird was dead, its once-glowing eyes now dark and lifeless.


    You have gained 100 XP!


    Kai let out a long breath, he had won, but it had been a close thing.


    He knelt beside the fallen creature, placing a hand on its still-warm feathers. "You should have taken me up on the offer," he said softly.


    The Thunder Bird''s body shimmered and disappeared into his inventory space.


    As the adrenaline of battle faded, exhaustion hit Kai like a wave. He dragged his body over to his little cave and sat down heavily on a rock, his muscles aching and his qi reserves nearly depleted.


    But despite the pain and fatigue, Kai felt a sense of accomplishment. He had faced a formidable opponent and emerged victorious. More importantly, he had gained valuable experience in aerial combat and creative use of his skills.


    Kai took a few moments to catch his breath and assess his condition. His clothes were singed in places, and he had a few minor burns and bruises, but nothing serious.


    He pulled out a Qi Replenishing pill from his inventory, one of many he had prepared for this expedition. He popped the pill into his mouth, feeling it dissolve instantly. A cool sensation spread through his body as his qi storage was replenished.


    As he rested, Kai reflected on the battle.


    That was quite the learning experience, he thought. Fighting in three dimensions is a whole different game.


    He pondered the ways he had combined his skills, particularly the use of Qi Condensation to create the lightning web.


    That lightning web trick worked better than I expected. I need to explore more creative applications of Qi Condensation. There''s got to be so much more I can do with it.


    His mind then turned to his performance in the air. While he had managed to hold his own, there had been several close calls that made him uneasy.


    He knew that epic battles between high-level cultivators often took place entirely in the air. Some fights even extended into the upper atmosphere or space itself.


    My aerial maneuverability needs work, Kai admitted to himself. If I had better control of my flying sword, I could have avoided some of those near misses. I can''t always count on luck in a fight like that.


    After about an hour of rest and meditation, Kai felt recovered enough to continue his exploration of the Storm Peak Realm. He stood up, stretching his muscles, and retrieved his flying sword.


    This time, when he stepped onto the blade, his balance was much steadier. The recent battle had forced him to adapt quickly to aerial movement, and he could already feel the improvement.


    Kai pulled out the teleportation token from his inventory, turning it over in his hand. He had accomplished his main objectives - breaking through to Qi Refining Stage 9, battling a Stage 9 beast, and learning to fly. It seemed like a good time to return to the sect.


    Just as he was about to activate the token, a notification popped up in his vision:


    New Quest: Tribulation Challenger


    Defeat a beast undergoing breakthrough to Foundation Establishment Realm.


    Reward: 2500 XP


    Kai''s eyes widened at the quest description. It sounded like he would be part of the beast''s tribulation. He had heard of humans being part of tribulations for cultivators, but he hadn''t considered it might be the same for beasts. It made sense, though - beasts had their own cultivation path, and humans were certainly their enemies.


    He hesitated, weighing his options. The safe choice would be to return to the sect now. But the 2500 XP reward made him pause. He still needed almost 8000 XP for his own breakthrough to Foundation Establishment, and this quest would provide a large chunk of that.


    Kai glanced at the mark on his wrist, reminding himself that he still had two extra lives. The potential reward seemed worth the risk.


    With a deep breath, Kai stored the token back in his inventory. He rose into the air on his flying sword and activated his map function, scanning the area for any unusual energy signatures. Almost immediately, a bright marker appeared on the map, pulsing with an intensity that the other markers couldn¡¯t compare to.


    He focused on the marker, and additional information appeared:


    Tribulation Beast


    Cultivation: Pseudo Foundation Establishment


    Status: Preparing for breakthrough


    "Pseudo Foundation Establishment," Kai muttered to himself. "That''s definitely going to be a much tougher fight than the Thunder Bird."


    He understood that a beast at this level would be significantly more powerful than the Qi Refining Stage 9 Thunder Bird he had just faced. It would likely have more advanced techniques, greater control over its qi, and possibly even some spiritual techniques that weren''t just a bolt of lightning.


    The thought of facing such a creature made Kai pause. This wouldn''t just be a harder battle - it could be downright dangerous, even with his extra lives. The gap between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment was substantial, and this beast was on the cusp of crossing that threshold.


    Still, the potential reward was tempting. 2500 XP would be a significant boost towards his own breakthrough. And the experience of facing such a powerful opponent could be invaluable for whatever was to come next.


    "Well, I can¡¯t keep playing it safe, I need to take some risks."


    With that, Kai angled his flying sword in the direction indicated by the map and set off.

 ONE HUNDRED SIX: Kai - the Human Tribulation

    Kai stood at the edge of the core layer of Storm''s Peak, known as the Eye of the Storm. The name fit perfectly - winds howled and lightning flashed in a dizzying display of nature''s fury.


    He had flown low and used his Qi Concealment skill to avoid detection by Thunder Birds or other hungry beasts on his way here. Landing softly on a rocky outcrop, Kai pulled up his map. A large red dot pulsed not far from his position. He pondered what kind of beast it might be.


    Lightning affinity, powerful enough to attempt a breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment in a realm designed to hold only Qi Refining beasts... what options are there?


    Given the lightning-rich environment, several possibilities came to mind - perhaps a Thunder Ox or Lightning Serpent? But then he remembered what that Azure Sky Sect disciple had mentioned before he entered the realm. There were rumors of a dragon.


    A dragon makes sense. What better creature to rule over a domain of storms?


    Deciding to rest and restore his qi naturally, Kai found a sheltered spot between two large boulders. He didn''t want to waste valuable qi pills before a major fight. As he sat down, he noticed new information on his quest log:


    Quest: Tribulation Challenger


    Time Remaining: 45:00


    A time limit? That''s new. But it makes sense. The beast won''t pause its breakthrough just to wait for me. My life isn¡¯t exactly a game¡­


    Kai spent the next 15 minutes in quiet meditation, feeling his qi slowly replenish. When he felt ready, he stood and suppressed his qi even further. He began making his way toward the quest marker, moving cautiously over the rough terrain.


    Suddenly, he heard voices approaching. He quickly ducked behind a large rock, peering out carefully.


    A group of beasts, ranging from Qi Refining Stage 7 to Stage 9, were making their way up the peak. They were a motley assortment - some furry, some scaled, ranging in size from that of a large dog to a small horse. Kai''s Spirit Beast Communication skill kicked in, allowing him to understand their conversation.


    "This tribulation is taking forever," grumbled a creature that looked like a cross between a wolf and a lightning bolt. "How many more offerings does the master need?"


    A bird-like beast squawked in response. "As many as it takes! Do you want to volunteer yourself as the next meal?"


    The wolf-thing''s fur stood on end. "Of course not! I''m just saying, we''ve been at this for days. My paws are getting sore."


    "Stop whining," a third beast, resembling a gorilla made of storm clouds, grunted. "The master''s breakthrough will benefit us all. Now hurry up - I don''t want to get eaten for being late with the offerings."


    "Do you really think the master will become a true dragon after the breakthrough?" the bird-like beast asked.


    "Who knows?" the wolf-beast replied. "But even if it doesn''t, our master will still be the most powerful creature in Storm''s Peak. Now stop yapping and keep moving!"


    Kai watched them pass. So, it''s not quite a dragon yet. But it''s aiming to become one. Interesting...


    He waited until the group was a safe distance ahead before following, keeping to the shadows and using his Qi Concealment to its fullest.


    As Kai stalked the group of beasts, his eyes took in the harsh beauty of the Eye of the Storm. Jagged cliffs rose on all sides, their peaks lost in the storm clouds above. Lightning arced between the rocks, creating temporary bridges of pure energy. A constant low rumble of thunder served as nature''s background music.


    It''s incredible. A whole ecosystem built around lightning and storms. But it seems like none of these creatures realize that their entire world is just a mini-realm owned by the Azure Sky Sect.


    The realization made Kai pause. He thought back to the realm outside. Could it be possible that the world he was isekaid to  was also just a pocket dimension in some greater universe? He''d read plenty of xianxia stories where the protagonist broke through the world''s barrier, only to discover they were a big fish in a small pond.


    No, I need to focus. I can ponder existential questions later. Right now, I have a job to do.


    He continued following the beast group, staying well back and using his qi detection as well as his map to ensure he wasn''t walking into any traps. Eventually, they reached what appeared to be their destination - a massive cave mouth set into the side of the tallest peak.


    Kai found a hiding spot with a good view of the cave entrance. He settled in to wait, curious to see what would emerge.


    He didn''t have to wait long. A massive form slithered out of the cave, and Kai had to stifle a gasp. The creature before him wasn''t quite a dragon, but it was certainly on its way there. Its body was long and serpentine, covered in blue scales that seemed to absorb and reflect the lightning around it. A mane of what looked like pure electricity ran down its spine. Its head was more snake-like than draconic, but Kai could see the beginnings of horns forming on its skull.


    Most striking, however, was the qi spiraling around the beast. It was dense and powerful, swirling in complex patterns that Kai struggled to follow with his eyes.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.So, this is what a breakthrough to Foundation Establishment looks like, Kai thought, awestruck despite himself.


    The smaller beasts approached their master, prostrating themselves before offering up the corpses they''d brought. The serpent-dragon''s eyes gleamed with hunger. It opened its maw, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth, and began to devour the offerings.


    Kai watched, fascinated and a little horrified, as the creature consumed corpse after corpse. With each one, the qi surrounding it grew denser, more chaotic.


    Finally, the serpent-dragon finished the last corpse. It raised its head and let out a bone-shaking roar that made Kai want to cover his ears.


    "It''s not enough!" the beast bellowed, its voice like rolling thunder. "I need more! The breakthrough is almost over, I can feel it!"


    The smaller beasts looked at each other nervously. "Master," the wolf-beast spoke up hesitantly, "we''ve brought all we could find..."


    The serpent-dragon''s eyes narrowed dangerously. Without warning, tendrils of qi shot out from its body, wrapping around the wolf-beast. The creature yelped in terror as it was dragged towards its master''s gaping maw.


    "No! Please, master!" the wolf-beast pleaded. But its cries fell on deaf ears. With a single gulp, the serpent-dragon swallowed its own servant.


    The other beasts cowered in fear. The serpent-dragon''s eyes swept over them, making them shrink back even further.


    "Get more," it commanded. "I don''t care how. I don''t care what. Just bring me more to devour. I NEED MORE!"


    The beasts didn''t need to be told twice. They scrambled away, practically falling over each other in their haste to escape their master''s hunger.


    Kai remained in his hiding spot, he checked his map, confirming that the smaller beasts were moving away. When he was sure they were at a far enough distance to not head back, his eyes narrowed. It was time to make his move.


    Okay, I need a plan but first let¡¯s check its stats.


    Name: ???


    Species: Zhen Lei Shenjiao (Quaking Thunder Divine Flood Dragon)


    Cultivation: Pseudo-Foundation Establishment


    HP: 900/900


    Qi: 900/900


    Strength: 99


    Agility: 96


    Durability: 98


    Its stats really are just a breadth away from Foundation Establishment realm. I need to ambush it.


    Swift Wind Step would get him close quickly. He could use Qi Condensation to enhance his sword, maybe even combine it with Flame Palm Strike for extra damage. The head seemed like the best target - he wasn''t sure about the creature''s internal anatomy, and he didn''t want to aim for a heart that might not exist or be in an unexpected location.


    Just as Kai was about to put his plan into action, the serpent-dragon''s massive head swiveled towards his hiding spot. Its blue eyes fixed directly on him.


    "Well, well," the beast rumbled, its voice a mix of amusement and resignation. "It seems the heavens truly don''t want me to breakthrough. They''ve sent me a human tribulation."


    Kai''s eyes widened, his cover was blown, but maybe he could use this to his advantage. He stood slowly, stepping out from behind the rocks with a calm expression on his face.


    "The heavens didn''t send me, I''m here of my own accord. Killing you will benefit me."


    The serpent-dragon''s eyes widened slightly. "You speak the tongue of fey-kin," it said, using an unfamiliar term that Kai''s skill translated as a catch-all for magical beasts.


    The creature shook its massive head. "Ah, but this is how the heavens trick those under the sky. They make you believe you act of your own will, when in truth, you dance to their tune."


    Kai''s calm expression faltered for a moment. The beast''s words struck a chord within him. He couldn''t help but think of the many xianxia stories he''d read, where Heaven''s Will manipulated events and people like pieces on a cosmic chessboard. And then there was his own situation - was the system that gave him quests and rewards truly benevolent, or was it manipulating him for its own ends?


    No, Kai thought, shaking off the doubt. Even if that''s true, I can''t afford to dwell on it now. I need those credits.


    "You might be right," he admitted. "But whether it''s Heaven''s Will or my own choice, the outcome will be the same. One of us won''t be walking away from this."


    The serpent-dragon regarded Kai with what almost looked like respect. "Brave words, little human. But do you truly think you can stand against me? I stand at the precipice of Foundation Establishment. The power of storms flows through my veins. Whilst you¡­you have only just entered the 9th Stage of Qi Refining realm. You are walking to your death."


    As if to emphasize its point, lightning flared along the beast''s spine, illuminating the cave in blue-white flashes.


    Kai stood his ground, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "I like a challenge, and death hasn''t stopped me before.¡±


    The serpent-dragon''s mouth curved into what might have been a smile, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth. "Very well, human. If you wish to be my tribulation, then so be it. Your qi will only benefit my breakthrough."


    Just as it seemed Kai was about to reply, he vanished in a blur of wind.


    The battle for Storm''s Peak had begun.

 ONE HUNDRED SEVEN: Kai vs Pseudo-Foundation Establishment

    Kai appeared behind the Zhen Lei Shenjiao, his hand blazing with fiery qi. He aimed a Flame Palm Strike directly at the beast''s head, hoping to catch it off guard.


    But the flood dragon was far from helpless. With surprising agility for its size, it suddenly leaped backward in a burst of lightning and its massive form sailed through the air, easily avoiding Kai''s attack.


    "Impressive speed, human," the dragon rumbled. "But my Thunderstrike Leap isn''t so easily countered."


    Kai blinked, momentarily disoriented. His Qi Detection skill was muddled by the residual qi in the air, making it hard to pinpoint the dragon''s exact location.


    No problem. I''ve got other tools.


    He glanced at the map function floating in the bottom right of his vision and immediately spotted the beast''s position. The flood dragon had landed some distance behind him, coiling its serpentine body for another strike.


    Without wasting a moment, the Zhen Lei Shenjiao lunged forward, its jaws opening wide. "Taste my Divine Thunder Fang!" it roared.


    Kai''s eyes widened slightly, but he remained calm. He activated Lightning Step, his body briefly turning into pure electricity as he zipped to the side. The flood dragon''s fangs snapped shut on empty air, sending out a shockwave of thunder that Kai felt in his bones.


    That was close. Can''t let it get that near again.


    As he moved, Kai reached into his inventory, pulling out a set of throwing knives, he infused the blades with his qi, hoping to add an extra punch to his attacks. The knives glowed faintly with blue qi as he hurled them at the beast in quick succession.


    The Zhen Lei Shenjiao didn''t even try to dodge. The knives struck its scales and bounced off harmlessly, clattering to the ground.


    Kai''s eyes narrowed. Its durability is off the charts. I need to find a weak spot.


    He studied the beast carefully, looking for any chinks in its armor. The scales seemed to overlap perfectly, leaving no obvious vulnerabilities. But as the flood dragon moved, Kai noticed something. There were small gaps where the scales met at the joints, particularly around the neck and shoulders.


    That might be my best shot. But how to exploit it?


    For a moment, Kai considered using his Qi Condensation skill to create multiple lightning rods around the battlefield. In theory, these constructs could attract and divert the Zhen Lei Shenjiao''s lightning attacks, reducing its offensive power.


    But he quickly dismissed the idea. My qi constructs won''t last more than a dozen seconds, not to mention, the beast would easily destroy them. Even with Sky''s Favor regenerating my qi, it''d be a waste of energy.


    The flood dragon reared up and Kai recognized the signs of a major attack forming. The beast opened its mouth, and a deafening roar filled the air. The sound was more than just noise - it was infused with qi, capable of paralyzing enemies and disrupting their energy.


    "Behold, the Heaven-Quaking Thunderclap!"


    Kai didn''t hesitate. He activated his Thunder Voice skill, his own roar rising to meet the flood dragon''s. At the same time, he unleashed Heart of Thunder, sending out a shockwave of his own.


    The two thunderous attacks collided in midair. The ground shook, and the air seemed to vibrate. For a moment, it looked like the Zhen Lei Shenjiao''s attack might overwhelm Kai''s defenses. But slowly, the wave of sound and qi began to dissipate.


    When the air cleared, both Kai and the flood dragon stood their ground, seemingly at a stalemate.


    A series of notifications popped up in Kai''s vision:


    Thunder Voice has leveled up! (Level 2)


    You have gained 100 XP!


    Heart of Thunder has leveled up! (Level 2)


    You have gained 100 XP!


    Nice, Kai thought, allowing himself a small smile. Every little bit helps.


    The Zhen Lei Shenjiao regarded Kai with what almost looked like respect. "Impressive, human," it rumbled. "You''ve managed to counter my Heaven-Quaking Thunderclap. But can you withstand the full fury of a storm?"


    The beast''s body began to glow, electricity arcing between its scales. The air grew heavy with the scent of ozone.


    This is going to be big, Kai thought, bracing himself.


    The flood dragon reared back its head and roared, "Witness the Storm Dragon''s Wrath!"


    Above them, the clouds began to swirl, forming a massive vortex. Lightning crackled within the dark mass, growing more intense by the second. Suddenly, a bolt of electricity shot down from the sky, taking the shape of a colossal dragon.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Kai''s eyes widened. He had no time to dodge, the dragon was too big, he quickly formed a barrier of qi around himself, pouring as much energy as he could into the defense.


    The lightning dragon crashed down, engulfing Kai in a sea of electricity. His barrier held for a moment, then shattered under the immense power of the attack. Kai felt the lightning course through his body, every nerve screaming in pain.


    When the attack finally subsided, Kai stumbled, his clothes smoking and his hair standing on end. But he was still standing. His Lightning Resistance buff had protected him from the worst of the damage, though he could feel that he''d taken a significant hit.


    Shit, Kai thought, his calm demeanor finally cracking a bit. I thought I could defeat it. I thought with my higher-level skills, I''d be able to fight a beast half a stage above mine. All those protagonists in those stories were able to do it, but I can''t even make it bleed.


    The Zhen Lei Shenjiao looked surprised to see Kai still on his feet. "You''re resilient, I''ll give you that," it said. "But you must see now that you can''t win. Why not surrender? I promise to make your end quick. All you¡¯re doing right now is wasting precious qi that I could use to breakthrough!"


    Kai''s eyes narrowed. He knew he might have to retreat soon, but he had enough left for one more attempt before running became necessary.


    "Thanks for the offer," Kai replied. "But I think I''ll pass."


    Using his Qi Condensation skill, Kai formed a bow out of pure energy. Next, he created an arrow, infusing it with the energy of his Flame Palm Strike.


    This is tricky, Kai thought, concentrating hard. Fire isn''t my element. But if I can make this work...


    He nocked the flaming arrow, aiming carefully at one of the weak spots he''d identified earlier - a small gap in the scales near the flood dragon''s shoulder.


    The Zhen Lei Shenjiao''s eyes widened as it recognized the threat. "You leave me no choice, but to use more qi" it growled. "Storm-Warding Thundercloud!"


    Instantly, a thick, roiling cloud formed around the beast''s body. Lightning crackled within the mist, creating a constantly shifting defense that obscured the flood dragon''s exact position.


    Kai loosed his arrow, but the thundercloud absorbed and dispersed the attack before it could reach its target. He quickly fired several more, but each met the same fate.


    Damn it, I can''t get a clear shot through that cloud.


    He glanced at his map, keeping track of the beast''s location within the thundercloud. Suddenly, he felt a change in the air. A massive build-up of energy, not in front of him or behind him but above him. He looked up, his eyes widening as he saw what was coming.


    A colossal hammer made of pure lightning was forming in the sky, far above the battlefield. The Zhen Lei Shenjiao''s voice boomed from within the thundercloud, "Prepare yourself for the Divine Sky Hammer!"


    Oh shit, Kai thought, his calm finally breaking. He tried to form another qi barrier while simultaneously retreating, but he knew it wouldn''t be enough. The hammer was simply too big, too powerful.


    The Divine Sky Hammer descended with terrifying speed. Kai poured every ounce of his remaining qi into his defenses, but it was like trying to stop an avalanche with a paper fan.


    The hammer struck, and the world exploded into light and sound. Kai felt himself being driven into the ground, his body breaking under the immense force. Pain overwhelmed his senses, and then... darkness.


    When the dust settled, all that remained was a crater in the rocky ground. At its center lay Kai''s broken body, limbs bent at unnatural angles, his Legacy Disciple robes torn and scorched.


    The Zhen Lei Shenjiao slithered to the edge of the crater, looking down at its fallen opponent. "You fought well for a human," it said, almost softly. "But in the end, this was inevitable. Your essence will serve me well in my breakthrough. If only you didn¡¯t waste so much of that delicious qi¡­"


    The flood dragon''s serpentine body coiled around Kai''s lifeless form, it opened its jaws wide and in one swift motion, it engulfed the corpse. There was a sickening crunch as bones were crushed between those powerful jaws.


    After finishing its meal, the flood dragon made a strange face and muttered, "Strange... I sense something unfinished about you, human." It shook its massive head as if trying to clear an odd sensation. Then, its eyes narrowed to slits, glowing with intense focus as it growled, "But no matter, my breakthrough awaits!"

 ONE HUNDRED EIGHT: Foundation Establishment Breakthrough

    The storm clouds gathered above the Zhen Lei Shenjiao as it prepared for its breakthrough.


    "At last," the flood dragon rumbled, "The moment I''ve been waiting for. The barrier between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment... I will shatter it!"


    The beast''s body began to glow with an intense, electric blue light. Sparks danced across its scales, and the air itself seemed to vibrate with the force of its qi. The Zhen Lei Shenjiao''s eyes, normally a deep sapphire, now blazed with white-hot energy.


    "Come, heavenly tribulation!" it roared. "I am ready to face your challenge and take my next step towards becoming a true dragon!"


    As if in response to its call, the sky split open. A bolt of lightning, far larger and more potent than any natural occurrence, lanced down from the heavens. It struck the flood dragon head-on, enveloping its form in a cocoon of pure electrical energy.


    The Zhen Lei Shenjiao''s voice rose in a mix of pain and exultation. "Yes! This is the power I seek to become a Jiao Lian Shenjiao- a Quaking Thunder Spirit Serpent!"


    Its scales began to shift and change, hardening and taking on a more metallic sheen. The mane of electricity running down its spine grew brighter and more defined. It''s small, stubby horns grew longer from its skull, the first signs of its transformation into the next stage of its evolution.


    "I can feel it," the beast growled. "The realm of Foundation Establishment... it''s within my grasp!¡±


    The lightning continued to pour down, relentless in its assault. The flood dragon''s body trembled under the onslaught, but it held firm. Its qi swirled and expanded, pushing against the boundaries of the Qi Refining realm.


    As the transformation continued, in its arrogance, the Zhen Lei Shenjiao began to explain its evolutionary path, perhaps to itself, or to any who might be listening:


    "We flood dragons have a long path to becoming true dragons," it rumbled. "First, we begin as Zhen Lei Shenjiao, apprentices of thunder and lightning. But that is merely the first step."


    The beast''s body continued to change, its form elongating slightly as it spoke.


    "Upon reaching Foundation Establishment, we evolve into Jiao Lian Shenjiao - Spirit Serpents with a growing understanding of storms. Our lightning becomes infused with spiritual energy, allowing us to start grasping the basics of soul-striking techniques."


    A crack of thunder punctuated its words, as if nature itself was confirming the creature''s explanation.


    "Beyond that lies the Kui Lian Shenjiao - the Thunderclap Spirit Dragon. When we reach that stage, we begin to learn how to influence the weather, calling forth small storms with some effort. Our bodies become more draconic, with longer horns and the beginnings of claws."


    The flood dragon''s eyes gleamed with ambition as it continued its exposition.


    "After the Kui Lian Shenjiao comes the Pang Lian Shenjiao - the Thunderbolt Divine Dragon. At this stage, we can create and control moderate storms, and our lightning remnants can crack boulders."


    Despite the pain of its ongoing transformation, the Zhen Lei Shenjiao''s voice swelled with pride.


    "And finally, if we prove worthy, we may become true Lian Long - Thunder Dragons. Masters of the sky, with the power to unleash heaven-shaking storms and lightning that can rewrite the very laws of nature."


    The flood dragon''s body shuddered as another wave of energy washed over it. "But for now, I focus on the task at hand. To evolve from Zhen Lei Shenjiao to Jiao Lian Shenjiao. To break through to Foundation Establishment and take my first true step on the path to becoming a Lian Long!"


    Suddenly, the lightning changed. Instead of striking the Zhen Lei Shenjiao directly, it began to form a sphere around the creature. The sphere pulsed with energy, compressing and intensifying the qi within.


    "Ah, I see, the final test,¡± The flood dragon''s eyes widened in understanding. ¡°I must break free of this shell to truly advance."


    It began to thrash within the sphere, its coils slamming against the barriers of lightning. Each impact sent shockwaves through the air, causing the ground to tremble.


    "I will not be denied!" the Zhen Lei Shenjiao roared. "I have come too far, sacrificed too much!"


    The sphere began to crack, thin lines of darkness appearing in the blinding light. The flood dragon redoubled its efforts, pouring every ounce of its strength and qi into breaking free.


    "Almost... almost..."


    With a final, earth-shaking roar, the Zhen Lei Shenjiao shattered the sphere. Lightning exploded outward in all directions, scorching the ground around the beast.


    The flood dragon hung suspended in the air, its body still glowing with residual energy. Its transformation was nearly complete - its scales now shimmered with a purple glow, and the horns that adorned its head were larger, more draconic. It was on the very cusp of becoming a Jiao Lian Shenjiao.


    "Yes!" it exulted. "I can feel the power of Foundation Establishment flowing through me! I am reborn! I am evolving into a Jiao Lian Shenjiao! I am-"


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Suddenly, the glow surrounding the Zhen Lei Shenjiao flickered. Its eyes widened in shock and confusion.


    "What? No! This can''t be!"


    The qi it had absorbed from Kai, which had pushed it to the brink of breakthrough, began to dissipate. The energy that had been fueling its transformation started to fade.


    "No! NO!" the flood dragon roared in frustration. "I was so close! How can this be happening?"


    Its horns began to shrink, and its scales lost some of their luster. The Zhen Lei Shenjiao thrashed in the air, desperately trying to hold onto the power it had gained.


    "I refuse to accept this!" it bellowed. "I will not be denied my destiny!"


    But despite its protests, the transformation continued to reverse. The flood dragon''s body shrank slightly, returning to its previous size. The mane of electricity along its spine dimmed, and its qi levels began to drop.


    "This is impossible," the Zhen Lei Shenjiao muttered, its voice a mix of disbelief and rage. "I had everything I needed. The offerings, the human''s qi... it should have been enough!"


    As the last of the transformative energy faded, the flood dragon slowly descended to the ground. It landed heavily, its massive coils sprawling across the scorched earth. The beast''s breathing was labored, exhausted from the failed breakthrough. Its eyes darted around wildly, as if searching for an explanation for its failure.


    "How?" it growled. "How could this happen? I was at the very threshold of becoming a Jiao Lian Shenjiao!"


    Unbeknownst to the Zhen Lei Shenjiao, a figure materialized behind it. Kai had respawned with his sword at the ready.


    The flood dragon, still lost in its shock and dismay, failed to notice the human''s presence. "I must find more qi," it muttered to itself. "Perhaps if I devour more creatures, I can try again. Yes, that''s it. I''ll-"


    Its words were cut short as Kai''s sword flashed through the air; he targeted the weak spot he had identified - the gap in the scales near the creature''s neck.


    The blade struck true, slicing through the vulnerable area with ease. The Zhen Lei Shenjiao''s eyes widened in shock and pain, a strangled gasp escaping its throat.


    "What... how..." it managed to croak out before its massive head separated from its body.


    The flood dragon''s corpse collapsed to the ground, its coils twitching in their death throes. Kai stood over the fallen beast, his breath coming in quick gasps as the adrenaline of the moment began to fade.


    A notification popped up in his vision:


    Quest Complete: Tribulation Challenger


    Defeat a beast undergoing breakthrough to Foundation Establishment Realm.


    Reward: 2500 XP


    Kai let out a long breath, relief washing over him. He had done it. He had defeated the Zhen Lei Shenjiao and completed the quest.


    He glanced at his wrist, where once two red prongs of the trident mark had glowed, now only one remained.


    "I don''t see any other way I could kill you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he stored the massive corpse in his inventory.


    Kai took a moment to survey his surroundings. The battlefield was a mess. He knew that in a normal situation, he might have to worry about other beasts in the area taking advantage of the chaos to attack. But he also knew that the flood dragon¡¯s followers would understand that anything capable of defeating their master would be far beyond their level. They would be walking to their deaths if they tried to challenge him now.


    Still, a nagging thought tugged at his mind. He remembered the Qi Refining Stage 9 Thunder Bird he had encountered earlier. Beasts like that, which lacked intelligence, may be driven here by primal need to feed, regardless of the danger.


    So, Kai decided to check his map, he searched for any sign of approaching threats. To his relief, he saw no red dots nearby.


    At least something''s going right, he thought to himself.


    But just as he was about to relax, a new marker appeared on the map. A green dot, moving at high speed, was rapidly approaching his position. Kai''s eyes narrowed, and he immediately dropped into a fighting stance.


    Green means ally or neutral, but who or what could that be in a place like Storm''s Peak?


    One of the benefits of his respawn was that he had returned with full health and qi. He wasn''t tired from the battle, and he was ready to face whatever it was that was headed his way.


    Who is it? Another cultivator from the Azure Sky Sect? Or maybe some kind of neutral beast I haven''t encountered before?


    The seconds ticked by, feeling like hours as Kai waited. Then, suddenly, a figure appeared on the horizon. It was moving so fast that it seemed to blur, crossing the distance in mere moments.


    As the newcomer drew closer, Kai''s eyes widened in recognition. The black robes, the familiar stance - it was Shen Yu!

 ONE HUNDRED NINE: The Truth Behind Shen Yu?

    The battlefield around them was still smoking from the battle with the Zhen Lei Shenjiao but Kai stood motionless, his eyes fixed on the black robed figure before him.


    I only have one life left; I need to be careful here. Shen Yu is dangerous, and I don''t fully understand his motives.


    Shen Yu''s arrival had been unexpected, and Kai couldn''t help but feel a twinge of unease. They may have shared the same master, but Kai knew better than to consider Shen Yu a brother, senior or junior. His previous lives had taught him that the fellow Legacy Disciple was not someone who cared about his wellbeing.


    "What do you want?"


    Shen Yu didn''t answer right away. He looked around the battlefield, taking in the signs of the battle that had just ended. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft but clear.


    "I want to talk. You''ve been trying to corner me for a conversation for weeks. Now seems like a good time, don''t you think?"


    Kai didn''t lower his guard. Yes, I did want to have a chat, he thought. But I wanted it to be on my terms, in a place where I wouldn''t end up going mysteriously missing. If he kills me here, it could easily be explained that I was arrogant and got devoured by beasts. After all, such things were common.


    "How did you find me?" he asked, trying to buy time to think.


    "This is a safe place to speak. No one should be listening here. We can talk freely."


    Shen Yu''s gaze swept across the battlefield, then settled on a particular spot - a deep crater in the rocky ground. It was where Kai had been smashed to bits by the Zhen Lei Shenjiao''s Divine Sky Hammer. For the first time, he saw a genuine smile appear on Shen Yu''s face. It was small, just a slight upward curve of his lips, but unmistakable.


    "You really can come back to life," Shen Yu said. It wasn''t a question.


    Kai''s eyes widened slightly, but he quickly schooled his expression. He couldn''t let Shen Yu know how much that statement had rattled him.


    "I don''t know what you mean," Kai said, keeping his voice steady. Had he been watched during his battle? The thought made his skin crawl.


    Shen Yu didn''t respond immediately. Instead, he opened his palm and made a gesture. Kai noticed something come down from the sky and land on Shen Yu''s hand. It was a small orb made of lightning qi - a Storm''s Eye.


    Kai couldn''t hide his surprise this time. He could barely use the Storm''s Eye technique for surveillance a few hundred meters away from himself, but Shen Yu had to have been at least a mile or more away to be out of Kai''s detection range. Worse, Kai couldn''t keep relying on his map, it hadn''t picked up on the Eye''s presence because it wasn''t a living being. Unfortunately, his Qi Detection skill had been far too weak to notice such a subtle technique, especially in the heat of battle.


    I was completely exposed, Kai thought, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He saw everything.


    Before he could come up with an excuse, Shen Yu spoke again. "Don''t try to say it was an illusion. The Storm''s Eye technique can''t be muddled by illusions, especially if you''re unaware of its presence."


    Kai paused, considering his options. Then he decided to change tactics. He smiled and said, "There¡¯s no use me denying it any longer, it seems like you already knew about it, just like you know other things that you shouldn''t."


    Shen Yu raised an eyebrow but remained silent, waiting for Kai to continue.


    Kai took a deep breath and began to list his observations. "Your cultivation speed could be explained by being a once-in-a-millennium prodigy. But back on the ark, when you broke into the Qi Refining Realm, it was clear you were familiar with cultivation. Your movements were too natural, too instinctive."


    Kai paused, gauging Shen Yu''s reaction. When the other boy remained impassive, he continued.


    "Not to mention your understanding of the Sect Trials. You knew exactly what trials were appearing and how to complete them to gain the number one rank. And don''t try to say you have inside information. I''ve asked around, and no one had heard of Shen Yu before you entered the sect."


    Kai stopped, watching Shen Yu carefully. "There''s more. Do you want me to continue?"


    Shen Yu stayed silent for a moment, then shook his head. "What are you implying?" he asked quietly.


    Kai took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "I think you''re either a regressor or a reincarnator," he said finally. "More likely a regressor. Not that you did a good job hiding it."


    Shen Yu smiled, but it didn''t reach his eyes. "While time manipulation is possible," he said, "time travel is impossible. The heavens wouldn''t allow the existence of a technique that allows a cultivator to move backwards or forwards in time."


    Kai stayed silent. He knew that the existence of such an ability was possible - after all, his respawn ability let him rewind time by three seconds and perhaps even more in the future. But he wasn''t about to give Shen Yu any more information about himself.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    The Legacy Disciple seemed to take Kai''s silence as an invitation to continue. "Let me tell you a story," he said, his voice taking on a tone that Kai hadn''t heard from him before. It was almost... teacherly.


    "Long ago, there was a cultivator named Zhu Tianxing. He was known throughout the realms for his incredible talent and swift advancement through the cultivation ranks. Many believed he would become one of the greatest immortals of his age."


    Kai listened carefully, wondering why Shen Yu was telling him this story.


    "Zhu Tianxing eventually reached the threshold of immortality," Shen Yu continued. "But when he attempted his Immortal Tribulation, he failed. The backlash was severe, damaging his soul foundation to the point where he could never attempt another breakthrough."


    Shen Yu''s eyes seemed to look past Kai, as if seeing something in the distance. "Desperate and bitter, Zhu Tianxing began to research a technique that would allow him to go back in time, to before his failed tribulation. He believed that if he could do so, he could prepare better and succeed."


    Kai felt a chill run down his spine. He had a feeling he knew where this story was going.


    "For years, Zhu Tianxing worked tirelessly. He delved into forbidden arts, made pacts with dark entities, and even sacrificed parts of his own essence in his quest. And finally, after decades of work, he believed he had succeeded."


    Shen Yu''s voice grew softer, but somehow more intense. "On the night of a full moon, Zhu Tianxing activated his technique. For a moment, it seemed to work. The world around him began to blur and shift. But then..."


    Kai found himself leaning forward slightly, caught up in the story despite himself.


    "The heavens themselves seemed to tear open," Shen Yu said. "A light brighter than a thousand suns engulfed Zhu Tianxing. When it faded, there was nothing left of him. Not his body, not his soul, not even his descendants were spared, his entire bloodline was eliminated."


    Shen Yu''s eyes refocused on Kai. "That was the punishment of the heavens. And it served as a lesson to all cultivators who came after. Some rules cannot be broken, some lines cannot be crossed. The flow of time is one of them."


    Kai remained silent. The story was likely true - a quick trip to the library would confirm or disprove it, so Shen Yu wouldn''t make up such an easily verifiable lie. But something about it felt off. Shen Yu, who rarely spoke more than a few words at a time, had just given a whole monologue. That in itself was suspicious.


    Is Shen Yu Zhu Tianxing''s reincarnation, or is this a red herring to distract me from my regressor theory?


    Before Kai could voice his thoughts, Shen Yu continued speaking. "There''s more," he said. "Do you remember the Eye of Veiled Truth during the Trial of Heart?"


    Kai nodded slowly. How could he forget? That trial had been one of the most challenging experiences of his life. It had almost made him believe that he had lost access to the system.


    "The Eye doesn''t just test a cultivator''s heart. It also examines their soul. Cultivators who reincarnate cannot change the age of their soul. The Eye can detect this discrepancy.¡± Shen Yu''s eyes bore into Kai''s, "There are other signs too. Reincarnated cultivators often have unusual qi patterns, remnants of their previous cultivation methods that linger in their spiritual essence. If I were a reincarnator, it would have exposed me instantly."


    That would only be true if Shen Yu was a mortal in his previous life. If he was an immortal... he might have ways to trick even an artifact like the Eye of Veiled Truth.


    "Your excuses are no better than my illusion excuse,¡± Kai replied.


    Shen Yu frowned, but before he could say anything, Kai continued. "As you know, you can''t kill me, and I get a strong feeling that I would be a fool to try to kill you. There¡¯s no reason for us to fight each other." At least right now, he added silently. "So why don''t we keep what we know to ourselves? I don''t see any reason why anyone else needs to know."


    "Just because you can come back to life, it doesn''t mean you cannot die,¡± Shen Yu murmured. ¡°True immortality is a lie, no matter what the Immortals may preach."


    Kai couldn''t help but laugh at that. ¡°Don''t act like you''re here to kill me," he said. "You''ve been warning me about the Sect Master and whatever else you¡¯re worried about is coming next. Your behavior makes me think you want to team up, but I have to admit you''re not doing a good job expressing that."


    Shen Yu looked lost in thought for a moment. "Partners," he muttered, almost to himself. Kai noticed something flash in his eyes - was it hurt? Anger? He couldn''t tell before the Legacy Disciple¡¯s eyes gained clarity again.


    "Yes," Shen Yu whispered. "I guess we can be that."


    Kai nodded, relieved, they had finally made some progress.


    "Then tell me, what was the warning you mentioned? What is it that I need to prepare for?"

 ONE HUNDRED TEN: War...?

    Shen Yu''s eyes met Kai''s, his expression unreadable. "War," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Kai blinked, taken aback by the sudden declaration. "War? With who? A demonic sect?"


    Shen Yu shook his head, his gaze drifting to the horizon. "Crimson Phoenix Sect," he replied, his voice carrying a weight that Kai couldn''t quite decipher.


    "Why?"


    "There is no why. The war is meaningless. It won''t amount to much, except for the death of tens of thousands of disciples."


    Kai''s brow furrowed as he processed this information. "Maybe we could prevent it?¡±


    Shen Yu turned back to face him, his green eyes piercing through him. "Low-ranked disciples won''t be able to prevent the war or change its outcome. All you need to do is stay alive."


    Kai raised an eyebrow, surprised by Shen Yu''s apparent concern. "And when did you start caring about my life?"


    "We''re partners now, aren''t we?" Shen Yu replied, his tone matter-of-fact.


    Kai studied Shen Yu''s face, searching for any hint of deception. "Why are you so interested in me? You''ve kept an eye on me all this time. What makes me so special?"


    Shen Yu''s expression remained impassive. "Just stay alive," he repeated, avoiding the question.


    Kai decided to try a different approach. "How did it end last time? During your previous life?" he asked, probing for more information about the war.


    Shen Yu''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Before you continue with your time-traveling nonsense, remember it''s possible to get information from sources other than within the sect," he said, pausing for a moment before adding, "There are some techniques in this world that would shock even you."


    I don''t know what''s more shocking than avoiding death over and over again.


    "With your title as Legacy Disciple and an alchemist, it should keep you off any dangerous battlefields," Shen Yu continued. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "This is a good time for you and your little group to make some profit from your pills business. I don''t really care as long as you stay alive."


    "There''s something else I''ve been meaning to ask you. Why did you tell me not to take the Sect Master as my master?"


    For a moment, it was silent, it seemed Shen Yu might ignore the question. But then his eyes hardened, "It would have been better to keep yourself off the Sect Master''s radar."


    "Is this related to the disappearances? The missing disciples?"


    Shen Yu''s lips twitched in what might have been a smile, or perhaps a grimace. "Sure."


    Kai found that response strange. He could tell there was more to it than Shen Yu was letting on. The casual ''sure'' seemed at odds with the gravity of the situation. It was as if Shen Yu was confirming Kai''s suspicion while simultaneously dismissing its importance.


    "What aren''t you telling me?" Kai pressed, taking a step closer to Shen Yu. "There''s more to this, isn''t there? What do you know about the Sect Master?"


    Shen Yu''s eyes narrowed slightly, the only indication that Kai''s questions had struck a nerve. "I''ve told you what you need to know. Focus on staying alive and preparing for the war. That''s all that matters right now."


    Kai opened his mouth to ask more questions, but Shen Yu had already begun to walk away again.


    "What are you going to do?" he called out, trying one last time to get more information.


    Shen Yu turned, a glint in his eye. "What I do best," he replied cryptically. Before Kai could ask for clarification, Shen Yu''s token activated, and he disappeared.


    Left alone, Kai stood in silence, his mind on the news he had just received. The Azure Sky Sect and the Crimson Phoenix Sect were going to war. He needed to prepare. With a deep breath, Kai reached into his inventory and pulled out his own token. He activated it, feeling the familiar pull as he was transported back to the sect.


    ***


    Back in his quarters at the Azure Sky Sect, Kai sat facing Chen Wei, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi. He had been in Storm''s Peak for around two days, and it was time to catch up on what had happened in his absence.


    "First things first," Kai said, turning to Chen Wei. "How have our sales been going?"


    Chen Wei''s face lit up. He reached into his robes and pulled out a pouch, which he handed to Kai. "We''ve sold all the pills, Senior Brother Kai," he said proudly. "This pouch contains over a hundred spirit stones."


    Kai nodded, pleased. The money would be useful in the coming days. "Good work," he said. "I think it''s time we expand our operation. I''ll hire another alchemist to help Xie Li produce more Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills."


    The others nodded, looking excited at the prospect of growing their business. But Kai knew he had more important matters to discuss.


    "Now," he said, his tone becoming more serious, "I want to know how your cultivation is progressing. Liu Wei, let''s start with you."


    Liu Wei straightened up, a mix of pride and nervousness on his face. "I''ve broken through to Qi Refining Stage 6, Master.¡±


    Kai nodded and offered a word of congratulation, but inwardly he couldn''t help but think, That''s still too low. We need to push harder.


    "Chen Wei?" Kai asked, turning to the former merchant''s son.


    "I''m close to breaking through to Qi Refining Stage 8, Senior Brother.¡±


    Kai nodded, pleased with Chen Wei''s progress. Finally, he turned to Zhi-Zhi.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "I''m very close to breaking through to Foundation Establishment,¡± The spirit tortoise shifted slightly. ¡°I''ll be training with Master for the next week. He''s going to help me with the breakthrough."


    Kai didn''t know much about the breakthrough process for spiritual beasts, but he knew it was very different from humans. The flood dragon''s attempted breakthrough at Storm''s Peak had demonstrated that clearly enough. It was good that Cang Long would be helping Zhi-Zhi through the process.


    "That''s excellent news, Zhi-Zhi, make sure you listen to Master Cang Long''s instructions carefully."


    Kai reached into his storage ring and pulled out several bottles of Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills. He placed them on the table in front of his followers.


    "I''ll be preparing more of these for you, take as many as you need to speed up your cultivation. But be careful," he warned, his voice serious. "Over-reliance can lead to a shaky foundation and sometimes even qi toxicity. Use them wisely."


    The others nodded.


    "From now on, I want you all to prioritize your cultivation," Kai continued, his tone leaving no room for argument. "It''s crucial that you advance as quickly as possible while maintaining a solid foundation."


    Liu Wei leaned forward slightly, his brow furrowed. "Master, why the sudden urgency? I can tell something has you worried."


    Kai took a deep breath. "What I''m about to tell you shouldn''t leave this room," he said, waiting for each of them to nod in agreement before continuing. "I''ve received news that the Azure Sky Sect will likely be going to war soon."


    The room erupted with questions.


    "War? With who?"


    "When?"


    "Why?"


    Kai held up a hand to quiet them. "The details don''t matter right now. All you need to do is focus on your cultivation. I won''t be able to protect you in battlefield."


    He then looked at each of them in turn. "How are your trident marks coming along?"


    They all reported that about a third of their marks were complete.


    Kai nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Alongside your current mission of selling pills, your new mission is to breakthrough. We need to finish your marks before the war begins."


    Chen Wei couldn''t help but ask, "Is the Qi Condensation skill really that powerful, Senior Brother?"


    Kai looked at him for a long moment. "Yes, it is," he said simply. But inwardly, he thought, A complete mark will give you a chance to evade death. And that''s what matters most.


    "Alright, you''re dismissed," Kai said. "Except for you, Chen Wei. I need to speak with you."


    As the others filed out, Kai turned to his servant. "Do you know of Su Jie?"


    "Yes, he''s an Outer Disciple. Why do you ask?"


    "I need you to tell him to meet me in three hours at the Grove," Kai said. The grove was a quiet spot, perfect for a discreet meeting. It would be better than having Su Jie come to the Legacy Quarters.


    Chen Wei looked confused but nodded. "Of course, Senior Brother. I''ll deliver the message right away."


    As Chen Wei left to carry out his task, Kai found himself alone with his thoughts. He began to prioritize his next steps.


    His main focus needed to be his own cultivation. He still had three meridians to reopen using the Heavenly Thunderstorm method. His second priority was the pill business, which meant he needed to deal with Su Fang soon. And third... Kai''s thoughts turned to Su Jie. He had a dangerous mission in mind for the young disciple, one that would take him outside the sect to gather information on the Crimson Phoenix Sect. It was risky, but Kai had a feeling Su Jie was well-suited for this type of covert operation.


    As Kai prepared to take a short nap to rest before his meeting with Su Jie, he closed his eyes. Suddenly, he found himself back on Storm''s Peak, the scene vivid and real as if he were reliving it.


    The sky above him darkened. He could feel the electric charge in the air, making his hair stand on end. Looking up, he saw it forming - the massive Divine Hammer.


    In this vision, time seemed to slow. Kai could see every detail of the technique - how the lightning coalesced, the way the qi flowed and compressed into the hammer''s form. He felt the overwhelming power, the sheer destructive force contained within it.


    As the hammer descended, Kai''s mind kicked into overdrive. He noticed the intricate patterns of energy, the complex weave of lightning and qi. It was beautiful in its terrible power.


    Just before impact, his eyes snapped open, the vision fading but the memory of it burning bright in his mind. He sat up, heart racing not from fear, but from excitement.


    That technique... I saw how it was formed. The principles behind it. Maybe...


    As if responding to his thoughts, a notification appeared in his vision:


    New Mission: Architect - Create Your First Technique


    Description: Develop an original technique based on your observations and understanding of cultivation principles.


    Reward: 3000 XP


    Kai couldn''t help but smile. It seemed the system approved. Creating his own technique would be challenging, but if he could pull it off, it would be a significant boost to his combat capabilities.


    The 3000 XP that comes with it won¡¯t hurt¡­


    With the war looming on the horizon, Kai knew he needed every advantage he could get.

 ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN: Lightning Hammer Strike

    The Grove was once part of the Azure Sky Sect''s Outer Sect but was now a silent reminder of a devastating battle with demonic cultivators from thousands of years ago.


    The ruins of training halls and dormitories lie scattered among overgrown vegetation. Broken stone pillars and crumbling walls peek out from beneath tangles of vines and roots.


    Most disciples avoided this place, finding it unsettling, which made it an ideal location for a secret meeting.


    As Kai walked into the Grove, he spotted Su Jie leaning against one of the trees, his arms crossed and a scowl on his face. The young disciple straightened as Kai drew closer, his expression a mix of relief and annoyance.


    "Senior Brother Kai," Su Jie said, bowing slightly. "I was beginning to think you''d forgotten about me."


    Kai raised an eyebrow. "Forgotten? It''s only been a few days since our last meeting."


    Su Jie''s scowl deepened. "A few days? It''s been a week! You said we''d meet the next day, but then nothing. I''ve been coming here every day, waiting."


    A week? Kai thought, momentarily surprised. Has it really been that long? Time flies when you''re fighting flood dragons and planning for war, I guess.


    "Ah, I apologize for the delay, Su Jie. Some urgent matters came up that required my immediate attention."


    Su Jie''s expression softened slightly, but he still looked frustrated. "I understand that you''re busy, Senior Brother, but a message would have been nice. I was worried you''d changed your mind about our... arrangement."


    Kai shook his head. "No, nothing like that. In fact, I have an important mission for you."


    Su Jie''s eyes widened, curiosity replacing his annoyance. "A mission? What kind of mission?"


    Kai glanced around, making sure they were alone. "It''s a delicate matter," he said, lowering his voice. "I need you to gather some information for me. Specifically, about the Crimson Phoenix Sect."


    "The Crimson Phoenix Sect? Are you crazy?¡± Su Jie''s eyes widened in shock. ¡°They''d kill me if they caught me spying!"


    "Calm down," Kai said, holding up a hand. "I''m not asking you to sneak into their sect. That would be suicide, you''re right. What I need is for you to visit the towns under Crimson Phoenix territory."


    "The towns? What for?"


    "To look for signs. Small things that might indicate they''re preparing for something big. Increased patrols, stockpiling of resources, that sort of thing. The townspeople might not know exactly what is going on, but they''d pick up on a change. I''m sure there''s some whispers floating around."


    "But why? What''s going on?"


    Kai hesitated, then decided a partial truth was necessary. "I have reason to believe there might be conflict between our sects soon. I need to know if the Crimson Phoenix Sect is making any unusual moves."


    Su Jie''s face paled. "Conflict? You mean... war?"


    "Potentially,¡± Kai nodded. ¡°That''s why this information is so important."


    "I don''t know, Senior Brother,¡± Su Jie swallowed hard, looking nervous. ¡°This sounds really dangerous. What if I get caught?"


    "You won''t be doing anything wrong," Kai assured him. "Just visit the towns, keep your eyes and ears open. Act like a regular traveler. You''re quick, observant, and most importantly, you know how to stay out of sight when you need to "


    Su Jie still looked uncertain. Kai decided it was time for some extra motivation.


    "Remember our arrangement, Su Jie," Kai said, his voice taking on a harder edge. "I saved your life and agreed to help you advance. In return, you work for me."


    "I know, I know,¡± Su Jie winced at the reminder but nodded reluctantly. ¡°It''s just... this is big, you know?"


    ¡°I''m not asking you to do this for free,¡± Kai continued, his voice softening slightly. ¡°Complete this mission successfully, and I''ll give you a Low-Grade Qi Gathering pill as a reward."


    Su Jie''s head snapped up, his eyes wide. "A Low-Grade Qi Gathering pill? Really?"


    Kai nodded. "Really. It should help speed up your cultivation significantly."


    Su Jie bit his lip, clearly tempted. After a moment, he said, "Two pills."


    "Excuse me?"


    "I want two Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills," Su Jie said, a hint of defiance in his voice. "This mission is dangerous. If I''m risking my neck, I want to make sure it''s worth it."


    He''s got guts, I''ll give him that. And two pills isn''t really that much in the grand scheme of things.


    "Alright," Kai said finally. "Two pills, but only if the information you bring back is truly valuable. Deal?"


    Su Jie grinned, bowing. "Deal!"


    Kai bowed back, sealing their agreement. "Good. Now, here''s what I need you to do..."


    For the next half hour, Kai outlined the details of the mission. He explained which areas of the Crimson Phoenix Sect territory Su Jie should focus on, what kind of information to look for, and how to report back safely. Su Jie listened intently, asking questions and making mental notes.


    "Remember, Su Jie, discretion is key. Don''t take unnecessary risks, and if you feel like you''re in danger, abort the mission immediately. Your safety is more important than the information."


    "I understand, Senior Brother. I won''t let you down."


    "Good," Kai said. "You have one week. Meet me back here at the same time next week, and we''ll discuss what you''ve found."


    As Su Jie turned to leave, Kai called out, "And Su Jie? Be careful."


    The young disciple flashed a confident grin. "Always am, Senior Brother. Always am."


    Kai watched as Su Jie disappeared into the shadows.


    I hope I''m doing the right thing. But we need this information. If war is coming, we need to be prepared.


    With a sigh, he turned and made his way back to his quarters. He had his own work to do.


    ***


    Kai sat cross-legged in his private practice area outside his quarters. The sun warmed his face as a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of nearby trees. It had been a few days since his return from Storm''s Peak, and he''d been busy getting things in order, Su Jie¡¯s mission being one of many.


    Opening his eyes, Kai glanced at a small table nearby. On it sat several bottles of freshly made Low-Grade Qi Gathering Pills. A smile spread across his face as he thought about his recent conversation with Xie Li.


    "Senior Brother Kai," Xie Li had said, "I''ve made a decision about your offer."


    Kai had raised an eyebrow, trying not to show his eagerness. After her initial reluctance, he''d been unsure of her final decision. "And?" he''d prompted.


    Xie Li''s face had broken into a shy smile. "I''d like to accept the full-time position, if it''s still available."


    "Of course it is," Kai had replied, keeping his tone casual despite his relief. "I''m glad you''ve decided to join us permanently."


    "The trial period really helped me see the benefits of our arrangement," Xie Li had explained. "And I''ve enjoyed the work more than I expected."


    They''d quickly settled on the details - a fixed salary of 5 spirit stones per pill, with Kai providing all necessary materials.


    ¡°Xie Li, there''s something else I wanted to discuss," he''d said. "With everything going on, I''m going to be quite busy. I was thinking of bringing on another alchemist to help out. What do you think?"


    Xie Li had looked thoughtful for a moment. "That makes sense, Senior Brother. In fact, I might know someone who could help. A friend of mine loves alchemy just as much as me. Would it be alright if I asked her?"


    This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Kai had nodded, pleased that he wouldn¡¯t need to waste his time searching. "That would be great. As long as you trust her, I''m happy to offer her the position."


    "I do trust her," Xie Li had assured him. "She''s reliable and talented. I''ll speak with her and let you know what she says."


    As Xie Li had left, there was a new spring in her step.


    Finally, Kai had thought, watching her go. One reliable alchemist secured, maybe even two.


    Now, days later, Kai refocused his attention on the task at hand. He closed his eyes again, visualizing the Divine Sky Hammer technique. The memory of that colossal lightning construct still sent shivers down his spine. But he¡¯d been struggling to replicate the technique.


    He''d decided to prioritize creating this technique over reawakening another meridian. The potential 3,000 XP reward was significant, and having a powerful offensive technique would be more immediately useful in the face of the looming conflict with the Crimson Phoenix Sect.


    Kai closed his eyes, recalling the moment the Divine Sky Hammer had formed high in the sky above the battlefield. He began breaking down the technique into simpler steps.


    Step 1: Gather lightning-natured qi in the sky.


    Step 2: Compress the qi into a dense core.


    Step 3: Shape the compressed qi into a hammer form.


    Step 4: Stabilize the construct.


    Step 5: Direct and release the technique.


    "Alright, let''s try again."


    Kai raised his hand, focusing on gathering lightning-natured qi not in his palm as he usually would, but in the air above him. Manipulating elemental qi was already proving more challenging than his usual Qi Condensation skill, creating a construct at a distance was a whole different ball game.


    Sparks danced in the air several meters above his head as he pulled qi from his surroundings. It was like trying to manipulate a puppet with very long, invisible strings.


    So far, so good, but much harder than usual.


    Next, he attempted to compress the gathered qi. This proved even more challenging than the gathering phase. The energy sparked and fizzled, resisting his efforts to condense it further. Unlike his usual Qi Condensation where he could physically cup the qi in his hands, this distant manipulation required much more focus and control.


    Kai frowned. Why isn''t this working? Wait¡­maybe I can apply some alchemy techniques here.


    He considered the Essence Extraction technique he used in pill-making. The process of drawing out the purest essence from materials wasn''t so different from what he was trying to do with the lightning qi, even at a distance.


    Kai tried again, this time imagining the lightning qi as a raw material floating in the sky. He focused on extracting its purest form, slowly condensing it into a tight ball of energy high above his head. To his surprise, it worked. The qi compressed more easily, forming a pulsing orb of lightning energy.


    "Now we''re getting somewhere."


    The next step was shaping the compressed qi into a hammer form, all while maintaining its position in the air. Kai pondered this for a moment. In alchemy, the Elemental Fusion technique allowed for combining different elemental properties. Perhaps he could use a similar principle here, fusing different ''parts'' of the lightning qi to form the hammer''s shape.


    He focused on the compressed ball of energy hovering above, willing it to stretch and form. Slowly, painstakingly, the orb began to elongate, forming a rough hammer shape. It was far from perfect ¨C more of a lightning club than a hammer ¨C but it was progress.


    Kai''s excitement grew. He was onto something here. But as he tried to maintain the shape high in the air, he felt it becoming unstable. The energy crackled dangerously, threatening to disperse.


    Stability Control, Kai thought. Another alchemy technique that might help.


    He took a deep breath, channeling his qi upwards to stabilize the construct. It was like trying to hold sand together with willpower alone. The lightning hammer flickered, its form wavering in the sky.


    "Come on," Kai muttered through gritted teeth. "Hold together."


    For a brief moment, the hammer stabilized. Kai''s heart leaped with excitement. But then, just as quickly, it collapsed, dissipating in a shower of sparks that rained down around him, singeing the grass.


    Kai fell back, panting from the effort. "Damn it," he cursed softly. He was close, so close. But something was still missing.


    What am I overlooking? The gathering and compression worked well enough, even at a distance. Shaping was tricky but possible. It''s the stability that''s the real issue.


    He thought back to the Zhen Lei Shenjiao''s Divine Sky Hammer. What made it different? It was massive, yes, but it was also... cohesive. The lightning that formed it moved as one, not just a collection of electrical charges, but a single, unified force.


    Kai''s eyes widened as realization struck. "Spiritual Resonance," he whispered.


    In alchemy, the Spiritual Resonance technique was used to attune creations to specific spiritual frequencies. What if he could apply that principle here? Not just shaping the lightning, but attuning it to resonate with itself, creating a more stable, unified construct, even when formed high in the sky.


    Excited, Kai stood up, ready to try again. He gathered the lightning qi in the air above him, compressing it as he had before. This time, as he shaped it into a hammer form, he focused on more than just the physical shape. He concentrated on the energy itself, willing it to resonate at the same frequency.


    There was a humming in the air as the lightning hammer took form high above. It was smaller than the Zhen Lei Shenjiao''s version, but still significantly larger than anything he could create using Qi Condensation from a distance.


    "I¡­I did it," Kai breathed.


    But he wasn''t done yet. The final step was to direct and release the technique. He looked around, spotting a large boulder at the edge of his practice area. Perfect.


    Kai focused on the hammer floating above, establishing a connection with it that felt different from his usual qi manipulation. With a sharp exhalation, he directed the lightning hammer towards the boulder.


    It shot down from the sky with incredible speed and struck the boulder with a thunderous crack. There was a blinding flash, and when his vision cleared, Kai saw a sizable chunk of the boulder had been obliterated, leaving a scorched, smoking crater.


    Mission Complete: Architect - Create Your First Technique Description: Develop an original technique based on your observations and understanding of cultivation principles.


    Reward: 3000 XP


    Technique Created: Lightning Hammer Strike


    Description: A powerful lightning construct in the shape of a hammer, formed at a distance and directed to strike with devastating effect.


    Kai couldn''t help but laugh out loud. He''d done it. He''d created his own technique based on the Divine Sky Hammer. It wasn''t as powerful as the original, of course, but it was a start. And more importantly, it was his.

 ONE HUNDRED TWELVE: The Beggar and the Ring

    Redstone Village was a modest town. The main street wound its way through the center, lined with small shops and homes. At one end stood the town square, a wide open space where markets and gatherings were held. On the other, a tavern called The Crimson Rooster dominated the view, its painted sign swinging gently in the evening breeze.


    As night fell, the tavern doors swung open and a group of men stumbled out.


    "Can''t believe I didn''t get picked again!" a burly man with a thick beard grumbled, his words slurring slightly. "I''m strong as an ox, I am! What more could them immortals want?"


    His companion, a lanky fellow with a receding hairline, nodded vigorously. "It ain''t right, Huo. We''ve been waiting for days, and nothin''! How''re we supposed to feed our families if we can''t get honest work?"


    A third man, shorter than the others but with arms like tree trunks, spat on the ground. "Heard they''re paying in gold coins, too. Gold! You know what I could do with even one of those shiny beauties?"


    Their conversation drew the attention of a figure huddled in a nearby alley. A beggar, dressed in tattered rags, his face hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat. He shuffled forward, holding out a trembling hand.


    "Spare some coin for a hungry soul?" he croaked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    The men barely spared him a glance, too caught up in their own troubles to notice the plea.


    Unbeknownst to them, the beggar was far more than he appeared. Beneath the grime and rags was a cultivator. Su Jie had been here for the past three days, and his disguise had been working perfectly. No one gave a second thought to those beneath them, such was human nature.


    Su Jie wasn''t worried about being detected by other cultivators. Unless they were at the Foundation Establishment realm or above, it was unlikely they''d realize he was anything more than a common beggar. He''d always had a knack for staying out of sight, it was what made it easy for him to pick pockets.


    As he listened to the drunken men''s conversation, Su Jie''s ears perked up at a snippet of information.


    "Hey, did you hear?" the lanky man said. "Word is, the immortal''s coming back tomorrow one last time. We might still have a chance!"


    "Well, I''ll be sure to make a good impression this time,¡± Huo flexed his arms. ¡°They can''t ignore these muscles forever!"


    "How do you know they''re looking for muscle, you lout?¡± The shorter man scoffed. ¡°Could be they need smarts. In which case, I''d say I have a better shot than you."


    This sparked an argument among the men, their voices rising as they debated what the immortals could possibly want with mere mortals.


    "Makes no sense, if you ask me," Huo grumbled. "They''re immortals! What do they need us for?"


    The lanky man shrugged. "Who knows? But I heard they took old Wu the blacksmith last week. And Widow Liu''s boy, the one who''s good with numbers."


    "Don''t forget about Ming the carpenter," the short man added. "Seems like they''re taking all sorts."


    Su Jie shook his head. Mortals had no idea of the complexities involved in running a sect, let alone preparing for war. Even the mightiest cultivator relied on countless mundane tasks performed by ordinary people. But recruiting in such large numbers was uncommon¡­


    As the voices faded into the distance, Su Jie sat back, pondering what he''d heard. It seemed the Crimson Phoenix Sect really was preparing for war. They were gathering mortals with various skills in bulk.


    Su Jie weighed his options. He had enough information to report back to Kai, but something held him back.


    Two pills. I want those two Qi Gathering pills. This isn''t enough to guarantee that reward.


    After some internal debate, he decided to stay another day. If the immortal was truly returning tomorrow, he might learn even more valuable information. It was a risk, but one he felt was worth taking.


    Besides, I''ve always been good at disappearing when things get too hot.


    With a sigh, Su Jie settled deeper into his shadowy nook. It was going to be a long night, but if it meant getting closer to his goal, it would be worth it.


    ***


    The next morning, the townsfolk gathered in the square, waiting for the immortal to arrive.


    "Do you think they''ll pick me this time?" a weaver asked her friend, fidgeting with her apron.


    Her friend, a potter, shrugged. "Who knows? Last time they took blacksmiths and carpenters. Maybe it''s our turn now."


    Nearby, a group of young men talked in low voices.


    "I heard they''re looking for strong backs," one said, puffing out his chest.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Another shook his head. "Nah, they''ve got cultivators for that. We need to offer something special."


    As the morning went on, more people arrived. Children played games while their parents talked about what might happen.


    "What do immortals need us for anyway?" an old cobbler wondered out loud.


    A seamstress answered, "Maybe they need new clothes. Even immortals must get holes in their robes sometimes."


    Suddenly, a child shouted, "Look up there!"


    Everyone looked at the sky. A person in red robes flew down on a shining sword. It was a young man, his face was smooth and his red robes had golden birds on them. This was Cao Jiayi, from the Crimson Phoenix Sect.


    As Cao Jiayi floated down, he frowned. Why did they send me to do this boring job? I am a breath away from the Foundation Establishment realm, I should be preparing for my breakthrough, not wasting my time on mortals. This is beneath me.


    His feet touched the ground softly, and he raised his hand for quiet. "Like the previous times, when I call your job, step forward.¡±


    The crowd whispered excitedly. Cao Jiayi looked at them, not impressed.


    "Weavers."


    A group of people with callused hands moved to the front.


    "Potters."


    Several men and women, their clothes stained with clay, joined the weavers.


    "Cobblers."


    A few people who made shoes stepped up, looking nervous but hopeful.


    "Tailors and seamstresses."


    A larger group came forward, carrying needles and measuring tapes.


    As Cao Jiayi kept listing jobs, those not called started to complain quietly.


    "Why aren''t they taking farmers?" a man whispered to his wife.


    "Maybe immortals don''t need food," she joked back.


    A group of strong young men stood to the side, looking sad. "I thought for sure they''d need people to carry heavy things.¡±


    "Guess they prefer skilled workers over strong ones," another replied, sounding bitter.


    Cao Jiayi heard their complaints but didn''t care. He was already thinking about going back to his sect. He looked at the ring on his finger, thinking about what it contained.


    I hope the letter from the Boundless Earth Sect is good news. If they agree to work with us against the Azure Sky Sect, it could change everything.


    He wanted to open the letter and read it, but he knew he couldn''t. That information was only for the leader of his sect to see. His job was just to deliver it safely.


    But first, I have to deal with these people, he reminded himself, looking back at the villagers.


    As he began to address the chosen few, outlining what would be expected of them in service to the Crimson Phoenix Sect, the town leader approached. The man was short and round, with a shiny bald head and an ingratiating smile that made Cao Jiayi''s skin crawl.


    "Oh, most esteemed cultivator," the town leader began, bowing so low his forehead nearly touched the ground. "We are so grateful for your return. If there''s anything I can do to assist you in your noble task-"


    Cao Jiayi tuned out the man''s fawning words, his senses suddenly alert. Something was wrong. He turned, scanning the crowd, and spotted the source of the disturbance.


    A group of cattle, spooked by something, had broken free of their pen. They were charging towards the square, eyes rolling in panic.


    Chaos erupted. People screamed and scattered, trying to get out of the way of the stampeding animals.


    These mortals and their petty problems. As if mere beasts could threaten a cultivator.


    Cao Jiayi watched with detached interest. He made no move to help, seeing no reason to waste his qi on such a trivial matter. Let the mortals sort it out themselves.


    The stampede crescendoed, people pushing and shoving in their desperation to escape. Just then, a young woman came barreling through the crowd, her eyes wide with fear as she looked over her shoulder at the frightened beasts. Before Cao Jiayi could react, she slammed into him with surprising force.


    The impact was nothing to a cultivator of his level, but it did cause him to stumble slightly. Irritation flashed across his face as he caught his balance. He fixed the woman with a withering glare, one that promised pain and suffering for the disrespect shown to him.


    The poor woman''s eyes went wide with horror as she realized what she''d done. A dark stain spread across her skirts as her bladder gave way in sheer terror.


    Cao Jiayi''s nose wrinkled in disgust. He turned away from the pitiful mortal, stepping onto his sword. As he rose into the air, a nagging feeling tugged at the back of his mind. Something felt... off.


    He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand. From his vantage point, he watched as the cattle thundered through the square, causing chaos everywhere they went. Market stalls lay in splinters, goods scattered across the cobblestones.


    Eventually, the cattle were rounded up, and a semblance of order returned to the square. The town leader scrambled forward once more, his fine silks now torn and muddied.


    "M-most honored immortal," the man stammered, "please forgive this... this unfortunate incident. I assure you, nothing like this has ever-"


    Cao Jiayi silenced him with a look. He had no interest in the man''s excuses. All he wanted now was to gather these mortals and be on his way back to the sect.


    He reached for his storage ring, intending to summon the flying vessel that would transport the chosen workers. His fingers brushed against bare skin.


    Cao Jiayi froze. He looked down at his hand. The ring was gone.


    In an instant, his carefully cultivated calm shattered. Rage boiled up inside him, and with it, his qi exploded outward. An invisible wave of pressure slammed into the mortals, driving them to their knees as they cried out in pain and shock.


    "You dare?" Cao Jiayi roared, his voice echoing across the square.


    Moving faster than regular eyes could see, he appeared in front of the woman who had bumped into him earlier. She cowered before him, shaking uncontrollably.


    "Where is it?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.


    "W-what?" the woman stammered, crying. "I don''t know what you''re talking about, great immortal. Please, I didn''t do anything wrong!"


    Cao Jiayi''s eyes narrowed. He used his spiritual sense to scan the woman thoroughly. To his frustration, he found nothing. The storage ring wasn''t on her.


    "You," he growled, "you bumped into me. You must have taken it."


    "No, no!" the woman wailed. "I would never steal from an immortal! Please believe me!"


    Cao Jiayi gritted his teeth. He could tell she was telling the truth - or at least, she thought she was telling the truth. But if she didn''t have the ring, where was it?


    The letter, I can¡¯t lose the letter!


    "Everyone, stay where you are!" he commanded, his voice now sounding a bit panicked. "No one leaves until I find what was stolen from me!"


    The townsfolk, still under the pressure of his power, could only nod weakly. They didn''t understand what was happening, but they knew better than to disobey an angry immortal.


    As Cao Jiayi scanned one mortal after another for the unique spiritual signature which marked the storage ring as his, he failed to notice a figure slipping away from the town.


    A beggar, his face hidden under a hat, moved surprisingly quickly for someone who looked so weak, his hand closed around a small object in his pocket - a ring.


    Two Qi Gathering pills, Su Jie thought to himself. This should be more than enough to earn them.


    With one last look at the town, he disappeared into the forest, leaving behind a very angry immortal and a group of very confused mortals.

 ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN: The Letter

    A crown of lightning danced around Kai¡¯s head as he sat cross-legged on his cultivation pillow. He''d been at this for days, pushing himself to the limit. But now, finally, he felt it. With one last push, the last bits of resistance in his body gave way, his eyes snapped open, a smile spreading across his face.


    Congratulations!


    You have successfully opened the Charged Wave meridian!


    Cultivation returned to Qi Refining Stage 9


    Lightning Affinity increased to 45%


    Skill Leveled Up: Crown of Lightning (Level 7)


    Effect: A temporary, visible aura of lightning can form around the cultivator''s head during meditation, boosting the cultivator''s qi regeneration by 35%.


    Skill Leveled Up: Sky''s Favor (Level 7)


    Effect: The cultivator''s qi absorption rate increases by 35% whenever they are under an open sky, this increases to 40% when under stormy weather.


    Skill Leveled Up: Electric Immunity (Level 7)


    Effect: The cultivator gains 35% resistance to lightning-based attacks, reducing the damage taken from electric or lightning-based techniques.


    You have gained 300 XP!


    Kai let out a satisfied sigh, running a hand through his hair. The progress was welcome, but he couldn''t help feeling a twinge of impatience.


    "Two meridians left," he muttered, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    Two more before I can start preparing for my breakthrough to Foundation Establishment. But with war on the horizon, I don¡¯t see myself entering the next realm of cultivation anytime soon¡­


    In this world, those in the Qi Refining realm were barely considered cultivators at all. They were superhuman, yes, capable of feats that would astound those back on Earth, but their lifespans remained the same as any other mortal.


    It was only at the Foundation Establishment realm that one could begin to call themselves an immortal. Cultivators at that level could live for double or even triple the lifespan of a normal mortal.


    Kai had even heard stories of the oldest Foundation Establishment cultivator, who was just shy of his 300th birthday. Not that anyone in this world celebrated birthdays like they did back on Earth. Here, such celebrations were rare events, reserved only for when one reached a huge milestone like the millennium mark or beyond.


    A knock at the door interrupted Kai''s thoughts. "Enter.¡±


    The door slid open, and Chen Wei stepped in. "Senior Brother, I hope I''m not interrupting. I''m here to remind you that a week has passed since your last meeting with... the individual you asked me to keep track of."


    "Thank you, Chen Wei. You''re not interrupting at all. In fact, your timing is perfect."


    "Is there anything else you need?"


    "No, that¡¯ll be all."


    As Chen Wei left, closing the door behind him, Kai stood up. He had promised Su Jie he would meet him in a week''s time, and he didn''t want to have a repeat of last time, leaving the disciple stranded. Especially since whatever info Su Jie returned with would determine Kai''s next steps.


    He quickly changed into fresh black robes and made his way out of his quarters.


    I really hope Shen Yu is wrong, Kai thought, his jaw clenching. I hope there is no war. Back on Earth, it always sounded so epic in movies and novels. But living it... that''s something else entirely.


    Not that I''m likely to live through it if it comes to that.


    In a war between sects, what chance does a Qi Refining cultivator really have? Even with my advantages, I''d be nothing more than cannon fodder against Foundation Establishment cultivators, let alone anyone higher.


    Sure, I''ve got a few extra lives thanks to this system, but Shen Yu was right. I''m not immortal. Not even close.


    ***


    As Kai entered the Grove, he noticed something different about Su Jie.


    The young disciple leaned against a tree, eyes closed, looking strangely... peaceful.


    I hope that means he has good news¡­


    As if sensing Kai''s presence, Su Jie''s eyes fluttered open. A smile spread across his face as he bowed. "Senior Brother Kai.¡±


    Kai nodded in return. "Su Jie. You look... different today."


    "Do I?¡± Su Jie''s smile widened. ¡°I guess I''m feeling pretty good about my mission."


    "Oh?" Kai raised an eyebrow. "Tell me what you found out."


    "Tell me everything," Kai said, leaning against a broken pillar. "What did you learn about the Crimson Phoenix Sect''s movements?"


    "They''re definitely up to something big, Senior Brother. I visited several towns under their control, and the signs are everywhere."


    "Go on.¡±


    "First off, they''re recruiting mortals in large numbers," Su Jie began. "Craftsmen, mostly. Weavers, potters, cobblers, tailors - anyone with a useful trade. But here''s the weird part: they''re not taking farmers or laborers."


    "That is strange,¡± Kai furrowed his brow. ¡°You''d think they''d need food and manual labor more than anything."


    "Exactly! It''s like they''re preparing for something specific, not just general expansion."


    "What else?"


    "Well, I overheard some drunk men complaining about not being chosen. They mentioned the recruiters were paying in gold coins. Gold, Senior Brother! That''s not normal payment for mortal workers."


    "Did you notice any increased military presence?"


    "Not really,¡± Su Jie shook his head. ¡°If anything, there seemed to be fewer Crimson Phoenix disciples around than usual. It''s like they''re pulling back their forces."


    Interesting. They''re gathering resources but not showing military strength. Are they trying to avoid drawing attention?


    "Anything else of note?"


    "Well... there was one more thing. But it might be nothing."


    "Let me be the judge of that," Kai said. "What is it?"


    "On my last day there, a Crimson Phoenix disciple came to the town I was in. He was recruiting more workers, but he seemed... distracted. Kept fiddling with a ring on his finger and muttering to himself."


    "A ring? What kind of ring?"


    Su Jie shrugged. "I couldn''t get a good look, but it seemed important to him. He kept glancing at it like he was worried about something."


    A storage ring, perhaps? Carrying an important message?


    Kai nodded slowly. "You''ve done well, Su Jie. This information is valuable, but..." He paused, reaching into his robes. "I''m afraid it''s not quite enough for two Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills."


    He pulled out a single pill and with a flick of his wrist, he tossed it to Su Jie, who caught it in between his index and middle fingers.


    Su Jie looked at the pill, then back at Kai. A sly smile crept across his face. "Oh, I think you might want to reconsider that, Senior Brother."


    Before Kai could respond, Su Jie reached into his own robes and pulled out a small object.


    "Is that..." Kai''s eyes widened in surprise.


    Su Jie''s grin widened as he tossed the object to Kai. "The ring I was talking about, Senior Brother. I got more than a good look. Snatched it right off that Crimson Phoenix disciple''s finger."


    Kai caught the ring, turning it over in his palm. It was indeed a storage ring, and a decent quality one at that.


    "Well, well," Kai chuckled. "I see your fast hands haven''t lost their touch."


    Su Jie bowed playfully. "I aim to please, Senior Brother."


    It seems I was right to choose him.


    Kai focused his attention on the ring, calling up the system to examine it.


    Item: Crimson Phoenix Storage Ring


    Quality: High-Grade


    Description: A spatial storage device used by disciples of the Crimson Phoenix Sect. Contains unknown items.


    Kai closed his eyes, channeling his spiritual sense into the ring. He encountered a barrier, an intricate web of spiritual energy blocking his probe.


    Warning: Access restricted. Spiritual lock detected.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Hmm, as expected. It won''t be easy to open.


    "I tried to open it myself," Su Jie admitted. "But I didn''t have much luck."


    Kai nodded, opening his eyes. "These rings are usually locked with the owner''s spiritual mark. There are ways around it, but they''re not easy."


    "Can you break it open?"


    "There are two main methods," Kai explained. "One is brute force, but that only works if your cultivation is significantly higher than the owner''s. We''d need a Foundation Establishment cultivator for that."


    Su Jie''s face fell. "Oh. What''s the other way?"


    "It''s like... spiritual lockpicking," Kai said. "Using your spiritual sense to manipulate the lock''s energy patterns. It''s delicate work, but it doesn''t require overwhelming power."


    "Are you going to try it?" Su Jie leaned forward.


    "Why not?¡± Kai smirked. ¡°It''s a good chance to practice."


    He closed his eyes again, focusing his spiritual sense on the ring''s lock. Carefully, he began to probe the energy patterns, looking for weaknesses or inconsistencies.


    It''s like a puzzle. Each strand of energy interacts with the others. If I can find the right sequence...


    Kai''s brow furrowed in concentration as he manipulated the spiritual energies. Suddenly, he felt a sharp backlash, like a mental slap.


    "Ow!" His eyes snapped open, and he rubbed his temples.


    "What happened?"


    "I made a mistake,¡± Kai grimaced. ¡°Triggered some kind of defense mechanism."


    "Are you okay?"


    "I''m fine," Kai assured him. "Just a bit of a headache. But I learned something from that failure."


    The lock doesn''t just block access. It actively repels intruders. I need to be more subtle.


    Kai took a deep breath and tried again. This time, instead of directly manipulating the energy strands, he gently nudged them, encouraging them to move on their own.


    Like coaxing a stubborn animal. Don''t force it. Guide it.


    Slowly, painstakingly, the spiritual lock began to unravel and soon the last barrier fell away.


    "I did it," he said, opening his eyes with a grin.


    Su Jie clapped his hands. "What''s inside?"


    Kai peered into the ring''s spiritual space. "There''s... quite a bit, actually. A thousand low-grade spirit stones, for one."


    "A thousand?¡± Su Jie''s jaw dropped. ¡°That''s... that''s a fortune!"


    Kai nodded. "For a Qi Refining disciple, certainly. There are also some cultivation scrolls..." He paused, his spiritual sense touching something else. "And a letter."


    "A letter?"


    Kai reached in and pulled out the scroll. The seal was still intact, bearing the mark of the Boundless Earth Sect.


    "Should we open it?" Su Jie asked, eyeing the scroll nervously.


    Kai nodded. "We''ve come this far. Might as well see what''s so important."


    He broke the seal and unrolled the scroll. The handwriting was elegant, clearly belonging to a well-educated cultivator.


    "My dear old friend,


    I hope this letter finds you well. It has been far too long since we shared a cup of spirit tea and reminisced about our younger days. How I miss those carefree times!


    I must say, your proposal caught me quite by surprise. War between the Azure Sky Sect and the Crimson Phoenix Sect? Again? Sometimes I wonder if you youngsters ever learn from history.


    I understand your eagerness, my friend, but I''m afraid the Boundless Earth Sect cannot openly join this conflict at this time. You know as well as I do that these wars between your sects tend to end in stalemate, with both sides licking their wounds for decades afterward.


    However, I haven''t forgotten our friendship or the debts I owe you. While I cannot commit our sect''s full strength, I am willing to send some of my personal forces to aid you. We can use this opportunity to weaken some of the Azure Sky Sect''s affiliates, which may prove beneficial in the long run.


    That said, if you''re truly set on this path, you might consider sweetening the pot, so to speak. The Sect Master is... shall we say, practical in his thinking. If the Crimson Phoenix Sect were to offer some additional incentives, I might have a better chance of swaying him to your cause.


    Think it over, old friend. And regardless of what comes, do try to stay alive. I''d hate to lose my favorite drinking partner to another senseless war.


    May the earth beneath your feet always be stable, Elder Teng"


    Kai finished reading and looked up at Su Jie, who seemed overwhelmed by the contents of the letter.


    "Senior Brother," Su Jie whispered, "this is... big, isn''t it?"


    "Very big. It confirms that the Crimson Phoenix Sect is indeed planning for war. But more importantly, it gives us insight into the political maneuvering behind the scenes."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Let''s break this down. First, we have the Crimson Phoenix Sect, clearly the aggressors in this situation. They''re reaching out to potential allies, trying to build a coalition against the Azure Sky Sect."


    "But the Boundless Earth Sect said no, right?" Su Jie interjected.


    "Not exactly," Kai corrected. "They''re playing a more subtle game. Elder Teng, the author of this letter, is offering limited support through his personal forces. This allows the Boundless Earth Sect to maintain official neutrality while still potentially weakening their rivals."


    Su Jie''s eyes widened. "So, they get the benefits without the risks?"


    "Precisely," Kai nodded. "But there''s more. Notice how Elder Teng mentions ''sweetening the pot''? He''s angling for more concessions from the Crimson Phoenix Sect. It''s a delicate balancing act - he wants to help his friend and gain advantages for his sect, but without committing too deeply."


    "That''s... kind of scary," Su Jie admitted. "All this plotting and scheming."


    Kai smiled wryly. "Welcome to the world of high-level cultivation politics, Su Jie. It''s all about power, influence, and calculated risks. More than the petty theft you¡¯re used to."


    "So, what do we do with this information?"


    Kai fell silent for a moment, considering their options. This is sensitive information. If I keep it to myself, I could look to see if there was any way for me to use it for personal gain. But both my guild and myself are too weak, only Qi Refining cultivators. This Elder Teng¡¯s followers are likely above our cultivation and probably by a lot.


    It would be better to see if it can benefit the sect instead of myself. If Shen Yu is right and war is unavoidable, I''d rather see the Azure Sky Sect come out on top. At least then I''d have a chance at survival and future growth.


    So, my only option is to take it to Master¡­


    Kai didn''t trust the Azure Sky Sect Master, but the man was the only one with the power to make a real difference in the coming conflict. And Kai had to be realistic¡ªit was unlikely that his own secret intelligence network (which consisted solely of Su Jie at the moment) was better than the sect''s. Assuming the Sect Master didn''t already know about the impending war would be naive and arrogant.


    Also, bringing this to the Sect Master could earn me some favor. He¡¯s been trying to play the patient teacher to lower my guard, well... two can play at that game.


    "We take it to the Sect Master," Kai said finally. "This is too big for us to handle alone. Besides, it''s our duty to report such vital information."


    Su Jie''s eyes widened. "We''re going to see the Sect Master? Together?"


    Kai chuckled. "No, not we. I''ll handle this part. You''ve done more than enough already, Su Jie. In fact..."


    He reached into his robes and pulled out a second Low-Grade Qi Gathering pill. Su Jie''s jaw dropped as Kai tossed it to him.


    "You''ve more than earned this," Kai said with a smile. "The information you gathered, combined with this storage ring and letter... it''s been helpful. Use these pills wisely, don''t want another qi deviation situation happening. Oh, and keep training. I have a feeling we¡¯ll do great things together.¡±

 ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN: Fire Scrolls

    "Enter.¡±


    Kai pushed open the doors to the Sect Master¡¯s quarters and stepped inside. He found his master stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing out of the window.


    "Greetings, Master."


    As Kai closed the door behind him, Luo Qiang turned around. "Ah, my disciple. What brings you here? Are you struggling with your cultivation?"


    Kai shook his head. "No, Master. I''ve come with important information." He reached into his robes and pulled out the letter he''d obtained from Su Jie. With a bow, he handed it over to the Sect Master.


    Luo Qiang''s eyebrows rose slightly as he took the scroll. "And where did you acquire this?"


    "One of my... associates obtained it from a Crimson Phoenix Sect disciple."


    "Associates? I wasn''t aware you had a network of spies."


    Kai kept his face neutral, though inwardly he was skeptical. He doubted any action within the sect went unnoticed by the Sect Master. Still, he chose his words carefully. "Not spies, Master. Just a few resourceful individuals who keep their ears to the ground."


    "I see." Luo Qiang unfurled the scroll and began to read. His expression remained impassive, but Kai noticed a slight tightening around his eyes.


    For several long moments, there was only silence. Kai stood still, waiting for his master to finish reading. Finally, Luo Qiang set the scroll down and leaned back in his chair.


    "You''ve done well to bring this to my attention," he said at last.


    "Thank you, Master. I hope the information proves useful."


    Luo Qiang nodded slowly. "Indeed it does, we were already aware of the Crimson Phoenix Sect''s preparations for war. However, this information about the Boundless Earth Sect''s involvement is new. And potentially very valuable. It could help us prevent significant losses on our side."


    The Sect Master reached into robes and pulled out a small pouch. He tossed it to Kai, who caught it with his right hand. "A reward for your initiative. One thousand low-grade spirit stones."


    Kai bowed deeply, hiding his slight disappointment. I was hoping for some magical artifact, but I suppose this is better than nothing.


    "Thank you, Master. Your generosity is appreciated."


    "My men will investigate further, to determine which specific areas the Boundless Earth Sect plans to target," Luo Qiang said. Then, his gaze sharpened as he looked directly at Kai. "And once we''ve confirmed their plans, you will be sent to deal with it."


    "Me?¡± Kai blinked, taken aback. ¡°But Master, surely this is too high-level for someone of my cultivation. Wouldn''t a Nascent Soul elder be better suited for such a task?"


    Luo Qiang waved a hand dismissively. "Don''t worry, you won''t be going alone. A Nascent Soul elder will indeed be present, along with a group of Core Formation and Foundation Establishment cultivators. But it would be good for you to gain some experience outside the sect before the war truly begins."


    Kai''s mind raced, searching for a way out of this unexpected development. "Master, I appreciate the opportunity, but perhaps my time would be better spent focusing on my cultivation? Or my alchemy studies? There''s still so much for me to learn here in the sect."


    The Sect Master shook his head. "No. It has been decided. You will join this mission."


    Kai opened his mouth to protest further, but the look in Luo Qiang''s eyes made it clear that arguing would be pointless. With a sigh, he bowed his head. "As you wish, Master."


    Inwardly, Kai was far from happy with this turn of events. Leaving the safety of the sect meant there was a real chance he might never return. Some might call him a coward for wanting to avoid the danger, but Kai knew the reality of his situation. He was like an ant compared to these cultivators, and ants got stepped on in wars between giants.


    "Your Senior Brother will lead the mission," Luo Qiang added.


    Kai looked up, surprised. "Shen Yu?"


    While Shen Yu was chosen by the Sect Master first, making him technically Kai¡¯s senior, Kai was older and didn''t really see the other disciple as a true "Senior Brother."


    "No, not Shen Yu. Wang Lin,¡± the Sect Master smiled.


    Kai''s eyes widened. He''d been in the sect for months now, but he had yet to meet the mysterious Wang Lin. He''d heard rumors, of course ¨C whispers of a prodigy who had advanced faster than anyone in the sect''s recent history. But Wang Lin was rarely seen around the sect, it was said that he was on a secret mission.


    "Shen Yu will be joining the mission as well," Luo Qiang continued. "Both of you will be under the protection of your Senior Brother Wang Lin."


    Kai nodded. A part of him was curious to finally meet the legendary Wang Lin, but another part was wary. What would this senior brother be like? Would he also be some protagonist-like figure?


    "You have about a week to prepare," the Sect Master said, his tone making it clear that the conversation was coming to an end. "I suggest you use that time wisely. And Kai?"


    "Yes, Master?"


    Luo Qiang''s eyes bore into him. "Stay alert. And don''t die."


    With those cheery parting words, Kai was dismissed.


    ***


    Back in his own quarters, Kai took stock of his situation. He had about a week before he''d have to leave for the mission. That wasn''t much time, but it would have to be enough. He had several things he needed to accomplish before then.


    First on his list: learning the new skill scrolls he''d acquired. Kai pulled out the scrolls from his inventory, laying them out on his desk. There were three in total.


    The first scroll was titled "Burning Sky Judgment." Kai unrolled it, his eyes scanning the description:


    Burning Sky Judgment: Allows the user to summon a fiery sigil in the sky, which releases a rain of fire upon their enemies.


    Kai''s lips curved into a smile. This would give him another long-range attack option that was less qi exhaustive than the Lightning Hammer Strike. In a real battle, being able to strike from a distance could mean the difference between life and death.


    The second scroll was titled "Fiery Lotus Bloom."


    Fiery Lotus Bloom: Creates multiple flaming lotus petals that orbit the user, acting as both offense and defense. The petals can be launched at enemies or used to block incoming attacks.


    "Now that''s useful," Kai muttered to himself. The ability to attack multiple targets at once would be invaluable in the chaos of war. And the defensive capabilities were an added bonus.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    The final scroll was called "Blaze of Renewal.¡±


    Blaze of Renewal: The cultivator surrounds their body in a gentle, continuous flame that gradually heals wounds and burns away toxins.


    Kai let out a low whistle. A healing technique was exactly what he''d been missing. While his system''s respawn ability was a powerful safeguard, it would be far better if he could avoid dying in the first place. This technique could help with that.


    "Alright. Time to get to work."


    He picked up the "Burning Sky Judgment" scroll first. As he focused on it, a system message appeared in his vision:


    Would you like to learn the skill "Burning Sky Judgment"?


    Kai nodded, and suddenly, information began flooding into his mind. It was like watching a high-speed tutorial, complete with mental images of the technique in action. He saw the hand signs needed to activate it, felt the way the qi should flow, understood the intricacies of controlling the falling fire.


    When the flood of information stopped, Kai blinked, feeling slightly dizzy. But the knowledge was there, settled into his mind as if he''d spent months practicing the technique.


    Skill Learned: Burning Sky Judgment (Level 1)


    Description: Summon a fiery sigil in the sky that rains fire upon enemies. Damage and area of effect increase with skill level.


    "One down, two to go," Kai murmured, reaching for the next scroll.


    He repeated the process with "Fiery Lotus Bloom" and "Blaze of Renewal," each time experiencing the rush of instantaneous learning. When he was done, two more system messages confirmed his new abilities:


    Skill Learned: Fiery Lotus Bloom (Level 1)


    Description: Create flaming lotus petals for offense and defense. Number of petals and damage increase with skill level.


    Skill Learned: Blaze of Renewal (Level 1)


    Description: Surround body with healing flames. Healing rate and toxin purification increase with skill level.


    Kai leaned back in his chair with a smile on his face.


    The Crimson Phoenix Sect... using their own skills against them will be deliciously ironic. And knowing their moves gives me an edge in defending against them too.


    He''d need to practice them, of course, to get a feel for how they worked in real combat situations. But having them in his arsenal already made him feel more prepared for what lay ahead.


    "Now," Kai said, standing up and stretching, "onto the next item on the list."


    He turned his thoughts to the matter of a weapon. Up until now, he''d been relying solely on his cultivation techniques, hand-to-hand combat skills, and his basic sword. But in a real war, having a proper weapon could make all the difference.


    Kai paced his room, considering his options. The typical xianxia protagonist usually went with a sword or some other kind of blade. They''d bond with their weapon, cultivating together until they became some sort of supreme sword emperor or whatever.


    But Kai had never been one to follow the typical path. He wanted something different, something that would suit his style of combat and give him an edge others might not expect.


    A bow? Great for long-range attacks, could be useful for sniping enemy cultivators from afar. But it''s useless in close combat. And if I run out of arrows, I''m in trouble, unless I want to waste qi creating my own. Not to mention, it requires both hands, limiting my ability to use other techniques or items.


    Daggers? Quick, easy to conceal. Good for surprise attacks. But they require getting in extremely close. Against higher-level cultivators, that''s practically suicide. And I can always condense my own daggers if I¡¯m planning an ambush.


    A hammer or mace? Could be devastating but it is slow. Too slow. Too predictable. I need something that allows for quicker reactions.


    A staff... no, a spear... wait, why not both? A staff-spear hybrid could work. It''d give me options - keep enemies at a distance or get in close if I need to. And with my lightning techniques...


    Yes, I could channel my qi right through it. Turn the whole thing into a giant lightning rod. Now that would catch some cultivators off guard.


    Kai nodded to himself, satisfied with the decision. Now he just needed to gather the materials and craft it. He still had the Thunder Tigress corpse and the Roach Carapace, both of which would make excellent components. But for a truly powerful weapon, he''d need more.


    "Looks like a trip to the Sect Marketplace is in order.¡±


    The higher the rank of the materials, the more potent the resulting weapon would be. And given the dangers he was about to face, Kai wanted the best weapon he could possibly create.


    But before he could do that, there was one more thing he needed to take care of. His meeting with Su Fang.


    Kai''s expression hardened as he thought about the upcoming confrontation. Su Fang had asked for a meeting under the guise of cooperating, but Kai knew the Core Disciple was looking for ways to pressure him to hand over his alchemy business. But Kai had no intention of surrendering what he''d built.


    It was time to make that crystal clear.


    The sect may be heading off to war soon, but that''s all the more reason to hold onto my alchemy business. Wars aren''t just won on the battlefield. They''re won in the workshops and laboratories too. Cultivators will need pills, elixirs, and talismans more than ever. If anything, this is when a business truly thrives. And I¡¯m not just talking about alchemy but also formations.


    Learning the basics of formations using skill scrolls could be incredibly useful. It would complement my alchemy skills nicely and make it less likely for the Sect Master to throw me on the frontlines to ¡®gain experience¡¯. I¡¯m happy playing a supportive role.


    Kai took a deep breath as he looked over his appearance, making sure his black legacy disciple robes were immaculate. Presentation mattered in these sorts of confrontations.


    I should probably bring Lin Yue along with me. Both Lin Yue and Su Fang are Foundation Establishment cultivators, if things get ugly, having Lin Yue there could even the odds.


    Not that I plan on letting it come to blows, but it never hurts to have a shield...

 ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN: Confrontation

    The Azure Sky Sect¡¯s tea pavilion was always bustling with activities. It was a place where disciples could unwind after a long day of cultivating, missions, or training. In a secluded corner sat three figures, Kai sat with Lin Yue at his side, both had their gaze on Su Fang who sat across from them.


    Su Fang''s eyes flickered between Kai and Lin Yue. "I see you brought along some protection¡­¡±


    Kai shook his head, a polite smile on his face. "Not at all. Lin Yue is my business partner. It seemed only fitting that he attend our meeting as well."


    Su Fang''s smile hardened, but he nodded. "Of course. How... considerate of you."


    Kai took a sip of his tea, savoring the delicate flavor. "Now, Junior Brother Su, you requested this meeting. May I ask why?"


    The words feeling strange on his tongue. Despite being a Legacy Disciple, addressing someone clearly older and more established in the sect as a junior felt awkward.


    "I have a proposition for you,¡± Su Fang leaned forward. ¡°A partnership, if you will."


    "Oh? I''m listening.¡±


    "I''ve been impressed by your recent achievements. Becoming a Novice Alchemist in such a short time is no small feat. Your Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills have caused quite a stir among the Outer Disciples."


    "I believe," Su Fang continued, his words flowing smoothly like rehearsed lines, "that by combining our resources and expertise, we could dominate the market entirely. With my established distribution network and your alchemy skills, we could be unstoppable."


    "I''m prepared to offer you a generous deal," Su Fang said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "For every pill you make for me, you''ll receive 20% of the profits. With my connections, we could triple your current sales within a month."


    As Su Fang outlined his proposal, Kai nodded along, but inwardly, he scoffed. ¡°20%? This doesn''t sound like a partnership at all. It''s more like he wants me to work for him.


    He caught Lin Yue''s eye, seeing the warning there. It was clear the inner disciple thought the same.


    Su Fang sat back, looking pleased with himself. "What do you say? Shall we join forces and corner the market?"


    Kai set down his teacup, the soft clink seeming to echo in the pause that followed. "I appreciate your offer, Junior Brother Su, but I''m afraid I must decline."


    "Decline?¡± Su Fang''s smile faltered. ¡°But surely you see the benefits-"


    "What I see," Kai interrupted, "is not a partnership, but an attempt to acquire my business. I have no interest in selling."


    Su Fang''s expression shifted, annoyance flashing across his face before he schooled it back into a friendly mask. "You misunderstand. I''m only looking out for your interests. Perhaps if I explain the benefits more clearly-"


    For the next few minutes, Su Fang outlined the supposed advantages of joining forces. Access to higher-quality ingredients, protection from rival sellers, guaranteed buyers for all pills. But with each point, Kai grew more certain that this was a thinly veiled takeover attempt.


    This reminds me of those tech giants back on Earth. Google, Amazon - always looking to buy out smaller competitors before they become a threat. Creating their own monopolies. Well, I won''t let that happen to me.


    When Su Fang finished his pitch, Kai shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I''m not interested. My business is doing fine on its own."


    Su Fang''s smile faltered for a moment before returning, now tinged with something darker. "I understand your hesitation, but consider the consequences of refusing. The cultivation world can be... unpredictable. Accidents happen. People go missing. Customers suddenly find other suppliers."


    Kai frowned. It was clear Su Fang had no intention of backing down. The veiled threats were becoming less veiled by the second. He glanced at Lin Yue, seeing his own thoughts mirrored in his partner''s eyes.


    "I appreciate your concern," Kai said. "But I believe I can handle any challenges that come my way."


    "Are you certain about that, Junior Brother?¡± Su Fang''s smile turned sharp. ¡°You''re new to this world of business and cultivation. There''s so much you don''t know, so many... pitfalls you might not see coming."


    Kai felt a flicker of anger, but he pushed it down. Getting emotional wouldn''t help him here. Instead, he reached into his robes and pulled out a scroll.


    "You''re right, junior brother. There''s a lot I don''t know," Kai said, his voice level. "Which is why I''ve made it a point to learn."


    Kai began to read. "Su Fang, third son of the Su Clan, one of the top ten clans in the region. Joined the Azure Sky Sect at age 12, reached Foundation Establishment by 20. Impressive achievements."


    Su Fang had a proud smile on his face, but Kai wasn''t finished.


    "However, your business dealings are less... admirable," Kai continued, his eyes fixed on Su Fang. "For instance, three years ago, a promising young alchemist named suddenly gave up her craft and left the sect. According to my sources, you threatened to have your friends pay a visit to her village unless she stopped selling her pills."


    Su Fang''s jaw clenched, but Kai pressed on.


    "Then there''s the case of a disciple undergoing qi deviation during a critical stage of pill refinement. Coincidentally, this happened right after he refused your offer to buy his business. The explosion destroyed his entire stock of spirit herbs and crippled his cultivation."


    Kai unrolled the scroll further. "Oh, and let''s not forget the unfortunate ''accident'' that befell the Yun Family''s pill delivery caravan last spring. Attacked by ''bandits'' who somehow knew exactly when and where to strike, and precisely which wagons contained the most valuable pills. Strangely, your own shipments were untouched that season."This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    With each story, Su Fang''s face grew paler, his knuckles white as he gripped the edge of the table.


    "The scroll goes on," Kai said, his voice level. "Sabotaged spirit herb gardens, mysterious fires in rival workshops, cultivators who dared to compete with you suffering cultivation setbacks or worse. It paints quite a picture, Su Fang. Not of a businessman, but of a bully who can''t stand fair competition."


    One of his men, standing nearby, stepped forward angrily. "How dare you accuse the young master-"


    Su Fang held up a hand, silencing his subordinate. His smile had turned ugly, all pretense of friendliness gone. "It''s one thing to reject my offer. It''s quite another to humiliate me with these... accusations."


    As he spoke, Su Fang''s aura flared, a wave of pressure filling the teahouse. Several nearby tables hurriedly cleared out, not wanting to get dragged in the conflict.


    Lin Yue''s aura flared in response, pushing back against Su Fang''s. But Kai could tell it was mostly for show. Lin Yue, while willing to support Kai, wasn''t about to risk himself in a real confrontation with a Core Disciple. At least, not yet. Kai would have to prove he was worth that kind of risk.


    It seems I''ve overestimated the wisdom of cultivators, Kai thought, recalling a phrase he''d often encountered in cultivation novels. ''Courting death.'' That''s what this is called. These cultivators really can''t help themselves, can they?


    The concept of a Core Disciple daring to make an enemy of someone clearly favored by the Sect Master and Alchemy Master seemed ludicrous to Kai. It was as if Su Fang''s pride had overridden his common sense, blinding him to the potential consequences of his actions.


    As the tension in the air thickened, Kai''s eyes wandered, taking in the other occupants of the teahouse. His gaze landed on a familiar pair - Sun Jun and Lu Chen, watching them like hawks from the other side.


    Ah, so that''s how it is. They''ve set this up, hoping Su Fang would ¡®teach me a lesson¡¯.


    Kai shook his head. It reminded him of high school drama, petty and shortsighted. But then, young masters in cultivation novels were often portrayed as spoiled and vindictive.


    He knew he was in a precarious position. The Sect Master had made it clear he wouldn''t intervene in disputes between disciples, but that didn''t mean Kai couldn''t use his position to his advantage.


    "You know, my senior brother is returning soon. Perhaps we should continue this discussion when he arrives? I''m sure Senior Brother Wang Lin would be interested in your business propositions."


    Su Fang''s face, which had been flushed with anger, suddenly drained of color. "Wang Lin?" he muttered, almost to himself.


    Kai watched with fascination as Su Fang visibly struggled to compose himself. It was clear that the mere mention of Wang Lin had stirred some potent memories in the Core Disciple.


    Just how scary is this Wang Lin?


    He had never met his supposed "senior brother," and for all he knew, Wang Lin could be the first to throw Kai to the wolves. But Su Fang didn''t know that, and Kai wasn''t above using Wang Lin''s fearsome reputation to his advantage.


    "Yes, Senior Brother Wang Lin," Kai confirmed, watching Su Fang carefully. "I''m sure he''d be very interested to hear about our... discussion today."


    Su Fang swallowed hard, then forced a smile onto his face. It looked more like a grimace. "No, no, that won''t be necessary. There''s no need to trouble Senior Brother Wang with such trivial matters."


    Seeing Su Fang''s discomfort, Kai knew he had an opportunity. "Perhaps we''ve gotten off on the wrong foot, Junior Brother Su. I may have been hasty in dismissing your proposal entirely. What if we were to... adjust the terms?"


    Su Fang''s eyes narrowed, but there was a glimmer of interest. "I''m listening."


    "You mentioned your established distribution network and access to high-quality materials," Kai said, choosing his words carefully. "What if you were to handle all the logistics - providing the materials and managing distribution - while I focus solely on the alchemy side? We could split the profits equally, 50-50."


    Su Fang considered this for a moment, his earlier anger seeming to dissipate as he calculated the potential benefits. It wasn''t the complete control he''d initially sought, but it was far better than walking away empty-handed - or worse, with a powerful enemy.


    "A partnership of equals," Su Fang murmured, nodding slowly. "It''s... an interesting proposition."


    Kai could see the wheels turning in Su Fang''s head. The Core Disciple was likely already planning how he might turn this arrangement to his advantage in the future, but for now, it was a face-saving compromise.


    "Very well," Su Fang said at last, giving a slight bow. "I accept your terms, Senior Brother Kai. We have a deal."


    "Excellent,¡± Kai bowed back. ¡°I look forward to our cooperation, Junior Brother Su."


    With that, Su Fang turned and strode away, his lackeys scrambling to keep up. Kai watched him go, noting the stiffness in Su Fang''s shoulders and the way his hands were clenched at his sides.


    As the Core Disciple disappeared from view, Kai allowed himself a small sigh of relief. He glanced over at Sun Jun and Lu Chen, noting their disappointed expressions. Clearly, they had been hoping for a different outcome.


    "It¡¯s risky going into business with Su Fang," Lin Yue said once they were alone. "He won''t forget this. He''ll be looking for any opportunity to turn the tables."


    "I know. But it''s a calculated risk."


    "What do you mean?" Lin Yue raised an eyebrow.


    Kai took a sip of his now-cold tea before answering. "It''s simple, really. There are two possible outcomes here. Either I''ll win Su Fang over, show him the benefits of genuine cooperation, and we''ll work together long-term..."


    "Or?" Lin Yue prompted, leaning in closer.


    "Or I''ll outgrow him," Kai finished, his tone matter-of-fact. "I''ll use this opportunity to establish myself, build connections, and become strong enough that Su Fang can''t threaten me anymore. Then, I''ll end our partnership on my terms."


    They left the teahouse and walked in silence for a while before Lin Yue spoke again. "You mentioned Senior Brother Wang Lin. Have you actually met him?"


    "No, not yet,¡± Kai shook his head. ¡°But his reputation seems to precede him."


    Lin Yue chuckled, but there was a nervous edge to it. "That''s an understatement. Senior Brother Wang Lin is... well, let''s just say he''s not someone you want to cross. Even some of the elders are terrified of him."


    "Is it because he''s already reached the Nascent Soul realm. That kind of power is hard for us to comprehend at our level."


    "No, it''s not just that,¡± Lin Yue shook his head. ¡°Wang Lin''s cultivation speed is unprecedented in our sect''s history, true. But it''s not his power alone that makes others fear him."


    "Oh?" Kai raised an eyebrow. "What is it then?"


    Lin Yue glanced around before lowering his voice. "There are... stories about him. Things he''s done to those who''ve crossed him or threatened the sect."


    "What kind of stories?" Kai asked, both curious and slightly alarmed.


    Lin Yue shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "It''s best not to repeat them in public. Let''s just say that those who''ve faced Wang Lin''s wrath... well, most of them aren''t around to talk about it anymore."


    "And he''s only twenty years old¡­"


    "That''s right," Lin Yue confirmed. "A true once-in-a-millennium prodigy. Some say he''s blessed by the heavens. Others... well, they whisper about darker things."


    I really hope Wang Lin isn''t as terrifying as everyone makes him out to be. Maybe all those stories are exaggerated, and he''s actually someone who looks out for his juniors.


    Kai tried to picture a benevolent Wang Lin, but the image kept morphing into something more sinister. He sighed inwardly. Who am I kidding? With my luck, he''s probably every bit the ruthless, power-hungry monster they say he is. I''ll be lucky if he doesn''t decide to make an example out of me just for breathing wrong.


    I guess I need to do some research on him. Find out his history, his background. Maybe I can figure out if he fits any of the main character archetypes I know of.


    If Wang Lin''s life story followed a recognizable pattern¡ªthe orphaned prodigy, the hidden royal, the genius with a broken engagement, or the revenge-driven hero who had his whole clan massacred¡ªit might give Kai some insight into how to deal with him. At the very least, it would be better than going in blind.


    Knowledge is power. And when you''re dealing with someone who could probably vaporize you with a thought, you need all the power you can get. On that note, it¡¯s time to reawaken meridians.

 ONE HUNDRED SIXTEEEN: Sect Marketplace

    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    <div>


    The next morning, Kai and Chen Wei made their way to the Sect Marketplace. Unlike the specialized pavilions dedicated to specific crafts, this marketplace was a hodgepodge of everything a cultivator might need - or want.


    When they arrived, Kai''s eyes darted from stall to stall, taking in the array of goods on display. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, advertising everything from spirit herbs to magical weapons.


    "Senior Brother, if you don''t mind me asking, why are we here at the marketplace?¡± Chen Wei asked. ¡°Wouldn''t the weapons pavilion be a better place to get a new weapon?"


    "We''re here because I want to craft the weapon myself,¡± Kai answered.


    "Craft it yourself?¡± Chen Wei''s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°But Senior Brother, I didn''t know you were a blacksmith!"


    "I''m not, at least not in the traditional sense,¡± Kai chuckled softly. ¡°But I like to be well-rounded. There''s more than one way to craft a weapon, you know."


    Kai had another reason for coming to the marketplace - namely, setting up an alchemy stall. But that was for another day. He patted Chen Wei on the shoulder. "You''ll see soon enough. Now, let''s find the materials we need. We have a weapon to craft."


    Chen Wei looked confused but nodded.


    As they walked, a message appeared before him:


    What would you like to craft?


    Kai thought for a moment before mentally responding. "I want to craft a staff with a retractable blade."


    Staff with Retractable Blade


    Materials needed:


    [Empty Slot] - Main Material


    [Empty Slot] - Secondary Material


    [Empty Slot] - Binding Material


    [Empty Slot] - Elemental Crystal


    [Empty Slot] - Enhancement Rune


    [Empty Slot] - Grip Material


    The system then provided explanations for each material:


    Main Material: This will form the core of your staff. Choose a sturdy wood with good qi conductivity.


    Secondary Material: This will be used for the retractable blade. Select a durable metal that can hold a sharp edge.


    Binding Material: This will secure the blade mechanism to the staff. Look for something flexible yet strong.


    Elemental Crystal: Optional, but recommended. This will imbue your weapon with an elemental affinity, enhancing certain types of techniques.


    Enhancement Rune: Optional. This can provide additional effects or boosts to your weapon''s capabilities.


    Grip Material: This will wrap the handle of your staff. Choose something comfortable that provides a secure grip.


    Kai nodded to himself. "Alright," he said, turning to Chen Wei. "Let''s start with finding some suitable wood for the staff. Any ideas where we might find that?"


    "I think I know just the place, Senior Brother. Follow me!"


    The young disciple led Kai through the crowded marketplace, weaving between shoppers and ducking under hanging signs. They soon arrived at a stall piled high with various types of wood.


    The outer disciple manning the stall was a stocky young man with a quick smile and quicker tongue. His eyes lit up as Kai approached.


    "Welcome, welcome!" he called out. "Looking for the finest wood in all the Azure Sky Sect? You''ve come to the right place!"


    Kai nodded politely, his eyes scanning the selection. He pointed to a dark, richly grained wood. "What can you tell me about this one?"


    The vendor''s smile widened. "Ah, excellent eye! That''s Thunderstruck Oak, blessed by the heavens themselves! Legend has it that a thousand-year-old tree was struck by divine lightning, imbuing the wood with incredible power. It''s said that weapons made from this wood can call down lightning at will!"


    Material: Thunderstruck Oak


    Rank: Uncommon


    Description: A sturdy oak wood with slightly enhanced conductivity. May occasionally produce small static discharges when struck.


    Kai raised an eyebrow. Slightly enhanced conductivity, huh? Quite a gap between that and ''calling down lightning at will''.


    "Interesting," Kai murmured. "And this one?" He pointed to a pale, almost translucent wood.


    The vendor''s eyes gleamed. "That, my friend, is Ghost Whisper Willow! It''s harvested from trees that grow in haunted forests. Weapons made from this wood are said to be able to strike spirits and incorporeal beings!"


    Material: Ghost Whisper Willow


    Rank: Uncommon


    Description: A lightweight wood with minor spirit-attuned properties. Slightly more effective against spiritual entities.


    Kai nodded, hiding his amusement. Minor spirit-attuned properties. This guy could sell sand in a desert.


    "And what about this blue-tinged wood?" Kai asked, pointing to a stack near the back.


    The vendor''s smile grew impossibly wider. "Ah, you have a discerning eye indeed! That is Azure Mist Pine, grown in the misty valleys of the Azure Mountains. It''s said that weapons made from this wood can control the very air itself, creating mists and fogs to confound your enemies!"


    Material: Azure Mist Pine


    Rank: Rare


    Description: A water-attuned wood with natural moisture retention properties. Can enhance water-based techniques when used in weapon crafting.


    Kai''s eyes lit up. This was exactly what he was looking for. He turned to Chen Wei, speaking quietly. "I think this is the one."


    Chen Wei nodded, then turned to the vendor. "How much for the Azure Mist Pine?"


    ¡°Well, it''s a rare wood, you know,¡± The vendor stroked his chin. "Very difficult to obtain. I couldn''t possibly part with it for less than... 1000 low-grade spirit stones."


    "1000?¡± Chen Wei spat out. ¡°That''s highway robbery!"


    The vendor held up his hands. "Now, now, you have to understand the value of what you''re getting. This wood is imbued with the very essence of water and mist! Why, I''ve heard tales of staffs made from Azure Mist Pine that could summon rainstorms with a single wave!"


    ¡°Let''s not exaggerate,¡± Kai stepped forward. ¡°The Azure Mist Pine has water-attuned properties, yes, but it''s not going to be summoning any rainstorms. It enhances water techniques, nothing more."


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    The vendor''s smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Well, of course, the true potential of the wood depends on the skill of the craftsman and the user. But surely you can see why 1000 spirit stones is a fair price for such a rare material?"


    Chen Wei opened his mouth to argue further, but Kai held up a hand to stop him. "650 spirit stones," Kai said. "That''s a fair price for a rare, water-attuned wood."


    The vendor hesitated, clearly torn between his desire to make a large profit and the fear of losing the sale entirely. "Well... I suppose I could go down to 750. But that''s my final offer!"


    Kai shook his head. "700, and we''ll throw in a good word to our fellow disciples about your stall."


    The vendor sighed dramatically. "You drive a hard bargain. But I can see you know your materials. 700 it is."


    As Chen Wei counted out the spirit stones, Kai allowed himself a small smile. Not a bad start. A little overpriced, but not as bad as it could have been.


    With the Azure Mist Pine secured, Kai turned to Chen Wei. "Next, we need a metal for the retractable blade."


    "I know just the place. Old Man Liu''s stall is just around the corner."


    As they approached the metal stall, Kai was nearly bowled over by the enthusiasm of the vendor. Old Man Liu, despite his name, was a middle-aged man with an energy that belied his years.


    "Welcome, welcome!" he practically shouted. "Looking for metal? You''ve come to the right place! I''ve got iron that can withstand a thousand blows, steel that can cut through mountain stone, silver that repels evil spirits..."


    Kai held up a hand, stemming the tide of words. "Thank you. I''m looking for something specific. A metal suitable for a retractable blade in a staff."


    Old Man Liu''s eyes lit up. "Ah. Let me show you some options."


    As the enthusiastic vendor laid out various metal samples, Kai examined each one carefully, relying on his system messages for accurate information.


    Material: Starfall Iron


    Rank: Uncommon


    Description: A dense, durable iron with trace amounts of celestial ore. Slightly more resilient than standard iron.


    Material: Serpent Scale Steel


    Rank: Rare


    Description: A flexible steel alloy that retains a keen edge. Ideal for weapons that require both strength and flexibility.


    Material: Misty River Steel


    Rank: Rare


    Description: A light and flexible steel with water-attuned properties. Can generate a light mist when swung at high speeds.


    Kai''s eyes lingered on the Misty River Steel. Perfect. It matches the water theme of the Azure Mist Pine.


    "I''ll take the Misty River Steel," Kai said, interrupting Old Man Liu''s ongoing sales pitch.


    The vendor blinked in surprise, then grinned. "Excellent choice! This steel is light and flexible, allowing the blade to move as fluidly as a flowing river. And it has an innate ability to generate mist or fog when swung!"


    Kai nodded, the vendor''s description matched the system message. "It''s perfect for what I need. Now, do you have anything that could help make the blade retractable?"


    Old Man Liu''s eyes widened. "Ah, for that, you''ll want something special." He ducked behind his stall and emerged with a small ingot of golden metal. "This is Heavenly Gold. It''s highly conductive and incredibly resilient. Perfect for creating springs and gears that won''t wear out."


    Material: Heavenly Gold


    Rank: Rare


    Description: A highly conductive and resilient gold alloy. Ideal for crafting intricate mechanisms that channel Qi.


    "That sounds perfect. How much for both the Misty River Steel and the Heavenly Gold?"


    "Well, these are both rare materials...,¡± Old Man Liu stroked his beard. ¡°How about 800 spirit stones for the pair?"


    Chen Wei stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "800? That''s a bit steep, isn''t it? The Misty River Steel is nice, but it''s not that rare. And you''re only offering a small amount of the Heavenly Gold."


    Kai watched as Chen Wei haggled with the vendor. After several minutes of back-and-forth, they settled on a price of 500 spirit stones for both materials.


    As they left Old Man Liu''s stall, Kai turned to Chen Wei. ¡°We now need something to bind the core of the staff and secure the blade mechanism."


    Chen Wei furrowed his brow. "Bind the core? I''m not sure where we''d find something like that."


    "Perhaps I can help," a new voice chimed in. They turned to see Old Man Liu leaning over his stall. "For what you''re looking for, you''ll want some kind of tendon or sinew. Strong, flexible, able to conduct Qi. Tan Yifei''s stall, two rows over, might have what you need."


    Kai bowed slightly. "Thank you for the advice."


    When they arrived at the stall, they found Tan Yifei to be a young woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense attitude. When Kai explained what he was looking for, she immediately reached under her stall and pulled out a coil of silvery material.


    "Silver Serpent Tendon," she said briskly. "Incredibly strong and flexible. Ideal for binding the core of a staff and securing a blade mechanism. It also conducts Qi, allowing for smooth energy transfer between the staff and blade."


    Material: Silver Serpent Tendon


    Rank: Rare


    Description: Extremely durable and flexible tendon from a spirit beast. Excellent Qi conductor and binding material.


    Kai nodded, impressed by the accuracy of her description. "It sounds perfect. How much?"


    "150 low-grade spirit stones," Tan Yifei said firmly.


    Kai raised an eyebrow. It was a fair price, considering the quality of the material, but he decided to try his luck. "How about 100?"


    Tan Yifei''s eyes narrowed slightly, but then she nodded. "Done. You''ve got a good eye for materials. Not many would recognize the value of this tendon."


    As Kai handed over the spirit stones, he decided to ask about another material he needed. "Do you know where I could find Elemental Crystal Shards?"


    Tan Yifei pointed down the row. "Third stall on the left. Tell Gramps that Tan Yifei sent you."


    "Thank you for your help,¡± Kai bowed slightly.

 ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEEN: Inner Eye

    As they walked towards the crystal stall, Chen Wei looked at Kai curiously. "Senior Brother, why do you need Elemental Crystal Shards?"


    ¡°Elemental Crystal Shards are a key component in crafting a weapon with a specific elemental affinity. They help attune the weapon to a particular element, enhancing any techniques of that element used through the weapon."


    "Oh! So, you''re going to use a lightning shard, right? That would be a strong combination with the water-attuned wood and steel."


    Kai shook his head. "Actually, I''m planning to go for a pure water affinity weapon."


    "But... why?" Chen Wei asked. "Wouldn''t lightning be better, given your cultivation?"


    "It''s a good question," Kai said. "And you''re right, a lightning and water combo would be powerful. But here''s the thing: with my lightning element cultivation method, I can always channel my lightning techniques into the water staff for a powerful lightning-water combo when needed. But if I make the staff itself with mixed elements, it will decrease its overall efficiency."


    "So, by keeping it pure water, you have more flexibility?"


    "Exactly. It gives me more options in battle."


    They arrived at the crystal stall, where an elderly man sat surrounded by glittering shards of various colors. Kai approached and bowed.


    "Greetings. Tan Yifei sent us."


    The old man''s wrinkled face creased into a smile. "Ah, any friend of my granddaughter is welcome here. What can I do for you, young cultivator?"


    Kai gestured to the crystals. "I need a Water Elemental Crystal Shard for weapon crafting."


    The old man nodded. "A wise choice. Water is the element of adaptability and flow." He reached into a drawer and pulled out several blue crystals of varying sizes. "The larger the shard, the stronger the elemental attunement. But of course, the price increases accordingly."


    Kai examined the crystals carefully.


    Material: Small Water Elemental Crystal Shard


    Rank: Uncommon


    Description: A crystal infused with water elemental energy. Provides minor enhancement to water-based techniques.


    Material: Medium Water Elemental Crystal Shard


    Rank: Rare


    Description: A crystal with concentrated water elemental energy. Significantly enhances water-based techniques and allows for basic water manipulation.


    Material: Large Water Elemental Crystal Shard


    Rank: Very Rare


    Description: A crystal brimming with water elemental energy. Greatly enhances water-based techniques and allows for advanced water manipulation.


    After careful consideration, Kai pointed to the medium-sized shard. "This one, I think. A good balance of power and cost."


    "A wise choice indeed,¡± The old man nodded. ¡°For you, 500 spirit stones."


    Chen Wei stepped forward. "Respected Elder, while we greatly appreciate the quality of your crystals, perhaps we could come to a more agreeable price? After all, we were sent by your granddaughter, and we''re sure to need more materials in the future..."


    After several minutes of back-and-forth, they settled on a price of 400 spirit stones for the medium Water Elemental Crystal Shard.


    As they left the stall, Kai turned to Chen Wei. "There''s two more things we need. Chen Wei, do you know where we could find a rune stall?"


    Chen Wei furrowed his brow. "A rune stall? I''m not sure. Why do we need runes?"


    "There must be some runes I could apply during the crafting process to give the weapon some buffs," Kai explained. "It''s always good to have every advantage I can get."


    Chen Wei nodded. ¡°Let me ask around."


    As Chen Wei darted off to inquire about rune sellers, Kai took a moment to check his crafting menu again.


    Crafting Menu:


    [Azure Mist Pine] - Main Material


    [Misty River Steel] - Secondary Material


    [Silver Serpent Tendon] - Binding Material


    Medium Water Elemental Crystal Shard] - Elemental Crystal


    [Empty Slot] - Enhancement Rune


    [Empty Slot] - Grip Material


    Almost there. Just need a rune and something for the grip.


    Chen Wei returned a few minutes later, slightly out of breath. "Young Master Kai, I found a rune seller. It''s this way."


    As they made their way through the crowded marketplace, Kai noticed the stalls becoming sparser and less well-maintained. Finally, they came to a small, rundown stall at the edge of the marketplace. A young inner disciple stood behind the counter, his robes slightly frayed at the edges.


    "Powerful runes!" the young disciple called out, his voice tinged with desperation. "Strengthen your weapons! Enhance your cultivation! Runes for every need!"


    Despite his enthusiastic cries, the area around his stall remained empty of customers. Kai approached, his curiosity piqued.


    As soon as the young disciple spotted Kai, his eyes lit up with an almost hungry look. The intensity of his gaze startled Kai for a moment.


    He looks... desperate, Kai thought. I''ve never seen an inner disciple in such poor condition before.


    "Welcome, esteemed customer!" the young disciple said, his voice eager. "I have runes of immense power! Runes that can make your sword cut through mountains! Runes that can call down the very lightning from the sky! What kind of rune are you looking for?"


    Kai held up a hand to stem the tide of words. "Thank you. I''m looking for something for a new weapon I''m crafting. Do you have any runes that can be applied during the crafting process?"


    The young disciple''s face fell slightly. "Oh, you don''t have the weapon with you? If I could see it, I could give a better recommendation..."


    Kai smiled awkwardly. "Actually, I haven''t made it yet. I''m gathering materials for the crafting process."


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    The inner disciple furrowed his brow, thinking hard for a moment. Then his eyes lit up. "Ah! I think I have just the thing." He ducked behind the counter and rummaged around for a bit before emerging with three small, glowing symbols etched onto pieces of parchment.


    "These are special runes," he explained. "They''re designed to be incorporated into a weapon during the crafting process. I don''t have many of these - they''re quite difficult to make. Runes that can empower a weapon long-term are not easy to come by."


    Kai leaned in, intrigued. "Where did you get these?"


    "My master made them,¡± The disciple puffed up with pride. ¡°He''s a renowned formation master."


    If these really were made by a formation master, they could be quite valuable.


    "There''s a catch, though," the disciple continued. "It''s likely that only one rune can be applied to a weapon. These runes... they don''t work well together. You''d need a higher-level formation master to make them compatible."


    Hmmm, maybe I should have learned formations before alchemy. After a moment, Kai shook his head. No alchemy is far more valuable, short term and long term.


    "Can you tell me what each rune does?"


    The inner disciple nodded eagerly. "Of course! This one," he pointed to a rune that looked like a stylized shield, "is the Rune of Unyielding Fortitude. It increases the durability of a weapon by 40%."


    He pointed to the second rune, which resembled a gust of wind. "This is the Rune of Swift Strikes. It increases a weapon''s speed by 30%."


    Finally, he indicated the last rune, which looked like a clenched fist. "And this is the Rune of Overwhelming Force. It increases the power of a weapon by 30%."


    Kai nodded, checking the system messages for each rune.


    Rune of Unyielding Fortitude


    Rank: Rare


    Effect: Increases weapon durability by 40%


    Rune of Swift Strikes


    Rank: Rare


    Effect: Increases weapon speed by 30%


    Rune of Overwhelming Force


    Rank: Rare


    Effect: Increases weapon power by 30%


    Well, at least he''s not lying about their effects, Kai thought. He considered his options carefully. Durability could be useful, but my build focuses on speed. And I don''t plan on joining the front lines of a war, so raw power isn''t my priority right now.


    "I''ll take the Rune of Swift Strikes," Kai decided.


    The inner disciple''s face lit up. "Excellent choice! That will be 500 spirit stones."


    Kai''s eyes widened at the price. Even Chen Wei, standing beside him, let out a small gasp.


    The disciple, noticing their reaction, hurried to explain. "I know it seems high, but you have to understand - these runes are far above my level. I was lucky to get any from my master. They would typically cost more than 500 spirit stones, but I''m willing to offer a discount."


    Chen Wei stepped forward, ready to negotiate, but Kai raised a hand to stop him. Something about this disciple''s desperation made Kai pause. He pulled out 500 spirit stones and handed them over.


    "Thank you," Kai said. "May I ask your name?"


    The disciple blinked, surprised that the Legacy Disciple even cared to ask. "Yan Fan. My name is Yan Fan."


    As soon as Yan Fan spoke his name, a system message appeared in Kai''s vision.


    Name: Yan Fan


    Age: 20


    Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Stage 2


    Qi: 1200/1200


    Strength: 130


    Agility: 130


    Durability: 128


    Special Ability: Inner Eye


    Name: Inner Eye


    Description: Allows the user to perceive Qi with unusual clarity.


    Kai''s eyes widened slightly as he read the message. A special ability? And one that''s perfect for rune crafting... This Yan Fan could be very useful.


    "Yan Fan," Kai said slowly, "I think I''d be interested in working together sometime. Your skills are... intriguing."


    Yan Fan''s eyes widened in surprise, then hope. "Really? I... I would be honored, Senior Brother."


    Kai nodded, his mind already working on how to incorporate Yan Fan into his plans. "One last thing - do you have anything I could use for handle wrapping? Something to provide a good grip?"


    Yan Fan nodded eagerly, reaching under the counter. He pulled out a roll of silvery fabric. "This is Spirit Silk. It''s soft yet incredibly strong, it gives you a comfortable grip while letting you manouvre  the weapon with ease. It also has the ability to slightly adjust its texture based on the user''s grip, so there¡¯ll be no slips in combat."


    Material: Spirit Silk


    Rank: Uncommon


    Description: A cultivated silk with minor adaptive properties. Provides excellent grip and comfort.


    "How much?" Kai asked, reaching for his spirit stones.


    Yan Fan shook his head. "It usually costs 20 spirit stones, but... please, take it as a gift."


    Kai smiled, accepting the Spirit Silk. "Thank you, Yan Fan. I look forward to working with you in the future."


    With that, Kai and Chen Wei made their way back to the Legacy Disciple quarters.


    Crafting Menu:


    [Azure Mist Pine] - Main Material


    [Misty River Steel] - Secondary Material


    [Silver Serpent Tendon] - Binding Material


    [Medium Water Elemental Crystal Shard] - Elemental Crystal


    [Rune of Swift Strikes] - Enhancement Rune


    [Spirit Silk] - Grip Material


    Time to get crafting!