Chương 114: 30-37
Chapter 30 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.
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.
Chapter 31 Shen Yu's 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.
"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.
Chapter 32 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, Iwouldn'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.
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—
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'."
Chapter 33 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 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.
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—
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:
Novice Instructor
Elemental Affinities:
Lightning: 20%
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.
Chapter 34 I couldn't 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.
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—
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.
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—"
"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—the life-saving treasure gifted to him by his foster mother—appeared 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—"
"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."
Chapter 35 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—something 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 thatwas 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?"
"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—"
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—"
"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..."
Chapter 36 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—a 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—a 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.
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—or 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—your 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."
Chapter 37 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—"
"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.
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—"
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 – 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.
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