Kalzara

CG C129: Plan Backfires

No ambushes, no last-minute twists. Maybe I was worried for nothing, Kai breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped through the gates of the Azure Sky Sect.

As they walked through the sect grounds, Kai noticed some curious glances from other disciples. He realized he must look tense and on edge compared to the others.

"You okay there, Kai?" Yin Mengshuang asked, raising an eyebrow. "You look like you're expecting an attack at any moment."

Kai forced himself to relax. "Just leftover adrenaline from the mission, I guess."

Yin Mengshuang laughed. "Relax, we're home now. Save that energy for training."

Wang Lin, who had been walking ahead of them, turned back. "Speaking of which, we need to report to the Sect Master. Follow me."

As they made their way to the Sect Master's quarters, Kai couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and nervousness. They had completed their mission successfully, but facing the Sect Master always made him a bit uneasy.

The group arrived at a grand building near the peak of the highest mountain. Two guards stood at attention outside.

Wang Lin nodded to the guards, who bowed respectfully and opened the doors.

Sect Master Luo Qiang sat behind a massive desk; his eyes held a hint of something Kai couldn't quite place. Anticipation? Worry?

"Welcome back," the Sect Master said. "I trust your mission was successful?"

Wang Lin stepped forward and bowed. "Yes, Master. We completed our objectives as planned."

"Excellent. Give me a full report."

Kai listened as Wang Lin recounted the events of their mission. He described the ambush, the battles with the Crimson Phoenix cultivators, and how they set up the scene to frame the Boundless Earth Sect.

"The two junior disciples performed better than expected," Wang Lin said. "Shen Yu defeated his opponent with ease. But Kai..." Wang Lin paused, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Kai managed to defeat a Foundation Establishment cultivator despite being at the Qi Refining stage."

Kai saw the Sect Master's eyes widen slightly at this. There was a flash of something in Luo Qiang's gaze but it disappeared before Kai could identify it.

"Is that so?" Luo Qiang said, his gaze fixed on Kai. "That's quite an accomplishment. Well done."

"Thank you, Sect Master,” Kai bowed. “I was merely fortunate in finding a weakness in my opponent's defense."

The Sect Master nodded, then turned his attention back to Wang Lin. "And there were no complications? No witnesses or unexpected arrivals?"

"None, Sect Master," Wang Lin replied confidently. "We left the scene exactly as planned. By now, the Boundless Earth Sect should have discovered the bodies, and tensions between them and the Crimson Phoenix Sect should be rising."

"Excellent work, all of you,” Luo Qiang smiled, clearly satisfied. “This will give us the advantage we need in the coming conflict. I'll keep you updated on the situation and let you know when we're ready to make our next move. For now, rest and prepare yourselves. War is coming, and we must be ready."

Just as they were turning to leave, a sharp beeping sound filled the air. Everyone froze, turning to look at the Sect Master. Luo Qiang frowned, reaching into his robes to pull out a glowing communication token.

"What is it?" he asked sharply, activating the token.

A panicked voice came through, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Sect Master! We have a problem! The Boundless Earth Sect members and the elders sent by the Crimson Phoenix Sect to investigate their missing cultivators - they're all dead!"

Kai felt his blood run cold. What? How is that possible?

The voice continued, growing more frantic. "They were killed by a young Early Nascent Soul cultivator. Witnesses described him as being in his early twenties. The only known cultivator fitting that description is..."

"Wang Lin," Luo Qiang finished, his voice tight with anger.

Kai glanced at Wang Lin, seeing shock and confusion on his face. He didn't do it. We left before the others arrived. But who could have...?

The voice on the communication token confirmed their fears. "Both sects are blaming us, Sect Master. They've... they've officially declared war on the Azure Sky Sect."

The room fell silent, the weight of those words crushing down on all present. Kai felt his heart racing. This was far worse than he had imagined.

Luo Qiang's face hardened. "Understood. Activate our defensive arrays immediately. Alert all sect elders and have them report to me at once. Recall any disciples on outside missions. Send word to all our allies - we'll need every bit of support we can get. We move to a war footing as of now."

"Yes, Sect Master!" The voice replied before the communication cut off.

Luo Qiang turned to face them. "It seems our plans have been complicated by an unknown party. Wang Lin, I sent you to ensure there were no issues. It appears that was my mistake."

Kai watched as Wang Lin's face darkened. It was clear he had never experienced failure before, and the sting of the Sect Master's disappointment was palpable.

"I... I apologize, Sect Master," Wang Lin said, his voice tight with barely contained fury. "I take full responsibility for this failure. Please, allow me to lead the counterattack. I'll make sure those responsible pay for their actions."

Luo Qiang shook his head. "No, Wang Lin. Your skills will be needed here. The Crimson Phoenix and Boundless Earth Sects will likely bring the fight to our doorstep. If we go on the offensive now, we'll leave ourselves vulnerable to attack."

The Sect Master stood, his presence seeming to fill the entire room. "Everyone, prepare for battle. We have less than 24 hours before the first wave of attacks begins. Wang Lin, gather the other Nascent Soul cultivators and begin strengthening our defensive formations. Yin Mengshuang, Qi Liaxuan, I want you to organize the Core Formation and Foundation Establishment disciples. Make sure they're ready to support our main forces or evacuate if necessary."

As the others bowed and turned to leave, Luo Qiang's gaze fell on Kai and Shen Yu. "You two have shown great potential. Kai, your defeat of a Foundation Establishment cultivator proves you're ready for more responsibility."

Kai straightened, expecting to be assigned to the alchemy department. It would be a safe role, away from the front lines. He could contribute without putting himself in too much danger.

But the Sect Master's next words shattered that hope.

"Kai, I want you to form your own team. You'll be one of the groups targeting key Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment weaknesses in the enemy's defenses."

Kai's eyes widened in shock. "Sect Master, I... I don't understand. Wouldn't I be more useful in the alchemy department? My skills-"

Luo Qiang shook his head, cutting off Kai's protest. "Any alchemist can brew potions, Kai. But your skills will be best put to use during battle. You've proven you can handle yourself against stronger opponents. We need that on the front lines."

This wasn't what Kai had expected at all. He had thought he'd found a safe niche for himself, a way to contribute without risking his life directly. Now, he was being thrown right into the thick of the fighting.

"But Sect Master," Kai tried again, his voice wavering slightly, "I'm still only at the Qi Refining stage. Surely there are others more qualified-"

"Others who haven't defeated a Foundation Establishment cultivator," Luo Qiang interrupted, his voice firm. "You have a unique perspective, Kai. You see weaknesses others might miss. That's what we need out there."

Kai swallowed hard, realizing there was no way out of this. He bowed deeply, trying to hide the fear in his eyes. "I... I understand, Sect Master."

"Shen Yu," Luo Qiang continued, "you’re in charge of organising the Qi Refining cultivators. Report to Wang Lin, he’ll be there to mentor you.”

"Understood, Sect Master," Shen Yu replied.

As they all filed out of the Sect Master's quarters, Kai couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Everything had changed so quickly. What should have been a successful mission had turned into the prelude to all-out war.

He glanced at Shen Yu, hoping to see some reaction from his usually stoic fellow disciple. To his surprise, he caught a fleeting look of excitement in Shen Yu's eyes before it vanished behind his usual mask of indifference.

What was that about? Is he actually looking forward to this war?

As they walked down the mountain path, the sect was already a flurry of activity. Disciples rushed back and forth, carrying messages and supplies. It seems that word about the war had already spread.

Yin Mengshuang broke the silence. "Well, this is going to be fun," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Nothing like a good old-fashioned sect war to liven things up."

Qi Liaxuan shook his head. "War is never something to be taken lightly, Mengshuang. Many lives will be lost in the coming days."

"I know that," she snapped back. "But what else can we do but face it head-on? I'd rather laugh than cry about it."

Wang Lin, who had been silent since leaving the Sect Master's quarters, suddenly spoke up. "We need to focus on our tasks. There's no time for idle chatter. Yin Mengshuang, Qi Liaxuan, gather the disciples as the Sect Master ordered. Shen Yu, come with me. We need to start planning our defensive strategies immediately."

As the others dispersed, Kai found himself alone, his mind reeling from the sudden change in his role. He knew he needed to start forming his team, but the weight of the responsibility was crushing.

A war. We're actually going to war. And I'm supposed to lead a team into battle. What are my chances of surviving this?

Just then, a hand clapped down on his shoulder, making him jump. He turned to see Elder Xiao, the head of the alchemy department, standing behind him.

"There you are, Disciple Kai," Elder Xiao said, his usually jovial face serious. "I heard about your assignment. It's not what any of us expected, but if anyone can do it, it's you. Come with me, let's discuss what kind of supplies your team will need. You may not be working in the alchemy department, but we'll make sure you're well-equipped for what's ahead. I can’t have you die anytime soon, boy."

Kai nodded, grateful for the elder's support. If he was going to lead his guild into battle, he'd make damn sure they were as prepared as possible.

I might not have wanted this role, but I'm going to do everything in my power to keep my team alive.

 

CG C128: Spiritual Beast Tribulation

Zhi-Zhi stood outside Cang Long's cave, his tiny shell quivering as he gazed up at the darkening sky. He knew what was coming - his Foundation Establishment tribulation.

What if my shell isn't strong enough? What if the lightning cracks it open like an egg? Zhi-Zhi's thoughts raced, each more terrifying than the last.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "Okay," he muttered to himself, "I can do this. I’m not fighting anyone. It's not a battle. It's just... standing still while the sky tries to kill me."

He paused, realizing his pep talk wasn't very encouraging.

"No, no, that's not right," he said, shaking his head. "It's a test. A test of my defenses. And defense is what I do best, right? I’m a tortoise! The most defensive creature in the world!"

As if in response to his words, a deafening roar echoed from inside the cave. Zhi-Zhi jumped, his shell clattering against the ground.

"Master?" he squeaked, peering into the darkness of the cave.

"It's time, my disciple! Show the heavens what you're made of!" Cang Long's voice boomed out.

Zhi-Zhi gulped. There was no turning back now. He closed his eyes, focusing on the qi flowing through his body. He could feel it - the barrier between the Qi Refining realm and the Foundation Establishment realm. He was already halfway there, teetering on the edge. This tribulation would push him over, helping him build his first Foundation pillar.

Here goes nothing.

With a mental push, Zhi-Zhi released the restraint on his qi. It surged forward, breaking past the barrier and rushing into the Foundation Establishment realm. The moment it did, thunder roared from the heavens, so loud it shook the ground beneath him.

Zhi-Zhi's eyes snapped open, and he gasped at the sight above him. The clouds were swirling, merging together into a shape. Not just any shape - a tortoise. A massive tortoise made entirely of clouds.

It was similar to Zhi-Zhi in many ways, but the differences were striking. Its shell was more defined, with intricate patterns etched into the cloudy surface. Its limbs were longer, ending in sharp, dangerous-looking claws. The head was larger, with a more pronounced beak.

Is that... is that what I'll look like if I succeed?

The thought filled Zhi-Zhi with a mix of excitement and terror. He wanted to grow stronger, to become more impressive. But the idea of changing so much... it was scary.

Inside the cave, Cang Long watched the proceedings with keen interest. His massive form shifted as he nodded approvingly at the sight of the cloud tortoise.

Ah, the tribulation of a spiritual beast. So different from that of human cultivators, yet no less challenging.

For spiritual beasts like Zhi-Zhi and himself, breakthroughs were less about comprehending the Dao and more about refining their bloodline. With each realm they conquered, their blood became purer, closer to that of their immortal ancestors. It was a process of transformation, of becoming more like the legendary creatures they descended from.

Zhi-Zhi is fortunate. As a Spirit Shell Tortoise, he already possesses a noble lineage. It will make him stronger than other tortoises at the same cultivation level, and his journey should be smoother.

A flicker of movement caught Cang Long's eye. The cloud tortoise was moving, its massive head turning towards Zhi-Zhi. Cang Long's eyes narrowed. The tribulation was beginning.

Outside, Zhi-Zhi watched in terror as the cloud tortoise's eyes fixed on him. There was a moment of stillness, a calm before the storm. Then, without warning, a bolt of lightning shot from the tortoise's mouth.

Zhi-Zhi didn't think. He acted on pure instinct, retreating into his shell as fast as he could. The lightning struck a heartbeat later.

The world exploded into light and sound. The ground shook violently, and for a terrible moment, Zhi-Zhi thought his shell would crack. But it held.

As the light faded and the rumbling subsided, Zhi-Zhi cautiously poked his head out. He was still in one piece.

"I... I did it? I survived the first strike!"

Before he could celebrate further, he felt a strange sensation. Some of the energy from the tribulation was seeping into his body, changing him ever so slightly. His shell felt a bit heavier, his limbs a bit stronger. When he looked at his claws, he noticed they were just a tiny bit longer and sharper.

I'm changing. Becoming more like that tortoise in the sky…

But there was no time to dwell on these changes. The sky rumbled again, and Zhi-Zhi looked up to see the cloud tortoise preparing another attack.

This time, instead of lightning, a stream of fire poured from its mouth. Zhi-Zhi yelped and ducked back into his shell, bracing for impact.

The heat was intense, washing over his shell in waves. Zhi-Zhi could feel his shell heating up, but it didn't burn. As the flames died down, he emerged, smoke rising from his shell but otherwise unharmed.

"Zhi-Zhi!" Cang Long's voice boomed from the cave. "Remember your training! Use the Shell Reinforcement technique!"

Zhi-Zhi nodded, gathering his qi. He focused on channeling it into his shell, creating a protective layer. Just in time, too - the next attack came in the form of sharp stone spikes raining down from the sky.

They clattered against his reinforced shell, unable to penetrate. Zhi-Zhi allowed himself a small smile. Maybe I can do this after all.

But the tribulation was far from over. The attacks came one after another, each testing a different aspect of Zhi-Zhi's defenses.

Next came a massive gust of wind, so powerful it threatened to lift Zhi-Zhi off the ground. He dug his claws into the earth, desperately trying to anchor himself.

"Stone Stance!" Cang Long instructed. "Make yourself as heavy as a mountain!"

Zhi-Zhi focused on another technique he had learned during his training. He channeled his qi downward, imagining roots growing from his body into the earth. Gradually, he felt himself becoming heavier, more stable.

The wind howled around him, but Zhi-Zhi held his ground.

A torrent of water then tried to sweep him off the mountain. Zhi-Zhi used his newly strengthened limbs to stand firm against the current.

With each attack, Zhi-Zhi felt himself changing, growing stronger. His shell became harder, his claws sharper, his mind clearer. The energy of the tribulation was refining him, purifying his bloodline.

Through it all, Cang Long's voice guided him, reminding him of techniques they'd practiced.

As the eighth attack faded - a barrage of icy spears that shattered against his shell - Zhi-Zhi felt a sense of accomplishment. I've almost done it. Just one more to go!

But when he looked up at the cloud tortoise, his newfound confidence wavered. The massive creature was moving, no longer content to attack from afar. It was diving straight towards him, its cloudy form growing larger by the second.

Zhi-Zhi's eyes widened in terror. "M-Master?" he called out, his voice shaking. "What do I do?"

Cang Long's reply was calm, filled with confidence in his disciple. "Stand your ground, little one. Your shell is your greatest weapon and your strongest defense. Trust in it. Trust in yourself."

Zhi-Zhi wanted to run, to hide, to do anything but stand there as the giant tortoise descended upon him. But he forced himself to stay put, drawing on every ounce of courage he possessed.

He closed his eyes, focusing all his qi into his shell. I am a Spirit Shell Tortoise, he told himself. My shell is impenetrable. I am strong. I can do this.

The cloud tortoise crashed into him like a meteor. For a moment, Zhi-Zhi thought he would be crushed. But then, to his amazement, the cloudy form enveloped him instead. It was like being swallowed whole; everything went dark, and he felt as if he was floating in a vast, empty space.

Then, suddenly, pure, unfiltered energy poured into him from all sides, filling every part of his being. It was overwhelming, almost painful in its intensity. But beneath the discomfort, Zhi-Zhi could feel himself changing, evolving.

His shell hardened and expanded. His limbs grew stronger. He could feel his very essence being refined, purified by the tribulation energy.

Outside, Cang Long watched as the cloud tortoise swallowed his disciple. The massive creature looked satisfied, even smug. It let out a loud burp, cloudy wisps escaping its mouth.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the cloud tortoise began to bulge oddly. Its form shimmered and wavered, like a mirage in the desert.

Suddenly, with a sound like thunder, the cloud tortoise exploded outward. As the cloudy fragments dissipated, they revealed Zhi-Zhi, standing tall and proud.

But this wasn't the Zhi-Zhi who had started the tribulation. This Zhi-Zhi was larger, his shell more defined and patterned. His limbs were longer, ending in sharper claws. His head was slightly bigger, an aura of power rolled off him - the unmistakable aura of Early Foundation Establishment.

As Zhi-Zhi stood there, the wind around him started to move strangely. It swirled gently, as if drawn to him. Small pebbles and bits of dirt near his feet trembled and shifted slightly. He could feel the wind and earth responding to him in a way they never had before. It was like they were saying hello to their new friend.

"Well done, little one! You've successfully entered the Foundation Establishment realm!” Cang Long's face split into a wide grin. He lumbered out of the cave, each step causing mini-earthquakes. When he reached Zhi-Zhi, he extended one massive claw and gently patted his disciple on the shell. “How do you feel?"

Zhi-Zhi looked up at his master, his eyes wide with wonder. "I feel... different. Stronger. Like I could move a mountain if I wanted to."

Cang Long chuckled. "That's the power of Foundation Establishment. But don't get too ahead of yourself. Moving mountains comes much later."

Zhi-Zhi nodded, still in awe at his new form. He flexed his claws, feeling the increased strength in them. "Master, was your Foundation Establishment tribulation like this too?"

A gleam entered Cang Long's eye, one that Zhi-Zhi had come to recognize. It meant a story was coming.

"Oh, my tribulation?" Cang Long said, puffing up his massive chest. "Well, let me tell you, it was quite the spectacle. The sky turned completely black, and not just any black - it was so dark it seemed to swallow light itself!"

Zhi-Zhi settled in, knowing this could take a while. But for once, he didn't mind. He was too excited about his breakthrough to be annoyed by his master's boasting.

"Lightning rained down like never before. Each bolt was as thick as a mountain and hot enough to melt stone! The ground shook so much, it created new valleys and mountains!"

"Really?" Zhi-Zhi asked, his eyes wide. "That sounds... intense."

"Oh, it was," Cang Long nodded sagely. "But that wasn't even the hardest part. No, the real challenge came when the tribulation took the form of a dragon. It was so large, its body wrapped around the entire mountain range three times!"

"A dragon?” Zhi-Zhi's jaw dropped. “But... but I thought tribulations took the form of your own species?"

Cang Long winked. "Normally, yes. But I'm no ordinary tortoise, am I? I'm a Dragonback Tortoise. The dragon in my bloodline recognized its kin and manifested accordingly."

"Wow," Zhi-Zhi breathed. "So, what happened next?"

"Well," Cang Long said, settling into his storytelling groove, "the dragon attacked with all five elements at once. Fire hot enough to vaporize oceans, water pressure that could crush mountains, wind sharp enough to cut through the hardest materials, lightning that could split the sky, and earth that could reshape continents."

Zhi-Zhi listened. Part of him wondered if his master was exaggerating. But another part, the part that had just experienced the awesome power of a tribulation, couldn't help but believe every word.

"And you survived all that?" Zhi-Zhi asked.

Cang Long nodded proudly. "Not only survived, but thrived! I absorbed the energy of each attack, growing stronger with every moment. By the end, I had grown to twice my original size!"

He leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Want to know the secret of how I did it?"

Zhi-Zhi nodded eagerly.

"The key," Cang Long said, tapping his shell, "is to never doubt yourself. Believe in your strength, in your bloodline, in your destiny. The tribulation isn't just a test of your body, but of your spirit. If you waver, you fail. But if you stand firm, nothing can break you."

Zhi-Zhi absorbed these words, feeling their truth resonate within him. Hadn't he done exactly that during his own tribulation? When he stopped doubting and started believing in himself, he had succeeded.

"Thank you, Master, I'll remember that."

"Good. Now, tell me about your experience. What did it feel like inside the cloud tortoise?"

The two tortoises, master and disciple, spent the rest of the day discussing cultivation, tribulations, and the path that lay ahead.

CG C127: This Upgrade Better Be Worth It

"Formation Alpha!" Elder Hu barked to his fellow elders. To the Boundless Earth Sect members, he called, "Support us however you can. We must work together to survive this!"

The three Crimson Phoenix elders took up positions around the purple construct. Elder Hu stood directly in front of it, while the flame-haired woman and the scarred man flanked it on either side.

"Crimson Phoenix Triad Formation!" Elder Hu roared.

Immediately, all three elders burst into flames. The fires surrounding them grew and took shape, forming three massive, fiery birds. Elder Hu's phoenix was the largest, its wingspan easily matching the purple construct in size.

The young man's voice echoed from within his qi armor, sounding almost bored. "Oh, is that all? I expected something more impressive from a Peak Nascent Soul cultivator."

Elder Hu's eyes narrowed. "You'll soon learn not to underestimate the Crimson Phoenix Sect, boy. Now!"

At his command, all three phoenixes screeched and dive-bombed the purple construct. The heat they generated was so intense that the very air seemed to waver and distort.

Meanwhile, Elder Song saw an opportunity. "Quick!" he shouted to his disciples. "While he's distracted!"

The Boundless Earth cultivators began a series of complex hand signs. The ground beneath the purple construct suddenly liquefied, turning into a deep pit of quicksand.

For a moment, it seemed their combined strategy might work. The construct sank up to its knees in the quicksand, while the phoenixes battered it from all sides.

But then, a chilling laugh emanated from within the purple armor. "Is that really the best you can do? I'm disappointed."

With a casual swipe of its massive hand, the construct batted away two of the phoenixes as if they were nothing more than annoying insects. They crashed into the walls of the purple domain, their fires sputtering out.

As for the quicksand, the construct simply stepped out of it.  With each step, the earth hardened beneath its feet, leaving perfect footprints in the once-liquid ground. "A valiant effort," the young man's voice mocked, "but ultimately futile."

Elder Hu, still in his phoenix form, circled warily. "Who are you?" he demanded. "What do you want from us?"

The construct's helmet retracted, revealing the young man's face. He was smiling, but his eyes were cold. "Who am I? Just another cultivator seeking power. As for what I want..." He paused, cocking his head as if listening to something. "Ah, yes. I need to kill you all to gain credits. So, nothing personal, you understand. It's just business."

With that, the helmet snapped back into place, and the construct charged forward with frightening speed. Its fist, larger than a man, swung towards Elder Hu.

The Crimson Phoenix elder barely managed to dodge, the massive fist passing so close that he felt the rush of air. "Impossible," he muttered. "Such speed at that size..."

The other cultivators weren't idle. The Boundless Earth Sect members had recovered from their earlier shock and were now fully in the fight. Elder Song slammed his palm into the ground, causing sharp stone spikes, each as tall as a person, to erupt beneath the construct's feet. At the same time, Dong Xin wove a complex pattern in the air, creating a swirling vortex of sand that engulfed the purple giant.

For a moment, it seemed their attacks might have an effect. The construct stumbled, its movements slowed by the sand and stone.

But then, a pulse of purple energy burst outward, shattering the stone spikes and dispersing the sandstorm. “I'm afraid you'll have to do better than that,” the young man's voice boomed.

The construct's arms suddenly elongated, stretching to impossible lengths. They shot towards Elder Song and Dong Xin with terrifying speed.

Elder Song's eyes widened, but his centuries of cultivation didn't fail him, he quickly slammed his palm into the ground. A thick wall of solid rock erupted from the earth, rising between him and the approaching hands.

Simultaneously, he shouted, "Dong Xin, move!"

But Dong Xin was only a Core Formation cultivator, he wasn’t fast enough. A massive hand wrapped around him, lifting him high into the air.

The other hand smashed through Elder Song's hastily erected barrier. Chunks of rock flew in all directions as the wall crumbled. Elder Song leaped back, narrowly avoiding the grasping fingers.

"Impressive reflexes, old man," the young man's voice echoed. "But how long can you keep it up?"

Elder Song's hands flashed through a series of complex seals. The ground beneath the construct began to churn and rise, forming into a giant stone fist that matched the construct's own in size. It swung upward, aiming for the construct's chin.

However, the purple giant simply caught the stone fist with its free hand, crushing it effortlessly.

Meanwhile, Dong Xin screamed in agony as purple energy flowed down the construct's arm, enveloping him. His qi was being forcibly extracted from his body.

"Dong Xin!" Elder Song cried out, his face contorted with anguish. He flew forward but before he could reach his disciple, the construct's other hand finally caught him mid-air, wrapping around his torso.

Elder Song struggled fiercely, his Nascent Soul cultivation allowing him to resist the draining effect far longer than Dong Xin. He managed to free one arm, slamming his palm against the construct's fingers. Cracks appeared in the purple armor, spreading rapidly.

For a moment, it seemed he might break free. But then the young man's voice rang out, "Enough of this!"

The purple energy intensified, becoming almost blinding. Elder Song's struggles weakened, his face paling as his life force was rapidly drained.

"Stop this madness!" Elder Hu roared, diving towards the construct in his phoenix form.

But he was too late. By the time he reached them, Elder Song and Dong Xin were nothing more than withered husks, all of their life force drained away. The construct casually tossed their remains aside, where they landed with dull thuds among the debris of the battle.

"Ah, much better," the young man sighed. "The Nascent Soul cultivator's qi was particularly... invigorating."

The female Boundless Earth member fell to her knees in shock. "You... you monster!"

The construct turned towards her, its featureless helm somehow managing to convey amusement. "Monster? I prefer to think of myself as... efficient."

The remaining cultivators regrouped, their faces dark. They knew now that they faced no ordinary opponent. This was a battle for survival.

Elder Hu addressed the other elders. "We must use our trump cards. It's our only hope."

The flame-haired woman nodded. "Agreed. Though it may cut off any chance of advancement…"

The scarred man cracked his knuckles. "Better to burn out in a blaze of glory than be drained like those poor fools."

Their only option was to use a forbidden technique that would burn up their very essence for a moment of ultimate power.

As one, the three Crimson Phoenix elders began to chant causing the air around them shimmered with heat, and their bodies to glow with an inner fire.

The young man in the construct seemed to realize what they were planning. For the first time, a note of concern entered his voice. "Oh? What's this now? System, analyze their technique!"

But before he could react further, the three Crimson Phoenix elders completed their chant. Their bodies erupted into pillars of white-hot flame, so bright that it was painful to look at directly.

When the light faded, where the three elders had stood now hovered a single, massive phoenix. Its feathers were made of living flame, and its eyes burned with the combined will of the three cultivators.

The phoenix opened its beak and spoke with the blended voices of the elders. "Now, abomination, face the true power of the Crimson Phoenix Sect!"

The massive firebird dive-bombed the purple construct, its talons extended. This time, when they clashed, the construct was actually forced back, its feet leaving deep furrows in the earth.

"Impressive!" the young man's voice called out, sounding genuinely excited for the first time. "Now this is more like it! Show me what you've got!"

The battle that followed was nothing short of cataclysmic. The phoenix and the construct traded blows that shook the very foundations of the earth. Each impact sent shockwaves of qi rippling through the air, scorching the ground and uprooting trees.

Without the purple domain surrounding them, the collateral damage would have leveled mountains.

For a while, it seemed that the phoenix might actually win. Its relentless assault pushed the construct back, step by step. Cracks began to appear in the purple qi armor, and the young man's voice grew strained.

"System!" he shouted. "I need more power! Divert all non-essential functions!"

Whatever response he received seemed to satisfy him. The construct's eyes flared with a brighter purple light, and its movements became even faster, more fluid.

The tide of the battle slowly began to turn. The construct's blows landed more frequently, each one chipping away at the phoenix's fiery form. The great firebird's attacks, while still devastatingly powerful, began to slow.

Finally, with a mighty two-handed swing, the construct smashed the phoenix into the ground. The impact was so great that the female Core Formation cultivator observing the battle was thrown off her feet, despite being at the edge of the clearing.

When the dust settled, the phoenix was gone. In its place lay the three Crimson Phoenix elders, their bodies broken and burnt almost beyond recognition. They still lived, but only barely, their chests rising and falling with shallow, labored breaths.

The construct stood over the fallen Crimson Phoenix elders, its purple glow dimmed but still intimidating. The helmet retracted once more, revealing the young man's face. He was breathing heavily, and a thin trickle of blood ran from his nose.

"Well," he panted, "that was certainly exciting. You actually made me work for it. I'm impressed."

He looked down at the fallen elders, a hint of respect in his eyes. "It's almost a shame to finish you off. You'd make excellent training dummies." He paused, tilting his head as if listening to something. "What? No, I'm not getting sentimental. I'm just saying... fine, fine. I'll end it quickly."

The construct's massive foot rose, hovering over the helpless elders before it came crashing down. There was a sickening crunch, and the once-mighty Crimson Phoenix elders were no more.

The young man turned his attention to the female Boundless Earth Sect member, who stood frozen in terror. Her robes, once a pristine brown with green trim, were now stained with dirt and the blood of her fallen comrades. "Your turn, lady. Any last words?"

The woman's eyes darted frantically, searching for an escape that didn't exist. Her mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out. Her gaze was fixed on the purple giant looming over her, its power beyond anything she had ever encountered.

"No?" the young man said with a malicious grin. "Well, that makes this easier."

The construct's hand shot out, faster than the cultivator could blink. In an instant, she found herself engulfed in a sickly purple glow. A scream caught in her throat as she felt her qi, her very life force, being drained away. She tried to struggle, to summon her qi, but it slipped through her control like sand.

In a few moments, all that remained of the once-proud Core Formation expert was a withered husk, her face frozen in an expression of horror and disbelief. The construct casually tossed her remains aside, where they landed with a dull thud among the bodies of her fallen sect mates.

With all the cultivators defeated, the young man dispelled his construct. The purple qi receded, leaving him standing alone in the devastated clearing. He surveyed the carnage around him, a satisfied smile on his face.

"Mission complete," he announced to the empty air. "Now, let's see about those rewards."

His smile quickly faded, replaced by a frown. "What do you mean, the rewards are lower than expected? I just took out multiple Nascent Soul cultivators! That should be worth a fortune in XP!"

The young man began to pace, gesticulating wildly. "This is ridiculous! Do you know how much effort I put into this mission? And you're telling me the payoff is subpar?"

"Yes, yes, I know you promised there'd be a lot more rewards if you get an upgrade," he said, rolling his eyes. "But how am I meant to find this other system user? I already used up the Resonance Compass, and that was my last one!"

He kicked at a pebble, sending it skittering across the blood-stained ground. "If you want me to find system users, why are you so stingy with giving me items that find them? It doesn't make any sense!"

The young man's voice rose in frustration. "And what's with all these rules you have to follow? These arbitrary limitations? They just hold us back! We could be so much more efficient if you'd just... what? No, I'm not questioning your superiority, I'm just saying there's room for improvement!"

He continued his rant, gesticulating wildly at the empty air. To any observer, it would have appeared as if he was arguing with an invisible entity. His behavior was erratic, almost manic.

"It's strange, you know," he mused, his tone suddenly contemplative. "These rules you have to follow... they seem like they were designed to create conflict, to drive the plot of some cosmic story." He shook his head, chuckling darkly. "But that would be absurd, wouldn't it?"

Finally, the young man seemed to deflate, his shoulders sagging in defeat. "Fine," he sighed. "I'll save up more credits and buy another Resonance Compass soon. But this upgrade better be worth it, System. I'm getting tired of these wild goose chases."

He cast one last look around the clearing, his eyes devoid of any emotion as they swept over the bodies of those he had so casually slaughtered. "What a waste," he muttered. "All this power, and not a single system user among them."

The ground beneath his feet began to liquefy. The young man sank into the earth as if it were water.

"This upgrade better be worth it."

And with that, he was gone. The soil sealed seamlessly behind him, leaving no trace of his passage.

CG C126: Tell me, does anyone here have a system?

The sun had just begun to peek over the horizon when a group of cultivators from the Boundless Earth Sect were a few hundred kilometers away from the clearing. A tall man with a long gray beard, Elder Song, led the group.

"We should have been here hours ago," he grumbled. "This delay is unacceptable."

Beside him, a younger cultivator named Dong Xin nodded wearily. "That spatial tear was unlike anything I've ever seen, Elder. Do you think we should send word back to the sect about it?"

Elder Song's frown deepened. "Once we've concluded our business here, yes. Such anomalies are rare and dangerous. The Sect Master will want to know."

As they walked, the cultivators behind them muttered among themselves.

"I still can't believe we made it out," one whispered. "When that tear started pulling at us, I thought for sure we were done for."

Another nodded vigorously. "If it weren't for Elder Song's quick thinking with that earth barrier technique, we might all be lost in some twisted dimension right now."

Elder Song glanced back at them, his expression softening slightly. "You all performed admirably in the face of an unprecedented threat. Take pride in that. But now we must focus on the task at hand. Our delay may have already complicated matters with the Crimson Phoenix Sect."

The group fell silent at that, sobered by the reminder of their mission, they pressed on.

As they neared their destination, a clearing in the heart of the forest, Elder Song suddenly held up a hand, signaling the group to stop. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the area ahead.

"Something's not right," he muttered. "Be on your guard."

Cautiously, they entered the clearing. What they saw made them freeze in their tracks.

The ground was littered with bodies, the unmistakable robes of the Crimson Phoenix Sect stained dark with blood.

"By the heavens," whispered one of the Core Formation cultivators, her hand flying to her mouth. “They’re all dead!"

Elder Song nodded grimly. "Take a closer look at the ground around them."

Dong Xin looked closer and gasped. The earth was torn and twisted, great furrows carved into the soil. In some places, jagged spikes of stone jutted out at odd angles.

"These... these are Earth techniques," Dong Xin said, his voice shaking. "Our techniques."

"But that's impossible!” the female Core Formation cultivator’s face paled. “We were delayed, we only just arrived!"

Elder Song's expression darkened. "This is bad. Very bad. We need to-"

His words were cut off by a sudden surge of powerful qi. The air shimmered as three figures materialized in the clearing. Their robes proudly showed off the emblem of the Crimson Phoenix Sect. The one in the center, an elderly man with a short white goatee, radiated an aura at the Peak Nascent Soul realm.

"Song Huai!" the Crimson Phoenix Elder bellowed, his eyes blazing with fury. "What in the name of the heavens have you done?"

Elder Song stepped forward, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "Elder Hu, please, this isn't what it looks like-"

"Isn't what it looks like?" Elder Hu scoffed. "We rushed here the moment Elder Bu's soul lamp was extinguished, and what do we find? You and your Boundless Earth Sect disciples standing over the bodies of our fallen brothers and sisters!"

One of the other Nascent Soul cultivators flanking Elder Hu spoke up, his voice dripping with disdain. "Look at them, Elder Hu. They didn't even have the decency to flee the scene. Such arrogance!"

Elder Song's face paled. "No, you don't understand. We only just arrived ourselves. We were delayed by-"

"Delayed?" Elder Hu's qi flared. "Do you take us for fools, Song Huai? The evidence of your Earth techniques is written all over this battlefield!"

Elder Song took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure. "Elder Hu, please listen. We're being set up. Someone is trying to pit our sects against each other. If you'd just let me explain-"

His words were cut off by a rumbling from beneath their feet. The ground between the two groups suddenly burst upward, showering them with dirt and stones. As the dust settled, a figure emerged from the newly formed hole.

It was a young man, no more than twenty years old, with wild black hair and piercing violet eyes. Despite his youth, he radiated the unmistakable aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator. But there was something... off about him. His gaze was unfocused, darting around as if reading something only he could see.

"Another dead end," the young man muttered to himself, frowning at the empty air. "Are you sure the trail leads here? I'm not sensing any other system users."

The cultivators from both sects stared at the newcomer in bewilderment. The young man seemed oblivious to their presence, continuing his one-sided conversation.

"What do you mean, 'keep looking'? I've been searching for days! If your detection abilities are so great, why can't you pinpoint the exact location?"

Finally, Elder Hu cleared his throat loudly. "Young man, who are you? And what are you talking about?"

The youth's head snapped up, his eyes focusing on the group for the first time. A slow smile spread across his face, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Oh, hello there. I didn't see you. Tell me, does anyone here have a system?"

The cultivators exchanged confused glances. Dong Xin was the first to speak up. "A... system? What do you mean?"

The young man's smile widened. "You know, a system! A magical interface that shows you your stats, skills, and quests. Surely one of you must have one?"

Elder Song stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "Young man, I'm afraid we don't understand what you're talking about. Perhaps you could explain?"

The youth sighed dramatically. "It's simple, really. A system is like... a personal cultivation assistant. It helps you track your progress, gives you quests, and even provides rewards for completing tasks. Some are more advanced than others, of course. Mine is quite impressive, if I do say so myself."

He paused, cocking his head to the side as if listening to something. "What? No, I'm not bragging. I'm just explaining... Fine, fine, I'll ask them directly."

The young man turned back to the group, his violet eyes scanning each face intently. "So, none of you have experienced anything like that? No mysterious voices in your head? No floating screens showing your cultivation progress?"

The cultivators looked at each other, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern. The scarred elder from the Crimson Phoenix Sect leaned close to his peers, whispering, "The poor boy has clearly lost his mind. It happens sometimes when one reaches the Nascent Soul realm too young."

The flame-haired woman nodded solemnly. "Such a waste. He must have been a prodigy to reach this level at his age."

The young man's eyes narrowed, having clearly heard their whispered conversation. "I assure you, I'm perfectly sane. But I can see you don't believe me. It doesn't matter, really. System or no system, it seems you all need to die now."

Before anyone could react, purple qi began to leak from the young man's body. It swirled around him, growing denser and more opaque until it completely engulfed him. Then it continued to expand, taking on a massive humanoid shape.

When the transformation was complete, the young man stood encased in a colossal purple construct, easily twenty meters tall. It resembled an ancient warrior, complete with armor and a helm that obscured the youth's face.

"What... what is this?" gasped Dong Xin, stumbling backward.

Elder Hu gritted his teeth. "I've never seen anything like it. Even at my level, I've never encountered such a technique."

The young man's voice boomed from within the construct, tinged with amusement. "Oh, this? Just a little something my system cooked up for me. It’s inspired by my favorite anime. Neat, isn't it?"

The elders from both sects exchanged glances. Without a word, they seemed to come to an agreement. Whatever their differences, this new threat took precedence.

Elder Hu stepped forward, his qi flaring around him. "Young man, I don't know who you are or what your quarrel is with us, but I suggest you stand down. You may be powerful, but you face four Nascent Soul cultivators. You cannot hope to win, let alone survive."

The purple construct's head tilted slightly.

"Hmm, you might have a point there," the young man murmured. "But you know what I see when I look at you guys? Walking XP banks. Bags of loot just waiting to be cashed in." He chuckled, the sound disturbingly light-hearted. "And I can't have my payday running off, now can I?"

Elder Song's brow furrowed in confusion. "XP banks? Loot? Payday? What in the name of the Heavenly Dao are you babbling about, boy?"

The young man ignored him, raising one massive purple hand. "So, let's set up the arena, shall we? Can't have a proper boss fight without walls! Domain Expansion!"

A wave of qi exploded outward from the construct, far more potent than should have been possible for an early Nascent Soul cultivator. It spread rapidly, forming a rectangular prison of purple energy that enclosed the entire clearing.

"There," the young man murmured. "Now we can have some real fun. I'll even let you make the first move. Come on, show me what you've got!"

Elder Song glanced skyward, as if seeking answers from the heavens themselves. "What kind of dog shit luck," he muttered under his breath, "do you need to have to run into a lunatic like this?" He shook his head. "If I survive this, I'm retiring to a nice, quiet mountain. Far, far away from any of this nonsense."

CG C125: Domain

Kai watched from the hilltop as the battles below reached their climax. His body ached from his own fight, but he couldn't look away from the scene unfolding before him.

This is no battle, Kai thought as he watched the battle between Yin Mengshuang and Li Yuan. It's a one-sided slaughter.

The silver threads tightened around Li Yuan's body, his struggles became more frantic. The Dream Binding Threads glowed ominously, feeding on his deepest fears and insecurities.

"No... please..." Li Yuan gasped, his earlier bravado completely shattered.

Yin Mengshuang's smile was cruel, her eyes glittering with malicious glee. "What's this? A mighty Crimson Phoenix expert, begging for mercy? How pathetic."

She made a sharp gesture with her hand, and the threads suddenly constricted. There was a sickening crunch of bones, and Li Yuan's body went limp, his life extinguished in an instant.

Yin Mengshuang looked down at her fallen opponent, a mix of satisfaction and disappointment on her face. "Well, that was fun while it lasted," she mused, casually brushing a strand of silver hair from her face. "Though I expected more of a challenge from a Core Formation cultivator of the Crimson Phoenix Sect."

Kai felt himself grow pale, the casual cruelty of Yin Mengshuang's actions was chilling. It was something he would have only expected from a demonic cultivator.

"She's... terrifying," he muttered.

Beside him, Shen Yu nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yin Mengshuang is known for her sadistic streak. It's why many in the sect avoid her."

Kai turned his attention to the other battle, where Qi Liaxuan stood staring down Zhao Xiuying. “This is where your journey ends.”

Zhao Xiuying struggled against the mental fog clouding her thoughts. Her eyes, once filled with purpose, now reflected only confusion and weariness.

"No... I can't... I won't give up," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. With tremendous effort, she began to gather her qi once more, flames flickering weakly around her hands.

Qi Liaxuan's eyes narrowed slightly. "I see you still cling to your defiance. Very well. Let me show you the true nature of the Flowing Abyss."

With a fluid motion, he extended his hand towards Zhao Xiuying. The air between them seemed to ripple and distort, as if reality itself was bending to his will.

"Eternal Flow Convergence.”

Suddenly, Zhao Xiuying found herself unable to move. It wasn't that she was paralyzed - rather, time itself seemed to have stopped for her. She could see Qi Liaxuan approaching, his movements blurring as if he was existing in multiple moments simultaneously.

"What you experienced before was but a taste," Qi Liaxuan explained, his voice echoing strangely in the distorted space. "Now, you will truly understand the transient nature of existence."

He placed his palm on Zhao Xiuying's forehead. In that instant, she felt an overwhelming rush of sensations. She experienced a lifetime - no, multiple lifetimes - in the span of a heartbeat. Birth, growth, decay, death, rebirth - the endless cycle played out in her mind at dizzying speed.

"What's he doing?" Kai whispered, more to himself than to Shen Yu.

Shen Yu's eyes narrowed slightly. "He's using a Domain.”

"A Domain?” Kai's eyes widened in surprise. “But I thought only cultivators above the Nascent Soul realm could use those!"

Shen Yu shook his head slightly. "Normally, yes. But Qi Liaxuan's understanding of the Dao surpasses many Nascent Soul cultivators. He's managed to form a rudimentary Domain even at the Core Formation stage."

Zhao Xiuying's body began to change rapidly. Her hair cycled through black, gray, and white. Her skin smoothed and wrinkled, over and over. She aged and rejuvenated countless times in mere seconds.

Finally, as the technique reached its peak, Zhao Xiuying let out a final, agonized gasp. Her body, unable to withstand the strain of countless lifetimes compressed into a moment, simply... ceased to be. There was no explosion, no dramatic disintegration. One moment she was there, and the next, she was gone, leaving behind nothing but a faint shimmer in the air.

Qi Liaxuan lowered his hand, his face impassive. "And so, the cycle continues," he murmured, almost to himself. "May you find wisdom in your next incarnation, Zhao Xiuying."

Kai felt his stomach lurch. He'd seen death before, had even caused it himself, but this... this was something else entirely.

"She's... gone," Kai said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Just like that. No body, no ashes, nothing."

He turned to Shen Yu, seeking some kind of reassurance or explanation. "Is this normal? For Core Formation cultivators to just... erase someone from existence?"

"Normal? No," Shen Yu shook his head. "But for someone who has truly grasped the Dao of the Flowing Abyss like Qi Liaxuan, it's possible. Within his Domain, he didn't just kill her body. He erased her very existence from this cycle of reincarnation."

"I knew cultivators were powerful, but this..." Kai shook his head, still struggling to find words. "It's like he rewrote reality itself."

Shen Yu's gaze drifted to the horizon, his eyes taking on a distant, almost wistful look. When he spoke, his voice was soft, as if he was speaking more to himself than to Kai.

"Qi Liaxuan is... special, even among Core Formation cultivators. His understanding of the Dao surpasses many Nascent Soul realm experts, perhaps even Wang Lin himself. To form even a rudimentary Domain at his level... it's almost unheard of."

There was something in Shen Yu's tone, a mix of admiration and what almost sounded like longing, that caught Kai's attention. He turned to look at his fellow disciple, struck by the faraway expression on Shen Yu's face.

"The way he manipulates the flow of time and space," Shen Yu continued, his eyes still fixed on some distant point, "it's a glimpse of what true mastery of the Dao looks like. In time, he may reshape the very foundations of reality itself."

As Kai listened, he couldn't shake the feeling that Shen Yu wasn't just making assumptions.

Is Shen Yu describing Qi Liaxuan from... the future?

Shen Yu blinked, seeming to come back to the present moment. He turned to Kai, his usual impassive mask sliding back into place. "You should focus on the battle above, you can learn a lot from the way Nascent Soul cultivators battle.”

But before Kai could do that, he had a question he needed to ask. A question that had been nagging at him since their own fights ended.

“Hey, Shen Yu... what did you take from that cultivator you killed? I saw you grab something from the body."

Shen Yu's expression didn't change, but there was a slight pause before he answered. "Just some resources. It's standard practice to loot the bodies of fallen enemies. Don't tell me you've never done it?"

Kai didn't buy the excuse. There was something off about Shen Yu's response, a hint of evasiveness that set off alarm bells in his mind.

"Well, my Divine Lightning Hammer kind of... disintegrated her,” Kai smiled wryly, thinking of his battle with Jin Ling. “Didn't leave much behind to loot."

"Ah," Shen Yu said. "That's... unfortunate. You should be more careful in the future. A cultivator's storage ring often contains valuable treasures and resources."

"I'll keep that in mind for next time.”

Kai couldn't shake the feeling that his fellow disciple was hiding something. The way Shen Yu had carefully removed the item from the corpse, the slight hesitation before answering Kai's question... it all pointed to something more than simple looting.

Could Shen Yu have some connection to the Crimson Phoenix Sect? The idea seemed absurd at first - Shen Yu was a disciple of the Azure Sky Sect, after all. But then again, if Kai's suspicions about Shen Yu being a reincarnator or regressor were true, who knew what connections he might have had in a past life?

Could Shen Yu have been friendly with the Crimson Phoenix Sect in his previous existence? Was he trying to preserve some memento or information from his past? Or was it something even more sinister - was Shen Yu playing both sides somehow?

He wanted to press further, to demand a more detailed explanation from Shen Yu. But he held back, knowing that if his suspicions were correct, confronting Shen Yu directly would lead nowhere and could even be dangerous.

Their conversation was cut short as a massive surge of qi rippled through the air. Both Kai and Shen Yu turned their attention back to the sky, where Wang Lin and Elder Bu were still locked in their titanic clash.

The elderly cultivator floated high in the air, his face contorted with rage and desperation. The bodies of his fallen comrades lay scattered across the battlefield below.

"You... you monsters!" he roared, his voice echoing across the clearing. "You'll pay for this! The Crimson Phoenix Sect will burn your precious Azure Sky Sect to the ground!"

Wang Lin faced him calmly, seeming unperturbed by the elder's outburst. A small smile played on his lips.

"I think I'm done playing around, Elder Bu," Wang Lin said. "It's time to end this."

Elder Bu's eyes widened as Wang Lin raised his sword. The blade began to glow with an eerie black light.

"What... what are you doing?" Elder Bu demanded, a note of fear creeping into his voice.

Wang Lin didn't answer. Instead, his body began to shimmer and distort. To Elder Bu's astonishment, Wang Lin's form seemed to merge with his sword, becoming a being of pure shadow.

"Impossible," Elder Bu whispered. "What kind of technique is this?"

The shadow that was Wang Lin spoke, its voice echoing strangely. "This, Elder Bu, is the Shadow Sword Merge. A technique that can only be mastered by one who has achieved perfect unity with both their sword and their elemental affinity."

Elder Bu's mind raced. He'd never heard of such a technique before. How could someone so young have mastered something so advanced?

"You're bluffing," he said, trying to sound confident. "This is just some illusion, like that Silver Dream witch uses!"

The shadow chuckled, the sound sending chills down Elder Bu's spine. "Oh, I assure you, this is very real."

Suddenly, the shadow vanished. Elder Bu blinked, confused. Where had Wang Lin gone?

Then he felt a presence beside him. He turned, coming face to face with the young Nascent Soul expert, who had reappeared out of thin air.

"How did you-" Elder Bu began, but his words cut off abruptly.

He felt... strange. Disconnected. He looked down and saw his own body, standing there without a head.

With growing horror, Elder Bu realized what had happened. His consciousness, somehow still intact, watched as his headless body toppled from the sky.

No! This can't be happening!

In a desperate attempt to survive, Elder Bu's consciousness retreated to his Nascent Soul. The glowing, miniature version of himself emerged from his falling body, trying to flee.

But Wang Lin was faster. His hand made a slashing motion, too quick for the eye to follow. The Nascent Soul split into a thousand glowing fragments, each one fading away like sparks from a dying fire.

As the last fragments of his existence faded away, Elder Bu's final thought was one of bitter regret. I should have stayed home today...

Wang Lin floated back down to the ground, his sword returning to its normal state.

"Well done, everyone. Now, we need to make this look like the work of the Boundless Earth Sect."

"Ooh, a frame job!” Yin Mengshuang's eyes lit up. “This should be fun."

Qi Liaxuan merely nodded. "It will be done, Senior Brother but won't they be able to sense our qi signatures?"

Wang Lin smiled, reaching into his storage ring. He pulled out a small, unassuming stone. "Not with this," he said. "It's a Qi Distortion Stone. It will mask our presence and make it appear as though Earth-attribute qi was used here."

He activated the stone, and a subtle ripple spread across the clearing. Kai watched in fascination as the very feel of the air seemed to change.

"This will also interfere with any scrying attempts by other sects," Wang Lin explained. "They'll see only what we want them to see."

The Core Formation cultivators nodded, impressed. They set about arranging the bodies and planting false evidence, working quickly and efficiently.

As they worked, Wang Lin turned to Kai and Shen Yu. "You two did well," he said, a note of approval in his voice. "Master wasn't wrong to choose you."

Kai felt a surge of pride at the praise, mixed with a healthy dose of relief. They'd survived, and apparently impressed Wang Lin in the process.

"Thank you, Senior Brother," Kai said, bowing slightly.

Wang Lin nodded. "We need to leave soon. The Boundless Earth Sect members will be arriving shortly, and we don't want to be here when they do."

As they prepared to depart, Kai couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Relief at having survived, pride at their success, but also a nagging unease. This mission had been far more intense and morally ambiguous than he'd expected.

The casual display of power he'd just witnessed had shaken him to his core. This, he realized, was the true face of cultivation. Beautiful, terrible, and utterly beyond his current comprehension.

He glanced at Shen Yu, wondering if his fellow disciple felt the same way. But Shen Yu's face was as unreadable as ever.

I really hope this is the end of it, Kai thought as he followed Wang Lin away from the battlefield. His eyes darted nervously, half-expecting another ambush or challenge to appear. No more surprises, please. No secret cultivators waiting in the shadows, no last-minute twists. I've had enough excitement for one day...

 

CG C124: Fighting a Foundation Establishment Cultivator

Without warning, Jin Ling dashed forward. Her sword became a blur, aiming for Kai's neck. Time seemed to slow as Kai's survival instincts kicked in.

"Swift Wind Step!" he gasped.

Kai's body blurred, leaving afterimages as he narrowly avoided decapitation. The sword passed so close he felt the wind brush against his skin.

"Oh? Not bad for a Qi Refiner,” Jin Ling's eyebrows rose slightly. “You might last a whole minute at this rate."

Kai didn't respond, focusing on maintaining his defensive stance. I can't let her dictate the pace of this fight. I need to find an opening.

Jin Ling didn't give him much time to think. She lunged forward again, this time with a technique of her own. "Crimson Flame Strike!"

Her sword erupted in brilliant red flames, the heat intense even from a distance. Kai knew he couldn't dodge this one. Instead, he activated another skill.

"Iron Skin!" he shouted. A faint metallic sheen covered his body just as Jin Ling's flaming sword made contact.

The impact sent Kai skidding backward, his feet leaving furrows in the ground. He gritted his teeth against the pain. The Iron Skin had reduced the damage, but he could still feel the burn where the sword had struck.

"Interesting,” Jin Ling murmured as she raised an eyebrow. “You're full of surprises, aren't you?"

Kai managed a grin, despite the pain. "I try to keep things exciting."

This isn't good. One hit, and I'm already feeling it. I need to turn this around somehow.

He decided to go on the offensive. Gathering his qi, Kai activated another skill. "Flame Palm Strike!"

He dashed forward, his palm wreathed in fire. Jin Ling's eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting a fire-based attack. She didn't even try to dodge. As Kai's flaming palm struck her chest, she didn't so much as flinch. Instead, she grinned, the flames seeming to be absorbed into her body.

"Cute," she said, grabbing Kai's wrist. Her touch was scorching hot. "But fire is my domain, little cultivator."

With a casual flick of her wrist, she sent Kai flying across the clearing. He slammed into a tree with bone-crushing force, sliding to the ground in a crumpled heap.

Get up, Kai commanded his battered body. Get up or you're dead.

Slowly, agonizingly, he pushed himself to his feet. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and he was pretty sure he had several broken ribs.

Jin Ling watched with a mix of amusement and grudging respect. "I'm impressed you can still stand. Ready to give up yet? I promise I'll make it quick."

"Not a chance," Kai spat out a mouthful of blood.

Jin Ling shrugged. "Your funeral." She raised her hand, and suddenly the air around them became unbearably hot. "Crimson Inferno Cage."

Walls of flame sprang up around Kai, forming a tight circle. The heat was suffocating, making it hard to breathe. Sweat poured down his face as he looked for a way out.

Kai closed his eyes, focusing on the flames, searching for any openings.

"Lightning Step!"

Kai eyes shot open as electricity crackled around his feet, and in a flash, he burst through the wall of flames, his clothes smoking but his body largely unharmed thanks to Iron Skin.

"Wind, fire, and now lightning? But... how?" Jin Ling's eyes widened.

Kai disappeared once more and reappeared behind her, hand covered with electricity. "Static Charge!"

His palm struck Jin Ling's back... and she didn't even flinch.

"Interesting," she mused, turning to face him. "I can tell you have the potential to be a powerful cultivator."

Before Kai could react, Jin Ling's hand shot out, grabbing his throat. She lifted him effortlessly, Kai's feet dangling above the ground.

"But potential isn’t enough," she continued, her grip tightening. "You lack the time to grow."

Kai clawed at her hand, gasping for air. Black spots danced in his vision.

Can't... breathe...

Just as Kai was about to lose consciousness, Jin Ling tossed him aside like a rag doll. He hit the ground hard, coughing and gulping in air.

"Get up," Jin Ling commanded. "I'm not done playing yet."

Kai pushed himself to his hands and knees, every movement agony. I can't win. She's too strong, too fast. I need... I need a miracle.

As if in answer to his desperate thought, a bolt of lightning split the sky overhead. The battle between the Nascent Soul cultivators was intensifying, their clash sending ripples of power through the air.

An idea began to form in Kai's mind. It was insane, probably suicidal, but it was all he had left.

I need more time to make this work…

Slowly, painfully, Kai rose to his feet. Jin Ling watched with mild interest.

"Oh? Still have some fight left in you?" she asked, amused.

Kai didn't respond. Instead, he closed his eyes, focusing on his remaining qi. Subtly, he began drawing in the ambient lightning energy from the air, channeling it high above them where the chaos of the Nascent Soul battle would mask its presence.

"What are you planning now, little cultivator?” Jin Ling's eyes narrowed. “Another futile attack?"

Kai opened his eyes, a glint of determination shining through the pain. "Why don't you find out?"

"Bold words for someone barely standing. Fine, let's see what you've got," She dashed forward, her speed blurring her form. "Crimson Flame Whip!"

A long, fiery whip materialized in her hand, lashing out towards Kai. He activated his Swift Wind Step, narrowly avoiding the scorching attack. The whip struck the ground where he had been standing, leaving a deep, smoldering gash in the earth.

Kai reappeared a few meters away, panting heavily. Just a little longer...

“Flame Serpent Strike!"

She thrust her palm forward, and a massive snake-like stream of fire shot towards Kai.

A faint, shimmering barrier of pure qi formed around Kai as the fiery serpent slammed into him. Kai gritted his teeth, pouring more energy into the shield. When the attack finally dissipated, Kai's barrier was barely holding, but he was still standing.

Jin Ling looked genuinely surprised.

"You're more resilient than I thought,” she admitted. “But how long can you keep this up?"

Not long enough, Kai thought grimly. He could feel his qi reserves depleting rapidly. His final attack was nearly ready, but he needed to buy just a bit more time.

"My turn," Kai said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. He reached into his storage ring, pulling out seven slender daggers.

"Nice toys you have there, little cultivator."

Kai didn't respond. Instead, he closed his eyes, concentrating intensely as he infused lightning qi into them. With a series of rapid gestures, Kai sent the daggers flying towards Jin Ling. Each blade moved in a complex, unpredictable pattern.

Jin Ling's eyebrows rose slightly, genuinely intrigued. She dodged gracefully, her body weaving between the daggers with inhuman speed.

"Not bad," she admitted, easily evading the attacks. "But you'll have to do better than that."

Suddenly, the daggers changed direction mid-flight. Instead of striking at Jin Ling directly, they embedded themselves in the ground around her, forming a perfect heptagon.

Before Jin Ling could react, arcs of lightning sprang between the daggers, forming a field of electricity. The air sizzled as the lightning cage closed in around her.

"Thunderbolt Prison," Kai gasped, sweat beading on his forehead from the effort of maintaining the technique.

For a moment, Jin Ling stood motionless within the lightning field, her expression unreadable. Then, a small smile played across her lips.

"Clever," she admitted. "Using real weapons as conduits... you're more resourceful than I gave you credit for."

She reached out, touching one of the lightning arcs with her fingertip. The electricity sparked and flared, but seemed unable to harm her.

"But still," Jin Ling continued, her smile turning predatory, "far too weak."

With a casual wave of her hand, crimson flames erupted around her. The fire expanded outward, pushing against the lightning field. For a brief second, fire and lightning clashed in a spectacular display of light and energy.

Then, with a sound like shattering glass, the lightning field broke. The daggers, overwhelmed by the intense heat, began to melt where they stood.

Jin Ling stepped out of the fading lightning cage, brushing an imaginary speck of dust from her shoulder. She looked almost bored.

"A valiant effort, little cultivator," she said, her voice dripping with condescension. "But now, let me show you true power. Crimson Phoenix Talons!"

Her hands became engulfed in intense flames, shaped like the talons of a massive bird. She swooped down, her fiery claws raking across Kai's qi barrier.

The barrier shattered like glass, and Kai screamed as the flames seared his flesh. He was sent flying, crashing through several trees before coming to a stop.

Kai struggled to his feet, his body a mass of pain. Blood trickled from numerous cuts, and angry red burns covered his arms and chest.

Jin Ling landed gracefully, flames still dancing around her hands. "Had enough yet?"

Kai spat out another mouthful of blood. "Not... not even close," he gasped.

Jin Ling's eyes flashed with anger. "You're either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid. Let's find out which. Crimson Inferno!"

The air around them suddenly became unbearably hot. Flames erupted from the ground, forming a swirling vortex around Jin Ling. Trees caught fire, the clearing becoming a raging inferno.

Kai felt the heat searing his skin, his clothes beginning to smolder. Almost there... just need to hold on a little longer...

As the wall of flames rushed towards him, Kai's body took on a metallic sheen. The fire struck him with tremendous force, but instead of incinerating him, it rebounded.

Jin Ling's eyes widened in shock as her own flames rushed back at her. She raised her arms to defend herself, but the unexpected reversal caught her off guard. The rebounded fire struck her, sending her stumbling backward with a cry of pain and rage.

"You... you dare?!" she snarled, her perfect composure finally cracking. Angry red burns marred her skin where her own flames had struck her.

The air around Jin Ling shimmered with heat. Her body began to glow, and suddenly, she was engulfed in flames shaped like a phoenix. The fiery bird screeched, the sound painfully loud.

"Crimson Phoenix Flames!"

The massive firebird spread its wings, the heat so intense that the very ground began to melt. The sheer power emanating from Jin Ling was overwhelming, scorching the very air around them.

Kai stumbled back, but even as fear gripped his heart, a smile tugged at his lips. It's ready.

"Any last words, little cultivator?" Jin Ling asked, her voice echoing with power and fury.

Kai looked up, meeting her fiery gaze. "Just five," he said. "Thunder Voice: Lightning Hammer Strike!"

His voice, amplified and charged with lightning qi, boomed across the clearing. The sudden burst of sound caught Jin Ling off guard, making her flinch for just a crucial second.

In that moment of distraction, the massive hammer of pure lightning that Kai had been quietly forming throughout the battle came to life. It streaked down from the sky, moving faster than Jin Ling could react.

The hammer of lightning struck with devastating force. There was a blinding flash and a deafening boom that shook the entire clearing. For a moment, everything was obscured by a brilliant light and billowing smoke.

When the air cleared, there was nothing left of Jin Ling but a scorched crater in the ground where she had been standing.

Cultivator Jin Ling eliminated

+150 XP

+150 XP Gained for eliminating a cultivator a realm higher.

Kai collapsed to his knees as he stared at the smoking crater.

I did it, he thought, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. I actually did it. I killed a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

But there was no time for celebration. The sounds of battle still raged around him, reminding Kai that the fight was far from over.

With a groan, Kai turned to survey the battlefield. His body screamed in protest, every muscle aching, his qi reserves almost completely depleted. But he couldn't rest yet. His eyes found Shen Yu, who was kneeling beside the body of his fallen opponent.

Kai watched, curious, as Shen Yu's hand moved swiftly, retrieving something from the corpse. From this distance, Kai couldn't make out what it was, but he saw Shen Yu quickly tuck it away into his storage ring. Then, to Kai's surprise, Shen Yu gently closed the dead cultivator's eyes, his movements almost respectful.

As Shen Yu stood and turned, his eyes met Kai's. For a moment, Kai thought he saw a flicker of... something in Shen Yu's eyes. Surprise? Respect? Guilt? But before he could be sure, Shen Yu's face returned to its usual impassive mask.

"Well fought," Shen Yu said. "But the battle isn't over yet."

Kai nodded weakly, his vision blurring at the edges. The thought of facing another opponent, especially a Core Formation cultivator, made his stomach churn. He could barely stand, let alone fight.

"I... I can't fight anymore," Kai admitted, his voice hoarse. "I'm completely drained."

Shen Yu's eyes narrowed slightly, but there was a hint of understanding in his gaze. "Those Core Formation cultivators are beyond our current abilities. Even a glancing blow from one of them could be fatal."

Kai felt a mixture of relief and surprise at Shen Yu's admission. It was rare for the usually stoic disciple to acknowledge any weakness.

"What should we do?" Kai asked, fighting to stay conscious.

Shen Yu was silent for a moment, his eyes scanning the battlefield. Finally, he spoke. "There's a hill to the east. We should go there and keep watch. If we see any reinforcements coming, we can signal the others. That's how we can help without risking our lives needlessly."

Kai nodded. It wasn't much, but it was something they could actually do in their current state. "Let's... let's head there now."

When they reached the top of the hill, Kai turned to see how the others were faring.

Yin Mengshuang was still locked in combat with Li Yuan, her illusions keeping the Crimson Phoenix cultivator off-balance, she seemed to be playing around with him, it wouldn’t be long before he was killed. Qi Liaxuan seemed to have the upper hand against Zhao Xiuying, his strange time-altering techniques slowly wearing her down.

And high above it all, Wang Lin and Elder Bu continued their titanic clash. The sky itself seemed to tremble with each exchange of blows.

As Kai watched, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. This was the power of true cultivators, the kind of strength he would one day have.

 

CG C123: Wang Lin VS Elder Bu

I should be relaxing in the sect, not risking my life out here, Elder Bu thought bitterly as he floated high into the sky. A dozen years left to live, and they send me on this mission. If I die, no one will even care.

His gaze drifted briefly to his companions below. The two Core Formation cultivators were already locked in combat with the Azure Sky Sect members. And young Huang Tao...

Poor kid. Talented, but clearly offended the wrong person to end up here.

Elder Bu pushed those thoughts aside. He had bigger problems. His eyes locked onto the figure floating opposite him - a man in black robes.

So young...this can only be Wang Lin.

"I see that the rumours are true," Elder Bu called out. "You've broken through to the Nascent Soul realm."

A small smile played on Wang Lin's lips. "Indeed. And I must say, Elder Bu, I've taken many heads of Nascent Soul cultivators in my time. But yours will be the first as a Nascent Soul cultivator myself."

The casual way Wang Lin spoke of killing powerful cultivators sent a chill down Elder Bu's spine. He had heard tales of this young prodigy - not only was he a genius in cultivation, but a master of combat as well. If left unchecked, there might come a day when even the Sect Master of the Crimson Phoenix Sect would be no match for him.

If only those assassination attempts on had succeeded. How many times had the Crimson Phoenix Sect tried to nip this threat in the bud? But each time, this boy had somehow survived, and now he’s standing before me as an equal.

Elder Bu knew he had to end this quickly. He couldn't afford to let this fight drag on, it would only give the genius more time to analyse and breakdown his attacks. He took a step forward, though he stood on nothing but air. His robes began to smolder, then burst into flame. They burned away, revealing his body now covered in crimson fire.

"Crimson Phoenix Flame Body," Elder Bu called out the name of the technique that had helped him slay countless cultivation experts in the past. It was his trump card, and he hoped it would be enough to overwhelm the young upstart before him.

Wang Lin seemed unimpressed. He casually swung the plain black sword that had appeared in his hand. The air around the blade shimmered with an unnatural darkness, and Elder Bu watched in horror as the trees beneath them withered and died at the mere aftereffects of the sword's qi.

"Death qi," Elder Bu muttered. He had heard of Wang Lin's mastery over this rare and dangerous energy, but seeing it in action was something else entirely.

Not wanting to give Wang Lin a chance to attack, Elder Bu vanished in a burst of flame. He reappeared behind the young cultivator, his flaming fist aimed squarely at Wang Lin's head. When he saw no movement from his opponent, Elder Bu's heart soared - Wang Lin wasn't going to be able to dodge!

But at the last second, the young man's form dissolved into black mist. Bu's fist passed harmlessly through the shadows.

"An illusion?" Bu gasped.

"Not quite," Wang Lin's voice came from behind him.

Elder Bu spun around, only to see Wang Lin reforming from wisps of black qi.

"Death Step," Wang Lin explained. "A technique of my own creation. It allows me to temporarily transform my body into death qi."

Elder Bu stared in disbelief. To create such a technique at his age...

He looked down at his fist, still wreathed in flames. But the fire seemed dimmer now, less intense. "What did you do?"

Wang Lin's expression remained neutral. "My death qi doesn't just harm the body, Elder Bu. It corrodes qi itself. Even your Crimson Flame Body isn't immune."

I…I can’t beat him.

They were both beings at the Early Nascent Soul realm, yet the gap in their abilities was clear. Unlike many other cultivators, Elder Bu still had enough rationale left to know when he was outmatched so for a brief moment, he considered fleeing. But the importance of this mission held him back. He couldn't abandon his duty, not when so much was at stake.

What had happened to the Boundless Earth Sect members? Had Wang Lin already dealt with them?

But no, Elder Bu realized, shaking his head. Wang Lin had said this would be his first Nascent Soul kill as a Nascent Soul cultivator. That meant the Boundless Earth Sect cultivators were still alive, perhaps delayed by some means.

A plan began to form in Elder Bu's mind. If he could hold out long enough, surely the qi disturbances from their battle would draw the attention of the Boundless Earth Sect members. With their help, he might stand a chance against this monstrous young cultivator.

"What's the matter, Elder?" Wang Lin called out, his voice tinged with amusement. "Having second thoughts about our little dance?"

Elder Bu gritted his teeth. "You're skilled, boy, I'll give you that. But don't think for a moment that your youth and talent will be enough to overcome centuries of experience!"

With that, he charged forward once more, his body a comet of crimson flame. The elder knew he couldn't win in a direct confrontation, but perhaps he could buy enough time for help to arrive.

***

As the two Nascent Soul cultivators clashed high above the forest, a very different battle was unfolding below.

Yin Mengshuang stood face to face with Li Yuan, both Core Formation cultivators sizing each other up.

"Well, well," Li Yuan smirked. "What do we have here? A little girl playing at being a cultivator?"

Yin Mengshuang's eyes flashed dangerously. "This 'little girl' is about to teach you a lesson in respect, old man."

Li Yuan laughed. "Big words. Let's see if you can back them up!"

He lunged forward, his fist glowing with fiery qi. Yin Mengshuang didn't move, a small smile playing on her lips.

Just as Li Yuan's fist was about to connect, Yin Mengshuang's form shimmered and vanished.

"What?" Li Yuan stumbled, his momentum carrying him forward.

"Over here, old timer," Yin Mengshuang's voice came from behind him.

Li Yuan spun around, only to find himself face to face with... himself?

"Like what you see?" his doppelganger asked, wearing Yin Mengshuang's mischievous grin.

"An illusion?" Li Yuan growled. "You'll have to do better than that!"

He lashed out with a kick, but his foot passed right through the illusion.

Laughter echoed around him. Suddenly, he was surrounded by copies of himself, each wearing that same irritating grin.

"What's wrong?" they all asked in unison. "Can't tell reality from illusion?"

Li Yuan gritted his teeth. "Enough of these games!"

He closed his eyes, focusing on his qi sense. There! A flicker of real qi among the illusions.

With a roar, he charged forward, his fist aimed at the real Yin Mengshuang.

But just as he was about to strike, the ground beneath his feet turned to quicksand. Li Yuan sank up to his knees, thrown off balance.

"Too slow," Yin Mengshuang taunted, appearing a few feet away. "Maybe if you spent less time talking and more time training, you wouldn't be so easily fooled."

Li Yuan's face turned red with anger. "You little brat! I'll show you the power of a true Core Formation expert!"

He gathered his qi, preparing to break free of the illusory quicksand. But before he could, silver threads shot out from Yin Mengshuang's sleeves, wrapping around his arms and legs.

"What is this?" Li Yuan struggled against the bindings.

Yin Mengshuang smirked. "Dream Binding Threads. A little technique I picked up. They're quite useful for dealing with overconfident fools."

Li Yuan roared in frustration, his qi flaring as he tried to break free. But the more he struggled, the tighter the threads became.

"Now then," Yin Mengshuang said, her voice suddenly serious. "Let's have a real fight, shall we?"

Meanwhile, on the other side of the clearing, Qi Liaxuan faced off against Zhao Xiuying.

Unlike the heated exchange between Yin Mengshuang and Li Yuan, these two Core Formation experts regarded each other with cold calculation.

"I've heard of you," Zhao Xiuying said. "Qi Liaxuan, master of the Dao of the Flowing Abyss."

Qi Liaxuan inclined his head slightly. "And I've heard of you, Zhao Xiuying. Your fire techniques are said to be quite impressive."

"Flattery won't save you," Zhao Xiuying snapped. She raised her hands, flames dancing between her fingers. "Prepare yourself!"

She unleashed a barrage of fireballs, each one hissing through the air towards Qi Liaxuan. But the Azure Sky Sect cultivator remained calm. With a wave of his hand, a wall of water rose up before him, extinguishing the flames in a cloud of steam.

"Fire against water," Qi Liaxuan mused. "A classic confrontation, wouldn't you agree? Like the eternal dance of yin and yang."

Zhao Xiuying's eyes narrowed. "Save your philosophizing for someone who cares. I'm here to fight, not chat."

She charged forward, her body wreathed in flames. But as she neared Qi Liaxuan, she found herself slowing. It was as if she was trying to run through thick syrup.

"What... what is this?" she gasped.

"The Dao of the Flowing Abyss is not just about water, you see,” Qi Liaxuan smiled. “It's about flow itself. Time, space... all can be manipulated if you understand the true nature of flow."

With a gesture, he sent a wave of water crashing towards Zhao Xiuying. But this was no ordinary water. It moved in impossible ways, splitting and reforming, defying gravity.

Zhao Xiuying tried to dodge, but in the warped space around her, her movements were sluggish and uncoordinated. The water struck her, not with physical force, but with something far stranger. She felt time itself wash over her, years passing in seconds.

When the wave receded, Zhao Xiuying found herself gasping for breath. Her hair had streaks of gray in it now, and her skin felt looser, older.

"What... what did you do to me?" she demanded, her voice shaking.

Qi Liaxuan's expression was almost pitying. "I simply showed you a glimpse of the Abyss. Time flows differently there. But don't worry - the effects are temporary. Probably."

“How can you do this to me? This is power beyond the Core Formation realm!” Zhao Xiuying snarled as she gathered her qi, preparing for a massive attack. But before she could release it, Qi Liaxuan spoke again.

"Tell me, Zhao Xiuying. Have you ever considered the transient nature of our existence? How we are but ripples on the surface of a vast, uncaring universe?"

Despite herself, Zhao Xiuying found her concentration wavering. "What are you talking about?"

"Life, death, victory, defeat... in the grand scheme of things, do they truly matter? We fight, we struggle, but to what end?"

Zhao Xiuying shook her head, trying to clear it. But Qi Liaxuan's words seemed to echo in her mind, mixing with the lingering effects of the time distortion.

"I... I don't..."

"Perhaps," Qi Liaxuan continued, his voice soft and hypnotic, "it would be better to simply... let go. To allow yourself to be carried by the current of fate, rather than fighting against it."

Zhao Xiuying felt her will to fight draining away. A part of her knew this was wrong, that she was falling into some kind of trap. But another part... another part just wanted to rest.

Qi Liaxuan watched as confusion and doubt played across Zhao Xiuying's face. He knew his words were having an effect, burrowing into her mind, weakening her resolve.

The Dao of the Flowing Abyss is as much about the mind as it is about physical techniques, he thought. Break the enemy's will, and victory is assured.

But he knew better than to let his guard down. Zhao Xiuying was still a dangerous opponent, and if she broke free from his mental assault, her anger would make her even more formidable.

So, he prepared himself, gathering his qi for his next move. Whatever happened, he would be ready.

***

As these intense battles raged on, Kai and Shen Yu found themselves facing off against the two Foundation Establishment cultivators, Huang Tao and Jin Ling.

Kai eyed them warily. Being in the Qi Refining realm, he knew he couldn't underestimate them. Foundation Establishment was a significant leap in power.

"Shen Yu," he said softly, "how do you want to play this?"

Shen Yu's face remained impassive. "Take the girl. I'll handle the boy."

Without another word, Shen Yu dashed forward, his movement so fast it left afterimages.

Huang Tao’s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered, raising his hands to defend himself.

Kai turned his attention to Jin Ling, who stood ready with a short sword in her hand. Her eyes narrowed as she assessed Kai.

"A Qi Refining cultivator?" Jin Ling scoffed. "They must be desperate to send someone like you."

Yes, underestimate me. That's the only way I survive this. He knew his only chance against a Foundation Establishment cultivator was to catch her off guard. The more she looked down on him, the better his odds.

Outwardly, Kai allowed a flicker of uncertainty to cross his face, as if Jin Ling's words had shaken his confidence. "I... I'm stronger than I look," he said, his voice deliberately wavering slightly.

Jin Ling's smirk widened. "Oh, I'm sure you are," she mocked, twirling her sword in the air. "This will be over quickly, little Qi Refiner. Try not to embarrass yourself too much."

That's it. Keep thinking I'm no threat. You have no idea what's coming.

CG C122: Imposter Syndrome

The boat glided silently through the air as Kai gripped the railing, his eyes scanning the landscape below. They were a few hundred kilometres away from the border separating the Boundless Earth Sect and the Crimson Phoenix Sect territories.

“You know, this reminds me of my last run-in with those Crimson Phoenix scum," Yin Mengshuang murmured.

Qi Liaxuan sighed, clearly having heard this story before. "Do you really need to tell that tale again, Junior Sister?"

"Oh, come on! It's a good story," Yin Mengshuang protested. She turned to Kai and Shen Yu. "It was about a year ago, I was on a solo scouting mission near the Howling Cliffs. You know the place?"

Kai shook his head, but Shen Yu nodded slightly.

"Well, it's this nasty bit of terrain - all jagged rocks and hidden crevices. Perfect for an ambush, which is exactly what those Crimson Phoenix rats had in mind."

She paused for dramatic effect. "I sensed something was off, but before I could react, they sprang their trap. Three of them - two Core Formation and one late Foundation Establishment. They thought they had me cornered."

"And how did you escape?" Kai asked.

Yin Mengshuang grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Escape? Oh no, little junior brother. I didn't escape. I made them regret ever laying eyes on me." She leaned in, "You see, they didn't know about my special technique - the Mirage of a Thousand Dreams. As soon as they attacked, I unleashed it."

"The Mirage of a Thousand Dreams?"

"It's a high-level illusion technique," Qi Liaxuan explained as he let out a sigh. "Yin Mengshuang is quite adept at it."

"Adept?" Yin Mengshuang scoffed. "I'm a master! Anyway, the technique traps the victim in a series of overlapping illusions. Each time they think they've broken free, they find themselves in another layer of the dream."

She chuckled, the sound both amused and slightly menacing. "Those Crimson Phoenix fools didn't stand a chance. The two Core Formation cultivators spent the next hour fighting shadows while I picked them apart. And the Foundation Establishment one? He was convinced he'd turned into a spirit beast. Last I saw, he was trying to fly off a cliff, flapping his arms like wings."

She's like Kurenai. A master of illusions. I just hope we don't run into anyone like Itachi out there, Kai thought wryly, remembering how easily the Uchiha prodigy had turned Kurenai's illusions against her.

"What's got you looking so serious, Junior Brother?" Yin Mengshuang's voice broke through Kai's thoughts. "Don't tell me my story scared you?"

Kai shook his head, forcing a smile. "Not at all, Senior Sister. I was just... impressed by your skill with illusions. It must have taken a lot of practice to master such techniques."

"Oh, you have no idea!” Yin Mengshuang beamed at him. “But it's worth every moment when you see the look on your enemy's face as they realize they've been trapped in your web."

As Yin Mengshuang launched into her reasons why illusion techniques were the best field to specialise in, Kai found his mind wandering. He looked at the cultivators around him, each ready to risk their lives for the Azure Sky Sect.

Do they really believe in what they're fighting for? Or are they just being used by the higher-ups, like pawns in a game? It's not so different from the wars back on Earth.

The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. He'd seen firsthand how governments and corporations manipulated people into fighting their battles. Now, in this new world of cultivation and magical sects, it seemed some things never changed.

"This is as far as we can go on boat,” Wang Lin's voice cut through Kai's thoughts. “Prepare to disembark."

The boat slowed to a stop, hovering just above the treeline of a dense forest. One by one, they jumped off the deck. As soon as the last person's feet touched the ground, the boat shrank rapidly, shrinking until it was no bigger than a toy. Wang Lin plucked it out of the air and slipped it into his storage ring.

A loud squawk pierced the air. Kai looked up to see a large raven descending from the sky. It circled once before landing on Wang Lin's outstretched arm. The bird's beady eyes darted between the cultivators before focusing on Wang Lin.

Thanks to his Spirit Beast Communication skill, Kai could understand the raven's message. "Master Wang, the plan was successful. The Boundless Earth Sect members have been delayed as requested."

Wang Lin nodded, gently stroking the raven's feathers. "Well done. Return to your post and keep watch. Alert us if anything changes."

As the raven took flight, Wang Lin turned to the group. "Good news. The Boundless Earth Sect members have been delayed. This gives us an opportunity to deal with the Crimson Phoenix Sect members without interference."

"Perfect," Yin Mengshuang grinned. "I've been itching for some action."

"Remember," Qi Liaxuan cautioned, "we're here to complete a mission, not satisfy your bloodlust, Junior Sister."

Wang Lin nodded in agreement. "Liaxuan is right. We stick to the plan. We can expect to be up against a team of four or five. We don’t have time to play with our food."

He turned to Kai and Shen Yu, "You two, try to keep up. This is your chance to observe and learn."

With that, Wang Lin rose into the air, his body skimming low to the ground as he began to fly. Yin Mengshuang and Qi Liaxuan drew their swords, using them as flying mounts. Kai knew that only Nascent Soul cultivators and above could fly without aid from treasures.

Kai and Shen Yu exchanged a glance, before drawing their own swords and following the others.

As they flew, Kai's eyes darted between his companions. He could see them clearly with his own eyes, but when he closed them for a moment, relying only on his qi sense, he realized something unsettling. Without his map function or visual confirmation, he wouldn't have been able to detect their presence at all.

This is... unnerving, Kai thought, a chill running down his spine. If I couldn't see them or use my map, I'd have no idea the Core Formation cultivators were even here, let alone Wang Lin at Nascent Soul level.

He opened his eyes, watching Wang Lin's back as they flew. If someone like that decided to hunt me, I wouldn't even know they were there until it was too late. No wonder cultivators are so paranoid about hidden masters and secret techniques.

Suddenly, a rustling sound caught Kai's attention. From the bushes below, a small creature emerged. It looked like a cross between a rabbit and a squirrel, with soft brown fur and large, intelligent eyes. But despite its cute appearance, Kai could sense an aura of power that dwarfs his own emanating from it.

Core Formation, Kai realized with a start. That little thing is as powerful as Yin Mengshuang and Qi Liaxuan!

The creature's nose twitched, and its eyes locked onto their group. Even though the cultivators were suppressing their qi, the beast must have used one of its other senses to detect their presence.

With surprising speed, the creature leaped towards them, its cute facade dropping to reveal sharp claws and teeth.

Yin Mengshuang scoffed. "How cute. It thinks it can take us on."

Before anyone else could react, Wang Lin lazily waved his sleeve. A burst of invisible force slammed into the creature. In an instant, the Core Formation beast simply... ceased to exist. There wasn't even a corpse left behind.

Wang Lin didn't even look back as he spoke. "We don't have time to play. Keep moving."

Kai's eyes lingered on the spot where the beast had been. What a waste of resources. A Core Formation beast corpse like that could have been useful. His gaze then shifted to Wang Lin's back. The casual display of power sent another chill through Kai. The difference between us is too great. There's no trick I could pull, no strategy I could use, that would let me win against someone like him.

***

Huang Tao shifted nervously from foot to foot, his eyes darting between the other cultivators gathered in the clearing. At seventeen years old, he was the youngest member of this important mission, a fact that filled him with both pride and anxiety.

I shouldn't be here, he thought, not for the first time. I'm not ready for this.

Despite reaching Foundation Establishment at such a young age, a feat that had earned him the title of "genius" within the Crimson Phoenix Sect, Huang Tao couldn't shake the feeling that he was an imposter. That any moment, someone would realize he didn't belong.

His gaze drifted to the Nascent Soul elder, Master Bu, who sat cross-legged in the air, eyes closed in meditation. The elder's mere presence was enough to make Huang Tao feel small, insignificant. With Master Bu here, we're safe. Nothing can touch a Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Hey, kid," a gruff voice pulled Huang Tao from his thoughts. It was Li Yuan, one of the Core Formation cultivators. "Stop fidgeting. You'll attract spirit beasts with all that nervous energy."

Huang Tao straightened, trying to still his restless movements. "Sorry, Senior Brother Li. I'm just... anxious about the meeting."

Li Yuan's expression softened slightly. "Relax. This isn't your first mission, is it?"

"N-no," Huang Tao admitted. "But it's the first one this important. If we can convince the Boundless Earth Sect to join us against the Azure Sky Sect..."

"It would change everything," Li Yuan nodded. "But that's not your concern. Your job is to watch and learn. Let us handle the negotiations."

From across the clearing, the other Core Formation cultivator, Zhao Xiuying, called out. "They're late. Do you think something happened?"

"Who knows with those Boundless Earth types,” Li Yuan shrugged. “Probably got distracted by a particularly interesting rock formation."

Zhao Xiuying snorted. "You shouldn't underestimate them. I've heard their Earth Manipulation techniques are formidable."

"Formidable or not," Li Yuan retorted, "they're still keeping us waiting. It's disrespectful."

As the two Core Formation cultivators bickered, Huang Tao's attention was drawn to the other Foundation Establishment cultivator, a girl named Jin Ling. Unlike Huang Tao, she seemed completely at ease, lounging against a tree with a bored expression.

"Aren't you worried?" Huang Tao asked her in a low voice.

Jin Ling raised an eyebrow. "About what? The Boundless Earth Sect? Please. They're probably just trying to make us sweat a little before they show up."

"But what if it's a trap?" Huang Tao persisted. "What if they're planning to ambush us?"

Jin Ling laughed. "With Master Bu here? They'd have to be suicidal. Besides, they need this alliance as much as we do. The Azure Sky Sect has been encroaching on their territory for years."

Huang Tao nodded, trying to take comfort in her words. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the mood in the clearing grew tenser. Li Yuan paced back and forth, muttering under his breath about the rudeness of Earth cultivators. Zhao Xiuying had given up on conversation and was sharpening her sword with quick, angry strokes.

Even Jin Ling's cool facade had begun to crack. "Okay," she admitted, "this is getting ridiculous. They're nearly an hour late."

Master Bu's eyes snapped open, startling everyone. "Patience," he commanded. "The Boundless Earth Sect moves at its own pace. We will wait."

No one dared argue with the Nascent Soul elder, but Huang Tao could see the frustration on his companions' faces.

When more than an hour had passed, Huang Tao's nerves were frayed to the breaking point. Every rustle in the undergrowth made him jump, convinced that something was wrong.

"This is pointless," Li Yuan finally exploded. "They're not coming!"

Just when it seemed like he might actually storm off, Zhao Xiuying spoke up. "Hey, does anyone else feel that?"

Huang Tao frowned, concentrating. Now that Zhao Xiuying mentioned it, there was something... off about the air. A faint pressure, barely noticeable but growing stronger by the second.

Suddenly, the Elder Bu’s eyes snapped open. In a flash, he was on his feet, a green barrier appearing around the group.

And not a moment too soon. A massive bolt of lightning crashed against the barrier, the sound of the impact like a thunderclap right next to Huang Tao's ears.

"Ambush!" the elder roared. "Prepare for battle!"

CG C121: The Mission

The sun dipped low on the horizon as Kai made his way to the meeting spot just outside the Azure Sky Sect. Three days had passed since his encounter with Wang Lin, and Kai had spent every waking moment preparing for the mission ahead.

I can't believe I'm actually doing this, Kai thought, his eyes assessing the items in his inventory. It was filled to the brim with pills, talismans, and other supplies he'd either crafted or purchased. My first time leaving the sect since I became a disciple, and it might be my last.

He'd focused heavily on improving his qi control, remembering Wang Lin's critique. Hours of meditation and practice had yielded results, but Kai still felt unprepared.

Even with the trident mark, I'm not sure I'd survive if things go wrong, Kai sighed, his hand unconsciously rubbing his wrist where the mark lay hidden. These high-level cultivators could probably kill me a thousand times over without breaking a sweat.

As Kai approached the meeting area, he spotted a familiar figure. Shen Yu stood motionless, staring blankly into the distance. Kai raised a hand in greeting as he drew near.

"Shen Yu," Kai said with a nod.

The Legacy Disciple returned the nod but remained silent. As Kai drew closer, his eyes widened. The qi rolling off Shen Yu was... different. Stronger.

"You've broken through to Foundation Establishment," Kai said, unable to keep the surprise from his voice. "Congratulations."

Shen Yu's eyes flickered to Kai, narrowing slightly. "I know you'll join me soon.”

Kai nodded, thinking of his own progress. Only 700 XP to go before I level up. But that's not the same as a true breakthrough. I'll need to rely on my cultivation method for that.

An uncomfortable silence fell between them. Kai shifted his weight from foot to foot, then decided to break the ice.

"So, how do you feel about this mission?" Kai asked, trying to keep his tone casual. "Honestly, I'd rather not take the risk. It seems... unnecessarily dangerous."

Shen Yu was quiet for a long moment. Just as Kai thought he wouldn't answer, Shen Yu spoke. "I asked the Sect Master for a place on this mission."

Kai blinked in surprise. "You did? Why would you-"

Before he could finish his question, something on his map caught his attention. A large green spot had appeared nearby, seemingly out of nowhere. Kai's head snapped towards the location, Shen Yu's doing the same at the exact same moment.

There was nothing there. At least, nothing visible.

A few seconds passed, and then a young woman's laugh echoed from the empty space. The air shimmered and vibrated, and suddenly a figure stepped forward as if emerging from an invisible curtain.

The woman who appeared was striking, with long silver hair and eyes that seemed to shift color in the light. She looked between Kai and Shen Yu, a mix of surprise and amusement on her face.

"Well, well," she said, her voice lilting and playful. "Wang Lin said you were both impressive, but I didn't expect you to see through my disguise so quickly. Especially you," she added, nodding towards Kai. "A Qi Refining cultivator shouldn't be able to detect me at all."

Kai and Shen Yu exchanged a quick glance before introducing themselves.

"I'm Yin Mengshuang," the woman said with a slight bow. "A friend of Wang Lin and a member of his team. It's a pleasure to meet you both."

Yin Mengshuang's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked between Kai and Shen Yu. "So, you're the new Legacy Disciples I've heard so much about. Wang Lin speaks highly of you both."

Shen Yu remained silent, his face an unreadable mask. Kai, for his part, tried to be polite, but his mind was still racing, trying to think of a way out of this mission.

"It's nice to meet you too, Senior Sister," Kai said, forcing a smile. "I look forward to working with you."

As Yin Mengshuang stepped forward, Kai's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in her status:

Name: Yin Mengshuang

Realm: Early Core Formation Realm

Age: 27 years

Kai's surprise at her cultivation level must have shown on his face, because Yin Mengshuang's smile widened. "Impressed? Don't worry, you'll get there someday. So, are you two excited for the mission? It's not every day junior disciples get to tag along on something like this!"

Shen Yu turned away, clearly uninterested in conversation.

"It's... an honor to be chosen," Kai said carefully. And a death sentence if things go wrong, he added silently.

Yin Mengshuang seemed about to say more when a soft voice cut through the air.

"Junior Sister, leave them be. They clearly aren't in the mood for conversation."

All three turned to see a new arrival. A tall man with long, dark hair and eyes as deep and calm as the sea approached.

"I am Qi Liaxuan. It's a pleasure to meet you both."

Name: Qi Liaxuan

Realm: Late Core Formation Realm

Age: 29 years

Two Core Formation cultivators? And Wang Lin at Nascent Soul... This is a hit squad! What other kind of mission requires this level of firepower? The knot in Kai's stomach tightened as he gave the new arrival a light bow.

Yin Mengshuang's eyes lit up at Qi Liaxuan's arrival. "Oh, come now, Liaxuan. Don't be such a spoilsport. I was just getting to know our new teammates."

"Your idea of 'getting to know' someone often involves more prying than is polite.”

"You wound me," Yin Mengshuang said, placing a hand over her heart in mock offense. "I'll have you know I can be the very soul of discretion when I choose to be."

"And how often do you choose to be?"

As the two bantered, Kai's eyes narrowed slightly. He leaned closer to Shen Yu and whispered, "He's here."

No sooner had the words left Kai's mouth than Wang Lin appeared, seeming to materialize out of thin air. The chatter died instantly as all eyes turned to the Nascent Soul cultivator.

Wang Lin's gaze swept over the group, assessing each of them in turn. When his eyes met Kai's, there was a flicker of... something. Approval? Expectation?

"Good, you're all here, it’s time we discussed the mission in detail."

Kai nodded, hoping that he was overthinking the dangers, surely

"Our sect has gathered intelligence on the Boundless Earth Sect. A group of their members is heading towards the border between their territory and that of the Crimson Phoenix Sect. They plan to meet in secret with members of the Crimson Phoenix Sect."

Wang Lin's eyes hardened as he continued. "The Crimson Phoenix Sect members are bringing offerings to convince the Boundless Earth Sect to ally with them. Our task is to kill the Crimson Phoenix Sect members and then frame the Boundless Earth Sect for their deaths."

Kai felt a chill run down his spine. This wasn't just a simple mission - it was a powder keg waiting to explode. One wrong move could have both the Boundless Earth Sect and Crimson Phoenix Sect attack the Azure Sky Sect but being complacent could lead to the same outcome.

Wang Lin turned to Kai and Shen Yu. "You two will primarily be observing. However, if there are any Foundation Establishment cultivators present, it will be your task to deal with them."

Kai frowned, trying to keep his face neutral. Deal with Foundation Establishment cultivators? Is he serious? Kai knew Shen Yu, having just broken through, could probably handle most Foundation Establishment cultivators. But Kai himself was still in the Qi Refining realm. He might be able to keep an early Foundation Establishment cultivator busy for a while, but defeating one? That seemed impossible as this stage.

This has to be some kind of test, Kai thought, biting back the urge to protest. There's no point in complaining. I'll just have to find a way to make it work.

"Understood, Senior Brother.”

Wang Lin nodded, seemingly satisfied with their acceptance of their roles. He then reached into his storage ring, pulling out what looked like a miniature boat.

"We'll use this to cover most of the distance," Wang Lin explained, holding up the tiny vessel. "It's a high-grade flying artifact that can accommodate all of us. However, when we get closer to our destination, we'll need to rely on our own flight abilities to avoid detection."

As Wang Lin spoke, the miniature boat began to grow, expanding until it was large enough for all of them to stand comfortably on its deck.

"Any questions before we depart?" Wang Lin asked, looking at each of them in turn.

Kai had about a thousand questions, but he knew now wasn't the time to voice them. Instead, he shook his head along with the others.

"Very well," Wang Lin said. "Get on. We leave immediately."

As Kai stepped onto the flying boat, he couldn't shake the feeling that things won’t be as simple as Wang Lin assumes. He glanced at Shen Yu, expecting to see his usual stoic expression. Instead, Kai caught a fleeting glimmer in Shen Yu's eyes - was that anticipation? It vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving Kai to wonder if he'd imagined it.

What have I gotten myself into? But more importantly, how am I going to get out of it alive?

 

CG C120: Wang Lin

The stranger's eyes widened slightly. He took a step back and sheathed his sword. "Hmm, you have some great senses, I didn’t expect you to notice me."

Kai glanced at the black robes the young man wore. "And I guess you're my senior brother."

The stranger nodded. "I'm Wang Lin, the third disciple of the Sect Master."

Behind Kai, his companions reacted with shock.

"T-third disciple?" Chen Wei stammered. "But that means..."

"He's a Legacy Disciple too!" Liu Wei exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe.

"A Legacy Disciple?” Zhi-Zhi frowned. “I thought they were meant to be special. Just how many of them are there?"

Kai simply nodded. He'd already known Wang Lin was returning. They had a mission to do, after all.

"I'm Kai," he bowed, "the fifth disciple of the Sect Master."

Wang Lin glanced around at the training ground, taking in the signs of the recent battle. "I watched the battle. I must say, I'm impressed."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

 "That combination attack you used when you realised that there was no penetrating the tortoise’s shell - the Root Grasping Vine to create an opening, followed by the lightning arrow? Brilliant. It showed great tactical thinking and resourcefulness."

"Thank you," Kai said, inclining his head slightly.

"And your use of the Burning Sky Judgment was quite clever," Wang Lin continued. "Using such a high-level technique to force your opponents into a defensive position, then capitalizing on that with your Lightning Step? Very well executed."

Kai listened carefully, nodding along. He knew praise from someone of Wang Lin's level was rare and valuable.

But then Wang Lin's tone changed slightly. "However," he said, "there were a few decisions I might have made differently, especially if you hope to survive higher-level conflicts."

Kai's ears perked up. This was the feedback he'd been waiting for.

Wang Lin gestured to the training ground. "First, your qi control is inefficient. You're wasting at least 30% of your energy in most techniques. That might not matter in short skirmishes, but in prolonged battles, it could be fatal."

Kai nodded, he didn’t have the qi capacity to spam techniques one after another, he would need to work more on his control.

"Second," Wang Lin continued, "your battle awareness is too narrow. You focus too much on immediate threats and lose sight of the bigger picture. A skilled opponent could easily manipulate your attention and trap you."

Kai nodded slowly, he did feel that the other three were manipulating the flow of the battle and that he was reacting more than initiating.

"For example, during your fight with the spirit tortoise and your other two companions, you became too fixated on countering Zhi-Zhi's root techniques. While you were occupied with that, you almost missed Liu Wei's wind attack from your left flank."

Kai's eyes widened slightly as he recalled the moment Wang Lin was referring to. He had indeed been so focused on countering Zhi-Zhi's roots that Liu Wei's wind attack had nearly caught him off guard.

"If Liu Wei had been a more experienced cultivator, or if Chen Wei had coordinated an earth attack from your right side simultaneously, you could have been overwhelmed and severely wounded. In war, an injured cultivator is a dead cultivator."

"I see.” Kai nodded slowly, he knew this kind of feedback was priceless, coming from someone of Wang Lin's caliber.

This is exactly the kind of insight I need to improve. Wang Lin's battle experience is clearly on a whole different level. I wouldn't be surprised if he has killed thousands of cultivators. Being a Nascent Soul cultivator at 20 must require a certain ruthlessness.

"In a real battle, especially against multiple opponents, you can't afford to tunnel vision on a single threat,” Wang Lin said. “You need to maintain awareness of the entire battlefield at all times. Track the movements of all opponents, not just the ones directly attacking you.”

Kai nodded, already thinking of the map function.

"One technique I find helpful," Wang Lin continued, "is to use your qi sense to maintain a 'map' of the battlefield in your mind. It takes practice, but eventually, you'll be able to track multiple opponents without even looking at them directly."

"That sounds incredibly useful.”

The skill would be something to work on in the future when he wasn’t going into war, for now, he would need to rely on his map.

"The final thing I’ll mention is that you rely too heavily on your techniques. True mastery comes from understanding the principles behind them. You should be able to adapt and create new applications on the fly."

Making new applications in the middle of a battle was usually something only battle freaks and prodigies could do. Whilst Kai may seem like a genius to his senior brother, he knew he was just a normal guy with a system. He wouldn’t classify himself as a genius, at least not yet.

"Thank you for your insights, Senior Brother.” Kai bowed slightly. “I'll work on improving these areas."

“See that you do,” Wang Lin smiled, seeming pleased with Kai's openness to criticism. "Before you get the wrong idea, I should explain," he said, "I wasn't spying on you. That's not how I spend my time, just watching juniors train." He chuckled lightly. "But I needed to find out who my new junior brother was and how you fought if you're going to be joining the mission."

Kai nodded. It made sense that Wang Lin would want to assess a new team member before a potentially deadly mission. Kai found himself reevaluating his initial impressions of his senior brother. The rumors he'd heard about Wang Lin's ruthlessness and cold demeanor seemed at odds with the supportive and friendly cultivator standing before him.

Maybe the rumors aren't true after all. Wang Lin seems like a good senior brother. He took the time to observe my techniques, offer detailed feedback, and even explain his actions. That's not the behavior of someone ruthless or uncaring.

Kai felt a wave of relief wash over him. The prospect of working alongside Wang Lin on the upcoming mission suddenly seemed less daunting. Perhaps they could even form a genuine bond of brotherhood through this shared experience.

I shouldn't be so quick to judge based on rumors, Kai chided himself. Wang Lin has been nothing but helpful and considerate so far. I'm lucky to have such an experienced senior brother looking out for me.

Just as Kai was about to express his gratitude for Wang Lin's guidance, he noticed a sudden shift in his senior brother's demeanor. The warm smile faded from Wang Lin's face, replaced by an expression Kai couldn't quite read. His eyes took on a distant, almost cold look. "I can see why Master has his eye on you," he said, his voice now carrying an undercurrent that Kai couldn't quite place.

The abrupt change made Kai feel suddenly uncomfortable. There was something in Wang Lin's voice, a mix of emotions that set him on edge. Was it jealousy? Suspicion? Or perhaps... pity? The shift was so sudden and complete that Kai felt as if he were talking to a different person entirely.

"I'm honored by the Sect Master's attention," Kai replied carefully, watching Wang Lin's reaction.

Wang Lin's smile widened slightly, but his eyes remained unreadable. "As you should be," he said, his voice low. "It's not every day a Qi Refining cultivator catches Master's interest. I hope you understand what that truly means."

The way Wang Lin said it sent a chill down Kai's spine. It wasn't a threat, but a warning.

Kai nodded, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling. "I'll do my best not to disappoint, Senior Brother."

"See that you don’t. We leave in three days, the weaknesses I pointed out could be the difference between success and failure, work on it. For all our sakes, I hope you're a quick learner."

As Wang Lin turned to leave, he muttered something under his breath that caught Kai's attention. "Interesting junior brothers I have... both able to sense a Nascent Soul cultivator while only in the Qi Refining realm."

Kai's eyes widened slightly at the comment. It seems Wang Lin paid Shen Yu a visit too. I wonder how that interaction went.

Once Wang Lin disappeared, Kai's friends exploded with excitement.

"Senior Brother!" Liu Wei exclaimed, his eyes shining. "That was Wang Lin! The Wang Lin! Can you believe it?"

Chen Wei nodded eagerly. "I've heard so many stories about him. They say he's the youngest Nascent Soul cultivator in the sect's history and that he will become the next Sect Master!"

"He's pretty cool... for a human," Zhi-Zhi muttered, trying to sound unimpressed but failing to hide the awe in his voice.

As their excitement died down, curiosity took over. Liu Wei turned to Kai, his brow furrowed. "Senior Brother, what mission was Wang Lin talking about?"

"Are you going somewhere with him?” Chen Wei chimed in. “Is it dangerous?"

Even Zhi-Zhi leaned forward, clearly interested in Kai's answer.

Kai considered his response carefully. He didn't want to worry his companions, but he also knew they deserved some explanation. "It's related to the Crimson Phoenix Sect and the upcoming war," he said finally. "But that's all I can say. Don't worry about me – you should focus on your own preparations."

He turned to Zhi-Zhi, offering the spirit tortoise a smile. "Good luck with your breakthrough, Zhi-Zhi. I'm sure you'll do great."

With that Kai dismissed them, and made his way back to his quarters. Whilst he walked, his mind was focused on Wang Lin's peculiar behavior. The sudden shifts in mood, the cryptic warnings, the unreadable expressions - it all seemed so... bizarre.

Is this what happens when a cultivator reaches the Nascent Soul realm? Do they all become this... strange?

He'd heard rumors, of course. Whispers among the junior disciples about how the truly powerful cultivators were often eccentric, their behavior unpredictable and sometimes unsettling. But he'd always attributed those stories to exaggeration and awe.

Now, having experienced Wang Lin's mercurial temperament firsthand, Kai wasn't so sure.

Maybe it's a side effect of the cultivation process. All that power, the separation of one's soul... perhaps it changes a person in ways we can't understand at lower levels.

He thought back to other high-level cultivators he'd encountered. The Sect Master, with his enigmatic smiles and piercing gaze. Elder Xiao, with his unhealthy obsession with alchemy. Not to mention, the mysterious old man roleplaying as a homeless janitor.

But Wang Lin is only twenty, Kai reminded himself. He hasn't had decades or centuries for power to warp his mind. Unless... unless the process of reaching Nascent Soul so young is what caused this strangeness.

The thought was both fascinating and terrifying. If this was the price of power, was it worth it? To become so detached, so inscrutable to others?

Kai shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. I'm getting ahead of myself. I've only had one conversation with Wang Lin. Maybe he was just having an off day. Maybe I'm reading too much into this.

But deep down, Kai knew he was grasping at straws. His instincts told him there was more to Wang Lin's behavior than mere eccentricity. Whether it was the result of reaching Nascent Soul or something else entirely, Kai couldn't shake the feeling that he was dealing with a person - or perhaps a being - far more complex and potentially dangerous than he'd initially realized.

I'll need to be on my guard, Kai decided. Not just against external threats, but against the possible instability of my own allies. If this is what awaits at higher levels of cultivation, I'll need to prepare myself mentally as well as physically.

With these sobering thoughts, Kai reached his quarters. He had three days to prepare for the mission, and now he had a new aspect to consider in his training. How does one prepare to work alongside a potentially unstable genius?

Announcement!

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the lack of posts, I had some life changing events take place last week which meant I was unfortunately not able to focus on anything. It was a really difficult time but things have gotten better. I've also freed up some time so I will be back with more uploads. Also, for the DSE fans, it will return on Monday!

Here is the plan:

Cultivation is a Game: 5-7x a week

DSE: 3x week

Kind regards,

Kalzara

CG 119: 3 vs 1

It seemed they had taken his words to heart because as soon as the words left Kai's mouth, Zhi-Zhi tucked himself into his shell and shot forward like a cannonball.

Well, that's a surprise. Zhi-Zhi's never been one to make the first move.

With Zhi-Zhi having the highest cultivation level here. The tortoise was the one he needed to watch out for.

Reacting quickly, Kai swung Miststrike. The weapon connected with Zhi-Zhi's shell, sending the spirit beast flying across the training ground. As Kai lowered his weapon, he noticed his hand trembling from the impact.

Damn, there's some serious force behind that attack. If that had hit me...

Before Kai could finish the thought, movement from both sides grabbed his attention. Chen Wei, to his right, was slamming his foot into the ground.

"Earth Spike Barrage!" Chen Wei shouted.

The ground before him rippled, and suddenly, spikes of stone erupted from the earth, racing towards Kai.

Simultaneously, from Kai's left, Liu Wei traced patterns in the air. "Howling Gale Fist!"

The air around his fists condensed, forming swirling vortexes that shot towards Kai.

Attacking from both sides, eh? Not bad.

Without missing a beat, Kai took a deep breath and roared, "Thunder Voice!"

The sound that left his mouth was less a shout and more a crash of thunder. The shockwave rippled through the air, causing both Chen Wei and Liu Wei to stagger. Their techniques faltered, the earth spikes crumbling and the wind vortexes dissipating harmlessly in the air.

Not wasting a moment, Kai channeled qi into his legs. In a flash of blue light, Kai vanished, reappearing instantly in front of a dazed Chen Wei. Miststrike glowed with a soft blue light as Kai activated one of its special abilities.

"Hydro Slash!"

A blade of pressurized water extended from Miststrike's tip, slicing towards Chen Wei's abdomen. The attack connected, and Chen Wei stumbled backward, clutching his stomach as blood seeped between his fingers.

He'll be fine, Kai reassured himself. I made sure to stock up on healing pills before this.

Just as Kai was about to press his advantage, he felt something wrap around his legs. Looking down, he saw thick roots emerging from the ground, quickly climbing up his body.

Zhi-Zhi! Kai's eyes narrowed. He'd almost forgotten about the spirit tortoise.

Reaching into his sleeve, Kai pulled out a seed and brought it close to his lips and whispered, "Wake up, little one."

The seed stirred in his hand then in an instant, it grew into a mass of writhing vines that attacked Zhi-Zhi's roots. The two plant-based techniques wrestled for dominance, allowing Kai to break free.

No sooner had Kai regained his footing than he sensed an attack from above. Using Lightning Step once more, Kai vanished, narrowly avoiding a gust of wind that sliced through the air where he'd been standing.

"Soaring Eagle Strike!" Zhi-Zhi's voice rang out.

Kai reappeared a few meters away, only to be caught off guard by another attack.

"Tempest Palm!" Liu Wei shouted, his hand coated in swirling wind as it struck Kai's chest.

At the last second, Kai managed to activate Iron Skin, his body hardening just as the attack landed. Even so, the force sent him skidding backward, leaving shallow cuts across his chest.

Despite the pain, Kai couldn't help but smile. Interesting. Liu Wei has the lowest cultivation, but he's the first to actually land a hit on me. Even if it's just a scratch.

Kai's eyes narrowed as he reassessed the situation. His opponents were starting to work together, timing their attacks. He couldn't beat all three at once without a plan.

Liu Wei, I can probably overpower with most of my techniques. Chen Wei, I'll need Miststrike to keep him down. But Zhi-Zhi... that shell is going to be a problem. Kai's gaze fell on the Root Grasping Vine slithering back into his sleeve. That might be my best bet for Zhi-Zhi.

As Kai looked up, he noticed Chen Wei had finished speaking to the others. It seemed the young disciple had taken on the role of tactician. Kai's brow furrowed as he watched Zhi-Zhi leap into the air, only to be caught by Liu Wei, who held the spirit tortoise's shell like a shield.

Oh, using my own trick against me.

Deciding to take the initiative, Kai raised his hand to the sky. "Burning Sky Judgment!"

A fiery sigil blazed to life in the air above them, raining down flames upon his opponents. To Kai's surprise, Zhi-Zhi's shell expanded, growing large enough to cover all three of them.

"Well, that's new," Kai muttered.

As the flames dissipated, a gust of wind cleared the smoke. Liu Wei burst through, Zhi-Zhi's shell on one arm like a shield, his other hand wreathed in wind qi as he thrust it towards Kai's chest.

Kai smiled, meeting the attack with his own. "Flame Palm Strike!"

The two techniques clashed, creating a shockwave that kicked up dust around them. Kai's higher cultivation level and more advanced technique gave him the edge and Liu Wei began to falter. But then, Kai's eyes widened as he noticed qi surrounding Zhi-Zhi's shell.

Before Kai could react, a beam of concentrated wind shot from the shell, striking him squarely in the chest. The force sent Kai flying through the air.

As he tumbled through the sky, Kai caught sight of Chen Wei above him, the disciple's hand transformed into a massive earthen palm poised to slam Kai into the ground.

Time to turn this around.

"Heart of Thunder!" Kai roared.

A deafening boom echoed across the training ground as a shockwave of thunder erupted from Kai's chest. Chen Wei, caught in mid-air, was stunned by the attack and fell to the ground. Below, Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi were similarly affected, momentarily paralyzed by the thunderous assault.

Kai landed on his feet, wincing as his Iron Skin technique shattered, revealing his injuries. Blood trickled from the cuts on his chest, and bruises were already forming where Liu Wei's attack had landed.

Iron Skin has leveled up to Level 4!

You have gained 50 XP.

Ignoring the notification for now, Kai focused on his next move. "Blaze of Renewal!"

Flames erupted around Kai's body, but instead of burning him, they seemed to seep into his skin. His wounds began to close, the bruises fading as if they'd never been there.

Another system message popped up:

Blaze of Renewal has leveled up to Level 2!

You have gained 50 XP.

Kai looked at his opponents, who stared back in surprise. All that work, and he'd already healed himself. He couldn't help but smile.

"I have to hand it to you," Kai said. "Your teamwork is impressive. I underestimated you." His smile turned predatory as he continued, "But now, it's time I got serious."

Without warning, Kai thrust his hands outward. "Fiery Lotus Bloom!"

Dozens of flaming lotus petals materialized in the air around him, each one as sharp as a blade and burning with intense heat. With a gesture from Kai, the petals shot towards his opponents.

Liu Wei raised Zhi-Zhi's shell, using it as a makeshift shield against the fiery onslaught. Meanwhile, Chen Wei slammed his palms into the ground. "Earth Wall!"

A thick barrier of stone erupted from the earth, protecting Chen Wei from the worst of the attack.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Kai activated Lightning Step once more. He appeared above and behind Chen Wei, Miststrike's blade extended as he plunged downward.

A system message flashed before Kai's eyes:

Lightning Step has increased to Level 2!

You have gained 50 XP.

Ignoring the notification, Kai thrust Miststrike into Chen Wei's shoulder, driving the young disciple to the ground. Chen Wei cried out in pain, his free hand grasping at the weapon lodged in his flesh.

"You'll be fine," Kai assured him. "Just don't try to get back up. This will be over soon."

Placing his hand on Miststrike's staff, Kai channeled his qi. "Static Charge."

Electricity raced down the length of the weapon, flowing into Chen Wei's body. The young disciple's muscles seized up, effectively immobilizing him. If the young disciple struggled too much, the lightning would zap him again. It would last for a minute, which was all Kai needed.

One down, two to go, Kai thought as he turned to face Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi.

The pair had managed to clear away the last of the fiery lotus petals. Liu Wei was breathing heavily, while Zhi-Zhi's eyes darted nervously between Kai and the fallen Chen Wei.

Kai raised his hand to the sky, channeling a massive amount of lighting qi. The air grew heavy with the scent of ozone as dark clouds began to gather overhead.

"Lightning Hammer Strike!"

Slowly, a massive hammer made of pure lightning took shape in the sky.

Liu Wei's eyes widened in alarm. "Master," he called out, his voice tinged with fear, "aren't you going too far?"

Kai shook his head, his expression serious. "Don't worry. It won't be enough to penetrate Zhi-Zhi's shell."

Zhi-Zhi's eyes narrowed at the lightning construct forming in the sky, but he gave a nod.

With a thunderous crash, the lightning hammer plummeted from the heavens, striking Zhi-Zhi's expanded shell. The impact sent a shockwave across the training ground, kicking up a cloud of dust and debris.

As the dust settled, Kai saw Liu Wei standing unharmed, Zhi-Zhi's shell now shrunk to cover only his hand. Before either of them could react, Kai's Root Grasping Vine shot out, wrapping around Liu Wei and separating him from Zhi-Zhi.

The spirit tortoise let out a roar, summoning his own roots to combat Kai's technique.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Kai appeared behind Liu Wei. "Sleep," he whispered, delivering a qi-enhanced chop to the back of Liu Wei's neck. The young disciple crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Turning his attention back to Zhi-Zhi, Kai frowned. The spirit tortoise's wood techniques were overpowering his Root Grasping Vine with surprising ease.

I shouldn't be surprised. He's almost at the Foundation Establishment realm, after all.

Realizing he needed a new strategy, Kai began to form a bow and arrow using his Qi Condensation skill. As the construct took shape in his hands, he channeled lightning qi into the arrow.

This had better work, Kai thought as he took aim at Zhi-Zhi. Mentally, he commanded his battered Root Grasping Vine to create an opening.

The plant responded, suddenly surging upward and catching Zhi-Zhi off guard. As the spirit tortoise was pushed into the air, his soft underbelly was exposed for a brief moment.

It was all the opening Kai needed.

The lightning arrow flew true, striking Zhi-Zhi in the chest. Electricity coursed through the spirit tortoise's body, causing it to cry out in pain. "I give up! I give up!"

Kai let out a sigh of relief. If that plan hadn't worked, he wasn't sure what else he could have done to beat Zhi-Zhi. In a real fight to the death, Kai wasn't certain he could have killed the tortoise before running out of qi.

Zhi-Zhi gave up too quickly this time. I know he had more fight in him.

Reaching into his storage ring, Kai pulled out some healing pills. He walked around, handing them out to the others. When he got to Chen Wei, Kai carefully removed Miststrike from the young disciple's shoulder.

"I'm sorry about that, Chen Wei, you took the brunt of my attack," Kai said as he helped the earth user sit up.

Chen Wei shook his head, wincing a little as he swallowed the pill. "No, Senior Brother," he said. "This was a good exercise. I know our enemies won't go easy on us in a real fight."

Kai clapped him on the back, smiling proudly.

As the healing pills did their work, the four cultivators sat in a circle. They began to discuss the battle, talking about what worked and what didn't.

"Liu Wei, that combination attack with your Wind Palm and Zhi-Zhi's surprise wind beam really caught me off guard," Kai said, rubbing his chest where the attack had landed. "It was clever and effective."

Liu Wei's eyes lit up at the praise. "Thank you, Master. I've been working on incorporating more of my qi into the Wind Palm technique. And the idea to combine it with Zhi-Zhi's attack just came to me in the moment."

I surprised even myself with that wind beam,” Zhi-Zhi nodded. "I've been practicing it in secret, but I wasn't sure if I could pull it off in actual combat."

"Well, you certainly did," Kai chuckled. "That combination had me flying through the air before I knew what hit me. It's exactly the kind of unexpected teamwork that can turn the tide in a real fight."

Kai turned to Chen Wei. "Good job trying to capitalize on that moment. When I was blown into the sky, you immediately tried to take advantage with that earth palm attack. That kind of quick thinking is crucial in battle."

"Thank you, Senior Brother, I saw you airborne and thought it might be my only chance to land a solid hit."

"That's exactly the right instinct," Kai agreed. "Always be ready to seize any opportunity, no matter how brief.”

Zhi-Zhi grumbled, his shell shrinking slightly as if trying to hide. "I should not have tried to take you on alone at the beginning. It was foolish and prideful."

"Don't be too hard on yourself," Kai replied. "Sometimes taking the initiative can catch an opponent off guard. Your attack was unexpected, which is valuable in itself."

Liu Wei nodded in agreement. "Plus, your bravery inspired us to act more boldly too. I might not have attempted that Wind Palm combination if you hadn't set the tone."

"Speaking of which," Chen Wei chimed in, "that trick with your shell was incredible, Zhi-Zhi! I had no idea you could expand it like that. When did you learn to do that?"

Zhi-Zhi's head emerged a bit more from his shell, a hint of pride returning to his voice. "It's a new technique I've been developing in secret. I call it 'Aegis of the Tortoise God'. This was actually the first time I've used it in combat."

"Well, it certainly came in handy," Kai praised. "That expanded shell defense against my Burning Sky Judgment was impressive. If you can teach that technique to other spirit beasts with shells or carapaces, it could be a game-changer in large-scale battles."

Zhi-Zhi's eyes widened at the suggestion. "I... I hadn't thought of that, Senior Brother. Do you really think it could be that useful?"

"Absolutely. Don't underestimate the value of a good defense, especially one that can protect multiple allies at once."

As the discussion continued, Kai noticed that while the disciples were freely offering each other advice, they seemed hesitant to critique his performance. He smiled, deciding to address the issue directly.

"You know, I'm not infallible. Feel free to give me some feedback too. What could I have done better?"

For a moment, there was silence. Then, Zhi-Zhi spoke up, his words coming out in a rush. "Well, for starters, your initial defense against my shell attack was sloppy. If you had angled Miststrike just 15 degrees to the left, you could have deflected me with 30% less effort. And don't even get me started on your use of the Burning Sky Judgment. The timing was off by at least..."

Kai couldn't help but laugh as Zhi-Zhi continued his critique. Encouraged by Zhi-Zhi's outburst, Chen Wei and Liu Wei began to offer their own observations, albeit more tentatively.

"Your Lightning Step is impressive, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said, "but you tend to reappear in predictable locations. If you varied your positioning more, it would be harder for enemies to counter."

Liu Wei nodded in agreement. "And while your Thunder Voice is powerful, it leaves you open for a moment after you use it. A skilled opponent might be able to exploit that opening."

Kai listened, nodding at each point. "These are all excellent observations," he said. "I'll definitely work on-"

Suddenly, Kai's words cut off as his eyes widened. On his map, a massive green spot had appeared, moving towards him from behind at an incredible speed.

That's way too fast for Qi Refining or even Foundation Establishment, Kai thought, his body tensing.

In one fluid motion, Kai spun around, Miststrike materializing in his hand as he blocked a sword strike aimed at his back. The clash of weapons rang out across the training ground, startling his companions.

Kai found himself face to face with a young man, perhaps no older than twenty. The newcomer had jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to bore into Kai's soul.

Name: ???

Level: Early Nascent Soul Realm

Age: 20 years

Nascent Soul? At twenty years old? That's... that's impossible!

As he stared into those unfamiliar blue eyes, only one name came to mind.

Wang Lin?

CG C118: Miststrike

Would you like to craft your weapon?

Kai, who had returned from the marketplace and was now standing alone in his quarters, smiled. "Yes.”

Bring out the materials.

Nodding, Kai reached into his storage ring and one by one, he pulled out the materials he had gathered from the marketplace. The Azure Mist Pine, Misty River Steel, Silver Serpent Tendon, Medium Water Elemental Crystal Shard, Rune of Swift Strikes, and Spirit Silk all appeared before him.

The Thunder Tigress corpse and the Roach Carapace... I should add those too.

He reached into his storage ring once more, pulling out the remains of the spirit beast he'd defeated what seemed like a lifetime ago and the tough carapace of the monstrous roach. As soon as he placed them with the other materials, a new message appeared.

Analyzing additional materials...

Thunder Tigress Corpse breakdown:

• Thunder-Infused Bone: Rare material, enhances lightning affinity
  
• Storm Fur: Uncommon material, increases agility
  
• Lightning Heart: Very Rare material, boosts electrical conductivity
  

Roach Carapace:

• Reinforced Chitin: Rare material, increases durability
  

These could really take my weapon to the next level.

The following combinations are available to enhance your weapon:

• Thunder-Infused Bone + Lightning Heart: 10% chance to stun opponents on hit
  
• Thunder-Infused Bone + Azure Mist Pine: Generates a small thundercloud when swung at high speeds
  
• Lightning Heart + Water Elemental Crystal: Imbues strikes with electrified water, dealing 5% damage
  
• Reinforced Chitin + Misty River Steel: Weapon regenerates minor damage over time
  
• Storm Fur + Silver Serpent Tendon: Increases weapon flexibility, allowing for unpredictable strikes
  
• Storm Fur + Spirit Silk: Improves grip and +10% attack speed
  
• Reinforced Chitin + Rune of Swift Strikes: Improves overall weapon durability by 10% without sacrificing speed
  

Please select three desired enhancements.

Kai pondered his options, weighing each combination against his fighting style and needs. The lightning stun could be a game-changer in close combat. The attack speed boost aligns perfectly with my build. And that regeneration... that could be incredibly useful in prolonged battles, not to mention saving me some spirit stones.

After a few moments, Kai made his choice. "I'll go with options 1, 4, and 6.”

Confirmed. Place the materials in their designated slots.

A new window appeared on the floor, showing empty slots for each component. Kai carefully placed each item into its corresponding slot, making sure everything was aligned correctly. As he inserted the last piece, the window glowed brightly.

All materials in place. Ready to begin crafting. Would you like to proceed?

Kai took a deep breath, "Craft," he commanded.

The window changed, displaying a progress bar. Kai watched intently as it began to fill, the materials before him starting to glow and levitate slightly off the ground.

Kai knew there was a chance of failure with rare items like these, and the consequences could be severe. Losing these precious materials would be a waste of spirit stones and a significant setback.

The progress bar crawled forward, seeming to slow down as it neared completion. Kai held his breath, his eyes fixed on the blue Azure Mist Pine and Misty River Steel as they started moving around each other, like they were mixing together. The Silver Serpent Tendon wrapped around everything, holding it all in place.

The Water Element Crystal Shard glowed really bright, making the whole thing look watery. The speed rune lit up with a golden glow before it disappeared into the weapon. The Spirit Silk wrapped itself around the handle, making it look like it would fit Kai's hand perfectly.

As Kai watched, the tiger and roach parts started joining in too. Lightning bolts zapped all over the weapon, and a shimmery look formed around the roach shell.

It’s pretty awesome to see it all come together like that.

Finally, with a bright flash of light, the progress bar filled completely.

Crafting successful!

Kai let out a sigh of relief. Then, another message appeared.

As this is your first crafted weapon and intended to be your primary armament, it has been imbued with the unique ability to level up alongside you.

Nice, Kai thought, a grin spreading across his face. That'll save me from having to replace it anytime soon.

You have gained 1000 XP for creating your first weapon.

The weapon, still glowing with a soft golden light, floated in the air before Kai. He leaned in, eager to see the fruits of his labor.

Name: Miststrike

Type: Staff-spear hybrid

Rank: Very Rare (Peak Qi Refining)

Durability: 100/100

Special Abilities:

• Mist Veil: Creates a shroud of mist, increasing evasion by 20% for 30 seconds. (Cooldown: 5 minutes)
  
• Hydro Slash: Releases a pressurized blade of water, dealing 150% weapon damage. (Cooldown: 1 minute)
  

Passive:

• Water Affinity: Increases the power of water-based techniques by 15%
  
• Increases weapon speed by 10%
  
• Swift Currents: Each successful hit increases attack speed by 2% for 5 seconds (Max stack: 5)
  
• 10% chance to stun opponents on hit
  
• Regenerates minor damage over time
  
• Grows in power as the wielder advances in cultivation
  

Kai's eyes widened as he read through the weapon's stats and abilities. This... this is pretty incredible.

The golden glow faded, and the staff began to fall. Kai's right hand shot out, catching it effortlessly. He twirled it experimentally. The grip molded to his hand as if it had been made for him alone.

Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

With a thought, Kai activated the blade. The Misty River Steel looked sharp enough to slice through stone. As he channeled a bit of qi into the weapon, a faint blue aura surrounded the blade, and tiny droplets of water began to form along its length.

He gave it a few practice swings, the blade leaving trails of mist in its wake. A wide smile spread across Kai's face as he deactivated the blade and stored the staff in his ring.

Time to test this baby out.

***

The sun hung low in the sky as Kai stood at the center of his personal training area. Before him, arranged in a loose semicircle, stood the other members of his guild: Chen Wei, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi.

Kai's gaze swept over his companions, assessing their progress since he'd last seen them. Chen Wei stood a little straighter, his qi noticeably stronger - he'd finally broken through to Qi Refining Stage 8. Liu Wei's aura wasn’t far behind, it seems he has made another breakthrough and entered Stage 7 of the Qi Refining Realm.

But it was Zhi-Zhi who truly caught Kai's attention. The spirit tortoise's qi flickered and surged, dancing on the very edge between peak Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment.

Good, he should enter the Foundation Establishment realm before the war.

Zhi-Zhi met Kai's gaze, "Why have you called me here? Master Cang is preparing the materials for my breakthrough as we speak."

Kai smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Don't worry, Zhi-Zhi. This won't take too long. Consider it a warm-up for your breakthrough."

The spirit tortoise's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded in acceptance.

Kai addressed the group, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "As you all know, war is coming. We need to be prepared for anything. That's why I've called you here today for some battle training."

As he finished speaking, Miststrike materialised in his hand and Kai gave it an experimental swing, the blade whistling through the air. "It'll also be a good opportunity for me to try out my new toy."

Chen Wei's eyes widened in surprise. "Senior Brother," he sputtered, "how... how did you craft it so quickly? We only brought back the materials a few hours ago!"

Kai just gave him a mysterious smile. "A good cultivator never reveals all his secrets," he said with a wink.

Liu Wei leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Miststrike. "It's beautiful," he murmured. "What can it do?"

"Oh, you'll find out soon enough," Kai replied, his grin widening. "Now, here's how this is going to work. It's going to be the three of you against me."

Zhi-Zhi's head retracted slightly into his shell. "Three against one? But even with your new weapon, surely that's not-"

"Fair?" Kai finished for him. "Oh, I think you'll find it's plenty fair. In fact..." He paused, letting the tension build. "I want you all to come at me with everything you've got. No holding back."

Chen Wei and Liu Wei exchanged nervous glances. Even Zhi-Zhi, usually so proud, looked uncertain.

"Senior Brother," Chen Wei began hesitantly, "are you sure about this? We don't want to-"

"To what? Hurt me?" Kai laughed, but there was an edge to it. "Chen Wei, Liu Wei, Zhi-Zhi... you're my guild members, my companions. But you're also cultivators. And cultivators must be ready for anything."

He twirled Miststrike, the blade leaving faint trails of mist in its wake. "Out there, in the real world, our enemies won't hold back. They won't show mercy. If we want to survive, if we want to thrive, we need to push ourselves to the limit and beyond."

Kai's eyes hardened, his voice taking on a tone that none of them had heard before. "So here's what I want from you. I want you to forget, just for a moment, that I'm your senior, your guild leader, your friend. I want you to look at me and see only an enemy.”

He spread his arms wide, "Come at me with everything you have. Every technique, every trick, every ounce of power. Work together, coordinate your attacks. Do whatever it takes to bring me down."

The three guild members stared at Kai, a mix of emotions playing across their faces. Uncertainty, fear, but also... excitement. The thrill of a true challenge.

"But Master," Liu Wei spoke up, his voice quavering slightly, "what if we actually hurt you?"

Kai's smile turned predatory. "Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. Worry about yourselves." He settled into a fighting stance, Miststrike held at the ready. "Now, are you ready to begin?"

Chen Wei swallowed hard, then nodded. He dropped into his own stance, the earth around his feet trembling slightly as he called upon his 'Golem's Stance' cultivation method.

Liu Wei took a deep breath, his body seeming to shimmer as he tapped into 'The Wind Rider's Path'. A gentle breeze began to swirl around him.

Zhi-Zhi, after a moment's hesitation, emerged fully from his shell.

Kai nodded approvingly. "Good. You're taking this seriously. But remember..." His voice dropped to a near whisper. "Aim to kill."

Author's Note

Sorry for the late release, I had an exam yesterday. I'll be releasing 3 chapters a week for the next 2 weeks as I have another exam in 2 weeks. After that, we'll go back to a 5 chapters (+) a week schedule!

CG 117: 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."

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!

 

 

CG C116: Sect Marketplace

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."

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.

CG 115: 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."

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—the orphaned prodigy, the hidden royal, the genius with a broken engagement, or the revenge-driven hero who had his whole clan massacred—it 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.

CG C114: 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 – 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.

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...

CG C113: 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.

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—it 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.”

CG C112: 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.

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.

CG C111: 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?"

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 – more of a lightning club than a hammer – 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.

 

CG 110: 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.

"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.

 

CG C109: 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 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?"

 

CG C108: 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-"

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!

CG 107: Kai vs Pseudo-Foundation Establishment

Author's Note:

I forgot to include the beast's stats before, I've edited the previous chapter and put it in but here it is for anyone who hasn't seen it.

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

CG 107: 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.

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!"

CG 106: 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.

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.

 

CG C105: 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.

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.

 

CG C104: 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.

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.

CG C103: 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 begins to lose its uses.

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—

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.

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:

• Novice Instructor
  

• Once in a Hundred years Talent
  

• Legacy Disciple
  

• Alchemy Prodigy
  

• Novice Alchemist
  

Elemental Affinities:

• Lightning: 35%
  

• Chaos: 10%
  

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.

CG C102: 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:

• Novice Instructor
  

• Once in a Hundred years Talent
  

• Legacy Disciple
  

• Alchemy Prodigy
  

• Novice Alchemist
  

Elemental Affinities:

• Lightning: 35%
  

• Chaos: 10%
  

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:

• Lightning (Level 6) (Passive)

Quests:

• Active: None
  

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."

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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – they love to hunt in packs, they could probably take down a Foundation Establishment cultivator with their teamwork. Another common type arfe 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 – 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 – 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.

 

CG C101: 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?"

"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 – 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 – 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 – 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 Kai 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.