Kalzara

CG C100: It's a Deal

Kai sat across from Lin Yue, the silence between them broken only by the gentle clink of teacups. After what felt like an eternity, Kai decided to break the silence. He set his cup down with a soft tap and looked directly at Lin Yue.

"So, Lin Yue," Kai began. "What brings you to see me today?"

Lin Yue's lips curved into a polite smile. "Two reasons, actually. First, I wanted to personally apologize for the trouble my associates caused Chen Wei in Greenleaf Village. It was... unfortunate."

Kai nodded. "I appreciate that. Chen Wei mentioned there were some issues."

"Indeed," Lin Yue said, his brow furrowing slightly. "Rest assured, those responsible have been dealt with. It won't happen again."

"Good to hear," Kai replied. He took another sip of tea. "And the second reason?"

Lin Yue's eyes gleamed with a mix of amusement and something sharper. "Ah, yes. I've heard about your... situation with Su Fang. It seems many disciples are hoping for some fireworks between you two."

Kai couldn't help but chuckle, though there was little humor in it. "Is that so? Well, they might be disappointed. I've read the sect rules. Disciples can't just fight unofficially. If there's a problem, it has to be settled in the arena."

He leaned back. "Besides, I doubt a Foundation Establishment cultivator like Su Fang would challenge a mere Qi Refining cultivator like myself to a battle. It would be embarrassing for him, don't you think?"

Lin Yue nodded slowly, his expression growing more serious. "You're not wrong, Kai. But there are more ways to come to blows than just physical combat."

The Inner Disciple leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "Su Fang isn't to be trusted. He didn't become the prime seller of Qi Gathering pills by playing nice. Rules were bent, competitors were... dealt with."

Kai's eyes narrowed slightly. Not exactly shocking news in the cultivation world, he mused. Even in a supposedly righteous sect like Azure Sky, business could be cutthroat.

"I see," Kai said aloud. "And what would you suggest I do about that?"

"Well, from what I've observed of your personality, you're not the type to want to spend all your time as an alchemist making pills. Especially not for someone else. Am I right?"

Kai nodded, curious where this was going.

"So, why don't we enter into a partnership?" Lin Yue proposed. "You've already purchased Qi Gathering materials from me. Why not make it an official, long-term arrangement?"

Kai's eyes narrowed slightly. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you already have someone you supply to? Su Fang, perhaps?"

Lin Yue's smile faltered, replaced by a grimace. "Ah, well... since it's not exactly a secret, I'll be honest. I used to supply Su Fang, yes. But due to certain... difficulties and disagreements, we've gone our separate ways."

Sounds like Lin Yue got replaced, Kai thought, studying the Inner Disciple's face.

Lin Yue seemed to read Kai's thoughts. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yes, I suppose you could say I was replaced. But it was because I refused to go along with Su Fang's bullying tactics. There are lines I won't cross, even in business."

Kai remained silent, turning the situation over in his mind. If he partnered with Su Fang, who already had an established business, Kai would be relegated to the role of just another alchemist. He'd have no real ownership or control. Both scenarios went against his reasons for starting his own venture.

On the other hand, not partnering with Su Fang meant they'd be direct competitors. And Su Fang, with his mature business, would likely try to crush Kai's fledgling operation.

No, partnering with Su Fang is out of the question, Kai decided. It goes against everything I'm trying to build here.

As for Lin Yue's offer... Kai already needed a long-term supplier. Working with Lin Yue couldn't hurt, at least for now. If things didn't pan out, he could always terminate the relationship.

"Alright," Kai said, breaking the silence that had fallen between them. "Let's talk specifics. The main ingredients for Qi Gathering pills are Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and Qi Crystals, correct?"

Lin Yue nodded, sitting up straighter. "That's right."

"Now, if bought separately, these materials cost about 15 spirit stones total per pill," Kai continued. "But I'm planning to buy in bulk. So, let's negotiate."

Lin Yue's eyes lit up with interest. "I'm listening."

"How about 9 spirit stones per bundle?" Kai proposed, knowing he was starting too low.

Lin Yue shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "Come now, Senior Brother. You know I can't go that low. How about 14 spirit stones?"

Kai leaned forward, his voice firm but not aggressive. "14 is barely a discount. Remember, I'm offering you a long-term, stable business relationship. That's worth something. How about 11 spirit stones?"

Lin Yue stroked his chin, considering. "You drive a hard bargain. But 11 is too low for me to make a profit. Let's meet in the middle – 12.5 spirit stones per bundle."

Kai shook his head. "Close, but not quite there. 12 spirit stones, and I guarantee you'll be my exclusive supplier for these materials."

Lin Yue's eyebrows rose at that. He paused, clearly weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he nodded. “With that exclusivity guarantee, I’ll settle for 12 spirit stones."

They sealed their agreement with a small bow of their heads.

"Now," Kai said, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Tell me about Su Fang's operation. How many alchemists does he have working for him? What's their daily output?"

Lin Yue leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Su Fang has three Novice Alchemists under him. Each produces about 10 pills per day, which he sells for 30 spirit stones apiece."

Kai's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Only three alchemists? I would have expected more."

Lin Yue chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, you'd think so. But alchemists are a prideful bunch. They don't like working under others, especially someone like Su Fang who's not an alchemist himself."

Kai nodded slowly. I have Xie Li and myself, though Xie Li is just on a trial basis. And I don't want to spend all my time making pills. But as an alchemist myself, it might be easier for me to hire others...

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Chen Wei's voice called out, "Senior Brother Kai? A servant is here to take you to the Sect Master for your next lesson."

Kai looked at Lin Yue apologetically. "It seems our time is up."

Lin Yue stood, smoothing out his robes. "No worries. We've accomplished much today. My men will be in contact with you regarding the specifics."

With that, he left, leaving Kai alone with his thoughts.

Alright, time to plan my next move. My 1000 low-grade spirit stone stipend comes tomorrow. That should be enough to hire two or three alchemists of my own as well as buy a substantial amount of materials. I doubt he’ll make any moves before our meeting so if I play this right, I could be a real threat to Su Fang's business before then…

Author's Note

Comment down below how far ahead you think Shen Yu has progressed with the first layer of the Heavenly Thunderstorm cultivation method. Remember, it comprises of nine meridians, which number do you think he is on or has completed?

CG C99: Meridian of the Thunderclap

Kai sat cross-legged on the floor of his pavilion, the Heavenly Thunderstorm cultivation method scroll unfurled before him. He scanned the text once more:

Meridian of the Thunderclap Location: Lower Dantian (Abdomen)

Method to Open: "Thunder Clap Meditation" – Perform a series of physical exercises that simulate the movement of thunderclaps. This vigorous activity helps to channel lightning qi into the lower dantian, gradually opening the meridian.

Unlike many of his fellow gamers back on Earth, Kai had never shied away from physical exertion. His mind drifted briefly to memories of university kickboxing sessions.

This should be interesting, he thought, cracking his knuckles in anticipation.

He read through the three exercises outlined in the scroll:

• Thunderclap Stance

• Skyward Reaches

• Electric Dragon Twists

"Alright," Kai muttered to himself, "let's get started."

First, he needed to close his Lower Dantian meridian. He'd done this several times now with other meridians, so the process went smoothly. As he finished, a familiar blue message appeared in his vision:

Your cultivation has dropped to Qi Refining Stage 7

"Here goes nothing," Kai said, standing up and shaking out his limbs.

He began with the Thunderclap Stance. Planting his feet firmly on the ground, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, Kai bent his knees and lowered his center of gravity. He formed fists with both hands, then thrust them downward in a synchronized motion.

Imagine striking the ground with immense force, he reminded himself, visualizing shockwaves of energy traveling up through his legs and into his lower dantian.

Kai held the stance, focusing on deep, rhythmic breathing. He tried to sense the gathering of energy in his abdomen, but... nothing happened.

"Hm," he frowned, straightening up. "Maybe I'm not visualizing it strongly enough?"

He tried again, this time closing his eyes to better focus on the mental image. As he thrust his fists down, Kai pictured bolts of lightning striking the ground, sending ripples of electric energy through the earth and up into his body.

Still nothing.

"Okay," Kai muttered, "let's try the next one. I might have more success with that one"

He moved on to the Skyward Reaches exercise. Standing with his feet shoulder-width apart and arms relaxed at his sides, Kai slowly raised his arms above his head. He stretched upwards, imagining his fingers grasping at lightning bolts in the sky.

As he reached up, Kai took a deep breath, visualizing himself pulling down energy into his body. On the exhale, he brought his hands down slowly, trying to guide the imagined energy towards his lower dantian.

He repeated this fluid motion several times, focusing intently on the stretch and the imagined flow of energy. But after several minutes, Kai still felt no different.

"Come on," he grumbled. "What am I missing?"

Determined not to give up, Kai moved on to the final exercise: Electric Dragon Twists. He widened his stance, placed his hands on his hips, and began slowly twisting his torso from side to side.

As he reached the peak of each twist, Kai visualized a coiled dragon wrapping around his abdomen, releasing bursts of lightning qi into his lower dantian. He gradually increased the speed and intensity of the twists, maintaining control and focus.

After several minutes of this, Kai stopped, breathing heavily. He waited, hoping to feel some change, some spark of energy in his core. But there was nothing.

"Damn it," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "What am I doing wrong?"

Kai paced the room, his mind racing. He'd followed the instructions to the letter, hadn't he? Maybe he was missing something obvious. He returned to the scroll, reading through the descriptions again more carefully.

As he studied the text, he realised something. "Wait a minute," he murmured. "These exercises are supposed to simulate thunderclaps, right? But I've been too focused on lightning."

He pondered this realization. Thunderclaps weren't just about the flash of lightning – they were about the boom, the vibration, the raw power of nature.

"Let's try this again."

He returned to the Thunderclap Stance. This time, as he thrust his fists downward, Kai didn't just visualize lightning. He imagined the earth-shaking rumble of thunder, the way it could be felt as much as heard.

As his fists connected with an imaginary ground, Kai let out a loud, "BOOM!" startling himself with the volume of his own voice.

To his amazement, he felt a slight tremor in his lower abdomen. It was faint, barely perceptible, but definitely there.

"Yes!" Kai grinned. "That's it!"

Encouraged, he moved on to the Skyward Reaches. As he stretched upwards, Kai didn't just picture grasping lightning – he imagined the sky itself rumbling with the promise of an oncoming storm. With each exhale as he brought his arms down, he let out a low, rumbling sound from deep in his chest.

The sensation in his lower dantian grew stronger, a buzzing energy slowly building.

Finally, Kai tried the Electric Dragon Twists once more. As he twisted from side to side, he synchronized his movements with imagined claps of thunder. Each twist was punctuated with a sharp exhalation, like the staccato beats of a thunderstorm.

The energy in his core intensified, spreading warmth throughout his body. Kai could feel his qi responding, swirling and condensing in his lower dantian.

"It's working!" he panted, increasing the speed of his twists.

Sweat beaded on his forehead as Kai pushed himself, repeating the three exercises in sequence. Each time through, he focused on the multisensory experience of a thunderstorm – the flash of lightning, the rumble of thunder, the electric charge in the air.

Hours passed, though Kai barely noticed the passage of time. His world narrowed to the rhythm of the exercises and the growing power in his core. The energy built and built, like a storm gathering strength.

Just when Kai thought he couldn't continue any longer, when his muscles burned and his lungs heaved for air, something shifted and then suddenly the energy in his lower dantian exploded outward.

Kai gasped, his eyes flying open. Blue-white light crackled across his skin, and for a moment, he could have sworn he heard the boom of thunder echoing in the small room.

As quickly as it had come, the surge of power faded. Kai collapsed to his knees, panting heavily. His whole body tingled with residual energy, and he could still feel a new warmth pulsing in his core.

Slowly, a grin spread across Kai's face. "I did it," he whispered, then louder, "I actually did it!"

Congratulations!

You have successfully opened the Meridian of the Thunderclap!

Cultivation returned to Qi Refining Stage 8

Lightning Affinity increased to 40%

Skill Leveled Up: Crown of Lightning (Level 6)

Effect: A temporary, visible aura of lightning can form around the cultivator's head during meditation, boosting the cultivator's qi regeneration by 30%.

Skill Leveled Up: Sky's Favor (Level 6)

Effect: The cultivator's qi absorption rate increases by 30% whenever they are under an open sky, this increases to 35% when under stormy weather.

Skill Leveled Up: Electric Immunity (Level 6)

Effect: The cultivator gains 30% resistance to lightning-based attacks, reducing the damage taken from electric or lightning-based techniques.

You have gained 300 XP!

Kai’s smile faltered slightly as he realized yet again, he hadn't gained any new skills.

I guess I shouldn't keep expecting new skills every time.

But his disappointment was short-lived as he noticed the increase in his lightning affinity by yet another 5%.

Kai's gaze then fell on his XP total, and his excitement returned full force. He was now at 3900 XP, just 100 away from breaking through to the Peak of Qi Refining!

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," he called out, still catching his breath.

Chen Wei entered, his eyes widening as he took in Kai's disheveled appearance and the faint traces of electricity still crackling in the air.

"Senior Brother Kai," Chen Wei said, bowing slightly. "Sorry, I didn’t know you were cultivating.”

Kai chuckled, pushing himself to his feet. "It’s fine, Chen Wei. If I hadn’t finished, I wouldn’t have responded.”

Chen Wei nodded. "Thank you. I came to inform you that Lin Yue is here to see you."

Kai's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Lin Yue? The Inner Disciple you met in Greenleaf Village?"

"The very same," Chen Wei confirmed. "He said it's about business. Should I tell him you're available?"

Kai considered for a moment. He was tired from opening the new meridian, but his curiosity was piqued. What could Lin Yue want? Was it related to this Su Fang?

"Yes, tell him I'll see him," Kai decided. "But give me a few minutes to clean up first."

As Chen Wei turned to leave, Kai called out, "Oh, and Chen Wei? Could you bring some tea? I have a feeling we might need it."

Chen Wei nodded and left to fetch Lin Yue and prepare the tea.

Alone once more, Kai quickly straightened his robes and smoothed down his hair. He took a few deep breaths, centering himself.

This Lin Yue is a Foundation Establishment cultivator like Su Fang, I can’t let my guard down…

CG C98: Xie Li

Kai's eyes fluttered open, sunlight streaming through the window of his pavilion. He groaned, his body still aching from the intense process of opening the Storm's Core meridian.

As he sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," Kai called out, his voice still rough with sleep.

Chen Wei entered, carrying a tray with a steaming pot of tea and a small pouch.

"Senior Brother Kai, you really are back! How are you feeling?"

Kai stretched, wincing slightly. "Like I've been hit by a lightning bolt. But I'll live. What's that you've got there?"

Chen Wei set the tray down on a nearby table and held up the pouch. "The spirit stones from the pill sale, Senior Brother. We managed to sell all twenty pills for an average of 26 spirit stones each."

Kai's eyebrows rose. "That's better than I expected. Well done, Chen Wei."

As Chen Wei poured tea for both of them, Kai's mind raced. 520 spirit stones. Not a bad haul for our first sale. But if word gets out, we'll have competition soon. We need to move fast.

Congratulations!

Guild members Chen Wei, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi have completed their first task. They have gained 10 contribution points.

Contribution points will now be awarded.

"Senior Brother Kai?" Chen Wei's voice was filled with surprise. "My trident mark... it's glowing!"

Kai watched in fascination as 10% of the black mark on Chen Wei's wrist turned a vibrant blue.

"Interesting," Kai murmured. He focused his thoughts, addressing the system directly. "System, when will my guild members be able to use the trident mark to condense qi?"

Once the mark is complete, guild members will be able to use the mark to condense qi at will. Use of the technique will not deplete the mark. However, without continuous completion of tasks contributing to the guild, they will lose this ability.

"And what about the respawn ability? How does that work for guild members?"

Guild members can respawn when their mark is complete. However, a respawn will use up the entire mark and their ability to condense qi. They will need to complete the mark once again to regain these abilities.

It would be a waste if condensing qi used up their mark, it makes much more sense for respawning to use up the mark.

Kai turned to Chen Wei, who was still staring at his glowing mark in wonder.

"That’s the reward I mentioned, Chen Wei. I’ll give you all a Qi Gathering Pill when I make the next patch. But keep up the good work, and you'll be able to condense qi and even... well, let's just say you'll be much harder to get rid of."

Chen Wei looked up. "Thank you, Senior Brother. I'll work hard to complete this mark!” His expression then shifted, becoming more serious. "There's something else you should know, Senior Brother. Su Fang was waiting outside your pavilion for three days."

Kai frowned, accepting the cup of tea Chen Wei offered. "Su Fang? I don't know of any Su Fang. What did he want?"

Chen Wei shifted uncomfortably. "He said he wanted to discuss business with you. Specifically about the Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills we sold."

"I see," Kai murmured, taking a sip of tea. "Tell me everything you know about this Su Fang."

Chen Wei nodded, his brow furrowing in concentration. "Su Fang is a Core Disciple, known for his business acumen. He's been selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills to Outer Sect disciples for a while now. From what I've heard, he hires alchemists to make the pills for him."

Kai's eyes narrowed. So, he sees us as competition. This could be trouble.

"Is that all?" Kai asked.

Chen Wei hesitated. "Well, there's one more thing. Su Fang's servant arrived about an hour ago. He requested a meeting for Su Fang at a time convenient for you."

Kai leaned back, considering this new information. After a moment, he looked at Chen Wei. "What do you think I should do?"

Chen Wei's eyes widened in surprise. "Me? I... I'm not sure, Senior Brother. Su Fang is a Core Disciple. He could be a powerful ally... or a dangerous enemy."

"You're right on both counts," Kai said. "But we need to be careful. We can't afford to make enemies this early, but we also can't show weakness."

Kai stood up, pacing the room as he thought. I can't spend all my time making pills, even if Elder Xiao would love that. We need to make this business sustainable. And for that, we need help.

An image of Xie Li, the quiet alchemist he'd met earlier, flashed in his mind. She could be exactly what we need.

Coming to a decision, Kai turned back to Chen Wei. "Alright, here's what we're going to do. Respond to Su Fang's servant. Tell him I'll meet with Su Fang in ten days."

Chen Wei nodded. "And in those ten days, Senior Brother?"

Kai smiled. "In those ten days, we're going to shore up our position. Starting with recruiting some help. I want you to pass a message to Xie Li. Tell her I'm interested in practicing some alchemy with her."

"Xie Li?" Chen Wei asked. "The Inner Disciple who passed the Novice Alchemy Examination?"

"That's the one," Kai confirmed. "She's talented, and we could use her skills."

Chen Wei nodded, a look of understanding dawning on his face. "I see. You want to bring her into our guild?"

"Not yet,” Kai shook his head. “We need to vet her first. For now, we'll just see if she's interested in working with us."

"Understood, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said, bowing slightly. "I'll deliver the messages right away."

As Chen Wei turned to leave, Kai called out, "Oh, and Chen Wei?"

The young disciple paused at the door. "Yes, Senior Brother?"

"Good work with the pill sale."

Chen Wei's face lit up. "Thank you, Senior Brother!"

As the door closed behind Chen Wei, Kai sank back onto his bed.

Ten days to prepare for Su Fang. Ten days to set up a sustainable operation. It's going to be a busy week and a half.

With a groan, Kai forced himself to his feet. He had work to do.

***

Later that day, Kai found himself standing outside the alchemy practice room, waiting for Xie Li to arrive. He'd spent the morning reviewing his alchemy notes and planning his approach.

The sound of footsteps pulled Kai from his thoughts. He looked up to see Xie Li approaching, her steps hesitant and her eyes downcast. As she drew closer, Kai noticed a faint blush on her cheeks.

"Senior Brother Kai," she said softly, bowing. "Thank you for inviting me to practice with you."

Kai smiled, trying to put her at ease. "Thank you for coming, Xie Li. I've been looking forward to working with you."

Xie Li's blush deepened, but she managed a small smile. "What... what did you want to practice today?"

"I was thinking we could focus on the Spiritual Resonance technique," Kai said. "It's a crucial skill for creating high-quality pills, and I'd love to get your insights on it."

Xie Li's eyes widened slightly. "Spiritual Resonance? That’s quite a difficult technique, most disciples struggle with it.”

Kai nodded. "That’s right. But from what I've seen of your skills, I think you're understanding of it is quite good. So, shall we go in?"

He gestured towards the practice room door. Xie Li nodded, her earlier nervousness seemingly replaced by excitement at the prospect of practicing alchemy.

As they entered the room, Kai took a moment to observe Xie Li. There was a focus in her eyes that hadn't been there before.

She really comes alive when she's working with alchemy. That's a good sign.

"So," Kai said as they finished setting up, "what's your understanding of the Spiritual Resonance technique?"

Xie Li paused, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "Spiritual Resonance is about attuning the energy of the pill to the spiritual frequency of the cultivator who will use it. It's what allows us to create pills that are tailored to specific individuals or cultivation methods."

"Exactly. And what do you think is the most challenging aspect of the technique?"

Xie Li bit her lip, considering the question. "I think... it's maintaining the resonance throughout the entire pill-making process. It's not enough to just attune the ingredients at the beginning. You have to keep that resonance going as you refine and shape the pill."

"But how do you maintain that resonance? What's your approach?"

Xie Li's eyes lit up as she began to explain her method. Kai listened intently, asking questions and offering his own insights. As they talked, he could see Xie Li becoming more animated, her earlier shyness melting away as she delved into a topic she was clearly passionate about.

She’s good, her understanding is a few levels above my own…

After a while, Kai suggested they try putting theory into practice. "Why don't you demonstrate the technique?" he proposed. "I'd love to see your approach in action."

Xie Li nodded, a determined look on her face. She selected a set of ingredients and began the process of creating a simple energy pill. Kai watched closely as she worked, noting the subtle ways she manipulated the qi in the ingredients.

As Xie Li worked, Kai activated his Qi Detection skill, trying to sense the spiritual resonance she was creating. To his surprise, he found he could perceive faint threads of energy connecting Xie Li to the pill she was crafting.

She's not just maintaining the resonance, she's actively shaping it as she works.

When Xie Li finished, she held up a small, perfectly formed pill. It glowed with a soft light, pulsing gently in time with Xie Li's own qi.

"Amazing work," Kai said, genuinely impressed. "The resonance is so clear, I can almost see it."

Xie Li blushed at the praise. "Thank you, Senior Brother. Would you like to try now?"

Kai nodded, stepping up to the alchemy table. He selected his ingredients and began the process, trying to replicate what he'd seen Xie Li do.

As he worked, Kai focused on maintaining a connection between his qi and the forming pill. This was always the technique he found the most challenging, it felt like trying to hold onto a slippery fish. Several times, he felt the resonance start to slip away, only to catch it at the last moment.

After ten minutes, Kai completed the pill. It wasn't as perfect as Xie Li's, the glow a bit uneven and the shape slightly lopsided. But as he held it up, he could feel the resonance humming through it.

A system message popped up in his vision:

Congratulations!

Skill: Spiritual Resonance has reached level 5!

You have gained 100XP!

Kai couldn't help but smile.

"Well done, Senior Brother," Xie Li said, examining the pill. "The resonance is strong, even if the form isn't perfect. With practice, you'll be able to maintain better control over the shape."

Kai nodded. "Thank you, Xie Li. Your demonstration was incredibly helpful. I learned a lot just from watching you work."

Xie Li ducked her head, but Kai could see she was pleased by the compliment.

As they finished cleaning up the alchemy station, Kai decided it was time to make his move.

"Xie Li," he said, his tone casual. "I've really enjoyed working with you today. Your skill in alchemy is truly impressive."

"Thank you, Senior Brother," Xie Li replied, her cheeks pink. "I've enjoyed working with you too."

Kai nodded, then continued. "I have a proposition for you. As you know, I've recently started producing and selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills. But as a Legacy Disciple, my time is often limited. I've been thinking of bringing on someone to help with the pill production."

Xie Li's eyes widened as she realized where this was going.

"Would you be interested in making pills for me?" Kai asked. "I'd pay you, of course. Your skill would be invaluable, and it could be a good opportunity for you to gain more practical experience."

Xie Li bit her lip, clearly considering the offer. "It's a generous proposal, Senior Brother. But... I'm not sure if I'm ready for such a responsibility. What if I make a mistake? It’s not just my reputation at stake but also the reputation of a Legacy Disciple."

Kai shook his head. "Don't sell yourself short, Xie Li. I've seen your work. You're more than capable. And as for mistakes... well, they're part of the learning process. I'm not expecting perfection, just your best effort."

He could see Xie Li was still hesitant, so he decided to sweeten the deal. "Tell you what," he said. "Why don't we start with a trial period? Two weeks. You can see if you enjoy the work, and I can assess how well we work together. After that, if you're not comfortable continuing, we can part ways with no hard feelings. What do you say?"

Xie Li was quiet for a long moment, her gaze fixed on the alchemy equipment around them. Finally, she looked up at Kai, a small smile on her face.

"Alright, Senior Brother Kai," she said. "I accept your offer. A two-week trial period sounds fair."

Kai grinned. "Excellent! I look forward to working with you, Xie Li."

“I... I do too, Senior Brother."

They then left the practice room together but Kai was lost in deep thought.

With Xie Li's help, we can increase production and maybe even improve the quality of our pills. Su Fang won't know what hit him.

However, as he glanced at Xie Li, who was still blushing slightly and sneaking shy looks at him, Kai felt a twinge of guilt. I hope I'm not taking advantage of her. She seems so... innocent.

Kai pushed the thought aside. This is for the good of the guild. And for my own survival in this world. I can't afford to be too sentimental. And this will only benefit her, no need to feel guilty.

As they parted ways, Kai heading back to his pavilion and Xie Li to her quarters, Kai couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to get very interesting.

Su Fang, whoever you are, I hope you're ready for a challenge. Because the Trident Guild is just getting started.

 

CG C97: Well Played

Author's Note

This takes place whilst Kai is with Elder Xiao making the Thundercore Elixir

***

Su Fang approached the area demarcating the Legacy Disciple quarters, his steps slowing as he took in the unfamiliar surroundings. He had never ventured this far into the sect's inner sanctum before, a plain Core Disciple like himself had never been important enough to garner Wang Lin’s attention.

As he drew near, his eyes widened in surprise. An invisible barrier shimmered into existence, halting his progress. The air in front of him rippled like water, a translucent wall of energy barring his path.

"So the rumors are true," Su Fang murmured to himself, reaching out a hand to touch the barrier. He felt a gentle resistance, like pressing against a cushion of air. "The Legacy Disciples really do have their own protective wards."

He took a step back, scanning the area with newfound respect. The pavilions beyond the barrier seemed to shimmer slightly, as if viewed through heat haze. Su Fang had always known the Legacy Disciples were afforded special privileges, but seeing it firsthand was another matter entirely.

How am I supposed to get through? he wondered, frowning slightly. Surely there must be a way for other disciples to visit, or at least leave messages.

Su Fang cleared his throat. "Legacy Disciple Kai? It's Su Fang, a Core Disciple. I was hoping we could talk."

Silence greeted his words. He frowned, straining his ears for any sign of movement within. Nothing.

Is he ignoring me? Or perhaps he's not home?

Su Fang's frown deepened. He hadn't come all this way to be thwarted by an empty house. With a resigned sigh, he settled himself on a nearby rock, closing his eyes in meditation.

I can be patient. He'll have to return eventually.

Time passed, the sun inching across the sky. Su Fang remained motionless, his breathing slow and even. To any passerby, he might have appeared to be a statue, were it not for the occasional twitch of his eyebrow.

The sound of approaching footsteps roused him from his trance. Su Fang's eyes snapped open, a smile curving his lips. But it wasn't Kai who rounded the corner.

Instead, a young man came into view, accompanied by... was that a tortoise? Su Fang blinked, wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him. But no, there was indeed a spirit beast waddling alongside the boy.

Ah, this must be Kai's servant. Chen Wei, and that tortoise must be Cang Long’s disciple, if I recall correctly.

Su Fang stood, brushing off his robes. "Greetings, young Chen Wei. I don't suppose your master is at home?"

Chen Wei froze, his eyes widening as he recognized Su Fang. The tortoise at his side bumped into his leg, letting out a squawk.

"S-Senior Brother Su Fang," Chen Wei stammered. "I... I'm afraid Senior Brother Kai isn't here at the moment."

Su Fang's smile didn't waver, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "I see. That's unfortunate. I was hoping to discuss some business with him."

Chen Wei shifted uncomfortably. "Business? What kind of business?"

"Oh, nothing too serious," Su Fang said, waving a hand dismissively. "I just heard some interesting rumors about your master selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills. I thought we might have a little chat.”

Chen Wei's posture stiffened. "I'm not sure what you mean, Senior Brother. The Low-Grade Qi Gathering pill business isn't exclusive to anyone. Anyone can sell them if they have the means to produce them."

Su Fang chuckled. "Of course, of course. I'm not here to cause any trouble. Quite the opposite, in fact. I see this as a potential business opportunity. Your master clearly has talent as an alchemist. I thought perhaps we could combine our resources, expand our reach."

Chen Wei's eyes narrowed. He'd seen tactics like this before, back when he worked in the family business. Competitors would come in, all smiles and promises of cooperation, only to try and squeeze them out of business later.

"That's very kind of you to offer, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said carefully. "But I'm afraid I can't speak for Senior Brother Kai on such matters. You'll have to discuss it with him directly."

Su Fang's smile widened. "Of course, I understand completely. I wouldn't expect you to make such decisions. When do you think your master will return? I'd be happy to wait."

Chen Wei's mind raced. He needed to warn Kai about this unexpected development. "I'm not sure, Senior Brother. He didn't say when he'd be back. It could be quite a while."

"That's no problem," Su Fang said, settling back onto his rock. "I can be very patient."

Chen Wei hesitated, then bowed slightly. "If you'll excuse me, Senior Brother, I have some errands to run for Senior Brother Kai. I should get going."

"Of course, of course," Su Fang said, waving him off. "Don't let me keep you."

Chen Wei hurried away, the spirit tortoise scrambling to keep up. As soon as they were out of earshot, the tortoise spoke up.

"I don't trust that guy," Zhi-Zhi said, his tiny eyes narrowed. "He smells like trouble."

Chen Wei nodded. "I agree. We need to warn Senior Brother Kai as soon as possible."

Back at the pavilion, Su Fang remained in his meditative pose, unmoving. Hours passed, the sun slowly sinking towards the horizon.

As night fell, lanterns flickered to life along the paths. Still, Su Fang waited.

One day turned into two, then three. Su Fang maintained the meditative pose, only occasionally shifting his position or taking small sips of water from a flask at his side.

On the third day, as the sun began to set once more, Su Fang finally opened his eyes. His face was a mask of frustration and weariness.

Three days, he thought bitterly. Three days, and still no sign of Kai.

Su Fang stood up, stretching his stiff muscles. He glared at the still-empty pavilion, his patience finally wearing thin.

That Outer Disciple must have warned him, Su Fang realized. That's why he hasn't returned. He's avoiding me.

For a moment, anger flared in Su Fang's chest. Was Kai testing him? Trying to see how long he would wait? The thought of being toyed with by some upstart Legacy Disciple made Su Fang's blood boil.

But then, as quickly as it had come, the anger faded. Su Fang took a deep breath, forcing himself to think rationally.

Calm down, he told himself. Think about this logically. If a higher-level cultivator was waiting outside your home for days, how would you feel?

The answer came to him immediately: cautious. Wary. Perhaps even a little afraid.

Su Fang took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. He looked at the pavilion with new eyes, a grudging respect growing within him.

Kai is being careful, he realized. He's not avoiding me out of cowardice, but out of prudence. He's assessing the situation before making a move.

A slow smile spread across Su Fang's face. I can respect that. Caution is a valuable trait in both cultivation and business.

Decision made, Su Fang straightened his robes and gave a respectful nod towards the pavilion. "Well played, Legacy Disciple Kai," he murmured. "Well played indeed."

As he turned to leave, Su Fang's mind was already formulating a new plan. I'll do this the right way, he thought. Send a formal request for a meeting through proper channels. Show him the respect his position deserves.

Su Fang walked away from the pavilion, his steps lighter than they had been in days.

This new Legacy Disciple is a cautious man. And I like working with cautious men. This could be the start of a very interesting partnership.

As Su Fang disappeared down the path, the sect grounds fell quiet. The last rays of sunlight faded, leaving the area bathed in the soft glow of lanterns.

For several minutes, all was still. Then, suddenly a black-robed figure appeared on the path. Without hesitation, the figure approached the barrier. There was no utterance of a pass phrase, no gesture to dispel the protective force. The barrier simply... parted, as if recognizing its master's touch.

The black-robed figure slipped inside, the door to the pavilion opening and closing in one smooth motion.

And just like that, Kai was home.

CG C96: The Core Disciple - Su Fang

Zhao Jun stumbled through the Azure Sky Sect grounds, his breaths coming in short gasps. His legs burned from running, but he couldn't slow down. Not when he had such important news to share.

He weaved between groups of disciples, ignoring their startled looks. His eyes were fixed on his destination - the Core Disciple region. More specifically, Sun Jun's quarters.

As he approached the building, Zhao Jun slowed his pace. He took a moment to catch his breath and straighten his robes. It wouldn't do to appear too disheveled in front of a Core Disciple.

With shaky hands, he knocked on the door.

"Enter," a voice called from inside.

Zhao Jun pushed open the door and stepped into Sun Jun's quarters. The room was spacious and well-furnished, unlike the cramped dormitories of the Outer Disciples.

Sun Jun sat at a desk, poring over a scroll. His friend, Lu Chen, lounged on a nearby couch, idly tossing a spirit stone in the air and catching it.

Both young men looked up as Zhao Jun entered. Sun Jun's eyes narrowed.

"What is it?" he asked, his tone sharp. "This had better be important."

Zhao Jun bowed deeply. "Senior Brother Sun, I have news that I believe you'll find very interesting."

Sun Jun leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Zhao Jun took a deep breath. "It's about the new Legacy Disciple, Kai. He's... he's selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills."

The spirit stone Lu Chen had been tossing clattered to the floor. Sun Jun's eyes widened.

"What did you say?" Sun Jun asked, his voice dangerously low.

Zhao Jun swallowed hard. "I... I was just at a meeting in the Outer Sect. Chen Wei, who works for Kai, was selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills. Twenty of them."

Lu Chen sat up straight. "Twenty? Where did he get so many?"

"He said they were made by Kai himself," Zhao Jun explained. "Apparently, Kai has become a Novice Alchemist."

Sun Jun's fists clenched. "Impossible. He's only been here for a short time. How could he, a village bumpkin, have advanced so quickly?"

Zhao Jun shrugged. "I don't know, Senior Brother. But Chen Wei was very clear about it. He even said the pills had been verified by Alchemy Master Elder Xiao."

Sun Jun stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. He began to pace, his face twisted in anger.

"Not only did he steal my Legacy Disciple spot," he spat. "But he is now trying to humiliate me further."

Lu Chen watched his friend. "What does any of this have to do with you?"

Sun Jun whirled to face him. "Don't you see? This Kai, this... this nobody from some backwater village, is not only a Legacy Disciple but now a Novice Alchemist too? And he's using these skills to gain influence among the Outer Disciples? He is trying to take any chance of me becoming the next Sect Master!"

Lu Chen nodded slowly. "I…see. But what can we do about it?"

A slow, cruel smile spread across Sun Jun's face. "We don't have to do anything. We just need to make sure the right people know about this."

Zhao Jun, who had been standing silently, spoke up. "What do you mean, Senior Brother?"

Sun Jun turned his gaze to the Outer Disciple. "Tell me, Zhao Jun, how much were these pills being sold for?"

"They started the bidding at 20 spirit stones," Zhao Jun replied. "But by the end, some were going for as much as 28 spirit stones each."

Lu Chen whistled. "That's not bad. Cheaper than the usual price, but still a tidy profit."

Sun Jun's smile widened. "Exactly. And do you know who usually supplies Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills to the Outer Disciples?"

Zhao Jun's eyes widened in realization. "Senior Brother Su Fang!"

"Precisely," Sun Jun said. "I wonder how Senior Brother Su Fang would feel about this new... competition."

Lu Chen stood up, a glint in his eye. "Are you suggesting we inform Su Fang about this?"

Sun Jun nodded. "It's our duty as loyal disciples of the Azure Sky Sect to keep our seniors informed of any... unusual activities."

Zhao Jun shifted uncomfortably. "But... won't that cause trouble for Kai? He is a Legacy Disciple, after all."

Sun Jun's eyes flashed dangerously. "Are you questioning me, Zhao Jun?"

The Outer Disciple quickly shook his head. "No, no, of course not, Senior Brother!"

"Good," Sun Jun said. "Because I think it's time we paid a visit to Senior Brother Su Fang. Don't you agree, Lu Chen?"

Lu Chen nodded. "I think that's an excellent idea, Sun Jun."

Sun Jun turned back to Zhao Jun. "You've done well bringing this information to us. You may go now."

Zhao Jun bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior Brother Sun."

As he turned to leave, Sun Jun called out, "Oh, and Zhao Jun? Not a word of this to anyone else. Understood?"

Zhao Jun nodded quickly. "Of course, Senior Brother. My lips are sealed."

As the door closed behind Zhao Jun, Lu Chen turned to Sun Jun. "Are you sure about this? Su Fang isn't known for his gentle temperament."

"That's exactly what I'm counting on,” Sun Jun smirked. “It's time this village boy learned his place. Legacy Disciple or not, he can't just waltz in here and do as he pleases."

Lu Chen nodded slowly. "And if Su Fang deals with him, our hands stay clean."

"Precisely," Sun Jun said. "Now, let's go pay our respects to Senior Brother Su Fang, shall we?"

The two friends left Sun Jun's quarters and made their way to Su Feng’s quarters.

This is perfect, Sun Jun thought. Su Fang, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, will put that upstart Kai in his place.

Lu Chen glanced at his friend, noting the satisfied smirk on his face. "You seem pleased with yourself," he observed.

Sun Jun chuckled. "Why shouldn't I be? This Kai has been a thorn in my side since he arrived. It's about time someone did something about him."

"And you're sure Su Fang will react the way you want?" Lu Chen asked.

Sun Jun's smirk widened. "Oh, I'm counting on it. Su Fang's pride won't allow him to let this slide. He'll crush Kai, that village boy will learn that the Azure Sky Sect isn't his personal playground."

As they approached Su Fang's residence, a grand building befitting a senior Core Disciple, Sun Jun paused.

"Remember," he said to Lu Chen, "let me do most of the talking. We're just concerned junior disciples bringing important information to our senior's attention."

Lu Chen nodded. "Of course. I'll follow your lead."

Sun Jun took a deep breath, composing his features into a mask of respectful concern. Then, he knocked on the door.

"Enter," came a voice from within.

Sun Jun pushed open the door, Lu Chen close behind him. They stepped into the room. At a large desk sat Su Fang, his sharp eyes fixed on the two young men who had just entered.

"Sun Jun, Lu Chen," Su Fang said. "To what do I owe this... pleasure?"

Sun Jun and Lu Chen gave a small bow. "Senior Brother Su," Sun Jun said, his voice dripping with respect. "We apologize for disturbing you, but we have information that we believe you should be aware of."

Su Fang leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Sun Jun straightened, meeting Su Fang's gaze. "It's about the new Legacy Disciple, Kai. We've just learned that he's selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills to the Outer Disciples."

For a moment, Su Fang's face remained impassive. Then, almost imperceptibly, his left eyebrow twitched.

"Is that so?" he said, his voice carefully neutral. "And where did you hear this?"

"One of the Outer Disciples came to us directly," Sun Jun explained. "Apparently, Kai's assistant held a meeting where he sold twenty Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills."

Lu Chen chimed in, "They claim the pills were made by Kai himself. That he's become a Novice Alchemist."

Su Fang's eyes widened slightly at this. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk. "A Novice Alchemist, you say? That's... interesting."

Sun Jun nodded eagerly. "Yes, Senior Brother. And what's more, they were selling the pills for as low as 20 spirit stones each."

This time, Su Fang couldn't hide his reaction. His fist clenched on the desk, and a flash of anger crossed his face.

"Twenty spirit stones?" he repeated, his voice low and dangerous.

Sun Jun fought to keep the satisfaction off his face. He's taking the bait, he thought. Now to reel him in.

"We were shocked too, Senior Brother," Sun Jun said, his voice full of false concern. "We know you've been supplying the Outer Disciples with pills. We were worried this might... interfere with your business."

Su Fang stood up abruptly, turning to look out the window. His back was rigid, his hands clasped tightly behind him.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention," he said, his voice tightly controlled. "You've done well, both of you."

Sun Jun and Lu Chen exchanged a quick glance. This was going even better than they had hoped.

"We're always happy to help, Senior Brother," Lu Chen said smoothly. "We just want what's best for the sect."

Su Fang turned back to face them, his expression unreadable. "Indeed. Well, if that's all, you may go. I have much to think about."

Sun Jun and Lu Chen bowed again. "Of course, Senior Brother. We'll take our leave."

As they turned to go, Su Fang spoke again. "Oh, and Sun Jun?"

Sun Jun paused, looking back. "Yes, Senior Brother?"

Su Fang's eyes bore into him. "In the future, if you hear anything else about this... Kai, I want you to come to me immediately. Understood?"

Sun Jun nodded, suppressing a smile. "Of course, Senior Brother. You can count on us."

As the door closed behind them, Sun Jun and Lu Chen walked quickly away from Su Fang's residence. Once they were out of earshot, Sun Jun let out a low chuckle.

"Did you see his face?" he said, his voice filled with glee. "He was furious!"

Lu Chen nodded, a small smile on his face. "You played it perfectly, Sun Jun. He took the bait hook, line, and sinker."

Sun Jun's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Just wait. Su Fang won't let this stand. He'll go after Kai, and when he does..."

"We'll be there to watch the fireworks," Lu Chen finished.

As they walked back to their own quarters, Sun Jun's mind raced with possibilities. Soon, he thought, soon that upstart Kai will learn his place. And when he falls, I'll be there to take what should have been mine all along.

***

Meanwhile, back in his quarters, Su Fang paced back and forth, his mind whirling with the information he had just received.

A Legacy Disciple selling pills? And not just any pills, but Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills. My pills.

He stopped at the window, looking out over the sect grounds. His eyes narrowed as he considered his options.

On one hand, this Kai was a Legacy Disciple. Going against him directly could be dangerous. But on the other hand, if he let this slide, it could seriously damage his business and his reputation.

I've worked too hard to let some newcomer ruin everything, and it’s not like this Kai is another Wang Lin, I’m not defenceless against him. But how to handle this...

He turned away from the window, his decision made. He wouldn't confront Kai directly, at least not yet. First, he needed more information.

Su Fang sat back down at his desk, pulling out a blank scroll. He began to write, outlining his plan.

First, verify the information. Then, if it's true, find out more about this Kai. His strengths, his weaknesses, his goals. And most importantly, find out why he's selling these pills. Is he trying to rile me up or is he just looking to make some spirit stones?

As he wrote, a new thought occurred to him. What if... what if I could turn this to my advantage?

Su Fang leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. Yes, this could work. Instead of seeing Kai as a threat, why not see him as an opportunity?

If he really is a Novice Alchemist, Su Fang thought, then he could be incredibly valuable. And if I could bring him into my operation...

With a Legacy Disciple as his alchemist, he could expand his business using the name of a Legacy Disciple. The profits would be astronomical.

Su Fang stood up, his decision made. He would meet this Kai, but not as an enemy. No, he would approach him as a potential business partner.

Let's see what you're made of, Legacy Disciple Kai, Su Fang thought as he headed for the door. This could be the beginning of a very profitable relationship... for both of us.

CG C95: The First Sale

Before Chen Wei could answer, more disciples began to trickle in. Within minutes, the grove was filled with curious and slightly wary Outer Disciples, their cultivation levels ranging from Qi Refining Stage 4 to Stage 9.

Chen Wei recognized most of them. There was round-faced Liu Qian, only at Stage 4 but with an uncanny talent for pill refinement, a shame he had yet to pass the Novice Alchemy Exams. Lin Hui, Stage 7, whose sword techniques were the talk of the Outer Sect. Broad-shouldered Wu Cheng, Stage 9, rumored to be on the verge of breaking through to Foundation Establishment.

As the group grew, Chen Wei noticed the disciples naturally clustering into their various factions.

The Azure Fang group, known for their brash and confrontational attitudes, gathered near a gnarled tree root. They were the "tough guys" of the Outer Sect, always ready for a fight and quick to assert dominance. Feng Yan was their leader; he was already glaring at the others.

The Misty Palm faction, on the other hand, stood off to one side, eyeing the others warily. They were the intellectuals and strategists, preferring to solve problems with wit rather than brawn. Ling Xiao, their de facto spokesperson, had her arms crossed as she assessed the disciples around her.

Near the center, the Emerald Harmony group chatted animatedly. They were the social butterflies, always organizing events and trying to keep the peace between the other factions. Wu Cheng, ever the mediator, was already moving between groups, trying to ease tensions.

Chen Wei knew that Wu Cheng, with his Peak Qi Refining Stage 9 cultivation, would make sure no conflicts broke out.

Off in a corner, the Shadows of Solitude kept to themselves. These were the loners and outcasts, either by choice or circumstance. Xu Kai, looking nervous as always, kept glancing around as if searching for an escape route.

Once it seemed everyone had arrived, Chen Wei cleared his throat. All eyes turned to him, a mix of curiosity, impatience, and in some cases, barely concealed hostility.

"Thank you all for coming," Chen Wei began. "I've gathered you here because my friend had mentioned that you were interested in some cultivation resources."

He reached into his robes and produced a small pouch, revealing the Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills within.

"As you can see, I have here twenty Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills," Chen Wei announced. "I know many of you have been seeking these to aid in your cultivation."

"Convenient,” Ling Xiao muttered. “How do we know these aren't just sugar pills you've cooked up to scam us?"

"A fair question," Chen Wei acknowledged. "But consider this - would I risk my reputation, not to mention potential retaliation from thirty angry disciples, over fake pills? I assure you, these are the real deal."

Feng Yan stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the pills. "But that Inner Disciple was pretty tight-lipped about where these came from. Care to fill us in on that little detail?"

"Wait a moment," Xu Kai said, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "These pills... they must be connected to your master, the Legacy Disciple. Am I right?"

A hush fell over the gathering as all eyes turned to Chen Wei, waiting for his response.

Chen Wei nodded slowly, "Yes, these pills are indeed connected to Senior Brother Kai."

Excited whispers broke out among the disciples. Chen Wei raised his voice slightly to be heard over the commotion.

"What's more, I can now reveal that Senior Brother Kai has recently attained the rank of Novice Alchemist. These pills are some of his first successful creations."

"Novice Alchemist? “Liu Qian, the pill refiner, exclaimed. "At his age? That's... that's incredible!"

Chen Wei smile widened. "Indeed it is. Which means you can be assured of the quality of these pills. They're not just any Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills - they're crafted by a Legacy Disciple with exceptional talent."

Zhang Liang spoke up. "But if they're made by a Novice Alchemist, how do we know they're safe?"

This is my chance to really sell these pills. I need to make Senior Brother Kai look as impressive as possible.

"An understandable concern," Chen Wei acknowledged. "But remember, this is Senior Brother Kai we're talking about. His talent is unprecedented. Even the Alchemy Master Elder Xiao was impressed by his skills and wanted to take him as a disciple. These pills have been thoroughly tested and verified by the Alchemy Master himself. They're not only safe but potentially more effective than standard Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills."

The atmosphere in the grove shifted once again. The initial suspicion had given way to a palpable sense of eagerness. Disciples who had been hesitant before now looked at the pills with naked want in their eyes.

"So," Chen Wei said, holding up one of the pills. "Now that you know the true value of what's being offered, let's begin the bidding. Who wants to make the first offer for a pill crafted by the Azure Sky Sect's most promising young alchemist?"

"What's your starting price?" Liu Qian asked.

Chen Wei thought for a moment. "Since Senior Brother Kai cares a lot about customer satisfaction, let's start the bidding at 20 spirit stones per pill."

It was a reasonable starting price, considering that they usually sold for 30 per pill.

"I'll give you 21 for one," called out a voice from the back.

"22 here," countered another disciple.

Soon, the grove was filled with a cacophony of bids, each disciple trying to outdo the others. Chen Wei watched with satisfaction as the price climbed steadily upward.

This is going even better than I hoped. Senior Brother Kai will be pleased.

As the bidding hit 25 spirit stones, tensions began to rise. Some disciples dropped out, unable to afford the increasing price. Others grew more aggressive in their bids, determined to secure a pill at any cost.

"26 spirit stones!" shouted Ling Xiao.

"27!" countered Feng Yan, glaring at anyone who dared to challenge him.

"28 spirit stones!" called out Liu Qian, his round face determined. Studying this pill could be what he needed to breakthrough and become a Novice Alchemist himself!

The bidding war ended, no one was willing to spend anymore spirit stones as it was close to the original price.

As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, the rest of the pills were sold off. Most of the disciples had either secured their pills or dropped out of the running, unable to match the increasingly steep prices.

In the end, Wu Cheng claimed five pills at 28 spirit stones each, his resources as a Stage 9 disciple allowing him to outbid most of the others. Lin Xiao and Feng Yan each secured three, Liu Qian secured two, while the remaining nine were distributed among various other disciples who had managed to scrape together enough spirit stones.

As Chen Wei carefully handed out the pills in exchange for spirit stones, he couldn't help but smile. He had managed the entire transaction smoothly, without any major incidents.

"Thank you all for your participation," Chen Wei said, bowing slightly. "I hope these pills serve you well in your cultivation."

The disciples nodded, some grudgingly, others eagerly clutching their hard-won pills. As they began to disperse, Chen Wei caught snippets of conversation.

"Can't believe I managed to get one..."

"Do you think he'll have more in the future?"

"A Legacy Disciple and an alchemist? No wonder Chen Wei's been moving up so fast..."

“But what do you think Senior Brother Su Fang will do when he hears about this…”

Once the last disciple had left the grove, Chen Wei allowed himself a moment to relax. He slumped against the old willow tree, letting out a long breath.

"You can come out now, Zhi-Zhi," he called softly.

The spirit tortoise emerged from the bushes, leaves stuck to his shell. "That was amazing!" he exclaimed. "The way you handled them all, it was like watching a master merchant at work!"

Chen Wei chuckled, patting Zhi-Zhi's shell. "I had a good teacher. Now, let's head back. We need to report our success to Senior Brother Kai."

CG C94: Chen Wei Returns

Chen Wei walked through the bustling grounds of the Outer Sect, his eyes scanning the list of names Liu Wei had given him. As he walked, a few curious glances were cast his way. It had been a while since Chen Wei had ventured into this part of the sect grounds.

"Well, well, look who decided to grace us with his presence!" a voice called out.

Chen Wei turned to see Pan Huo, a fellow Outer Disciple he'd trained with in the past. Pan Huo approached with a grin, slapping Chen Wei on the back.

"We were starting to think you'd forgotten about us little people, now that you're working for a Legacy Disciple," Pan Huo teased.

"How could I forget where I came from?” Chen Wei chuckled, shaking his head. “I've just been busy, that's all."

Another disciple, Li Ling, joined them. "Busy, huh? Must be nice, having important tasks to do. What brings you back to our humble corner of the sect?"

I don’t want to attract the attention of our competitors, the first sale needs to go well.

Chen Wei hesitated, not wanting to reveal too much. "Just some errands. Nothing too exciting."

"Come on, Chen Wei," Pan Huo pressed. "You can tell us. We're all friends here, right?"

I can't let them know about the pills, Chen Wei thought. But I don't want to be rude either.

"It's sect business," he said finally. "I'm afraid I can't say more than that."

Pan Huo whistled. "Look at you, all mysterious now. Well, don't be a stranger, alright? Come train with us sometime, show us what you've learned from that Legacy Disciple of yours."

Chen Wei nodded, "I'll do that. Take care, both of you."

As he continued on his way, his mind was on the pills. How should I approach this? Meeting buyers one at a time would take forever, and it wouldn't create the competition Senior Brother Kai wants.

He considered holding a public auction, but quickly dismissed the idea. That would draw too much attention. We don't want to risk conflicts with other groups selling Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills. Even with Zhi-Zhi as backup, I'd rather avoid any confrontations. He's better as a shield than for offense, anyway.

Lost in thought, Chen Wei almost bumped into a younger disciple hurrying past. As he looked up to apologize, a smile appeared on his face.

It was Li Jun, a scrappy kid who'd do just about any odd job for a few spirit stones. More importantly, Li Jun owed Chen Wei a favor.

Chen Wei's mind flashed back to Li Jun's first days in the sect. The boy had arrived wide-eyed and overwhelmed, struggling to find his footing in the competitive environment. Chen Wei, remembering his own difficult early days, had taken pity on the newcomer.

He'd shown Li Jun around, explaining the unwritten rules of sect life and helping him avoid the pitfalls that often tripped up new disciples. When Li Jun had accidentally offended an older disciple, it was Chen Wei who smoothed things over, saving the boy from a beating - or worse.

Now, seeing Li Jun, Chen Wei realized he might have found the solution to his current dilemma.

"Li Jun!" he called out. "Do you have a moment?"

The younger boy stopped, turning with a mixture of surprise and wariness on his face. "Senior Brother Chen Wei? What can I do for you?"

Chen Wei smiled. "I was hoping you might be able to help me with a small favor."

Li Jun's expression relaxed slightly, but he still looked cautious. "What kind of favor?"

"Nothing too difficult," Chen Wei said, keeping his voice low. "I just need you to deliver some messages for me. Discreetly."

Li Jun's eyes narrowed. "Messages? To who?"

Chen Wei produced the list of names. "To these disciples. I need you to tell each of them to meet me at the old willow grove near the eastern training fields. Today, two hours before sunset."

Li Jun's eyes widened as he scanned the list. "These are all upper-level Outer Disciples. What's this about?"

Chen Wei shook his head. "They already know. It's better if you don't know the details. Can you do that for me?"

Li Jun hesitated, clearly wanting to ask more questions. But after a moment, he nodded. "Alright. But... you don't owe me for this one, Senior Brother. I haven't forgotten how you helped me when I first got here."

Chen Wei smiled, patting the younger disciple on the shoulder. "I appreciate that, Li Jun. Thank you."

As Li Jun hurried off to complete his task, Chen Wei felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

Now to prepare for the meeting. This could get... interesting.

***

Two hours before sunset, Chen Wei stood in the shade of the ancient willow tree, its long branches swaying gently in the breeze. The grove was secluded enough to offer privacy, but open enough that no one would feel trapped. Perfect for what he had planned.

A rustle from nearby made him tense, but it was just Zhi-Zhi, poking his head out from his hiding spot in a dense patch of undergrowth.

"Are they here yet?" the spirit tortoise asked eagerly. "I want to see the look on their faces when-"

"Shh!" Chen Wei hissed, glancing around nervously. "They'll be here soon. You need to stay hidden, remember?"

Zhi-Zhi deflated slightly. "But I wanted to help with the negotiations. I've been practicing my intimidating glare!"

Chen Wei sighed. "I appreciate the offer, but we need to keep this low-key. Just stay out of sight unless there's real trouble, just like last time, okay?"

The tortoise grumbled but retreated back into the bushes. Chen Wei straightened his robes, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves.

A few minutes later, the first disciple arrived. It was Feng Yan, a tall, lean young man with sharp features and green eyes. He was at the peak of Qi Refining Stage 8, known for his aggressive demeanour, which probably had something to do with his aggressive cultivation style.

"Chen Wei," Feng Yan said. "Do you have it?"

CG C93: Storm's Core

Kai stared at the glowing vial in his hand, a tired smile spreading across his face.

New Item Created: Thundercore Elixir

Description: An elixir that awakens the Storm's Core meridian, enhancing lightning-based cultivation.

"Well done, Disciple Kai. It took three days, but you finally did it," Elder Xiao smiled at him.

Kai nodded, his gaze shifting to the system messages that had appeared before him. He watched as each of his five basic alchemy skills leveled up to 4.

Essence Extraction has reached Level 4!

Elemental Fusion has reached Level 4!

Qi Infusion has reached Level 4!

Stability Control has reached Level 4!

Spiritual Resonance has reached Level 4!

You have gained 1000 XP!

Two whole levels from creating an Intermediate Elixir? Kai’s eyes widened. Not bad at all.

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Xiao," he said, bowing his head. "I couldn't have done it without your patience and instruction."

The elder waved his hand dismissively, but there was a small smile on his face. "You have talent. But talent alone isn't enough. It was your persistence that saw you through."

Kai nodded, remembering the countless failed attempts over the past three days. Each failure had been frustrating, but also instructive. He'd learned to fine-tune his Essence Extraction, balancing it delicately to draw out just the right amount of power from each ingredient. His Elemental Fusion had become more precise, allowing him to blend the volatile components without causing unwanted reactions.

"Elder Xiao," Kai began, a question forming in his mind. "Now that I can create an Intermediate Elixir, does that mean I'm close to becoming an Intermediate Alchemist?"

"Ah, the impatience of youth,” the elder chuckled. “No, you still have a long way to go. Creating a single Intermediate Elixir is impressive, but to become an Intermediate Alchemist, you must master a wide range of elixirs and pills. Not to mention, your foundational skills need to be honed further."

How much further do I need to go? Kai glanced at his skill levels, all now at 4. Maybe I need to get them all to level 9, or even 10, to be considered an Intermediate Alchemist.

"I understand, Elder," Kai said. "There's still much for me to learn."

"Indeed," Elder Xiao nodded. "But don't be discouraged. You've made remarkable progress in a short time. Many disciples spend years just to reach where you are now. You can't expect to rush through the ranks overnight."

Kai smiled, with the aid of the system and enough resources, he knew he probably could.

He then glanced at his XP bar. Only 500 left before I break through to the next level. I'm so close.

As if reading his thoughts, Elder Xiao cleared his throat. "Well, what are you waiting for? Off you go and use that elixir. No point in crafting it if you're not going to put it to use."

Kai blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Of course, Elder. Thank you again for everything."

He bowed deeply, then turned to leave the alchemy room. As he walked through the door, he heard Elder Xiao call out, "And Kai? Don't forget to come back for more lessons. You may have created one Intermediate Elixir, but there are many more to master!"

"I won't forget, Elder. I'll be back soon."

***

Reaching his pavilion, Kai quickly entered and sealed the door behind him. He didn't want any interruptions during this crucial moment. He moved to the center of the room and sat cross-legged on the floor, placing the vial of Thundercore Elixir in front of him.

Taking a deep breath, Kai closed his eyes and began to meditate. He needed to prepare his body and mind for the coming transformation. As he sank into a meditative state, he felt his qi circulating through his meridians.

After what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, Kai opened his eyes. He was ready. Following the instructions from the Heavenly Thunderstorm technique, he began to close off his core meridian.

It was always a strange sensation, like trying to dam a river with his bare hands, but slowly, ever so slowly, he felt his qi flow diminishing, the warmth in his core fading.

Your cultivation has dropped to Qi Refining Stage 7

Okay, step one complete. Now for the main event.

He reached for the vial of Thundercore Elixir, uncorking it with slightly trembling hands. The liquid inside glowed with a soft blue light. Kai lifted the vial to his lips.

Here goes nothing, he thought, and drank the elixir in one swift gulp.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a sensation like liquid lightning coursed through Kai's body. He gasped, his back arching involuntarily. Every nerve felt like it was on fire, every muscle taut with electric energy.

Kai's eyes squeezed shut as he fought to maintain his concentration. He could feel the elixir's power surging through him, seeking out his closed core meridian. With monumental effort, Kai directed the energy, guiding it to where he wanted it to go.

In his mind's eye, Kai could see his qi channels lighting up like a network of glowing blue veins. The energy from the elixir flowed along these channels, converging at his solar plexus. There, where his core meridian had been closed off, the energy began to pool.

Kai felt a pressure building in his chest, growing more intense by the second. It was like trying to contain a storm within his body. Just when he thought he couldn't take it anymore, when the pressure threatened to tear him apart from the inside, something... shifted.

With a sensation like a dam breaking, the energy burst through the barrier of his closed meridian. Kai's eyes flew open, a gasp escaping his lips. Blue-white light poured from his eyes and mouth, and arcs of electricity danced across his skin.

For a timeless moment, Kai hung suspended between agony and ecstasy, his body a conduit for raw elemental power. Then, as suddenly as it had begun, it was over.

He slumped forward, panting heavily. His whole body tingled, and he could still feel traces of electricity crackling through his veins. But more than that, he felt... different. Stronger. More alive.

He looked up, his eyes seeking out the familiar blue rectangle of his status window. A series of messages greeted him:

Congratulations!

You have successfully opened the Storm's Core meridian!

Cultivation returned to Qi Refining Stage 8

Lightning Affinity increased to 35%

Skill Leveled Up: Crown of Lightning (Level 5) Effect: A temporary, visible aura of lightning can form around the cultivator's head during meditation, boosting the cultivator's qi regeneration by 25%.

Skill Leveled Up: Sky's Favor (Level 5) Effect: The cultivator's qi absorption rate increases by 25% whenever they are under an open sky, this increases to 30% when under stormy weather.

Skill Leveled Up: Electric Immunity (Level 5) Effect: The cultivator gains 25% resistance to lightning-based attacks, reducing the damage taken from electric or lightning-based techniques.

You have gained 300 XP!

Kai let out a long, slow breath. He'd done it. He'd successfully opened the Storm's Core meridian. But as he read through the system messages, a small frown creased his brow.

No new techniques? he thought, a twinge of disappointment in his chest. He'd been hoping that opening the Storm's Core would unlock some new lightning-based skills.

Then his eyes caught on the Lightning Affinity increase. Wait a minute... my Lightning Affinity went up by 5%? That's... that's actually huge.

Kai's disappointment quickly turned to excitement as he realized the implications. Increasing elemental affinities was notoriously difficult. Most cultivators could only do so with OP cultivation methods like his own or by finding extremely rare treasures like an elemental fruit.

This is worth way more than a new skill. I can always learn new techniques with skill scrolls, but increasing affinities? That's not something you can just buy or learn easily.

As the initial euphoria of his success began to fade, Kai became aware of a bone-deep weariness settling over him. The process of opening the Storm's Core had taken more out of him than he'd realized. He glanced out the window, not the least surprised to see that night had fallen. How long had he been at this?

The others must have already sold the pills. There’s no rush, I can meet up them with tomorrow, right now, I need some must deserved sleep…

With a groan, Kai pushed himself to his feet. His legs felt wobbly, like he'd just run a marathon. He stumbled over to his bed and collapsed onto it, not even bothering to change out of his sweat-soaked robes.

 

Author's Note

Hey everyone, just checking in to see how you're finding the story so far. I've been really busy just writing and writing so sorry if I haven't replied to your comments, 3 chapters daily isn't easy. From next week, I would like to do a chapter daily so I can write DSE as well.

I was hoping those of you who have enjoyed reading the story would leave a review on Royal Road, I would greatly appreciate it and it always motivates me to write more.

Thank you and see you tomorrow!

https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/89859/cultivation-is-a-game-xianxia-litrpg-isekai

CG C92: New Item Created: Thunder Fizzle

Kai stood outside Elder Xiao's practice alchemy room, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. The corridor was quiet, with only the occasional muffled sound of bubbling liquids or clinking glassware from behind the closed door.

He'd been waiting for nearly an hour, but patience was a virtue he'd learned to cultivate since arriving in this world. Also, he knew better than to interrupt an elder during their work.

I hope this isn't a waste of time, Kai thought, glancing at the door. But if anyone can help me with this elixir, it's Elder Xiao.

Just as Kai was considering whether to come back later, the door swung open. Elder Xiao stepped out, his eyes widening slightly as he noticed Kai.

"Disciple Kai?" Elder Xiao said. "I didn't expect to see you back so soon. Is everything alright?"

Kai bowed. "Elder Xiao, I apologize for the unexpected visit. I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

The elder waved his hand dismissively. "Not at all. I was just finishing up some experiments. What brings you here?"

"Well, Elder, I've been making progress with the Heavenly Thunderstorm cultivation method, and I've reached a point where I need a Thundercore Elixir to continue."

Elder Xiao's eyebrows rose. "Ah, so you're trying to awaken the Storm's Core already? Impressive progress, young Kai."

"Thank you, Elder," Kai said. "However, I've run into a small... problem."

The elder's expression turned curious. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Kai felt his face grow warm with embarrassment. "Well, you see, I don't currently have enough spirit stones to purchase the elixir. I was wondering if... if perhaps you might be willing to provide one as a loan? I promise I'd pay you back as soon as possible."

Elder Xiao's brow furrowed. "A loan? But Kai, you should still have plenty of spirit stones left from your stipend. Unless..." His eyes narrowed. "You've invested it all in that little trading business of yours, haven't you?"

Kai's silence was answer enough. He managed a sheepish smile. "Hopefully, spirit stones won't be a problem for much longer if this works out."

The elder sighed, shaking his head. "Ah, you young people. Always chasing after material gains. I wish you'd focus entirely on alchemy, but I suppose that's too much to ask."

Kai opened his mouth to protest, but Elder Xiao held up a hand, his expression growing serious. "Disciple Kai, I don't give out loans like that, no matter how talented the disciple. It sets a bad precedent."

Kai's heart sank. He hadn't expected outright rejection. "I... I understand, Elder. I apologize for troubling you."

An awkward silence fell between them. Kai was about to excuse himself when Elder Xiao's stern expression softened into a smile.

"However," the elder said, a glint in his eye, "loans won't help you in the long run. Instead, why don't I coach you to produce the elixir yourself?"

Kai blinked, caught off guard by the offer. "But... isn't the Thundercore Elixir an intermediary-level concoction? I'm still just a Novice Alchemist."

Elder Xiao nodded. "Indeed it is. But it's also something that talented Novice Alchemists can create with proper guidance. In fact, I made my first Thundercore Elixir when I was only a Novice myself."

"Really?" Kai couldn't hide his surprise.

The elder chuckled. "Don't look so shocked, young Kai. With my guidance, I believe you're more than capable of creating this elixir."

Kai felt a surge of excitement. Learning to create the elixir himself would be far more valuable in the long run than simply being given one. "Thank you, elder."

"Excellent," Elder Xiao said, gesturing towards the open door. "Come inside, and we'll get started."

Kai followed the elder into the alchemy room, his eyes darting around to take in the various apparatus and ingredients lining the shelves. Elder Xiao moved to a large bookshelf and began rifling through several scrolls and notebooks.

"Now, where did I put that recipe..." the elder muttered.

Seeing Kai's curious look, Elder Xiao explained, "Don't worry, I know the recipe by heart. But you'll need a written version to study. Even though I'll be guiding you, I won't be holding your hand through every step."

Kai nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I didn't say anything, Elder."

"No, but I could practically hear you thinking it," Elder Xiao retorted good-naturedly. "Ah, here we are!"

He pulled out a slightly yellowed piece of parchment and handed it to Kai. "The recipe for the Thundercore Elixir. Read it carefully."

Kai accepted the parchment with both hands, his eyes scanning the contents:

Thundercore Elixir Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 Lightning Lotus petals

• 1 Thunder Quartz crystal (crushed)

• 2 drops Storm Serpent venom

• 1 Azure Cloudberry

• 5 strands of Skysilk

Instructions:

• Begin by infusing the cauldron with lightning-attuned Qi.

• Crush the Lightning Lotus petals and Thunder Quartz together, using Essence Extraction to draw out their properties.

• Add the Storm Serpent venom, using Elemental Fusion to combine it with the crushed ingredients.

• Introduce the Azure Cloudberry, applying Qi Infusion to enhance its spiritual properties.

• Weave the Skysilk strands through the mixture, using Stability Control to maintain balance.

• Apply Spiritual Resonance throughout the process to attune the elixir to lightning-based cultivation methods.

• Simmer for one hour, maintaining a constant flow of lightning-attuned Qi.

• Cool and condense into liquid form.

Warning: Extreme caution required. Improper balance may result in volatile reactions.

As Kai finished reading, he nodded to himself. The recipe didn't seem overly complex, but he knew from experience that alchemy was often trickier than it appeared on paper.

"Well?" Elder Xiao asked, watching Kai's expression closely. "What do you think?"

Kai looked up from the parchment. "It doesn't seem too difficult, at least in theory. And it looks like I won't need to learn any new techniques – the five basic alchemy skills should cover everything."

The elder nodded. "Good. Now, are you ready to begin?"

Kai rolled up his sleeves, a determined glint in his eye. "Yes, Elder. I'm ready."

Elder Xiao gestured towards a nearby workstation. "Then let's get started. I'll provide the ingredients for your attempts but I expect to be paid back in full."

I had hoped the situation was like the Qi Gathering pills but I guess the elder doesn’t want to make to take advantage of him, I don’t blame him, he’s already been more helpful than I deserve.

As Kai moved to the workstation, Elder Xiao gathered the necessary materials. Soon, everything was laid out neatly before him: the Lightning Lotus petals with their faint electric glow, the Thunder Quartz crystal, a small vial of viscous Storm Serpent venom, a plump Azure Cloudberry, and the gossamer-thin strands of Skysilk.

Kai took a deep breath and began by channeling his Qi into the cauldron, focusing on the lightning aspect of his qi. The cauldron hummed faintly, a few sparks dancing along its rim.

"Good start," Elder Xiao commented from where he stood observing. "But be careful not to overdo it. Too much lightning Qi at this stage can destabilize the entire process."

Nodding, Kai adjusted his Qi flow, tempering it slightly. He then picked up the Lightning Lotus petals and Thunder Quartz, placing them in a mortar. As he began grinding them together, he applied his Essence Extraction technique, drawing out the inherent properties of both ingredients.

A fine, glittering powder began to form in the mortar, occasionally emitting tiny sparks. Kai carefully transferred this into the cauldron, where it settled into a gently swirling mass.

"Now for the tricky part," Elder Xiao warned as Kai reached for the vial of Storm Serpent venom. "Remember, only two drops. Any more and you risk a violent reaction."

Kai's hand was steady as he uncorked the vial and tilted it over the cauldron. One drop fell, then another. As soon as the second drop hit the mixture, Kai quickly pulled the vial away and recorked it.

Immediately, he began applying his Elemental Fusion technique, working to combine the venom with the powdered ingredients. The mixture in the cauldron began to bubble and spark more vigorously.

"Careful now," Elder Xiao cautioned. "Keep your Qi flow steady."

Kai gritted his teeth, concentrating hard on maintaining the delicate balance. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he reached for the Azure Cloudberry. He dropped it into the cauldron and began applying Qi Infusion, enhancing its spiritual properties.

The mixture in the cauldron took on a faint blue glow.

So far, so good.

Next came the Skysilk. Kai carefully picked up the delicate strands and began weaving them through the mixture, using his Stability Control technique to maintain balance. This was perhaps the most challenging part yet – the Skysilk was so fine that it threatened to dissolve instantly in the bubbling concoction.

"Steady hands," Elder Xiao murmured. "Let the Skysilk guide your movements."

Kai tried to relax, allowing his hands to move more fluidly. To his surprise, he found that the Skysilk seemed to almost weave itself, drawn by the currents in the mixture.

Throughout the entire process, Kai had been applying Spiritual Resonance, attuning the elixir to lightning-based cultivation methods. Now, as the last strand of Skysilk disappeared into the mixture, he increased this resonance, feeling the elixir harmonize with his own Qi.

"Excellent work so far," Elder Xiao said, a note of approval in his voice. "Now comes the true test of patience. Maintain a constant flow of lightning-attuned Qi for the next hour."

Kai nodded, settling into a comfortable stance. He regulated his breathing, establishing a rhythm that allowed him to maintain a steady flow of Qi into the cauldron. The mixture continued to bubble and spark, occasionally emitting small flashes of light.

As the minutes ticked by, Kai found his concentration wavering. Maintaining such precise Qi control for an extended period was more challenging than he'd anticipated, especially with qi capacity at the Qi Refining realm. Sweat dripped down his back, and his arms began to tremble slightly.

"Focus, Kai," Elder Xiao's voice cut through his fatigue.

Kai closed his eyes briefly, picturing the swirling vortex of lightning Qi flow through his meridians and into the mixture.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Elder Xiao spoke again. "Time's up. Now, cool and condense the mixture into liquid form."

With a sigh of relief, Kai began to draw back his Qi, allowing the mixture to cool. As it did so, he used his Qi to shape it, condensing it into a small vial of glowing blue liquid. Occasional sparks danced across its surface.

Kai stepped back from the workstation, his legs wobbling slightly, more from the fatigue than the extended period of standing still. He looked at Elder Xiao expectantly.

The elder approached, looking closely at the vial. He picked it up, examining it from all angles. After what seemed like an eternity, he set it back down and turned to Kai.

"Well," Elder Xiao began, his face unreadable, "you've certainly produced... something."

Kai's heart sank. "It's not right, is it?"

Elder Xiao shook his head. "I'm afraid not. While you've managed to create an elixir, it lacks the proper balance and potency to be a true Thundercore Elixir. Consuming this would be... unpleasant, to say the least."

New Item Created: Thunder Fizzle Elixir

Description: A botched Thundercore Elixir.

Warning: If consumed, it could generate unpredictable lightning in the user's meridians, potentially disrupting Qi flow for weeks. May attract lightning strikes during storms.

Reading the warning, disappointment washed over Kai. He'd been so sure he was doing everything correctly. "What went wrong, Elder?"

The elder stroked his chin. "Tell me, Disciple Kai, where do you think you made mistakes?"

Kai furrowed his brow, thinking back over the process. "Well... I think I might have been too cautious with the Storm Serpent venom. And perhaps I didn't maintain a consistent enough Qi flow during the simmering stage?"

"Those are indeed part of the problem," Elder Xiao nodded. "But there's more to it than that. Your Essence Extraction was too aggressive – you drew out too much from the Lightning Lotus petals, which threw off the balance from the very beginning. And your Spiritual Resonance wasn't quite attuned correctly – you were resonating more with your own Qi than with the lightning aspect specifically."

Kai listened intently, mentally noting each point of critique. "I see."

The elder smiled. "Don't be discouraged, Disciple Kai. No one creates a perfect Thundercore Elixir on their first try. Even I failed multiple times before succeeding."

This admission made Kai feel slightly better. "How many attempts did it take you, Elder?"

Elder Xiao chuckled. "More than I care to admit. But each failure taught me something valuable. Now, are you ready to try again?"

Kai nodded. "Yes, Elder. I won't give up until I succeed."

"That's the spirit," Elder Xiao said approvingly. He gestured to a fresh set of ingredients he had prepared while Kai was working. "Let's try again. This time, focus on gentler Essence Extraction and more precise Spiritual Resonance."

CG C91: The Plan

Kai sat cross-legged in his pavilion, his gaze sweeping over the three figures seated before him. He reached into his robes and produced a small pouch. He opened it carefully, revealing twenty small, round pills.

"Here are the Low-Grade Qi Gathering pills.”

Chen Wei's eyes widened slightly as he looked at the pills. He nodded, a hint of familiarity in his expression. "Thank you, Senior Brother Kai. I've had the opportunity to use one before."

Kai then noticed a flicker of hesitation cross Chen Wei's face. The young disciple seemed to be wrestling with something, his fingers tapping nervously on the table's surface.

"What is it, Chen Wei?" Kai asked, raising an eyebrow. "You look like you have something on your mind."

Chen Wei took a deep breath before speaking. "It's about the deal we made, Senior Brother. Regarding how the profits are split."

Kai's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you not happy with the 10%?" He couldn't help but notice the confused looks that passed between Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi at this mention of profit sharing.

Chen Wei quickly shook his head. "No, no, it's not that. It's just... now that we're part of the guild, I don't think it's fair for me to have a share of the profits while the other guild members don't."

Is he asking for the others to get a split too? Or is he saying he doesn't want a share at all? Kai fell silent as he tried to decipher Chen Wei's intentions.

As if reading Kai's thoughts, Chen Wei continued, "Since we're all in this together now, I... I don't want a share anymore. I think it would be better if the profits went to the guild as a whole."

Kai blinked, genuinely surprised. He knew the Azure Sky Sect was considered a righteous sect, but he hadn't expected such... selflessness. I certainly wouldn't do the same in his shoes, or in this case, sandals. Well, this only benefits me so why not?

After a moment of consideration, Kai nodded slowly. "You're right, Chen Wei. Since we're no longer just business partners but a guild, this makes sense. Sometimes we need to do things for the better of the guild as a whole."

Chen Wei's face lit up with a smile, clearly relieved that Kai understood and agreed with his suggestion.

Kai turned his attention to the group as a whole. "Now, let me explain how this is going to work. Each of you will receive a Low-Grade Qi Gathering pill for your own cultivation after you complete this job."

Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi perked up at this news, while Chen Wei nodded.

"But more importantly," Kai continued, his voice taking on a serious tone, "your work will contribute to your trident mark. As you know, this mark is crucial. Once your contribution is high enough, it will allow you to condense qi."

All three of them nodded eagerly.

Turning his attention back to the task at hand, Kai addressed Liu Wei. "Now, Liu Wei, do you have the list of potential buyers?"

Liu Wei nodded, producing a small notebook from his robes. He flipped it open and began to read. "Yes, Senior Brother Kai. I've compiled a list of 30 potential buyers, all of whom have expressed interest in Qi Gathering pills."

As Liu Wei read out the names, Kai listened, his mind already working on strategies. When Liu Wei finished, Kai nodded thoughtfully.

"Good work, Liu Wei. However, we only have 20 pills right now." Kai's brow furrowed slightly as he considered their options. "Our competitors are selling the same pill for 30 spirit stones, and it takes 15 spirit stones to make one pill. To make a respectable profit, we need to sell for at least above 20 spirit stones."

Chen Wei leaned forward, "What price should we aim for, Senior Brother?"

Kai turned to Chen Wei. "Here's what we'll do. Let the 30 potential buyers argue amongst themselves. It's unlikely any of them will pay higher than 27 or 28 spirit stones, so aim for 25 spirit stones per pill."

Chen Wei nodded.

"However," Kai added with a sly smile, "if someone is willing to pay more, we have no problem with that. Just don't push too hard and risk losing a sale."

Liu Wei looked slightly nervous. "But what if they try to haggle? Some of these buyers are known for their... aggressive negotiation tactics."

Kai's smile widened. "That's where our secret weapon comes in. Chen Wei, if you encounter any issues or resistance, don't hesitate to use my title as Legacy Disciple. It should give our sales pitch some extra weight."

Chen Wei's eyes widened. "Are you sure, Senior Brother? I know you were trying to keep things quiet."

Kai nodded. "I'm sure. Besides, I'm now a Novice Alchemist. That, combined with my status as a Legacy Disciple, should be more than enough to smooth over any difficulties you might encounter."

Zhi-Zhi puffed up his small chest. "And I shall act as Chen Wei's protector again! I did a good job last time, did I not?"

Kai couldn't help but smile at the tortoise's enthusiasm. "Yes, you did, Zhi-Zhi. Your presence adds an…intimidation factor that can be quite useful in negotiations. Just remember, your primary role is to protect Chen Wei, not to show off."

Zhi-Zhi deflated slightly but nodded. "Of course."

With the plans set, Kai looked at each of his guild members in turn. "Does everyone understand their roles?"

They all nodded.

"Excellent," Kai said. "You're dismissed. Good luck, and remember, your success is the guild's success."

As Chen Wei, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi stood to leave, Kai called out one last time. "Oh, and Chen Wei?"

The young merchant turned back. "Yes, Senior Brother?"

Kai's expression softened slightly. "Your idea about the profit-sharing... it was a good one. The kind of thinking that will help our guild thrive."

Chen Wei's face broke into a wide smile, and he bowed deeply before following the others out of the pavilion.

Once alone, Kai turned his attention to his cultivation. From within his robes, he produced an ancient-looking scroll: the Heavenly Thunderstorm technique. He carefully unrolled it, his eyes scanning the text until he found the section he was looking for.

Meridian of the Lightning Core

• Location: Solar Plexus

• Method to Open: "Storm's Core" - The cultivator consumes a Thundercore elixir made from Lightning Lotus petals, concentrating on the solar plexus. The elixir induces a powerful surge of qi, awakening the core meridian.

Kai's eyes narrowed as he reread the passage. The Storm's Core was different from the typical core that cultivators developed during Core Formation. This core meridian, located at the solar plexus, was opened much earlier in the cultivation process – during the Qi Refining realm.

Everyone opens a core meridian eventually, Kai mused. The difference is that mine will have a lightning element infused into its very essence.

However, as Kai continued reading, he felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. The Thundercore Elixir required to open this meridian was far beyond his current alchemical skills. As a Novice Alchemist, he simply didn't have the expertise to brew such a complex concoction.

Kai sighed, rubbing his temples. I'll need to buy it with spirit stones. Which, unfortunately, I'm severely lacking at the moment.

He stood up, pacing the pavilion as he considered his options. The soft swish of his robes against the floor was the only sound as he thought.

Perhaps... An idea began to form in Kai's mind. Elder Xiao, the Alchemy Master. It shouldn't be too difficult to convince him to give me the elixir on loan. I could always pay the spirit stones back later. For an elder of his standing, it's hardly a significant amount.

Kai nodded to himself, his decision made. He would seek out Elder Xiao and present his case. With his status as a Legacy Disciple and his performance in alchemy exam, surely the elder would see the wisdom in investing in Kai's progression.

He seems pretty interested in my cultivation anyways, it shouldn’t be too hard to convince him.

CG C90: The Pickpocket

Kai stood over the convulsing form of Su Jie, his expression a mixture of pity and disappointment. He'd followed the young thief at a distance, curious to see what he'd do with the stolen pills. This outcome, while not entirely unexpected, was far from what he'd hoped for.

I could have stopped him sooner, Kai thought, kneeling beside Su Jie. But I wanted to see if he'd notice the difference between a real pill and a poor imitation. There goes any hopes of selling off Poor-Grade Qi Gathering pills as Low-Grade…

Su Jie's body arched in pain, a strangled gasp escaping his lips. Kai's hand hovered over the boy's chest, sensing the chaotic Qi roiling beneath the surface.

Qi Deviation at Stage 6 isn’t too difficult to rectify, especially since it was caused by a pill, I just have to let out the toxic qi.

"Listen to me," Kai said firmly. "I'm going to help you, but you need to focus. Can you hear me?"

The disciple’s eyes flew open, and he managed a weak nod, his face contorted in agony.

"Good. Now, I want you to picture a calm lake. The surface is smooth, undisturbed. Focus on that image."

As Kai spoke, he placed one hand on Su Jie’s forehead and the other over his heart. "This is going to hurt, but it's better than the alternative."

Closing his eyes, Kai began to channel his Qi into Su Jie's body. He could feel the chaotic energy raging through the young disciple's meridians, threatening to tear him apart from the inside. Carefully, methodically, Kai began to guide the corrupt Qi out of Su Jie's system.

"That's it," Kai encouraged. "Keep focusing. Let my Qi guide yours. Don't fight it."

It was a delicate process, one that required all of Kai's concentration and control. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he worked, drawing out the poisonous energy bit by bit. Su Jie's body jerked and spasmed, but Kai held him steady, refusing to let go until the last traces of the poor-grade pill's effects were purged.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Kai sat back, exhausted but satisfied. Su Jie lay still, his breathing ragged but steady. The immediate danger had passed.

Now comes the hard part, Kai thought, watching as Su Jie's eyes fluttered open. Dealing with this.

"W-what happened?" Su Jie croaked, his voice hoarse and weak. "Am I... am I dead?"

Kai couldn't help but chuckle. "Not yet, though you came pretty close. How are you feeling?"

Su Jie blinked, focusing on Kai's face. Recognition dawned in his eyes, quickly followed by fear. "You! But how... why..."

"Why did I save you, you mean?" Kai asked, raising an eyebrow. "Or why did I follow you in the first place?"

Su Jie struggled to sit up, wincing at the lingering pain in his muscles. "Both, I guess. I don't understand any of this."

Kai sighed, leaning back against the crumbling wall of the shrine. "Let's start with the basics, then. Do you know what Qi Deviation is?"

Su Jie nodded hesitantly. "It's when your Qi goes out of control, right? When you try to cultivate beyond your limits or use techniques you're not ready for."

"Close enough," Kai said. "It can also happen when you introduce corrupt or unstable Qi into your system. Like, say, by taking a poor-grade pill thinking it's a proper cultivation aid."

Su Jie's eyes widened in understanding. "The pills I took... they weren't real Qi Gathering Pills?"

"Oh, they were real alright," Kai replied. "Real failures, that is. Alchemy isn't an exact science, especially for beginners. Sometimes the process goes wrong, and you end up with pills that are more poison than medicine."

"But why would you have pills like that?" Su Jie asked, a tinge of anger creeping into his voice. "And why didn't you stop me from taking them?"

Kai's expression turned serious. "I was going to dispose of them properly. As for why I didn't stop you... well, I was curious. I wanted to see what you'd do with them. It was a gamble, I'll admit. One that nearly cost you your life. But you should never have stolen them"

Su Jie looked down, shame coloring his cheeks. "I'm sorry," he mumbled. "You’re right. I…I shouldn't have stolen from you. I was just... desperate."

"I gathered that much," Kai said, his tone softening slightly. "Want to tell me why? It might help me decide what to do with you."

For a moment, Su Jie remained silent, weighing his options. Then, with a deep breath, he began to speak. He told Kai everything - his childhood on the streets, his recruitment into the sect, and his years of struggle and stagnation in the Outer Sect.

As Su Jie's story unfolded, Kai listened intently, his mind working to process the information. When the young disciple finally fell silent, Kai nodded slowly.

"I see," he said. "You're not the first to feel trapped in the Outer Sect, and you won't be the last. But stealing and taking unknown pills isn't the answer. You could have died today, Su Jie."

"I know," Su Jie replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I didn't know what else to do. I can't afford proper cultivation resources, and without them, I'll never advance. It feels like I'm running in place while everyone else moves forward."

Kai sighed, rubbing his temples. Part of him wanted to turn Su Jie in, to let the sect deal with a thief and rule-breaker. But another part... another part saw potential.

He's resourceful, if misguided. And that 'Fast Hands' title could be useful...

"Alright, Su Jie," Kai said at last. "I'm going to give you a choice."

Su Jie looked up, hope and fear warring in his eyes.

"Option one: I turn you in to the sect elders. The sect takes stealing pills very seriously. You'll be punished for theft and unauthorized use of alchemy products. Best case scenario, you're demoted or expelled from the sect."

Su Jie paled but nodded, accepting the possibility.

"Option two," Kai continued, "you work for me. In secret. I'll help you train, provide you with safe resources to advance your cultivation. In return, you'll run errands for me, gather information, and yes, occasionally use those 'fast hands' of yours for my benefit."

Su Jie's eyes widened in disbelief. "You... you'd do that for me? Even after I stole from you?"

Kai shrugged. "Consider it an investment. You have potential, Su Jie. It'd be a shame to waste it. But make no mistake – this isn't charity. I'll work you hard, and I'll expect results. Cross me, and you'll wish I had turned you in instead. Understood?"

Su Jie nodded vigorously. "Yes! Yes, I understand. I won't let you down, I swear it!"

"Good," Kai said, standing up. "Then let's get you back to the dormitories. You need rest after that Qi Deviation. We'll talk more tomorrow about your new... duties."

As they made their way back through the sect grounds, Kai's mind raced with possibilities. Chen Wei stayed mostly at the Legacy Disciple quarters, having a set of eyes and ears in the Outer Sect could prove invaluable. And if Su Jie's talents could be properly honed...

This could be the start of something interesting, I don’t trust him enough to recruit him yet but if he proves useful and loyal, then I may have just found another guild member…

Su Jie walked beside him in silence, still processing the night's events. His near-death experience, the unexpected mercy from the Legacy Disciple he had wronged, the sudden change in his fortunes... it was almost too much to take in.

As they reached the Outer Disciple dormitories, Kai turned to Su Jie. "Remember, not a word of this to anyone. As far as the sect is concerned, nothing happened tonight. Got it?"

"Of course. I won't say anything," Su Jie nodded.

"Good," Kai said. "Get some rest. I'll contact you soon with your first assignment."

CG C89: Fast Hands

Kai trudged back to his quarters, his body heavy with exhaustion. Elder Xiao had pushed him to his limits, making him craft pills until his Qi reserves were completely drained. Despite the fatigue, a sense of accomplishment filled him. The old man's guidance had been invaluable, improving Kai's success rate and boosting his confidence in pill-making.

Twenty low-grade Qi Gathering Pills. Not bad for a day's work.

As he walked, he glanced down at his hand, where five poor-grade Qi Gathering Pills rested. His brow furrowed as he contemplated what to do with them. Throwing them away seemed wasteful, but selling them would go against alchemist ethics. Whilst he wasn’t concerned about the ethical issue behind it, the last thing he wanted was to lose his newly acquired alchemy token by breaking the rules.

Maybe I could use them for experiments. Or find a way to recycle the ingredients...

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted as someone collided with him, nearly knocking him off balance. Kai looked up to see a young man in white robes - an Outer Disciple - stumbling backward.

"I-I'm so sorry, Senior Brother!" the youth stammered, his eyes wide with panic. "Please forgive my clumsiness!"

Before Kai could respond, a system message flashed before his eyes:

Name: ???

Title: Fast Hands

Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 6

Qi: 150/150

Strength: 48

Agility: 50

Endurance: 49

Kai opened his mouth to speak, but the young disciple was already backing away, bowing repeatedly.

"It won't happen again, Senior Brother. I promise!" With that, the young man turned and dashed off, disappearing into the crowd of disciples milling about the courtyard.

Kai’s focus turned to the new title.

Title: Fast Hands

Description: Your dexterity and sleight of hand are exceptional. Your movements are twice as fast for acts requiring quick, subtle hand movements.

Fast hands? Wait a minute…

He glanced down at his hand again and froze. Where there had been five poor-grade pills, now only three remained.

That little thief!

***

Su Jie's heart pounded as he wove through the crowded streets of the Outer Sect, putting as much distance as possible between himself and the Legacy Disciple he'd just robbed. It was a risky move, he knew, but desperation had driven him to it.

It's not like he'll come looking for me, Su Jie reassured himself. To someone like that, we're all just faceless nobodies.

He ducked into a narrow alley, finally slowing his pace as he caught his breath. Leaning against the cool stone wall, Su Jie closed his eyes and tried to calm his racing thoughts.

Five years. That's how long he'd been stuck at the peak of Qi Refining Stage 6. When he'd first joined the Outer Sect, Su Jie had been filled with dreams of rapid advancement. He'd imagined himself rising to the Inner Sect within a year, impressing the elders with his talent and determination.

What a joke, he thought bitterly. Seven years later, and I'm still here, scraping by on the lowest rung of the sect.

Su Jie's mind drifted back to his childhood, to the grimy streets of the capital where he'd grown up. An orphan with no name and no future, he'd learned to survive by his wits and quick hands. Petty theft and picking pockets had kept him fed, but it was a precarious existence.

Then, like a miracle, an Azure Sky Sect elder had visited the city. Su Jie, desperate for a way out, had tried to pickpocket the imposing cultivator. Instead of punishment, he'd received an opportunity. The elder, amused by the boy's daring, had offered him a place in the sect.

I thought I'd found my ticket to a better life, Su Jie mused, a wry smile twisting his lips. Instead, I just traded one form of poverty for another.

Pushing off from the wall, Su Jie made his way deeper into the alleys of the Outer Sect. He couldn't risk returning to the communal cultivation areas. The so-called "Senior Brothers" who ruled over the lower ranks would demand their cut as a “protection fee."

Su Jie had learned that lesson the hard way too. His first year in the sect, he had managed to win a low-grade spirit stone in a disciples' competition. His joy had been short-lived. That very night, a group of older disciples had cornered him and "asked" for a contribution to the "Outer Sect welfare fund."

When Su Jie had refused, they beat him so badly he couldn't train for a week. Since then, he had learned to keep any gains a secret.

After what felt like an eternity of twists and turns, Su Jie arrived at his destination: a tiny, half-collapsed shrine tucked away in a forgotten corner of the sect. He'd discovered it months ago and had been using it as a private cultivation spot ever since.

Slipping inside, Su Jie settled into a cross-legged position on the dusty floor. He pulled out the two pills he'd swiped from the Legacy Disciple, examining them closely in the dim light filtering through the cracks in the walls.

They look like standard Qi Gathering Pills, he thought, turning one over in his palm. Low-grade, but that's still better than anything I could afford on my own.

Without further hesitation, Su Jie popped one of the pills into his mouth. He grimaced at the bitter taste but forced himself to swallow. Closing his eyes, he began to circulate his Qi, waiting for the pill's effects to kick in.

At first, everything seemed normal. Su Jie felt the familiar warmth of Qi spreading through his meridians, gradually intensifying as the pill's power took hold. But then, something changed. The warmth became uncomfortable heat, then searing pain.

Su Jie's eyes snapped open as panic set in. This wasn't right. Qi Gathering Pills were supposed to be gentle, helping to accumulate and refine Qi. This felt like his very blood was boiling.

What's happening? he thought frantically, struggling to control the chaotic energy surging through his body. Did I take too much? Or is this...

With dawning horror, Su Jie realized the truth. The pill he'd stolen wasn't a low-grade Qi Gathering Pill at all. It was a poor-grade imitation, unstable and dangerous.

He tried to disperse the Qi, to push it out of his body, but it was too late. The corrupt energy had taken hold, sending him spiraling into Qi Deviation. Su Jie's muscles seized, his back arching as waves of agony crashed over him.

As darkness began to creep in at the edges of his vision, Su Jie heard a voice. Cool, calm, and terrifyingly familiar.

"Stealing from me," the Legacy Disciple said, stepping out of the shadows, "was a bad idea."

CG C88: Novice Alchemist

Kai followed the group of successful examinees into a small chamber adjacent to the examination room. At the front of the room, an elderly disciple sat behind a table, meticulously recording names and handing out small tokens.

As Kai approached, he noticed the token's intricate design - a mortar and pestle surrounded by swirling Chinese symbols. The elderly disciple looked up at him with a tired smile.

"Name?" he asked, his voice slightly hoarse from repeating the same question countless times.

"Kai Thorn," Kai replied, keeping his voice steady despite the excitement bubbling within him.

The disciple's eyes widened slightly at the name, his gaze flickering to Kai's black robes. "Ah, the new Legacy Disciple. Congratulations on passing the exam."

He scribbled Kai's name in a large ledger before handing over one of the bronze tokens. "This marks you as a Novice Alchemist of the Azure Sky Sect. Wear it with pride."

Kai accepted the token, feeling its weight in his palm. He turned it over, studying the craftsmanship.

Not bad, he thought. Wonder if it has any special properties beyond just being a fancy ID.

New Item Acquired: Novice Alchemist Token

Description: Proof of your status as a Novice Alchemist in the Azure Sky Sect. Grants access to basic alchemical resources and facilities within the sect.

Ah, there we go. Useful, but nothing too exciting.

New Title Acquired: Novice Alchemist

Description: Increases your chances of success by 5% when crafting Novice-level recipes.

You have gained 100 XP

Now, that is exciting.

As he turned away from the table, Kai's eyes scanned the room, searching for a familiar face. He spotted Xie Li near the back, her red Inner Disciple robes standing out among the sea of white-robed Outer Disciples. She was speaking with another young woman, her expression animated as she gestured with her hands.

Kai made his way through the crowd, politely excusing himself as he navigated around excited disciples. As he approached, Xie Li glanced up, her eyes lighting up.

"Senior Brother Kai," she greeted him with a small bow. "Congratulations on passing the exam."

Kai returned the gesture. "Thank you, and congratulations to you as well. Your performance was impressive."

Xie Li's cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. "You're too kind. I still have much to learn."

The young woman beside Xie Li cleared her throat softly, looking between them with curiosity. Xie Li started, as if suddenly remembering her companion.

"Oh! My apologies," she said quickly. "Senior Brother Kai, this is my friend Li Ting. Li Ting, this is Senior Brother Kai, the new Legacy Disciple."

Li Ting’s eyes widened as she hurriedly bowed. "It's an honor to meet you, Senior Brother Kai. We've heard so much about you."

Kai raised an eyebrow, his expression neutral. "Oh? And what have you heard?"

Li Ting hesitated, suddenly looking unsure. "Well... that you're incredibly talented, and that you impressed the elders and even the Sect Master during the entrance exam."

"I see, well, I wouldn't put too much stock in rumors. I'm just here to learn and improve, like everyone else."

Li Ting nodded, a look of understanding crossing her face. "That's admirable, Senior Brother. It's easy to get caught up in competition and forget why we're really here."

Kai turned his attention back to Xie Li, seeing an opportunity. "Speaking of learning and improving, I was wondering if you'd be interested in practicing alchemy together sometime? Your insights during our earlier conversation were fascinating, and I think we could both benefit from collaboration."

Xie Li's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of excitement and hesitation crossing her face. "I... I would be honored, Senior Brother Kai. But are you sure? Surely there are more advanced alchemists you could practice with."

Kai shook his head, offering a small smile. "Advanced doesn't always mean better for learning. Sometimes it's more beneficial to work with someone closer to your own level. Besides, your approach to alchemy is intriguing. I think we could learn a lot from each other."

Li Ting watched the exchange, "Xie Li, you should definitely accept! This is an amazing opportunity!"

Xie Li bit her lip, considering for a moment before nodding. "You're right. Thank you, Senior Brother Kai. I would love to practice alchemy with you."

"Excellent," Kai said, his smile widening slightly. "We can discuss the details later and find a time that works for both of us."

This is perfect. Not only will I have a chance to recruit her for my guild, but I can also gauge her skills more thoroughly.

As Kai opened his mouth to suggest a time, a hush fell over the room. He turned to see Elder Xiao striding through the crowd, his gaze fixed directly on Kai.

The disciples parted before the elder, whispers of excitement and curiosity rippling through the room. Elder Xiao came to a stop in front of Kai, his expression unreadable.

"Disciple Kai," he said. "Come with me. There are matters we must discuss."

Kai blinked in surprise. "Of course, Elder. But..." he glanced at Xie Li.

Elder Xiao chuckled. "Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to chat with your fellow disciples later. This is important."

Kai nodded, then turned to Xie Li. "I'm sorry, we'll have to continue this conversation another time."

Xie Li bowed again. "Of course, Senior Brother. Thank you for the offer. I look forward to our future practice sessions."

Kai gave her a small nod before following Elder Xiao out of the room, acutely aware of the curious stares boring into his back.

They walked in silence through the corridors of the sect, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Kai noticed they were heading towards a part of the complex he hadn't visited before, the architecture becoming more ornate as they progressed.

Finally, Elder Xiao came to a stop before a plain wooden door. He pressed his palm against it, and Kai felt a pulse of Qi as the door swung open silently.

"Enter," Elder Xiao said, gesturing for Kai to go first.

Kai stepped into the room, his eyes widening slightly as he took in his surroundings. It was a spacious chamber, filled with shelves upon shelves of bottles, jars, and strange implements. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and minerals, and in the center of the room stood a massive stone table, its surface covered in complex alchemical arrays.

This must be Elder Xiao's personal alchemy workshop.

Elder Xiao closed the door behind them and moved to stand across from Kai, his eyes studying the young disciple.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I've brought you here," the elder began, his tone serious.

Kai nodded, keeping his expression neutral. "Yes, Elder. I admit I'm curious about the reason for this meeting."

Elder Xiao's lips quirked into a small smile. "Direct and honest. Good. I appreciate disciples who don't waste time with unnecessary flattery."

He walked around the stone table, running his fingers along its edge as he spoke. "As you may have guessed, this is about your performance in the alchemy exam. Your theoretical knowledge is... surprisingly advanced for someone who claims to have only started learning alchemy a few days ago."

Kai tensed slightly, wondering if he had somehow given himself away. Elder Xiao continued, seemingly oblivious to Kai's discomfort.

"Normally, I would have taken such a promising student as my personal disciple immediately. However," he paused, a note of frustration entering his voice, "Luo Qiang has... other plans for your training."

Ah, of course. The old 'you're too valuable to be given away' routine.

The Elder Xiao then sighed, shaking his head. "Politics and cultivation should not mix, but alas, that's the reality we live in. However, the Sect Master has agreed to allow you to learn alchemy under my guidance, even if I cannot formally take you as my disciple."

Learning from the sect's top alchemist would be an incredible opportunity, I can’t let this opportunity pass…

"Thank you, Elder Xiao. I'm honored,” Kai bowed.

The elder waved a hand dismissively. "Save your thanks for when you've actually learned something. Your theoretical knowledge may be impressive, but theory alone does not make a great alchemist. You need practice – a lot of it."

He fixed Kai with a stern gaze. "I've brought you here to assess your practical skills and begin your true training. Are you prepared for that, Disciple Kai?"

Kai straightened his posture, meeting the elder's eyes. "Yes, Elder. I'm ready to learn."

Elder Xiao nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, before we begin, I have some critiques based on your exam performance."

He began pacing slowly around the table, his voice taking on a lecturing tone. "Your understanding of elemental interactions is solid, but you tend to overcomplicate things. In alchemy, simplicity often yields the best results. Remember, we're guiding natural processes, not forcing them."

Kai listened intently, absorbing every word.

"Additionally," Elder Xiao continued, "your ideas about improvisation in the field were creative, but somewhat reckless. While quick thinking is admirable, an alchemist must always prioritize stability and safety. A hastily made remedy can often be worse than no remedy at all."

He stopped pacing and turned to face Kai directly. "That being said, your willingness to take calculated risks shows promise. With proper training, you could become a truly exceptional alchemist."

Kai bowed slightly. "Thank you for your insights, Elder. I'll work hard to improve in these areas."

Elder Xiao nodded, a ghost of a smile playing at his lips. "See that you do. Now, let's put your skills to the test. Which pill would you like to attempt making?"

Kai considered for a moment. He knew he needed to craft the Qi Gathering pills to sell soon. "I'd like to try making a Qi Gathering Pill, if that's acceptable, Elder."

Elder Xiao raised an eyebrow. "An interesting choice. So why have you selected that particular pill?"

"Well, to be honest, Elder, the Qi Gathering Pill and the Qi Replenishing Pill are the only recipes I'm familiar with at the moment."

The elder's eyes narrowed slightly, a knowing look crossing his face. "I see. And I suppose you learned the Qi Gathering Pill recipe to sell its pills for some profit, didn't you?"

Kai's silence and awkward expression were answer enough. Elder Xiao burst into laughter, the sound echoing off the workshop walls.

"Ah, youth," he said, shaking his head in amusement. "Always so focused on immediate gains. A Qi Gathering pill is always a Novice Alchemist’s first venture. But in a few years, you'll realize such profit is nothing compared to the wealth of knowledge and skill you can accumulate. You need to focus on your alchemy skills, young Kai. That's your true future."

That's easy for you to say, Kai thought, careful to keep his face neutral. You've already got wealth and power in the sect. For me, it's a long-term investment.

Aloud, he said, "You're right, Elder. I'll dedicate myself to improving my skills. That's why I'd like to practice making more Qi Gathering Pills. My success rate is only about 60-70% for low-grade pills at the moment."

Elder Xiao's eyebrows shot up. "Only 60-70%? My boy, that's an excellent success rate for a Novice Alchemist. Most struggle to achieve even 50% consistency at your level."

Kai blinked in surprise, the elder was right, Kai was comparing himself to those protagonists he had only read about.

"Now," Elder Xiao continued, "you can do whatever you'd like with the pills you successfully create. Just make sure not to sell any poor-grade ones. They can be toxic if consumed."

Kai nodded solemnly. "I understand, Elder. My instincts warned me about that as well."

Elder Xiao clapped his hands together. "Excellent. Then let's begin. I'll guide you through the process step by step, offering advice along the way."

Kai moved towards the central table, then paused. "Ah, Elder Xiao? I'm afraid I don't have any materials with me."

The elder chuckled. "Of course you don't. What kind of master would I be if I didn't provide materials for my student?"

With a wave of his sleeve, three bundles appeared on the table: Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and Qi Crystals. Kai's eyes widened as he realized there were enough materials for at least 25 attempts.

This is great, I can use my own materials for more pills later when I’m alone.

Elder Xiao gestured towards the materials. "Now then, Disciple Kai. Shall we begin?"

Kai felt a smile spread across his face as he stepped up to the table. "Yes, Elder. I'm ready."

Elder Xiao watched closely as Kai began to sort through the materials. "Very good," he said. "Now, start by preparing the Spirit Grass. Remember, the key is in how you cut it..."

CG C87: Sect Master vs Master Alchemist

Sect Master Luo Qiang sat in his private quarters, a frown creasing his brow. He drummed his fingers on the armrest of his chair, lost in thought. His drumming was shortly interrupted by a sharp knock at the door.

Luo Qiang's brow furrowed slightly. He wasn't expecting any visitors at this hour.

"Come in."

The door swung open, revealing Elder Xiao. The Master Alchemist's eyes were bright with excitement.

"Luo Qiang," Elder Xiao began as he strode into the room. "I’m glad I was able to get a hold of you, I have urgent news that just couldn't wait."

Luo Qiang raised an eyebrow. "What is it, old friend?"

Elder Xiao's lips curved into a smile. "It's about your disciple. He's a prodigy."

The Sect Master's eyebrows rose slightly. He had expected great things from Shen Yu, but for Elder Xiao to be this excited... "Shen Yu has shown promise in alchemy as well?"

Elder Xiao shook his head, his excitement growing. "No, not Shen Yu. I'm talking about Kai Thorn."

Luo Qiang's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Kai Thorn? The one with the strange mark? Explain, Xiao."

Elder Xiao took a deep breath, as if trying to contain his enthusiasm. "I just finished overseeing the Novice Alchemy Examination. Kai's performance was... extraordinary."

The Sect Master leaned forward in his chair, his interest fully captured. "Go on."

"First, his pill creation was flawless. For someone who claimed to have only started learning alchemy three days ago, it was unheard of. Not even my master learned pill making that fast," Elder Xiao's eyes gleamed as he spoke. "But it was his performance during the oral examination that he made me certain."

Luo Qiang listened intently as Elder Xiao recounted the events of the examination. With each passing moment, his eyebrows rose higher.

"I posed theoretical scenarios far beyond novice level," Elder Xiao continued. "Questions that brute memorisation couldn’t answer, questions that would challenge even some of our Intermediary Alchemists. And Kai... he answered them all. His answers weren’t correct of course, but he provided insights that I've rarely seen in cultivators four times his age."

The Sect Master's eyes narrowed. A prodigy in alchemy. This boy could be even more valuable than I first thought.

"His understanding of alchemical principles, his ability to think on his feet, his willingness to take calculated risks - it's all there, Luo Qiang," Elder Xiao said, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and excitement. "This boy has the potential to become a Master Alchemist. Perhaps even..."

Elder Xiao paused, as if hesitant to voice his next thought.

"Perhaps even what?"

"Perhaps even surpass me one day," Elder Xiao finished, his voice barely above a whisper.

The weight of those words hung in the air between them. For Elder Xiao, widely regarded as one of the greatest alchemists of their generation, to make such a statement was no small thing.

Luo Qiang sat back in his chair, processing this new information. An Immortal Rank talent, and now this. The heavens truly are smiling on this boy...

"I see," the Sect Master said slowly. "And what do you propose we do with this information, old friend?"

Elder Xiao's eyes lit up. "I want to take him as my disciple."

The words hung in the air for a moment. Luo Qiang's eyes narrowed, a flicker of something dark passing behind them.

"No," he said, his voice firm. "The boy is my disciple."

Elder Xiao's excitement faltered, replaced by confusion. "But Luo Qiang, surely you see the potential here? With my guidance, he could become one of the greatest alchemists our sect has ever produced."

The Sect Master shook his head again. "I understand your enthusiasm, Xiao, but my decision stands. Kai Thorn will remain under my tutelage."

Elder Xiao's brow furrowed, his earlier excitement giving way to suspicion. "Why are you so adamant about this, Luo Qiang? I know you're not usually this invested in disciples. Your focus has been on your own breakthrough for centuries now. It's not like you have time to dedicate to training them. You barely give that boy, Wang Lin, any time at all!"

The Sect Master opened his mouth to respond but found himself struggling to articulate a reason. His hesitation didn't go unnoticed by Elder Xiao.

Seeing the Sect Master's hesitation, Elder Xiao's eyes widened in realization. "I hope you're not thinking of using the boy for... that."

The Sect Master's silence was all the answer the elder needed.

"Luo Qiang," Elder Xiao sighed. "That method won't work. We've tried it before, remember? The cost is too high, and the chances of success are negligible."

"But if we use the boy, it might work this time!" Luo Qiang burst out, his carefully maintained facade cracking for a moment. "You've seen his talent, his unique abilities. He could be the key, Xiao!"

Elder Xiao shook his head sadly. "Listen to yourself, old friend. This isn't the way. Think about what you're suggesting."

The two old friends stared at each other, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Elder Xiao saw the desperation in Luo Qiang's eyes, the hunger for advancement that had consumed him for centuries.

"Luo Qiang," Elder Xiao said softly. "It would be better to nurture the boy. Guide him, teach him. One day, he might help you breakthrough through his own achievements and discoveries. Isn't that a better path than... the alternative?"

The Sect Master's shoulders sagged slightly, the weight of centuries seeming to press down on him. For a long moment, he was silent, lost in thought.

Finally, Luo Qiang looked up, meeting Elder Xiao's gaze. "Perhaps... perhaps you're right.”

A hint of a smile tugged at Elder Xiao's lips. "Of course I'm right. I usually am, you know."

Luo Qiang snorted, "Don't push your luck, old man." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Very well. The boy will remain my disciple, but... you can teach him whatever you'd like. His alchemy training will be in your hands."

A wide smile spread across Elder Xiao's face. He gave a small bow to the Sect Master. "Thank you, old friend. You won't regret this decision."

As Elder Xiao turned to leave, Luo Qiang called out, "And Xiao?"

The elder paused at the door, looking back.

"Keep me informed of the boy's progress," Luo Qiang said. "I'm... curious to see how he develops."

Elder Xiao nodded, a sad look briefly passing in his eyes. As he walked out of the room, Luo Qiang could hear him muttering excitedly about potential successors and breakthrough theories.

As the door closed behind Elder Xiao, Luo Qiang leaned back in his chair.

Patience.

The path to immortality is a long one.

What's a few more centuries of careful planning and preparation?

CG C86: Oral Examination

Kai sat in the waiting room as the other disciples around him fidgeted nervously or frantically reviewed notes, but Kai remained outwardly calm. He'd learned long ago that panicking never helped in high-pressure situations.

An hour ticked by slowly. Kai observed as more and more disciples were called in for their oral exams until finally, the door opened and Xie Li emerged. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. As she passed by Kai, she flashed him a quick smile before being led away by one of the proctors. Kai noticed her exam had taken significantly longer than the others.

Interesting. They must have recognized her talent and wanted to test her further.

He watched as Xie Li disappeared through the door, feeling a twinge of disappointment that he couldn't speak with her again. I'll have to find her later. She could be a valuable ally...

"Kai Thorn," a voice called out, breaking through his thoughts.

Kai stood, smoothing out his black robes. He took a deep breath, centering himself. Show time.

As he approached the examination room, he could feel the eyes of the remaining disciples on him. Kai ignored them all as he pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside.

The room was smaller than he expected, with dark wood paneling and shelves lined with ancient-looking tomes and alchemical equipment. A large window let in the afternoon sunlight.

At the center of the room sat a long table. Behind it were three figures: Elder Bin, Elder Xiao, and another elder Kai didn't recognize. Their faces were impassive as they gestured for him to take the seat across from them.

Kai sat down, his posture straight but relaxed. He met each elder's gaze in turn, careful to show respect without appearing intimidated.

Elder Bin cleared his throat. "As you know, this oral examination will test your understanding of alchemical principles, creation processes, and your ability to handle unexpected situations. Elder Po, Elder Xiao, and I will be conducting the examination."

Stay calm. You've prepared for this, Kai reminded himself as he nodded.

Elder Bin began, "Let's start with the basics. Can you explain the principle of Essence Extraction and its importance in pill creation?"

Kai took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "Essence Extraction is the foundation of alchemy. It's the process of drawing out the purest, most potent aspects of an ingredient. This is crucial because the quality of the extracted essence directly impacts the potency and stability of the final product."

He paused, considering how to elaborate. "For example, when extracting essence from Spirit Grass, the timing and technique used can greatly affect the result. Extracting at dawn after a full moon, using a silver blade, will yield a more potent essence than harvesting at noon with a regular knife."

Elder Po nodded. "Good. Now, can you describe the relationship between Essence Extraction and Qi Infusion?"

Kai's brow furrowed slightly as he considered the question. This is a bit trickier. They're testing how well I understand the interactions between techniques.

"Essence Extraction and Qi Infusion are complementary techniques," Kai began. "The purity and potency of the extracted essence determine how effectively it can be infused with Qi. A poorly extracted essence might resist Qi Infusion or become unstable when infused. On the other hand, a well-extracted essence can accept and amplify the infused Qi, resulting in a more powerful final product."

He paused, then added, "Additionally, the type of Qi used in the infusion should be compatible with the nature of the extracted essence. For instance, using Yang Qi to infuse an essence with strong Yin properties could lead to instability or even negation of effects."

Elder Po's eyebrows rose slightly. "You seem to have a good grasp of the interplay between techniques."

Elder Bin leaned forward. "Let's move on to Elemental Fusion. Can you explain its importance in creating complex pills?"

Kai nodded. "Elemental Fusion is crucial for creating pills with multiple effects or for balancing opposing forces within a single pill. It allows an alchemist to combine ingredients with different elemental properties harmoniously."

He thought for a moment, then continued, "For example, creating a pill that both invigorates and calms would require fusing Yang and Yin elements. Without proper Elemental Fusion, these opposing forces might negate each other or cause the pill to become unstable."

"And how would you go about achieving this fusion?" Elder Po interjected.

"The key is to find a balance point between the elements. This often involves introducing a neutral element as a bridge or using techniques to gradually blend the opposing forces. The exact method would depend on the specific elements involved and the desired outcome of the pill."

Kai paused, then added, "It's also important to consider the order of fusion. Sometimes, fusing the weaker elements first before introducing the stronger ones can lead to a more stable result."

Elder Xiao, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke. "Interesting approach. Now, let's consider a more complex scenario."

Kai straightened in his seat, his full attention on Elder Xiao. This is unexpected. What's he planning?

Elder Xiao's eyes gleamed as he presented the scenario. "Imagine you're tasked with creating a pill that enhances a cultivator's affinity with both fire and water elements simultaneously. This pill must not only boost these opposing elements but also ensure they don't conflict within the cultivator's body. How would you approach this challenge?"

Kai blinked, momentarily taken aback. This is far beyond novice level, possibly Advanced or even Master level theory. He's testing my limits…

The other two elders exchanged surprised glances but remained silent.

Kai took a deep breath before beginning, "This is a complex problem that would require careful application of multiple techniques," he began slowly. "The first challenge would be selecting appropriate ingredients that embody fire and water essences without being mutually destructive."

He paused, thinking through the process step by step. "I would start by using Essence Extraction on fire-attributed and water-attributed ingredients separately. The key would be to extract essences that are pure but not overly potent, to avoid immediate conflict."

"Next, I would use Elemental Fusion to create a neutral 'bridge' element, perhaps using earth-attributed ingredients. This bridge would serve as a buffer between the fire and water essences. The fusion process would be delicate. I'd gradually introduce the fire and water essences into the neutral base, using Stability Control techniques to prevent any violent reactions. The goal would be to create a harmonious blend where fire and water coexist without neutralizing each other."

He continued, "Once the fusion is stable, I'd use Qi Infusion to imbue the mixture with balanced Qi, reinforcing the harmony between the elements. This step would be crucial in ensuring the pill doesn't cause internal conflict when consumed."

"Finally," Kai concluded, "I would use Spiritual Resonance techniques to attune the pill to the general spiritual frequency of human cultivators. This would help the body accept and utilize the dual-nature pill without rejection. But this whole process is easier said than done..."

Elder Xiao listened intently, his expression unreadable. When Kai finished, the elder nodded. "An interesting approach," he mused. "Not precisely what I would do and likely unrealistic, but for a novice, it's a remarkably insightful attempt."

Elder Bin cleared his throat. "I agree, that was certainly a thorough explanation. Now, let's move back on to-"

"If I may," Elder Xiao interrupted again, leaning forward with a glint in his eye. Elder Bin slightly frowned but nodded, gesturing for Elder Xiao to continue.

“Let me pose another scenario to you. Imagine you're in the field, far from your usual supplies. A fellow cultivator has been gravely injured and needs a powerful healing pill immediately. You have access to local herbs, but they're not the standard ingredients you're used to working with. How would you approach this situation?"

Real-world problem-solving, not just regurgitating facts…

Kai took a deep breath, centering himself before responding. "That's certainly a challenging scenario, Elder Xiao. The first step would be to quickly assess the available herbs and the nature of the cultivator's injury."

He continued, "I'd focus on identifying herbs with strong healing properties, even if they're not the standard ingredients for healing pills. Plants with high vitality or regenerative properties would be key."

Kai leaned forward, "Given the time constraint, I'd have to simplify the pill-making process. Instead of a fully-formed pill, I might opt for a potent elixir or even a raw paste that could be applied directly to the wound."

He then paused, considering the potential complications. "The main challenge would be ensuring the stability and safety of the concoction without access to my usual tools and stabilizing agents. I'd likely use a combination of Qi manipulation and natural balancing ingredients to prevent adverse reactions."

Kai looked directly at Elder Xiao. "It wouldn't be as refined or potent as a properly prepared healing pill, but in an emergency situation, the goal would be to create something effective enough to stabilize the injured cultivator until proper medical attention could be obtained."

Elder Xiao nodded slowly, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "And how would you test the safety of this improvised remedy? You wouldn't want to further endanger your injured comrade."

Kai's brow furrowed slightly as he considered the question. This is the real test, he thought. Balancing urgency with caution whilst also being an ethical dilemma.

"Testing would indeed be crucial, Elder," Kai began carefully. "Given the emergency nature of the situation, we couldn't afford a lengthy testing process, but we also can't risk making the situation worse."

He paused, organizing his thoughts. "I would start by using my Qi sense to analyze the energy of the concoction, looking for any obvious signs of instability or harmful interactions."

Kai's voice took on a more decisive tone as he continued. "Then, I would test a small amount on myself. As the creator of the remedy, I would have the best chance of recognizing and counteracting any negative effects quickly."

He saw Elder Bin's eyebrows raise at this, but pressed on. "I would apply a tiny amount to a small cut or scrape on my own body. This would allow me to observe both topical reactions and any internal effects from absorption."

Kai leaned back slightly, his expression serious. "It's not a perfect solution, and it does carry some personal risk. But in an emergency situation where a fellow cultivator's life is at stake, I believe it's a necessary precaution."

Elder Xiao's smile widened slightly. "A bold approach, young Kai. Many would hesitate to put themselves at risk in such a manner."

"In critical situations, hesitation can be more dangerous than calculated risk, Elder,” Kai met the elder's gaze steadily as he prayed the elder doesn’t have some technique that could detect lies. “As an alchemist, I believe it's our responsibility to ensure the safety of our creations, even in less-than-ideal circumstances."

He turned to the other elders. "I believe we've seen enough. Disciple Kai, you may proceed to the room where successful examinees are receiving their Novice Alchemist tokens."

Elder Bin and Elder Po looked surprised by the quick decision but didn't object.

"Thank you, Elders," Kai said, bowing. "I'm honored by your guidance and assessment."

As Kai left, he heard Elder Xiao address the other elders. "Continue with the remaining examinations. I need to speak with the Sect Master immediately."

 

CG C85: Alchemy Master

Kai looked around, curious to see how his fellow examinees had fared. The Core Disciples seemed relaxed, quietly chatting among themselves. Most of the Inner Disciples also appeared confident, though a few looked worried. Among the Outer Disciples, the mood was mixed. Some looked pleased with their efforts, while others seemed on the verge of tears.

As the evaluation began, Kai found himself standing next to a nervous-looking Outer Disciple. The young man, probably no more than eighteen, was fidgeting with the sleeves of his white robe.

"H-how do you think you did?" the disciple asked Kai, his voice trembling slightly.

"I think I managed to create a passable pill. How about you?"

The disciple's shoulders slumped. "I'm not sure. My first attempt was a complete failure. The second one looked better, but... I don't know if it's good enough."

Kai nodded. "The first time is always the hardest. But remember, even attempting this exam is an achievement. Many disciples never even make it this far."

The young man's eyes widened slightly. "You're right. I hadn't thought of it that way. Thank you, um..."

"Kai."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Kai," the disciple said, bowing slightly. "I'm Wu Gang."

Their conversation was interrupted as Elder Bin approached their section, Elder Xiao following close behind. The two elders moved from station to station, examining the results of each disciple's efforts.

When they reached Wu Gang, the young disciple presented his pill with shaking hands. Elder Bin took it, turning it over in his palm before passing it to Elder Xiao. The old alchemist held it up to the light, his eyes narrowing as he studied it.

"Barely passable," Elder Xiao pronounced. "But passable nonetheless. You have much to learn, young one."

Wu Gang’s face lit up. "Thank you, Elder Xiao! I will work hard to improve!"

As the elders moved on, Wu Gang turned to Kai, his eyes shining. "I passed! I can't believe it!"

Kai smiled. "Congratulations. You earned it."

Then it was Kai's turn. He presented his pill to Elder Bin, who raised an eyebrow as he took it. "Interesting," the elder murmured, before handing it to Elder Xiao.

Elder Xiao held up the pill to examine it closely. His eyes narrowed as he studied the small sphere, turning it this way and that.

A blue box appeared before Kai:

Name: ???

Stats: ???

You are not of a sufficient level to see this being's stats.

From the size of the blue dot on the map, he seems to be at the level of Zhi-Zhi's master, so I'm assuming he's at the Astral Formation stage...

After a long moment, the elder looked at Kai with an expression of disbelief.

"Is it truly the case that you only began practicing alchemy three days ago?"

Kai nodded, keeping his expression neutral. "Yes, Elder. That's correct."

The elder shook his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "In all my years, I have never seen talent quite like this. You must be an alchemy genius, young man."

As Elder Xiao spoke, a blue message appeared in Kai's vision:

Your talent has impressed an Alchemy Master.

You have gained the title: Alchemy Prodigy.

Title: Alchemy Prodigy

Description: Your innate talent for alchemy has been recognized by a true master of the craft. This title increases your learning speed for alchemy-related skills by 2x and improves your success rate in pill formation by 20%.

Well, that's certainly useful, Kai thought, careful not to let his satisfaction show on his face. This should make advancing my alchemy skills much easier.

Elder Xiao sighed, his gaze distant. "Luo Qiang has stolen quite a talent," he muttered, almost to himself. He began to mumble, seemingly lost in thought. "Perhaps if I were to... No, that wouldn't work. Maybe if..."

Kai stood silently, waiting for the elder to finish his musings. After a moment, Elder Xiao shook his head and focused on Kai once more.

"Young man, I will need to have a conversation with your master," he said firmly. "Such talent cannot be allowed to go to waste. We must ensure you receive the best possible training."

Kai smiled awkwardly, unsure how to respond. Getting the backing of another top figure in the sect wouldn't be a bad thing. Especially one as respected as Elder Xiao. I just don’t want to get caught up in elder politics…

"Thank you for your kind words, Elder," Kai said, bowing slightly. "I'm honored by your praise."

Elder Xiao reached out and patted Kai's shoulder, his eyes twinkling. "I look forward to testing your comprehension in the next round, young Kai. I have a feeling you'll surprise us all once again."

With that, the elder leaned in close to one of the nearby alchemists, whispering something Kai couldn't quite catch. Then, with a final nod to Kai, Elder Xiao moved on with Elder Bin to the next station.

As they walked away, Kai let out a small breath. That went better than expected.

Wu Gang turned to him with wide eyes. "Congratulations, Senior Brother Kai!" he exclaimed. "Elder Xiao seemed really impressed with your pill."

Kai shrugged, trying to downplay the elder's praise. "Thank you, Wu Gang. You did well too."

As Wu Gang began to respond, another blue message appeared before Kai's eyes:

Name: Wu Gang's

Qi: 25/100

Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 5

Strength: 30

Agility: 32

Durability: 30

For a moment, Kai considered recruiting Wu Gang to his guild. The young disciple's earnest personality could be an asset. However, a nagging doubt made him pause.

System, can I have an unlimited number of members in my guild? Kai asked silently.

A Level 1 Guild can only have 10 members, including the Guild Master.

Kai sighed internally. I'll need to be more selective then. It would be smart to recruit a novice alchemist, someone who can focus on the trade while I work on other aspects of cultivation. But Wu Gang might not be the best choice for that.

He looked around the room, assessing the other disciples. The purple-robed Core Disciples caught his eye first, but Kai quickly dismissed them. They'd be too arrogant to follow a new Legacy Disciple like me. Maybe Wang Lin has some under him, but they wouldn't give me the time of day.

Instead, Kai focused his attention on the red-robed Inner Disciples. He began checking their stats, looking for anyone who stood out.

Name: ???

Qi: 89/150

Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 6

Strength: 42

Agility: 41

Durability: 40

Not bad, Kai thought, but nothing special either.

Name: ???

Qi: 140/200

Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 7

Strength: 55

Agility: 51

Durability: 49

Qi Refining Stage 7 and pretty strong, but not really what I'm looking for in an alchemist.

Just as Kai was about to give up, his eyes fell on a red-robed girl standing near the front of the room. As he focused on her, her stats appeared:

Name: ???

Title: Alchemy Talent

Qi: 140/200

Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 7

Strength: 50

Agility: 55

Durability: 51

Kai's eyes widened. A title! And an alchemy-related one at that.

He quickly read the description of the Alchemy Talent title:

Title: Alchemy Talent

Description: You possess a natural affinity for the alchemical arts. This title increases your success rate in pill formation by 10% and reduces the Qi cost of alchemical techniques by 10%.

Not as impressive as my new title, but still quite good. She could be exactly what I'm looking for.

As if on cue, Elder Xiao approached the girl's station. Kai watched as the elder examined her pill, a look of approval spreading across his face.

"Well done, Disciple Xie Li," Elder Xiao said. "Your control over the pill's stability is impressive. Keep refining your technique, and you'll go far in the alchemical arts."

Xie Li bowed deeply, her face flushed with pride. "Thank you, Elder Xiao. I will continue to work hard."

Talented and modest, Kai thought. Definitely someone to keep an eye on.

As the last of the pills were evaluated, Elder Bin stepped forward to address the group. "Disciples, you have all done well today. The practical portion of the exam is now complete. Please proceed to the waiting room outside. We will call you in one by one for the final part of the examination."

The disciples began to file out of the room, a mix of relief and nervousness on their faces. Kai timed his exit carefully, making sure to end up walking beside Xie Li as they headed to the waiting area.

As they entered the corridor, Kai turned to her with a friendly smile. "Congratulations on your performance," he said. "You did quite well in there."

Xie Li looked up at him, surprise evident in her eyes. It was clear she hadn't expected the new Legacy Disciple to speak to her.

"Oh! Thank you," she replied, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "But you did much better. Elder Xiao seemed really impressed by your pill."

Kai shrugged. "We all have our strengths. I was particularly impressed by your control over the Spirit Crystal Powder. That's usually the trickiest part."

Xie Li's eyes lit up at the mention of alchemy techniques. "Oh, yes! I find that if you add it in three stages instead of all at once, it's easier to maintain stability."

As they entered the waiting room, Kai nodded thoughtfully. "That's clever. I hadn't thought of that approach. Do you mind if I ask how you came up with it?"

Xie Li smiled, clearly pleased to be discussing her passion. "Well, it was actually an accident at first. I was nervous during a practice session and added the powder too slowly. But then I noticed the mixture was more stable than usual."

They found a quiet corner of the waiting room and continued their conversation. Kai listened intently as Xie Li explained her technique in more detail, asking questions and offering his own insights.

I can't just ask her to join my guild out of nowhere, Kai thought as they talked. Better to build some rapport first. Besides, this is actually quite interesting.

Around them, some of the disciples were frantically flipping through notes, while others sat in tense silence, eyes closed in concentration.

"Disciple Jin Hui," a voice called out. Kai turned to see a young man in white robes stand up, his face pale with nervousness.

"Good luck," someone whispered as Jin Hui made his way to the examination room.

As the minutes ticked by, more names were called. But Kai and Xie Li remained engrossed in their discussion of alchemy theory.

"What about the Azure Petals?" Kai asked. "I noticed they seemed to have a calming effect on the mixture. Do you think that property could be enhanced somehow?"

Xie Li's eyes widened with excitement. "Oh, absolutely! I've been experimenting with different grinding techniques. If you grind them under moonlight, it seems to enhance their Yin properties."

"Have you tried combining that with—"

"Xie Li!" a voice called out, interrupting their conversation. "You're next for the oral assessment."

Xie Li stood up, smoothing her robes nervously. "Well, I guess it's my turn," she said, offering Kai a small smile. "Thank you for the conversation, Senior Brother Kai. It was... really nice."

Kai nodded, returning her smile. "The pleasure was mine. Good luck with your assessment. Though I doubt you'll need it."

As Xie Li walked away, Kai leaned back in his seat.

That went well. She seems intelligent and passionate about alchemy. And she’s not arrogant like some talents tend to be, she’s definitely a good candidate for the guild. Now, I just need to figure out the best way to approach her about it.

CG C84: The Practical Exam

The participants waited in silence in the practical area of the arena. Tension filled the air as they stood, lost in their own thoughts.

A young woman to Kai’s left was repeatedly clenching and unclenching her fists, her eyes closed in concentration. To his right, a thin, pale-faced boy muttered ingredient lists under his breath, as if trying to burn them into his memory at the last minute.

They're so nervous. It's just an exam. This is not a demonic sect. Even if they fail, it's not the end of the world. I’m pretty sure there’s some here that have done the exams like three or four times already. Just pay the 50 spirit stone exam fee and they let you do it as many times as you want…

A few minutes later, Elder Bin arrived, accompanied by an old man in gold robes. The newcomer's presence caused several disciples to straighten their posture.

Elder Bin cleared his throat. "Disciples, your attention please. We have a special guest with us today for the practical portion of the exam."

He gestured to the old man beside him. "This is Elder Xiao, the top alchemist of the Azure Sky Sect. It is a rare honor for him to attend these examinations, so I trust you will all do your utmost to impress."

The top alchemist, huh? This just got interesting, Kai raised an eyebrow.

Elder Xiao stepped forward, his eyes sweeping over the assembled disciples. "I look forward to seeing what the next generation of Azure Sky alchemists can do. Remember, true alchemy is not just about following recipes - it's about understanding the essence of the materials and the flow of Qi. Show me your insight, not just your memorization."

Elder Bin nodded, then addressed the disciples once more. "Now, for the practical component of the exam. Your task is to craft one Low-Grade Qi Replenishing pill within three hours.”

Kai's eyes narrowed slightly. Low-Grade Qi Replenishing pill? I've been practicing Qi Gathering pills, but I've never made this one before.

He quickly ran through what he knew about the two types of pills. Qi Replenishing only restores Qi, while Qi Gathering not only replenishes (albeit at a slower rate) but also increases Qi absorption and capacity. Logically, Qi Gathering should be more complex. This might not be as hard as I thought.

Around him, other disciples were having similar thoughts.

"Qi Replenishing? That's not too bad," one disciple whispered.

"Speak for yourself," another hissed back. "I've never made one before!"

Elder Bin's voice cut through the chatter. "You will find all necessary materials at your assigned stations. Remember, you have three hours. Begin when you're ready. May the heavens favour your efforts."

As the disciples moved to their stations, Kai approached his own. He found three ingredients laid out before him, different from what he'd used for Qi Gathering pills.

Alright, let's see what we're working with here.

He activated his system to get a detailed view of the ingredients:

Item: Qi Root

Description: A common herb with moderate Qi-enhancing properties. Often used as a base in Qi-related pills.

Item: Azure Petal

Description: Flower petals with a calming effect. Helps stabilize Qi and promote smooth circulation.

Item: Spirit Crystal Powder

Description: Finely ground crystals that amplify the effects of other ingredients. Adds potency to pills.

Kai raised an eyebrow. Interesting. These are different from the Qi Gathering pill ingredients I've been practicing with. This should be... enlightening.

As the other disciples scrambled to start, Kai took a moment to read over the provided recipe. Even if I fail, at least I'll have another recipe memorized.

Low-Grade Qi Replenishing Pill:

• Prepare Qi Root by slicing thinly and extracting essence.

• Grind Azure Petals into a fine powder.

• Mix extracted Qi Root essence with Azure Petal powder.

• Add Spirit Crystal Powder gradually while infusing mixture with Qi.

• Form mixture into a pill shape and stabilize with controlled heat.

• Infuse completed pill with purified Qi to enhance potency.

Kai nodded to himself. Seems straightforward enough.

He began by focusing on the Qi Root, using the Essence Extraction technique. As he sliced the root thinly, he concentrated on drawing out its pure essence.

This is different from the Qi Gathering ingredients. The essence feels... calmer somehow. Less potent, but more stable.

Next, he turned his attention to the Azure Petals. Using a mortar and pestle, he ground them into a fine, bluish powder. The sweet scent wafted up, and Kai could feel a subtle calming effect.

Interesting. These petals must help balance and stabilize the Qi. Clever combination with the more energetic Qi Root.

As he worked, Kai glanced around at the other disciples. Many were furrowing their brows in concentration, some muttering instructions to themselves. A few looked on the verge of panic.

"Oh no, oh no," a young disciple nearby moaned. "I think I added too much Spirit Crystal Powder!"

"Shh!" his neighbor hissed. "Focus on your own work!"

Kai shook his head. Keep calm and carry on, as they say.

He returned his attention to his own concoction, carefully mixing the extracted Qi Root essence with the Azure Petal powder. The two substances seemed to swirl together, creating a pale blue mixture.

Now came the tricky part. Kai began to add the Spirit Crystal Powder, bit by bit, while simultaneously infusing the mixture with his Qi. This required careful concentration and control.

Steady now. Too much Qi could destabilize the mixture, too little and it won't bind properly.

As he worked, Kai could feel the mixture growing more potent. The Elemental Fusion technique came into play, helping him balance the various properties of the ingredients.

Sweat beaded on his forehead as he carefully molded the mixture into a pill shape. Now for the final step – stabilizing the pill with controlled heat.

Kai closed his eyes, focusing intently. He channeled his Qi, creating a gentle warmth around the pill. Slowly, carefully, he increased the heat, watching for any signs of instability.

Almost there...

Finally, with a small sigh of relief, Kai completed the heating process. The pill before him looked... well, like a pill. It was roughly spherical, with a pale blue color and a slightly glossy sheen.

Now for the moment of truth, Kai thought as he picked up the pill to examine it more closely.

Item Created: Qi Replenishing Pill

Quality: Poor

Effects: Restores 10 Qi

Warning: Toxic. May lead to Qi Deviation.

Kai sighed, setting the pill aside. Well, that's disappointing. But not entirely unexpected for a first attempt.

He glanced around the room, assessing the progress of the other disciples. To his surprise, he noticed a few purple-robed Core Disciples who had already finished their pills. They sat calmly at their stations, looking rather pleased with themselves.

Most of the red-robed Inner Disciples seemed to be nearing completion as well. As for the white-robed Outer Disciples, Kai saw many frustrated expressions and failed attempts.

A nearby disciple let out a groan of despair. "It's hopeless! I'll never get this right!"

"Calm down," his friend whispered. "You still have time for another attempt."

Kai nodded to himself. They're right. I've got time for one more try. Let's figure out where I went wrong.

He closed his eyes, mentally reviewing each step of the process. The essence extraction seemed fine, as did the initial mixing. But something went off during the Qi infusion and heating process...

His eyes snapped open. Of course! I treated it too much like a Qi Gathering pill. This one needs a gentler touch, more focused on stability than raw power.

Kai prepared for his second attempt. He carefully measured out fresh ingredients, his movements more precise this time.

"One hour remaining, disciples," Elder Bin called out, causing a ripple of panic through the arena.

Cutting it close. But I can do this.

Kai began again, this time paying careful attention to the unique properties of each ingredient. As he extracted the essence from the Qi Root, he focused on its calming nature rather than trying to draw out maximum potency.

When mixing the Azure Petal powder, he took extra care to achieve a perfectly smooth consistency. The stability of the mixture is key, he reminded himself.

As he added the Spirit Crystal Powder, Kai used his Qi Infusion technique with a lighter touch. Instead of pushing raw power into the mixture, he focused on creating a harmonious blend of energies.

It's like a cultivation technique, he realized. Finding the right balance, the perfect flow of Qi.

The mixture began to take on a soft glow. Kai allowed himself a small smile. That looks more promising.

Forming the pill shape came easier this time, the mixture more pliable and responsive to his touch. As he began the heating process, Kai closed his eyes, focusing intently on maintaining the delicate balance he'd achieved.

Gentle now. Like coaxing a flame, not forcing it.

Time seemed to slow as Kai poured his concentration into the final steps. He could feel the pill stabilizing, its energy settling into a steady, soothing rhythm.

Finally, with a deep breath, Kai opened his eyes. The pill before him was a perfect sphere, its surface smooth and unblemished. It glowed with a soft, blue-white light.

Kai picked up the pill, a smile spreading across his face as he examined it. It felt... right. Balanced. Harmonious.

The blue message before him confirmed his success:

Item Created: Qi Replenishing Pill

Quality: Low

Effects: Restores 30 Qi

Kai's smile widened. Now that's more like it. It's not spectacular, but it's a solid Low-Grade pill. That should be enough to pass.

As he carefully placed the pill in a jade box for preservation, he heard Elder Bin's voice ring out across the room. "Time's up! Please step away from your stations. We will now begin the evaluation process."

CG C83: Written Exam

Kai made his way to an empty desk near the back of the arena. As he sat down, he could feel the eyes of nearby disciples on him, curiosity and suspicion mingling in their gazes. He ignored them, focusing instead on the materials before him.

A stack of blank scrolls sat neatly at one corner of the desk. Beside them were several brushes of varying sizes and a pot of ink. At the center of the desk lay a sealed scroll - the exam questions.

Kai took a deep breath, centering himself. Alright, system, he thought. Let's see if the Basic Alchemy Guide was enough.

He broke the seal on the scroll and unrolled it, revealing the first question:

1. Describe the process of Essence Extraction and explain its importance in pill creation.

Kai allowed himself a small smile. Starting off with the basics, I see. He dipped his brush in ink and began to write and answer question after question.

30. List five common mistakes in herb preparation and their potential consequences.

Kai's brush moved swiftly across the paper. Improper drying leading to loss of potency... Incorrect cutting techniques causing uneven distribution of active compounds...

Around him, he could hear the scratching of brushes and the occasional frustrated sigh from his fellow examinees. But Kai remained focused, barely aware of the passage of time as he focused on his own exam.

56. Explain the difference between Yin and Yang herbs, and provide three examples of each.

Yin herbs are those that cool and calm the body's energies, while Yang herbs warm and invigorate. Examples of Yin herbs include Moon Lotus, Frost Grass, and Tranquil Root. Yang herbs include Fire Ginseng, Sun Pepper, and Dragon Scale Leaf.

Satisfied with his answer, Kai moved on.

89. Describe the proper method for harvesting Spirit Grass to maximize its potency.

Ah, this was what those guys were arguing about earlier, Kai thought with a smile. He put brush to paper once more.

Spirit Grass should be harvested at dawn on the day following a full moon. The harvester must use a silver sickle and cut the grass at a 45-degree angle, being careful not to damage the roots. The grass should be immediately placed in a jade container to preserve its spiritual essence.

98. Explain the principle of Elemental Harmony and its application in creating balanced elixirs.

This question gave Kai pause. He remembered struggling with this concept during his practice sessions. He wrote carefully, explaining how different elemental energies could be balanced within a pill to create more stable and effective results.

As he neared the end of the exam, Kai found himself facing a particularly challenging question:

118. Describe a scenario where a typically stable alchemical reaction might become volatile, and explain how you would prevent or mitigate such an occurrence.

Kai tapped his brush against his chin, considering. This is where real-world experience would come in handy, he thought. But I can work with what I know.

He began to write, describing a scenario where impurities in the ingredients could lead to an unexpected reaction. He detailed the warning signs an alchemist should watch for and the steps they could take to stabilize the mixture.

As he wrote, a memory surfaced of one of his failed attempts at pill creation. The mixture had become unstable, nearly exploding in his face.

That's it. I can use that experience here.

Kai added to his answer, describing the techniques he had used to prevent a full-blown explosion. He explained how careful application of Qi and quick thinking could save not just the concoction, but potentially the alchemist's life as well.

As he finished his answer, Kai heard Elder Bin's voice ring out across the arena. "You have thirty minutes remaining."

A ripple of panic seemed to pass through the room. Kai could hear the increased scratching of brushes and muffled exclamations of surprise. He glanced around, noting the furrowed brows and tense postures of his fellow examinees.

Thirty minutes, Kai thought. Plenty of time to review my answers.

As Kai was reviewing his answers, he became aware of a faint whispering nearby. At first, he tried to ignore it, focusing on his own exam. But the whispers grew more insistent, impossible to tune out completely.

"Psst, Li, what did you put for question seven?" a hushed voice asked.

"I think it was about the Yin-Yang balance in pill cores," came the barely audible reply. "I wrote that—"

Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the whispers. "Disciples Li and Fei!"

Kai looked up to see Elder Bin standing over two pale-faced young men a few desks away. The elder's face was a mask of disappointment and anger.

"You were explicitly told that there was to be no communication during the exam," Elder Bin said. "Your actions show a blatant disregard for the rules and a lack of integrity befitting an alchemist of the Azure Sky Sect."

The two disciples looked terrified, their faces drained of color. "Elder Bin, please," one of them started to say, but the elder held up a hand, silencing him.

"There will be no excuses," Elder Bin said firmly. "You have violated the trust placed in you and the sanctity of this examination. You are both hereby expelled from this exam. Leave the arena immediately."

A gasp went through the room as the two disciples, heads bowed in shame, gathered their things and shuffled towards the exit. The other examinees watched in stunned silence, the reality of the situation sinking in.

As the door closed behind the expelled disciples, Elder Bin addressed the room. "Let this serve as a reminder to you all. Alchemy is a discipline that requires not just knowledge and skill, but also integrity and respect for the craft. Any further attempts at cheating will be met with the same consequence. Return to your exams."

Kai watched as Elder Bin returned to his position at the front of the room. The arena was now eerily quiet, the scratching of brushes on scrolls the only sound to be heard.

Even in the world of cultivation, some things never change. Exams are exams, but no matter where you are, you can expect cheaters…

"Time's up! Please put down your brushes and remain seated. We will collect your exam papers shortly,” Elder Bin announced.

Kai set down his brush and leaned back in his chair, letting out a long, slow breath.

As the exam scrolls were collected, he could hear the buzz of conversation growing around him. Disciples were comparing answers, lamenting over questions they had struggled with, and speculating about what the practical exam might entail.

"I completely blanked on the question about rare herb substitutions," one disciple groaned.

"Really? I thought that was one of the easier ones," another replied. "It was the theoretical question on advanced purification techniques that got me."

"I just hope I wrote enough," a third voice chimed in. "I felt like I was running out of things to say for some of those questions."

Kai remained silent, listening to the chatter around him. He was curious to hear how others had found the exam, but he was also aware that his presence seemed to make many of the other disciples uneasy so he remained silent.

As the last of the scrolls were collected, Elder Bin stepped forward once again. "Well done, all of you," he said, his voice carrying a hint of warmth that hadn't been there before. "Completing this exam is an achievement in itself. Take a moment to breathe and center yourselves."

He paused, allowing the disciples to do just that. Kai closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. He could feel the tension in the room starting to dissipate, replaced by a sense of nervous anticipation.

"When you are ready," Elder Bin continued, "please make your way to the preparation area for the practical portion of the exam. You will be called in one by one to demonstrate your pill-making skills. While you wait, you may review your notes or meditate, but please do not discuss the exam or attempt any last-minute practice."

As the disciples began to stand and move towards the designated area, Kai remained seated for a moment longer. He took another deep breath, centering himself.

One down, two to go, he thought. The real test is yet to come.

CG C82: Novice Alchemy Exam

Three hours later…

Kai held the small pill between his thumb and forefinger, a sense of accomplishment washing over him.

Item Created: Grade Qi Gathering Pill

Quality: Low

Effects: Increases Qi absorption rate by 20% for 3 hours

A smile spread across Kai's face. It had taken two more attempts after his initial success, but he'd finally managed to create a Low-Grade Qi Gathering Pill. The improvement from his earlier efforts was significant - better potency, longer duration, and most importantly, no toxicity warning.

Not bad, Kai thought, turning the pill over in his hand. It's not perfect, but it's a solid start.

He knew he couldn't consistently produce pills of this quality yet. Sometimes he'd still fail entirely, ending up with a useless lump of ingredients. Other times, he'd produce a poor-quality pill, potentially toxic if used improperly. But this... this was progress.

This should be enough to pass the exams, Kai mused, carefully placing the pill in a small jade box he'd brought for storage then storing it within his inventory. If I can replicate this during the practical test, I should be in good shape.

The thought of the upcoming alchemy exam sent a mix of excitement and nervousness through him. He'd come a long way in a short time, but he knew he'd be competing against disciples who'd been studying alchemy for years.

Still, I've got a few advantages they don't. My system, for one.

Shaking his head, he glanced around the practice room, noting the scattered tools and the lingering scent of herbs in the air. It had been a long, intense session, but Kai felt it was time well spent. Not only had he improved his pill-making skills, but he'd also gained a deeper understanding of the alchemical process.

Now, Kai thought, stretching his arms above his head, I just need to get some rest, and I should be ready for tomorrow's exam.

***

The sun had barely risen over the Azure Sky Sect when a steady stream of disciples began making their way toward a large, circular building near the center of the compound. This wasn't the usual combat arena where disciples tested their martial prowess. Instead, it had been transformed into a venue for a different kind of challenge: the Alchemy Exam.

The building's exterior remained unchanged - a grand structure of white stone with blue markings etched into its surface. But inside, the usual training equipment and weapon racks had been cleared away. In their place stood rows of desks, each equipped with writing materials and basic alchemical tools.

As the participants approached, their nervous chatter filled the air.

"I barely slept last night," a young woman with long black hair confessed to her friend. "I kept dreaming about mixing the wrong ingredients and blowing up the exam room."

Her companion, a young man, laughed. "At least in your dreams you made it to the practical part. I'm worried I'll fail the written test again before I even get to touch a cauldron."

"Come on, Fu, you've been studying for months," the woman reassured him. "You won’t fail again, you know this stuff better than anyone."

Fu shook his head. "Maybe, but Hui, have you seen the competition? I heard even some of the Core Disciples are taking the exam this year."

The young woman’s eyes widened. "Really? Why would they bother? They're already..."

Her words trailed off as a hush fell over the crowd. Heads turned to watch a figure approaching in black robes that set him apart from the sea of white-clad Outer Disciples.

Kai walked toward the arena, his face had a blank expression as he felt the weight of dozens of stares on him, he could almost hear the thoughts behind them.

Who does he think he is?

Just because he is a Legacy Disciple, does he think he can pass the exam in three days?

He must be so confident. Or maybe just arrogant.

Kai didn't blame them for their assumptions. If he were in their shoes, he'd probably think the same. But they didn't know about the system, about how he'd managed to cram months of learning into just three intense days of study and practice.

As he passed by a group of whispering disciples, he caught fragments of their conversation which confirmed his thoughts.

"...heard he's only been practising for a few days..."

"...probably thinks he's too good for us..."

"...bet he fails spectacularly..."

Kai kept his expression neutral as he made his way to the entrance of the arena, joining the line of nervous disciples waiting to be let in.

As he walked past, he noticed a group of young men huddled together, furiously comparing notes.

"Quick, quiz me on the properties of Spirit Grass!" one of them demanded.

His friend obliged, rapid-firing questions. "What's the optimal harvesting time for Spirit Grass?"

"Uh... during the full moon?"

"Wrong! It's at dawn on the day after the full moon. Come on, you need to know this!"

Looks like I'm not the only one feeling the pressure, Kai thought.

As they waited, he overheard more snippets of conversation around him.

"I heard the written test is brutal," a thin, pale-faced boy was saying. "My senior brother took it last year and said there were questions about herbs he'd never even heard of."

"That's nothing," replied a girl with short, spiky hair. "I'm more worried about the practical. What if they ask us to make something we've never practiced before?"

"They wouldn't do that," a third voice chimed in, though he sounded far from certain. "Would they?"

They're so focused on what might go wrong, Kai thought. They're forgetting that this is just the first step. Pass or fail, it's all part of the journey.

The doors to the arena swung open, and the crowd of disciples began to file in. Kai followed, taking in the transformed interior. The usual sand-covered floor had been replaced with smooth stone tiles. Rows of desks filled most of the space, each equipped with brushes, ink, and blank scrolls.

At the far end of the arena, Kai could see a raised platform where several older disciples in green robes stood watching the incoming examinees. Their faces were stoic, betraying no emotion as they observed the nervous crowd.

As the last of the participants entered, a hush fell over the arena. A middle-aged man in green robes with gold embroidery stepped forward on the platform, raising his hands for silence.

"Welcome, disciples of the Azure Sky Sect," he said, his voice carrying easily across the arena. "I am Elder Bin, and I will be overseeing your Alchemy Exam today."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled disciples. For a moment, his eyes seemed to linger on Kai, a flicker of curiosity passing across his face before he continued.

"This exam will test not just your knowledge, but your practical skills and your ability to think on your feet. It is divided into three parts: a written test, a practical demonstration, and an oral examination."

A murmur ran through the crowd at this, and Elder Bin waited for it to subside before continuing.

"The written test will cover basic alchemical theory, herb identification, and safety procedures. You will need to demonstrate a solid understanding of fundamental alchemy principles."

Kai nodded to himself. Thanks to the system, I should be able to handle that.

"The practical test will require you to create a basic pill under observation. You may be asked to make a minor healing pill or a low-grade Qi replenishment pill, among other possibilities."

This elicited another round of whispers from the crowd. Kai could see several disciples looking nervous, while others seemed excited at the prospect.

"Finally," Elder Bin continued, "the oral examination will be conducted by a senior alchemist like myself. You will be asked questions about the creation process, tested on your understanding of alchemical principles, and presented with scenarios that might arise during alchemy. You will need to explain how you would handle these situations."

He paused, letting the information sink in. "Remember, this exam is not just about memorization. We are looking for disciples who can think critically and apply their knowledge in practical situations. Alchemy is as much an art as it is a science."

Elder Bin's stern expression softened slightly. "I know many of you are nervous. But remember, every master alchemist started exactly where you are now. Trust in your training, stay calm, and do your best. That is all we ask. You are not competing against anyone but yourself. No sect can ever have enough alchemists."

He gestured to the rows of desks. "We will begin with the written portion of the exam. Please take your seats. You will find everything you need at your desk. You have two hours to complete this portion. Begin when you are ready."

As the disciples began to move toward the desks, Kai could hear the nervous chatter starting up again.

"Two hours? Is that enough time?"

"I hope I can remember everything..."

"Good luck, everyone!"

CG C81: The First Pill

Kai stood in the practice room of the Alchemist Pavilion, taking in his surroundings. The room was smaller than he expected, but well-equipped. Shelves lined the walls, filled with various jars, vials, and tools. A large stone table dominated the center of the room, its surface scarred and stained from countless alchemical experiments.

In one corner, a small furnace glowed with a steady heat. Next to it, a set of scales and measuring tools sat neatly arranged on a side table.

Kai sighed, running his hand over the smooth surface of the worktable. I can't wait to have my own setup, he thought. But for now, this will have to do.

From his inventory, he withdrew the materials he'd need for his first attempts at pill-making: Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and Qi Crystals.

The Spirit Grass was green, its blades were long and slender, with a faint, sweet aroma that filled the air as Kai set it on the table.

Next came the Yin Berries. They were small, dark purple fruits that looked almost black in the room's lighting. These berries were prized for their ability to balance and stabilize Qi.

Finally, he picked up one of the Qi Crystals, turning it over in his hand. Unlike spirit stones, which cultivators could use directly to boost their cultivation, Qi Crystals were primarily used in pill-making and weapon formation. Their energy was too raw and unstable for direct absorption.

The thought of weapon forging sparked another train of thought. Once I've got enough spirit stones saved up, I could try my hand at creating a weapon. The crafting menu in my system should make that interesting.

Kai shook his head, pushing the thought aside for now. He had more immediate concerns. From his inventory, he produced a small scroll - the recipe for the Qi Gathering pill. It had cost him 150 spirit stones, a significant investment but he knew it would be worth it.

He unrolled the scroll, reading over the instructions once more:

Qi Gathering Pill (Low Grade)

Ingredients:

- 1 blade of Spirit Grass

- 3 Yin Berries

- 1 Qi Crystal (crushed)

Method:

1. Extract the essence from the Spirit Grass using the Essence Extraction technique.

2. Crush the Yin Berries and mix with the Spirit Grass essence.

3. Pulverize the Qi Crystal and add to the mixture.

4. Use Elemental Fusion to combine the ingredients.

5. Apply Qi Infusion to stabilize the mixture.

6. Use Stability Control throughout the process to prevent volatile reactions.

7. Finally, use Spiritual Resonance to attune the pill to general Qi frequencies.

8. Form into a pill and heat in the furnace for precisely 49 seconds.

Kai looked at his pile of ingredients. He had enough for 25 attempts, but he knew better than to expect success on every try. If I can make 12 successful pills, I'll be able to make sufficient profit, that’ll be a win.

Taking a deep breath, Kai began his first attempt. He picked up a blade of Spirit Grass, holding it gently between his fingers. Closing his eyes, he focused on the Essence Extraction technique he'd learned.

Kai extended his Qi, feeling for the essence within the grass. It was there, pulsing just beneath the surface. He began to draw it out, visualizing his Qi as a sieve, filtering the pure essence from the physical matter.

For a moment, it seemed to be working. A faint green mist began to form above the grass. But then, Kai felt his control slip. The essence scattered, dissipating into the air.

"Damn," Kai muttered, opening his eyes. The Spirit Grass in his hand had withered, its vibrant green faded to a dull brown. He'd failed to extract its essence properly, rendering it useless.

Okay, that was too forceful. I need to be gentler, coax the essence out rather than trying to pull it.

He picked up another blade of Spirit Grass, determined to do better this time. Again, he closed his eyes and extended his Qi. This time, he imagined his Qi as a gentle stream, encouraging the essence to flow out naturally.

Slowly, a green mist began to form above the grass. Kai carefully guided it into a small glass vial, feeling a surge of satisfaction as the essence collected at the bottom.

"That's more like it," he said with a small smile.

Next, Kai turned his attention to the Yin Berries. He placed three in a mortar and began to crush them with the pestle. As he worked, he focused on maintaining a steady rhythm, infusing each stroke with a touch of Qi to help break down the berries more thoroughly.

Once the berries were reduced to a fine paste, Kai added them to the vial containing the Spirit Grass essence. He swirled the vial gently, watching as the two substances began to mix.

Now came the tricky part. Kai took the Qi Crystal and placed it in a separate mortar. He began to grind it down, applying steady pressure. The crystal resisted at first, but gradually began to give way under Kai's persistent efforts.

This is harder than I expected, Kai thought, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. No wonder alchemists are so respected. This takes real skill and patience.

Finally, the crystal was reduced to a fine, glittering powder. Kai carefully added it to the vial with the other ingredients. Now it was time for the real test - combining everything using Elemental Fusion.

Kai held the vial in both hands, closing his eyes to focus. He began to channel his Qi into the mixture, visualizing the different elements within each ingredient. The vital energy of the Spirit Grass, the balancing force of the Yin Berries, the pure Qi of the crystal - all swirling together in a complex dance.

He tried to guide them, encouraging them to merge and combine. For a moment, it seemed to be working. The mixture in the vial began to glow softly, the different components starting to blur together.

But then, Kai felt something go wrong. The energies began to clash, repelling each other instead of combining. The glow in the vial intensified, becoming uncomfortably bright.

"No, no, no," Kai muttered, trying to regain control. But it was too late. With a small 'pop', the mixture in the vial suddenly evaporated, leaving behind nothing but a faint, acrid smell.

Kai opened his eyes, staring at the empty vial in frustration. "Well, that didn't work," he said to the empty room.

He set the vial aside and took a deep breath, calming himself. Okay, what went wrong there? he thought, analyzing his failure. I was too aggressive with the fusion. I need to be more subtle, guide the energies rather than force them.

Determined to do better, Kai began his second attempt. This time, he took extra care with each step, moving slowly and deliberately.

The Essence Extraction went smoother this time, the green mist of Spirit Grass essence collecting easily in a new vial. Kai crushed the Yin Berries with careful precision, ensuring they were reduced to a perfectly smooth paste before adding them to the essence.

When it came time to grind the Qi Crystal, Kai took his time, applying steady, even pressure until the crystal was a fine, uniform powder. He added it to the vial with the other ingredients, then paused, taking a moment to center himself before attempting the Elemental Fusion again.

This time, Kai approached the fusion more gently. He extended his Qi into the mixture, but instead of trying to force the components together, he simply encouraged them to mingle. He visualized the energies dancing around each other, gradually coming closer and closer together.

For a while, it seemed to be working. The mixture in the vial began to shimmer, the different components starting to blur at the edges. But as Kai continued to guide the fusion, he realized something was off. The energies weren't fully combining - instead, they were forming distinct layers in the vial.

Something's not right, Kai thought, frowning. He tried to adjust his technique, encouraging the layers to mix. But as he did so, he felt the delicate balance he'd achieved start to slip.

Suddenly, the mixture in the vial began to bubble violently. Kai's eyes widened in alarm. He quickly set the vial down on the table and took a step back, just in time. With a loud 'pop', the contents of the vial exploded outward, splattering the table and nearby tools with a sticky residue.

Kai stared at the mess, a mix of frustration and determination on his face. "Well," he said aloud, "at least it didn't evaporate this time. Progress, I suppose."

He began to clean up the failed attempt as he tried to figure out what went wrong.

The fusion was better, but still not quite right. I managed to get the energies to interact, but they weren't truly combining. And I completely forgot about Stability Control - that's probably why it exploded at the end.

As he wiped down the table, Kai found himself chuckling softly. You know, he thought, if someone had told me a few months ago that I'd be this invested in magical pill-making, I'd have thought they were crazy. But here I am, getting frustrated over exploding potions like some kind of fantasy alchemist.

With the mess cleaned up, Kai took a moment to review the recipe again. He realized he'd been so focused on the Essence Extraction and Elemental Fusion that he'd neglected some of the other techniques. Qi Infusion, Stability Control, Spiritual Resonance - I need to incorporate all of these if I want to succeed.

Determined to get it right this time, Kai began his third attempt. He started with the Essence Extraction, once again coaxing the green mist from a blade of Spirit Grass. This time, as he guided the essence into the vial, he also began to infuse it gently with his own Qi.

Qi Infusion from the very beginning, Kai thought. This should help stabilize the essence and make it more receptive to combining with the other ingredients.

Next, he crushed the Yin Berries, again taking care to maintain a steady rhythm and infuse each stroke with Qi. As he added the berry paste to the vial, he focused on maintaining the stability of the mixture, using the Stability Control technique he'd learned.

Steady now, Kai thought, watching the mixture carefully. Keep everything balanced.

When it came time to add the powdered Qi Crystal, Kai took extra care. He sprinkled the powder in slowly, bit by bit, using Stability Control to ensure each addition was properly incorporated before adding more.

Finally, it was time for the Elemental Fusion. Kai took a deep breath, centering himself. He extended his Qi into the mixture, gently encouraging the different components to mingle. This time, instead of trying to force them together, he visualized them as dancers, each with their own rhythm, gradually coming into sync with each other.

As he worked, Kai made sure to maintain his Stability Control, keeping a close eye on the energies to ensure nothing became too volatile. Slowly, ever so slowly, he felt the components beginning to merge.

It's working, Kai thought, a spark of excitement in his chest. But he didn't let it distract him. He knew he wasn't done yet.

As the fusion progressed, Kai began to apply the Spiritual Resonance technique. He focused on attuning the merging energies to a general Qi frequency, one that would be compatible with most cultivators. It was like fine-tuning an instrument, adjusting each component until they all sang in harmony.

After what felt like hours but was probably only minutes, Kai felt the mixture stabilize. He opened his eyes, looking down at the vial. The liquid inside was a soft, pearlescent white, gently pulsing with Qi.

"I think... I think I did it," Kai murmured, hardly daring to believe it.

But he knew he wasn't finished yet. Carefully, Kai poured the liquid onto a small, flat stone designed for pill formation. Using his Qi, he began to shape the liquid, condensing it into a small, perfect sphere.

Once the pill was formed, Kai picked it up carefully and placed it in the furnace. He set the timer for exactly 49 seconds, as the recipe specified, and waited.

The seconds ticked by slowly. Kai found himself counting along in his head, his eyes fixed on the furnace. What if it dissolves? What if it explodes? What if I did everything right except this last step?

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the timer chimed. Kai quickly opened the furnace and, using a pair of tongs, carefully removed the pill.

It was perfect. A small, round pill, slightly larger than a pea, with a soft, pearlescent sheen. Kai could feel the Qi emanating from it.

"I did it," Kai breathed, a wide smile spreading across his face. "I actually did it!"

He held the pill up to the light, admiring his handiwork. Then, curious to see how the system would classify his creation, Kai focused on the pill, willing its information to appear.

A blue window materialized before him:

Item Created: Grade Qi Gathering Pill

Quality: Poor

Effects: Increases Qi absorption rate by 10% for 1 hour

Warning: Toxic, may lead to Qi Deviation

Kai's smile faded as he read the last line, replaced by a frown. "Toxic?" he murmured, staring at the warning. "That's... not good."

CG C80: Novice Alchemy Guide

Kai sat cross-legged on his meditation cushion, his eyes fixed on the glowing blue window floating before him. The scroll he'd purchased from the Alchemist Pavilion lay unfurled on the table nearby.

Basic Novice Alchemy Guide acquired. Would you like to learn the skills?

Kai's lips curved into a small smile. This is it. The first step towards becoming an alchemist. With this, I can start producing pills for the guild and generate some much-needed income.

"Yes.”

The moment the word left his lips, Kai felt a rush of information flood his mind. It was like drinking from a firehose of knowledge - theories, techniques, and practices all poured into his consciousness at once. He closed his eyes, letting the information settle.

When he opened them again, five new windows had appeared before him:

New Skill Acquired: Essence Extraction (Level 1)

Description: The foundational technique for drawing out the purest essence from herbs, minerals, and other materials.

New Skill Acquired: Elemental Fusion (Level 1)

Description: A technique for combining different elemental properties in concoctions, creating more potent and complex effects.

New Skill Acquired: Qi Infusion (Level 1)

Description: The art of imbuing creations with Qi, enhancing their potency and allowing for the creation of cultivation aids.

New Skill Acquired: Stability Control (Level 1)

Description: A vital technique for preventing concoctions from becoming unstable or explosive during the creation process.

New Skill Acquired: Spiritual Resonance (Level 1)

Description: An advanced technique for attuning creations to specific spiritual frequencies, creating pills and elixirs tailored to individual cultivators or cultivation methods.

Kai's eyes scanned over each skill, his mind already working to process and categorize the information. Five skills, each essential for alchemy. I'll need to practice them all if I want to pass that exam in three days.

He stood up, stretching his arms above his head. Let's start with the basics. Essence Extraction seems like the logical first step.

Kai held out his hand, focusing on the newly acquired knowledge of Essence Extraction. He closed his eyes, visualizing the process as described in the skill's information.

Okay, so the first step is to gather Qi in my palm, he thought, concentrating on drawing his spiritual energy to his hand. A faint blue glow appeared around his fingers. Good. Now, I need to shape it into a sort of... spiritual sieve.

He focused on molding the Qi, trying to form it into a net-like structure. The blue energy flickered and wavered, struggling to hold its shape.

This is harder than I thought, Kai mused, his brow furrowing in concentration. It's like trying to weave with electricity.

After several minutes of intense focus, Kai managed to form a crude, unstable net of Qi in his palm. He opened his eyes, studying his handiwork.

"Not perfect," he muttered, "but it's a start."

He reached for a nearby cup of water, deciding to practice on something simple. Holding the Qi net over the cup, Kai attempted to 'extract' the essence of the water.

To his surprise, a few droplets of water actually rose from the cup, suspended in his Qi net. They seemed... different somehow. Clearer, more vibrant.

Is this... pure water essence? Kai wondered, studying the droplets closely. It looks more... concentrated somehow.

The effort of maintaining the Qi net was starting to strain him, and after a few more seconds, his concentration slipped. The net dissipated, and the water droplets fell back into the cup with a small splash.

Kai let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Well, that was... interesting."

He glanced at the cup of water, then around his room. I should probably practice this more, but without proper materials, there's only so much I can do. Let's move on to the next skill.

Kai turned his attention to Elemental Fusion. This skill seemed more complex, requiring the manipulation of different elemental energies.

Okay, so for this one, I need to gather two different types of elemental Qi and combine them, Kai thought, recalling the information from the skill description. I have no idea how to even sense chaos qi so I can forget about that for now. I can already manipulate lightning and wind to some degree, so let's start with those.

He held out both hands, concentrating on gathering lightning Qi in his right hand and wind Qi in his left. It took several minutes of intense focus, but eventually, small sparks danced in his right palm while a tiny whirlwind formed in his left.

Now for the tricky part, Kai thought, slowly bringing his hands together. I need to merge these without letting them cancel each other out.

As his hands drew closer, Kai could feel the energies resisting each other. The sparks crackled and the wind swirled more violently, both threatening to dissipate.

Come on, Kai urged, gritting his teeth. Mix, damn it!

For a brief moment, the lightning and wind energies touched, creating a swirling vortex of electrified air between his palms. Then, with a small 'pop', both energies vanished, leaving Kai's hands empty.

"Damn," Kai muttered, shaking out his hands. "That's harder than it looks."

He took a deep breath, centering himself. Okay, let's try again. Maybe if I start with smaller amounts of each element...

Kai spent the next hour practicing Elemental Fusion, gradually making progress. By the end, he could maintain a small orb of swirling lightning and wind for a few seconds before it destabilized.

"Two down, three to go," Kai said to himself, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. The constant manipulation of Qi was starting to tire him out, but he pressed on. He had already realised that these skills could be used for more than just alchemy, perhaps in the future he could create his own techniques, especially if he involved his Qi Condensation skill.

Shaking his head, Kai turned to the technique next on the list, Qi Infusion. This skill seemed more straightforward, at least in theory.

So, I need to imbue an object with my Qi, enhancing its properties, Kai mused, looking around his room for a suitable target. His eyes fell on a small rock sitting on his windowsill.

Kai picked up the rock, turning it over in his hand. This should work. Now, how do I go about infusing it with Qi?

He closed his eyes, focusing on the flow of energy within his body. Slowly, carefully, he directed a stream of Qi towards his hand, willing it to seep into the rock.

At first, nothing seemed to happen. The rock remained cool and inert in his palm. But as Kai continued to pour Qi into it, he felt a subtle change. The stone grew warmer, and he could sense a faint vibration emanating from it.

Kai opened his eyes, studying the rock closely. To his amazement, it was glowing faintly with a blue light - the color of his Qi.

"It worked," he breathed, a smile spreading across his face. "I actually did it!"

The glow faded after a few moments, but Kai could still feel a residual energy in the stone. I wonder how long the infusion lasts? And what exactly did it do to the rock? Something to experiment with later, I suppose.

Setting the rock aside, Kai turned his attention to the next skill: Stability Control. This one seemed particularly important, especially given the volatile nature of alchemical concoctions.

Okay, so this is about maintaining balance in a mixture of energies or elements, Kai thought, recalling the skill description. But how do I practice that without actual ingredients?

After a moment's consideration, Kai decided to improvise. He gathered his lightning and wind Qi, holding them separately in his mind.

Now, I need to bring these together without letting either element overpower the other, he thought, slowly beginning to merge the energies.

It was like trying to balance on a tightrope while juggling. Each element seemed to have a mind of its own, constantly trying to expand and consume the other. Kai's brow furrowed in concentration as he struggled to keep them in check.

For a brief moment, he managed to achieve a perfect balance - a swirling sphere of lightning and wind, each element distinct yet harmonious. Then, with a soft 'whoosh', the sphere collapsed, the energies dissipating into the air.

Kai let out a long breath, feeling drained. "That... was intense."

Despite his fatigue, Kai felt a sense of accomplishment. Four out of five. Just one more to go.

The final skill, Spiritual Resonance, seemed to be the most advanced of the set. Kai read over the description again, trying to wrap his head around the concept.

Attuning creations to specific spiritual frequencies... how am I supposed to practice that? he wondered, scratching his head.

After some thought, Kai decided to try a meditation exercise. He sat back down on his cushion, closing his eyes and focusing on his own spiritual energy.

If I can attune something to my own frequency, that would be a start.

Kai began by observing the flow of Qi through his body, paying close attention to its rhythm and vibration. It was like listening to a song only he could hear, a unique melody that defined his spiritual essence.

Once he felt he had a good grasp on his own frequency, Kai reached for the Qi-infused rock he had created earlier. Holding it in his hand, he tried to align its energy with his own.

At first, nothing seemed to happen. The rock's energy remained distinct, out of sync with Kai's own Qi. But as he continued to focus, pouring his concentration into the task, he felt a subtle shift.

The rock's energy began to pulse in time with his own, its frequency gradually aligning with Kai's spiritual essence. It was a strange sensation, like finding perfect harmony in a duet.

Kai opened his eyes, looking down at the rock in wonder. It wasn't glowing this time, but he could feel a deep connection to it, as if it had become an extension of himself.

"Incredible," Kai murmured, turning the rock over in his hand. "If this works with actual pills..."

He trailed off, his mind racing with potential applications. Custom-tailored pills, elixirs attuned to specific cultivation methods, maybe even...

Kai's thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. He quickly set the rock aside and stood up.

"Come in," he called out.

The door opened, revealing Chen Wei. The young disciple bowed deeply.

"Senior Brother," Chen Wei said, "I've returned from the mission. We... encountered some difficulties, but we were successful."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Difficulties? What happened?"

Chen Wei hesitated for a moment, then launched into a detailed account of their encounter with Yu Fen and his group, as well as the timely intervention of Lin Yue.

As Chen Wei spoke, Kai's expression remained calm, but his mind was working overtime.

So, there's an Inner Disciple running some kind of operation outside the sect. And he's interested in me. This could be either a problem or an opportunity.

When Chen Wei finished his report, Kai nodded slowly. "You both did well, Chen Wei. Especially in a difficult situation. Did you manage to secure the materials?"

Chen Wei's face brightened. "Yes, Senior Brother! In fact, thanks to Lin Yue's intervention, we got an even better deal. We have enough materials to make 25 Qi Gathering pills."

"Excellent work," Kai said, allowing a small smile to cross his face. "Both you and Zhi-Zhi."

Chen Wei beamed at the praise. "Thank you, Senior Brother. What would you like us to do next?"

Kai considered for a moment. "For now, hand me the materials. I'll need to rent a practice room at the Alchemist Pavilion to actually create the pills. In the meantime, I want you to gather more information on this Lin Yue. Be discreet about it."

"Of course, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said with a bow as he turned to leave, Kai called out, "Oh, and Chen Wei?"

The young disciple paused at the door. "Yes, Senior Brother?"

"Good job handling yourself in that fight. Keep up with your training."

Chen Wei's face lit up with pride. "Thank you, Senior Brother! I will!"

As the door closed behind Chen Wei, Kai let out a long breath. Things are moving faster than I anticipated. I need to master these alchemy skills quickly if I'm going to keep up.

He picked up the Qi-infused rock again, turning it over in his hand. I wonder...

Kai focused on the rock, trying to combine several of the skills he had just learned. He began by extracting the essence of the stone, then attempted to infuse it with a fusion of lightning and wind Qi. As he worked, he kept a tight control on the stability of the energies, all while trying to attune the whole process to his own spiritual frequency.

It was like trying to solve five complex puzzles simultaneously while juggling electrified torches. Sweat beaded on Kai's brow as he poured all his concentration into the task.

For a brief, shining moment, it all came together. The rock in his hand began to crackle with inner lightning, its very essence seeming to resonate with Kai's own energy. He could feel the perfect balance of elements within it.

Then, as quickly as it had come, the moment passed. The crackling faded, and Kai was left holding what appeared to be an ordinary rock once more.

He let out a long, slow breath. "Well... that was something."

Skill: Essence Extraction has reached level 2!

Skill: Elemental Fusion has reached level 2!

Skill: Qi Infusion has reached level 2!

Skill: Stability Control has reached level 2!

Skill: Spiritual Resonance has reached level 2!

You have gained 500 XP!

Kai's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "All at once? I guess combining the techniques paid off."

CG C79: Lin Yue

A small, round object suddenly materialized between Yu Fen and Chen Wei. Yu Fen's fist connected with it, and he stumbled backward, pain shooting through his hand.

"What in the-" he began, but was cut off by a high-pitched voice.

"Chen Wei didn't come alone, you big bully! He's under my protection!"

The round object unfurled, revealing itself to be a small tortoise. It glared up at Yu Fen with surprising ferocity for such a tiny creature.

Yu Fen's eyes narrowed as he studied the newcomer. "A spirit beast? Here?"

The tortoise puffed out its chest, trying to look intimidating despite its small size. "That's right! I am Zhi-Zhi, and you'd better back off if you know what's good for you!"

Despite his bravado, Zhi-Zhi felt a tremor of fear run through him as he met Yu Fen's intense gaze. Stay calm, he told himself. Remember your training. Master Cang Long wouldn't be scared of this bully!

Yu Fen's lips curled into a sneer. "How amusing. The little Outer Disciple brought his pet along for protection. I'm quaking in my boots."

“I’m the disciple of the Great Cang Long!”

Yu Fen's eyebrows rose at the mention of Cang Long. Even he, years removed from the sect, knew that name. Cang Long was a legend, the Guardian Beast of the Azure Sky Sect. If this little spirit beast was truly his disciple...

But no. Yu Fen shook his head, dispelling the momentary doubt. This had to be another bluff, another desperate attempt by these Outer Disciples to save themselves.

"Cang Long's disciple?" Yu Fen scoffed. "Do you take me for a fool? Cang Long wouldn't waste his time on a pipsqueak like you."

Zhi-Zhi's face fell for a moment, hurt flashing in his eyes. But then his expression hardened, determination replacing the fear. "Think what you will," he said, his voice steadier now. "But know this: I won’t let you harm Chen Wei!”

Yu Fen's followers exchanged uneasy glances. This was not how they had expected things to go. A spirit beast, even a young one, was not to be trifted with lightly.

But Yu Fen was not so easily deterred. With lightning speed, he lashed out at Zhi-Zhi. But the spirit tortoise was faster than he looked. Zhi-Zhi retreated into his shell just as Yu Fen's fist connected, the blow glancing off the impenetrable surface.

"Ow!" Yu Fen yelped, shaking his hand. "What is that shell made of?"

Zhi-Zhi poked his head out, a smug expression on his face. "Back off before I start attacking!"

Yu Fen's face contorted with rage. "Liang! Mu! Deal with the Outer Disciple. I'll handle this impudent creature."

As his followers moved towards Chen Wei, Yu Fen focused his attention on Zhi-Zhi.

"Wind Blade Strike!" Yu Fen shouted, slashing his hand through the air. A crescent of compressed air shot towards Zhi-Zhi.

The spirit tortoise's eyes widened. Oh no, that looks dangerous! He quickly retreated into his shell once more. The Wind Blade struck the shell, creating a loud ringing sound but leaving no visible damage.

Meanwhile, Chen Wei found himself facing off against Liang and Mu. Despite being outnumbered, the young disciple held his ground.

"Flowing Wind Palm!" Chen Wei called out, his hand glowing with a soft blue light. He struck out at Liang, who barely managed to dodge the attack.

Wei attempted to flank Chen Wei, but the Outer Disciple was ready. "Whirlwind Kick!" Chen Wei spun, his leg lashing out in a Qi-enhanced roundhouse that caught Wei in the chest, sending him stumbling backward.

I can do this, Chen Wei thought, his confidence growing. They’re not at the level of the disciples I’ve fought.

Back with Yu Fen and Zhi-Zhi, the battle had turned into a strange game of cat and mouse. Yu Fen unleashed attack after attack, but Zhi-Zhi's shell proved impervious to them all.

"Stand still and fight like a real cultivator!" Yu Fen roared in frustration.

Zhi-Zhi poked his head out just long enough to retort, "I am fighting like a real cultivator! A smart one who uses his strengths!"

As the battles raged on, Yu Fen found himself growing increasingly annoyed. This is taking too long. That spirit beast's defense is too strong, and the Outer Disciple is holding his own against Liang and Mu. Time to end this.

With a burst of speed, Yu Fen disengaged from Zhi-Zhi and turned his attention to Chen Wei. The young disciple was preoccupied with fending off Liang and Wei, leaving him vulnerable.

The tortoise is too slow to protect him now. One clean hit, and this farce will be over.

Just as Yu Fen prepared to sneak attack, a voice cut through the chaos of the room.

"What exactly is going on here?"

Everyone froze. Standing in the doorway was a young man dressed in the red robes of an Inner Disciple of the Azure Sky Sect. His aura was clearly beyond the Qi Refining realm, he was without a doubt a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Yu Fen's eyes widened. "B-Boss!" he stuttered, immediately bowing low. "I... we were just..."

The newcomer raised a hand, silencing Yu Fen's fumbling explanation. His gaze swept the room, taking in the scene before him.

"I see," he said, his voice cold. "And would someone care to explain why my subordinates are attacking an Outer Disciple of my sect?"

Yu Fen swallowed hard. "There... there must have been some misunderstanding, Boss. We were simply negotiating a business deal, and things got a bit... heated."

The Inner Disciple's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is that so?"

He turned his attention to Chen Wei and Zhi-Zhi, his expression softening slightly. "You two. I recognize you. You're friends of the new Legacy Disciple, aren't you?"

Chen Wei nodded, still catching his breath. "Yes, sir. My name is Chen Wei, and this is Zhi-Zhi. We're here on behalf of Senior Brother Kai."

The Inner Disciple nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, allow me to introduce myself. I am Lin Yue, an Inner Disciple of the Azure Sky Sect. And it seems I owe you an apology for the behavior of my... associates."

He shot a dark look at Yu Fen, who seemed to shrink under his gaze.

"Now then," Lin Yue continued, "perhaps we can discuss this business deal in a more civilized manner? I'm sure we can come to an arrangement that satisfies everyone."

After an hour of discussion, Lin Yue and Chen Wei finally came to an agreement. Chen Wei had brought 300 spirit stones with him, as per Kai's instructions. Initially, this would have been enough for materials to make 20 Qi Gathering pills, as each set of materials cost 15 spirit stones.

However, due to Lin Yue's intervention and as compensation for the earlier "misunderstanding," Yu Fen agreed to a substantial discount. The final deal was struck at 300 spirit stones for materials sufficient to produce 25 Qi Gathering pills.

As Chen Wei and Zhi-Zhi prepared to leave with their hard-won goods, Lin Yue pulled them aside.

"Please convey my apologies to your master for this incident," he said. "And let him know that if he ever needs assistance with matters outside the sect, he's welcome to contact me directly."

Chen Wei bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior Brother Lin. I'll be sure to pass along your message."

As they walked away, Zhi-Zhi perched on Chen Wei's shoulder, the young disciple couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and pride. We did it, he thought. We completed the mission, even if it didn't go exactly as planned. Wait until Senior Brother Kai hears about this!

Back in his office, Lin Yue stood by the window, watching Chen Wei and Zhi-Zhi disappear down the road. His eyes narrowed in thought.

Lin Yue turned back to face Yu Fen and his followers, who were standing nervously in the corner of the room.

"Now then," Lin Yue said. "Let's discuss your recent... indiscretions."

Yu Fen swallowed hard, sweat beading on his forehead. "Boss, I swear, we didn't know they were connected to a Legacy Disciple. We were just trying to-"

Lin Yue held up a hand, silencing him. "Save your excuses, Yu Fen. You were willing to kill a sect member over petty spirit stones, not only that but that disciple has a scarier backing than my own. Your actions today have jeopardized our operations and potentially created an enemy out of someone who could have been a powerful ally. Do you understand the gravity of your mistake?"

Yu Fen nodded quickly, his face pale. "Yes, Boss. It won't happen again, I promise."

Lin Yue's eyes narrowed. "See that it doesn't. For now, you'll continue your work here, but know that you're on thin ice. One more misstep, and you'll find yourself wishing you were merely expelled from the sect."

As Yu Fen and his followers scurried out of the office, Lin Yue sat down at the desk, his mind working furiously. This new Legacy Disciple, Kai... he's not what I expected. Sending his subordinates out on errands like this, and with a spirit beast for protection no less. He's either very confident or very foolish.

Lin Yue pulled out a small communication talisman, activating it with a pulse of Qi. "Mo Fe, I need you to gather all the information you can on the new Legacy Disciple, Kai. Be discreet, but thorough. I want to know everything - his background, his abilities, his connections within the sect. Take a look at both the Celestial Herb Pavilion and the Alchemy Pavilion in particular, our friend is interested in herbs. Oh, and report back to me as soon as possible."

As he ended the transmission, Lin Yue leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. Things are about to get very interesting in the Azure Sky Sect. I'd better make sure I'm prepared for whatever comes next. Allying myself with a Legacy Disciple wouldn’t hurt…

CG C78: Negotiations

The small village of Greenleaf nestled among three hills, a patchwork of fields stretching out around it. Thatched roofs and wooden buildings huddled together. In the distance, workers toiled under the hot sun as they tended to the crops.

In one of the larger fields, a group of farmers worked diligently, their backs bent as they moved through rows of plants. A middle-aged man stood at the edge of the field, his arms crossed as he observed their efforts with a critical eye. This was Yu Fen, a former disciple of the Azure Sky Sect.

Yu Fen's graying hair was tied back in a simple ponytail, and his clothes, while of decent quality, showed signs of wear. As he watched the workers, his lips pressed into a thin line.

"You there!" he called out to a young man struggling with a hoe. "Put your back into it! You're barely scratching the surface."

The worker nodded quickly, redoubling his efforts. Yu Fen shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Useless, the lot of them..."

If only I had broken through to Foundation Establishment, he thought bitterly. I wouldn't be stuck here, managing these peasants.

Behind Yu Fen stood two men, both in their early twenties. They were his followers, cultivators who had attached themselves to the former disciple in hopes of learning from him. Both were at the Qi Refining Stage 7, a respectable level for those outside a major sect.

"Master Yu," one of them spoke up. "Should we demonstrate the proper technique to the workers?"

Yu Fen waved a dismissive hand. "Don't waste your energy, Liang. These fools barely have the capacity to understand basic farming, let alone the intricacies of Qi-enhanced labor."

The other follower, a stocky man named Mu, nodded in agreement. "You're right, Master. It's best to save our strength for more important tasks."

As they stood there, a commotion began to stir in the village. People were gathering, pointing and whispering. Yu Fen's eyes narrowed as he spotted the cause of the excitement - a young man in white robes walking purposefully through the village.

"An Azure Sky Sect disciple?" Mu muttered.

Yu Fen's jaw clenched. "Outer Disciple, by the look of his robes. What business does he have here?"

They watched as the newcomer made his way towards their field. As he drew closer, Yu Fen could see that he was quite young, probably no more than sixteen or seventeen. The boy's eyes scanned the area, finally settling on Yu Fen and his followers.

"Greetings," the young man said as he approached, bowing politely. "My name is Chen Wei. I'm looking for Yu Fen. Might that be you, sir?"

Yu Fen raised an eyebrow, studying the boy. "I am Yu Fen. What brings an Outer Disciple of the Azure Sky Sect to our humble village?"

Chen Wei straightened, a polite smile on his face. "I've heard about some of the materials you're selling, sir. My master is interested in making a purchase."

His master? Yu Fen thought, intrigued. An Inner Disciple, perhaps?

Out loud, he said, "Is that so? And who might your master be?"

Chen Wei hesitated for a moment before responding. "I'm afraid I'm currently not at liberty to say, sir. But I can assure you, he's very interested in doing business."

Yu Fen nodded slowly, his mind working. He gestured to Liang and Mu, who immediately moved to stand behind him. The subtle show of force wasn't lost on Chen Wei, whose eyes flickered briefly to the two men.

"Well, Chen Wei," Yu Fen said, his tone casual, "I'm afraid you may have wasted a trip. You see, I already have plenty of customers for my goods. In fact, demand has been so high that I'm not sure I see the point in selling at my old prices anymore."

Chen Wei's brow furrowed slightly. "I see. Well, perhaps we could discuss a new price that would be beneficial for both parties?"

Yu Fen smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Of course, of course. Why don't we step into my office and talk numbers?"

As they walked towards a small building at the edge of the field, Yu Fen's mind raced. This could be an opportunity. If this boy's master is truly influential, a favorable deal could open new doors. But if not...

Inside the cramped office, Yu Fen settled behind a desk while Chen Wei took a seat across from him. Liang and Mu remained standing, flanking the door.

"Now then," Yu Fen began, leaning forward. "Let's talk business. What exactly are you looking to purchase, and in what quantities?"

Chen Wei pulled out a small notebook, consulting it briefly. "We're interested in Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and Qi Crystals. Ideally, enough to produce around twenty low-quality Qi Gathering pills."

Yu Fen's eyebrows shot up. "Twenty? That's quite an order for an Outer Disciple's master. Are you sure you have the spirit stones to cover such a purchase?"

Chen Wei nodded confidently. "My master has provided me with sufficient funds, sir. Now, about the price..."

What followed was a back-and-forth negotiation that lasted nearly half an hour. Chen Wei proved to be surprisingly adept for his age, countering Yu Fen's inflated prices with well-reasoned arguments and alternative offers.

This boy is no fool, Yu Fen thought grudgingly. He's been well-trained.

As their discussion wore on, Yu Fen found himself growing increasingly frustrated. Chen Wei refused to budge beyond a certain point, and the price he was offering, while fair, wasn't the windfall Yu Fen had hoped for.

Finally, Yu Fen slammed his hand on the desk. "Enough! I've entertained this long enough. My final offer is 500 spirit stones for the lot. Take it or leave it."

Chen Wei frowned. "I'm sorry, sir, but that's simply too high. My master was very clear about the maximum we could spend. The price should be around 300 spirit stones. Perhaps we could-"

"Perhaps," Liang cut in, "you should consider your position more carefully, little Outer Disciple."

Chen Wei turned to look at him. "Excuse me?"

Mu stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "What my friend means is that you're awfully far from the safety of your sect, boy. It might be wise to show some... flexibility in your negotiations."

Yu Fen watched Chen Wei carefully, noting the flicker of fear that passed across the young man's face. Good. Let him sweat a little.

"Now, now," Yu Fen said, his tone deceptively mild. "There's no need for threats. I'm sure Chen Wei understands the delicate nature of his situation. After all, we have some very powerful backers in this region as well as in the sect. It would be a shame if an accident were to befall such a promising young cultivator."

Chen Wei's eyes darted between the three men, his earlier confidence evaporating. "I... I don't understand. Are you threatening me?"

Yu Fen spread his hands in a gesture of mock innocence. "Threatening? Not at all. Simply explaining how things work out here in the real world. The sect won't care if a single Outer Disciple goes missing, you know. It happens all the time."

Chen Wei swallowed hard, then seemed to steel himself. "My master is a Legacy Disciple of the Azure Sky Sect. If anything happens to me-"

The laughter that erupted from Yu Fen and his followers cut Chen Wei off mid-sentence. Yu Fen wiped a tear from his eye, shaking his head.

"Oh, you poor, naive boy," he said. "Do you think I don't know how it is? I was an Outer Disciple once, long ago. I know all about the lies and exaggerations you tell to make yourselves feel important."

Chen Wei's face reddened. "It's not a lie! My master really is-"

"Enough!" Yu Fen roared, all pretense of friendliness gone. His aura flared, the oppressive weight of a Qi Refining Stage 9 cultivator filling the small room. Chen Wei gasped, visibly struggling under the pressure.

"Let me explain how this is going to work," Yu Fen said, his voice dangerously soft. "You're going to hand over all the spirit stones you brought with you. In exchange, I might consider letting you leave here in one piece. Understand?"

Chen Wei's eyes widened in panic. "But... but I can't! The spirit stones aren't mine, they belong to my master! Please, you don't understand-"

Yu Fen stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "I understand perfectly. You came here thinking you could play with the big boys, and now you're in over your head. It's time you learned a harsh lesson about the cultivation world, boy."

With a burst of Qi-enhanced speed, Yu Fen vanished from behind the desk and reappeared directly in front of Chen Wei, who had no idea how things had escalated so far.

The young disciple's eyes barely had time to widen before Yu Fen's fist came hurtling towards his face.

But the blow never landed.

CG C77: Alchemist Pavilion

Kai stood in the hallway of the Alchemist Pavilion, his eyes darting from one corner to another. Unlike the Celestial Herb Pavilion, this place buzzed with activity. Everywhere he looked, he saw alchemists hurrying about.

Wow, this place is like an anthill, Kai thought, observing the organized chaos around him. Reminds me of crafting districts. Always busy, always productive.

The air was thick with the scent of herbs and minerals, a complex mix that tickled Kai's nose. He could hear the distant clanging of mortars and pestles, the bubbling of concoctions, and the occasional hiss of steam.

As Kai stood there, taking in the sights and sounds, a young man in blue robes approached him. The man's eyes widened slightly as he noticed Kai's black robes.

The blue-robed man bowed deeply. "Greetings, Legacy Disciple. This humble one is Ye Tao, a Novice Alchemist. How may I be of service?"

"Hello, Ye Tao," Kai replied, his voice calm and measured. "I'm Kai, I’m looking to learn some alchemy. I heard you have some novice guides available?"

Ye Tao's eyes widened, surprise evident on his face. He quickly schooled his expression, but not before Kai caught the reaction.

Interesting. Looks like none of the other Legacy Disciples have shown any interest in alchemy.

"Of course, Senior Brother Kai," Ye Tao said. "We have several excellent guides for beginners. May I ask what sparked your interest in the art of alchemy?"

Kai considered his response carefully. No need to reveal too much. A vague answer should suffice.

"I've always been fascinated by the process of transformation," Kai said, his tone nonchalant. "Turning simple ingredients into powerful elixirs... it's quite remarkable, don't you think?"

Ye Tao nodded vigorously. "Indeed, Senior Brother! Alchemy is truly a wondrous art. The ability to refine and transmute, to create something greater than the sum of its parts... it's nothing short of magical."

He's certainly passionate about it…

"Well said, Ye Tao," Kai replied with a small smile. "Now, about that novice guide..."

"Ah, yes!" Ye Tao exclaimed. "Please, follow me. I'll show you to our collection of beginner texts."

As they walked through the bustling hallways, Kai took mental notes of everything he saw. Alchemists of various ranks hurried past, some carrying stacks of scrolls, others balancing trays of bubbling vials.

This place is a goldmine of information. I'll need to come back here when I have more time to explore.

Ye Tao led Kai to a quieter section of the pavilion. The walls here were lined with shelves, each filled with scrolls and books of various sizes.

"Here we are," Ye Tao said, gesturing to the shelves. "These are our beginner texts. Is there any particular aspect of alchemy you're interested in? Herbal remedies? Qi-enhancing elixirs? Poison crafting?"

"I think it's best to start with the fundamentals," Kai replied. "Don’t you have a comprehensive guide that covers the basic principles of alchemy?"

Ye Tao's face lit up. "We do have just the thing. Please, wait here a moment."

The young alchemist hurried off, leaving Kai alone in the quiet section. Kai took the opportunity to examine the shelves more closely.

Interesting titles, he thought, reading the labels on the scrolls. "A Beginner's Guide to Herbal Infusions", "Fundamentals of Mineral Refinement", "Qi Circulation in Alchemical Processes"... I could spend weeks just reading through these.

A few minutes later, Ye Tao returned, carrying a thick scroll. He presented it to Kai with both hands, a look of reverence on his face.

"This is our finest guide for beginners," Ye Tao said, his voice filled with pride. "It contains the most important basic five techniques needed for alchemy. If one were to master these techniques to their peak, it would be enough to become an Advanced Alchemist."

Kai took the scroll, feeling its weight in his hands. This is the one Chen Wei was referring to.

“What are these five techniques?"

Ye Tao's eyes sparkled as he began to explain.

"The first technique is 'Essence Extraction'. This is the foundation of all alchemy, teaching you how to draw out the purest essence from herbs, minerals, and other materials. The second is 'Elemental Fusion'. This technique allows you to combine different elemental properties in your concoctions, creating more potent and complex effects. Third is 'Qi Infusion'. This technique teaches you how to imbue your creations with Qi, enhancing their potency and allowing for the creation of cultivation aids."

Now we're getting to the good stuff, Kai mused. This is probably crucial for making those Qi Gathering pills.

"The fourth technique is 'Stability Control'. This is vital for preventing your concoctions from becoming unstable or explosive during the creation process."

Ah, the safety measures. Definitely important.

"And finally," Ye Tao said, his voice filled with awe, "there's 'Spiritual Resonance'. This advanced technique allows you to attune your creations to specific spiritual frequencies, creating pills and elixirs tailored to individual cultivators or cultivation methods."

Interesting. That sounds like it could be incredibly useful for customizing pills for the guild members. I could focus on that later down the line…

"These five techniques form the core of alchemy," Ye Tao concluded. "Master them, and you'll have a solid foundation for any pill."

Kai nodded, impressed. "That does sound comprehensive. How much does this scroll cost?"

Ye Tao hesitated for a moment before answering. "This particular scroll is quite valuable. It's priced at 500 low-quality spirit stones."

That's exactly what Chen Wei said but I should probably negotiate a bit.

"That's quite expensive for a beginner's guide," Kai said, his tone casual. "Are you sure there isn't a more... economical option?"

"I assure you, Senior Brother, this scroll is worth every spirit stone,” Ye Tao replied. “The techniques contained within are distilled from centuries of alchemical wisdom. Many have used this very scroll as the foundation for illustrious careers in alchemy."

“Is there anyway we could make it more affordable?” Kai asked.

Ye Tao shook his head firmly. “The prices are set by the Head Alchemist; it would be a violation of the rules to manipulate the prices, even for a Legacy Disciple…”

Kai sighed for a moment then nodded. "Very well. I'll take it."

"An excellent decision, Senior Brother! You won't regret it."

Kai reached into his inventory and retrieved the 500 low-quality spirit stones. He handed them over to Ye Tao, who accepted them with a deep bow.

"Thank you, Senior Brother," Ye Tao said. "Is there anything else you need?"

Kai was about to decline when a thought struck him. Wait a second. There's usually some kind of certification process for crafting professions. I should probably check if that applies here too.

"Actually, Ye Tao," Kai said, "I have a question. Once I've learned these techniques, would I be able to start creating and selling pills immediately?"

Ye Tao's eyes widened in surprise. "Ah, I see you're thinking ahead! You’re right, there is one more step before you can officially sell pills."

Kai raised an eyebrow, encouraging Ye Tao to continue.

"Before anyone can start selling pills," Ye Tao explained, "they must pass an alchemy exam and become a certified Novice Alchemist."

I knew it. There's always a quest or a test to unlock new professions.

"I see," Kai said aloud. "Can you tell me more about this exam? What does it entail?"

Ye Tao nodded eagerly. "Of course. The exam to become a Novice Alchemist consists of three parts."

Kai nodded as he listened intently.

"The first part is a written test," Ye Tao began. "It covers basic alchemical theory, herb identification, and safety procedures. You'll need to demonstrate a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of alchemy."

That shouldn't be too hard. With the system, I can probably learn all that information quickly if they’re skill scrolls.

"The second part," Ye Tao continued, "is a practical test. You'll be required to create a basic pill under observation. Usually, it's something simple like a minor healing pill or a low-grade Qi replenishment pill."

"And the final part?"

Ye Tao smiled. "The final part is an oral examination. A senior alchemist will ask you questions about your creation process, your understanding of alchemical principles, and how you would handle various scenarios that might arise during alchemy."

Ah, the classic 'defend your work' part of any exam. I'll need to be prepared to explain my methods clearly.

"I see," Kai said aloud. "And how often are these exams held?"

"The exams are held monthly," Ye Tao replied. "The next one is in 3 days, but I’d suggest you practice for a few months at least…"

Kai considered for a moment. Three days... that's cutting it close. But with the system's help, it might be possible.

"I'll see how it goes," Kai said with a confident smile. "One more question, Ye Tao. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Novice Alchemist?"

"Oh, there are many benefits!” Ye Tao's eyes lit up. “First and foremost, you gain the legal right to sell your alchemical creations within the sect. You also gain access to the Alchemist Pavilion's resources - our libraries, our ingredient stores, and our practice rooms. You'll be able to take on alchemy-related missions from the sect. These can be quite lucrative and often involve creating specific pills or researching new alchemical formulas."

Missions that can be completed within the sect is one of the main reasons I was interested in becoming an Alchemist or a Formation user, but with the system, it shouldn’t take me to long to become both, at least to the Novice level.

"And of course," Ye Tao added, "there's the prestige. Alchemists are highly respected. Even a Novice Alchemist commands a certain level of respect."

Respect is good, but the access to resources and missions is the real prize here.

"Thank you, Ye Tao," Kai said. "You've been incredibly helpful. I think I have everything I need for now."

"It's my pleasure, Senior Brother. If you have any more questions as you begin your alchemical journey, please don't hesitate to ask. We're always happy to assist a budding alchemist, especially one of your status."

Kai nodded, then paused as a thought struck him. "Actually, Ye Tao, there is one more thing. Do you have any recommendations for practice materials? Things I could use to experiment with as I learn these techniques?"

"For beginners, I would recommend starting with some common herbs and minerals. Things like Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and basic Qi Crystals are perfect for practicing Essence Extraction and Qi Infusion,” Ye Tao answered.

Those are the exact ingredients for a low-grade Qi Gathering pills, Kai thought, pleased. This works out perfectly.

"For Elemental Fusion," Ye Tao continued, "you might want to try working with elemental essences. We have starter kits available that contain small amounts of various elemental materials. They're quite safe for beginners."

"And what about equipment? What sort of tools would I need to start practicing?" Kai asked.

"For basic practice, you don't need anything too elaborate," Ye Tao explained. "A good quality mortar and pestle, a set of measuring tools, and a few heat-resistant containers should be sufficient to start. Oh, and of course, a small furnace for pill refinement."

"I see, is it possible to purchase the equipment here at the Alchemist Pavilion?"

Ye Tao's face brightened. "Of course! We have complete beginner's sets available. They include everything you'd need to start your alchemical journey."

"And the cost?" Kai asked, raising an eyebrow.

"A full set, including the small furnace, would cost 1000 low-grade spirit stones," Ye Tao replied. "It's a bit of an investment, but the quality is excellent, and it will serve you well as you learn."

1000 spirit stones…that's more than I can afford right now. But maybe there's another option...

"What about practice space?" Kai inquired. "You mentioned practice rooms, is it possible to rent a room here to use the equipment?"

"Absolutely!” Ye Tao clapped his hands. “We have practice rooms available for rent. They're fully equipped with all the necessary tools and safety measures."

"And the cost for that?"

"The rooms can be rented for 5 spirit stones per hour," Ye Tao explained. "It's quite reasonable, especially for beginners who aren't ready to invest in their own equipment yet."

Perfect, Kai smiled. I can practice the techniques at home, then come here to actually create pills when I'm ready.

Author's Note

Sorry for the late chapters, had some unexpected real life stuff come up. I'll get a chance to write more and should be back up to 20+ chapters ahead of Royal Road in a few days. See you tomorrow!

CG C76: Change of Plans

Kai sat cross-legged on his cultivation pillow, eyes closed in deep concentration. A crown of lightning danced above his head. As he focused, a charge of lightning began to surround his chest, pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat.

Almost there, Kai thought, maintaining his focus. Just need to sync the lightning with my pulse.

He visualized bolts of lightning striking his heart, aligning each strike with the steady thump-thump of his heartbeat. The energy built, growing more intense with each passing moment.

Suddenly, Kai felt a shift within his body. His eyes snapped open. It had worked. A smile spread across his face as he looked down at the scroll beside him.

Meridian of the Thunderous Heart

• Location: Heart Center
  
• Method to Open: "Electric Pulse" - The cultivator places their hands over their heart, focusing on the rhythmic pulse. They must visualize bolts of lightning striking their heart, aligning their heartbeat with the rhythm of thunder.
  

I did it. Another meridian opened.

As if on cue, a series of blue windows appeared before him:

Congratulations!

You have successfully opened the Meridian of Thunderous Heart!

Cultivation returned to Qi Refining Stage 8

Lightning Affinity increased to 30%

Skill Leveled Up: Crown of Lightning (Level 4) Effect: A temporary, visible aura of lightning can form around the cultivator's head during meditation, boosting the cultivator's qi regeneration by 20%.

Skill Leveled Up: Sky's Favor (Level 4) Effect: The cultivator's qi absorption rate increases by 20% whenever they are under an open sky, especially during stormy weather.

Skill Leveled Up: Electric Immunity (Level 4) Effect: The cultivator gains 20% resistance to lightning-based attacks, reducing the damage taken from electric or lightning-based techniques.

New Skill: Heart of Thunder (Level 1)

Description: Unleash a powerful, thunderous shockwave from their heart, stunning and damaging nearby enemies while providing a surge of protective energy for 10 seconds to allies within the radius.

You have gained 400 XP!

Not bad. The Heart of Thunder skill seems pretty useful. It's like an AOE stun with a party buff. Could come in handy if I ever need to protect the others during a group battle.

As he put the scroll away, Kai felt a sense of satisfaction. Opening meridians was never easy, he knew the difficulty would only increase as he continued, but he was getting better at it.

Just glad I finally cracked this one. The lightning cultivation method is working well for me.

He stood up, stretching his arms above his head. Now, time to check on the others and see what info Chen Wei managed to gather.

As if on cue, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," Kai called out.

The door opened, revealing Chen Wei, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi. They filed into the room, taking seats around Kai.

"Senior Brother," Chen Wei said with a bow. "I've gathered the information you requested."

Kai nodded. "Excellent. Let's hear it."

Chen Wei pulled out his small notebook and began to read. "I've collected data on the exact prices for Cloud Grass and Starfire Root from various suppliers outside the sect. Each bundle contains 30 of either material. The prices range from 50 to 80 spirit stones per bundle, depending on quality and quantity."

"Good start," Kai said. "What about the outer sect disciples? How much do they typically spend on cultivation resources?"

"On average, outer sect disciples spend between 10 to 50 spirit stones per month on cultivation resources," Chen Wei replied. "This varies based on their cultivation level and personal wealth, of course."

Interesting, Outer Disciples get a stipend of 10 spirit stones a month, but they need more than that just to continue cultivating, Kai nodded, remembering seeing the Outer Disciples were always busy with one manual job or another.

Liu Wei leaned forward. "That's quite a range. Did you notice any patterns in their spending habits?"

Chen Wei nodded. "Yes, actually. Those closer to breaking through to the next stage tend to spend more, often pushing their budgets to the limit."

That's a potential market we could tap into but that might not be enough. Hmm, I think I have a better idea…

"What about Qi Gathering pills?" Kai asked. "What's the current market price for those?"

Chen Wei consulted his notes. "Low grade Qi Gathering pills sell for about 30 spirit stones each in the sect's market. However, I also looked into the materials needed to make them."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what did you find?"

"The main ingredients are Spirit Grass, Yin Berries, and Qi Crystals," Chen Wei explained. "If bought separately, these materials cost about 15 spirit stones total per pill."

Half the price…If we could make our own, we'd double our profit margin.

"Did you look into alchemy at all?" Kai asked.

Chen Wei nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Senior Brother. I gathered information on the different levels of alchemy and alchemists. There are five main levels: Novice, Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, and Grandmaster."

"And the cost of basic alchemy skill scrolls?" Kai pressed.

"A basic Novice-level alchemy guide scroll costs about 500 spirit stones," Chen Wei replied.

That's half of my current funds. But it could be a worthwhile investment.

"What do you all think?" Kai asked, looking around at his guild members. "Should we stick with trading Cloud Grass and Starfire Root, or should we consider making our own Qi Gathering pills?"

Liu Wei spoke up first. "Making our own pills could be more profitable in the long run, but it would require a larger initial investment. Plus, we'd need to ensure our quality matches or exceeds what's currently on the market."

"I say we make the pills!” Zhi-Zhi grinned.

"Chen Wei, what's your opinion?" Kai asked.

Chen Wei hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I believe making our own pills could be very profitable, Senior Brother. However, it would require more time and effort than simply trading existing goods. We'd need to factor in the time spent on learning to produce pills."

He's right. Time is a resource too, especially in cultivation. However, since the scroll would belong to me, it wouldn’t matter if it disappeared so I could learn it instantaneously.

After a moment of consideration, Kai made his decision. "Alright, here's what we're going to do. We're going to start by making our own Qi Gathering pills."

"Really?" Liu Wei asked, looking surprised. "Are you sure, Master?"

Kai nodded. "Yes. It's a bigger risk, but also a bigger potential reward. Plus, it gives us more control over our product."

"Excellent choice!" Zhi-Zhi exclaimed. "I knew you'd see the wisdom in it!"

More like I saw the profit margin, Kai thought wryly.

"Chen Wei," Kai continued, "I need you to go outside the sect and purchase the materials we need for the pills. Take Zhi-Zhi with you."

Chen Wei bowed. "Of course, Senior Brother. How many spirit stones should I take for the purchases?"

Kai did some quick mental math and brought out some spirit stones from his inventory. "Take 300 spirit stones. That should be enough for a good initial stock of materials."

"Understood," Chen Wei said, taking the pouch from Kai and making a note in his book.

Kai turned to Zhi-Zhi. "Zhi-Zhi, you're going as protection. Stay hidden and don't get involved in the negotiations. Your job is to watch for any signs of trouble and protect Chen Wei if necessary."

Zhi-Zhi puffed up his chest. "I shall be as silent as a shadow and as vigilant as a mountain eagle!"

As long as you're as quiet as a shadow, we should be fine, Kai thought, amused.

"Liu Wei," Kai said, turning to the former bandit. "I want you to start scouting potential customers within the sect. Focus on outer sect disciples who are close to breaking through. They're likely to be our best market."

Liu Wei nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "I understand, Master.”

"Good," Kai said. "Remember, we're not making any sales yet. Just gather information on who might be interested. A list of customers will be useful once we start selling so start on that, let’s get some preorders."

"What will you be doing, Senior Brother?" Chen Wei asked.

Kai stood up, straightening his robes. "I'm going to the Alchemist Pavilion to buy some skill scrolls. We can't make pills without the knowledge, after all. We'll meet back here in four days, I should have some pills ready by then."

The others exchanged surprised glances.

Liu Wei spoke up. "Master, forgive me, but... learning to make pills takes years of study. Even the most talented alchemists spend months mastering the basics."

Kai smiled confidently. "I appreciate your concern, but trust me. I have my ways. Plus, we're just talking about basic Qi Gathering pills to start with, not some high-level elixirs."

Chen Wei bit his lip, clearly torn between respect for Kai and disbelief at the timeline.

Zhi-Zhi puffed up. "Now see here! Even my Master couldn't—"

Kai held up a hand, cutting off the spirit tortoise's protest. "Four days. Trust me."

As they filed out of the room, Kai could hear them whispering among themselves, their doubt palpable. He couldn't help but smile.

It’s the best long-term decision. If we can establish ourselves as reliable pill makers, we could corner a significant portion of the market. I did want to avoid competing with the big boys from the get-go but hopefully my title as Legacy Disciple should give me enough protection. Especially since no one will expect me to become an alchemist so suddenly.

He looked into his inventory and began to manage his finances.

500 for the skill scroll, 300 for materials which I’ve already handed to Chen Wei. That leaves me with 200 as an emergency fund. It's cutting it close, but it should work.

In another week, the month will end and I’ll get another 1000 spirit stones anyway.

CG C75: Recruitment Time

As they settled into seats, Kai took a moment to observe them. Liu Wei seemed more confident than before, his posture straighter and his eyes clearer. Zhi-Zhi, on the other hand, appeared less boastful than even the last time Kai saw him in the canteen.

Interesting character development. Time to gather some intel.

"So," Kai began, his tone casual, "how have you both been? It's been a while since we last spoke."

Liu Wei bowed his head slightly. "It's been... an adjustment, Master. My new…master, Elder Jiang, is strict but fair. The training has been difficult, but..." He paused, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "I've managed to break through to the fifth stage of Qi Refining."

Kai's eyebrows rose slightly. "That's impressive, Liu Wei. Congratulations."

Liu Wei

Level: Qi Refining Stage 5

Qi: 100/100

Strength: 33

Agility: 34

Endurance: 32

Intelligence: 15

Wisdom: 12

Loyalty: 80/100

Elemental Affinities:

• Wind: 20%

• Water: 15%

Skills:

• Basic Qi Gathering technique (Level 1)

• The Wind Rider's Path (Level 2)

• Wind Step (Level 2)

• Stealth (Level 2)

• Lockpicking (Level 2)

• Dagger Proficiency (Level 2)

The system's information confirmed Liu Wei's words. Kai's eyes lingered on the "Wind Rider's Path" skill.

I’m glad Liu Wei has now got a real cultivation method.

"Your new master seems to be teaching you well," Kai said, nodding approvingly. "The Wind Rider's Path is a respected cultivation method."

“How did you know…,”Liu Wei's eyes widened slightly. "Are you familiar with it, Master?"

Kai smiled enigmatically. "Something like that."

Turning his attention to Zhi-Zhi, Kai asked, "And what about you, little one? How have you been faring with your new master?"

To Kai's surprise, Zhi-Zhi didn't immediately launch into a boastful tirade. Instead, the spirit beast's eyes shone with admiration as he spoke.

"Master Cang Long is amazing!" Zhi-Zhi exclaimed. "He's so wise and powerful. Did you know he can create entire islands with his Qi? And he's teaching me all sorts of techniques. Like how to reinforce my shell with spiritual energy, and how to..."

As Zhi-Zhi continued to share his master's virtues, Kai found himself smiling. The little tortoise's character seemed to have undergone quite a transformation.

Looks like Zhi-Zhi found a role model. That's good. A mentor figure will help temper that ego of his.

After letting Zhi-Zhi ramble for a few more moments, Kai gently cut in. "I'm glad to hear you're both progressing well. Actually, that's part of why I asked Chen Wei to bring you here today."

Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi fell silent, their attention fully on Kai.

Kai quickly summarized his plan to form a guild within the sect, explaining the benefits of working together and supporting each other. He emphasized how it would allow them to share resources, take on missions as a team, and combine their strengths.

"What kind of benefits are we talking about?" Zhi-Zhi asked.

Always looking out for number one, eh? Kai thought, amused. Some things never change.

"Well," Kai said, "for starters, members of the guild would have access to a unique form of communication. It's similar to spiritual transmission, but distance isn't an issue. You'd be able to contact any guild member, anywhere, at any time."

Liu Wei's eyes widened. "That's... impressive. How is that possible?"

Kai smiled mysteriously. "Let's just say it's a special technique I've developed. But that's not all. You've all seen my Qi condensing ability, right?"

They nodded, and Kai held out his hand. With a thought, he condensed his Qi into a small, glowing hammer. The others leaned in, fascinated.

"If you complete enough missions for the guild," Kai continued, "you'll gain the ability to use this technique as well."

Liu Wei gasped softly. "Really? But... how?"

Kai dispelled the Qi construct. "It's part of the guild's... let's call it a cultivation secret. The more you contribute to the guild, the more you'll be able to tap into this power.”

The room fell silent for a moment as Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi processed this information. Then, chaos erupted.

"What? Really?" Liu Wei exclaimed, leaping to his feet. "Master, that's... that's incredible! With an ability like that, I could..."

"I could create an impenetrable fortress!" Zhi-Zhi interrupted, his eyes gleaming. "No, a floating island! No, wait, a—"

"Calm down, both of you," Kai said, holding up his hands. "Remember, you'll need to earn this ability through hard work and dedication to the guild."

As Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi continued to chatter excitedly about the possibilities, Kai noticed Chen Wei's more subdued reaction. Right, he hasn't seen me use this ability much. I'll need to make sure he understands its value too.

Kai cleared his throat, regaining everyone's attention. "So, would you like to join?”

Liu Wei was quiet for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then he nodded, a small smile on his face. "I'd be honored. To be honest, I've... missed having you as my master. This feels right."

Kai felt a warmth in his chest at Liu Wei's words. Loyalty is a rare and valuable thing in this world, he thought. I'm glad I chose to bring Liu Wei with me.

"Thank you, Liu Wei, I'm glad to have you on board."

He turned to Zhi-Zhi. "And what's your decision?"

Zhi-Zhi puffed up his chest, trying to look important. "Well, I'll have to think about it. After all, I'm quite busy with my own training, and Master Cang Long might not approve of..."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "I see. Well, if you're not interested, that's fine. This is a limited-time offer, after all. I'm sure we can find another spirit beast to join in your place."

"Wait!" Zhi-Zhi exclaimed, his facade crumbling. "I... I accept! I want to join the guild!"

Kai struggled to keep a straight face. Zhi-Zhi is still as predictable as ever.

"Excellent," Kai said, smiling. "Welcome to the Trident Guild, both of you."

Liu Wei tilted his head. "The Trident Guild?"

"Yes, that's the name I've chosen for our faction,” Kai answered as he looked at the mark on his right wrist. “Now, there's one more thing we need to do to make your membership official. Each guild member receives a special mark. It's what allows for the long-distance communication I mentioned, and will eventually grant you access to the Qi condensing ability."

He held up a hand to forestall any questions. "Don't worry, it's not visible unless you choose to reveal it. But I do need to know where you'd like the mark placed."

Liu Wei considered for a moment. "Could I have it on my right forearm?"

Kai nodded. "Of course. Zhi-Zhi?"

The spirit tortoise hesitated. "Um... can it go on my shell? Or would that not work?"

"Your shell is fine," Kai assured him. "The mark is spiritual in nature, so it will work regardless of where it's placed."

With their choices made, Kai approached Liu Wei first. He placed his hand on the former bandit's right forearm, channeling a small amount of Qi. Liu Wei gasped as a faint, trident-shaped mark appeared briefly before fading from view.

New guild member added: Liu Wei

Kai smiled at the system message, then moved to Zhi-Zhi. He placed his hand on the spirit tortoise's shell, repeating the process.

New guild member added: Zhi-Zhi

"There," Kai said, stepping back. "It's done. You're now officially members of the Trident Guild."

Liu Wei rubbed his forearm, a look of wonder on his face. "I can feel it. It's like... a warm presence."

Zhi-Zhi was twisting his neck, trying to see the mark on his shell. "Does this mean I can talk to you whenever I want now?"

Kai nodded. "That's right. Just focus on the mark and think of who you want to communicate with. It might take some practice at first, but you'll get the hang of it."

As the others experimented with their new ability, Kai's mind turned to the more serious matters at hand. Now comes the tricky part. How much should I tell them about the guild's true capabilities?

He thought about the respawn ability, the ace up his sleeve that had saved his life more than once. It was tempting to share this information with his guild members, to assure them that they had a safety net.

But I can't tell them about the respawn ability. If the sect found out, they'd never let me leave. They'd probably lock me up and use me as some kind of resurrection machine.

Kai made his decision. Better to keep that ability hidden for now. I can always reveal it later if absolutely necessary.

Your request to hide the respawn ability from guild members has been granted. You will have the option to respawn fallen members if they have sufficient credits.

Perfect. That gives me some flexibility without revealing too much.

"There's one more thing you should know about the guild marks," Kai said, his tone serious. "They have... a protective quality. If you're ever in mortal danger, the mark will activate and try to save you. I can't say more than that right now, but know that being part of this guild means you have an extra layer of security."

The others nodded, looking both intrigued and slightly confused.

That should be enough to hint at the respawn ability without giving too much away. If the worst happens and I need to use it, I can come up with an explanation then.

"Now," Kai said, clapping his hands together, "let's talk about our first guild activity."

The others leaned in, eager to hear more.

"We're going to start a trading operation," Kai explained. "Nothing too big at first, but with the potential to grow into something significant."

He outlined the plan he and Chen Wei had discussed earlier, explaining how they would focus on supplying cultivation resources to outer sect disciples who couldn't afford to buy in bulk from the larger suppliers.

"Each of you will have a role to play," Kai continued. "Chen Wei has been gathering information on the current market. Tomorrow, he'll share what he's learned, and we'll start putting our plan into action."

Liu Wei nodded thoughtfully. "This could work well, Master. My time with the bandits taught me a lot about supply and demand. I could help identify potential customers and negotiate deals."

"Excellent idea, Liu Wei. You can help Chen Wei with that."

Zhi-Zhi puffed up his chest. "And what about me? What's my role in this grand plan?"

Kai smiled. "You, Zhi-Zhi, have perhaps the most important role of all. You'll be our scout and our secret weapon."

The spirit tortoise's eyes widened. "Secret weapon?"

Kai nodded. "That's right. Your small size and ability to hide in your shell make you perfect for gathering information unnoticed. And if anyone tries to cheat us or cause trouble, well... they certainly won't be expecting a Qi Refining Stage 9 spirit beast to pop out and teach them a lesson, will they?"

Zhi-Zhi's chest swelled with pride. "No, they certainly won't! I'll show them the might of a Spiritual Tortoise!"

And there's the Zhi-Zhi we know and love, Kai thought, amused. At least now his boasting might actually be useful.

"Remember," Kai cautioned, "this operation needs to start small and grow naturally. We don't want to draw too much attention too quickly. The goal is to build a stable, profitable enterprise that will benefit all of us in the long run."

The others nodded their understanding.

"Good," Kai said. "Now, let's go over the specifics of what we'll be trading and how we'll structure our operation..."

An hour later, the meeting began to wind down, Kai could see the wheels turning in each of his guild members' heads. Liu Wei was already muttering to himself about potential information sources, while Zhi-Zhi was listing off offensive techniques under his breath. Chen Wei was scribbling notes in a small book, probably planning out tomorrow's market research.

This is a good start. We've got a solid core group, each with their own strengths. Now we just need to execute our plan.

"Alright," Kai said, drawing everyone's attention once more. "We'll meet again tomorrow evening to discuss Chen Wei's findings and plan our first trades.”

The others nodded as they filed out of the room.

Once he was alone, Kai pulled up his guild management interface.

Trident Guild Status

Members: 4

Guild Level: 1

Available Missions: 0

Guild Funds: 0 spirit stones

Not much to look at yet. But every guild has to start somewhere. We'll build this up, step by step.

CG 74: The First Guild Member

Kai leaned back, considering how to explain the concept of a guild to Chen Wei. He didn't know if they used that word in this world, so he decided to use a term more familiar in this setting.

"Chen Wei," Kai began, "I'm starting my own faction within the sect."

Chen Wei's eyes widened. "A faction, Senior Brother? But you're already a Legacy Disciple. Why would you need a faction?"

Kai smiled. "Being a Legacy Disciple is great, but it's also isolating. I think we can accomplish more if we work together as a team."

"I see," Chen Wei nodded slowly. "And what would this faction do, exactly?"

"Well," Kai said, "we'd support each other in our cultivation, share resources, and take on missions together. It's about pooling our strengths and covering each other's weaknesses."

Chen Wei looked intrigued. "That does sound beneficial. But won't the sect elders disapprove?"

Kai shook his head. "Not if we do it right. We're not going against the sect, we're just organizing ourselves to be more effective within it. Think of it as... a study group, but for cultivation."

"I understand," Chen Wei said. "And you…you want me to be part of this faction?"

"Exactly," Kai nodded. "You'd be one of the founding members. But before you decide, let me explain the rules I've come up with."

As Kai spoke, he noticed blue text appearing in his vision.

Guild Rules Added:

• Loyalty to the guild and its members

• Share information beneficial to the guild

• Assist other members when possible

• Keep guild matters confidential

• Contribute a portion of personal gains to guild resources

• Do not harm other guild members

Betrayal of guild rules will result in the Guild Leader being notified.

Kai blinked, surprised at how the system was integrating his impromptu rules. Well, that's convenient. I guess I'm on the right track.

"Those sound like reasonable rules, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said. "But what will you call this faction?"

Kai grinned. "I'm calling it the Trident Guild."

Chen Wei's eyes lit up with recognition. "Guild? Ah, like the Merchant's Guild in the city or the Alchemist's Guild in the sect? That's a clever choice, Senior Brother."

It's a common term here after all. I definitely should have known that if I wasn’t so obsessed with just cultivating. Well anyway, that makes things much easier.

"Exactly. I thought it would be fitting for our group. It has a certain... professional ring to it, don't you think?"

Chen Wei nodded. "Indeed, Senior Brother. It sounds very official and respectable."

Using a familiar term will make our guild seem more legitimate to others in the sect. And it reduces the risk of standing out to any potential isekai protagonists who might be around.

"I'm glad you approve, Chen Wei," Kai said with a smile. "The Trident Guild has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"

“Yes, Senior Brother,” Chen Wei nodded.

"So…," Kai said, "would you like to join the Trident Guild?"

Chen Wei stood up and bowed deeply. "It would be my honor, Senior Brother."

Chen Wei has accepted the guild invitation. Where would you like to place the Trident Mark on his body to show allegiance?

Kai blinked, taken aback by the sudden message. A mark? I didn't expect this. Is it just to show allegiance, or does it have special abilities like my own?

"Chen Wei," Kai said, trying to keep his excitement in check, "as a member of the Trident Guild, you'll receive a special mark. Where would you like it placed?"

Chen Wei looked startled. "A mark? Like... a tattoo?"

"Not exactly," Kai said, though he wasn't entirely sure. "It's more of a spiritual imprint, I believe. It won't be visible to others unless you choose to reveal it."

At least, I hope that's how it works. I should probably check the details before we proceed.

"System," Kai thought, "can you give me more information about this mark?"

The Trident Mark serves multiple purposes:

• It identifies guild members to each other.

• Guild members can communicate with each other from a distance

• Members can use credits earned through missions to activate the mark's powers at a limited degree.

• The mark will be visible to non-guild members when its abilities are in use

Kai's eyes widened. This... this is huge. My guild members could potentially condense Qi like me, or even... respawn after death?

"Chen Wei," Kai said, trying to keep his voice calm, "the mark is more significant than I initially realized. It will grant you access to special abilities as you complete tasks for the guild. Think of it as... a cultivation aid."

Chen Wei's eyes lit up. "Really? That's amazing! In that case, I'd be honored to bear the mark. But where do you think it should go, Senior Brother?"

Kai considered for a moment. "How about on your right shoulder blade? It's easy to conceal but also accessible if needed."

Chen Wei nodded. "That sounds perfect."

Kai stood up and placed his hand on Chen Wei's right shoulder blade. He felt a brief surge of energy, and Chen Wei gasped.

"Did you feel that?" Kai asked.

Chen Wei nodded, his eyes wide. "Yes, it was... warm. And it felt like... like a surge of power?”

Kai smiled. "Good. That means it worked. Now, Chen Wei, I need you to do something for me. Can you go find Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi and bring them here? It's time to invite them into the guild as well."

Chen Wei bowed. "Of course, Senior Brother. I'll find them right away." He turned and left the room.

As the door closed behind Chen Wei, Kai let out a long breath. That went better than I expected. Now, let's see what else this guild system can do.

Guild members who die and have enough credits to respawn will reappear at the location of the Guild Leader.

Kai nodded to himself. That's incredibly convenient, especially if someone gets killed in a place where they're stuck. It's like having a mobile respawn point.

He opened his map function and noticed a new feature. Chen Wei's location was now visible as a small blue dot.

Interesting. So, I can always see where my guild members are. And... wait, is that...?

Kai noticed another dot on the map, this one gold in color. He zoomed in and saw it was labeled "Sect Master."

Oh yeah, since the tea ceremony, I could see the Sect Master's location too. With how strange he’s been acting, at least I'll know if he's nearby or following me. But then again if he's spying from far away with some Enlightenment level technique, I won't know so I still need to keep my guard up.

Kai sat down, he began to plan out potential missions and ways to earn credits for his guild members.

We'll need to start small. Maybe some gathering missions in the nearby forest? Or we could offer our services to other disciples for a fee. As we build up our reputation and resources, we can take on bigger challenges.

He thought about the trading operation he and Chen Wei had discussed earlier. That could be our first big guild project. We'll use our combined knowledge and resources to corner the market on certain cultivation supplies.

It's like setting up a player-run economy in an MMO. Find the most in-demand items, control the supply, and watch the profits roll in.

He began jotting down ideas in a notebook, occasionally glancing at the map to check Chen Wei's progress. The blue dot representing his first guild member was moving quickly through the sect compound.

Kai paused in his writing, a new thought occurring to him. I should probably come up with some sort of initiation ceremony. Nothing too elaborate, but something to make new members feel like they're part of something special.

He began sketching out ideas for a simple ritual. Maybe a recitation of the guild rules, followed by a symbolic gesture... like clasping hands over the Trident Mark? Which might be a little difficult for Chen Wei…And we could have special robes or accessories for guild members to wear during meetings.

Kai chuckled to himself. Look at me, getting all caught up in the details. But that's what makes a good guild leader, right? Attention to detail and planning for every contingency. Not only that but humans love to feel part of a group, even if these humans could collapse a mountain with a thought.

He turned his attention back to the guild interface, exploring the various menus and options available to him as the guild leader.

Guild Management Options:

• Member Rankings

• Mission Assignment

• Resource Allocation

Kai was so engrossed in his planning that he almost missed the sound of footsteps approaching his door. He quickly closed the guild interface and composed himself, trying to look casual as he waited for the knock.

Here we go. Time to expand the Trident Guild.

The door opened, and Chen Wei stepped in, followed by Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi. Liu Wei looked curious, while Zhi-Zhi was perched on Liu Wei's shoulder.

"Senior Brother," Chen Wei said with a bow, "I've brought Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi as you requested."

Kai nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Excellent work, Chen Wei. Please, everyone, come in and make yourselves comfortable. We have much to discuss."

This is it. The real beginning of the Trident Guild. Time to see if I can turn this ragtag group into a force to be reckoned with. Let the recruitment begin!

CG C73: Trident Guild

The morning sun filtered through the window as Kai sat cross-legged on the floor, his eyes closed in deep meditation. A faint crackling sound filled the air, and anyone who entered the room would have seen an unusual sight - a crown of lightning dancing above Kai's head.

As he focused on his cultivation, Kai could feel the electric energy coursing through his body. With each breath, the lightning grew stronger, more controlled.

After an hour of meditation, Kai opened his eyes and stretched. The crown of lightning faded away, leaving behind a slight tingling sensation on his scalp.

Another day, another meditation session, and still no progress on opening the next meridian.

He glanced at the door, expecting Chen Wei to return any moment with information about trading opportunities in the sect. While he waited, Kai's mind turned to his plans for the future.

Once we have enough capital from trading, I should think about forming a guild. It's not typical in this world, but it could give us a real advantage.

Kai knew that in most xianxia stories, cultivators preferred to work alone. Cultivation was often portrayed as a solitary journey, with practitioners seeking enlightenment through isolation and personal trials.

But in other fantasy worlds, people group together in guilds all the time. Mage guilds, warrior guilds... why not a cultivator guild?

He began to list the potential benefits in his mind:

• Earning spirit stones without leaving the sect
  
• Reducing personal danger
  
• Pooling resources and knowledge
  
• Creating a support network
  

And as we grow stronger, we could become a real powerhouse within the sect. Right now, we're just Qi Refining cultivators - no threat to the current power structure. But once we reach higher realms like Nascent Soul... we'd have some serious weight to throw around.

Kai already had a small group forming around him - Liu Wei, Zhi-Zhi, and Chen Wei. But he knew it wasn't enough to form a proper guild yet.

I wonder if the system will even let me form a guild. It's worth checking.

System, is it possible to form a guild with my followers?

A translucent blue window appeared before him.

Guild Creation Available.

Would you like to proceed?

Kai's eyes lit up. "Yes!"

Congratulations!

You have initiated guild creation.

Please choose a name for your guild.

Kai paused, considering. His first instinct was to call it the Gamer Guild, but he quickly dismissed that idea.

That would be way too obvious, he chided himself. If there are other isekai protagonists in this world, I'd be painting a target on my back. Gotta be smarter than that.

He pondered for a few moments, running through various cool-sounding names in his head. Then his eyes fell on the strange trident-shaped mark on his hand.

The Trident Guild. That could work. It's mysterious enough to sound cool, but doesn't give away any of my secrets.

Guild Name Confirmed: The Trident Guild

Guild Leader: Kai Thorn

Guild Members: 0

Kai frowned at the last line. Zero members? But what about Liu Wei, Zhi-Zhi, and Chen Wei?

As if sensing his confusion, another message appeared:

To add members to your guild, you must formally invite them and they must accept. Current relationships do not automatically translate to guild membership.

"Ah," Kai murmured. "That makes sense. Can't have people joining without their knowledge."

I'll be the leader, obviously. Chen Wei and Liu Wei can compete for the second-in-command spot – a little friendly rivalry never hurt anyone. And Zhi-Zhi... well, every respectable guild needs a mascot, right?

He made a mental note to speak with his followers as soon as possible. The sooner he could get them officially on board, the better.

Would you like to view the Guild Management interface?

Y/N

"Yes," Kai replied, eager to learn more about this new feature.

A complex diagram appeared before him, filled with various tabs and options. Kai's eyes darted from one section to another, taking in as much information as he could.

There were sections for member management, resource allocation, mission assignments, and even an internal ranking system. One particular feature caught Kai's attention: a loyalty meter for each member.

Interesting, Kai thought. This could be useful for keeping track of potential problems.

As he delved deeper into the interface, Kai found options for setting guild rules, establishing a headquarters, and even creating specialized roles for members.

This is perfect. With this system, I can run the guild like a well-oiled machine. Everyone will have their place, their purpose.

He spent the next hour exploring the guild interface, making mental notes of the most important features. By the time he finished, Kai felt confident that he had a solid grasp of how to manage his fledgling organization.

Now I just need to convince the others to join. Liu Wei should be easy enough. Chen Wei too, given our new business arrangement. Zhi-Zhi might be trickier, but I'm sure I can find a way to appeal to that little troublemaker.

As Kai closed the guild interface, he heard footsteps approaching his door. He quickly composed himself, adopting a casual pose as he waited for the knock.

That must be Chen Wei. Time to see what he's learned about the market.

“Enter.”

The door opened, and Chen Wei stepped in, looking slightly out of breath but excited.

"Senior Brother," Chen Wei said with a bow. "I've returned with the information you requested."

Kai nodded, gesturing for Chen Wei to sit. "Excellent. Tell me what you've learned about the trading opportunities in the sect."

Chen Wei sat down across from Kai, pulling out a small notebook. "I visited the sect's trading area and spoke with several merchants and fellow disciples. I tried to be discreet, as you instructed."

"Good," Kai said. "What did you find out?"

Chen Wei flipped open his notebook. "The most in-demand cultivation resources right now are spirit herbs, particularly those used for breakthrough pills. There's also a high demand for low-grade spirit stones and basic talismans."

"Any specific herbs that stand out?"

"Yes," Chen Wei nodded enthusiastically. "Cloud Grass and Starfire Root are especially sought after. They're key ingredients in pills that help cultivators break through to the Foundation Establishment realm."

That makes sense. Lots of disciples are probably stuck at the bottleneck between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment. Hmm, should I go the typical protagonist route and become an alchemist? With the system, it shouldn't be too hard to learn...

"What about the suppliers?" Kai asked. "Who are the main players in the market?"

Chen Wei consulted his notes again. "There are three major suppliers of spirit herbs within the sect. The largest is run by Elder Bao of the Alchemist Division. The other two are smaller operations run by Core Disciples."

"And the spirit stones and talismans?"

"Spirit stones are mainly supplied by the sect itself," Chen Wei explained. "But there's always a demand for more, especially among outer sect disciples. As for talismans, there are several small-scale producers, but no dominant supplier."

Interesting. There might be an opportunity there. Especially since I’m interested in formations and talismans.

"Good work, Chen Wei," Kai said, genuinely impressed by the young man's thoroughness. "This is exactly the kind of information we needed."

"Thank you, Senior Brother. I'm glad I could help. What's our next move?"

Kai leaned back, considering their options. "We need to start small, as we discussed. I don’t know enough about talismans so I think our best bet is to focus on spirit herbs for now. We can buy them from outside suppliers and sell them within the sect at a markup."

And once we earn enough spirit stones, I can buy some alchemy skill scrolls. Then we won't need external suppliers anymore.

"But won't we be competing with Elder Bao and the other suppliers?" Chen Wei asked, looking worried.

Kai grinned. "That's the beauty of it. We're not going to compete directly. We're going to find a niche."

Chen Wei looked confused. "A niche?"

"A specific market segment that isn't being served well by the current suppliers," Kai explained. "For example, we could focus on providing small quantities of herbs to outer sect disciples who can't afford to buy in bulk from the bigger suppliers."

Understanding dawned on Chen Wei's face. "Oh! Like how my family's inn caters to travelers who can't afford the fancy inns in the city center?"

"Exactly," Kai nodded. "We'll start small, build a reputation for reliability and fair prices, and then expand from there."

"That's brilliant, Senior Brother! When do we start?"

Kai held up a hand. "Not so fast. We need to do more research first. I want you to go back to the trading area tomorrow and gather more specific information. Find out exact prices for Cloud Grass and Starfire Root from different suppliers. Also, talk to some outer sect disciples and see how much they typically spend on cultivation resources each month."

Once we have that information, we can start sourcing from external suppliers. And when we've built up enough capital, I'll invest in those alchemy skills. It's a long-term strategy, but it should pay off big time.

Chen Wei nodded eagerly, jotting down notes. "I'll do that first thing in the morning, Senior Brother."

"Good," Kai said. Then he paused, considering his next words carefully. "Chen Wei, there's something else I wanted to discuss with you."

The young servant looked up, curious. "Yes, Senior Brother?"

Kai took a deep breath. Time to recruit my first guild member…

 

CG C72: Trading

Kai placed his hands over his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath his palms. Kai began to visualize bolts of lightning striking his heart in time with each pulse.

At first, nothing seemed to happen. Kai furrowed his brow, concentrating harder. He imagined the lightning growing stronger, more frequent, trying to sync it perfectly with his heartbeat.

Come on, it's like timing a combo move. Just got to get the rhythm right...

A tingling sensation began to spread through his chest. Kai's hopes rose. Was it working? The tingling intensified, becoming almost uncomfortable. His heart rate increased, thumping harder against his ribs.

Steady now. Don't want to overclock the system.

He tried to maintain the visualization, keeping the lightning strikes in sync with his accelerating pulse. The energy built, and for a moment, Kai thought he had it.

Then, without warning, the energy dissipated. The tingling faded, leaving Kai feeling slightly out of breath and more than a little disappointed.

He opened his eyes, sighing as he looked down at the scroll. "Well, that was anticlimactic," he muttered.

Kai glanced out the window, noting the position of the sun. He'd been at this for hours.

I should probably take a break. No use burning myself out.

As he stood up, Kai couldn't help feeling a twinge of frustration. Part of him had hoped he'd be able to master this technique quickly, like a protagonist unlocking a new skill with ease. But reality, it seemed, had other plans.

It's fine. Real cultivation takes time and effort. But I do wish I could use the system to learn it instantaneously…

Kai walked over to his desk, picking up a cup of now-cold tea. He sipped it anyway, grimacing slightly at the bitter taste.

"Senior Brother?" Chen Wei's voice called from outside the room. "Are you finished with your cultivation for now?"

"Come in, Chen Wei," Kai replied, setting down the cup.

The young servant entered, bowing respectfully. "I brought some fresh fruit and water, in case you needed refreshment."

Kai smiled. "Thank you. That's exactly what I need right now."

As Chen Wei set down the tray, he glanced curiously at the open scroll. "How is your cultivation progressing, Senior Brother?"

Kai shrugged, picking up an apple from the tray. "Slowly. This new meridian is proving... challenging."

Chen Wei's eyes widened. "But you're a Legacy Disciple! Surely it can't be that difficult for someone of your talent?"

Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "Talent isn't everything, Chen Wei. Even the most gifted cultivators have to put in the work." And I'm not exactly working with a cultivator's background or a prodigy’s talent here.

"Of course, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said quickly, looking slightly embarrassed. "I didn't mean to imply... It's just, well, you've progressed so quickly already."

Kai took a bite of the apple, considering his words carefully. "Progress isn't always linear. Sometimes you hit roadblocks. The key is to keep pushing forward."

As Kai finished the apple, his mind was already turning back to the problem at hand. There has to be something I'm missing. Maybe I need to approach this from a different angle...

He spent the rest of the day alternating between meditation attempts and studying the scroll, searching for any clue he might have overlooked. By nightfall, Kai was no closer to opening the meridian, but he refused to let it discourage him.

Rome wasn't built in a day, and I'm not going to become an immortal overnight. Just got to keep grinding.

***

The next few days fell into a similar pattern. Kai would wake early, attempt to open the meridian, study the scroll, then try again. Each failure only strengthened his resolve.

The Sect Master's offer of help lingered in the back of his mind, but he pushed it aside. He knew how cultivation worked in this world. Masters didn't hold their disciples' hands through every little challenge. They expected you to struggle, to push your limits before you came to them.

Besides, Kai mused as he prepared for yet another attempt, I've only been at this for a few days.

On the fourth day, as the sun was setting, Kai sat back on his heels, rubbing his temples. Another unsuccessful attempt. He could feel the energy, could almost grasp it, but something was still... off.

A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. "Enter," Kai called out.

Chen Wei stepped in, carrying a tray laden with steaming dishes. The aroma of spiced meat and vegetables filled the room, making Kai's stomach growl.

"I thought you might be hungry, Senior Brother," Chen Wei said, setting the tray down on a low table. "You've been working so hard, I worried you might forget to eat."

Kai's expression softened. "Thank you, Chen Wei. You're right, I did lose track of time." He moved to sit at the table and noticed Chen Wei hesitating. "Well, don't just stand there. Take a seat and dig in."

Chen Wei smiled, visibly relaxing. "Of course, Senior Brother. Thank you." He sat down across from Kai without further prompting.

As they ate, Kai found his mind wandering to practical matters. I've been so focused on cultivation, I haven't given much thought to my financial situation.

"Chen Wei," Kai said between bites, "I've been meaning to ask you something."

The young servant looked up attentively. "Yes, Senior Brother?"

"You mentioned before that your family owns an inn. What other ways does your family earn money?"

Chen Wei's eyes lit up at the question. "Oh, we have several ventures! Besides the inn, we have a small trading caravan that travels between towns. My older sister manages a textile shop, and my uncle runs a vineyard just outside the city."

Kai nodded, impressed by the family's entrepreneurial spirit. "That's quite diverse. Smart to have multiple income streams."

"Father always says not to put all your eggs in one basket," Chen Wei said proudly. Then he looked at Kai curiously. "If you don't mind me asking, Senior Brother, why are you interested in earning money?"

Kai leaned back, considering how to answer. "Well, as a Legacy Disciple, I receive a monthly allowance of spirit stones. It's generous, but not limitless. And in my experience, you can never have too many resources."

Chen Wei nodded. "Father says the same thing about money. But... what ways can a cultivator earn spirit stones? I mean, aside from sect missions and tournaments."

Kai grinned. "That's exactly what I was going to ask you. Any ideas?"

Chen Wei's brow furrowed in thought. "Well... I've heard some cultivators take on disciples or offer tutoring services. Others sell talismans or pills they've crafted. And some even act as mercenaries or guards for merchant caravans."

"Interesting options," Kai mused. Tutoring could work, but it might take time away from my own cultivation. Talisman crafting sounds promising, but I'd need to learn the skill first. And mercenary work... probably not the best idea while I'm still in the Qi Refining stage. Also, leaving the sect would just put me in unnecessary danger.

"What about trading?" Kai asked. "I remember you mentioning your family has some experience with that."

Chen Wei nodded enthusiastically. "Oh yes! Trading can be very profitable. Some cultivators specialize in finding rare herbs or minerals and selling them to sects or other cultivators. Others buy goods in one town and sell them for a profit in another."

Kai's eyes lit up. Now that sounds promising. Buy low, sell high, and take advantage of market inefficiencies.

"Chen Wei," Kai said, leaning forward, "I think I've found my side business. How would you like to help me start a small trading operation?"

Chen Wei's eyes widened. "Me? But... I don't know much about trading, Senior Brother. I've only heard stories from my family."

"That's more experience than I have. And you've got good instincts. I think your perspective could be valuable in this."

Chen Wei fidgeted nervously. "I... I'd be honored to help, Senior Brother.”

Kai nodded, pleased. "Excellent. Now, let's start brainstorming. What goods do you think would be in high demand among cultivators?"

As they discussed potential products and markets, Kai found himself impressed by Chen Wei's knowledge. The young servant might not have direct experience, but he'd clearly been paying attention to his family's business discussions.

"You know," Kai said after a particularly insightful suggestion from Chen Wei, "you deserve more than just a servant's wage for this kind of work. How about I give you a percentage of the profits?"

"Oh no, Senior Brother! I couldn't possibly... This is my job as your servant. I already receive ten low-grade spirit stones a week, which is more than generous."

Kai shook his head firmly. "Chen Wei, you're a Stage 7 Qi Refining cultivator. You'll need more resources than that if you want to break through to the next level and enter the Inner Sect someday."

Chen Wei hesitated, clearly torn between his sense of duty and the opportunity being offered. "Well... if you insist, Senior Brother. But really, even five percent would be more than enough."

"Ten percent," Kai countered.

Chen Wei's jaw dropped. "Ten percent? But that's... that's too much, Senior Brother!"

Kai smiled. I would have gone up to twenty-five or even thirty-three percent, but if he's happy with ten, who am I to argue?

"It's settled then," Kai said. "Ten percent of the profits will go to you. Consider it an investment in your future, Chen Wei. The stronger you become, the more you can help me in return."

Chen Wei bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior Brother. I... I don't know what to say."

"You don't need to say anything," Kai replied. "Just keep up the good work. Now, let's start planning our first venture. I'm thinking we should start small, maybe with some common cultivation resources that are always in demand..."

As they delved into the details of their new business plan, Kai felt a sense of satisfaction. This is a good start. Extra income, a loyal helper, and a chance to learn more about this world's economy. It's like setting up a gold farming operation.

The rest of the evening flew by as they refined their plans. By the time they finished, Kai had a clear idea of their first steps.

"Alright, Chen Wei," Kai said as they wrapped up. "Tomorrow, I want you to start gathering information. Find out what cultivation resources are in highest demand right now, and who the main suppliers are. Don't make any purchases yet, just scout the market."

Chen Wei nodded eagerly. "Yes, Senior Brother! I'll visit the sect's trading area and ask around discreetly."

"Good," Kai said. "And remember, we're starting small. We don't want to draw too much attention right away."

CG C71: Meridian of Rolling Thunder

The Sect Master turned his full attention to Kai. "Now, Kai, let's discuss your progress. You seem to be having trouble with the third meridian?"

Kai took a deep breath. "Master, I've been struggling with the Meridian of Rolling Thunder for three days now. I haven't made any real progress."

The Sect Master's eyebrows rose slightly. "I see. Can you describe what happens when you attempt to open it?"

Kai nodded, thinking back to his many failed attempts. "I chant the incantation as instructed. I can feel my qi moving towards my throat, but... nothing happens. The meridian doesn't open."

The Sect Master tapped his chin, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Interesting. Tell me, Kai, how do you perceive thunder?"

The question caught Kai off guard. He blinked, trying to understand its relevance. "Thunder? It's... loud and rumbling, I suppose."

The Sect Master shook his head. "Think deeper, young disciple. What is the true nature of thunder?"

Kai furrowed his brow, recalling thunderstorms from both his old world and this new one. "Well... it's not just one sound, is it? There's the initial crack, followed by the rumble. And sometimes it's a low growl, other times a sharp boom."

A smile tugged at the corners of the Sect Master's lips. "Exactly. Thunder is complex, with layers and interplay between different tones and vibrations. It's not simply a single, continuous sound."

Of course, Kai thought. It's like sound design in a game. You don't just use one audio file for thunder - you layer multiple sounds to create a realistic effect.

The Sect Master stood up, his robes rustling softly. "Perhaps a demonstration will help clarify things. Watch closely."

Kai leaned forward, eager to see what the Sect Master would do. The older cultivator closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and began to chant.

"Grum-bul-lum-bum, kra-ka-thoom..."

At first, the chant sounded similar to what Kai had been doing. But then, the Sect Master's voice changed. It cracked like lightning, then rumbled low like distant thunder. The sound rose and fell, sometimes a whisper, sometimes a roar.

Kai watched as the Sect Master's throat vibrated visibly. The air around them seemed to thrum with energy.

When the Sect Master finished, he opened his eyes and looked at Kai. "Do you understand now?"

Kai nodded slowly. "I think so. It's not about making a continuous sound. It's about building and releasing energy, like real thunder does."

"Precisely," the Sect Master said, looking pleased. "The Meridian of Rolling Thunder isn't about constant power. It's about the ability to build, release, and resonate."

Just like combo moves in a fighting game, Kai thought. It's not about mashing one button, but about stringing together different actions.

The Sect Master gestured for Kai to stand. "Now, try it again. Let your voice crack and rumble. Feel the vibrations shift in your throat."

Kai got to his feet, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. He took a deep breath, centering himself. Okay, let's do this. Think of it like adjusting audio settings, finding the right balance.

He began the incantation, this time focusing on varying his tone. He let his voice fluctuate, sometimes high and sharp, sometimes low and rumbling. As he chanted, he paid close attention to the sensations in his throat.

At first, nothing seemed different. But then, Kai felt a tingling sensation deep in his throat. It grew stronger, spreading outward. Energy built within him, rising and falling like waves.

Kai's voice grew stronger, more resonant. The air around him began to vibrate, just as it had for the Sect Master. The tingling in his throat intensified, becoming almost uncomfortable.

And then, with a sensation like a dam breaking, Kai felt something shift inside him. His voice boomed out, a perfect mimicry of rolling thunder. The sound filled the room, making the walls tremble slightly.

As the last echoes faded, Kai stood there, breathing heavily. He looked at the Sect Master, who nodded with satisfaction.

"Well done, Kai. You've successfully opened the Meridian of Rolling Thunder."

A familiar notification popped up in Kai's vision:

Congratulations!

You have successfully opened the Meridian of Rolling Thunder!

Cultivation returned to Qi Refining Stage 8

Lightning Affinity increased to 27%

Skill Leveled Up: Crown of Lightning (Level 3)

Effect: A temporary, visible aura of lightning can form around the cultivator's head during meditation, boosting the cultivator's qi regeneration by 15%.

Skill Leveled Up: Sky's Favor (Level 3)

Effect: The cultivator's qi absorption rate increases by 15% whenever they are under an open sky, especially during stormy weather.

Skill Leveled Up: Electric Immunity (Level 3)

Effect: The cultivator gains 15% resistance to lightning-based attacks, reducing the damage taken from electric or lightning-based techniques.

New Skill Unlocked: Thunder Voice (Level 1)

Description: Your voice can now mimic the sound and power of thunder, potentially stunning or intimidating opponents.

You have gained 400 XP

"Thank you, Sect Master," Kai said, bowing deeply. "Your demonstration was incredibly helpful. I don't think I would have figured it out on my own."

The Sect Master waved off the thanks. "You did the work, Kai. I merely pointed you in the right direction. Remember this lesson - in cultivation, understanding the deeper mechanics is often crucial."

Kai nodded, filing away the advice. Makes sense. It's like knowing the underlying game mechanics instead of just button-mashing.

"Now," the Sect Master continued, "I want you to work on the next three meridians. Try to complete the sixth meridian by our next lesson. If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to come to me."

"Yes, Sect Master," Kai replied. "I'll do my best."

As Kai turned to leave, the Sect Master spoke once more. "And Kai? Well done today. You show promise."

Kai bowed again and left the room. As he walked back to his quarters, he couldn't help but reflect on the lesson.

Despite his ulterior motives, I have to admit - he's a damn good teacher.

Kai shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside for now. He had work to do. Three more meridians to open.

As he entered his pavilion, Chen Wei jumped to his feet. "Senior Brother! How did your lesson go?"

Kai smiled at his eager servant. "It went well, Chen Wei. I opened the third meridian."

Chen Wei's eyes widened. "That's amazing, Senior Brother! You're progressing so quickly!"

If only he knew, Kai thought wryly. I'm actually behind Shen Yu.

"Thank you, Chen Wei," Kai said aloud. "But I still have a lot of work to do. I need to open three more meridians before my next lesson with the Sect Master."

Chen Wei nodded enthusiastically. "Is there anything I can do to help, Senior Brother?"

Kai thought for a moment. "Actually, yes. Could you bring me some food and water? I'll need to keep up my strength while cultivating."

"Of course!" Chen Wei exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. "I'll be right back!"

As Chen Wei hurried off, Kai sat down on his meditation mat. He pulled out the Heavenly Thunderstorm scroll, unrolling it to the section on the fourth meridian.

Meridian of the Thunderous Heart

• Location: Heart Center

• Method to Open: "Electric Pulse" - The cultivator places their hands over their heart, focusing on the rhythmic pulse. They must visualize bolts of lightning striking their heart, aligning their heartbeat with the rhythm of thunder.

Kai's eyes widened as he read the instructions. He let out a low whistle, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Well, that's certainly one way to stop my heart," he muttered dryly. "Nothing says 'cultivation' quite like self-induced cardiac arrest."

This world's cultivation methods are insane, Kai thought. This should definitely come with a warning label: 'Caution: May cause death or severe electrocution. Attempt at your own risk.'

He reread the instructions, trying to wrap his head around the concept. The idea of deliberately visualizing lightning strikes to his heart made him more than a little uneasy.

"I wonder if there's a cultivation insurance policy," Kai sighed, a wry smile on his face. "Or maybe a 'lightning strike survivor' achievement?"