Slowly, a small head peeked out from the shell. Zhi-Zhi's eyes were wide, and Kai could see a tremor in the tortoise's tiny limbs.
"Are you okay?" Kai asked. "What happened in there?"
Liu Wei crouched down, his eyes scanning the spirit tortoise for any signs of injury. "You had us worried, little friend."
At the sound of their voices, Zhi-Zhi seemed to remember himself. He puffed out his chest, his usual air of bravado returning. "Ah, my dear disciples! Worry not, for I have...
2024-07-17 22:04:28 +0000 UTC
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In a split second, Kai activated Swift Wind Step, darting to the left. The black silhouette's fingers grazed his cheek as he moved, sending a chill down his spine.
Kai stumbled, breathing heavily as he put some distance between himself and the strange entity.
That was too close. What is this thing?
As if in answer to his question, a translucent blue screen materialized before his eyes:
Shadow Construct
Level: Qi Refining...
2024-07-17 21:29:51 +0000 UTC
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"Let's do this."
Kai placed his right foot on the first step, bracing for the pressure. It slammed into him immediately, but this time he was prepared. He gritted his teeth and pushed through, lifting his other foot to the second step.
Okay, this is just like those high-gravity training rooms in anime, Kai thought, gritting his teeth as the pressure doubled. I've got to push through it.
He focused on his Iron Skin skill, willing his body to become m...
2024-07-17 14:17:45 +0000 UTC
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The blinding light faded, and Kai found himself standing in complete darkness. He blinked, trying to adjust his eyes, but it was no use. The darkness was absolute.
I’m surprised I’m not falling through the air or anything. Small mercies, I guess.
He took a deep breath, calming his nerves. Okay, think. What would a cultivator do in this situation?
The answer came to him quickly. Channeling qi to enhance vision was a common trope in cultivation novels. Ka...
2024-07-17 00:45:50 +0000 UTC
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“The first trial you will face is known as the Trial of Endurance,” the Sect Master continued, "You will be transported to a mini-realm, a pocket of space created and controlled by our sect. Within this realm, each of you will face a series of challenges."
An excited whisper rippled through the crowd. Kai caught fragments of conversation around him.
"A pocket realm?"
"I've heard stories, but never thought I'd see one!"
"How do they even create something like that?...
2024-07-16 20:20:59 +0000 UTC
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Before Zhi-Zhi could finish his story, a hush fell over the crowd. The air seemed to grow heavy, charged with qi that made the hairs on the back of Kai's neck stand up.
This pressure... Kai thought, instinctively tensing. It's similar to what I felt from Zhi-Zhi's mother, but not quite as overwhelming.
Zhi-Zhi, who had been mid-boast, suddenly went quiet. His tiny eyes widened, and he quickly retreated into his shell, peeking out cautiously.
A figure a...
2024-07-16 19:28:17 +0000 UTC
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As the flying boat glided through the air, Kai stood at the bow, his eyes fixed on the horizon. The wind whipped through his hair, carrying the scent of mountain air and something else—something mystical. In the distance, a magnificent structure began to take shape, growing larger with each passing moment.
So this is the Azure Sky Sect, it’s everything I imagined it to be.
The sect sprawled across a series of mountain peaks, connected by im...
2024-07-16 00:54:29 +0000 UTC
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Slifer stood in the center of the courtyard, his eyes fixed on the sky above. The air crackled with energy, and he could feel the hair on the back of his neck standing up. Three lightning bolts began to form in the air, their electric blue tendrils twisting and coiling like angry serpents.
Here we go, Slifer thought, bracing himself for the impact. Three lightning strikes.
But as he watched, something strange happened. The lightning bolts seemed to hesitate,...
2024-07-15 22:13:04 +0000 UTC
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Author's Note
This chapter will later be swapped with chapter 33, I wanted to give Zhi-Zhi's POV on Kai's death and I feel it is better when it comes before the Reset.
***
From within the safety of his shell, Zhi-Zhi peeked out at the chaotic scene unfolding before him. His eyes widened as he watched Kai conjure a translucent gong out of pure qi. The young human's ability to manipulate energy into solid constructs never ceased to amaze the s...
2024-07-15 13:05:56 +0000 UTC
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Kai opened his eyes to find himself suspended in an endless void. The familiar nothingness surrounded him, just as it had the last time he died. He couldn't feel his body or see any part of himself. It was as if he had become one with the emptiness.
Well, this is familiar. At least I know what to expect this time.
A glowing message materialized before him, its light the only thing visible in the vast darkness:
Congratulations!
You have...
2024-07-14 22:06:14 +0000 UTC
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"Stay on the boat," Elder Feng commanded as he drew his sword and leapt into the air. The blade glowed with qi, allowing him to stand on it as if it were a flying platform.
There it is! The classic ‘flying sword’, Kai’s eyes widened. I wonder how long it’ll take me to learn it.
As the elder met the three Thunderwing Drakes in the air, the beasts began to circle him. Elder Feng made sure to keep his back to the boat, not letting them get around him.
<...
2024-07-14 03:41:20 +0000 UTC
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The moment Kai's foot touched the deck of the ark, he felt a subtle shift in the ambient qi. It was as if the very air around them had become charged with potential energy. He glanced at Liu Wei, wondering if his companion had noticed the change. judging by the wide-eyed look on Liu Wei's face, he had.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Elder Feng said, a hint of pride in his voice. "This ark is infused with wind and water-attributed spirit stones. It can cover vast distances in a fraction of the ...
2024-07-14 00:19:13 +0000 UTC
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A few days had passed since the Talent Ceremony, Kai, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi made their way through the busy crowd as they headed towards the village entrance.
Just a few more steps, and we're off to the Azure Sky Sect, Kai thought. Time to see if all that grinding was enough.
He glanced at the tiny spirit beast sitting on Liu Wei's head. Zhi-Zhi had his chest puffed out, looking for all the world like a proud emperor surveying his domain.
"Zhi-Zhi," Kai...
2024-07-13 23:51:13 +0000 UTC
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The next morning, Kai woke up feeling refreshed, his qi flowing smoothly through his meridians. He sat up, stretching, and glanced over at Zhi-Zhi's corner.
The little tortoise was already awake, he was perfectly position so his shell gleamed in the early morning light, giving him dignified and wise look.
I bet he's been awake for hours, trying to get that 'wise old master' effect just right, Kai thought, amused. Did he practice different poses? Test out various ...
2024-07-12 23:34:41 +0000 UTC
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"Before we start," Kai said, his expression turning serious, "I'm going to suppress my qi to Stage 3 Qi Refining. It'll make things fairer and give you a fighting chance."
Kai closed his eyes, focusing inward at the qi flowing through his meridians. Slowly, he began to restrict the that flow, dampening his energy until it matched that of a Stage 3 Qi Refining cultivator.
This should level the playing field a bit, Kai thought. It'll make things more challenging fo...
2024-07-12 23:24:21 +0000 UTC
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Slifer sat cross-legged on a cultivation pillow in his room, eyes closed in deep concentration. Outside in the courtyard, Morvran stood vigilant, waiting for the start of his master's tribulation.
Alright, time to level up, Slifer thought as his eyes flashed open. Let's hope this goes smoother than last time.
He took a deep breath, centering himself as he prepared for the task ahead. Breaking through to the Core Formation realm was no small feat, even for ...
2024-07-12 22:52:03 +0000 UTC
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Kai sat cross-legged in the fields outside his little hut. Opposite him, Liu Wei mirrored his position, his expression a mix of eagerness and nervousness. To Kai's right, Zhi-Zhi on a smooth stone.
"Alright, Liu Wei,” Kai began. “We're going to start with the Swift Wind Step technique."
"I've been looking forward to learning this for years, Master!” Liu Wei exclaimed.
Kai smiled, pleased by Liu Wei's enthusiasm. "Well, thanks to that fruit you ate in the Whispering Woo...
2024-07-12 03:14:43 +0000 UTC
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The morning sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the Misty Waterfall Village. Kai stood at the edge of the town square, watching as villagers began to gather for the Talent Ceremony.
Liu Wei shifted beside him, his eyes darting nervously among the crowd. "It feels strange not to be participating, Master. Do you think the other villagers will resent us for already being cultivators?"
Kai shook his head, his gaze steady as he scanned the crowd. "I doubt it, Liu ...
2024-07-12 03:05:12 +0000 UTC
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"You dare," Feng growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You dare mention those crimson demons in my presence?"
Maybe I pushed a little too hard there, but I can't back down now, he thought, fighting to keep his breathing steady. This is definitely a dialogue tree with major consequences. I need to choose my words carefully. Too aggressive, and I'll trigger a combat event. Too submissive, and I'll lose reputation points with the Azure Sky Sect.
2024-07-12 02:52:09 +0000 UTC
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Zhang Wei hurried forward, bowing deeply. "Honored Elder Feng, these are the young cultivators I was telling you about, Kai Thorn and Liu Wei."
Kai and Liu Wei bowed low, careful to keep their eyes respectfully lowered as Zhang Wei had instructed.
Elder Feng's gaze swept over them, lingering on Kai. "Rise, young ones. Let me look at you properly."
As Kai straightened, he felt the weight of the Elder's qi pressing against him. It was potent, far beyond anything he'd sensed fr...
2024-07-12 02:43:25 +0000 UTC
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As Kai, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi reached the top of the final hill, the Misty Waterfall Village came into view. The architecture, a unique blend of fantasy and historical elements, no longer shocked Kai as it had weeks ago. Now, it felt almost... familiar.
"Home sweet home," Kai murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Liu Wei, with Zhi-Zhi sat comfortably on his head, stepped up beside him. "It's good to be back, Master Kai."
Zhi-Zhi looked down at the village, his tiny eye...
2024-07-12 02:37:15 +0000 UTC
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Author's Note
This chapter is in Liu Wei's POV, you'll see different POVs every now and then as it helps develop the side characters and gives you an idea on how they view Kai.
***
Liu Wei made his way through the forest, his eyes fixed on the back of his master. As they walked, Liu Wei's mind wandered to the events that had brought him to this point.
How quickly life can change, he mused. Just a few days ago, I was nothin...
2024-07-12 02:34:26 +0000 UTC
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"Humans, for helping my son, I give you a choice. You can both select one fruit to consume."
Is this for real? Kai's eyes widened. A power-up served on a silver platter? He glanced at Liu Wei, who looked equally stunned.
Zhi-Zhi, the little tortoise, let out a squeak of surprise. "Mother! You're giving them fruits? But... but you only let me have one every ten years!"
The tree's leaves rustled in what sounded suspiciously like a sigh. "Zhi-Zhi, my chil...
2024-07-12 02:27:18 +0000 UTC
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Kai glanced at Liu Wei, who was frantically trying to free himself from the roots. The young man's face was pale with fear.
"Liu Wei, stay calm," Kai said, keeping his voice steady despite the panic rising in his chest. "We need to think this through."
Suddenly, a translucent blue screen appeared before Kai's eyes, displaying information about their attacker:
Danger! Powerful Entity Detected
Name: Ancient Spirit Tree
2024-07-12 02:21:50 +0000 UTC
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Kai stood in the clearing, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. The bodies of the three cultivators lay scattered around him. He glanced at the spirit tortoise, still hidden safely in its shell.
Time to check my stats, Kai thought. He focused, calling up his status window.
Name: Kai Thorn
XP: 0/2000
Level: 7
Qi: 200/200
Strength: 50
Agility...
2024-07-12 02:15:44 +0000 UTC
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Chen Yan's lips curled into a sneer. "Oh, so you're one of those bleeding hearts who can't bear to see a poor little animal get hurt? Trust me, kid, in this world, it's kill or be killed."
If only you knew, I've probably killed more digital creatures than you've had hot meals, Kai thought like that counted for something.
"I'm well aware of how the world works," Kai said. "But that tortoise is more valuable alive than dead. You're just too short...
2024-07-12 02:06:44 +0000 UTC
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Only when they were far enough from that unfathomable being, did Kai’s mind wander to the System.
1000 XP to break into Stage 7…the XP needed to level up is increasing faster than I expected, Kai mused. Soon, I'll need to take down multiple high-level beasts just to make a dent. And one day, killing might not even give me meaningful XP at all.
He shook his head, pushing the worrying thoughts aside. No point dwelling on that now. Who knows if I'll eve...
2024-07-12 01:54:41 +0000 UTC
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Okay, this is just like a boss battle. Assess the enemy, figure out its weaknesses, and exploit them.
A notification popped up in Kai's vision:
New Quest: Exterminate the Giant Scavenger Roach
Reward: 150 XP, Rare Item Drop
Failure: Death
He quickly compared his physical stats to the beast's:
Kai Thorn
Level: 5
XP: 150/500
2024-07-12 01:49:05 +0000 UTC
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Kai and Liu Wei set out at dawn, the cool morning air nipping at their faces as they made their way into the forest surrounding the Misty Waterfall Village.
Kai kept his eyes on the map floating in his vision, carefully guiding them along the path indicated by the treasure map they'd found in the bandit camp. The digital overlay showed their position as a blue dot, slowly moving across the terrain.
This is just like following a quest marker, Kai mused. Except the...
2024-07-12 00:01:18 +0000 UTC
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Kai stepped out of his hut, squinting in the bright morning sunlight. The village bustled with activity, but his mind was focused on one task: finding Liu Wei. He had important news to share about the upcoming sect recruitments.
He made his way to the outskirts of the village, where Liu Wei usually trained. As he approached the small clearing, he saw his servant sitting cross-legged on the ground, eyes closed in deep meditation.
Kai paused, not wanting to interrupt. Interrupting a...
2024-07-11 00:49:09 +0000 UTC
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