Chapter 46 Real or Illusion?
The three intruders wore the distinctive outer disciple robes of the Azure Sky Sect, white fabric with silver cloud patterns. The leader, a tall man with a sharp nose and narrowed eyes, stepped forward. His companions flanked him – a stocky woman with close-cropped hair and a thin youth with a scar across his left cheek.
For a moment, Kai's hand twitched, instinctively trying to bring up his status window. But nothing appeared. The familiar blue screens that had become second nature to him were absent.
This feels wrong. I've gotten so used to seeing stats pop up for everyone. Without my system...
The tall man's voice boomed across the room, silencing the confused murmurs of the disciples. "Listen up, you pathetic worms! When you enter the Azure Sky Sect, you'll need protection. We're here to offer our... services."
"Protection?" one of the braver participants spoke up. "From what?"
"From us, of course. The sect can be a dangerous place for newcomers. Accidents happen all the time. But with our... generous offer, you'll be safe." the woman beside the leader sneered. "Consider it an investment in your future."
Kai's eyes narrowed as he watched from the sidelines.
This scenario... it's like something straight out of a cultivation novel, he thought. The bullies arrive to extort the new disciples, setting the stage for the protagonist to swoop in and save the day. Is this what the trial is testing? Our willingness to stand up against injustice? But then again this could be real, it is a cultivation world, after all...
Liu Wei shifted nervously beside him. "Master," he whispered, "what should we do?"
Before I do anything, I need to confirm if this is really part of the trial. If it's just a test, being righteous is the smart play. But if it's real... I'd rather not get involved in unnecessary drama.
"For now, we wait and watch," Kai murmured back to Liu Wei. "Let's see how this plays out."
Zhi-Zhi puffed up his chest. "Hmph! In my day, we didn't need protection from anyone! Why, I once faced down an entire army of spirit beasts with nothing but my impenetrable shell and my razor-sharp wit!"
Kai raised an eyebrow at the spirit tortoise. "Is that so? And how did that work out for you?"
Zhi-Zhi deflated slightly. "Well... I may have spent most of that battle hiding in my shell. But it was a strategic retreat!"
Kai's eyes widened slightly at Zhi-Zhi's response, he did not expect the tortoise to actually admit that.
As the Foundation Establishment cultivators began moving through the crowd, demanding "protection fees" from the terrified participants, Kai observed their behavior closely.
The thin man approached a trembling young woman. "You there! Hand over your spirit stones if you know what's good for you!"
The woman fumbled with her pouch, nearly dropping it in her haste. "P-please, I'm from a small clan, I don't have much..."
The stocky woman sneered at a group of young men huddled together. "What's the matter, boys? Too scared to stand up for yourselves? Pathetic!"
One of the men, his face pale with fear, stepped forward. "We... we don't want any trouble. How much do you want?"
Something's off here. Why aren't they paying any attention to me? In every story I've read, the protagonist always gets singled out in situations like this. Kai glanced at Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi, who were watching the scene with a mix of fear and indignation. And why aren't they targeting my companions? That would be the easiest way to provoke me.
"This is outrageous!" Liu Wei whispered. "Someone should stand up to these bullies!"
Zhi-Zhi nodded. "If I were in my true form, I'd show these upstarts the meaning of real power!"
Kai patted the spirit tortoise's shell absently, his mind still working through the puzzle. "I'm sure you would, Zhi-Zhi. But let's watch for now."
As the Foundation Establishment cultivators continued their intimidation tactics, more inconsistencies began to pile up in Kai's mind.
If this were real, wouldn't the sect elders have noticed by now? This has to be part of the trial. But I can't let on that I know. I need to act as if this is real... while still making the 'right' choice.
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room shifted as Sun Jun stepped forward, his face flushed with anger. "How dare you treat us this way! Do you know who I am? I am Sun Jun of the Sun Clan!"
The tall leader turned slowly, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "Oh? And you think your family name means anything to us?"
Lu Chen moved to stand beside his friend, his voice cold and calm. "You're making a grave mistake. Our families have deep connections within the sect. This behavior will not go unpunished."
The stocky woman laughed. "Big words from such little boys. Why don't you show us what you can do?"
This doesn't make sense. Foundation Establishment cultivators shouldn't be picking fights with young masters who have powerful backing. Unless...
Before Kai could complete the thought, the leader moved with blinding speed. His hand shot out, striking Sun Jun squarely in the chest. The young master's eyes widened in shock as he was sent flying across the room, crashing into the far wall with a sickening thud.
"Sun Jun!" Lu Chen cried out, his usual composure cracking. He turned to face the attackers, his hands glowing with qi as he prepared a technique.
But the thin man was already moving. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a wave of invisible force that slammed into Lu Chen. The young cultivator managed to land on his feet, but he skidded backward, his face pale with the effort of remaining upright.
Gasps of horror echoed through the room. Liu Wei grabbed Kai's arm, his voice trembling. "Master, we have to do something!"
Zhi-Zhi had retreated partially into his shell, only his eyes visible as he peeked out. "Perhaps... perhaps a strategic withdrawal is in order? To plan our counterattack, of course!"
This can't be real. Those young masters have connections that far outstrip mere Foundation Establishment cultivators. No one would dare treat them like this, unless it's all an illusion or they were courting death.
The concept of "courting death" was deeply ingrained in cultivation society. Only fools or the truly powerful would dare to offend scions of major clans so blatantly. These Foundation Establishment cultivators were either suicidal or...
It has to be an illusion, Kai concluded. In a real xianxia world, those cultivators would be asking for swift and brutal retribution from the Sun and Moon clans. No one with a functioning brain would risk that unless they had the backing of an Immortal powerhouse.
Kai glanced at Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi, noting their reactions. And despite their comments, these 'bullies' aren't paying us any attention. If this were real, they'd have noticed us by now. But it looks like they're not putting Liu Wei or Zhi-Zhi in danger because it's obvious I'd defend my friends. This is about seeing if I'll stand up for someone I don't like when they're being treated unjustly.
Normally, I wouldn't lift a finger to help Sun Jun, Kai thought, a wry smile tugging at his lips. But since this isn't real and it's just a test, I can play the hero without any real consequences. And they can't tell that I know it's an illusion, so they won't think I'm faking it.
The tall leader advanced on the fallen Sun Jun, who was struggling to rise. Qi began to swirl around the man's fist, coalescing into a swirling vortex of energy.
"Let's see how tough you are now, young master," he sneered, raising his fist.
Time to make my move, Kai thought, his body tensing.
In a flash, Kai activated his Swift Wind Step technique. The world blurred around him as he crossed the distance in an instant, materializing between Sun Jun and the attacker.
"That's enough," Kai said, his voice steady despite the pounding of his heart. He poured his qi into a barrier, forming a shield of energy just as the Foundation Establishment cultivator's attack landed.
The impact was tremendous. Kai felt his barrier shatter almost instantly, the force of the blow sending him staggering backward. He managed to stay on his feet, but his arms trembled with the effort of absorbing the shock.
Damn, that hurt more than I expected, Kai thought, gritting his teeth. Even if it's an illusion, they're not pulling any punches.
As he slowly straightened up, facing the shocked expressions of the "bullies" and the other participants, a new thought occurred to Kai.
Wait a minute. Why isn't the trial over yet? I made the 'right' choice, didn't I? Do they expect me to actually fight these guys to the death?
The leader's eyes narrowed as he regarded Kai. "Well, well. Looks like we have a hero in our midst. You've got guts, kid. But do you have the strength to back it up?"
This is getting complicated. How far do I need to take this to pass the trial?
Kai could feel the eyes of everyone in the room on him, waiting to see what he would do next. Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi were calling out to him.
"Master Kai, be careful!"
"Show them the power of my disciple, Kai! Er... I mean, the power I've bestowed upon you!"
Sun Jun, still on the ground behind Kai, looked up with a mixture of surprise and grudging respect. "Why... why are you helping me?"
Kai didn't turn around, keeping his eyes fixed on the three attackers. "Because it's the right thing to do," he said, loud enough for everyone to hear. And because it's probably what the trial expects of me, he added silently.
The stocky woman cracked her knuckles, a predatory grin spreading across her face. "Ooh, I like this one. He's got spirit. Let's see how long it lasts!"
As the three Foundation Establishment cultivators began to advance, Kai fell into a defensive stance.
If this is still part of the trial, I need to show courage and determination, even in the face of overwhelming odds. But if it's real... well, I'm in serious trouble.
Chapter 47 Kai vs Foundation Establishment Cultivator!
The leader of the Foundation Establishment cultivators stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the scene. He turned to his two companions.
"Zhou Ling, Yang Ming, stand back," he commanded. "I'll handle this myself."
The stocky woman, Zhou Ling, frowned but nodded. "Fine, Deng Long. Just don't take too long. We have other disciples to... educate."
"Hah! These little ones aren't even worth our time." The thin man did an exaggerated bow, a mocking grin on his face. "We'll leave them to you, Brother Deng." With that, he took several steps back, crossing his arms as he prepared to enjoy the show.
Kai's eyes narrowed as he focused on Deng Long. Without the system, he couldn't get a clear read on the power difference between them. Still, he'd read enough cultivation novels to know that even an early Foundation Establishment cultivator could easily take on multiple Qi Refining disciples.
Guess it's time to see if that holds true here, Kai thought, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
Suddenly, Liu Wei stepped up beside him, his hands gripping two plain-looking daggers. "Master," he whispered, "how can I help?"
Kai glanced at his follower. He's only at Qi Refining Stage 3. Against a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he doesn't stand a chance.
"Stay back, Liu Wei," Kai murmured. "This fight is out of your league."
Deng Long cracked his knuckles. "You know what? Forget about fancy qi techniques. I'm going to beat that smile off your face the old-fashioned way."
Good, he's underestimating me, Kai thought. That's the only chance I have. And no, not a chance to win - just a chance to survive. I'd be an idiot to think I could actually beat him.
In a blur of motion, Deng Long vanished from sight. Kai's eyes widened as a fist materialized inches from his face. He activated Swift Wind Step, barely managing to dodge backwards. Even the aftereffect of the missed blow was enough to send Kai skidding back several feet.
Liu Wei, seeing his master in danger, also activated Swift Wind Step. He appeared behind Deng Long, slashing with his daggers towards his neck. But the Foundation Establishment cultivator simply twisted, avoiding the attack without even looking.
"Brave," Deng Long sneered, "but foolish." He backhanded Liu Wei, sending him tumbling across the room.
As Kai steadied himself, his mind raced. This guy is way too OP. There's no way I can beat him at this stage. I need a strategy, fast.
Taking a deep breath, Kai forced himself to calm down and think rationally. Okay, game plan: fight evasively, keep my distance, and don't get hit. One solid blow and it's lights out.
His eyes fell on Zhi-Zhi, who was peeking out from behind a table. In anime, teamwork is always looked upon favorably in these kinds of trials. Even in a xianxia world, surely righteous sects care about that sort of thing.
"Zhi-Zhi!" Kai called out. "I need you to be my shield!"
The spirit tortoise, who was now somehow cowering behind a pillar, poked his head out of his shell. "What? No way! I don't like being used as a meat shield!"
But as Zhi-Zhi saw the look in Kai's eyes, his expression softened. "Oh, alright. But only because you're my favorite disciple!"
Zhi-Zhi retreated into his shell, which then shot towards Kai like a cannonball. Kai caught it with his left hand and moved it around, testing how heavy it felt.
Let's see just how impenetrable this shield really is.
Deng Long shook his head, turning back to Kai with an amused expression. "You're a slippery one, aren't you? But hiding behind a turtle shell won't save you."
"Tortoise!" came Zhi-Zhi's muffled voice from inside the shell.
Ignoring the spirit beast's protest, Kai called out to Sun Jun and Lu Chen. "Hey, you two! How about some support? Unless you want to face this guy alone?"
Sun Jun, who had managed to get to his feet, brushed dirt from his robes with a scowl. "Support? I'm usually the one being supported. But... since you helped me, I suppose I can make an exception this time."
Lu Chen simply nodded and took up position on Kai's other side. The three of them faced Deng Long, looking like they were in some kind of anime showdown.
Seeing this, Zhou Ling stepped forward and began manipulating qi. The ground beneath them started to shake.
"Don't think you can use numbers against-" she began, but was cut off as Deng Long's fist slammed into her back, sending her crashing to the floor.
"What did I tell you about getting involved?" Deng Long growled, standing over her.
Zhou Ling groaned weakly. "Sorry, boss. Won't happen again."
Deng Long turned back to Kai, Sun Jun, and Lu Chen, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "I can take all three of you brats with one hand tied behind my back." His gaze fell on Zhi-Zhi's shell in Kai's hand. "And when I'm done, I think I'll make some turtle soup."
"I told you, I'm a tortoise!" Zhi-Zhi's voice rang out from within the shell.
Deng Long laughed. "Tortoise soup it is, then!"
With that, he dashed forward, his fist aimed directly at Kai's face. Kai raised Zhi-Zhi's shell just in time, deflecting the blow. The impact sent shockwaves through Kai's arm, but the shell held firm.
Deng Long's eyes widened in surprise. He had clearly expected the shell to shatter on impact.
Now's our chance! Kai thought.
In that moment of surprise, Kai, Sun Jun, and Lu Chen launched a coordinated counterattack.
A qi dagger materialized in Kai's right hand, stabbing towards Deng Long's head. Sun Jun's fist, wreathed in flames, aimed for the Foundation Establishment cultivator's right side. From the left, Lu Chen sent a spike of water qi hurtling towards their opponent.
For a split second, Deng Long's eyes widened. Then a smirk played across his lips as lightning qi crackled over his skin. In the blink of an eye, he vanished, leaving the three attacks to collide harmlessly where he had been standing.
"Where did he-" Lu Chen started to say, but was cut off as Deng Long reappeared behind him. A lightning-enhanced kick sent the young cultivator flying across the room. He slammed into the wall and crumpled to the ground.
One blow was enough to knock him out cold.
Damn, he's fast! Kai thought, his mind racing. We need to stick together or he'll pick us off one by one.
But before Kai could warn Sun Jun, Deng Long had already appeared behind the hot-headed young master. Sun Jun spun around, his fists blazing with fire qi as he roared a challenge.
What an idiot! Kai thought, watching in horror. You can't outpower a Foundation Establishment cultivator!
The clash was over in an instant. Sun Jun's flaming fists met Deng Long's lightning-charged punch, and the young master went flying. He hit the ground hard, his body twitching as sparks of electricity danced over his skin.
Deng Long landed lightly on his feet, turning to face Kai with a predatory grin. "Looks like it's just you and me now, kid. Ready to get on your knees and beg for mercy?"
Kai's mind was working overtime. Why isn't this trial over yet? We showed courage, teamwork... what else do they want? Unless... unless this isn't a trial at all.
A cold feeling settled in Kai's stomach as he considered the possibility that this might be real. He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the immediate threat.
Deng Long burst forward, his fist crackling with lightning as it hurtled towards Kai. Kai brought up Zhi-Zhi's shell, bracing for impact. The punch connected with a thunderous boom. The shell once again held firm, but the force of the blow sent Kai flying across the room.
He managed to land on his feet, but the impact had knocked the wind out of him. This shell is amazing, but I can't take too many hits like that.
Before Kai could catch his breath, Deng Long appeared at his left side. Kai started to raise the shell to defend, but Deng Long vanished again, reappearing on Kai's right.
Crap! I can't get the shield there in time!
In desperation, Kai activated Iron Skin. A metallic sheen spread over his body just as Deng Long's lightning-enhanced fist connected.
What happened next surprised everyone, Kai most of all.
Instead of Kai being sent flying, it was Deng Long who was suddenly airborne, as if he'd been hit by an uppercut to the jaw. He sailed through the air, a look of utter shock on his face.
Kai blinked, then a grin spread across his face as he realized what had happened. No way! Did Iron Rebound actually activate? That 5% chance actually came through!
Not wasting the opportunity, Kai quickly conjured a qi dagger and hurled it at Deng Long, aiming for his neck. But even caught off guard, the Foundation Establishment cultivator's reflexes were impressive. He twisted in midair, his fist striking the side of the qi dagger and deflecting it.
Deng Long landed on his feet, a look of anger and grudging respect on his face. He touched his jaw, then spat a mouthful of blood onto the floor.
"Impressive," he growled, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. "A Qi Refining cultivator actually made me bleed." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "But now... now you're going to die, boy."
Kai barely had time to register the threat before Deng Long was upon him. A hand closed around his throat, lifting him off the ground. Kai found himself staring into Deng Long's cold eyes, his feet dangling uselessly in the air.
This... this can't be how it ends, Kai thought, his mind racing even as he struggled to breathe. There has to be a way out of this. Think!
Zhi-Zhi's shell clattered to the ground as Kai's grip loosened. The spirit tortoise emerged, his eyes wide with fear and determination.
"Unhand my disciple, you brute!" Zhi-Zhi cried out. He began to gather qi, preparing to unleash his most powerful technique. "Behold the might of the Celestial Tortoise! Heavenly Shell Cannon!"
A blast of golden energy shot from Zhi-Zhi's mouth, hurtling towards Deng Long. But the Foundation Establishment cultivator simply lashed out with his foot, catching Zhi-Zhi mid-attack. The spirit tortoise went flying across the room, his shell bouncing off the walls.
Deng Long turned his attention back to Kai, his grip tightening. "You're no hero, boy," he snarled. "Just another corpse."
With a cruel smile, Deng Long began to squeeze. As Kai struggled to breathe, his vision starting to darken at the edges, a part of his mind remained calm and analytical as the Mental Fortitude skill took effect.
If this is real, I'm about to die. If it's a trial, it's gone way too far. Either way, I need to do something drastic.
Suddenly, a blur of motion caught Kai's fading vision. Liu Wei appeared behind Deng Long and with a scream, he plunged his dagger into Deng Long's back.
The blade barely pierced Deng Long's qi-reinforced skin, but the unexpected attack made him loosen his grip on Kai's throat and turn his head. "You little-"
Kai gasped for air, his mind clearing just enough to seize the opportunity. With the last of his strength, he focused his qi into his right hand. A small, dense ball of qi began to form, growing more compact and intense with each passing second.
Deng Long, distracted by Liu Wei, didn't notice the gathering energy until it was too late. He turned back to Kai just as the qi ball was completed.
Kai didn't hesitate. With all the force he could muster, he slammed the condensed ball of qi directly into Deng Long's face.
The explosion was deafening. A blinding flash of light filled the room, accompanied by a shockwave that sent everyone still conscious staggering backwards.
When the light faded and the dust settled, Kai found himself on the ground, coughing and gasping for air. His entire body ached, and his right hand felt like it was on fire.
Blinking to clear his vision, Kai looked up to see Deng Long stumbling backwards, his hands covering his face.
When Deng Long lowered his hands, a big, round bruise covered the middle of his face. His nose looked broken, blood dripping from it. The skin around the bruise was red and puffy.
"You... you little bastards!" he yelled. His voice sounded funny because of his hurt nose. "I'll kill you both!"
Kai tried to move, to defend himself, but his body wouldn't respond. He'd put everything he had into that last attack, and now he had nothing left.
So this is it, Kai thought, a strange calm settling over him. Either I pass this trial, or I respawn.
Suddenly, Deng Long vanished from sight. Kai's eyes widened but before he could react, he felt a presence behind him.
A strong hand gripped his head.
Oh shi-
There was a sharp crack.
And everything went dark.
Chapter 48 Eye of Veiled Truth
Kai's eyes snapped open, his heart racing. Instead of the void he'd usually appear in after his "death," he found himself back in the common area of the trial quarters. He blinked, taking in the scene around him.
Zhi-Zhi was curled up in his shell, seemingly asleep. Liu Wei stood frozen beside Kai, eyes closed as if in a trance. Glancing around the room, Kai realized all the other participants were in similar states - motionless, eyes shut, suspended in time.
A wave of relief washed over Kai. So it really was just a trial, he thought, letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
Before he could attempt to wake up Liu Wei, movement caught his eye. Kai tensed, turning sharply - only to relax as he saw the Sect Master materializing in the room.
The Sect Master's eyes crinkled with a smile. "Congratulations, you two," he announced. "You both completed the Trial of Heart at exactly the same time - five minutes."
Kai's brow furrowed in confusion. You two? His gaze swept the room, landing on Shen Yu, who was regarding him with an unreadable expression.
Of course, Kai thought. Why was I even surprise? He likely already knew that it wasn't real and decided to play the hero, just like me.
A flicker of worry passed through Kai as he remembered the disappearance of his system during the trial. Subtly, he attempted to bring up his status screen. To his relief, it flickered into view.
Name: Kai Thorn
XP: 100/4000
Level: 8
Qi: 250/250
Strength: 60
Agility: 63
Durability: 67
Intelligence: 30
Wisdom: 29
Titles:
· Novice Instructor
Elemental Affinities:
Lightning: 20%Skills:
Qi Condensation (Level 4)
Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)
Unarmed Combat (Level 2)
Deception (Level 4)
Iron Skin (Level 3)
Swift Wind Step (Level 4)
Flame Palm Strike (Level 3)
Mental Fortitude (Passive)
Spirit Beast Communication (Level 1)
Qi Concealment (Level 1)
Qi Detection (Level 1)
Iron Rebound (Level 1)
Rock Hard (Level 1)
Lightning Step (Level 1)
The trial was likely created by the Sect Master or some immortal treasure, Kai mused. For it to hide the system from my senses... that's concerning. Clearly, the system isn't as overpowered in this world as in other novels. Immortals seem to have some degree of protection against it.
Putting on his best "confused newcomer" face, Kai looked at the Sect Master. "Excuse me, Sect Master, but... what exactly happened? It all felt so real."
"What you experienced was the Trial of Heart," the Sect Master explained. "We were testing your core values, your true nature when faced with difficult choices."
He gestured to Kai and Shen Yu. "You both chose to sacrifice yourselves for others, even those you had no particular attachment to. This shows that, at your core, you possess righteous values."
Yeah, right, Kai thought, suppressing a snort. If I'd thought it was real, I would've been more than happy to watch Sun Jun get taken down a peg or two. No way I'd waste a respawn on that guy. And I bet Shen Yu feels the same.
But out loud, he simply said, "The illusion was incredibly lifelike. How did you create such a convincing scenario?"
The Sect Master's smile widened as he produced a small white crystal from his robes. At its center, Kai could see what looked like a miniature golden eye. "This," the Sect Master explained, "is one of our sect's treasures – the Eye of Veiled Truth. It's an immortal-level artifact capable of weaving incredibly realistic illusions."
From the corner of his eye, Kai noticed Shen Yu's eyes widen almost imperceptibly. Interesting, he mused. Looks like our resident mystery man recognizes that little bauble.
"It seems unusual to use such a powerful artifact for disciple selection," Kai ventured, probing for more information.
The Sect Master's expression grew serious. "Many sects have been betrayed by disciples they thought they could trust. This allows us to see beyond cultivators' masks and into their true hearts." He then shook his head. "Besides, in times of peace, the poor thing doesn't get much use otherwise."
As if on cue, Zhi-Zhi's head popped out of his shell, eyes wide with terror. "Great heavens!" the spirit tortoise cried out. "How am I still alive? I saw death itself!"
Kai placed a hand on Zhi-Zhi's shell. "It's okay," he said. "It was just the trial. None of it was real."
Zhi-Zhi shook his head vigorously. "But... but I saw them die! Even my mother's sacred life-preserving leaf didn't work! I...I felt my own essence fade away..."
Kai's eyebrows shot up in surprise. For Zhi-Zhi to "die" in the illusion, he must have exposed himself instead of just hiding…or the opponents he faced were capable of breaking through his shell.
Before he could respond, Liu Wei's eyes snapped open. The former bandit's hand flew to his throat as he gasped for air. "Master!" he cried out. "My family...died! They all died!"
Kai patted Liu Wei's shoulder. "It's alright," he said, fighting back a sigh. "It wasn't real."
"You four have completed the trial in remarkable time," the Sect Master cut in. "While the others continue their tests, you may return to your quarters to rest and reflect."
He paused, his gaze moving between them. "Tomorrow morning, we will announce the results for all participants. Those who have succeeded will be allocated their positions within the sect."
"Thank you, Sect Master," Kai gave a bow and then guided Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi towards the door.
As they left, he noticed Shen Yu heading towards his own quarters, the youth's face once again an unreadable mask.
***
Kai settled Liu Wei and Zhi-Zhi in his room, taking a deep breath to center himself. Time to play counselor, he thought. Let's see what these two really went through.
"Alright," Kai said gently, "I know that was intense. But we're safe now, and it's over. Let's talk through what happened. It might help to share our experiences."
Zhi-Zhi, still trembling slightly, poked his head out of his shell. "You... you really want to know what I saw?" he asked, his voice uncharacteristically small.
Kai nodded encouragingly. "Of course. Why don't you go first, Zhi-Zhi?"
The spirit tortoise took a shaky breath, then began to speak:
"It... it was terrifying! I found myself back at the Celestial Tortoise Palace. But it wasn't the peaceful paradise I remembered. It was under attack!"
Zhi-Zhi's eyes grew wide as he continued. "Demon beasts were everywhere, their dark qi corrupting the very air. And my family... they were fighting for their lives."
His voice quivered. "They called out to me, begging me to use my legendary wisdom to save them. But I... I didn't know what to do!"
Zhi-Zhi looked down, ashamed. "I wanted to run, to hide in my shell where it was safe. But I knew if I did, everyone would die. So I... I forced myself to stay."
He took a deep breath. "I'm not wise or powerful. Not really. But I realized I could still help. I used my shell to shield the younger tortoises. It wasn't much, but it was something."
Zhi-Zhi's eyes met Kai's. "In the end, there were too many demons. They... they broke through our defenses. I saw the others fall, one by one. And then... then they came for me."
His voice dropped to a whisper. "I felt my shell crack..."
Kai listened intently, surprised by Zhi-Zhi's honesty, this was not a part of the tortoise he saw often.
"Zhi-Zhi," Kai said softly, "you…you did well."
Zhi-Zhi sniffled, then puffed up slightly. "Well, of course! The great Zhi-Zhi always rises to the occasion... even if it's scary."
Kai turned to Liu Wei, who had been listening silently, his face pale. "What about you, Liu Wei? What did you experience?"
Liu Wei swallowed hard, then began to speak:
"Master, it... it was like reliving my worst nightmare. But this time, it was different."
He took a shaky breath. "I was back in my village, with my family. We were poor, struggling to survive. Then the bandits came."
Liu Wei's hands clenched into fists. "Their leader, he... he gave me the same choice as all those years ago. Join them, become a bandit, and my family would be spared. Refuse, and we'd all die."
His voice cracked. "I saw my little sister, Liu Ling. She's only eight, always smiling despite how hard things were after my father passed away. And my mother, she always worked day and night to keep us fed."
Liu Wei looked up at Kai, his eyes full of pain. "In the real past, I... I joined them. To save my family. But this time, in the trial, I refused."
Kai's eyes widened in surprise. He chose to die? Even thinking it was real?
Liu Wei continued, his voice barely a whisper. "They... they killed my mother first. She told me she was proud of me, even as she died."
Tears streamed down Liu Wei's face. "Then they turned to Liu Ling. She was so brave, Master. She didn't cry. She just hugged me and said it would be okay."
He shuddered. "When it was my turn, I felt... at peace. I'd chosen to die rather than become a monster. The bandit leader, he looked... confused. Angry. He asked me one last time if I'd join them."
Liu Wei's voice grew stronger. "I spat in his face. Told him I'd rather die a thousand deaths than become like him. That's when... that's when he cut me down."
"Liu Wei," Kai said, "what you did... that took incredible courage. You faced your greatest fear and made an unimaginably difficult choice. You're exactly what this sect needs."
And exactly what I need in a follower. Someone who'll put principles above self-preservation could be incredibly useful... if those principles align with my goals.
"It's thanks to your guidance, Master," Liu Wei nodded.
Kai smiled, but inwardly he felt a twinge of... something. Guilt?
"We've all grown stronger together," he said. "Now, let's have some rest. We'll find out how we did tomorrow."
***
Kai lay on his bed that night, staring at the ceiling as his thoughts turned to tomorrow.
Okay, let's break this down. Quest objective: Become the Sect Master's disciple. What are the win conditions?
He began to mentally list the factors that might influence the decision:
Performance in the trials. Check. I aced those.Potential for growth. With my system? Definitely check.Character and values. Well, I faked that pretty well in the last trial.Unique abilities or backgrounds. Isekai protagonist so I think I got that covered.But then there's Shen Yu, Kai mused. He beat me in the trials. And there's definitely more to him than meets the eye. He could be serious competition.
Kai's thoughts drifted to Shen Yu's warning about the Sect Master. Should I play it safe and aim for another elder as a master? He pondered for a moment, then shook his head. No, the benefits of being the Sect Master's disciple are too good to pass up. Besides, Shen Yu's motives are unclear. He's already proven he doesn't care if I live or die.
His eyes fell on the trident mark on his wrist. Worst case scenario, I always have my trump card. If things go south, I can respawn.
Kai's thoughts then turned to the small crystal the Sect Master had shown them. That artifact... it could see through my system, or at least interfere with it. I need to be careful. If they find out I'm from another world...
He shook his head, refocusing. No use worrying about what-ifs. I've done what I can. Now it's time to see if it pays off.
With that thought, Kai closed his eyes, willing himself to sleep. Tomorrow, he would find out if he did enough to catch the Sect Master's eye.
Chapter 49 Results Day
The next morning, Kai stood amongst the remaining participants on the grand plateau. His eyes scanned the crowd, noting the significant reduction in numbers. Where hundreds had stood just a few days before, now only about a hundred remained.
There was a nervous energy in the air as the students – well, disciples – whispered and fidgeted, waiting to hear their fate. Kai's eyes darted to the row of elders, who sat like a panel of college admissions officers. Their faces gave nothing away.
A scowl from across the plateau caught Kai's attention. Sun Jun, the arrogant young master, was glaring daggers at him. Kai suppressed a smirk.
Looks like someone heard about the results of the Trial of Heart.
Liu Wei, who was standing beside Kai, leaned over. "Master," he whispered, "have you noticed? There are so few of us left."
Before Kai could respond, Zhi-Zhi's head popped out from Liu Wei's robes. "Of course there are fewer participants, you simpleton!" the spirit tortoise declared. "Only the cream of the crop remains! The truly elite! Like myself, of course."
Kai shook his head. "You're both right, in a way," he said. "The sect must have kicked out those who failed yesterday's Trial of Heart as soon as they woke up."
Liu Wei's brow furrowed. "But why? Couldn't they still be useful to the sect?"
"Think about it," Kai explained, slipping into his 'instructor' role. "The Trial of Heart tested our moral character and trustworthiness. There's no place in a powerful sect for people they can't trust."
Zhi-Zhi nodded. "Exactly! Just as I was about to say. The Azure Sky Sect can't afford to harbor potential traitors or troublemakers."
"So, what happens now?" Liu Wei asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kai's eyes scanned the plateau, taking in the nervous faces of the other participants. "Now, we wait to see where we'll be placed. Everyone here will enter the sect, but our performance will determine whether we end up in the Outer Sect, Inner Sect, or as Core Disciples."
Liu Wei's eyes widened. "Core Disciples?"
A ghost of a smile played on Kai's lips. "It's possible for anyone who's impressed the right people. And if someone's truly exceptional, they might even become the Sect Master's disciple - a Legacy Disciple."
Zhi-Zhi puffed out his tiny chest. "Well, I think we all know who's going to be chosen as the Legacy Disciple. After all, with my guidance-"
The spirit tortoise's boast was cut short as a hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned to the sky, where a figure was descending from the heavens.
Showtime, Kai thought as the Sect Master gracefully touched down on the central throne.
Elder Tao, the Nascent Soul cultivator Kai had met earlier, rose from his seat. His voice, amplified by qi, rang out across the plateau. "Congratulations to all who stand before us today. You have successfully completed the trials and may now call yourselves official disciples of the Azure Sky Sect."
A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd but Kai remained still, his eyes fixed on Elder Tao.
With a wave of his hand, Elder Tao conjured a screen of water in the air. "Here are the final results of the trial."
Kai's eyes quickly scanned the list:
Shen Yu
Kai Thorn
Zhi-Zhi
Liu Wei
Lu Chen
Sun Jun
Second place, just like I expected. Not bad, but not quite the protagonist's spot either. Still, having my whole group in the top spots is pretty impressive.
As if echoing his thoughts, Liu Wei let out a gasp. "Master Kai! We're all at the top of the list!"
Zhi-Zhi preened. "Of course we are! With my guidance, how could we be anywhere else?"
Kai allowed himself a small smile. "We did well," he said quietly. "But don't let it go to your head. The real challenge begins once we enter the sect."
As he spoke, a notification popped up in Kai's vision:
Quest Complete: Join a Cultivation Sect Description: You have successfully passed the recruitment trials and joined the Azure Sky Sect
Reward: Sect Membership, 1000 XP, 3 Random Cultivation Resources
Would you like to accept your cultivation resources now?
Not now, Kai thought, dismissing the prompt. I'll check those out when I'm alone. No need to draw unnecessary attention here.
Elder Tao's voice cut through Kai's thoughts. "Those ranked outside the top thirty will join the Outer Sect," he announced, gesturing to one of the Outer Elders. "Please follow Elder Bao. He will guide you to the Outer Sect territory and explain your duties."
Kai watched as over half of the remaining participants were led away, their faces a mix of disappointment and relief.
At least they made it into the sect, he thought. For many, that's a life-changing opportunity in itself.
Once the new Outer Disciples had left, Elder Tao continued. "The rest of you have earned the title of Inner Disciple," he paused, his gaze sweeping over the remaining participants. "However, some of you may be fortunate enough to be chosen as a disciple by an Inner Elder, elevating you to the status of Core Disciple."
A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Kai's eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed Elder Tao's gaze lingering on him and a few others at the top of the list.
"And if fate truly smiles upon you," Elder Tao added, his voice dropping to a near whisper that somehow still carried across the plateau, "the Sect Master himself may choose to take a disciple."
The murmur grew to a fever pitch. Kai could practically feel the hunger radiating from those around him.
Keep calm, Kai reminded himself. This is just like the climax of a recruitment arc in a game. Stay focused on the goal.
Elder Tao raised a hand for silence. "Remember, that you have the right to decline if an elder chooses you as a disciple."
This announcement was met with confused whispers. Kai overheard one participant mutter to another, "Why would anyone do that?"
Why indeed? Kai thought. Unless they had a very specific plan... or knew something that others didn't.
His gaze drifted to Shen Yu, who stood apart from the others, his face an unreadable mask.
Elder Tao gestured, and five figures rose from their thrones. "Allow me to introduce our Inner Elders," he said. "Each a powerhouse at the Nascent Soul realm."
Kai studied each elder as they were introduced:
Elder Yu, a bulky man with a wild beard and hands that looked like they could arm-wrestle a mountain and win. Kai made a mental note: don't shake his hand.
Elder Lian, a young-looking woman with blue hair and eyes that seemed to hold the depths of the ocean.
Elder Xiao appeared next, so tiny that Kai almost missed her. But he knew that the petite brunette had more qi in her pinky than the participants combined.
The fourth Nascent Soul cultivator was Elder Jiang, a tall man whose face was as impassive as a statue.
And finally, Elder Wu, rotund and jolly-looking. He remined Kai of the friendly guy who always worked the deli counter at his local supermarket back on Earth. The kind of person who'd slip you an extra slice of cheese with a wink.
Five Nascent Soul cultivators, Kai thought. Any one of them could probably reshape a mountain with a thought.
The selection process began. Elder Yu stepped forward first, his voice a rumble like distant thunder. "Sun Jun of the Sun Clan," he called out. "Would you like to take me as your master?"
Sun Jun strode forward, his head held high. "I would be honored, Elder Yu," he said, bowing deeply.
No surprise there, Kai thought. The brash, arrogant young master type always seems to get picked early in these stories.
Next was Elder Lian, her voice was nothing like the previous elder's, it was light and melodious, just like a spring breeze. "Lu Chen of the Moon Clan," she announced. "Will you accept me as your master?"
"The honor is mine, Master," Lu Chen bowed.
They're pairing the disciples with elders that match their temperaments and I assume their elemental affinities, Kai realized. It's a smart move. The right mentor can magnify a disciple's strengths and shore up their weaknesses.
His analysis was interrupted when Elder Jiang spoke. "Liu Wei," he called out.
Kai felt Liu Wei stiffen beside him. "M-me?" the former bandit stammered.
"Yes, you," Elder Jiang said, a hint of impatience in his tone. "I see potential in you, boy. Will you accept my guidance?"
Liu Wei looked at Kai, his eyes wide with a mix of excitement and fear. Kai gave him a subtle nod.
This is a great opportunity for him. And having a connection to one of the Inner Elders could be useful for me down the line. Especially if the sect is split into factions like they tend to be in novels.
"I... I accept, Elder Jiang," Liu Wei said, bowing deeply. "Thank you for this honor."
As Liu Wei took his place beside his new master, Kai's mind raced. Three down, two to go. And neither Shen Yu, Zhi-Zhi, nor I have been chosen yet. What game are they playing?
He scanned the faces of the remaining elders, looking for any hint of their intentions. But their expressions remained impassive, giving nothing away.
This isn't like the novels, Kai realized. There's no arguing or competing over disciples. It's too orderly, too... choreographed. They must have decided all this beforehand.
The thought was both reassuring and unsettling. On one hand, it meant the sect was well-organized and efficient. On the other, it suggested a level of behind-the-scenes maneuvering that Kai would need to be wary of.
Zhi-Zhi, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, suddenly piped up. "Ahem! I believe the esteemed elders have overlooked a prime candidate for discipleship. Namely, me!"
The spirit tortoise puffed out his chest, clearly expecting the elders to fall over themselves to claim him. Instead, they continued their selections, seemingly oblivious to Zhi-Zhi's existence.
"But... but..." Zhi-Zhi sputtered, his tiny eyes wide with disbelief. "Don't they realize what they're missing? The wisdom I could impart? The secrets of the universe I could reveal?"
Kai patted Zhi-Zhi's shell gently. "Maybe they're saving the best for last," he said, trying to keep the amusement out of his voice.
Or maybe they're not interested in a spirit beast who talks big but hides in his shell at the first sign of danger, he thought. Though I have to admit, Zhi-Zhi's "wisdom" can be unexpectedly useful... when he's not making things up. And who wouldn't want a rare spirit beast as a disciple?
As the selection continued, Kai noticed that neither he nor Shen Yu had been chosen. Interesting. Are they saving us for something special? Or is this a test of some kind?
He glanced at Shen Yu, trying to gauge the other boy's reaction. As usual, Shen Yu's face was an unreadable mask. But for a split second, Kai thought he saw a flicker of... satisfaction? in Shen Yu's eyes.
What is your goal? Kai wondered.
Before he could ponder further, a hush fell over the plateau. Kai looked up to see the Sect Master rising from his throne. The entire plateau fell silent, all eyes fixed on the most powerful cultivator present.
The Sect Master's gaze swept over the disciples, seeming to pierce through flesh and bone to examine their very souls.
"It seems," the Sect Master said, his voice somehow both a whisper and a thunderclap, "that we have some... interesting candidates remaining."
This is it, Kai thought, his heart rate picking up despite his efforts to stay calm. The moment of truth. Time to see if I've done enough to catch the big fish.
The Sect Master's eyes moved from Kai to Shen Yu, then to the still-fuming Zhi-Zhi. His expression was unreadable, but Kai thought he detected a glimmer of... amusement?
"Shen Yu," the Sect Master said, his gaze settling back on Shen Yu. "Step forward."
Chapter 50 Legacy Disciple
The plateau fell silent as Shen Yu stepped forward. All eyes were on the young man as he stood before the Sect Master.
"Shen Yu," The Sect Master said. "Not only have you come first in all the trials, but when you began this trial a few days ago, you were only at the first stage of Qi Refining. Yet now you're already at the fifth stage."
A gasp rippled through the crowd. Even Kai's eyes widened slightly at this revelation.
Fifth stage already? He was only at the fourth stage two days ago. At this rate, he'll surpass me within a week. A wry smile tugged at the corners of Kai's mouth. I wonder if this is actually Shen Yu's story, and I'm just a side character.
The thought was both amusing and unsettling.
"To be able to accomplish this while coming from a simple village...," the Sect Master continued. "Elder Feng was not wrong. Your affinity for cultivation is second to none, not only in this trial but perhaps in the entire younger generation."
"Younger generation?" Liu Wei, who was once again standing beside Kai, whispered.
Kai leaned over slightly, keeping his eyes on the Sect Master. "In the cultivation world, the 'younger generation' usually refers to cultivators under 100 years old," he explained quietly. "Age works differently for cultivators. Some can live for centuries or even millennia."
"Shh," Zhi-Zhi hissed . "Pay attention! This is important!"
Kai glanced at Elder Feng, the man was beaming with pride, no doubt already counting the rewards he'd receive for bringing in such a promising recruit.
With so many of his recruits in the top ten, Kai mused, I wouldn't be surprised if he got more than just a Core Formation pill.
The Sect Master's next words sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd. "Shen Yu, would you like to take me as your master?"
To everyone's surprise - including Kai's - Shen Yu smiled. It was a small, almost imperceptible curve of his lips, but on his usually stoic face, it was as noticeable as a shout.
Shen Yu bowed lightly. "It would be my honor, Sect Master. Thank you for this opportunity."
The elders smiled, nodding in approval. But Kai's eyes narrowed, his mind working furiously.
Wasn't Shen Yu the one warning me not to pick the Sect Master as my master? Kai thought, suspicion creeping into his mind. Yet here he is, doing exactly that. So he really was trying to sabotage me all along…
Kai shook his head slightly, pushing the thought aside. It doesn't matter. I'd already decided not to listen to him anyway.
As Shen Yu took his place beside the Sect Master, Kai couldn't help but feel a mix of admiration and wariness. The other boy's cultivation speed was truly phenomenal, even by the standards of this world. It was both exciting and terrifying to think about what Shen Yu might become in the future.
The crowds reaction was just as exaggerated as Kai expected from a xianxia. Eyes widened, jaws dropped, and a few even stumbled back a step.
"Did you see that? The Sect Master himself chose that village boy!"
"The Sect Master said he went from first stage to fifth in just days but is that even possible?"
"My older brother said the Sect Master has only taken one disciple in over five centuries. But a village boy! This…this is huge!"
Just then, Elder Feng's laugh cut through the chatter. "I told you all, didn't I? The Misty Waterfall Village was a goldmine of talent this year!"
Some of the other Outer Elders grumbled, shooting envious glances at Feng. One of them spoke up. "Don't get too cocky, Feng. We'll see how they perform in the Sect Tournament."
Elder Feng's grin only widened. "Oh? You think your recruits can defeat a disciple of the Sect Master, Zhang?"
Before the other elder could respond, the Sect Master raised a hand for silence. The plateau immediately fell quiet, all eyes turning back to the most powerful cultivator present.
Kai held his breath as the Sect Master's gaze swept over the remaining participants and stopped on him.
"Kai Thorn," the Sect Master began. "Had it not been for Shen Yu's exceptional performance, you would have been our number one talent. And make no mistake, you would have deserved that title. Your talent is the kind seen only once in a hundred years."
As the Sect Master spoke, a translucent blue screen materialized before Kai's eyes:
Congratulations!
You have gained the title 'Once in a Hundred Years Talent'!
Description: Despite not gaining first place or having the fastest cultivation speed, you are still a talent rarely seen.
Effects:
Increases XP gained from absorbing qi by 2x
Increases your maximum Qi by 50 points
Kai blinked, forcing himself to ignore the notification for now. I'll check that out later, he thought. Right now, I need to focus on what's happening.
The Sect Master continued, his eyes never leaving Kai's face. "Kai Thorn, would you like to take me as your master?"
A collective gasp rose from the crowd. Kai could feel the weight of hundreds of eyes upon him, a mixture of shock, envy, and disbelief radiating from the other disciples.
Sun Jun looked as if he'd been slapped. His face turned an interesting shade of purple as he sputtered incoherently. Kai was surprised no blood was coughed up in the process.
Lu Chen maintained his usual calm demeanor, but Kai noticed a tightness around his eyes that betrayed his surprise and perhaps a hint of jealousy.
From the corner of his eye, Kai spotted Liu Wei. His former student was beaming with pride, clearly thrilled that his master had actually done it.
Zhi-Zhi puffed out his tiny chest. "Of course!" he declared loudly. "It's all thanks to my guidance. I knew my disciple would be recognized for his greatness!"
You didn't do anything, you little shell-dweller. But I suppose I should be grateful for small mercies. At least you're not causing trouble right now.
But what truly surprised Kai was the reaction of the Inner Elders. They were looking at each other with wide eyes and raised eyebrows, clearly caught off guard by this turn of events.
Even Shen Yu, standing beside the Sect Master, showed a flicker of surprise. His eyes widened slightly before his face returned to its usual impassive mask.
"It would be my honor, Sect Master," Kai fought to keep the smile off his face as he bowed. "Thank you for this opportunity."
As Kai straightened from his bow, another system notification appeared:
Congratulations!
You have become a disciple of the Sect Master and gained the title 'Legacy Disciple'!
Effects:
Allows you to level up sect techniques twice as fast
Grants 5 stat points that can be added to any physical attribute
Kai filed away this information for later as he moved to stand on the other side of the Sect Master, opposite Shen Yu. As he took his place, he saw disciples nudging each other, pointing at Kai and Shen Yu.
"Two disciples in one day?"
"Who is that Kai guy anyway? I've never heard of him before. He's not from any of the great clans"
"Did you see how fast he cultivated? He must have some kind of secret technique!"
Kai kept his expression neutral, but inwardly, he was grinning. If they only knew, he thought. My 'secret technique' is being an isekai protagonist with a system. But I think I'll keep that to myself.
He glanced at Shen Yu, trying to gauge the other boy's reaction. Shen Yu's face was as impassive as ever, but there was a glint in his eyes that Kai couldn't quite decipher. Was it approval? Challenge? Or something else entirely?
I'll have to keep an eye on him, Kai decided. Being fellow disciples might make us allies, but it could just as easily make us rivals. And in this world, rivals tend to end up killing each other…
The Inner Elders were still muttering among themselves, clearly caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events. Whilst it seems they expected Shen Yu to be picked by the Sect Master, Kai's selection was a surprise even to them.
Kai caught snippets of their conversation:
"Two Legacy Disciples at once... I wonder how young master Wang Lin will feel about this."
"The other sects will be in an uproar when they hear about this."
"We'll need to increase security. These two will be prime targets for rival sects now."
I've read all about how Legacy Disciples are targeted, I think I'd rather stay in the safety of the sect until I'm OP. Going out for some excitement just isn't worth the risk, Kai nodded to himself.
Kai's gaze fell on Elder Feng, who looked as if he might burst with pride. He was practically bouncing on his toes, a wide grin splitting his face. The other Outer Elders were shooting him looks that ranged from grudging respect to outright envy.
"Well done, Feng," one of them grumbled. "You've certainly outdone yourself this time."
Elder Feng's grin, if possible, grew even wider. "What can I say? I have an eye for talent!"
More like you got lucky, Kai thought. But I suppose luck is a talent in its own right in this world.
As the commotion began to die down, Kai noticed the Sect Master's gaze shifting once more. This time, it landed on Zhi-Zhi, who was still perched on top of Liu Wei's head.
"Now," the Sect Master said, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity, "what are we going to do with you?"
"Ah, I see you've finally recognized my greatness as well!" Zhi-Zhi declared. "I suppose you'll be wanting to make me a disciple too, eh? Well, I'll have to think about it. After all, I can't just accept anyone as my master, you know!"
Shocked gasps ran through the crowd at the tiny tortoise's words. Even Kai had to fight to keep his expression neutral.
Zhi-Zhi, you idiot. This is the Sect Master you're talking to!