Don't pick up a shadow

For the first time in years, Xi Zirui has a warm place to sleep again, a roof over his head, and three full meals every day.

Being Su Xueyi's disciple isn't very taxing. He's so glad to have a disciple that he's happy to leave Xi Zirui to his own designs. Mostly watching him as he practices, and encouraging him to practice from of Heavenly Dragon's techniques instead of his own, very unorthodox, patchwork of martial arts from several different schools.

Xi Zirui has a marked interest in not raising suspicions, so he follows Su Xueyi's advice, and pays his respects as any dutiful disciple.

He tries to draw as little attention as possible, but he didn't count on how much all the other masters want to increase their own prestige.

Having the most talented disciples is the mark of a great grandmaster, and Xi Zirui is approached often with promises of more luxurious quarters, rare spirit weapons and several other privileges.