9-15
Chapter 9 Game Over or Respawn
Kai opened his eyes to darkness. An endless void stretched in every direction, devoid of light or sensation. He floated in nothingness, unable to see or feel his own body.
Is this... death? Kai wondered. An eternity of emptiness?
As the reality of his situation sank in, frustration and regret washed over him.
I can't believe I let my guard down like that, he chided himself. I should have known better. Just because that Thunderclaw Tigress took out most of the bandits doesn't mean they were all gone. Of course, the bandit leader wouldn't die so easily. I got cocky, and it cost me.
Kai replayed the fight in his mind, analyzing his mistakes. I underestimated him, even injured. I should have found a way to end it quickly instead of playing around. And my qi reserves were too low - I need to work on that if I get another chance.
He paused, struck by the absurdity of planning for a future that likely didn't exist.
If I get another chance? Who am I kidding? This is it. Game over.
Just as despair began to set in, a familiar shape materialized before him. The trident-like mark that had appeared on his wrist glowed softly in the darkness. As Kai watched, transfixed, the red prong flickered, its crimson hue fading to black.
What the-
Before he could complete the thought, a message appeared before him:
Respawn will occur in 30 seconds!
Holy crap, Kai thought, a wave of relief washing over him. There really is a respawn feature! I'm not perma-dead after all!
As the implications sank in, Kai's mind raced. But it seems connected to the trident mark somehow. The red prong turned black just before the respawn message appeared...
He pieced it together quickly. So, respawning uses up a prong? That means I've got no more lives left…
He barely had time to process this revelation before another notification popped up:
Player death has unlocked all game features!
All game features? What does that mean?
As if in response to his unspoken question, a flood of information filled his vision:
Unlocked Features:
Detailed Stats WindowSkills ListInventory SystemQuest LogAchievement TrackerFaction ReputationCrafting MenuMap FunctionKai's mind raced with possibilities. This changes everything! It's like the full game just unlocked. But why now? Why did I have to die first?
He didn't have long to ponder. The endless void began to shift and warp around him. Darkness gave way to familiar shapes - buildings, trees, people. The village materialized, but everything was frozen in place, as if time itself had stopped.
It's like the game is paused, Kai realized. I can see everything, but nothing's moving.
His gaze fell on the scene of his death. His own headless body lay crumpled on the ground, a pool of blood spreading beneath it. The bandit leader stood triumphant, a cruel grin twisting his features.
A new message appeared before Kai:
New Quest Available: Kill the Bandit Leader
Reward: 300 XP, Increased Reputation with Village
Failure: Permanent Death, Village Destruction
Now we're talking! Kai's spirits lifted. With the full game features unlocked, I can actually do quests to grind for XP and track my progress!
He glanced at the countdown timer hovering in the corner of his vision. Ten seconds left before respawn.
Okay, think. I've got the element of surprise. He won't be expecting me to come back from the dead. I need to end this fast - no playing around this time.
Kai formulated a quick plan. Materialize behind him. Use Qi Condensation to create a blade. Go for the heart - one clean strike.
As the final seconds ticked away, Kai steeled himself. This is it. No mistakes this time.
One second.
Game on.
The world lurched back into motion. In the blink of an eye, Kai's consciousness snapped back into a physical form. He materialized silently behind the bandit leader, his body whole and unmarked, as if the brutal decapitation had never happened.
Without hesitation, Kai focused his qi. A razor-sharp blade of pure energy formed in his hand. With all his strength, he drove the ethereal weapon into the bandit's back, aiming for the heart.
The bandit leader's laughter turned into a choked gasp. He staggered forward, spinning around to face his attacker. His eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Kai standing before him, very much alive.
"H-how?" the bandit wheezed, blood bubbling from his lips. "I killed you..."
Kai met his gaze coldly. "You did," he replied. "I got better."
The light faded from the bandit's eyes as he collapsed. Kai watched dispassionately as the man's body hit the ground with a dull thud.
Quest Completed: Kill the Bandit Leader Rewards:
300 XPVillage Reputation increasedWell, that was anticlimactic, Kai thought. But effective.
Feeling a sudden warmth on his wrist, he glanced down and noticed one of the prongs on his trident-like mark turn red.
I've got one respawn left if another boss decides to show up out of nowhere, Kai released a quiet sigh, feeling a bit more secure. He then turned to face the stunned villagers, who stared at him in slack-jawed amazement. For a moment, nobody moved or spoke.
Then, as if a spell had been broken, chaos erupted.
"He's alive!" someone shouted.
"It's a miracle!" cried another.
"The Heavens have blessed him!" an old woman proclaimed.
Mei Li pushed through the crowd, her eyes wide with a mix of joy and disbelief. "Kai? Is it really you? How... how is this possible?"
Kai raised his hands, calling for quiet. Time to think fast. I can't tell them the truth, but I need some kind of explanation.
"It's... complicated," he began, choosing his words carefully. "What you saw was an illusion technique I've been working on. It made it appear as if I had been killed, but I was actually able to escape and strike back at the right moment."
Zhang Wei hobbled forward, studying Kai intently. "An illusion so perfect it fooled even my old eyes? Remarkable. I've heard of such techniques, but to see one used so flawlessly by one so young..."
Great, now they think I'm some kind of cultivation prodigy, Kai thought. Well, no harm in rolling with it.
"I'm still perfecting it," he said with a shrug. "But right now, we need to focus on cleaning up this mess and making sure there aren't any more bandits lurking around."
The villagers nodded, seemingly accepting his explanation for the moment. They began to disperse, some tending to the wounded while others started the grim task of dealing with the bodies.
Mei Li lingered, her eyes never leaving Kai's face. "But I...I saw you die," she said softly. "I watched him... your head..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
"I know what you saw," Kai placed a hand on her shoulder. "The illusion was meant to be convincing. To be honest, I wasn't sure it would work so well."
Mei Li shook her head. "Kai, it looked so real. I really thought we'd lost you."
Kai nodded sympathetically. "I needed the bandit to believe he'd won."
She wiped away a tear, a mix of relief and admiration in her eyes. "It's incredible. You're full of surprises, Kai. I'm just glad you're okay. We all are. You saved us, again."
As Mei Li walked away to help with the cleanup, Kai took a moment to assess his situation. He pulled up his newly unlocked stats window:
Name: Kai Thorn
Level: 5
XP: 0/500
Qi: 100/100
Strength: 31
Agility: 33
Durability: 32
Intelligence: 23
Wisdom: 20
Skills:
Qi Condensation (Level 2)Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)Unarmed Combat (Level 2)Deception (Level 3)Mental Fortitude (Passive)Quests:
Completed: Kill the Bandit LeaderActive: NoneReputation:
Misty Waterfall Village: Respected (50/100)]Not bad, Kai mused. That level up from killing the bandit leader gave me a nice boost. But I've got a long way to go if I want to survive in this world.
The unlocked game features opened up a whole new world of opportunities. He could track his progress, manage an inventory, even take on proper quests now.
It's like the tutorial is finally over, and the real game has begun.
As Kai studied his status window, a frown appeared on his face, something was nagging at him.
It's strange, he thought. Even though the full game features have been unlocked, I still can't allocate my own stat points when I level up. The system seems to do it automatically.
He pondered this for a moment, his gamer instincts kicking in. In most RPGs he'd played, reaching a certain point usually meant gaining the ability to customize your character's growth more directly.
Is this a limitation of this world's system? Or is it intentional?
A theory began to form in his mind. Maybe it's to prevent someone from becoming too overpowered too quickly. If I could allocate all my points into a single stat, I might be able to max it out early on.
Kai imagined the possibilities - and potential problems - of having one incredibly high stat while the others remained low. It could create significant imbalances.
It makes sense, in a way, he reasoned. This world seems to value balanced growth and gradual improvement. The automatic allocation keeps me well-rounded.
Still, a part of him couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. The ability to fine-tune his stats would have given him more strategic options.
I guess I'll have to rely on skills and techniques to specialize, rather than raw stat allocation, Kai concluded. It's not ideal, but I can work with this. I'll just have to be smarter about how I train and which skills I prioritize.
With that thought, Kai closed his status window as a commotion near the village entrance drew his attention. Several men were dragging something - or someone - into the square.
"We found one!" one of the men shouted. "He was hiding in the forest!"
They dumped their captive unceremoniously at Kai's feet. It was a young man, barely out of his teens, wearing the tattered remains of bandit gear. He looked up at Kai with terrified eyes.
"P-please," the young bandit stammered. "I didn't want any part of this! They forced me to join them. I never hurt anyone, I swear!"
Kai studied the trembling figure before him. This could be interesting. A chance to test out some of these new game mechanics.
He turned to the villagers who had gathered around. "What do you think we should do with him?"
The crowd erupted as they all began to give suggestions.
"Kill him!"
"Make him pay for what his friends did!"
"Show mercy! He's just a boy!"
"Put him to work rebuilding what they destroyed!"
Kai held up a hand for silence. He focused on the young bandit and a small information window appeared:
Captured Bandit
Name: Liu Wei
Level: Qi Refining Stage 2
Qi: 20/25
Strength: 13
Agility: 17
Durability: 15
Intelligence: 11
Wisdom: 7
Faction: Broken Fang Bandits (Dissolved)
Status: Terrified, Remorseful
Possible Actions:
Execute (Gain: 50 XP, -10 Village Reputation)Imprison (Gain: 25 XP, +5 Village Reputation)Recruit (Gain: 100 XP, +1 Follower, -5 Village Reputation)Release (Gain: 0 XP, +5 Village Reputation)Now this is more like it, Kai thought, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Real choices with clear consequences.
He considered his options carefully. Execution seemed needlessly cruel, and he didn't want to risk losing Village Reputation. Imprisonment might be the safe choice, but it didn't offer much benefit. Releasing the boy would be the "good" thing to do, but Kai wasn't sure he could afford to be so altruistic in this world.
That left recruitment. It was risky, but the potential rewards were tempting.
"Listen up," Kai addressed the young bandit. "I'm going to give you a choice. You can either face the village's judgment for your crimes..." He paused for effect, noting how the boy's face paled even further. "Or you can swear loyalty to me. Serve me faithfully as a servant, and I'll ensure you have a chance to redeem yourself. What's it going to be?"
Liu Wei's eyes widened. He looked around at the angry faces of the villagers, then back to Kai. Without hesitation, he prostrated himself on the ground.
"I swear it!" Liu Wei cried. "I'll serve you with my life, Master! Thank you for your mercy!"
Follower Gained: Liu Wei
Level: Qi Refining Stage 2
Loyalty: 50/100
Qi: 20/25
Strength: 13
Agility: 17
Durability: 15
Intelligence: 11
Wisdom: 7
Skills:
Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 1)Stealth (Level 2)Lockpicking (Level 1)Dagger Proficiency (Level 1)Interesting, Kai thought. He's got some useful skills. This could work out well.
Out loud, he said, "Stand up, Liu Wei. You're a member of my party now. Betray me, and you'll wish I'd let the villagers deal with you. Serve me well, and you may be able to redeem yourself."
The villagers muttered among themselves, clearly not entirely happy with this turn of events. Kai turned to address them.
"I know this might seem strange," he said, projecting confidence he didn't entirely feel. "But trust me. Having an insider's knowledge of the bandits could prove invaluable if we face similar threats in the future. I'll take full responsibility for him."
Zhang Wei stepped forward, stroking his beard. "The boy speaks wisdom beyond his years," the old cultivator proclaimed. "We should trust in his judgment."
Slowly, the villagers nodded their acceptance, though some still eyed Liu Wei with suspicion.
As the crowd dispersed, Mei Li approached Kai once more. "You're full of surprises today," she said, a hint of wariness in her voice. "First you come back from the dead, now you're recruiting former bandits. What's next?"
Kai grinned. "Who knows? I'm just getting started."
Mei Li shook her head, a mix of admiration and concern in her eyes. "Just... be careful, okay? We've all come to care about you. I don't want to see you get hurt again."
"I appreciate that," Kai said softly. "Really, I do. But I've got a feeling things are going to be different from now on."
As Mei Li walked away, Kai turned his attention to his new follower. Liu Wei stood nervously nearby, fidgeting with the hem of his torn shirt.
"Alright, Liu Wei," Kai said. "First things first. Tell me everything you know about the Broken Fang Bandits. Their hideouts, their contacts, everything."
Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "Of course, Master! I'll tell you everything I know!"
As the former bandit began to spill his secrets, Kai's mind was already racing ahead, plotting his next moves.
This is it, he thought. Time to start building my power base.
With a small smile, he turned his full attention to Liu Wei's information. Every bit of knowledge was power in this world, and Kai intended to gather as much as he could.
The sun began to set on the village, casting long shadows across the square. As the villagers went about the depressive task of burying their dead and tending to the wounded, Kai stood apart, his mind whirling with plans and possibilities.
First things first, he thought. I need to get stronger. Fast.
He pulled up his skills list, studying it intently:
Skills:
Qi Condensation (Level 2)Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)Unarmed Combat (Level 2)Deception (Level 3)Mental Fortitude (Passive)Not bad, but not great either. I need to diversify.
Kai turned to Liu Wei, who was still hovering nervously nearby. "Tell me about the cultivation techniques the bandits used. Did they have any special skills or abilities?"
Liu Wei's eyes lit up, eager to prove his usefulness. "Oh yes, Master! The leader, he knew this technique called 'Iron Skin.' Made him really tough to hurt. And there was another guy who could do this thing with wind - made his movements super fast."
Interesting, Kai mused. Defensive and speed techniques. Those could be useful.
"Do you know how they learned these skills?" he pressed.
"Not really," Liu Wei shook his head. "I think they got some scrolls from a raid on a merchant caravan. But I never saw them myself."
Kai nodded. So there really are skill scrolls in this world. I wonder if I can absorb them…I'll need to keep an eye out for those.
He turned his attention to his newly unlocked map function. To his surprise, it showed not just the village and immediate surroundings, but a vast expanse of terrain. Most of it was shrouded in fog, but he could make out the general layout of the land.
Looks like I've got a lot of exploring to do, Kai thought. I guess the bandit camp, or what's left of it, is a good place to start as any.
Chapter 10 Skill Scrolls
Kai and Liu Wei made their way through the forest, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet of fallen leaves. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and vegetation. Kai's eyes flicked constantly to the translucent map hovering in his vision, a feature he was still getting used to seeing in real life.
Red dots of varying sizes pulsed on the map, indicating potential threats. Kai steered them clear of these danger zones, much to Liu Wei's bewilderment.
"Master," Liu Wei said, breaking the silence. "It's strange. We haven't encountered any spiritual beasts yet. Usually, the forest is teeming with them."
Kai shrugged, careful to keep his face neutral. "Maybe we're just lucky."
Or maybe having a video game mini-map is the ultimate cheat code, he thought with amusement.
"Still," Liu Wei continued, "when I was with the bandits, we'd get into skirmishes with beasts almost daily. It's a bit scary with how quiet it is now."
Kai nodded, only half-listening as he focused on a particularly large red dot on his map. It dwarfed the others, pulsing ominously.
Wonder what that could be. A boss monster, maybe? Foundation Establishment beast sounds about right for this level of the game. Need to stay far away from that area.
"We should remain vigilant," Kai said aloud, more for Liu Wei's benefit than his own. "Just because we haven't seen any beasts doesn't mean they're not out there."
"Of course, Master," Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "You're so wise."
As they walked, Kai's mind raced with possibilities. I need to level up fast if I want to survive in this world. But how? Grinding low-level mobs would take forever. Cultivation is even slower. There's got to be a more efficient way.
He glanced at Liu Wei, who was nervously scanning their surroundings. And what am I going to do with him? Having a follower could be useful, but can I really trust someone with forced loyalty?
"So, Liu Wei," Kai said casually, "tell me more about your time with the bandits. How'd you end up with them in the first place?"
Liu Wei's shoulders slumped. "It's not a proud story, Master Kai. My family... we were poor. Barely scraping by. When the bandits came to our village, they offered a choice: join or die. I was young and scared. I chose to live."
Kai nodded, filing away the information. Tragic backstory. Classic NPC stuff. But it could be useful leverage later.
"And what did you do for the bandits?" Kai pressed.
"Mostly scouting and lockpicking," Liu Wei admitted. "I was never much good in a fight, but I could sneak around and get into places others couldn't."
Interesting. Those could be valuable skills.
They continued their journey in silence, Kai expertly navigating them around the threat indicators on his map. After a few hours of travel, they finally reached the clearing where the bandit camp had been.
Kai let out a low whistle as he surveyed the destruction before them. The once-bustling camp was now a scene of carnage and chaos. Tents lay in tatters, supplies were scattered everywhere, and the ground was scarred with deep gouges and scorch marks.
"By the heavens," Liu Wei breathed, his eyes wide. "I remember it being bad, but this..."
Kai nodded. "The Thunderclaw Tigress did quite a number on your friends."
As they picked their way through the wreckage, Kai's eyes landed on a massive form lying motionless at the edge of the clearing. A slow grin spread across his face.
No way. Did they seriously leave the beast's corpse behind?
He approached the fallen beast, marveling at its size. Even in death, the Thunderclaw Tigress was an impressive sight.
This has got to be worth a fortune. And it's just sitting here, free for the taking.
Without hesitation, Kai reached out and touched the tigress' corpse. In an instant, it vanished, absorbed into his inventory.
Liu Wei's jaw dropped. "Master! Did you... did you just store that entire beast in your storage ring?"
Kai turned, hiding his amusement. "Something like that. Now, let's see what other treasures these bandits left behind, shall we?"
Liu Wei nodded, still looking a bit shell-shocked. "R-right. The treasure vault is this way, Master."
As they made their way to the bandits' stash, Kai's mind raced with possibilities. A high-level monster corpse, plus whatever loot these bandits had squirreled away. This is turning into quite the profitable expedition.
Liu Wei led him to a large tent that had somehow survived the destruction relatively intact. Inside, Kai found a treasure trove of stolen goods, spirit stones, and various cultivation resources.
"Last time I was here, I only had time to grab a few things for the villagers," Kai mused aloud. "But now..."
He grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Let's see what we've got here."
As Kai began systematically looting the tent, stuffing everything of value into his inventory, Liu Wei watched with a mix of awe and trepidation.
"Master," he said cautiously, "some of these items... they're quite valuable. Are you sure it's wise to take everything?"
Kai paused, fixing Liu Wei with a stern look. "Are you questioning my decisions, Liu Wei?"
The young man paled. "N-no! Of course not, Master. I just... I mean..."
Kai softened his expression slightly. "Look, these bandits stole all this stuff in the first place, right? We're just... redistributing the wealth. Besides, we'll need resources if we're going to get stronger."
Liu Wei nodded quickly. "You're right, of course."
As Kai continued his methodical looting, his eyes fell upon a small, ornate box tucked away in a corner. Curious, he opened it to find three ancient-looking scrolls inside.
Jackpot! Skill scrolls, if I'm not mistaken.
He carefully unrolled the first scroll, and a translucent window immediately popped up in his vision:
Skill Scroll Discovered!
Name: Iron Skin Technique
Description: A defensive cultivation technique that hardens the user's skin, providing increased protection against physical attacks.
Would you like to learn this skill?
Kai's heart raced with excitement. This must be the technique Liu Wei mentioned earlier. The one that made the bandit leader so tough to hurt.
He glanced at the other two scrolls:
Skill Scroll Discovered!
Name: Wind Step Technique
Description: An agility-focused cultivation technique that allows the user to move at greatly increased speeds for short bursts.
Would you like to learn this skill?
Skill Scroll Discovered!
Name: Flame Palm Technique
Description: An offensive cultivation technique that imbues the user's strikes with fiery energy, dealing additional burn damage.
Would you like to learn this skill?
Three new skills, just like that. This is almost too easy.
Kai glanced over at Liu Wei, who was busy sorting through a pile of spirit stones. Making sure the young man wasn't paying attention, Kai stepped behind a large crate for privacy.
I have a feeling this might look a bit weird to an outside observer.
Taking a deep breath, Kai focused on the Iron Skin Technique and selected 'Yes'.
Instantly, the scroll in his hand began to glow. It grew warm to the touch, then hot, before suddenly crumbling to dust. Kai felt a rush of knowledge flood his mind, as if he'd just speed-read an entire textbook on the technique.
A new notification appeared:
Skill Acquired!
Iron Skin Technique (Level 1)
Your Durability increases by 10% when activated
Grinning from ear to ear, Kai repeated the process with the other two scrolls. Each time, he felt that same rush of knowledge, followed by a notification of his new skill.
Skill Acquired: Wind Step Technique (Level 1)
Your Agility increases by 10% when activated
Skill Acquired: Flame Palm Technique (Level 1)
Your Attack increases by 10% when activated
Kai couldn't help but do a little victory dance. Three new skills, just like that! This is exactly the kind of power-up I needed.
He pulled up his status window to admire his newly expanded skill list:
Skills:
Qi Condensation (Level 2)Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)Unarmed Combat (Level 2)Deception (Level 3)Iron Skin Technique (Level 1)Wind Step Technique (Level 1)Flame Palm Technique (Level 1)Mental Fortitude (Passive)Not bad at all. Of course, they're all at Level 1 for now so the increase isn't that significant, but that just means I've got room to grow.
Lost in his thoughts, Kai didn't notice Liu Wei approaching until the young man called out.
"Master! Master, come quick! I've found something!"
Kai quickly closed his status window and turned to face his follower.
"What is it, Liu Wei?"
Chapter 11 Treasure Map
"A map, Master!" The young man was practically bouncing with excitement. "I think it might lead to a hidden treasure!"
Kai raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued but his suspicion immediately aroused. A conveniently discovered treasure map? Handed over willingly by someone whose loyalty is forced? This screams 'trap'.
"Let me see it," Kai said, keeping his voice neutral.
Liu Wei handed over a worn piece of parchment. As Kai unfolded it, his eyes widened. The map was intricately detailed, showing a vast expanse of forest with various landmarks and paths marked.
"This is the Whispering Woods," Liu Wei explained, his finger tracing a winding path through the trees. "It's rumoured to house beasts above the Qi Refining Realm."
Kai studied the map carefully, noting the various symbols and notations scattered across it. There were markings for dangerous areas, potential water sources, and what looked like ruins or abandoned structures.
"It won't be an easy journey," Liu Wei continued. "The forest itself is said to be alive, constantly shifting and changing."
Once Kai finished studying the map, he noticed his own map function updating, a new location appearing as a glowing marker. At the same time, a quest notification popped up:
New Quest: The Bandits' Hidden Hoard
Description: Follow the map to uncover a secret treasure vault hidden in the woods.
Reward: Unknown
Would you like to accept this quest?
Kai's mind raced, weighing the potential risks and rewards. On one hand, this could be a huge payoff. On the other, it's almost certainly a trap of some kind. But then again, what's an RPG without a good dungeon crawl? Accept!
He looked up at Liu Wei, who was watching him expectantly. "Where did you find this, exactly?"
Liu Wei's enthusiasm dimmed slightly under Kai's scrutiny. "It was hidden in a false bottom of one of the chests, Master. I... I remembered seeing the boss consulting it sometimes, but he always kept it secret from the rest of us."
Kai nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing. "And you're just handing it over to me? Just like that?"
Liu Wei's face fell, and he dropped to his knees. "Master, I swore my loyalty to you! I would never betray you. I thought... I thought you'd be pleased..."
Kai studied the young man's face, looking for any signs of deception. His Deception skill was high enough that he was pretty good at spotting lies, but Liu Wei seemed genuinely distraught.
Either he's telling the truth, or he's an even better actor than I am.
After a moment, Kai softened his expression. "Stand up, Liu Wei. I'm not accusing you of anything. I'm just being cautious. In this world, things that seem too good to be true usually are."
Liu Wei stood, relief evident on his face. "Of course, Master. Being cautious is good. I just... I want to prove my worth to you."
Kai nodded, allowing a small smile. "And you have. This could be very valuable information. Good work."
Liu Wei beamed at the praise, and Kai felt a twinge of guilt. I should probably work on increasing his Loyalty stat. Having a devoted follower could be incredibly useful.
"So," Liu Wei asked eagerly, "shall we go after the treasure, Master?"
Kai folded the map carefully, tucking it away in his inventory. "Not just yet. We need to finish up here first, and then head back to the village. We'll need to prepare properly before we tackle something like this."
Liu Wei nodded, looking slightly disappointed but not arguing.
As they resumed their looting of the bandit camp, Kai's mind was already racing with plans. A hidden dungeon, new skills to level up, and a follower to train. Things are finally starting to get interesting in this world.
He glanced at Liu Wei, who was happily sorting through a pile of stolen jewelry. I'll need to be careful, though. I can't afford to let my guard down, even for a moment. In a world like this, trust is a luxury I can't afford.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the ruined camp, Kai and Liu Wei finished their scavenging. They had gathered an impressive haul of spirit stones, cultivation resources, and valuable trinkets.
"I think that's everything of value," Kai said, surveying the picked-over camp. "We should head back to the village before it gets dark."
Liu Wei nodded, shouldering a heavy sack. "Yes, Master. Though... are you sure we shouldn't at least start towards the treasure map location?"
Kai shook his head firmly. "No, like I said before, we need to prepare first. Besides, I have some business to take care of in the village."
***
The walk back to the village was quiet, both Kai and Liu Wei lost in their own thoughts. Kai periodically checked his map function, ensuring they steered clear of any dangerous areas. The massive red dot that he suspected represented a Foundation Establishment beast still loomed ominously at the edge of his vision.
I wonder what kind of creature it is, Kai mused. In games, high-level bosses usually guard equally high-level loot. But taking on something like that now would be suicide.
He glanced at Liu Wei, who was nervously scanning the forest as they walked. The young man's earlier confusion about the lack of beast encounters seemed to have been forgotten in light of their discoveries at the bandit camp.
"Liu Wei," Kai said, breaking the silence. "You mentioned earlier that the bandits often encountered spiritual beasts in these woods. What kind of creatures are we talking about?"
Liu Wei's eyes widened slightly, as if surprised by the question. "Oh, um, all sorts, Master Kai. Mostly lower-level beasts - shadow wolves, thornback boars, that kind of thing. But occasionally we'd run into something more dangerous."
"And how did the bandits deal with these creatures?" Kai pressed.
Liu Wei shrugged. "Depends on the beast. The weaker ones, we'd hunt for food or materials. The stronger ones... well, we usually tried to avoid those. Unless the leader thought there was something valuable to gain."
Smart. Risk versus reward. Basic gaming logic.
As they continued walking, Kai's mind turned to the newly acquired skills burning a hole in his pocket. He was itching to try them out, to see how they worked in this world.
I need to find some time alone to practice, he thought. Can't let Liu Wei see me fumbling around with new abilities, that would just be embarrassing.
Just then, Liu Wei stumbled on a root, nearly falling face-first into the dirt. Kai instinctively reached out to steady him, his hand closing around the young man's arm.
To Kai's surprise, a small window popped up:
Liu Wei
Loyalty: 55/100 (+5)
Mood: Grateful
Interesting, Kai thought as he helped Liu Wei regain his balance. So his loyalty can increase through such a simple action…good to know.
"Thank you, Master Kai," Liu Wei said, his cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment.
Kai waved it off. "Don't mention it. We need to look out for each other out here."
As they neared the village, Kai's thoughts turned to the quest notification he'd received. The promise of unknown rewards was tantalizing, but the potential dangers couldn't be ignored.
I need more information before I commit to anything, he decided. Maybe there's someone in the village who knows about this 'Dragon's Hoard' place.
The sun was beginning to set as they finally reached the outskirts of the village. The familiar sights and sounds of Misty Waterfall Village were a welcome change from the eerie quiet of the forest.
"Liu Wei," Kai said as they approached the village gate, "I want you to go get some rest. You've done well today. We'll talk more tomorrow about our next steps."
The young man nodded eagerly. "Yes, Master Kai. Thank you for giving me this chance."
As Liu Wei scurried off, Kai let out a long breath. Now, time to process everything that's happened and figure out my next move.
He made his way to the small hut he'd been given, nodding politely to the villagers he passed. Once inside, Kai collapsed onto his bed, the events of the day finally catching up to him.
What a day, he thought, staring up at the thatched roof. New skills, a mysterious map, a follower with questionable loyalty... it's like the tutorial is over, and the real game is just beginning.
Kai closed his eyes, focusing on his internal qi. He could feel it flowing through his body, a comforting warmth that pulsed with potential. With a thought, he pulled up his status window:
Name: Kai Thorn
XP: 0/500
Level: 5
Qi: 100/100
Strength: 31
Agility: 33
Durability: 32
Intelligence: 23
Wisdom: 20
Skills:
Qi Condensation (Level 2)
Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)
Unarmed Combat (Level 2)
Deception (Level 3)
Iron Skin (Level 1)
Swift Wind Step (Level 1)
Flame Palm Strike (Level 1)
Kai couldn't help but smile as he looked at his new skills. Not bad for a day's work. But I've got a long way to go if I want to survive in this world.
Kai yawned widely, feeling the weight of the day settle into his muscles. He stretched, wincing slightly at the soreness.
I should probably get some rest, he thought, glancing out the window at the night sky. It's been a long day, and there's still so much to do tomorrow.
Chapter 12 Kai vs Liu Wei
Kai woke up early, his mind buzzing with excitement. Today was the day he'd start training his new skills. He stretched, feeling the qi flowing through his body.
Time to level up, he thought with a grin.
He stepped outside his hut, breathing in the crisp morning air. The village was just starting to stir, a few early risers tending to their daily chores.
Kai made his way to a secluded clearing on the outskirts of the village. He didn't want an audience for his first attempts at these new techniques.
Okay, let's start with Iron Skin, he decided. In games, defensive skills are always a good foundation.
He took a deep breath, focusing on the knowledge that had flooded his mind when he absorbed the skill scroll. He channeled his qi, directing it to flow just beneath his skin.
At first, nothing happened. Kai frowned, concentrating harder. Come on, work!
Suddenly, he felt a tingling sensation across his body. He looked down at his arms, eyes widening as his skin took on a faint metallic sheen.
"Whoa," he whispered. "It actually worked!"
He poked his arm experimentally. It felt solid, almost like he was wearing invisible armor.
Now, how long can I maintain it? He held the technique, feeling his qi slowly draining. After about a minute, the metallic sheen faded, and Kai let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
"Not bad for a first try," he murmured. "But I need to work on efficiency."
He spent the next hour practicing Iron Skin, activating and deactivating it repeatedly. Each time, it became a little easier, a little more natural.
Skill Leveled Up!
Iron Skin (Level 2)
Your Durabilty increases by 20% when activated
Kai grinned at the notification. Progress already! This is way more satisfying than grinding mobs in an MMO.
He moved on to Wind Step next. This one proved trickier. The first few attempts left him stumbling awkwardly, his body moving faster than his mind could keep up.
"Oof!" he grunted, picking himself up after a particularly clumsy attempt. "I should have known, increased speed doesn't automatically mean increased coordination."
But Kai was nothing if not persistent. He kept at it, gradually learning to control the bursts of speed. By the time another hour had passed, he could dash short distances with reasonable accuracy.
Skill Leveled Up!
Wind Step (Level 2)
Your Agility increases by 20% when activated
"Nice," Kai said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Now for the fun one."
He turned his attention to Flame Palm. This offensive technique required careful qi manipulation, channeling the fire element into his strikes.
His first attempt produced only a faint warmth in his palm. "Come on," he muttered. "I'm going for 'devastating fire attack,' not 'slightly toasty handshake.'"
He kept at it, gradually increasing the heat and intensity. Soon, small flames were dancing across his fingers.
"Now we're talking!" he exclaimed, throwing a few practice punches at the air. Each strike left a brief trail of fire in its wake.
Skill Leveled Up!
Flame Palm (Level 2)
Your Attack increases by 20% when activated
As Kai admired the flames flickering around his hand, he heard a gasp behind him. He turned to see Liu Wei standing at the edge of the clearing, eyes wide with awe.
"M-Master Kai!" Liu Wei stammered. "That was incredible! I've never seen anyone master new techniques so quickly!"
Kai quickly extinguished the flames, hiding his momentary panic. Right, I'm supposed to be some kind of cultivation prodigy. Play it cool.
He shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, Liu Wei. I didn't see you there. Just doing some morning practice."
"Forgive my intrusion, Master," Liu Wei bowed deeply. "I was looking for you and heard sounds of training."
Kai waved off the apology. "No need for that. Actually, your timing is perfect. I could use a sparring partner to test these skills in combat."
Liu Wei's face paled slightly. "M-me? But Master, I'm only at Qi Refining Stage 2. Surely, I'd be no match for you..."
Kai considered this. Right, I'm supposed to be way stronger than him. But I need realistic combat experience at a lower level...
"Don't worry," Kai said, an idea forming. "I'll suppress my cultivation to match yours. It'll be good practice for both of us."
Liu Wei looked both honored and terrified. "If... if you're sure, Master."
Kai nodded, then focused inward. Okay, how do I suppress my cultivation? There's usually some kind of limiter in games for this sort of thing...
He experimented, trying to mentally "dial down" his qi output. After a few attempts, he felt something click into place. His energy levels dropped, matching what he sensed from Liu Wei.
"There we go," Kai said. "Now we're on even footing. Shall we begin?"
Liu Wei nodded nervously, taking up a basic fighting stance.
As they squared off, Kai noticed movement at the edge of the clearing. Mei Li had arrived, watching them with curiosity.
"Oh, don't mind me," she called out. "I just came to see what all the commotion was about. Please, continue!"
Kai shrugged. An audience, huh? Might as well put on a good show.
He turned back to Liu Wei. "Ready when you are."
Liu Wei hesitated for a moment, then lunged forward with a straight punch. Kai sidestepped easily, but he was impressed by the speed.
Not bad, Kai thought. He's got some skill.
They exchanged a flurry of blows, neither landing any clean hits. Kai was surprised to find himself working up a sweat. With his cultivation suppressed, the fight was more even than he'd expected.
"You're doing well, Liu Wei," Kai said, blocking a kick. "But you're telegraphing your moves too much. Try to be less predictable."
Liu Wei nodded, adjusting his stance. His next attack came from an unexpected angle, nearly catching Kai off guard.
"Better!" Kai praised, countering with a swift jab.
As the spar continued, Kai found himself genuinely enjoying the challenge. It was one thing to practice techniques alone, but applying them in combat was a whole different experience.
He activated Iron Skin just as Liu Wei landed a solid punch to his ribs. The impact was dulled, but Kai still felt it.
Note to self: Iron Skin reduces damage, doesn't negate it entirely, he thought.
Kai retaliated with a Wind Step-enhanced dash, closing the distance faster than Liu Wei could react. He followed up with a Flame Palm strike, pulling back at the last second to avoid actually burning his sparring partner.
Liu Wei's eyes widened as he felt the heat pass just inches from his face. "Incredible, Master!" he exclaimed. "Your control is amazing!"
"Thanks," Kai said as he allowed himself a small smile. "You're not doing too badly yourself."
The spar continued for several more minutes, with Kai mixing in his new techniques while Liu Wei fought the best he could.
Finally, Kai saw an opening. He feinted left, then used Wind Step to dash right. As Liu Wei turned to block, Kai swept his legs out from under him.
Liu Wei hit the ground with a thud, the wind knocked out of him. Kai stood over him, hand extended.
"Do you give up?" Kai asked.
"Yes, Master. That was... incredible," Liu Wei nodded, accepting the hand up. "I've never had a spar like that before. Usually the other bandits just use sparring as an excuse to use me as a punching bag…"
Kai helped him to his feet, feeling uncomfortable. He didn't know what to say about Liu Wei's past. "Uh... right. Well, that's not how we do things here."
He noticed Mei Li approaching and felt relieved for the distraction. Maybe she could handle this awkward moment better than he could.
"That was quite a show," she said. "I've never seen techniques like that before. Where did you learn them?"
"Oh, I got them from the bandits after I defeated them," Kai replied casually. "Figured they might come in handy."
Mei Li's eyes widened in surprise. "You learned to use them so quickly? That's... impressive." She studied Kai more closely, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Do all cultivators learn that fast, or are you some kind of prodigy?"
Kai shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I'm not sure. Maybe I just got lucky?"
"And you, Liu Wei, well done!" Mei Li smiled at the former bandit. "You held your own!"
"For someone who hasn't had much combat experience, Liu Wei is quite skilled. He definitely kept me on my toes," Kai nodded.
Liu Wei beamed at the praise. "Thank you, Master. But I still have much to learn."
As they caught their breath, Kai mulled over the experience. That was tougher than I expected. If I want to be one of those overpowered isekai protagonists, I've got a long way to go.
He thought back to the novels and anime he'd consumed back on Earth. Those heroes always seemed to breeze through fights against higher-level opponents.
But that's not realistic, Kai realized. At least not yet. For now, I need to focus on outsmarting my opponents rather than overpowering them.
"Liu Wei," Kai said, "whilst you did do well, there's still room for improvement. Want some tips?"
Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "Yes, please, Master!"
Kai spent the next few minutes breaking down the spar, pointing out areas where Liu Wei could improve his technique or strategy. The young man listened intently, soaking up every word.
Mei Li watched this exchange with interest. "You're quite the teacher, Kai," she commented. "Have you considered taking on more disciples?"
Kai chuckled nervously. "Oh, I don't know about that. I'm still learning myself."
As they wrapped up the impromptu training session, Kai noticed a small notification in the corner of his vision:
Liu Wei Loyalty: 60/100 (+5)
He smiled inwardly. Progress on multiple fronts. Not a bad morning's work.
"Alright," Kai said, stretching. "I think that's enough for today. Liu Wei, why don't you go get some rest? We'll train again tomorrow."
Liu Wei bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Kai. I look forward to it!"
As Liu Wei departed, Mei Li lingered, her gaze fixed on Kai. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?" she said softly.
Kai shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I just do my best to adapt to whatever situation I find myself in."
Mei Li nodded slowly. "A useful skill in this world. Just... be careful, Kai. Power attracts attention, and not always the good kind."
With that cryptic warning, she turned and walked back towards the village, leaving Kai alone with his thoughts.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. She's right. I need to be more careful about showing off. But how am I supposed to get stronger if I don't push my limits?
Kai looked down at his hands, remembering the feeling of qi flowing through them during the spar. It had been exhilarating, like nothing he'd ever experienced in a game.
This is real, he reminded himself. The dangers are real, but so are the rewards. I just need to find the right balance.
As he made his way back to the village, Kai's mind was already racing with plans for future training sessions. He had a long way to go if he wanted to survive in this world, let alone thrive.
But I'm making progress, he thought with a smile. One skill at a time, one level at a time. I'll get there.After all, isn't that what a proper isekai protagonist would do?
Back in his hut, Kai took a moment to review his status window:
Name: Kai Thorn
XP: 0/500
Level: 5
Qi: 100/100
Strength: 31
Agility: 33
Durability: 32
Intelligence: 23
Wisdom: 20
Skills:
Qi Condensation (Level 2)
Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)
Unarmed Combat (Level 2)
Deception (Level 3)
Iron Skin (Level 2)
Swift Wind Step (Level 2)
Flame Palm Strike (Level 2)
Mental Fortitude (Passive)
He nodded in satisfaction. Solid progress. But I can't get complacent. There's always room for improvement.
Kai sat cross-legged on his bed, closing his eyes to meditate. As he focused on circulating his qi, he reflected on the morning's events.
The spar with Liu Wei was…enlightening to say the least. Even with my cultivation suppressed, I had an advantage thanks to my previous kickboxing experience and strategy. But in a real fight against a stronger opponent, those alone won't be enough, I need to learn more qi techniques.
A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in."
Chapter 13 Azure Sky Sect vs Dark Moon Sect
The door creaked open, revealing Zhang Wei. The old cultivator looked remarkably better than the last time Kai had seen him. The wounds from his encounter with the bandit leader had all but vanished.
Looks like he got his hands on a healing pill or something, Kai mused. I've got to figure out how to get some of those for myself. The bandit camp had none remaining, most likely they used the little they had during the battle.
"Good afternoon, Kai," Zhang Wei said, his voice carrying a hint of excitement. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important?"
Kai shook his head, gesturing for the old man to enter. "Not at all. I was just finishing up some meditation. What brings you here?"
Zhang Wei settled himself on a small stool. "I have some news that might interest you, given your... unique circumstances."
"Oh? What kind of news?" Kai raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Well," Zhang Wei began, stroking his beard, "I know you mentioned to Chen Lao before that you weren't quite ready to join a sect. And given your mysterious background, I can understand why these local sects might not catch your interest."
He's not wrong there, Kai thought. Most of the sects I've read about in xianxia novels are either comically evil or frustratingly rigid.
Zhang Wei continued, "However, I thought you should know that the Azure Sky Sect is conducting their yearly recruitment soon. It's likely that an Outer Elder will arrive in our village within the next few weeks."
Kai leaned forward, his interest piqued. "The Azure Sky Sect? That's the one you used to be part of, right?"
Zhang Wei nodded, a mix of emotions flashing across his face. "Indeed. And while my time there didn't end as I'd hoped, I still believe it's a great opportunity for talented young cultivators like yourself."
"What makes you think they'd be interested in me?" Kai asked, genuinely curious.
Zhang Wei chuckled. "My boy, your talent is obvious to anyone with eyes to see. The purity of your qi, the speed at which you've advanced, that Qi Condensation skill... trust me, you'll catch their eye."
Kai mulled this over. A recruitment drive, huh? That's pretty standard for xianxia stories. But...
"Wait a minute," Kai said, voicing a thought that had just occurred to him. "These immortal cultivators... they don't just, you know, kidnap mortals with potential, do they?"
Zhang Wei burst out laughing, the sound filling the small hut. "Kidnap mortals? Heavens, no! Where did you get such an idea?"
Kai shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. "Oh, you know... just stories I've heard."
Stories I've read, more like, he thought. But I guess those authors took some creative liberties. Thank goodness for that – I'm not in the mood to get kidnapped anytime soon.
"No, no," Zhang Wei said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes. "As strange as cultivators can be, that would be counterproductive. The Azure Sky Sect, like most respectable sects, values willing disciples. Forced recruitment only leads to resentment and betrayal."
"I see," Kai nodded. "So, tell me more about this Azure Sky Sect. What are they like?"
"Ah, the Azure Sky Sect," Zhang Wei's expression grew thoughtful. "They are one of the most prominent righteous sects in this region. Their main compound is located at the top of the highest peak of the Azure Mountains, surrounded by clouds that are said to be filled with spiritual energy."
"Sounds impressive," Kai commented.
"Oh, it is," Zhang Wei agreed. "The sect is known for its mastery of wind and lightning techniques. They value honor, discipline, and the pursuit of immortality through righteous means."
Kai nodded, encouraging the old man to continue.
"The sect is divided into Outer, Inner, and Core disciples," Zhang Wei explained. "New recruits start as Outer disciples, of course. But those with exceptional talent can advance quickly. The sect provides resources, training, and protection to its members."
"What about their cultivation resources?" Kai asked, recalling the importance of such things in xianxia settings.
Zhang Wei nodded approvingly at the question. "The Azure Sky Sect is known for its rich spirit veins and well-maintained herb gardens. Outer disciples receive a monthly allowance of spirit stones and access to basic cultivation manuals."
Resource management, check. Probably some kind of currency or point system for higher-level stuff.
"And what about missions or quests?" Kai inquired, trying not to sound too game-like in his terminology. Despite knowing most of this stuff already, he didn't see any harm in hearing the old man's experience, perhaps he may learn something that is different from the stories.
"Ah, you mean sect assignments," Zhang Wei said. "Yes, disciples can take on various tasks to earn merit points and resources. These range from gathering herbs to exterminating monsters plaguing nearby villages."
Fetch quests and monster-slaying. Classic.
"And what about the downsides?" Kai asked, knowing there had to be some.
Zhang Wei sighed. "Well, like any large organization, there can be politics and infighting. The competition can be fierce, especially for those seeking to advance to Inner or Core disciple status. And of course, there are strict rules and expectations that all disciples must follow."
Kai absorbed this information, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.
Pros of joining a righteous sect like Azure Sky:
Access to resources and trainingProtection from other cultivators and sectsPotential for rapid advancement if I play my cards rightA "good guy" reputation, which could be usefulCons:
Strict rules and expectationsInternal politics and competitionPossible limitations on my freedomMight make enemies of rival sectsAs Kai pondered this, a thought struck him. "What about the Dark Moon Sect? How do they handle recruitment?"
Zhang Wei's face darkened at the mention of the name. "Ah, the Dark Moon Sect. They are... a different matter entirely."
Kai leaned back, surprised by the venom in the old man's tone. "I take it you're not a fan?"
Zhang Wei sighed, visibly trying to calm himself. "Forgive me. I should not let my personal feelings cloud my judgment. You asked, and you deserve an unbiased answer."
Taking a deep breath, Zhang Wei continued, his voice carefully neutral. "While righteous cultivators won't kidnap you, the same cannot be said for demonic cultivators like those in the Dark Moon Sect. They are known for their... aggressive recruitment tactics."
"You mean they do kidnap people?" Kai asked, his eyebrows raised.
Zhang Wei nodded. "Among other things. The Dark Moon Sect is one of the most powerful demonic sects in the region. They're known for their mastery of yin energy, blood cultivation techniques, and other... darker arts."
"But surely they must have some appeal," Kai mused aloud. "Otherwise, why would anyone join them willingly?"
"Well, to be fair, they do offer certain advantages," Zhang Wei stroked his beard. "Demonic cultivation techniques often promise faster power growth, and the Dark Moon Sect is less restrictive in terms of personal conduct. They also have access to rare and forbidden techniques that righteous sects won't even think to touch."
Kai nodded, mentally cataloging this information.
Pros of joining a demonic sect like Dark Moon:
Potentially faster power growthAccess to forbidden techniquesLess restrictive rulesMight suit my more... pragmatic approachCons:
Reputation as "evil" could cause problemsAggressive recruitment tactics (I'll probably get kidnapped)Probably even more cutthroat internal competitionHigher risk of dying or being used as a sacrifice by some evil elderAs Kai weighed his options, he came to a sobering realization. As much as he valued his independence, he couldn't ignore the realities of this world. His cultivation would soon hit a plateau without proper resources and guidance. Not to mention, he'd need powerful backers for protection in this dangerous realm.
I'd be a fool to think I could make it on my own, he realized. This isn't a single-player game. I need a faction.
Remembering the cutthroat nature of the xianxia worlds he'd read about in novels; Kai made a decision.
"I think I'll entertain the idea of joining the Azure Sky Sect," he said aloud. "It seems like a solid opportunity, at least for now."
Zhang Wei's face lit up. "A great choice, Kai! I'm sure you'll do well there."
As Zhang Wei stood to leave, Kai had one more question. "What kind of tests can I expect during the recruitment?"
The old cultivator paused at the door. "Ah, well, that can vary. But typically, they'll test your cultivation level, your aptitude for their techniques, and your character. Be prepared for anything from qi sensing exercises to combat trials."
Kai nodded. "Thank you, Zhang Wei. This has been helpful."
As Zhang Wei rose to leave, he placed a hand on Kai's shoulder. "Whatever you decide, know that you have my support. You've done much for this village, and I believe you're destined for great things, boy."
After Zhang Wei left, Kai lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling as he thought about the upcoming recruitment.
Typical xianxia recruitment tests, huh? Let's see...
Qi sensing: Probably something like finding hidden objects or navigating a maze using only qi perception. I'll need to practice that.Combat trials: Could be anything from one-on-one duels to surviving against multiple opponents or even spirit beasts. With my small qi capacity, I'll have to be clever and use my skills strategically. I wouldn't be surprised if the other potential recruits are the later stages of Qi Refining.Technique aptitude: They might have me try to perform basic wind or lightning techniques. I should experiment with my qi to see if I have any natural affinities.Character tests: These can be tricky. Could be moral dilemmas, tests of courage, or even hidden tests to see how I treat others when I think no one's watching. I'll need to be on my guard at all times, don't want to scare them off with my 'pragmatic' approach…Written exams: Some sects test knowledge of cultivation theory or general intelligence. I might have an advantage here with my Earth education and the stories I've read, but I should brush up on local knowledge too, I'm still not certain this world is exactly the same as the cultivation novels.Alchemy or forging tests: Probably not for initial recruitment, but it's possible. I should at least learn the basics.Endurance trials: Withstanding pain, resisting poisons, or cultivating for long periods. This could be rough, but I'll have to tough it out.As he continued to brainstorm potential challenges, a notification popped up in his vision:
New Quest Available: Join a Cultivation Sect
Description: Successfully pass the recruitment trials and join either the Azure Sky Sect or the Dark Moon Sect.
Reward: Sect Membership, 1000 XP, 3 Random Cultivation Resources
Failure: Remain Sectless, Limited Future Growth
Now we're talking, Kai grinned.
Chapter 14 New Title Acquired
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 cultivator's training was considered taboo, in worst cases it could even lead to Qi Deviation.
As he watched, Kai noticed a subtle change in the air around Liu Wei. The young man's qi, usually a gentle ripple, suddenly surged like a wave.
Is he... breaking through? Kai thought, eyes widening.
Sure enough, Liu Wei's eyes snapped open, glowing with power. The air around him shimmered for a moment before settling back down.
Kai couldn't help but smile. Not bad, kid. You've hit Qi Refining Stage 3.
Liu Wei blinked, seeming to come back to himself. He noticed Kai standing nearby and scrambled to his feet, bowing deeply.
"Master Kai! I... I didn't realize you were here," Liu Wei stammered, his face flushing.
Kai waved off the formality. "Relax, Liu Wei. And congratulations on your breakthrough."
Liu Wei rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Thank you, Master. I've been pushing myself hard since... well, since you took me in."
"It shows," Kai said, genuinely impressed. He pulled up Liu Wei's stats in his vision:
Liu Wei
Level: Qi Refining Stage 3
Qi: 50/50
Strength: 20
Agility: 24
Endurance: 20
Intelligence: 13
Wisdom: 10
Loyalty: 65/100
Skills:
Basic Qi Gathering techniqueStealth (Level 2)Lockpicking (Level 2)Dagger Proficiency (Level 2)Not bad at all, Kai thought. He's progressing faster than I expected. Maybe taking on a follower wasn't such a bad idea after all.
"So," Kai said aloud, "I actually came to find you because I have some news."
Liu Wei perked up. "News, Master?"
Kai nodded. "It seems the Azure Sky Sect and the Dark Moon Sect will be recruiting in the next few weeks."
At the mention of the Dark Moon Sect, Liu Wei's face paled visibly. Kai noted the reaction with interest.
"Don't worry," Kai continued, "I'm planning to join the Azure Sky Sect."
Liu Wei's shoulders sagged with relief. "Oh, thank the heavens," he muttered.
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong with the Dark Moon Sect?"
Liu Wei fidgeted nervously. "Well... they have a reputation, Master. I was... I was worried you might be considering them. And that I'd have to follow you into a demonic sect."
"And that would be a problem?" Kai pressed, curious.
Liu Wei nodded vigorously. "Being forced to be a bandit was torture enough, Master. I'm not cut out for the demonic path. The things they do... the cultivation methods they use..." He shuddered.
He's got a strong moral compass, Kai noted. That could be useful, or it could be a liability. I'll need to be careful how I use him.
"Well, you don't have to worry," Kai reassured him. "The Azure Sky Sect seems like a better fit for us."
Liu Wei's face lit up. "Really, Master? You'll let me come with you?"
Kai shrugged. "Why not? You've shown good progress, and I could use a trustworthy assistant in the sect."
Liu Wei bowed deeply again. "Thank you, Master! I won't let you down!"
Kai waved him off, still uncomfortable with the excessive formality. "Alright, alright. We'll need to prepare thoroughly."
Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "Of course, Master! What should we focus on first?"
Kai thought for a moment. "Let's do some qi sensing exercises. We'll both benefit from this."
Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "Yes, Master. What did you have in mind?"
Kai smiled, an idea forming. "We'll take turns. One of us will hide, masking our qi, while the other tries to find them using only qi sensing. It'll help us both improve our concealment and detection skills."
As Liu Wei darted off into the woods, Kai considered his options. A small icon in the corner of his vision caught his attention - his map function. For a moment, he was tempted to use it to locate Liu Wei easily.
No, Kai shook his head. That would be cheating. Besides, I can't rely too heavily on the map function. What if I face an enemy with an ability to hide from it? I need to hone my natural sensing abilities just in case.
When Liu Wei was ready, Kai began his search. He moved quietly through the forest, trying to extend his senses to detect any trace of qi. At first, he felt nothing but the natural energy of the forest.
This is harder than I thought, Kai mused. But I can't give up.
Pushing himself, Kai focused harder. After several minutes, he noticed a slight disturbance in the natural qi of the forest – a spot where the energy flow seemed just a bit too smooth.
Smirking, Kai approached the area. As he got closer, he could sense the faintest trace of Liu Wei's qi.
"Found you," Kai said, touching the trunk of a hollow tree. Liu Wei emerged, looking impressed.
"How did you find me so quick, Master?"
Kai explained his process, watching as understanding dawned on Liu Wei's face.
They spent the next few hours taking turns hiding and seeking, each time discussing their strategies and mistakes. By the time the sun was high in the sky, both were sweating and tired, but satisfied with their progress.
As they finished their final round, Kai felt a sudden rush of insight. It was as if something had clicked into place in his mind, a new understanding of qi and how to manipulate it.
Two notifications popped up in his vision:
New Skill Unlocked
Name: Qi Concealment (Level 1)
Description: Allows the user to mask their qi presence, making them harder to detect through qi sensing. At higher levels, this skill can completely hide the user's qi signature.
Current effect: Reduces detectable qi signature by 10%
New Skill Unlocked
Name: Qi Detection (Level 1)
Description: Enhances the user's ability to sense and identify qi signatures in their surroundings.
Current effect: Increases qi sensing range by 10 meters and improves accuracy by 10%
Kai's eyes widened. Now we're talking! he thought excitedly. Before unlocking the skill, he had been using a crude method of spiritual sense to detect nearby beings but now, he was able to sense qi from greater distances and with more precision.
"Liu Wei," Kai said, unable to keep a grin off his face, "I think we've made some real progress today."
Liu Wei nodded enthusiastically, wiping sweat from his brow. "I feel like I've learned so much, Master. Thank you for this training."
This kind of practical training is simple but incredibly effective, Kai thought. And having Liu Wei here to practice with makes all the difference. I never would have unlocked these skills so quickly on my own. Plus, I'm getting better at relying on my own senses rather than game mechanics. That could be crucial in the future.
As Kai was lost in his thoughts, a small window popped up.
Liu Wei
Loyalty: 65/100 (+5)
And there's the other bonus with training with Liu Wei, Kai smiled.
After drinking some water, Kai remembered the other reason he had sought out Liu Wei.
"Oh, before I forget," he said casually, "prepare yourself. Tomorrow morning, we're going to scout out that treasure location."
Liu Wei's eyes widened. "Really, Master? You mean the map we found in the bandit camp?"
Kai nodded. "That's the one. It's time we checked it out."
Liu Wei could barely contain his enthusiasm. "This is amazing, Master! Do you think we'll find great treasures? Ancient cultivation techniques? Maybe even..."
Kai held up a hand, chuckling at Liu Wei's reaction. "Calm down, Liu Wei. We're just scouting for now. We don't know what kind of dangers might be guarding the treasure."
Liu Wei's face fell slightly, but he nodded. "Of course, Master. You're right, as always. I'll prepare carefully."
As they wrapped up their training session and headed back to the village, Kai's mind wandered to the last time he had returned from the bandit hideout. The memory brought a smile to his face.
The villagers had been overjoyed when he produced some of their stolen belongings seemingly out of thin air. Their eyes had widened in amazement, having never seen anything like a storage ring before, let alone the concept of an inventory.
That was quite the scene, Kai recalled. I felt like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat.
He remembered the looks of awe on their faces, the tears of joy as families were reunited with precious heirlooms. It had been a good day.
As they entered the village proper, Kai noticed the way the villagers greeted him. There was respect in their eyes, gratitude in their smiles. Some even bowed slightly as he passed.
I guess saving the village from bandits and giving them back their belongings really boosted my reputation, Kai mused. In game terms, I'd say I've almost maxed out my starting zone rep.
Curious, he pulled up his status window:
Reputation: Misty Waterfall Village - 70/100 (Well-Liked)
Not bad, Kai mused. They've basically given me the role of village protector at this point.
As if on cue, a new notification popped up:
New Title Acquired: Village Protector
Effect: While in Misty Waterfall Village, gain +5 to all stats
Note: This title is temporary and will be lost upon leaving the village permanently
Titles with buffs? Kai's eyes widened slightly. Now that's interesting. I wonder what other titles I can earn...I bet there are all sorts of titles I could earn in the sect, Kai thought eagerly. 'Top Disciple', 'Sect Champion', that sort of thing. Each one could give me an edge over the competition. I'll need to keep an eye out for opportunities.
As they neared the center of the village, Kai's excitement faded slightly as he remembered a potential problem.
The Azure Sky Sect focuses on wind and lightning techniques, he recalled. I only have one wind technique. As for lightning techniques, the affinity itself is quite rare according to the locals, I doubt I could get access to any techniques before joining the sect.
He remembered his conversation with old man Zhang, who had confessed to Kai that he couldn't teach him any sect techniques. Breaking such an oath would have dire consequences in this world.
Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair. I'll have to hope I can pick up a few more elemental skills on our treasure hunt tomorrow. Or pray the Azure Sky Sect doesn't test us on that specifically.
He shook his head, pushing the worry aside. I know I have the talent to enter the sect. But I want more than that. I want to be the best, to catch the sect master's eye.
A familiar fire of ambition burned in his chest. If I can do that, I'll get a prestigious title with some fat buff, access to the best resources... everything I need to dominate in this world.
Kai's lips curved into a small, determined smile. After all, what kind of gamer would I be if I didn't aim for the top spot on the leaderboard?
As they reached the village square, Liu Wei turned to Kai with a questioning look. "Master, is there anything else you need me to do to prepare for tomorrow?"
Kai considered for a moment. "Make sure you have any equipment you might need for exploration. We don't know what we'll encounter."
Liu Wei nodded eagerly. "Of course, Master. I still have some tools from my... previous occupation that might be useful."
"You mean your bandit days?" Kai raised an eyebrow.
Liu Wei flushed, looking down. "Yes, Master. I'm not proud of it, but..."
Kai waved off his embarrassment. "Hey, those skills could come in handy. No shame in using what you've got."
Liu Wei looked up, surprise and gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Master. You're very understanding."
More like pragmatic, Kai thought. In games, every skill has its use. No point in handicapping ourselves because of some misplaced sense of morality.
Aloud, he said, "Just be ready at dawn. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
As Liu Wei hurried off to prepare, Kai found himself with some free time. He decided to take a walk around the village, observing the daily life of the inhabitants.
He passed by the village blacksmith, the rhythmic clanging of hammer on anvil filling the air. The smell of fresh bread wafted from the baker's shop, making his stomach growl.
It's like a medieval town from an RPG, Kai mused. Except everything's real. The sights, the smells... it's all so vivid.
As he walked through the village, he paused by the village well, watching as children played nearby. Their laughter filled the air, carefree and innocent.
This is what I'm protecting, Kai realized. These people, this peace... it's worth fighting for.
The thought surprised him. When he first arrived in this world, his only goal had been to survive and get stronger. But now...
Maybe I'm getting too attached, Kai thought, shaking his head. I can't forget my ultimate goal. I need to focus on getting stronger, on understanding this world. That's the only way I'll figure out how I got here...
He pushed his feelings aside. In a xianxia world, power was everything. He couldn't afford to let sentimentality hold him back. At least not yet.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the village, Kai made his way back to his hut. He had a lot to think about, and a big day ahead of him.
Once inside his room, Kai sat cross-legged on his bed, closing his eyes to meditate. He focused on circulating his qi, feeling the energy flow through his body.
I need to be at my best tomorrow, he thought. Who knows what we'll encounter on this treasure hunt, but it'll probably be a boss-level beast…
Chapter 15 It's not here to make friends!
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 graphics are a lot more realistic.
Liu Wei trudged along beside him, occasionally casting nervous glances at the shadowy undergrowth. The young man's hand kept drifting to the dagger at his belt, as if reassuring himself it was still there.
After about an hour of walking in silence, Liu Wei cleared his throat awkwardly. "So, um, Master Kai... where are you from originally?"
"To be honest, Liu Wei, I don't really remember much," Kai said, keeping his eye on the map. "I must have hit my head or something because a lot of my past is fuzzy."
Liu Wei's face fell slightly, and he looked down at his feet. "Oh... I'm sorry, Master. I didn't mean to pry. You probably don't want to talk about it."
Kai laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "No, no, I'm being honest. I really don't remember much."
Liu Wei perked up a bit at Kai's laughter. "Is Kai Thorn even your real name? It's... kind of strange, if you don't mind me saying."
Kai shrugged, keeping his expression neutral. "That's all I remember. It might be a nickname for all I know. Why? Does it mean something funny in your language?"
Liu Wei shook his head quickly. "No, no! It's just... unusual. I've never heard a name like that before."
"Well, maybe I'm just an unusual guy," Kai said with a wink. "It keeps things interesting, don't you think?"
Liu Wei nodded, a small smile forming on his face. "I suppose it does, Master."
Better to keep things vague, Kai thought. The less I have to lie about, the easier it'll be to keep my story straight.
Sensing Liu Wei's disappointment, Kai decided to change the subject. "What about you, Liu Wei? Where are you from? What happened to your family when you joined the bandits?"
Liu Wei's face clouded over, a mix of sadness and uncertainty in his eyes. "I... I don't know what happened to them. I haven't seen my family in five years, since I was 13."
Kai raised an eyebrow, "Did the bandits promise to leave your family alone if you joined?"
"Yes, the bandit leader promised that if I joined, they'd spare my family. I'm sure they kept their word. They didn't kill them."
Kai kept his face carefully neutral, not wanting to dash Liu Wei's hopes. But inwardly, he was far less certain. Bandit leaders aren't exactly known for their honesty, he thought. But there's no point in telling him that now.
"It'll be nice to see them again someday," Liu Wei said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Have you tried to find them since then?" Kai asked gently.
Liu Wei shook his head. "I was afraid... afraid of what I might find. Or what they might think of me, after all I've done."
Kai placed a hand on Liu Wei's shoulder. "Hey, you were just trying to survive. I'm sure they'd understand that."
"You really think so?" Liu Wei asked, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
Kai nodded. "I do. And you know what? After we've entered the Azure Sky Sect, we'll pay a visit to your village. You can show your family how you've become an Immortal cultivator."
Liu Wei's face lit up, his eyes shining with hope and excitement. "Really, Master? You'd do that for me?"
Kai nodded, smiling. "Of course. What's the point of gaining power if you can't use it to help the people you care about?"
Plus, having a loyal follower with strong motivations is always useful in these kinds of stories, Kai thought pragmatically. Who knows, maybe Liu Wei is secretly a protagonist, he's got the tragic backstory after all…
"Thank you, Master," Liu Wei said, bowing deeply. "I... I don't know what to say."
As they continued walking, Liu Wei peppered Kai with questions about cultivation and the Azure Sky Sect. Kai answered as best he could, drawing on his knowledge of xianxia novels and games to fill in the gaps.
"Master, is it true that the Azure Sky Sect compound is always surrounded by clouds?" Liu Wei asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
Kai nodded sagely. "That's what I've heard from Zhang Wei. They say the clouds are filled with spiritual energy that helps cultivators advance faster."
At least, that's how it usually works in these kinds of settings, Kai thought. I hope I'm not setting us up for disappointment.
Liu Wei's face scrunched up in confusion. "But how do they see where they're going if they're always in the clouds?"
Kai chuckled. "I'm sure they have ways of navigating. Maybe they can sense the spiritual energy, or they have special techniques for parting the clouds."
Or maybe it's just for dramatic effect and they actually live below the cloud line, Kai mused. Fantasy worlds don't always make perfect sense.
"It's beautiful here," Liu Wei remarked, looking at the forest around them. "I never really appreciated nature when I was with the bandits. We were always too busy... well, you know."
Kai nodded. "It's amazing what you can see when you're not constantly looking over your shoulder. But stay alert – beauty can hide danger in this world."
Liu Wei's hand drifted to his dagger again. "You're right, Master. I'll keep my guard up."
As they walked, Kai kept one eye on his map display, watching for any signs of danger or points of interest. The forest around them seemed peaceful enough, with birds chirping and small animals scurrying through the underbrush.
This is almost too easy, Kai thought, a hint of suspicion creeping into his mind. In games, when things seem this calm, it usually means something big is about to happen.
As if on cue, a red dot suddenly appeared on Kai's map, rapidly approaching from the east.
I knew it, Kai thought, his body tensing.
"Liu Wei," Kai said sharply, cutting off the young man's latest question about sect life. "Get up in that tree and cover me."
Liu Wei blinked in surprise but didn't hesitate. Years of following orders as a bandit had honed his reflexes. He scrambled up the nearest tree with impressive agility, positioning himself on a sturdy branch with a clear view of the area.
"What is it, Master?" Liu Wei whispered.
Kai took a deep breath, centering himself as he prepared to face whatever was charging towards them. He ran through his available skills mentally, trying to guess what would be most effective against an unknown enemy.
Iron Skin for defense, Wind Step for mobility, and Flame Palm for offense, Kai decided. But I'll have to be careful with my qi usage. I don't have an infinite mana pool here.
"Something's coming," Kai replied, his eyes scanning the underbrush. "Something big. Be ready with those daggers of yours."
The sound of snapping branches and rustling leaves grew louder. Kai could hear heavy breathing and the thud of something large moving through the forest.
Please don't be a boss monster, Kai thought, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. I'm not nearly high enough level for that yet.
"Master," Liu Wei whispered urgently from above, "I think I see something moving in the bushes to your right!"
Kai nodded, shifting his stance to face the direction. "Good eye, Liu Wei."
Suddenly, the bushes in front of them exploded outward. Kai's eyes widened in shock and disgust as a massive, cockroach-like beast burst into view. It was easily the size of a school bus, its body glowed with a sickly, greenish-black sheen.
Oh, come on! Kai thought, fighting back a wave of revulsion. I hate insects, and definitely those bigger than me!
"By the heavens!" Liu Wei shouted, his voice a mix of awe and terror. "What even is that?"
As the monstrous cockroach skittered towards him on its numerous legs, a message popped up in Kai's vision:
Giant Scavenger Roach
Level: Qi Refining Stage 6
HP: 500/500
Strength: 40
Agility: 37
Endurance: 43
Special Ability: Acidic Spit
Weakness: Fire
"It's a Giant Scavenger Roach," Kai called out, his mind racing to formulate a strategy. "And it doesn't look like it's here to make friends!"