Chapter 5 Building a Small Clientele
Word, in the closed, gossip-fueled environment of the Outer Sect dormitories, traveled faster than Kai had anticipated, albeit in hushed tones and skeptical whispers.
"Did you hear about Mei Ling? Finished three days' worth of laundry in two."
"Yeah, saw her practically bouncing off the walls. Said Kai sold her some weird 'Energy Elixir'."
"Kai? Skinny Kai? Where would he get an elixir?"
"And Yao Fei's hand? Healed up clean in two days. Showed me the 'Mending Kit' Kai gave him. Strange little patches."
"Said it only cost a fragment? Cheaper than Elder Miao's cheapest salve..."
The initial skepticism remained, but it was now tinged with curiosity. Kai's products, while bizarre and unconventional, seemed to actually work, at least for the minor issues they claimed to address. The energy shot provided a noticeable caffeine and sugar jolt, interpreted as a stamina boost. The first-aid kit offered basic wound care far superior to rubbing dirt on a scrape or using a torn piece of cloth. Even the chocolate bars, providing a quick sugar high and the minor mood lift from theobromine, were perceived as effective "Blissful Energy Bars" in a world devoid of such simple pleasures.
Kai capitalized on this nascent interest cautiously. He didn't proactively seek out new customers aggressively. Instead, he let them come to him, usually approaching him hesitantly after hearing the rumors. He stuck to the areas around his dorm or the less crowded training grounds, always operating discreetly.
He made sure to ask his initial customers how the products worked out. When Mei Ling confirmed the 'elixir' helped immensely (though she did complain about the subsequent crash), Kai offered her a slight discount on her next purchase 'for her valuable feedback'. This prompted a system notification:
[Customer Feedback Recorded: Mei Ling - Energy Elixir]
[Positive Outcome Reported. Minor Side Effect Noted (Energy Crash).]
[System Suggestion: Implement Loyalty Program? Offer Discounts for Testimonials/Ratings?]
Kai mentally accepted the suggestion. He started offering small discounts – a fragment saved here, an extra 'Blissful Energy Bar' thrown in there – for disciples willing to share their positive experiences (discreetly, of course) with others or provide a 'rating' (which translated to a system prompt appearing for Kai after the disciple confirmed satisfaction).
This strategy proved effective. It incentivized word-of-mouth marketing and helped him manage his reputation. His customer base slowly grew beyond the initial five. Ten, then fifteen disciples became semi-regular customers, seeking him out for energy boosts before tough chores, quick fixes for minor injuries, or just a moment of 'bliss' after a harsh training session.
He used his accumulating points and fragments to maintain a small, rotating stock of his core items, always purchased through the system and materialized when needed. He learned to manage his meager resources carefully, balancing reinvestment in stock with the desperate need to save for his own cultivation aids.
Energy Elixir (Energy Shot): 2 fragments or 1 Point. Consistent seller.
Instant Mending Kit (First Aid Kit): 1 fragment or 2 Points. Popular for sparring injuries.
Blissful Energy Bar (Chocolate Bar): 1 fragment for two, or 1 Point per 3 bars. Impulse buy, good for morale.
He resisted the urge to list more complex items yet, sticking to what he knew was effective and easy to explain. His descriptions became more refined, leaning into the mystical angle without being overly outlandish. He spoke of "condensed vital essences," "rapid energy conversion formulas," and "ancient mortal mending techniques rediscovered."
His earnings, while still small by any real cultivation standard, felt like a fortune to him. By the end of the second week, he had accumulated nearly thirty Low-Grade Spirit Stone Fragments and, more importantly, his System Points had climbed past 30. He was getting closer to the 50-point threshold for Level 1.
His interactions also provided valuable market intelligence. He learned about the disciples' routines, their common complaints, the things they lacked most. He heard whispers about upcoming sect events, about the instructors' moods, about the movements of bullies like Zhang Long. This information was almost as valuable as the fragments themselves.
Kai himself was changing. The initial shock and despair of transmigration were receding, replaced by a focused determination. He was still physically weak (stuck at Qi Condensation Level 1), but he carried himself with a quiet confidence that hadn't existed before. He wasn't just prey anymore; he was a provider, a problem-solver, albeit a very strange one.
The other outer disciples started treating him differently. The outright contempt was mostly gone, replaced by curiosity, wary respect, and sometimes, a hint of dependence. They didn't understand where his goods came from, but they knew they worked and that Kai was the source. He was no longer just 'Skinny Kai'; he was 'Kai the Vendor', the guy with the strange but useful elixirs and kits.
This small success, however, was a double-edged sword. In the stratified, resource-scarce environment of the Outer Sect, any change, any small accumulation of wealth or influence, inevitably attracted attention – not all of it friendly. Kai knew his low profile couldn't last forever. Trouble was brewing, and its name was Zhang Long.
Chapter 6 First Confrontation
Zhang Long stretched, his knuckles cracking loudly. A smug grin spread across his broad, rather brutish face as he surveyed the Outer Sect training grounds. He was Qi Condensation Level 3, not a genius by any means, but strong enough among the dregs of the Outer Sect to enforce his own hierarchy through intimidation and violence. His usual targets – the weakest and most timid disciples – were his primary source of amusement and occasional small 'donations' of spirit stone fragments or meager rations.
Lately, however, things had felt… off.
Lin Fan, that sniveling worm he'd personally 'disciplined' a couple of weeks ago, wasn't looking quite so pathetic. He moved with a bit more energy during chores, and the limp he should have had for weeks seemed to have vanished remarkably quickly. Yao Fei, another favorite punching bag, actually managed to block one of his casual shoves yesterday, his stance surprisingly steady. And Mei Ling, usually easy to corner and 'borrow' fragments from, had somehow found the energy to consistently avoid him, completing her tasks with unnatural speed.
It wasn't just them. A subtle shift was occurring among the lowest tier of disciples. They seemed less cowed, less prone to absolute despair. They still feared him, yes, but the crushing hopelessness that made them such easy targets seemed slightly diminished.
Then came the whispers. Initially dismissed as nonsense, the rumors persisted, always circling back to one name: Kai. That useless piece of trash who should have been crippled, if not dead, after their last 'session'. Apparently, Kai was selling things. Strange things. Noodles that healed, drinks that gave unnatural energy, patches that mended wounds overnight.
Zhang Long scoffed. Elixirs? Mending Kits? From Kai? Impossible. The boy was talentless, penniless, barely clinging to life. He must have stumbled upon some minor lucky chance, found a forgotten low-grade herb, or perhaps was simply running a scam, preying on the desperation of fools. But the fact that these fools seemed better after dealing with Kai, and that Kai himself was still walking around, even looking slightly less starved than before… it irked Zhang Long immensely.
Where did Kai get these supposed goods? More importantly, where did he get the spirit stones he was allegedly charging? Fragments, even low-grade ones, were valuable. If Kai was accumulating them, then by Zhang Long's logic, they rightfully belonged to someone stronger. Someone like him.
He decided it was time to pay Kai a visit, remind him of the natural order of things in the Outer Sect, and relieve him of whatever 'treasures' and earnings he possessed. It would be easy. Kai was still just Qi Condensation Level 1, a walking twig. Even with Lin Fan or Yao Fei possibly feeling slightly better, they wouldn't dare interfere when he made his move.
He gathered his two usual lackeys, Wang Tao and Li Chen, both Qi Condensation Level 2 and utterly subservient to his whims. "We're going to have a chat with Kai," Zhang Long announced, cracking his knuckles again. "I hear he's come into some interesting things. It's time he shared his good fortune."
Wang Tao snickered. "About time, Boss. Heard he sold Mei Ling some weird drink. Maybe he has more?"
"Whatever he has, it belongs to us now," Zhang Long declared. "He seems to have forgotten who runs things around here."
They found Kai near the edge of the woods behind the dormitories, the same area where he'd first met Lin Fan. He seemed to be counting something – small, dull grey fragments – before carefully tucking them into a pouch. Spirit stones! Zhang Long's eyes gleamed with greed.
"Well, well, look what we have here," Zhang Long drawled, stepping out from behind a large tree, his lackeys flanking him, effectively blocking Kai's escape routes. "Counting your ill-gotten gains, Kai?"
Kai looked up, his eyes widening slightly in surprise, but Zhang Long didn't see the abject terror he expected. There was caution, yes, but also a flicker of something else… calculation? Annoyance? It angered Zhang Long further.
"Zhang Long," Kai acknowledged, his voice surprisingly steady. He slowly stood up, subtly shifting his stance. "What do you want?"
"What do I want?" Zhang Long laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "I want to know where a piece of trash like you got spirit stones. I want to know what little tricks you're playing, selling snake oil to idiots. And then," he stepped closer, looming over Kai, "I want everything you have. The stones, the 'miracle goods', whatever secrets you think you're hiding."
He gestured to Wang Tao and Li Chen. "Empty his pockets. And if he resists… remind him how he got those injuries he seems to have forgotten about."
The two lackeys grinned maliciously and started moving towards Kai. Zhang Long crossed his arms, anticipating Kai's inevitable pleading or pathetic attempt to flee. This would be quick. He'd beat the information out of him, take his things, and re-establish his dominance. Simple.
But Kai didn't plead. He didn't try to run. He just watched Zhang Long's cronies approach, his expression hardening, a strange light entering his eyes. Zhang Long felt a fleeting, inexplicable sense of unease, quickly dismissed as ridiculous. What could this Level 1 weakling possibly do?
Chapter 7 Unexpected Defense
Kai had known this confrontation was inevitable. Zhang Long wasn't subtle, and Kai's small but growing enterprise, dealing in actual resources like spirit stone fragments, was bound to attract the bully's greedy attention. He hadn't been idle while building his customer base; he'd also been preparing, using the system in ways that went beyond simple commerce.
Seeing Zhang Long and his goons appear, confirming his suspicions, Kai's mind went into overdrive. Running was pointless; they were faster and knew the terrain. Pleading was useless; Zhang Long thrived on dominance. Fighting seemed suicidal – Level 1 against a Level 3 and two Level 2s. But 'suicidal' didn't account for the system.
As Wang Tao and Li Chen advanced, smirking, Kai quickly accessed the System Store through his mental interface. His System Points balance stood at 38 after his recent sales.
[System Store - Consumables (System Specific)]
[Temporary Stat Boost (Minor - Strength)]: +5% boost for 10 minutes. Cost: 5 System Points.
[Temporary Stat Boost (Minor - Agility)]: +5% boost for 10 minutes. Cost: 5 System Points.
Purchase Strength Boost! Purchase Agility Boost! Activate Immediately!
[Purchase Confirmed: Strength Boost (Minor). Cost: 5 Points.]
[Purchase Confirmed: Agility Boost (Minor). Cost: 5 Points.]
[System Points Balance: 28]
[Activating Boosts… Duration: 10 minutes.]
A subtle warmth spread through Kai's muscles, a feeling of enhanced readiness, a lightness in his limbs that wasn't there moments before. It wasn't a massive surge of power, just a slight edge, but combined with his other preparation, it might be enough.
He had also spent several points over the past week accessing the 'Earth Knowledge Archive (Trial Access)', specifically searching for basic self-defense principles, anti-bullying tactics, and human anatomy weak points. He wasn't Bruce Lee, but he now understood leverage, balance, and where a quick, unexpected strike could have the most impact, especially against untrained brutes who relied solely on superior strength.
Wang Tao reached him first, grabbing for the pouch at Kai's waist. Li Chen moved to flank him, ready to grab his arms. They expected submission.
They got surprise.
Instead of cowering, Kai moved. Driven by the agility boost and pre-planned action, he twisted sharply away from Wang Tao's grab, his movement slightly faster than a normal Level 1 should manage. Simultaneously, using the principles of leverage he'd studied, he dropped his weight slightly and drove his elbow, reinforced by the minor strength boost, backwards into Wang Tao's exposed ribs.
Crack!
It wasn't loud, but the sickening crunch and Wang Tao's sudden gasp of pain were unmistakable. Wang Tao stumbled back, clutching his side, his eyes wide with shock and agony. He hadn't expected any resistance, let alone a blow forceful enough to potentially crack a rib.
Li Chen paused, startled by his companion's cry. That momentary hesitation was all Kai needed. Pivoting on his heel, Kai lashed out with a quick, clumsy but surprisingly effective kick, not aimed high but low, connecting solidly with Li Chen's shin.
Another yelp of pain. Li Chen hopped backwards, his smirk replaced with a grimace. Kicks to the shin weren't powerful cultivation techniques, but they hurt, and they weren't something cultivators, used to trading Qi-based blows, typically expected or guarded against in a low-level scuffle.
Zhang Long's jaw dropped. He stared in disbelief as both his lackeys were momentarily incapacitated by the weakest disciple in the Outer Sect. "You… What the hell was that?"
Kai didn't answer. Adrenaline surged through him, mixing with the system boosts. He faced Zhang Long directly, his stance low, fists raised defensively – a posture copied from one of the self-defense videos. It probably looked ridiculous to a cultivator, but it served its purpose: showing he wasn't going to simply roll over.
"Get him!" Zhang Long roared, recovering from his shock, his face flushing with anger and humiliation. He surged forward, launching a straightforward punch imbued with the faint grey Qi of a Qi Condensation Level 3. It wasn't a sophisticated technique, just brute force aimed at Kai's face.
Kai, aided by the agility boost and his focus, saw the punch coming. It was faster and stronger than anything his lackeys could manage, but it was also linear, predictable. He didn't try to block it head-on. Instead, he ducked under the blow, the rush of air from Zhang Long's fist passing over his head. As he came up, remembering a move from the archive about disrupting balance, he stomped hard on Zhang Long's leading foot.
Zhang Long roared again, this time in pain and surprise, his balance momentarily compromised. He hadn't anticipated such unorthodox, almost dirty tactics. Who stomps on feet in a cultivator fight?
Kai didn't press the attack. He knew he couldn't actually beat Zhang Long in a prolonged fight, even with the boosts. His goal was deterrence, shock, and escape. He used Zhang Long's momentary imbalance to quickly step back, putting distance between them.
Zhang Long glared, clutching his bruised foot, his eyes promising murder. Wang Tao was still wheezing, clutching his ribs. Li Chen was rubbing his shin, looking hesitant to re-engage. The situation had shifted dramatically. Zhang Long was still stronger, but Kai had shown unexpected, painful resistance. More importantly, Zhang Long was wary of serious injury. The Outer Sect assessment competition was only a few months away; getting injured now, even slightly, could jeopardize his chances of getting noticed or performing well. A brawl with a Level 1 nobody wasn't worth that risk, especially one who fought dirty.
"You… you little worm!" Zhang Long snarled, breathing heavily. "You got lucky. This isn't over. I'll get you back for this, mark my words!"
He shot a glare at his injured lackeys. "Useless! Let's go!"
He limped away, supporting himself slightly, throwing one last hateful look over his shoulder at Kai. Wang Tao and Li Chen scrambled to follow, casting fearful glances back at the disciple who had suddenly, inexplicably, fought back.
Kai stood his ground until they were out of sight, his heart hammering, his muscles trembling from adrenaline and the fading system boosts. He quickly checked his own status; unharmed, just shaken. He looked down at his hands. It had worked. He hadn't won a glorious victory, but he had defended himself, protected his earnings, and sent a clear message. He wasn't easy prey anymore.
The confrontation had cost him 10 System Points, but the return on investment – safety, deterrence, and a surge of self-confidence – was immeasurable. However, he also knew Zhang Long's threat wasn't empty. He had bought himself time, but he needed to get stronger, faster. And the system… the system was leveling up.
Chapter 8 System Level Up - Tier 1
Just as the adrenaline from the confrontation with Zhang Long began to ebb, replaced by a bone-deep weariness and the lingering ache in muscles pushed harder than they were used to, the familiar, clear chime echoed in Kai's mind, accompanied by a celebratory flash on the system interface.
[Ding!]
[Vendor Level Increased to 1!]
[Requirements Met:]
[✓] System Points Earned: 50+ (Current: 62 - Includes points earned before spending)
[✓] Unique Customers: 10+ (Current: 17)
[✓] Average Customer Rating: 4+ Stars (Current: 4.6 Stars)
[Congratulations, Vendor #1! You have successfully navigated the initial phase of market entry.]
[New Features Unlocked:]
[+] System Store Category: Low-Tier Fictional Items
[+] System Function: Basic Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
[+] System Storage: Personal Dimension Storage (Capacity: 1 Cubic Meter)
[+] System Access: Basic Quest/Task Board (Optional)
Kai stared at the notifications, a wide grin spreading across his face, momentarily forgetting his fatigue and the lingering threat from Zhang Long. Level 1! He had done it. Fifty points had seemed like a mountain to climb just weeks ago, scraping by with single-fragment sales.
He eagerly explored the new features, his mind buzzing with possibilities.
First, the System Store. He navigated to the newly unlocked category: [Low-Tier Fictional Items]. His breath hitched. This wasn't just mundane Earth stuff anymore.
Senzu Bean (Fragment): A tiny piece of a legendary bean. Instantly restores 10% Stamina and Qi when consumed. Single use. Cost: 50 System Points.
Mana Potion (Diluted): A faint blue liquid reminiscent of countless RPGs. Instantly restores 5% Qi when consumed. Single use. Cost: 25 System Points.
Gamer's Health Potion (Minor): A bubbling red concoction. Heals minor cuts and bruises over the course of 1 hour. Significantly reduces pain sensation during healing. Single use. Cost: 30 System Points.
Bag of Holding (Smallest): A simple cloth pouch that can hold slightly more than its appearance suggests (approx. 0.1 cubic meter internal space). Requires minor Qi activation. Cost: 75 System Points.
Ring of Minor Warmth: A plain metal ring that maintains a comfortable warmth against the skin. Negligible Qi cost. Cost: 15 System Points.
Kai's eyes widened. Senzu Beans? Mana Potions? These were items straight out of fiction, yet here they were, offered as real products by the system. The costs were significantly higher than the basic Earth goods, reflecting their presumably greater effects, but the potential was enormous. A Senzu Bean Fragment, restoring 10% Qi and Stamina instantly, could be a lifesaver in a fight or a crucial boost during cultivation. The Gamer's Health Potion offered healing superior to his 'Instant Mending Kit'. These items, marketed correctly, could fetch far higher prices than energy drinks or chocolate bars.
Next, he checked the Basic CRM. The interface showed a list of his 17 unique customers. He could now add notes to each entry (e.g., 'Mei Ling - Needs energy, careful with funds', 'Yao Fei - Prone to sparring injuries'). The system also offered options to 'Send Discreet Notification' about new products or 'Offer Targeted Discount' based on purchase history. This would allow him to manage his growing clientele more effectively and discreetly, building loyalty.
Then came the Personal Dimension Storage. A new icon appeared on his main interface. Focusing on it, Kai felt a strange connection open up. He visualized the small pile of spirit stone fragments he currently had hidden in his bunk – about 45 low-grade fragments. He mentally commanded: Store fragments.
With a faint shimmer that only he could perceive, the physical fragments vanished from their hiding spot. Simultaneously, the 'Storage' interface updated to show: [Low-Grade Spirit Stone Fragments x 45]. He then focused on the remaining energy drinks and first-aid supplies he had stashed. Store items. They too vanished, appearing as icons within the storage grid, which the system described as a stable dimensional pocket linked directly to him, accessible mentally. One cubic meter wasn't huge – about the size of a small washing machine – but it was perfect for holding his inventory securely and invisibly. No more hiding things under loose floorboards!
Finally, the Basic Quest/Task Board. Accessing it revealed a simple list of system-generated objectives, mostly related to expanding his business.
[Ongoing Task: Reach Vendor Level 2 (Requires 500 Points, 50 Unique Customers, Avg. Rating 4.5 Stars)] Reward: Further System Upgrades.
[New Task: Introduce a 'Fictional Item' to the Market] Goal: Successfully sell one item from the Low-Tier Fictional category. Reward: 10 System Points, +0.1 Cubic Meter Storage Space.
[New Task: Acquire a Formal Cultivation Manual] Goal: Obtain a complete Qi Condensation level cultivation technique manual recognized by the local world. Reward: 15 System Points, System Analysis of Manual (Potential Optimization Suggestions).
These tasks provided clear goals and tangible rewards, guiding his progress. The task to acquire a cultivation manual struck a chord. His biggest bottleneck right now, besides attracting trouble, was his own abysmal cultivation speed, still stuck at Level 1 despite the minor boost from his first earned point. He desperately needed a proper technique, not just the basic breathing exercises taught universally in the Outer Sect.
The system upgrade felt like a massive leap forward. He had better potential products, better tools to manage his business, secure storage, and clearer objectives. The risks were still there – Zhang Long wouldn't forget the humiliation – but Kai's ability to navigate them had just increased significantly.
He took a deep breath, the earlier tension draining away, replaced by a fresh wave of determination. Fictional items, CRM, dimension storage… the possibilities were intoxicating. First order of business: figure out how to get a real cultivation manual without spending the fortune they usually cost. He scanned the new Task Board again. The system itself was encouraging it. There had to be a way.
Chapter 9 Acquiring a Cultivation Manual
Weeks passed. Kai carefully managed his burgeoning micro-enterprise, utilizing the new CRM features to maintain contact with his small but growing list of customers. He discreetly introduced the 'Gamer's Health Potion (Minor)' – rebranded as 'Rapid Recovery Salve' – selling a couple to disciples with persistent training injuries at a premium price of 5 fragments each. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, further boosting his reputation among the lowest tier and earning him precious System Points. His point balance slowly crept towards 50 again, while his spirit stone fragment count reached just over 60 – a small fortune for an outer disciple.
His dimension storage proved invaluable, allowing him to carry his entire inventory without suspicion. He even bought a 'Ring of Minor Warmth' for 15 points, reveling in the simple comfort it provided against the pervasive chill of the dorms, easily explained away as a lucky trinket.
Zhang Long and his cronies kept their distance, occasionally shooting venomous glares his way but making no overt moves. The public, albeit brief, humiliation seemed to have worked, at least for now. Kai knew it was temporary, but it gave him breathing room.
His primary frustration remained his own cultivation. He was still stuck at Qi Condensation Level 1. The basic breathing exercises taught freely felt like trying to fill a lake with a dripping faucet. He needed a proper manual, a structured technique to guide Qi absorption and circulation efficiently. The System Task incentivizing this acquisition gnawed at him.
Such manuals, however, were tightly controlled or expensive. Official sect manuals required significant contribution points earned through difficult tasks or exceptional performance, far beyond his current reach. Black market manuals were often incomplete, flawed, or exorbitantly priced, requiring hundreds, if not thousands, of fragments. He simply didn't have the capital.
He started listening more intently in common areas, during meals, near the chore assignment boards, hoping to overhear something useful. His break came unexpectedly in the Outer Sect refectory, a noisy hall filled with disciples gulping down bland congee.
At a nearby table sat Wang Hao, an Outer Disciple known less for his cultivation (a mediocre Level 4) and more for his obsessive hobby: collecting cultivation manuals. He wasn't particularly talented at practicing them, but he loved possessing them, often trading duplicates or fragments of techniques with others. Today, however, Wang Hao wasn't boasting about his collection; he was ranting.
"...unbelievable! Three weeks, and still no word!" Wang Hao slammed his bowl down, splashing congee. His companions exchanged weary glances. "My cousin, Meng, in Willow Creek Town – he promised me that fragment of the 'Wind Chaser Steps' technique! He should have sent word via carrier bird days ago! How am I supposed to complete my collection if I can't even communicate reliably?"
Willow Creek Town was a good two days' journey away. Carrier birds were the standard method for long-distance communication, but they were slow, unreliable, and could be intercepted by beasts or weather.
"Maybe the bird got lost?" one companion offered meekly.
"Lost? Or maybe Meng just changed his mind! Or maybe he's in trouble! How would I know?" Wang Hao fumed. "If only there was a faster way to send messages… I'd trade that spare 'Azure Cloud Qi Manual' I have just to know what's going on!"
Kai's ears perked up instantly. Faster way to send messages? Spare Azure Cloud Qi Manual?
The Azure Cloud Qi Manual was the standard, foundational technique of the Azure Cloud Sect. While considered basic by Inner Sect standards, it was a complete, reliable Qi Condensation manual – vastly superior to the generic breathing exercises Kai currently used. For an Outer Disciple like Wang Hao, who collected rarer or more specialized techniques, it might indeed be considered 'spare'.
And a faster way to communicate? Kai's mind immediately jumped to the System Store. He hadn't explored all the basic Earth Goods thoroughly.
He quickly retreated to his bunk, pulling up the interface. He scrolled through the 'Earth Goods (Basic)' list, looking past the consumables. Tools… electronics… there!
[Item: Burner Phone (Basic Model - No Service Plan Included)]
Description: Simple mobile communication device. Facilitates near-instantaneous voice or text transmission over dedicated networks (Network access simulated via System Link for demonstration purposes). Limited battery life (rechargeable via Qi-to-Electric Converter - Sold Separately or requires Vendor Level 2).
Cost: 80 Low-Grade Spirit Stone Fragments OR 15 System Points.
15 points! Affordable. He had 58 points currently. The implications hit him. He could offer Wang Hao something seemingly magical – instant communication – in exchange for the cultivation manual he desperately needed. The system could simulate the connection for a demonstration. He wouldn't even need to provide a long-term service plan, just the device itself as a 'Communication Jade'.
The opportunity was perfect. Wang Hao was frustrated, publicly stated his desire, and named his price – the exact manual Kai needed. It felt tailor-made by the system task itself.
He spent the 15 points, materializing the cheap, plastic burner phone inside his dimension storage. It felt flimsy and outdated by Earth standards, but here? It could be passed off as an arcane artifact. He also spent an hour in the 'Earth Knowledge Archive' (costing 1 point) learning the absolute basics of operating the phone and how to convincingly fake a text message exchange using the system's simulation capabilities.
Plan set, Kai took a deep breath. Time to approach Wang Hao, the manual collector, and make him an offer he couldn't refuse. This was his chance to finally start cultivating properly.
Chapter 10 The 'Communication Jade' Sale
Kai found Wang Hao the next morning near the Outer Sect's Contribution Board, still muttering darkly about unreliable cousins and lost carrier birds. Wang Hao looked stressed, his usual collector's enthusiasm replaced by anxious frustration. Perfect timing.
"Senior Brother Wang," Kai greeted him respectfully, using the common polite address for a disciple of higher cultivation, even if only marginally so.
Wang Hao glanced up, annoyed at being interrupted. "What is it, Junior Brother Kai? Can't you see I'm busy?"
"Apologies, Senior Brother," Kai said smoothly. "I couldn't help but overhear your concerns yesterday regarding communication with your cousin in Willow Creek Town."
Wang Hao snorted. "Concerns? It's a disaster! That idiot Meng probably traded the technique fragment away already. And I won't know for weeks!"
"Perhaps," Kai lowered his voice conspiratorially, "there is a way. A faster method. Instantaneous, even."
Wang Hao stopped fidgeting and stared at Kai, suspicion warring with desperate hope in his eyes. "Instantaneous? What are you talking about? Spirit Pigeons take half a day if you're lucky. Teleportation arrays? Don't be ridiculous, we're in the Outer Sect."
"Not an array, Senior Brother," Kai said, carefully pulling the burner phone from his dimension storage (making it seem like he retrieved it from within his robes). He held the cheap plastic device out. It was off, a blank black screen. "This is a… Long-Range Communication Jade. A rare artifact I was fortunate enough to acquire."
Wang Hao squinted at the object. It looked nothing like any jade slip or communication talisman he had ever seen. It was black, smooth, oddly shaped. "Communication Jade? Never heard of such a thing. Looks like polished stone… or strange lacquered wood."
"Its appearance belies its function," Kai said mysteriously. He pressed the power button. The screen flickered to life, displaying a simple, generic startup logo followed by a basic menu with icons for calls, messages, and contacts – all in a script the system rendered comprehensible to Wang Hao.
Wang Hao's eyes widened. "It… lights up? By itself?"
"It holds a unique energy signature," Kai explained vaguely. "Now, watch." He navigated to the messaging app using the simple buttons. He quickly typed a pre-prepared message: "Meng, this is Wang Hao. Urgent reply needed regarding Wind Chaser Steps fragment. Respond immediately via this Jade." He addressed it to 'Meng - Willow Creek'.
"You just… wrote on the light?" Wang Hao breathed, fascinated.
"I inscribed my intent," Kai corrected. "Now, I send the message." He pressed the 'Send' button. On the screen, the message showed as 'Delivered'.
Almost instantly, simulating an incoming message via the system link, the phone chimed softly, and a new message appeared: "Cousin Hao! Apologies! Was delayed by unexpected beast encounter near town. Technique fragment is safe. Will send via fastest pigeon tomorrow! - Meng."
Wang Hao stared, utterly dumbfounded. His jaw hung open. He snatched the phone from Kai's hand, turning it over and over, examining the screen where the 'conversation' was displayed. "Instant? He replied… instantly? From Willow Creek?" The implications were staggering. Forget carrier pigeons, this was faster than anything he could have imagined.
"As I said, Senior Brother. Instantaneous communication," Kai said calmly, hiding his own relief that the system simulation worked so seamlessly.
Wang Hao looked from the phone back to Kai, his eyes gleaming with avarice and excitement. "This… this artifact… where did you get it? How much do you want for it?"
Kai feigned thoughtful consideration. "It is indeed rare. However, I happen to have overheard your willingness yesterday… You mentioned a spare 'Azure Cloud Qi Manual'?"
Wang Hao's excitement dimmed slightly, replaced by a calculating look. The manual was basic, yes, but still a complete technique. This 'Jade', however… the ability to communicate instantly over such distances was revolutionary. Think of the trading opportunities, the information gathering! It was worth far more than a standard manual.
"The Azure Cloud Qi Manual…" Wang Hao mused, then nodded decisively. "Yes! Yes, a fair trade! The manual for this Communication Jade!" He clearly thought he was getting the better end of the deal.
"Excellent," Kai smiled inwardly. He produced a blank scroll and ink – standard items available cheaply. "If Senior Brother Wang would be so kind as to transcribe the manual now? To ensure accuracy, of course." He didn't want Wang Hao changing his mind or providing an incomplete copy later.
Eager to get his hands on the phone, Wang Hao readily agreed. They found a quiet corner, and Wang Hao, with practiced strokes, meticulously copied the entire Azure Cloud Qi Manual onto the scroll. It detailed the nine levels of Qi Condensation according to the sect's foundational principles, specific circulation pathways, absorption techniques, and Qi control exercises.
Once finished, Kai carefully reviewed the scroll. It seemed complete and matched the general knowledge he possessed from the previous Kai's fragmented understanding.
"The manual seems correct," Kai declared. "A pleasure doing business with you, Senior Brother."
He handed the burner phone to Wang Hao, who clutched it like precious treasure. In return, Kai took the freshly transcribed scroll.
[New Task Update: Acquire a Formal Cultivation Manual - COMPLETE!]
[Reward: 15 System Points. System Analysis of 'Azure Cloud Qi Manual' Available.]
[System Points Balance: 58 + 15 = 73]
Holding the scroll felt momentous. It wasn't just paper and ink; it was his key to finally stepping onto the true path of cultivation in this world. He could practically feel the Qi Condensation Level 2 beckoning him.
Wang Hao was already fiddling with the phone, trying to send another message to his cousin, completely oblivious to the fact that the 'Jade' would never connect to anything now that the system wasn't actively simulating it for the demonstration. Kai felt a brief pang of guilt, quickly suppressed. Wang Hao got what he desired – a seemingly magical artifact – and Kai got what he needed. A fair trade, by the harsh rules of this world.
He hurried back to his bunk, eager to study the manual and, more importantly, see what the system's 'analysis' could offer. The journey to strength had just taken a significant leap forward.