A few days had passed since the Talent Ceremony, Kai, Liu Wei, and Zhi-Zhi made their way through the busy crowd as they headed towards the village entrance.

Just a few more steps, and we're off to the Azure Sky Sect, Kai thought. Time to see if all that grinding was enough.

He glanced at the tiny spirit beast sitting on Liu Wei's head. Zhi-Zhi had his chest puffed out, looking for all the world like a proud emperor surveying his domain.

"Zhi-Zhi," Kai said, breaking the silence, "are you absolutely sure you want to come with us to the Azure Sky Sect? It’s more of a place for human cultivators, I’m not sure how they treat spirit beasts there."

The tortoise turned his head, fixing Kai with a haughty stare. "Of course I'm sure! You two clearly need my guidance and protection. Consider yourselves lucky I've decided to grace you with my presence."

Liu Wei chuckled nervously. "We're certainly grateful, Master Zhi-Zhi. Though I hope we won't need too much protection at a righteous sect."

"Ha!" Zhi-Zhi scoffed. "You clearly don't know much about cultivator politics, my naive disciple. Even 'righteous' sects can be cutthroat."

Kai nodded, his expression turning serious. "Zhi-Zhi's right, Liu Wei. We need to be on our guard, especially..." He trailed off, remembering Elder Feng's keen interest in their spirit beast companion.

"Especially what, Master?" Liu Wei asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

Kai shook his head. "Nothing specific. Just... keep your wits about you, both of you. And Zhi-Zhi, try not to draw too much attention, okay?"

The spirit beast huffed. "As if I could help being extraordinary! But fine, I'll try to dim my radiance... a little."

As they walked, Kai's thoughts drifted to the new skill he'd unlocked. Iron Rebound. Five percent chance to reflect damage... not bad for a passive ability. But why couldn't I unlock anything new from Wind Step or Flame Palm?

He'd spent hours over the past few days pushing those skills to their limits, hoping to trigger some hidden technique or evolution. But no matter how he varied his qi flow or adjusted his movements, nothing new had manifested.

Maybe there's a cooldown on skill evolution? Or perhaps Iron Skin was just a special case. I'll have to keep experimenting.

Liu Wei's voice broke through Kai's musings. "Master, do you think... do you think we'll make it into the sect?"

Kai turned to his companion, noting the anxiety on Liu Wei's face. The former bandit had made remarkable progress in his cultivation, but his confidence still lagged behind his abilities.

"We've got a good chance," Kai replied. "You've worked hard, Liu Wei. Your Wind affinity is strong, and you've got skills that many pampered young masters lack. Just stay focused during the trials and trust in your abilities."

Liu Wei nodded, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "Thank you, Master. I just... I can't help but worry. This is such a big opportunity, and after everything that happened with the bandits..."

"Hey," Kai said, placing a hand on Liu Wei's shoulder. "The past is the past. You're not that person anymore. Actually, you were never that kind of person. The Azure Sky Sect will see that."

At least, I hope they will, Kai added silently. If not, we might need to find a backup plan.

As they approached the village entrance, Kai spotted Elder Zhang Wei deep in conversation with Outer Elder Feng. The two older cultivators stood apart from a small crowd of villagers, their expressions serious.

Kai's gaze swept the gathering, quickly locating Shen Yu. The mysterious youth stood silently by Elder Feng's side, his face an expressionless mask. Unlike the other villagers, who buzzed with excitement and nervous energy, Shen Yu seemed utterly unaffected by the momentous occasion.

Still playing it cool, huh? Kai mused, studying the boy. Either he's got nerves of steel or...

His train of thought was interrupted as Elder Zhang spotted their approach. The old man's face lit up with a mixture of pride and concern.

"Ah, there you are!" Zhang called out, waving them over. "Come, come. Elder Feng was just asking about you."

As they drew closer, Kai noticed Elder Feng's gaze fixate on Zhi-Zhi. The Outer Elder's eyes narrowed slightly, a calculating look visible for just a moment before his expression smoothed into a benign smile. “Are you prepared for your journey?"

Kai bowed. "Yes, Elder Feng. We're ready to depart."

Elder Feng's eyes turned to Zhi-Zhi, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. "And who might this little one belong to? I don't believe I've seen such an... interesting spirit beast before."

Before Kai could answer, Zhi-Zhi bristled. "I am the great Zhi-Zhi! And I belong to no one, thank you very much. I'm not some common pet to be owned and paraded about! I am my own master!"

A hush fell over the villagers. Even Liu Wei seemed to hold his breath, waiting to see how the Outer Elder would react to the spirit beast’s bluntness or as some would call it, rudeness.

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Elder Feng's eyes widened slightly before a smile spread across his face. It wasn't a kind smile, though. There was something predatory lurking beneath the surface.

Crap, Kai thought. All he is thinking now is that Zhi-Zhi is up for grabs. This could be trouble.

"My apologies, noble spirit beast," Feng said, his tone smooth as silk. "I meant no offense. It's rare to encounter one such as yourself, especially in a small village like this."

Kai stepped forward, hoping to redirect the conversation. "Zhi-Zhi has been a great help to us, Elder Feng. He is our friend, and his wisdom has been invaluable in our cultivation journey."

"I'm sure it has," Feng murmured, his gaze still locked on the tiny tortoise.

Elder Zhang cleared his throat, breaking the tension. "Well then, shall we proceed with the farewells? I'm sure you're eager to be on your way."

The next few minutes passed in a blur of tearful goodbyes and well-wishes from the villagers. Kai found himself surrounded by people he'd barely spoken to during his time in the village, all suddenly eager to claim a connection to the promising young cultivator.

Kai turned to Elder Zhang. The old man's eyes were misty, though he tried to hide it behind a gruff exterior.

"Elder Zhang," Kai said, bowing deeply. "I can't thank you enough for everything you've taught me."

Zhang waved off the thanks, though Kai could see he was pleased. "Bah, you did all the hard work yourself, boy. I just pointed you in the right direction. Now, remember what I taught you about sect politics. Keep your head down, work hard, and don't draw too much attention to yourself."

"I'll do my best, Elder Zhang. And don't worry about the village. I'm sure they'll be fine without us."

At this, Kai turned to Elder Feng, his expression carefully neutral. "Although, I must admit I am a bit concerned, Elder Feng. The village was recently attacked by bandits, and now that we're leaving..."

He let the implication hang in the air, watching Feng's reaction closely.

The Outer Elder waved a hand dismissively. "You needn't worry. Should any of you successfully enter the Azure Sky Sect, the village will naturally fall under our protection."

Elder Zhang nodded in agreement. "It's true. When I was still a disciple of the sect, Misty Waterfall Village enjoyed the full protection of Azure Sky. It was only after I... left that they had to fend for themselves."

It makes sense that the sect's protection is conditional on having an active disciple.

As Kai continued saying his goodbye, he made his way to a certain old man. "Chen Lao."

Chen Lao's eyes crinkled with a mixture of pride and sadness. "Ah, young Kai. Look at you now, off to join a great sect. Hard to believe it's the same lost boy who stumbled into our village a few weeks ago.”

Kai bowed to the old man. "I owe you a great debt, Chen Lao. You gave me a place to stay, work in the granary... you helped me find my feet."

Chen Lao waved off the thanks. "Bah, you repaid that debt a hundred times over with your hard work and by protecting the village. Just don't forget us little folk when you become a great immortal, eh?"

Kai grinned, clasping the old man's shoulder. "I could never forget you, Chen Lao. Take care of yourself, and keep an eye on that leaky roof of yours."

As Chen Lao stepped back, Mei Li, the village chief's daughter, approached Kai with a shy smile.

"Master Kai," she said, bowing slightly. "I... we... wanted to thank you again. For saving us from the bandits. Who knows what would have happened if you hadn't been here."

Kai blinked, taken aback by the formal address. Master? That's new. What happened to just 'Kai'?

"Mei Li," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice, "since when am I 'Master Kai' to you? Did I miss some kind of promotion ceremony?"

Mei Li's cheeks flushed a deeper red. "Well, you're going to be an official immortal now, aren't you? It... it seemed appropriate."

Ah, so that's it, Kai thought. The illusion of equality is shattered. Now I'm one of those distant, powerful cultivators in her eyes.

"I appreciate the respect, Mei Li, but I'm still the same person who taught you how to throw a proper punch. Speaking of which, don't forget what I taught you about self-defense. Keep practicing, and stay vigilant."

Mei Li nodded. "I will... Kai. We all will. Thanks to you, we're better prepared now."

Kai noticed her hesitation before using his name, but he smiled encouragingly. It's probably for the best, he mused. In this world, maintaining a certain distance might be safer for her in the long run.

As Mei Li stepped back, joining her father and the other villagers, Kai's gaze was drawn once more to Shen Yu. The boy stood stoically as his family wept and clung to him, his expression never wavering. It was as if their tears and pleas simply didn't register.

Kai stepped closer, curiosity getting the better of him. As he approached, Shen Yu's eyes met his. The boy held Kai's gaze steadily, showing no hint of intimidation or deference.

That's... not normal, Kai thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. I'm at Qi Refining Stage 7. He should be able to sense my cultivation, even if he can't see my exact level, he should feel a natural pressure weighing down on him. So why isn't he reacting at all?

As if in response to his thoughts, a message flashed before Kai's eyes:

Name: Shen Yu

Level: Mortal

Kai blinked in surprise. Either he really is just a talented kid, or he has a way to hide himself from the system…

His thoughts were interrupted by Elder Feng's voice. "Attention, everyone! It's time for us to depart."

The Outer Elder raised his hand, a look of concentration passing over his face. With a flash of light, a small object appeared in his palm. As the light faded, Kai saw that it was a miniature ark, no larger than a child's toy boat.

Right on cue, Kai thought, suppressing a smirk. The magical transport item. Typical recruiter gear in every xianxia story I've read.

Elder Feng smiled at the gathered crowd. "This is a simple transportation artifact. Now, young cultivators, please step forward."

As Kai, Liu Wei, and Shen Yu moved towards the ark, Zhi-Zhi looked down from his vantage point on Liu Wei's head.

"That tiny thing is supposed to carry us?" the spirit beast scoffed. "I've seen more impressive vessels in puddles!"

Elder Feng's smile tightened slightly. "I assure you, noble spirit beast, this ark is more than capable of transporting us safely and swiftly to the Azure Sky Sect."

Zhi-Zhi huffed but said nothing more, settling back into his favorite spot.

Elder Feng made a subtle gesture with his hand. Suddenly, the miniature boat began to grow, expanding rapidly before their eyes.

A gasp rose from the villagers as the tiny ark swelled to the size of a small ship, easily large enough to accommodate their group. Even Liu Wei's eyes widened in awe.

"It... it grew!" one villager exclaimed.

"Immortal magic!" another whispered.

Kai maintained his neutral expression, entirely unsurprised by the display. Standard size-changing artifact. Probably mass-produced by the sect's artificers for these recruitment trips.

As they prepared to board, Kai took one last look at the village that had been his home for the past month. Some of the faces he knew well, others only in passing, but all had been part of his introduction to this world.

It's strange. In games, you never think twice about leaving the starting village. But now...

He pushed the thought aside. There was no time for sentimentality. The Azure Sky Sect was waiting, and with it, new challenges and opportunities.

This is it. The tutorial area is complete. Time for the real game to begin.