"You dare," Feng growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You dare mention those crimson demons in my presence?"

Maybe I pushed a little too hard there, but I can't back down now, he thought, fighting to keep his breathing steady. This is definitely a dialogue tree with major consequences. I need to choose my words carefully. Too aggressive, and I'll trigger a combat event. Too submissive, and I'll lose reputation points with the Azure Sky Sect.

"I only wished to be transparent about my options," Kai managed to say, his voice strained but still steady. "They seemed quite eager to recruit new talent. I thought it’s important to consider all opportunities. Surely a sect as great as Azure Sky isn't threatened by a little competition?"

For a moment, it seemed as though Outer Elder Feng might actually strike Kai. The air crackled with qi, and both Zhang Wei and Liu Wei looked ready to intervene, futile as it might be.

Then, unexpectedly, Feng threw back his head and laughed. The oppressive aura vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

"You've got spirit, I'll give you that," Feng said, wiping a tear from his eye. "Not many would dare to speak to me like that, let alone mention those red-robed bastards."

He fixed Kai with an appraising look. "Very well. You want to prove yourself in the trials? So be it. But know this - I'll be watching your performance very closely. Impress me, and my offer still stands. Disappoint me..." His eyes hardened. "Well, let's just say you'd be better off with a second-rate righteous sect like those Crimson Phoenix bastards."

"Thank you for your understanding, Outer Elder.” Kai bowed. “I won't let you down."

As he straightened, Kai caught Zhang Wei's eye. The old man looked both relieved and exasperated.

Sorry, old man, Kai thought. But I'm not about to let anyone railroad me into a decision, no matter how powerful they are.

"Now then," Feng said, his tone lighter as he settled back onto his cushion. "Tell me more about this encounter with the Crimson Phoenix Sect. What exactly did they say to you?"

Kai's mind raced. He had never actually met anyone from the Crimson Phoenix Sect. This was a dangerous game he was playing, but he couldn't back down now. He'd have to fabricate a story, and fast.

Keep it vague, he told himself. Don't give too many details that could be disproven.

"It was during our journey to the Whispering Woods," Kai began, keeping his voice steady. "We encountered a group of cultivators wearing crimson robes. At first, we thought they might be bandits or rogue cultivators, but their demeanor was... different."

Feng leaned forward, his eyes intense. "Different how?"

"They weren’t like rogue cultivators, they were disciplined, organized. Their leader approached us directly. He said they were scouting for new talent in the region."

Kai paused, gauging Feng's reaction. The Outer Elder's face remained impassive, but there was a tightness around his eyes that suggested barely contained anger.

"Go on."

"They spoke of opportunities their sect could offer - advanced cultivation techniques, access to rare resources. It was... intriguing, I'll admit."

Liu Wei shifted uncomfortably beside Kai, clearly confused by this fabricated story. Kai shot him a warning glance, silently urging him to stay quiet.

"And what did you tell them?" Feng asked, his tone dangerously soft.

Kai allowed a small smile to play across his lips. "I told them I was flattered by their interest, but that I had other plans. Specifically, that I was hoping to join the Azure Sky Sect."

Feng's eyebrows rose slightly. "Oh? And how did they react to that?"

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"They seemed... disappointed," Kai said, choosing his words carefully. "They made some disparaging remarks about Azure Sky's traditions, implying that I'd be wasting my potential."

A low growl escaped Feng's throat, but he quickly composed himself. "I see. And you weren't swayed by their... persuasive arguments?"

Kai shook his head firmly. "No, Outer Elder. I've heard stories of the Azure Sky Sect from Elder Zhang, he had already convinced me to join the sect. The Crimson Phoenix Sect might be a powerful rival but I trust Elder Zhang’s judgement, I just hope the trust isn’t misplaced…”

He was laying it on thick, and he knew it. But from the pleased glint in Feng's eye, it seemed to be working.

"Well said, young Kai," Feng nodded approvingly. "Those devils were trying to lead you astray, you were right to listen to old Zhang. Perhaps I was too hasty in my judgment earlier."

As Kai began to relax, thinking he had successfully navigated this dangerous conversation, Feng suddenly leaned forward, his eyes boring into Kai's.

"Tell me, did they mention any specific plans? Locations they were interested in?"

Kai's heart raced. This was the most dangerous part of his deception. He needed to provide something that sounded valuable without being too specific. His mind quickly cycled through common tropes from xianxia stories he'd read back on Earth.

Secret realm opening? Heavenly tribulation? Ancient inheritance? Come on, there's got to be something generic enough to be believable...

"They were careful not to reveal too much," Kai said, feigning thoughtfulness. "But... I do remember overhearing something about a 'Celestial Alignment' happening soon. They seemed quite focused on preparing for it, though I'm not sure of the details."

Kai held his breath, hoping he'd struck the right balance. In most xianxia stories, celestial events were prime opportunities for breakthroughs or accessing hidden realms. If the Azure Sky Sect and Crimson Phoenix Sect were truly rivals, it wasn't far-fetched that they'd both be interested in such an event.

Feng's eyes widened fractionally, a flash of recognition crossing his face before he schooled his features back into neutrality.

"I see," he said, his voice thoughtful. "That is... interesting information. Thank you for sharing it."

As Feng turned to engage Zhang Wei in conversation, Kai felt a subtle shift in his consciousness. A system notification appeared before him.

Skill Leveled Up!

You have successfully deceived a high-level cultivator. Your ability to craft believable lies and maintain composure under pressure has improved.

Deception has reached Level 4!

Kai suppressed a smile. Well, that's certainly useful. Though I'll need to be careful not to rely on it too much. In this world, getting caught in a lie could be fatal.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of polite conversation and veiled probing questions. Kai carefully navigated the social minefield, revealing just enough information to satisfy Outer Elder Feng's curiosity without giving away too much.

As the night wore on, Feng finally stood. "Well, this has been an…interesting evening. I look forward to seeing how you perform in the trials, young Kai. Don't disappoint me."

With that, Elder Feng strode towards the door, pausing only to nod at Zhang Wei. "Thank you for your hospitality, old friend. We'll speak again soon."

As the door closed behind the Outer Elder, the tension in the room finally broke. Zhang Wei collapsed into his chair, wiping sweat from his brow.

"By the heavens, boy," he gasped, staring at Kai with a mix of awe and horror. "What were you thinking, mentioning the Crimson Phoenix Sect? I told you specifically not to bring them up!"

Kai allowed himself a small smile. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Elder Zhang. But it worked out in the end, didn't it?"

Liu Wei shook his head in disbelief. "Master Kai, that was... I've never seen anyone stand up to a powerful cultivator like that before."

"Don't praise him!" Zhang Wei snapped. "That kind of recklessness could have gotten us all killed!"

Kai raised his hands in the air. "I understand your concern, Elder Zhang. But I had a feeling Elder Feng wouldn't actually harm us. He's too smart for that."

Zhang Wei sighed. "You're playing with fire, Kai. The rivalry between the Azure Sky Sect and the Crimson Phoenix Sect goes back centuries. It's not something to be used as a bargaining chip."

"I know," Kai said, his expression turning serious. "But I couldn't let him strong-arm me into becoming his disciple. Something about that offer felt... off."

Zhang Wei nodded slowly. "You're not wrong. Feng has always been ambitious. Taking a prodigy like you as his personal disciple would have raised his status in the sect considerably whilst also limiting your development…"

He didn't need to finish the thought. Kai understood all too well. Politics. It's always politics, no matter what world you're in.

"What do we do now?" Liu Wei asked.

Kai stood, stretching muscles that had been tense throughout the confrontation. "Now? We prepare for the trials. Once we arrive at the Azure Sky Sect, an Outer Elder like Feng Yuliang wouldn’t mean much."

Zhang Wei nodded approvingly. "Well said. But Kai..." his expression grew stern, "no more reckless gambles. The cultivation world is not a game. One wrong move could cost you everything."

If only you knew, Kai thought, suppressing a smile. But you're right. I need to be more careful.

"I understand, Elder Zhang," he said aloud. "Thank you for your guidance. And... I'm sorry for causing you so much stress tonight."

The old man waved off the apology. "What's done is done. Get some rest, both of you. Oh, and remember to attend the Talent Ceremony tomorrow!”