Zhang Wei hurried forward, bowing deeply. "Honored Elder Feng, these are the young cultivators I was telling you about, Kai Thorn and Liu Wei."

Kai and Liu Wei bowed low, careful to keep their eyes respectfully lowered as Zhang Wei had instructed.

Elder Feng's gaze swept over them, lingering on Kai. "Rise, young ones. Let me look at you properly."

As Kai straightened, he felt the weight of the Elder's qi pressing against him. It was potent, far beyond anything he'd sensed from any other cultivator. But compared to the overwhelming presence of Zhi-Zhi's mother, the Ancient Spirit Tree...

This is nothing, Kai thought, suppressing a smile. But then again, if an Outer Elder was at the Nascent Soul Realm, Azure Sky Sect would probably be the number one sect in the whole kingdom, not just one of the greater sects in the region.

As if triggered by Kai's thoughts, a translucent window appeared before his eyes:

Name: Feng Yuliang

Title: Outer Elder of Azure Sky Sect

Cultivation: Pseudo Core Formation Realm

Your Level is too low to observe the character’s stats.

Pseudo Core Formation? Kai's mind raced. That's a transition stage between Foundation Establishment and true Core Formation. Interesting. If an Outer Elder is at this level, the main elders are probably at Nascent Soul. And the Sect Master... who knows?

Kai suppressed a smirk as he recalled some of the more ridiculous realm names he'd encountered in xianxia novels. Origin Realm? Ascendant Realm? Heavenly Dao? Creators really just make up whatever sounds cool after a certain point.

Kai's musings on cultivation realms were interrupted as Elder Feng's eyes widened fractionally. "Young Kai, Zhang Wei told me you were progressing rapidly through the Qi Refining stages, but I didn't expect this. You're already at the 7th stage?"

Kai bowed his head slightly. "This junior has been fortunate in his cultivation, thanks to Elder Zhang's guidance."

Elder Feng waved off Kai's humble response. "No need for false modesty. Even starting later than most, you're already surpassing many Outer Disciples. Well done."

Zhang Wei beamed with pride as though it was him who was praised.

Elder Feng's gaze sharpened as it fell on Liu Wei. "And you... I hear you used to be a bandit."

Liu Wei's face flushed with shame. "I... I was forced into it, Honored Elder. I never wanted-"

Elder Feng raised a hand, silencing him. "Your heart will be tested in the trials. If the Azure Sky Sect finds any trace of demonic cultivator tendencies, you will not be allowed to enter. Understand?"

Liu Wei nodded, eyes downcast. "Yes, Honored Elder."

Kai felt a pang of sympathy for Liu Wei. Poor guy. He's too soft-hearted to have any demonic tendencies. It's me they should be worried about.

“Dinners ready, let’s eat!” Zhang Wei announced.

As they moved to the dining area, Kai's thoughts turned inward. I hope they don't realize just how selfish I really am. Let's hope their tests aren't too thorough.

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The group settled around the low table, kneeling on cushions as servants brought out dishes of steamed fish, fragrant rice, and various vegetable dishes. The meal began in silence, broken only by the clink of chopsticks against bowls.

Elder Feng took a sip of tea, then turned to Zhang Wei. "Old friend, your cooking is as delightful as ever. You should have joined the Azure Sky Sect's kitchen instead of attempting Foundation Establishment."

Zhang Wei chuckled, but Kai noticed the slight tightening around his eyes. "You flatter me, Honored Elder. I'm just glad I can still be of some use to the sect, even in my... diminished state."

Kai observed the interaction closely. Despite calling Zhang Wei 'old friend,' there's a clear power dynamic here. Zhang Wei is practically kowtowing with every word.

"Nonsense," Elder Feng said, waving his hand. "Your eye for talent is as sharp as ever. These two boys are proof of that."

Liu Wei, who had been quiet until now, spoke up hesitantly. "Honored Elder, may I ask... what are the trials like? For entering the sect?"

"Worried about your past, are you?” Elder Feng's eyes narrowed slightly. “The trials test more than just cultivation level. They probe the very essence of a cultivator's spirit. Those with impure hearts or evil intentions will be rejected, no matter their talent."

Liu Wei swallowed hard and nodded, returning his attention to his bowl.

Kai decided to steer the conversation in a different direction. "Elder Feng, I'm curious about the Azure Sky Sect's specialties. I've heard your wind and lightning techniques are unparalleled."

The elder's eyes lit up. "Ah, a young man with good taste! Indeed, our Thundercloud Palm and Gale Step techniques are renowned throughout the cultivation world. But tell me, young Kai, what element calls to you?"

"Lightning," Kai replied without hesitation. "I find its raw power and speed fascinating."

Elder Feng nodded approvingly. "A fine choice. Lightning cultivation is challenging, but rewarding. Perhaps, if you join our sect, I could give you some pointers."

The meal continued, with Elder Feng telling them tales of the Azure Sky Sect's glorious history. Kai listened attentively, filing away every piece of information for future use. Knowledge is power, especially in a world like this.

As the final dishes were cleared away, Elder Feng set down his teacup and fixed Kai with an intense gaze. "Young Kai, I will be honest, you've caught my eye. I rarely take personal disciples, but I see great potential in you. How would you like to become my disciple, here and now?"

I knew this was coming, Kai thought. If I were in his position, I'd do the same. Snatch up the promising recruit before anyone else gets the chance.

He glanced at Zhang Wei and saw the old man's smile falter. The look in his eyes clearly said: Politely refuse.

Kai bowed deeply. "Honored Elder, I'm deeply grateful for your offer. But... I'm not ready to make such a momentous decision yet. I'd like to complete the trials and enter the Azure Sky Sect properly before considering such an honor."

Elder Feng laughed, a sound that didn't quite reach his eyes. "My boy, if I take you as my disciple right now, you won't need to compete in any trials. You'll become an Azure Sky Sect disciple immediately."

Kai's smile stiffened slightly. This elder is persistent. He knows I'm making excuses, but he won't back down.

"Thank you again, Honored Elder," Kai said carefully. "But I still feel I need time to think about it. This is a life-changing decision, after all."

The warmth drained from Elder Feng's face. "You misunderstand, young Kai. I decide who joins the sect. If you're not interested in my generous offer, perhaps the Azure Sky Sect has no need of you at all."

Zhang Wei's eyes widened in alarm. "Honored Elder, please. The boy means no disrespect. He's simply overwhelmed by your generosity."

Kai's eyes narrowed. He's trying to intimidate me. But he won't actually harm me. His reputation as a righteous cultivator is too important, and if word got back to the sect that he killed a prodigy for rejecting his offer, he’d lose his role. And it’s not like he would be able to stop word getting back, Zhang Wei would make sure the sect heard about it.

Just to be sure, Kai glanced at his map. The green dot representing Elder Feng remained unchanged. Still not hostile. Time to push back a little.

Kai smiled, the expression not quite reaching his eyes. "Actually, Honored Elder, during our recent trip to the Whispering Woods, the Crimson Phoenix Sect expressed interest in recruiting me. If the Azure Sky Sect isn't interested, perhaps I should consider their offer instead."

Zhang Wei's face went from pale to ashen. Kai could almost hear the old man's voice in his head: "I told you not to mention them!"

Elder Feng's face turned serious, his aura flaring. The pressure of his Pseudo Core Formation cultivation bore down on Kai like a physical weight, making it difficult to breathe.