The old master's eyes narrowed as he studied Kai, his gnarled hands stroking his long grey beard thoughtfully. With a gesture that seemed almost casual, the master reached out and placed a weathered palm on Kai's forehead. Kai felt a gentle probing, like a cool breeze wafting through his mind.

Suddenly, the master's eyes widened, a flicker of shock passing across his face so quickly that Kai almost missed it. But as swiftly as it had appeared, the expression vanished, replaced by the master's previous mask of calm evaluation.

"Interesting," the master murmured, more to himself than to Kai. "Very interesting indeed."

Kai stood still, his face impassive, but his mind raced. He knew the master had just checked his cultivation level, and he suspected the old man had discovered his unusually high rank for his age. But Kai also knew better than to volunteer information. Let the master draw his own conclusions.

The old man's piercing gaze locked onto Kai's eyes, as if trying to peer into the depths of his soul. "Tell me, young Kai, how old are you?"

"Six years old, Master," Kai replied evenly.

The master's eyebrows rose a fraction, but he made no comment. Instead, he turned and beckoned for Kai to follow him. "Come. Your test awaits."

As they walked across the school grounds, Kai could feel the eyes of the other students following them. Whispers trailed in their wake, a mix of curiosity and trepidation. Kai paid them no mind, focusing instead on what lay ahead.

They came to a stop in an open area at the far end of the grounds. There, standing alone in a cleared space, was an enormous stone. It was roughly spherical, about as tall as a grown man, with a smooth, polished surface that gleamed in the sunlight.

The master gestured towards the stone. "This, young Kai, is your test."

Kai looked at the stone, then back at the master, waiting for further explanation.

"The test is simple," the master continued. "You must strike the stone with all your might. If you can create a hole at least two centimeters deep, you pass."

Kai nodded, his face betraying nothing of his thoughts. He had expected a test of strength, but this was beyond anything he had imagined. The stone looked impossibly solid, its surface unmarred by any previous attempts.

As if reading his thoughts, the master added, "This is not an ordinary stone. It is infused with spiritual energy, making it far more resilient than normal rock. We use it only for special admissions."

By now, a crowd had gathered around them, students and instructors alike drawn by the unusual spectacle. Kai could hear their murmurs of disbelief and skepticism.

"A six-year-old? Punching the spirit stone?"

"Impossible. Even the older students struggle with this test."

"What is Master thinking?"

The master raised his hand, silencing the crowd. "Kai," he said, his voice carrying across the grounds, "you may begin when ready."

Kai took a deep breath, centering himself. He knew this was no ordinary test. The master had sensed his unusual level of cultivation and had tailored the challenge accordingly. This was not just a test of strength, but a test of his ability to channel and control his Qi.

Closing his eyes, Kai reached deep within himself, feeling the swirling pool of energy that resided in his dantian. He had spent countless hours meditating, learning to control and direct this power. Now, he would put all of that practice to the test.

With deliberate slowness, Kai shifted his stance, his feet planting firmly on the ground. He raised his right hand, forming a loose fist. To the onlookers, it might have seemed like he was simply preparing for a punch. But within his body, Kai was orchestrating a complex dance of energy.

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He drew upon his Qi, channeling it up from his dantian, through his meridians, and into his arm. The energy coiled there, building in intensity, like water behind a dam about to burst. Kai's brow furrowed in concentration as he struggled to contain and direct the surging power.

The crowd watched in tense silence as seconds stretched into minutes. Some began to shift restlessly, wondering if the boy had frozen in fear. But the master remained still, his eyes fixed on Kai with unwavering attention.

Suddenly, Kai's eyes snapped open. In one fluid motion, he stepped forward and unleashed his punch. His fist connected with the stone in a thunderous impact that sent shockwaves through the ground.

For a moment, nothing seemed to happen. Then, with a sound like cracking ice, a small crater appeared on the stone's surface.

The master stepped forward, producing a small measuring tool from his robes. He carefully examined the impact site, his face unreadable. The crowd held its breath, waiting for the verdict.

Finally, the master straightened and turned to face the onlookers. "Two point zero nine one centimeters," he announced, his voice betraying a hint of amazement.

A collective gasp rose from the crowd, followed by an explosion of chatter. Kai stood silently, his arm still extended, his breathing slightly labored but otherwise showing no sign of exertion.

"Impossible!"

"How could a child do that?"

"It must be some kind of trick!"

The master raised his hand once more, calling for silence. "The previous record," he said, his voice carrying a note of gravity, "was two point zero one centimeters, set by our top student last year."

This revelation sent another wave of shock through the crowd. Kai had not only passed the test but had shattered the existing record.

The master turned to Kai, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of amazement and approval. "Well done, young Kai. You have more than earned your place in our school."

Kai bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master. I am honored to be accepted."

As the crowd began to disperse, still buzzing with excitement and disbelief, the master drew Kai aside. "Your performance was truly remarkable," he said quietly. "I've never seen someone so young with such control over their Qi."

Kai nodded, accepting the praise without comment. He knew better than to reveal too much about his unusual circumstances.

The master studied him for a moment longer, then seemed to come to a decision. "Normally, new students begin in our introductory class," he said. "But given your evident skill, I believe you would be better suited to our advanced class - Class A."

Kai's eyes widened slightly. This was more than he had hoped for. Class A would undoubtedly offer greater challenges and opportunities for growth.

"Thank you, Master," Kai said, bowing again. "I will do my best to live up to this honor."

The master nodded approvingly. "I'm sure you will." He reached into his robes and produced a small key. "This is the key to your dormitory room. You'll be sharing with two other students from Class A."

Kai accepted the key, turning it over in his hand. It was a simple thing, but it represented so much - shelter for the winter, access to knowledge and training, and perhaps most importantly, a chance to grow stronger without the constant scrutiny of the village.

"Classes begin tomorrow at dawn," the master continued. "For now, get settled in your room and familiarize yourself with the school grounds. And Kai," he added, his voice taking on a serious tone, "I expect great things from you. Don't disappoint me."

With that, the master turned and walked away, leaving Kai alone with his thoughts. The young boy looked down at the key in his hand, then up at the school buildings looming before him. He had passed the first test, but he knew many more challenges lay ahead.

As Kai made his way towards the dormitories, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Everything was falling into place. He had secured a place in the school, and not just any place, but a spot in the most advanced class. Here, he would have access to knowledge and training that would help him grow even stronger.

The dormitory building was a long, two-story structure of weathered wood and stone. Kai climbed the creaking stairs to the second floor, where the Class A students were housed. He found his assigned room easily enough - it was the last door on the left.

Pausing outsided door, Kai took a deep breath. Beyond this threshold lay the next chapter of his journey. He had no illusions about making friends or finding acceptance here. That wasn't why he had come. But he knew that the people he was about to meet would play a role in shaping his path forward, for better or worse.

With a determined set to his jaw, Kai inserted the key into the lock and turned it. The door swung open with a soft creak, revealing the space that would be his home for the coming months.

As Kai stepped into the room, his keen eyes taking in every detail, he knew that his life was about to change once again. But this time, he was ready. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever secrets he might uncover, Kai was determined to face them head-on.