Li Zhen squinted as the sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow on the cave entrance. The clear blue sky and the warmth of the sun, after a week of seclusion in the cave, felt almost foreign to his skin and irritatingly bright to his eyes.

The cave's rich qi air had been dense, almost suffocating with its potent energy, making every breath invigorating.

Now, the fresh, clean air outside felt strangely light and thin in comparison, almost as if it lacked the same life force he had grown accustomed to. For a moment, he felt like he was at the top of a mountain with less oxygen in the surroundings. He hacked a cough as he tried to suck in more air, his lungs struggling to adjust to the difference. Just what I needed— an open-air suffocation experience.

The sensation was disorienting, making him acutely aware of just how much he had come to rely on that concentrated qi environment. That dense qi... it was intoxicating, like continuously guzzling triple shots of espresso. How am I supposed to adjust back to normal air?

From his memory, he knew that it had been ten days since he had holed up inside. It was as if he had stepped from a vibrant, energy filled sanctuary into a world that was somehow more ordinary, more mundane.

After being brought to this sect, Li Zhen cultivated for two years after reaching fifteen years, now I had become Li Zhen with my Ninth Realm of Qi Condensation. Who doesn't know what to do next…

During his seclusion, he had relied on the fasting pill—a magical concoction that could provide enough nutrients and energy for the body to last a month. He still doesn't feel peckish. In his previous world, something like this would have been dubbed a godly medicine, but here, it was merely an extremely ordinary pill.

There was a stone path leading down from the cave entrance. In the distance, he could see outlines of mountains all around. But they were way too far. Instead of gawking around, he walked with purposeful strides, trying to project confidence, though internally he was disoriented.

Even if you're lost, no one needs to know. What if that bastard who wants to kill him is here? The winding paths, the towering trees, and the distant silhouettes of mountains added to his sense of bewilderment.

After wandering for what felt like an eternity, he stumbled upon his first real challenge in this new world: he was lost. No one had given him a tour or any directions, and the previous Li Zhen was busy with his breakthrough to memorize the way when a worker brought him here. Of course, I'm lost. Why would anyone bother with something as trivial as directions?

He scanned his surroundings, searching for a familiar face or a landmark. His gaze settled on a man clad in white robes with blue highlights, moving with the ease of familiarity through crossroad ahead. The robes were intricately embroidered with silver threads and the the blue highlights accentuated the flowing lines of the fabric.

Gathering his composure, Zhen approached the person. "Excuse me," He called out, his voice steady despite his inner turmoil. Hopefully, no one would notice he was an imposter.

The man turned, sharp jawline gave him a commanding presence, while his piercing blue eyes flickered to the path Li Zhen had travelled. "Junior Brother Li Zhen," the man greeted him with a wry smile, "you really used quite an amount of qi. We were almost hung dry collecting starlight qi." His hair was a deep black, tied neatly at the back of his head.

Zhen's eyes twitched slightly as he turned to look at the sprawling mountain, dotted with countless caves. The idea that his qi usage had nearly drained their resources seemed absurd. Supplying qi for a single Qi Condensation Realm cultivator, they had been sucked dry? Like hell it was possible. But how does he know my name?

"Thank you, but I must confess I do not know who you are," He admitted, feeling a bit sheepish as there was no memory of the man in previous Li Zhen's memories.

The man chuckled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Ah, where are my manners? I am Feng Ling, a senior disciple assigned to oversee the Nominal Area Qi Gathering Cave. It is my duty to ensure everything runs smoothly and to assist newer disciples like yourself."

So this is my enterprising senior brother. Zhen nodded, filing away this information. "Then I would like to thank Senior Brother for his help with Junior's cultivation," He cupped his hand and bowed slightly, maintaining a veneer of politeness despite the absurdity of the claim.

Feng Ling handed him a parchment. "What is this between brothers? Here is the receipt."

Zhen accepted the parchment, his eyes scanning the neatly written characters. He felt a mix of amusement and frustration. The fines and increased costs were steep, but they were part of the sect's stringent rules, or so he hoped. One could never be certain in a demonic sect, but the paper seemed real enough.

Final Receipt of Usage

Nominal Disciple: Li Zhen

Contract Period: 10 days for the breakthrough to the Ninth realm of Qi Condensation

Additional Costs:

* Fine for exceeding qi usage: 200 Qi Condensation Spirit Stones

* Increased qi Cost (3x): 995 Qi Condensation Spirit Stones

Total Dues: 1,195 Qi Condensation Spirit Stones

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Nominal Area Qi Gathering Caves

Disciple Feng Ling

This place is a business as much as a sect. How am I supposed to pay this? Zhen looked up from the parchment, meeting Feng Ling's expectant eyes. The air between them grew thick with an unspoken tension, Feng Ling's gaze unwavering as he awaited an answer.

"So, when is Brother Li Zhen planning to pay the amount?" Feng Ling asked, his tone casual but with an edge that hinted at the seriousness of the matter.

Zhen felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck. He knew he had no immediate means to settle such a hefty fine. The reality of his situation was stark. Li Zhen had already used all his savings. He mustered a sheepish smile, trying to mask his discomfort.

"Ah, Senior Brother Feng Ling, I... I must admit that I am currently not in possession of enough spirit stones to cover the fines," He confessed, his voice steady despite the flutter of anxiety in his chest. "Is there perhaps a way to... work off the debt or some arrangement that could be made?"

Feng Ling's genial expression turned cold as he frowned. "It's not uncommon for new disciples to find themselves in such situations. The sect does have provisions for this."

Zhen's heart sank at the change in Feng Ling's demeanor, but he kept his composure. "I understand. I am willing to do whatever is necessary to resolve this."

"You don't have to go that much." Feng Ling seemed to consider this for a moment before his gaze sharpened with curiosity. "I was also quite curious what you were doing with all the qi. Could I check your realm?"

Zhen hesitated for a moment, feeling a prickle of unease. He had spent an inordinate amount of qi, but not in a way that would be immediately apparent to an outsider. Still, he had no choice but to comply. "Of course, Senior Brother Feng Ling."

Feng Ling extended his hand, his fingers lightly grazing His wrist as he closed his eyes in concentration. Silence stretched between them, the only sounds being the rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Feng Ling's brow furrowed for a second as he probed Zhen's qi, and then his expression started growing more subtle.

"So Junior Brother is practicing Cultivation Renewal..." Feng Ling commented after releasing his hands.

Cultivation Renewal? What’s that supposed to mean? Is he onto something? I don't know if I'm practicing anything other than Hundred Stars Refinement. Zhen looked at him in confusion. "What is Senior Brother talking about?"

Feng Ling gave him a subtle smile. "It's alright if Junior Brother doesn't want it known." He gave him a knowing wink. "With your firm foundation, we could easily forgo sending you to the mines to recover our money."

Li Zhen felt cold sweat breaking out. Is that what the sect does to disciples who can't pay their debts? The previous Li Zhen had only heard rumors about that place.

Rumor had it that once a disciple was sent to the mines, they rarely returned to the surface unchanged. The work was grueling, often pushing them to the brink of their physical and mental limits. There were stories of promising cultivators whose spirits were broken, their ambitions crushed under the weight of unending labor. Many don't even return. The main sources of death in the mines were spirit beast attacks and encountering toxic fumes during mining.

He shuddered at the thought. The previous Li Zhen had always believed these tales to be exaggerated, but now, faced with the possibility, they seemed all too real. Thankfully, he seemed to have dodged a bullet with this misunderstanding and his firm foundation.

"Then I don't have to go to the mines?" He wanted to be sure.

"Junior Brother is joking. With your foundation, you have countless prospects and can easily enter the Outer Sect. Then you could easily pay it back."

Zhen released a sigh of relief as they descended the mountain. Just as he thought the crisis was averted, Feng Ling snatched a paper that appeared from thin air.

His eyes widened in astonishment. Spatial storage! He had heard of such mystical items, but seeing one in action was entirely different.

"Junior Brother, this is the standard loan agreement. You could pay the money in three months, or interest will be charged at 10 percent per month."

His astonishment turned to dread. Zhen stared at the parchment, the neatly written characters a stark reminder of the exploitive reality. Can’t I catch a break?

Loan Agreement

Nominal Disciple: Li Zhen

Amount Due: 1,195 Qi Condensation Spirit Stones

Repayment Period: 3 months

Interest Rate: 10% per month after the repayment period

By signing this agreement, you acknowledge the debt and agree to the terms of repayment.

Signature: ____________________

Nominal Area Qi Gathering Cave

Disciple Feng Ling

Interest? At 10 percent per month? That’s practically robbery. He took the paper, feeling the weight of his new obligation. "I understand, Brother Feng Ling. I will make sure to repay it within the given time." He sent his qi as the area under his signature filled with his name.

Feng Ling nodded approvingly. "Junior brother doesn't have to care too much. You should first enter Foundation Establishment, then you could easily pay it back. The interest might seems large but it would be pocket change in Foundation Realm."

Hearing the words, his mouth twitched. The loan document clearly stated that the interest was compounding per month. They really don’t miss a chance to squeeze every last bit out of you, do they? Does this senior of his want him to be a debtor forever?

"Then I would do as senior brother says." Like hell, he would. He would pay it back as soon as possible. No way am I letting that interest pile up.

Feng Ling then handed him a small, intricately designed badge. "Here is your Quasi Outer Disciple Badge. Go to the Outer Sect Hall to finalize the procedure."

He took the badge, noting its straightforward design. It was a modest piece of jade, cool and smooth to the touch, with a faint green hue that caught the light. The badge had the sect's emblem engraved in the center: a stylized phoenix in flight, its wings spread wide, surrounded by intricate swirling clouds.

He slipped the badge into his robe, feeling its reassuring weight against his chest. "Thank you, Brother Feng Ling. I will head to the Outer Sect Hall right away."

Feng Ling gave him a nod of approval. "Good luck, Junior Brother. Make the most of this opportunity and be sure to pay."