CG C53: Quest Rewards (Patreon)

A translucent blue screen materialized before him:

Name: Kai Thorn

XP: 1100/4000

Level: 8

Qi: 300/300

Strength: 60

Agility: 63

Durability: 67

Intelligence: 30

Wisdom: 29

Titles:

·        Novice Instructor

·        Once in a Hundred Years Talent

·        Azure Sky Sect Legacy Disciple

Elemental Affinities:

• Lightning: 20%

Skills:

Qi Condensation (Level 4)

Basic Cultivation Technique (Level 3)

Unarmed Combat (Level 2)

Deception (Level 4)

Iron Skin (Level 3)

Swift Wind Step (Level 4)

Flame Palm Strike (Level 3)

Mental Fortitude (Passive)

Spirit Beast Communication (Level 1)

Qi Concealment (Level 1)

Qi Detection (Level 1)

Iron Rebound (Level 1)

Rock Hard (Level 1)

Lightning Step (Level 1)

A small smile played on Kai's lips as he examined his status screen. Not bad, he thought. That 1000 XP boost from completing the 'Join a Sect' quest was pretty sweet. And look at that Qi increase - gotta love that 'Once in a Hundred Years Talent' title.

He focused on the new title he'd gained: Azure Sky Sect Legacy Disciple. The effects were impressive: sect techniques would level up twice as fast, and he gained 5 stat points to allocate to any physical attribute.

Now this is interesting, Kai mused. First time the system's letting me choose where to put points. Time to min-max this bad boy.

He began breaking down his options:

Strength: Already decent at 60. More power is always good, but I'm not aiming to be a brute force fighter.

Durability: 67 is my highest stat because of the Rock Hard bonus. Tempting to boost it further, but I don't want to rely on tanking hits.

Agility: Currently at 63. With my Qi Condensation ability, I can create all sorts of constructs on the fly. The faster I can move and react, the more versatile that becomes. Plus, in xianxia worlds, speed is life. You can't hit what you can't catch.

All 5 points into Agility. Let's lean into that hit-and-run playstyle!

The system responded instantly:

Agility increased by 5!

New Agility: 68

With that settled, Kai turned his attention to the last notification - the option to accept three random cultivation resources.

Time to see what kind of loot drop I've got.

He accepted the offer, and information about three items appeared:

• Root Grasping Vines (Rare) - A living plant that responds to the user's will, allowing them to control its growth and movement.

• Mystic Jade Pendant (Rare) - A small, translucent green pendant that gradually purifies the wearer's meridians and Qi.

• Thunderstorm Essence (Very Rare) - A swirling, electric blue liquid that can be fused with a Foundation Establishment pillar to imbue the user's Qi with natural lightning properties.

Kai raised an eyebrow at the Root Grasping Vines. Huh. Not exactly what I'd expect for my build. This seems more suited for someone like Zhi-Zhi.

Curious, he activated the skill. Immediately, thin green vines sprouted from the floor around him, swaying gently as if in a breeze.

Interesting, let’s see what it can do. Kai focused, and the vines responded, weaving together to form a simple chair. Not bad for crowd control. Maybe I could even combine it with my lightning Qi for some shock value.

He shook his head. Getting ahead of myself there. That's way beyond my current abilities. File that away for later.

Next, Kai examined the Mystic Jade Pendant. It was a simple design, a pale green disk on a silver chain. As he slipped it over his head, he felt a cool, soothing sensation spread through his body.

Oh, that's nice, Kai thought, closing his eyes to better focus on the feeling. I can actually feel it purifying my qi.

He nodded to himself. Impure qi is bad news in cultivation. Makes breakthroughs harder, stunt growth, can even cause qi deviation if it gets bad enough. Wearing this long-term could give me a serious edge and prevent issues from breaking through too quickly.

Finally, Kai turned his attention to the Thunderstorm Essence. It looked like a small vial filled with swirling, miniature storm clouds. Occasional tiny flashes of lightning could be seen.

Now this... this is something special, Kai thought, a grin spreading across his face. I've never heard of an essence that could be fused with a foundation pillar like this. Then again, my knowledge of this world's specific cultivation methods is pretty limited.

His grin faded slightly. I'm going to need to hit the library, do some serious research before I even think about using this. Can't risk messing up a major breakthrough because I didn't understand the process.

After a moment's consideration, Kai carefully placed the vial into his inventory.

Better keep this one safe. A natural lightning effect to my qi would be a massive advantage. Can't risk anyone getting their hands on it.

Just as Kai finished securing his new treasures, a voice called from outside the pavilion. "Young Master?"

Kai stood, smoothing out his robes as he walked to the entrance. Time to see what this is about, he thought, keeping his expression neutral as he stepped outside.

Outside stood a middle-aged man in white robes, an Outer Disciple no doubt.

"Young Master, I've brought the list of candidates for your personal servant," he said, offering Kai a scroll.

Kai's eyebrows rose slightly. That was fast. The sect doesn't waste time, do they?

"Thank you," Kai said, accepting the scroll. "I appreciate the promptness."

The Outer Disciple bowed. "It is our honor to serve the Legacy Disciples, Young Master."

As Kai unrolled the scroll, the Outer Disciple continued speaking. "All candidates are from the Outer Sect, as is tradition. Being chosen as a Legacy Disciple's servant is a great honor and opportunity for advancement."

Kai nodded absently, his eyes already scanning the list. There were fifty names, each accompanied by a brief description of skills and attributes. Three, in particular, caught his eye:

Name: Huang Hui

Age: 18

Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 5

Notable Skills: Talented herbalist, knowledgeable about medicinal plants

Background: Orphaned at a young age, raised by an eccentric hermit who taught her herbal lore.

Zhao Feng

Age: 20

Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 8

Notable Skills: Former city guard, skilled in basic combat and security protocols

Background: Seeks to redeem family honor after his father's disgrace in a corruption scandal.

Name: Chen Wei

Age: 16

Cultivation: Qi Refining Stage 7

Notable Skills: Exceptional memory, quick learner

Background: From a merchant family in a nearby town. Joined the sect hoping to elevate his family's status.

Kai tapped his finger against the scroll, considering his options.

Apart from their role as a servant, each of these could be useful in their own way.

Huang Hui: Her herbal knowledge could be helpful, especially if I need to brew potions but I really don’t think it’ll give me an edge. I could just hire an Alchemist instead…

Zhao Feng: Combat skills and security experience would be great for a bodyguard. And his background means he's likely to be loyal, eager to prove himself. But then again, I’m not leaving the sect anytime soon, and even I did, I expect the Sect Master will provide at least a Core Formation elder if not a Nascent Soul elder as protection.

Chen Wei: I've already met him, and he seemed eager and respectful. His merchant background could be useful for gathering information or handling sect resources. And that exceptional memory could come in handy. Plus, he seems like a good kid, they’re usually easier to use...

After a few more moments, Kai made his decision. "I'll take Chen Wei as my servant," he told the waiting Outer Disciple.

The man nodded, making a note on another scroll. "An excellent choice, Young Master. I'll inform him immediately. Is there anything else you need?"

Before Kai could respond, another figure appeared. This one was older, dressed in the robes of an Outer Elder. His face was narrow and pinched, reminding Kai of a weasel.

The newcomer bowed. "Young Master Kai, I apologize for the interruption, but the Sect Master has summoned both you and Young Master Shen Yu."

Already? Kai's eyebrows rose. I thought I'd have more time to prepare.

"I see. Thank you for informing me. We’ll head there right away."

The weasel-faced elder nodded. "Very good, Young Master. I'll escort you."