the beginning

Kai kept his outward composure, blending in with the conversations and activities around him, but his mind was sharp, picking apart the sensation of being watched. He glanced around subtly, scanning the area for anything out of place. The source of that hidden presence was elusive, far beyond the abilities of the average disciple.

Still, he had a month before the Beast Forest test. He would use this time not just to train and prepare, but also to figure out who—or what—was watching him.

As Kai, Cheng Bao, and Yan Mei reached the dorms, they split off to their respective rooms, but not before Cheng Bao gave Kai a firm pat on the back. "Don't worry too much about the test, brother. You seem sharp. Just focus on what you can control. The forest won't be as bad as they make it sound. It's the other disciples you should worry about."

Kai nodded, offering a faint smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

Once alone in his dorm, he sat on the hard wooden bed, leaning back against the cold wall. The room was sparse, just a bed, a simple desk, and a small storage chest for any personal belongings. Not that Kai had much to store. The brown robe he wore hung loosely around his frame, a reminder that he was at the lowest rung of the Jade Lotus Sect's hierarchy.

His mind drifted back to the Wen family. From the whispers he had caught earlier, their daughters were sent here for the same reason as everyone else—cultivation and power. Yet their cold demeanor set them apart, perhaps even more than their spiritual roots.

He pushed those thoughts aside for the moment. The hidden presence weighed heavier on his mind. He didn't like not knowing who was watching him or why. But he had learned to trust his instincts—both from his past life on Earth and his short time in this new world.

"I need more information," Kai muttered to himself. He stood, pacing the small space. There were bound to be sect rules that governed interaction between disciples, especially the new recruits. But rules were often bent, if not outright broken, in places like this. He had seen that in countless stories back on Earth.

A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts.

"Kai, you in there?"

It was Yan Mei's voice.

Kai opened the door to find Yan Mei standing there with his usual observant expression, but behind him was someone new—an older man, perhaps in his late twenties, wearing the same brown robes as the rest of the outer disciples, but with an air of calm authority. His sharp eyes locked onto Kai the moment the door opened.

"This is Senior Brother Luo Xing," Yan Mei introduced. "He's one of the top-ranked outer disciples. Thought you should meet him."

Kai bowed slightly out of respect. "Senior Brother."

Luo Xing's eyes didn't leave Kai's, as though searching for something hidden beneath the surface. After a moment, he gave a slight nod, apparently satisfied with whatever he found.

"Word spreads quickly around here, you know," Luo Xing said, his voice deep and steady. "It's rare to see someone with your talent end up with a middle-grade spiritual root. Many are still talking about what happened during your test."

Kai stayed silent, not sure if this was meant as a compliment or a subtle insult. Luo Xing's face betrayed no emotion.

"You'll have to prove yourself in more than just spiritual roots if you want to survive in this sect," Luo Xing continued. "It's not uncommon for new disciples to face unexpected... challenges."

Yan Mei shifted uncomfortably but didn't speak. The warning was clear enough.

Kai nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."

Luo Xing gave him another long look before turning to leave. "Good. The Beast Forest test will be your first real trial. Be prepared."

After he left, Yan Mei let out a breath, clearly relieved. "Luo Xing's not bad, but he's one of the stronger disciples. If he's paying attention to you, that means others will too. And not all of them will be as friendly."

Kai closed the door, contemplating Luo Xing's words. He knew there was more going on in this sect than just cultivation. Rivalries, hidden agendas, and power struggles were already making themselves known.

The next few weeks passed in a blur of preparation. Kai spent his time training in the outer sect's martial grounds, learning the basic techniques that the Jade Lotus Sect taught to new disciples. His movements became sharper, his control over qi more refined. But no matter how hard he worked, there was always a lingering feeling that he was being watched.

Occasionally, he would catch glimpses of senior disciples like Luo Xing, but none seemed to pay him too much attention. Instead, it was the ordinary disciples that Kai interacted with most. He got to know Cheng Bao better, who seemed to enjoy chatting during training sessions. Wu Ling remained distant, focused on her own cultivation, while Yan Mei stuck close, offering insights into the sect's inner workings.

As the day of the Beast Forest test drew near, the tension among the outer disciples grew palpable. Conversations revolved around strategies for hunting spirit beasts and how many contribution points could be earned. Some speculated that powerful beasts might appear, while others believed the test was just a formality for those destined to advance.

But it wasn't just the test that had everyone on edge.

During one training session, as Kai sparred with Cheng Bao, he overheard another group talking in hushed tones about the Wen family again. Apparently, the Wen daughters had already impressed some of the elders, and there were rumors they would be offered a special position in the sect, bypassing much of the usual testing.

Kai listened but kept his focus on his training. He had no interest in the sect's internal politics or the Wen family's status. He was here for his own path, his own cultivation.

That evening, after a grueling day of practice, Kai felt that familiar chill again. As he walked back to the dorms, the shadows seemed to cling to him, the presence he had sensed weeks ago returning. But this time, it felt closer, more direct.

He stopped in his tracks, glancing around, his senses heightened.

Nothing.

Yet, that oppressive feeling remained, a silent reminder that something—or someone—was watching.

The Beast Forest test would begin tomorrow, and Kai knew that the real challenges were only just beginning.