Kai’s emergence from three days of seclusion didn't cause an immediate stir – disciples frequently undertook short retreats. But the change in him was impossible to ignore for those with sharper senses or who had paid any attention to him before.

  He carried himself differently. It wasn't just the newfound confidence from his successful dealings and self-defense, but a subtle shift in his energy signature. The weak, almost negligible presence of a Level 1 disciple, which had slowly climbed to Level 3, had suddenly surged. Instructors overseeing training drills paused, their spiritual senses detecting the distinct aura of Qi Condensation Level 5 emanating from the previously unremarkable Kai.

  "Disciple Kai," one grizzled instructor, Instructor Liu (no relation to the Elder), called out during morning exercises, his eyes narrowed. "Your progress… seems rapid. Have you had a fortunate encounter recently?"

  Kai bowed respectfully. "This disciple was fortunate to gain some insights during recent meditation, Instructor. And I acquired a few low-grade pills that proved helpful." He offered a partial truth, attributing it to luck and standard resources, downplaying the ridiculous speed.

  Instructor Liu grunted, unconvinced but lacking evidence of wrongdoing. "Hmph. See that you solidify your foundation. Rapid advancement without stability leads to deviation." A standard warning, but his gaze lingered on Kai longer than usual.

  The rumors among the disciples intensified. Kai jumping from Level 3 to Level 5 in mere days? It was unheard of for someone with his known background of poor talent. Whispers of "hidden master," "ancient legacy discovered," or "miracle treasure found" circulated wildly. His previous sales of strange-but-effective goods suddenly seemed less like scams and more like evidence of some mysterious resource backing him.

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  His hidden shop in the woodshed also saw increased traffic. Disciples, emboldened by his rising status and proven effectiveness, sought him out more often. His operating capital grew steadily, allowing him to completely pay off his System Debt within a week of leaving seclusion. Being debt-free felt like a massive weight lifted, even as he immediately began saving points for future upgrades.

  [System Debt Cleared! Reward Applied: System Credit Limit Increased. 5% Discount on System Store Purchases (Vendor Level 1 Tier).]

  This success, however, bred envy. Disciples who previously wouldn't have spared Kai a second glance now looked at him with jealousy and suspicion. How did he, the former bottom-feeder, advance so quickly? Where did his resources really come from? Established figures among the Outer Sect elite, those nearing Level 6 or 7 who had spent years getting there, felt particularly slighted.

  Even some Elders took note. Elder Liu, pleased with his Sunpetal Herb, mentioned Kai’s resourcefulness to a few colleagues. While intended as praise, it put Kai on the radar of other powerful figures within the sect, their interest piqued by this suddenly prominent Outer Disciple with mysterious capabilities.

  The attention was a double-edged sword. It brought more customers and a degree of wary respect, but it also painted a larger target on his back. He was no longer flying under the radar. His rapid rise and unorthodox methods were disrupting the established order of the Outer Sect, and disruption inevitably invited conflict. He could feel scrutiny from multiple directions – instructors, jealous peers, curious elders, and the lingering, simmering resentment of one particularly volatile bully.