Zhang Long watched Kai walk across the training grounds, radiating the energy signature of a Qi Condensation Level 5 cultivator, and felt a rage so intense it made his vision momentarily blur. Level 5! That piece of trash, that worm he could have crushed like an insect just weeks ago, was now two levels higher than him? How?!

  The humiliation of their previous encounter still burned. Being forced to retreat, nursing a bruised foot and ego, from a Level 1 weakling using dirty tricks… it was intolerable. His lackeys, Wang Tao and Li Chen (now recovered but nursing lasting fear), still flinched whenever Kai’s name was mentioned. Zhang Long’s dominance, his carefully cultivated reign of terror over the weakest disciples, felt threatened.

  Now, Kai wasn't just resisting; he was surpassing him. The rumors were rampant – Kai had found some legacy, some treasure, maybe even made a pact with a demon! Whatever the source, Zhang Long only saw one thing: resources and power that should rightfully belong to him. That surge from Level 3 to 5 couldn't have happened without significant external aid. Pills, elixirs, spirit stones – Kai had to be loaded.

  Revenge wasn't enough anymore. Zhang Long wanted to break Kai, strip him bare, take everything he had, and understand the source of his impossible rise. He couldn’t let this stand.

  He spent a few days observing, confirming Kai’s new cultivation level and routines. He noted Kai’s increased confidence, the way other low-level disciples now looked towards him, some even greeting him with respect. He saw Kai occasionally slip away towards the western woodshed area. That had to be where he stashed his goods, his secrets.

  Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

  Zhang Long, having finally scraped his way to Qi Condensation Level 4 through sheer grit and bullying weaker disciples for resources, knew he couldn't take Kai alone now, especially not after the last encounter. Kai fought dirty and unpredictably. He needed backup. Reliable backup.

  He approached two other prominent bullies in the Outer Sect, disciples known for their cruelty and strength: Heishi ('Black Stone'), a burly Level 4 known for his brute strength techniques, and Ma Feng ('Horse Wind'), a wiry Level 4 skilled in basic speed techniques and notorious for his swift, vicious kicks. He also gathered his original lackeys, Wang Tao and Li Chen (both still Level 2 but useful for numbers).

  "Kai," Zhang Long spat the name like poison as they gathered in a secluded corner. "He's Level 5 now. Gotten arrogant. Flaunting wealth he didn't earn. He hides his stash near the western woodshed. Tonight, we pay him a visit. We take everything. Teach him his place permanently."

  Heishi grinned, cracking his thick knuckles. "Level 5? Interesting. Heard he sells strange things. Might be useful."

  Ma Feng sneered. "Fast advancement means unstable foundation. And likely relies on external items. Heard he beat you with tricks, Zhang Long? We won't fall for those."

  Zhang Long flushed but nodded. "Exactly. Overwhelm him. No tricks this time. We move together, pin him down, break his limbs if we have to. Find his secrets, take his stash." He promised Heishi and Ma Feng a significant cut of whatever spirit stones and valuable items they found, sealing their cooperation.

  Their plan was simple: ambush Kai near the woodshed after the evening meal, when traffic was low. Five cultivators – three Level 4s and two Level 2s – against one Level 5. Even accounting for Kai's unexpected jump, the numbers and combined strength should be overwhelming. This time, there would be no escape, no lucky tricks. This time, they would crush him.