News of the beatdown near the western woodshed spread through the Outer Sect with astonishing speed. The details were fragmented, exaggerated, and often contradictory, but the core elements remained consistent: Kai, the disciple who had rocketed to Level 5, had single-handedly and decisively incapacitated Zhang Long, Heishi, Ma Feng, and their lackeys using some kind of terrifying lightning artifact and strange, non-standard fighting techniques.

  The effect was immediate and profound.

  Fear, tinged with awe, became the dominant reaction towards Kai. Disciples who had previously viewed him with contempt or jealousy now avoided his gaze, stepping aside respectfully when he passed. Those who had bullied the original Kai, even minor tormentors, suddenly became exceedingly polite or avoided him altogether. The hierarchy of the Outer Sect's lowest rungs had been violently reshuffled overnight. Zhang Long and his crew, once feared predators, were now objects of pity and ridicule, their authority shattered.

  More significantly, the disciples Kai had previously helped – Lin Fan, Mei Ling, Yao Fei, and the others who frequented his hidden shop – looked at him with something approaching reverence. He wasn't just a source of useful goods anymore; he was a protector, someone who could stand up to the bullies who made their lives miserable.

  A few days after the incident, Lin Fan approached Kai hesitantly near the woodshed. Lin Fan himself had benefited from Kai's cheaper goods, managing to reach Qi Condensation Level 2 and looking significantly healthier than when Kai first met him.

  "Senior Brother Kai," Lin Fan bowed deeply, a new level of respect in his voice. "What you did… Zhang Long and the others… they won't trouble us anymore."

  Kai nodded simply. "They learned their lesson."

  Lin Fan hesitated, then seemed to gather his courage. "Senior Brother, many of us… we owe you. For the goods you provide, and now for dealing with those thugs. If… if there's anything we can do to help you, with your… business… or anything else, we would be honored."

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Kai looked at Lin Fan, seeing the genuine gratitude and loyalty in his eyes. He had considered this. Running the hidden shop alone, even with the CRM, was becoming time-consuming. Having trusted helpers could free up his time for cultivation and exploring more complex system functions. Lin Fan, Mei Ling, and a couple of others had proven reliable and discreet.

  "Your loyalty is appreciated, Lin Fan," Kai said. "Perhaps there is something. My 'Universal Goods' operation requires discretion and reliability. I need trustworthy assistants to help manage inquiries, handle basic deliveries within the Outer Sect, and maintain the secrecy of our arrangement."

  Lin Fan's face lit up. "We can do that, Senior Brother! Absolutely! Mei Ling, Yao Fei, we've already talked about it. We want to help!"

  Kai considered. "Very well. But understand the risks. Association with me still carries potential trouble. And absolute secrecy is paramount. Can you handle that?"

  "Yes, Senior Brother!" Lin Fan affirmed eagerly.

  Kai decided to formalize it slightly. "Alright. Lin Fan, you will be my primary assistant here at the 'shop' location. You'll handle initial inquiries when I'm unavailable and manage the immediate vicinity. Mei Ling, your diligence is valuable; you can handle discreet deliveries to female disciples or specific locations. Yao Fei, you can assist with sourcing basic local materials if needed for future… crafting." He left that last part vague.

  "I cannot pay you much initially," Kai continued, "but I will offer fair commissions in spirit stone fragments for completed tasks and provide prioritized access to 'Universal Goods' at a significant discount for your personal use." He mentally noted to use the CRM to track their tasks and commissions.

  Lin Fan, Mei Ling (who had approached quietly during the conversation), and Yao Fei readily agreed, their faces showing excitement and purpose. They weren't just customers anymore; they were part of Kai's burgeoning enterprise, his first tentative 'followers'.

  This small team allowed Kai to operate more efficiently. He could focus more on cultivation, exploring system blueprints, and planning his next moves, knowing that the basic day-to-day operations of his hidden trade were being managed by loyal hands. His dominance wasn't just built on fear of his lightning wand, but increasingly on the respect and loyalty of those he empowered, however modestly. The foundation of his influence was solidifying.