With his own gear upgraded, Kai turned his attention to his 'business'. The upcoming competition wasn't just a personal opportunity; it was a massive market event. Hundreds of disciples, all Qi Condensation Level 3 or higher, would be pushing themselves to the limit, training harder, sparring more intensely, and desperately seeking any edge they could get. This meant increased demand for energy boosters, healing aids, and perhaps even minor performance enhancers.
His hidden shop was perfectly positioned to cater to this demand, especially among those disciples who lacked the resources or connections to procure high-quality goods through official sect channels. It was time to stock up on 'Competition Specials'.
He accessed the System Store, leveraging his 5% Vendor Level 1 discount. His System Debt stood at 50 points, a constant pressure, but he needed inventory to make sales and clear it.
Gamer's Health Potion (Minor) - Rebranded: 'Arena Rapid Recovery Salve': Heals minor wounds over an hour, reduces pain. Cost: 30 Points (less 5% = 28.5, rounded to 28 by system). Purchase 5 units. [Cost: 140 Points - Added to Debt]
Energy Drink (Generic) / Energy Shot - Rebranded: 'Pre-Duel Vigor Elixir': Quick burst of stamina/focus. Cost: 1 Point per 2 units (discount negligible). Purchase 20 units (10 points). [Cost: 10 Points - Added to Debt]
Energy Gels (Endurance Athlete Formula) - Rebranded: 'Enduring Qi Recovery Pastilles': Slower release carbohydrate/electrolyte blend for sustained energy. Cost: 2 Points per unit (less 5% = 1.9, rounded to 2). Purchase 10 units. [Cost: 20 Points - Added to Debt]
Minor Pain Relief Spray - Rebranded: 'Numbing Dew Spray': Temporary relief for muscle soreness, bruises. Cost: 5 Points (less 5% = 4.75, rounded to 5). Purchase 10 units. [Cost: 50 Points - Added to Debt]
[Total Cost: 140 + 10 + 20 + 50 = 220 Points.]
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[System Debt: 50 + 220 = 270 Points.]
His debt ballooned again, reaching a worrying level. But this felt like a calculated investment. The demand during the competition buildup would be intense. He set competitive but profitable prices in Low-Grade Spirit Stone fragments, slightly undercutting the sparse official sect options where available, while emphasizing the unique effectiveness (placebo or otherwise) of his 'artifacts'.
Arena Rapid Recovery Salve: 15 Fragments
Pre-Duel Vigor Elixir: 3 Fragments
Enduring Qi Recovery Pastilles: 8 Fragments
Numbing Dew Spray: 5 Fragments
He used the CRM to send out discreet notifications to his entire customer list (now over 40 disciples) about the availability of "specialized aids for competition preparation" at the woodshed location.
The response was immediate. The week leading up to the competition saw a constant, albeit stealthy, stream of disciples visiting the woodshed. They bought Vigor Elixirs for intense training sessions, Recovery Salves for sparring injuries, Numbing Dew for aches and pains, and Recovery Pastilles to sustain long hours of practice.
Kai, assisted by Lin Fan (who handled transactions when Kai was cultivating), worked tirelessly. Fragments piled up in his System Balance at an unprecedented rate. He prioritized paying down the debt aggressively. Within five days, the influx of cash from the competition frenzy allowed him to clear the entire 270-point debt.
[System Debt Cleared! Reward Applied: System Store Discount Increased to 7% (Vendor Level 1 Tier).]
Being debt-free again, with a positive point balance (around 30 points) and a healthy stash of over 400 Low-Grade Spirit Stone Fragments, felt fantastic. The 'Competition Specials' gamble had paid off handsomely.
He didn't neglect his own training during this busy period. Every spare moment was spent meditating, circulating Qi with the Azure Cloud manual, and practicing basic sword forms with his new carbon fiber bokken. The combination of his improved talent, consistent practice, and the lingering effects of the enhancement array (which finally faded completely after its 7-day duration) pushed his cultivation forward once more. Just two days before the competition was set to begin, he felt the familiar surge of energy indicating another breakthrough.
[Host Cultivation Detected: Qi Condensation Level 6 Achieved!]
Level 6. He was now firmly among the upper echelon of Outer Sect competitors. With his superior gear, system support, and enhanced cultivation, Kai felt a growing sense of anticipation. He wasn't just aiming to enter the Inner Sect anymore. He was aiming to make a statement.
