Word, in the closed, gossip-fueled environment of the Outer Sect dormitories, traveled faster than Kai had anticipated, albeit in hushed tones and skeptical whispers.

  "Did you hear about Mei Ling? Finished three days' worth of laundry in two."

  "Yeah, saw her practically bouncing off the walls. Said Kai sold her some weird 'Energy Elixir'."

  "Kai? Skinny Kai? Where would he get an elixir?"

  "And Yao Fei's hand? Healed up clean in two days. Showed me the 'Mending Kit' Kai gave him. Strange little patches."

  "Said it only cost a fragment? Cheaper than Elder Miao's cheapest salve..."

  The initial skepticism remained, but it was now tinged with curiosity. Kai's products, while bizarre and unconventional, seemed to actually work, at least for the minor issues they claimed to address. The energy shot provided a noticeable caffeine and sugar jolt, interpreted as a stamina boost. The first-aid kit offered basic wound care far superior to rubbing dirt on a scrape or using a torn piece of cloth. Even the chocolate bars, providing a quick sugar high and the minor mood lift from theobromine, were perceived as effective "Blissful Energy Bars" in a world devoid of such simple pleasures.

  Kai capitalized on this nascent interest cautiously. He didn't proactively seek out new customers aggressively. Instead, he let them come to him, usually approaching him hesitantly after hearing the rumors. He stuck to the areas around his dorm or the less crowded training grounds, always operating discreetly.

  He made sure to ask his initial customers how the products worked out. When Mei Ling confirmed the 'elixir' helped immensely (though she did complain about the subsequent crash), Kai offered her a slight discount on her next purchase 'for her valuable feedback'. This prompted a system notification:

  [Customer Feedback Recorded: Mei Ling - Energy Elixir]

  [Positive Outcome Reported. Minor Side Effect Noted (Energy Crash).]

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  [System Suggestion: Implement Loyalty Program? Offer Discounts for Testimonials/Ratings?]

  Kai mentally accepted the suggestion. He started offering small discounts – a fragment saved here, an extra 'Blissful Energy Bar' thrown in there – for disciples willing to share their positive experiences (discreetly, of course) with others or provide a 'rating' (which translated to a system prompt appearing for Kai after the disciple confirmed satisfaction).

  This strategy proved effective. It incentivized word-of-mouth marketing and helped him manage his reputation. His customer base slowly grew beyond the initial five. Ten, then fifteen disciples became semi-regular customers, seeking him out for energy boosts before tough chores, quick fixes for minor injuries, or just a moment of 'bliss' after a harsh training session.

  He used his accumulating points and fragments to maintain a small, rotating stock of his core items, always purchased through the system and materialized when needed. He learned to manage his meager resources carefully, balancing reinvestment in stock with the desperate need to save for his own cultivation aids.

  Energy Elixir (Energy Shot): 2 fragments or 1 Point. Consistent seller.

  Instant Mending Kit (First Aid Kit): 1 fragment or 2 Points. Popular for sparring injuries.

  Blissful Energy Bar (Chocolate Bar): 1 fragment for two, or 1 Point per 3 bars. Impulse buy, good for morale.

  He resisted the urge to list more complex items yet, sticking to what he knew was effective and easy to explain. His descriptions became more refined, leaning into the mystical angle without being overly outlandish. He spoke of "condensed vital essences," "rapid energy conversion formulas," and "ancient mortal mending techniques rediscovered."

  His earnings, while still small by any real cultivation standard, felt like a fortune to him. By the end of the second week, he had accumulated nearly thirty Low-Grade Spirit Stone Fragments and, more importantly, his System Points had climbed past 30. He was getting closer to the 50-point threshold for Level 1.

  His interactions also provided valuable market intelligence. He learned about the disciples' routines, their common complaints, the things they lacked most. He heard whispers about upcoming sect events, about the instructors' moods, about the movements of bullies like Zhang Long. This information was almost as valuable as the fragments themselves.

  Kai himself was changing. The initial shock and despair of transmigration were receding, replaced by a focused determination. He was still physically weak (stuck at Qi Condensation Level 1), but he carried himself with a quiet confidence that hadn't existed before. He wasn't just prey anymore; he was a provider, a problem-solver, albeit a very strange one.

  The other outer disciples started treating him differently. The outright contempt was mostly gone, replaced by curiosity, wary respect, and sometimes, a hint of dependence. They didn't understand where his goods came from, but they knew they worked and that Kai was the source. He was no longer just 'Skinny Kai'; he was 'Kai the Vendor', the guy with the strange but useful elixirs and kits.

  This small success, however, was a double-edged sword. In the stratified, resource-scarce environment of the Outer Sect, any change, any small accumulation of wealth or influence, inevitably attracted attention – not all of it friendly. Kai knew his low profile couldn't last forever. Trouble was brewing, and its name was Zhang Long.