Chapter 9: The Cosmic Confrontation Gossip in the Fallen Cloud Sect
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The news of Xu Tian's recent antics had spread like wildfire throughout the Fallen Cloud Sect. By the end of the day, every disciple seemed to have heard some exaggerated version of his "heroics."
"He caught a chicken that could rival a spirit beast!"
"Did you hear? He made Senior Disciple Lu lose face in front of everyone again!"
"I heard he's secretly a hidden master pretending to be a fool to deceive us!"
Xu Tian rubbed his temples as he overheard snippets of conversation while walking to the training grounds. His reputation was taking on a life of its own, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to avoid unwanted attention.
"I didn't sign up for this," Xu Tian muttered, dodging a group of starry-eyed junior disciples who waved at him enthusiastically.
[(Host's fame has increased within the sect. Note: Fame can lead to both opportunities and complications.)]
"Gee, thanks for the heads-up," Xu Tian replied dryly.
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An Unexpected Challenge
Xu Tian's newfound fame wasn't without consequences. As he reached the training grounds, a tall, broad-shouldered disciple stepped forward, blocking his path.
"Xu Tian," the disciple said, his voice deep and commanding. "I am Liang Feng, and I challenge you to a duel!"
Xu Tian raised an eyebrow. "A duel? Why?"
Liang Feng smirked. "You've been making waves, but I don't believe the rumors. I'll show everyone that you're just an upstart with no real strength."
[(New task: Defeat Liang Feng in a duel. Reward: Spirit Compression Elixir. Deadline: Immediate.)]
Xu Tian sighed. "Of course, there's a system task for this."
The gathered disciples murmured excitedly, forming a circle around them.
"Xu Tian's going to fight Liang Feng?"
"This is going to be good!"
Xu Tian took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Alright, fine. Let's get this over with."
Liang Feng wasted no time, lunging forward with a powerful palm strike. Xu Tian barely dodged, his movements still sluggish compared to his opponent's speed.
[(Suggestion: Use the Agility Pill for enhanced movement. Side effects are temporary.)]
Xu Tian hesitated for a moment before popping the pill into his mouth. The familiar surge of energy coursed through him, and his movements immediately became sharper.
Liang Feng's attacks came fast and heavy, but Xu Tian danced around them with newfound agility.
"Not bad," Liang Feng admitted, his eyes narrowing. "But let's see how you handle this!"
He unleashed a flurry of punches, each one crackling with faint spiritual energy. Xu Tian dodged most of them but took a glancing blow to his shoulder, stumbling back.
[(Warning: Host's current cultivation level is insufficient to withstand direct spiritual attacks. Employ strategy over brute force.)]
Xu Tian gritted his teeth. "Yeah, I kind of figured that out!"
Xu Tian shifted tactics, using his agility to stay just out of Liang Feng's reach. He began circling his opponent, taunting him.
"Is that all you've got? I've seen chickens fight better than this!"
Liang Feng's face turned red with anger. "Stand still and fight me, coward!"
Xu Tian smirked. "Why would I do that when you're making it so easy to tire yourself out?"
The crowd burst into laughter, further infuriating Liang Feng. He charged at Xu Tian, swinging wildly. Xu Tian sidestepped and, in a moment of inspiration, stuck out his foot.
Liang Feng tripped, landing face-first in the dirt.
The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter.
"Xu Tian wins!" someone shouted.
Liang Feng scrambled to his feet, glaring at Xu Tian. "This isn't over," he growled before storming off.
[(Task complete. Reward issued: Spirit Compression Elixir. Item description: Increases the efficiency of spiritual energy absorption during cultivation.)]
Xu Tian held up the small vial of elixir, examining it closely. "Finally, a reward that doesn't involve sneezing or humiliation."
[(Host is encouraged to use the elixir to improve cultivation efficiency. Note: Optimal results occur when combined with focused meditation.)]
After the duel, Xu Tian retreated to a quiet corner of the sect grounds. He uncorked the Spirit Compression Elixir and drank it in one gulp. A warm sensation spread through his body, and he felt a subtle shift in his dantian.
He sat cross-legged, closing his eyes to focus on the flow of spiritual energy. For the first time, the chaotic energy around him seemed to settle into a steady rhythm.
[(Cultivation progress: Basic Foundation Stage 23% → 30%. Host is advised to continue consistent training for further improvement.)]
Xu Tian opened his eyes, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Well, that's progress, I guess."
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Trouble Brewing
As Xu Tian returned to the dormitory, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The usual chatter of disciples had a nervous edge, and groups huddled together, whispering.
"What's going on?" Xu Tian asked Guo Fan, who was pacing anxiously.
"You haven't heard?" Guo Fan replied, his voice low. "A senior elder from the Azure Blade Pavilion is visiting tomorrow. They're here to inspect our sect's progress."
Xu Tian frowned. "So? Why does that matter to us?"
Guo Fan gave him a look. "Because the elders are planning to showcase the sect's 'rising talents.' And guess who's on the list?"
Xu Tian's eyes widened. "Oh, no. No, no, no. They can't possibly mean me."
"They do," Guo Fan said grimly. "You've been making too much noise, Xu Tian. They're throwing you to the wolves."
[(New task: Impress the Azure Blade Pavilion elder during their visit. Reward: Spiritual Artifact Fragment. Deadline: One day.)]
Xu Tian groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Why does everything have to be so damn complicated?"
[(Host is reminded that complexity is the essence of life and cultivation.)]
"Shut up, system."
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To Be Continued...
As the sect prepares for the Azure Blade Pavilion's visit, Xu Tian finds himself thrust into the spotlight once again. With challenges piling up and his reputation on the line, the Cosmic Fool's journey takes another unexpected turn.