Chapter 13: Seeds of Chaos
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The first rays of sunlight painted the Fallen Cloud Sect in soft gold. Xu Tian stretched lazily, savoring the cool morning breeze. His courtyard felt unusually serene, the rustling of leaves accompanied by the occasional chirp of birds.
"Ah, mornings like these almost make you forget this sect is on the verge of destruction," he muttered, pouring himself a cup of tea.
[(Host's improved spiritual energy efficiency detected. Suggested activity: Advanced Ripple Flow Method training.)]
"System, it's called pacing myself," Xu Tian replied, taking a sip of tea. "You wouldn't understand."
[(Correction: Host's current pace is categorized as 'leisurely' bordering on 'indolent.')]
Xu Tian rolled his eyes, setting the cup down. "Fine. I'll train after breakfast. Happy now?"
[(Acknowledged. Host's compliance is... noted.)]
True to his word—surprisingly—Xu Tian spent the next few hours practicing the Ripple Flow Method. The energy coursing through him felt more refined, his control sharper. Each movement of the technique resonated with a newfound harmony.
"I have to admit," Xu Tian said, wiping his brow, "this whole 'getting stronger' thing isn't so bad when it actually works."
[(Host is encouraged to maintain this momentum. Current cultivation trajectory is promising.)]
Just as he was about to attempt a more advanced sequence, the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted him. Guo Fan burst into the courtyard, his face pale.
"Xu Tian! Trouble! Big trouble!"
Xu Tian raised an eyebrow. "Is this 'trouble' on a sect-wide scale or just you tripping over yourself again?"
"It's... it's both!" Guo Fan stammered, panting. "Senior Sister Luo Ying sent me to get you. There's a situation at the outer forest!"
"Of course there is," Xu Tian sighed, grabbing his robe. "Let's go before it escalates into full-blown disaster."
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The outer forest was shrouded in an eerie mist when they arrived. Disciples were gathered in clusters, murmuring anxiously. In the center of the commotion stood Senior Sister Luo Ying, her expression as calm and composed as ever.
"Senior Sister," Xu Tian greeted, bowing slightly. "What's the situation?"
Luo Ying turned to him, her gaze sharp. "We've detected a strange phenomenon in the forest. The mist appeared overnight, and it's disorienting anyone who enters. Several disciples who ventured inside haven't returned."
[(Alert: Anomalous spiritual energy detected within the mist. Probability of danger: High.)]
"Well, isn't that just fantastic?" Xu Tian muttered.
Luo Ying crossed her arms. "I'm organizing a team to investigate, but I need someone who can think on their feet. That's where you come in."
"Me? Think on my feet?" Xu Tian asked, incredulous. "I'm more of a 'think while running away' kind of guy."
A faint smile tugged at Luo Ying's lips. "I trust you'll adapt."
Despite his protests, Xu Tian found himself leading a small group of disciples into the mist. The air grew colder with each step, and the eerie silence was broken only by the crunch of leaves beneath their feet.
"This is fine," Xu Tian said, trying to sound casual. "It's just fog. What's the worst that could—"
A guttural growl cut him off, echoing through the mist. The disciples froze, their hands instinctively gripping their weapons.
"Hostile spirit beasts?" Xu Tian guessed, his voice a notch higher than usual.
[(Confirmation: Spirit beasts exhibiting unusual aggression detected. Host is advised to proceed with caution—or run, if necessary.)]
"Great. Thanks for the confidence boost."
The growling grew louder, and a pair of glowing red eyes appeared in the mist. A massive wolf-like creature emerged, its fur bristling with dark energy.
Xu Tian stepped back, his mind racing. "Okay, everyone stay calm. It's just one... very angry dog."
The wolf snarled, lunging at them.
"Scatter!" Xu Tian yelled, diving out of the way. The disciples obeyed, fanning out to surround the beast.
Drawing his sword, Xu Tian tried to recall everything he'd learned—or pretended to learn—about fighting spirit beasts.
"Focus on its weak points," he muttered, dodging another swipe of its claws.
[(Host's current skill level is insufficient to engage directly. Suggest utilizing the Ripple Flow Method for evasive maneuvers.)]
"Noted!" Xu Tian said, channeling energy into his movements. The Ripple Flow Method allowed him to weave around the wolf's attacks with surprising agility.
The other disciples struck at the beast, their coordinated efforts wearing it down. Finally, with a well-placed blow from Guo Fan—who had somehow not tripped over himself—the wolf collapsed, dissipating into a wisp of dark energy.
"Well, that was... invigorating," Xu Tian panted, leaning on his sword.
[(Host's performance was adequate. Recommend further training to avoid reliance on luck.)]
"Gee, thanks," Xu Tian muttered.
As the mist began to thin, the group stumbled upon an ancient stone altar hidden within the forest. Strange symbols were etched into its surface, glowing faintly.
"What is this place?" Guo Fan asked, wide-eyed.
Luo Ying, who had joined them, examined the altar with a frown. "It appears to be a remnant of an old sect—one that predates ours. This might explain the unusual spiritual energy in the area."
Xu Tian approached the altar cautiously. "So, do we leave it alone or poke it until something happens?"
[(Caution: Unknown artifact detected. Interaction may yield rewards or consequences.)]
"Fantastic," Xu Tian said. "It's like flipping a coin, except the coin might explode."
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To Be Continued...
As Xu Tian and the others face the mysteries of the ancient altar, the balance of power within the Fallen Cloud Sect hangs in the balance. Will the secrets of the mist bring salvation or destruction?
Stay tuned for more absurdity, cultivation challenges, and increasingly poor life choices!