Chapter 16: Stirring the Pot
Xu Tian leaned against a tree near the sect's training grounds, watching as disciples scurried about. Ever since the envoys from the Iron Shadow Sect left, the atmosphere within the sect had become tense. Training sessions doubled, formations were repaired, and the elders moved with urgency.
"Look at them," Xu Tian sighed, munching on an apple he had mysteriously 'borrowed' from the kitchens. "Running around like headless chickens. Isn't stress bad for cultivation?"
Guo Fan, seated nearby, frowned. "Senior Brother, this is serious. If the Iron Shadow Sect declares war, we'll need to be ready."
"I'm ready," Xu Tian replied lazily, tossing the apple core into the bushes. "I've got this amazing technique now, remember? Shadow Veil. It's like I'm halfway to being a spy or assassin. Super practical."
Luo Ying, who had been silently sharpening her sword, glanced at him. "And yet you spend more time lounging than training."
Xu Tian waved her off. "Training is overrated. I've got raw talent and a system. That's all I need."
[(Host's overconfidence detected. Reminder: System rewards depend on performance.)]
"Yeah, yeah," Xu Tian muttered. "I'll get serious when it counts."
Later that evening, Xu Tian decided it was time to further explore the capabilities of the Shadow Veil Technique. The system reward intrigued him, not just for its stealth but for the potential chaos it could unleash.
"Time to have some fun," he said, activating the technique. Shadows enveloped him, and he became nearly invisible.
He sneaked into the outer disciples' quarters, where a group of juniors were discussing the looming conflict.
"I heard the Iron Shadow Sect has assassins that can kill without leaving a trace!" one said, eyes wide with fear.
Another chimed in, "And their poison? Deadly enough to kill an elder in seconds!"
Xu Tian, fully cloaked in his Shadow Veil, leaned close to their conversation and whispered, "Boo."
The disciples screamed, tripping over themselves as they scrambled to the door. One even fainted, clutching his chest.
[(Host's prank effectiveness: High. Fear-induced energy detected within targets.)]
Xu Tian emerged from the shadows, laughing so hard he nearly fell over. "That was priceless! I should do this more often."
"You shouldn't," a cold voice said behind him.
He turned to see Luo Ying, arms crossed, her expression unreadable.
"Uh... Hey, Senior Sister," Xu Tian began sheepishly.
"Are you proud of yourself?" she asked.
"Very," he replied, grinning.
---
The next morning, Elder Feng called Xu Tian, Luo Ying, and Guo Fan to his chambers. The elder's normally calm demeanor was strained.
"The Iron Shadow Sect has sent a message," he said. "They propose a duel to settle this dispute."
"A duel?" Guo Fan asked, wide-eyed.
"Yes," Elder Feng confirmed. "Three of their disciples against three of ours. If we win, the matter is resolved. If we lose..."
"They'll demand compensation or use the loss as justification for war," Luo Ying finished, her tone grim.
"Exactly," Elder Feng said. He looked at Xu Tian. "You're one of our strongest disciples, despite your... unconventional methods. You'll participate."
Xu Tian blinked. "Wait, what? Don't I get a say in this?"
"No," Elder Feng replied simply.
[(New task assigned: Participate in sect duel. Victory required for reward.)]
Xu Tian groaned. "This system is really ruining my life."
The day of the duel arrived quickly. The sect elders arranged a large arena near the mountain's edge, its natural stone amphitheater serving as a perfect battleground.
The Iron Shadow Sect arrived in dramatic fashion, their disciples clad in dark robes and exuding an aura of menace. Their leader, a tall man with a silver mask, stepped forward.
"Elder Feng," he said, his voice smooth and cold, "we appreciate your willingness to resolve this matter peacefully."
Elder Feng nodded curtly. "We value peace above all else."
Xu Tian leaned toward Luo Ying and whispered, "This guy really rehearsed his villain lines, didn't he?"
"Focus," she hissed.
The Iron Shadow Sect's disciples stepped into the arena: a wiry man with twin daggers, a tall woman wielding a massive halberd, and a silent figure cloaked in shadows.
Xu Tian, Luo Ying, and Guo Fan took their positions.
"Let's get this over with," Xu Tian muttered.
The Duel Begins
The first match pitted Guo Fan against the dagger-wielding disciple. Despite Guo Fan's solid defense, the speed and agility of his opponent proved challenging. After an intense exchange, Guo Fan managed to land a decisive blow, securing a narrow victory.
"Not bad," Xu Tian said as Guo Fan returned, panting.
The second match saw Luo Ying facing the halberd-wielding woman. Their clash was fierce, the sheer power of the halberd countered by Luo Ying's precision and technique. Eventually, Luo Ying disarmed her opponent, earning another win for their sect.
"All right," Xu Tian said as he stepped forward. "Time for the main event."
Xu Tian's opponent was the silent, shadow-cloaked figure. As they faced off, the crowd fell silent, the tension palpable.
The figure struck first, disappearing into the shadows and reappearing behind Xu Tian with a dagger aimed at his back.
"Nice try," Xu Tian said, activating the Shadow Veil. He vanished, the shadows consuming him.
[(Shadow Veil activated. Host's agility and perception increased.)]
The battle became a game of cat and mouse, both combatants weaving in and out of visibility. Xu Tian relied on his quick thinking and unpredictability, creating openings and exploiting them with surprising effectiveness.
At one point, he reappeared upside-down on a tree branch and shouted, "Is this all you've got? I've seen more threatening shadows in my nightmares!"
The crowd erupted in laughter, and even Elder Feng smirked.
The figure growled in frustration, launching a barrage of attacks. Xu Tian dodged with ease, countering with a well-placed strike that sent his opponent sprawling.
[(Victory achieved. Reward pending.)]
With all three matches won, the Iron Shadow Sect reluctantly conceded. Their leader bowed stiffly to Elder Feng. "This matter is resolved—for now."
As they left, Xu Tian turned to Luo Ying. "See? Told you I'd handle it."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the faint smile on her lips.
[(Host's performance satisfactory. Reward: Shadow Veil upgraded to Advanced Tier. Additional benefits unlocked.)]
Xu Tian grinned. "Looks like the system finally appreciates me."
"Let's hope you appreciate the responsibility that comes with it," Luo Ying said.
"Responsibility? Nah," Xu Tian replied, stretching lazily. "I'm just here for the rewards."
---
To Be Continued...
With the duel over and tensions temporarily eased, Xu Tian's journey continues. But new challenges loom on the horizon, and his carefree attitude might not be enough to face them. Stay tuned for the next chapter of Ascension of the Cosmic Fool!