Chapter 18: The Veiled Envoy
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An Unsettling Arrival
The main hall of the Eternal Spring Sect buzzed with whispers as Mei Lian, the enigmatic envoy from the Crimson Moon Sect, stood calmly amidst the growing crowd. Her dark robes and the faint aura of spiritual pressure around her commanded attention.
Xu Tian, however, had his own concerns.
"Why me?" he whispered to Luo Ying, who stood by his side. "Did I offend some mysterious sect when I wasn't paying attention?"
"Probably," she muttered, arms crossed. "You offend someone just by existing."
[(Host's reputation: Growing infamy. Suggest caution.)]
"Helpful as always, system," Xu Tian mumbled under his breath.
Elder Feng entered the hall with a grave expression, his gaze fixed on Mei Lian. "Envoy Mei, it is rare for the Crimson Moon Sect to visit. What brings you here?"
Mei Lian inclined her head. "Elder Feng, I come with a message from my sect. However, I must first address the one known as Xu Tian."
The murmurs grew louder. Xu Tian felt all eyes shift toward him, a mixture of curiosity, awe, and amusement in their gazes.
He raised his hand awkwardly. "Uh, hi? That's me. What do you want?"
Mei Lian's piercing gaze locked onto him. "You are... peculiar."
Xu Tian blinked. "Thank you? I think."
Ignoring his response, Mei Lian continued, "Your actions in the recent duel have not gone unnoticed. There are forces in the shadows that find your... unconventional methods intriguing. Some see potential; others see you as a threat."
Luo Ying's eyes narrowed. "What kind of forces are we talking about?"
"The Crimson Moon Sect has always walked the line between light and darkness," Mei Lian said. "We observe, we adapt, and we act when necessary. Consider this a courtesy warning: tread carefully, or you may find yourself entangled in webs far beyond your comprehension."
[(Warning: Host's recent actions have attracted attention from high-level entities. Prepare for future complications.)]
Xu Tian groaned. "Fantastic. Can I have one normal day without ominous warnings?"
"No," Luo Ying and the system said simultaneously.
The room fell silent as Mei Lian produced a crimson token, its surface inscribed with intricate runes that glowed faintly.
"Our sect leader has extended an invitation," she said, holding the token toward Xu Tian. "You are welcome to visit the Crimson Moon Sect as a guest. Consider it an opportunity to learn more about the world you now find yourself part of."
Xu Tian hesitated, glancing at Elder Feng, who gave him a small nod. "It would be unwise to offend them," Elder Feng said softly.
"Great," Xu Tian muttered, stepping forward to accept the token. "I'll just add 'visit ominous sect' to my growing list of problems."
Mei Lian's lips curved into a faint smile. "Wise choice. We will await your arrival."
With that, she turned and walked out of the hall, leaving an air of mystery in her wake.
Back in his quarters, Xu Tian paced nervously while Guo Fan and Luo Ying watched.
"This feels like a trap," Xu Tian said.
"It's not entirely a trap," Luo Ying replied, leaning against the wall. "But it's definitely a test. The Crimson Moon Sect rarely acts without purpose."
Guo Fan nodded. "Do you think it's about the duel?"
"Maybe," Luo Ying said. "But I think it's more about him." She jabbed a finger at Xu Tian. "Your antics have a way of drawing attention, for better or worse."
[(Analysis: Envoy Mei's invitation presents an opportunity for growth but carries significant risks.)]
"Of course it's risky," Xu Tian muttered. "The system only gives me impossible problems to solve."
Guo Fan grinned. "But you solve them, Senior Brother. That's what makes you... interesting."
"Thanks, Guo Fan. Your confidence in my suffering is inspiring."
The System Reward
As Xu Tian sat down to brood, a notification appeared in his mind.
[(Previous task completed: Strengthen foundational cultivation skills. Reward: Enhanced Qi Flow Technique.)]
He perked up. "Finally, something good! What's the Enhanced Qi Flow Technique?"
[(Enhanced Qi Flow Technique: Improves spiritual energy circulation, increasing cultivation efficiency by 30%. Can also be used to stabilize injuries or Qi deviations in others.)]
Xu Tian grinned. "This might actually be useful. How do I—"
Before he could finish, his body was enveloped in a warm glow. The technique's knowledge flooded his mind, and he instinctively began to circulate his Qi in a more refined manner.
The difference was immediate. His breathing steadied, his dantian felt clearer, and the spiritual energy around him seemed easier to draw in.
"Not bad," he said, standing and stretching. "I feel like I could take on a hundred Iron Shadow Sect disciples now!"
"Don't let that go to your head," Luo Ying warned. "But... it's good to see you taking cultivation seriously for once."
The next morning, Elder Feng summoned Xu Tian to the main hall.
"You'll leave for the Crimson Moon Sect in three days," Elder Feng said. "In the meantime, prepare yourself. This is an opportunity, but it's also a responsibility. Represent the Eternal Spring Sect with dignity."
"Dignity?" Xu Tian repeated. "You sure you're talking to the right person?"
Elder Feng sighed. "Just... don't embarrass us too much."
Luo Ying approached Xu Tian after the meeting, handing him a small satchel. "Here. Supplies for the journey. Don't forget to train while you're gone."
Xu Tian peeked inside. "Dried rations, healing pills... wait, is this a map? You're seriously making me follow directions?"
"Try not to get lost," she said with a smirk.
Guo Fan appeared, holding a crudely drawn picture of Xu Tian. "I made this, Senior Brother. In case you need to bribe someone with your heroic image!"
Xu Tian stared at the drawing. "This makes me look like a deranged chicken."
Guo Fan beamed. "It's abstract!"
As the day of departure arrived, Xu Tian stood at the sect's gates, feeling a mix of excitement and dread.
"Don't die," Luo Ying said flatly, though her tone held a hint of genuine concern.
"I'll miss you too," Xu Tian replied with a mock bow.
Guo Fan waved enthusiastically. "Bring me back something cool, Senior Brother!"
With the crimson token safely tucked into his robes, Xu Tian set off toward the unknown, his mind racing with questions about the Crimson Moon Sect and the dangers that lay ahead.
[(Task assigned: Survive your visit to the Crimson Moon Sect. Reward: To be revealed.)]
Xu Tian groaned. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, system."
[(Confidence unnecessary. Probability of chaos: 98%.)]
And so, with a mixture of bravado, reluctance, and a growing sense of unease, Xu Tian's journey to the Crimson Moon Sect began.
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To Be Continued...
What awaits Xu Tian in the enigmatic Crimson Moon Sect? Will he find allies, enemies, or something far stranger? Stay tuned for the next chapter of Ascension of the Cosmic Fool!