Chapter 19: Into the Crimson Moon
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The path to the Crimson Moon Sect was fraught with a strange mixture of beauty and menace. Towering cliffs framed the narrow trails, their jagged edges draped in crimson moss. The air seemed heavier, charged with faint spiritual energy that prickled at Xu Tian's senses.
"This place is creepy," Xu Tian muttered, gripping the map Luo Ying had given him.
[(Observation: Host is nearing the territory of the Crimson Moon Sect. Caution advised.)]
"Yeah, yeah, caution," he replied. "It's always 'be careful' with you. How about some optimism for once?"
[(Optimism counterproductive. Survival prioritized.)]
Before Xu Tian could retort, a figure stepped out from the shadows of the path ahead. It was Mei Lian, the envoy who had delivered the sect's invitation.
"Xu Tian," she greeted him with a nod. "You made good time. Shall we proceed?"
"Proceed? Aren't you supposed to, I don't know, escort me the whole way?"
Mei Lian's lips curved into a faint smile. "You've proven resourceful enough to navigate on your own. Consider my guidance a courtesy, not a duty."
"Great," Xu Tian said, rolling his eyes. "Lead the way, O gracious one."
As they walked, Mei Lian's silence became increasingly unnerving. Xu Tian, naturally, filled the void with his usual commentary.
"So, this Crimson Moon Sect—do you guys just decorate everything in red? Is it a branding thing? Because if so, I admire the commitment."
Mei Lian didn't reply.
"Not a talker, huh?" he continued. "That's fine. I'll just assume you're deeply impressed by my charm and wit."
[(Observation: Host's attempts at humor are unlikely to elicit a response. Consider saving breath.)]
"Oh, shut up, system," Xu Tian muttered.
The path eventually opened into a wide valley, revealing the Crimson Moon Sect in all its eerie glory. Scarlet-hued pagodas rose amidst misty forests, their spires reaching toward the crimson-tinged sky. A massive gate marked the entrance, guarded by two towering stone statues of ferocious beasts.
"Welcome to the Crimson Moon Sect," Mei Lian said, her tone neutral.
Xu Tian stared. "Yeah, this isn't ominous at all. You guys really leaned into the whole 'mysterious and menacing' vibe, didn't you?"
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Mei Lian led Xu Tian through the sect's grounds, drawing the curious stares of disciples as they passed. Whispers trailed behind them.
"Is that him?"
"The one who beat Iron Shadow's prodigy?"
"He doesn't look like much…"
Xu Tian straightened his back, offering a smug grin to no one in particular. "That's right, folks. Feast your eyes on greatness."
Mei Lian shot him a warning look. "Try not to embarrass yourself before the sect leader."
"Define 'embarrass.'"
She ignored him, leading him into a grand hall where a regal-looking man sat upon a raised platform. His robes shimmered with a faint crimson glow, and his sharp gaze seemed to pierce through Xu Tian.
"This is Sect Leader Yan," Mei Lian announced.
Xu Tian bowed awkwardly. "Uh, greetings, Sect Leader Yan. Nice place you've got here. Very... red."
Yan's lips twitched in what might have been amusement. "Xu Tian, the Eternal Spring Sect speaks highly of you. Your recent feats have caught the attention of many, including us."
"Well, I do have a knack for leaving an impression," Xu Tian said.
Yan leaned forward slightly. "That remains to be seen. Your presence here is both an opportunity and a test. Let us see if you can rise to the occasion."
[(New task assigned: Impress the Crimson Moon Sect leadership. Reward: Enhanced spiritual awareness.)]
Xu Tian groaned inwardly. "Of course. Another test."
A Trial of Shadows
Sect Leader Yan gestured, and a younger disciple stepped forward, holding a small jade box.
"This contains a Shadow Pearl," Yan explained. "It is an artifact that tests one's resilience against illusions and mental assaults. You will meditate with it until you have conquered its influence."
Xu Tian blinked. "That's it? Sit still and think happy thoughts? Easy."
The disciple handed him the box, and Xu Tian sat cross-legged in the center of the hall. As he opened the box, a swirling black pearl hovered above his palm.
The moment he touched it, the world around him shifted.
Xu Tian found himself in a dark void, with faint whispers echoing from every direction. Shadows twisted and writhed around him, forming distorted faces that sneered and laughed.
"You're nothing," one voice hissed.
"An insect playing at being a cultivator," another mocked.
Xu Tian frowned. "You know, if you guys are supposed to be scary, you're failing miserably. I've heard worse from Luo Ying on a bad day."
The shadows surged toward him, attempting to envelop him in darkness.
[(Tip: Use Enhanced Qi Flow Technique to stabilize mental clarity.)]
He focused, channeling his Qi through the technique. A warm, steady energy coursed through him, pushing back against the oppressive shadows. The whispers grew fainter, the faces dissolving into mist.
"Not so tough now, are you?" Xu Tian said, smirking.
A final shadow loomed before him, larger and more menacing than the rest. It bore his own face, twisted into a cruel sneer.
"You can't escape what you are," it said.
Xu Tian crossed his arms. "You mean devastatingly handsome and annoyingly resourceful? Guilty as charged."
With a surge of Qi, he shattered the shadow, and the void around him dissolved.
Xu Tian opened his eyes to find the hall silent, all eyes on him. Sect Leader Yan's expression was unreadable, but there was a faint glimmer of approval in his gaze.
"Well done," Yan said. "Few overcome the Shadow Pearl so quickly."
Xu Tian stretched, cracking his neck. "What can I say? I'm full of surprises."
[(Task completed: Impress the Crimson Moon Sect leadership. Reward unlocked: Enhanced spiritual awareness.)]
The system's notification brought a wave of warmth and clarity to Xu Tian's senses. He felt more attuned to the spiritual energy around him, the faint currents of power in the air now tangible.
Yan rose from his seat. "Rest for now. Your next trial will come soon."
"Next trial?" Xu Tian repeated. "Can't I just get a participation trophy and call it a day?"
Yan's faint smile didn't reassure him.
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To Be Continued...
What new challenges await Xu Tian in the Crimson Moon Sect? Will his quick wit and system rewards be enough to navigate the trials ahead? Find out in the next chapter of Ascension of the Cosmic Fool!