Chapter 20: When Wits Fail, Improvise
---
After a night of rest in a sparse but luxurious guest chamber, Xu Tian woke to the sound of a bell tolling in the distance. The crisp morning air carried faint hints of incense and the murmur of chanting.
"Nothing like a sect-wide alarm clock," Xu Tian muttered, rubbing his eyes. He barely had time to stretch before a knock echoed at the door.
"Xu Tian," Mei Lian's voice called. "The Sect Leader has summoned you. Be ready."
He sighed. "It's always 'be ready' with these people. Never 'enjoy breakfast first' or 'take your time.'"
[(Observation: Host's sarcasm level consistent. Productivity questionable.)]
"Thanks for the glowing review, system," he grumbled, throwing on his robes.
The training grounds of the Crimson Moon Sect were a marvel. Circular platforms floated above pools of swirling red mist, each surrounded by glowing runes. Disciples sparred in pairs, their Qi-infused techniques lighting up the air like fireworks.
Xu Tian couldn't help but whistle. "Alright, I'll admit it. This is impressive."
Mei Lian ignored his comment, leading him to one of the central platforms where Sect Leader Yan and a group of elders waited.
"Xu Tian," Yan began, his voice carrying a weight that demanded attention. "You've passed the first test of resilience. Now, we will assess your combat capabilities."
Xu Tian raised an eyebrow. "Combat, huh? Can't we just arm-wrestle instead? I've got a killer grip."
One of the elders, a wiry man with sharp features, snorted. "Your tongue may be quick, but let us see if your skills match."
A younger disciple stepped forward, his crimson robes immaculate and his Qi swirling visibly around him. He bowed respectfully to Sect Leader Yan before turning to Xu Tian.
"I am Wei Shun," the disciple said. "I will be your opponent."
[(New task assigned: Defeat Wei Shun in combat. Reward: Minor Qi refinement pill.)]
"Alright, system," Xu Tian murmured under his breath. "Time to earn that reward."
Xu Tian stepped onto the platform, feeling the faint hum of spiritual energy beneath his feet. Wei Shun wasted no time, launching a series of rapid strikes infused with crimson Qi.
Xu Tian dodged the first two blows but was forced to block the third, the impact sending a jolt through his arm.
"Not bad," he said, grinning. "But you're gonna have to do better than that!"
Wei Shun's expression remained stoic as he formed a series of hand seals. A wave of crimson flames erupted from his palms, surging toward Xu Tian like a tidal wave.
[(Tip: Use the Gale Step Technique to evade incoming attacks.)]
"Gale Step Technique?" Xu Tian muttered. "Oh, right, that thing I barely practiced."
Trusting the system, he focused his Qi into his legs, feeling a sudden burst of speed as he dashed to the side. The flames roared past, scorching the edge of the platform but leaving him unharmed.
"Ha! Nailed it!" Xu Tian exclaimed, only to stumble on his landing and nearly fall flat on his face.
[(Observation: Host's execution needs refinement.)]
"Yeah, I noticed!"
Turning the Tide
Wei Shun pressed the attack, his movements precise and relentless. Xu Tian barely managed to parry a spinning kick, his arms aching from the force.
"This guy doesn't let up," he muttered.
[(Suggestion: Utilize the reward from Task #16: Shadow Strike. Effective against opponents with rigid techniques.)]
"Oh, right! Thanks, system!"
Channeling his Qi, Xu Tian activated the Shadow Strike technique. His figure blurred, leaving behind a faint afterimage as he darted to Wei Shun's side. With a swift, Qi-infused punch, he struck the disciple's ribs, sending him staggering back.
Wei Shun's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered, launching another flurry of attacks.
"Alright, plan B," Xu Tian said, dodging another strike. "Time to improvise!"
In a moment of inspiration—or desperation—Xu Tian reached into his storage ring and pulled out the most ridiculous object he could find: a chicken feather duster.
The crowd murmured in confusion as he brandished it like a sword.
"What is he doing?" one elder muttered.
"Is this some kind of strategy?" another asked.
Wei Shun hesitated, clearly unsure how to react.
"Behold!" Xu Tian declared, spinning the duster dramatically. "The Feathered Blade of Ultimate Doom!"
Wei Shun blinked. "...What?"
Taking advantage of his opponent's distraction, Xu Tian lunged forward, the duster slapping against Wei Shun's face with an audible fwip.
The audience gasped. Wei Shun stumbled back, clutching his cheek in disbelief.
"Did… did he just attack with a feather duster?"
[(Observation: Host's tactics unorthodox. Effectiveness debatable.)]
"Debatable or not, it worked!" Xu Tian said, grinning.
Realizing his opponent was off-balance, Xu Tian dropped the duster and channeled all his remaining Qi into a single Shadow Strike. His fist connected with Wei Shun's chest, sending the disciple flying off the platform.
The crowd erupted into stunned silence.
Sect Leader Yan rose to his feet, his expression unreadable. "The duel is over. Xu Tian is victorious."
[(Task completed: Defeat Wei Shun in combat. Reward unlocked: Minor Qi refinement pill.)]
Xu Tian felt a warm surge of energy as the system deposited the pill into his storage ring.
"Well, that wasn't so hard," he said, dusting off his robes.
As the crowd dispersed, Mei Lian approached him, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement.
"I don't know whether to praise you or scold you," she said.
"Go with praise," Xu Tian suggested. "It's better for morale."
She sighed. "You're impossible."
[(Observation: Host's antics likely to attract attention. Recommend vigilance.)]
"Yeah, yeah," Xu Tian said, smirking. "But admit it, system. You're impressed."
[(No comment.)]
---
To Be Continued...
With the Crimson Moon Sect's attention firmly on him, Xu Tian's journey grows ever more complicated. Will his unorthodox methods continue to bring success, or will they lead to trouble? Find out in the next chapter of Ascension of the Cosmic Fool!