The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the sect's humble grounds. Li Wei sat on a rock near the entrance, trying to catch his breath after another "training" session that had mostly involved him demonstrating the art of tripping over his own feet. His disciples, thankfully, had managed to avoid serious injury.
"Today was... good, right?" he said aloud to himself, hoping for some reassurance from the empty courtyard. "I mean, they didn't seem too disappointed. Maybe."
He sighed, rubbing his temple. This Sectmaster business is harder than I thought. Maybe I should have chosen something easier, like... I don't know, a chef or a street performer. Those seem way less complicated.
Suddenly, the air around him grew colder, a faint shiver running down his spine. Li Wei looked up. Standing at the gates was a figure cloaked in black, his face obscured by the hood. Despite the ominous appearance, the figure didn't look threatening—at least not immediately.
"Who... are you?" Li Wei called out, standing up and brushing off the dirt from his robes. "We don't accept visitors... without appointments! Wait, do we? Is there a visitor protocol? Oh well, never mind."
The figure didn't respond, but there was a strange energy in the air—a faint pressure that made Li Wei's shoulders tense.
"Oi! I'm talking to you!" Li Wei shouted again, his voice gaining confidence. "I'm the Sectmaster here, and if you've come to challenge me, well... I'm still warming up, so maybe come back tomorrow."
The figure finally spoke, his voice low and unsettling. "I have come to see the so-called Sectmaster of the Silver Lotus Sect. I hear rumors of your... talent."
"Rumors?" Li Wei blinked. "What, like how I accidentally tripped while showing my disciples how to punch? That kind of rumor? Or is there some other embarrassing story about me going around?"
The figure chuckled, an eerie sound. "No. I have heard that you are... weak. Pathetic, even. And yet, you dare to claim the title of Sectmaster."
Li Wei's jaw dropped. "Hey, hey, hey! Who are you calling pathetic? I may be new at this, but I have big dreams, okay? You can't just come here and—"
"Silence," the man interrupted. "I am not here to waste words. I am here because I believe you are not the Sectmaster you claim to be. The real Sectmaster of the Silver Lotus Sect is nowhere to be seen, and your disciples are nothing but a joke."
Li Wei's hands clenched into fists. "Who the heck are you to judge me?! You don't even know what I'm capable of!"
The mysterious figure smiled from beneath his hood. "Let me test you then. Let's see if you are worthy of the title."
Before Li Wei could react, the figure flicked his wrist, and a surge of energy blasted toward him. Li Wei yelped and dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. The ground where he had been standing cracked as if struck by a hammer.
"Whoa, hey! Not cool!" Li Wei shouted, his heart racing. "What kind of greeting is that? You can't just attack a guy out of nowhere!"
The mysterious figure stepped forward slowly. "You are weak. Your disciples are weak. The sect is weak. If you truly wish to lead them, you must first prove your strength. Otherwise, you will fail... just like every other sectmaster before you."
Li Wei's eyes narrowed. This guy's got a point. But if I let him keep talking, I'll just lose my temper...
"Okay, okay!" Li Wei snapped. "I'll show you I'm not weak. You want a fight? I'll give you a fight! But first, you gotta promise me one thing."
The figure tilted his head. "And what is that?"
"No more surprises, alright? No weird energy blasts or sudden attacks! Just a fair duel. You want to test me? Let's do it like proper gentlemen!" Li Wei raised his fists, despite the fact that he hadn't been in a real fight since... well, never.
The mysterious figure seemed to consider this for a moment, before giving a small nod. "Very well. I will fight you fairly. But be warned, this test will not be kind."
"Great!" Li Wei grinned, even though his insides were a bundle of nerves. "Fair and square. I can handle that. Now, let's get started!"
With a swift motion, the mysterious figure unsheathed a long, dark sword. The blade shimmered ominously in the dimming light. Li Wei gulped. Okay, maybe I should've thought this through.
He tried to strike first, charging forward with a wild punch, aiming for the figure's side. But the man was far too fast. In a blur of motion, he sidestepped, then struck with his sword, slashing it down toward Li Wei.
"Whoa!" Li Wei barely managed to duck, feeling the air whoosh above his head as the sword passed just inches from his face. "I almost died there! Not cool!"
The figure didn't respond. Instead, he pressed the attack, his movements fluid and deadly. Li Wei barely had time to react. Each strike came faster than the last, each one forcing him back.
"Hey! Stop trying to kill me!" Li Wei protested, barely dodging another slash.
"Prove you are worthy of the title of Sectmaster!" the figure snapped, his voice cold and unfeeling.
Li Wei, now backed up against a stone wall, realized that he was out of his depth. This guy's so much stronger than me. I'm just a punching bag for him!
Suddenly, a flash of light sparked in his mind. Wait a second... I have the system! Why am I not using that?
"System!" Li Wei shouted in desperation. "Give me something! Anything!"
System: Task available: Survive the duel for 30 minutes. Reward: 100 Sectmaster Points.
"Survive for 30 minutes? Is that all?!" Li Wei shouted back, feeling a flicker of hope. "I can do that! I'll just need to run around a little... and maybe get a few lucky hits in!"
The mysterious figure's eyes narrowed. "You have 30 minutes to prove yourself. After that, I will decide your fate."
Li Wei nodded, now fully aware that survival was his only option. With a deep breath, he launched himself into action, dodging another slash, and taking a few steps back.
This wasn't going to be easy, but it was his only chance. He had to survive... and hopefully, just maybe, come out of this looking like a decent Sectmaster.