It was a peaceful morning at the Eternal Radiance Divine Sect.
The new defensive array shimmered faintly around Mount Turtleback. Su Jian had started a batch of beginner-grade Vitality Pills in the nearly completed Alchemy Pavilion. Ziyan was balancing upside-down on a sword, for reasons even she didn't fully understand. And Hu Daniu was feeding a rock, convinced it might hatch into a spirit beast if he just believed hard enough.
Peaceful.
Too peaceful.
"Senior Brother!" Daniu's voice echoed across the courtyard. "There's someone approaching! He's flying! On a cloud!"
Ziyan opened one eye. "Flying sword?"
"No, it's an actual cloud! And it smells like expensive incense!"
Su Jian poked his head out of the pavilion. "Oh no. That sounds like a Cloud Wind Sect emissary. They're infamous for their dramatic entrances and aggressively moisturized skin."
Li Qingyu strolled out of the main hall in half-buttoned robes, yawning. "Let's see which young master is here to mock our ruins today."
They didn't have to wait long.
The cloud descended like a divine chariot, parting the mist. Standing atop it was a tall, elegant youth with flawless jade-like skin, long silver-blue robes, and eyes that practically sparkled with superiority. He radiated refinement, confidence, and a cologne that smelled like orchids and soul contracts.
"I have arrived," he declared.
"…Who?" asked Li Qingyu.
The youth stepped off the cloud with theatrical grace.
"I am Feng Yichen, Inner Sect Disciple of the Cloud Wind Sect. Fourth-ranked in the regional Youth Prodigy Rankings, six-time Sword Technique Finalist, and part-time poetry judge."
Daniu clapped. "He sounds important!"
"He sounds like a walking resume," Ziyan muttered.
Feng Yichen smiled gracefully. "I come bearing greetings from the Cloud Wind Sect, as well as a formal challenge."
Li Qingyu blinked. "A challenge? Already? We just registered yesterday."
"Indeed," Feng said smoothly. "We believe in early assessment."
"And by 'we,' you mean you just want to show off in front of our disciples?"
"I am merely… evaluating your potential." He turned to Ziyan and bowed politely. "You must be the sword cultivator. Your stance is impressive."
Ziyan squinted. "You're trying to flirt and provoke me at the same time, aren't you?"
"A gentleman always multitasks."
Li Qingyu stepped between them. "Alright, Master Multitask. What are the terms of this challenge?"
"A simple duel. One round. If I lose, I shall offer a Spirit Jade Token as compensation and leave respectfully."
"And if we lose?"
Feng Yichen's eyes glinted. "Then your sect must proclaim Cloud Wind as your honorary patron sect, and you must paint our name on your gate."
Ziyan hissed. "Over my dead sword."
"That can be arranged," Feng said politely.
---
[Ding! Optional Sect Challenge Initiated!]
Duel Terms: Friendly (No Kill), 1v1
Victory: +1 Fame, +300 Spirit Stones, Sect Prestige Increase
Defeat: Forced Gate Inscription – "Under Patronage of Cloud Wind Sect"
Li Qingyu whistled. "That's some high-stakes branding."
Feng Yichen drew a blade of pure spiritual steel, inscribed with drifting characters. "Shall we begin?"
Li Qingyu stepped back.
Then pointed to Ziyan. "You're up."
---
Ziyan walked to the center of the courtyard and cracked her neck.
Feng Yichen bowed gracefully.
"Ladies first," he said.
"Then close your eyes," she said, and charged.
Their blades met in a shower of sparks.
---
Feng's form was smooth, elegant, and fluid. Every step was practiced. Every motion deliberate. He danced across the stones like a silk ribbon in the wind.
Ziyan was faster.
Her blade came down in strikes like thunder, footwork sharp and brutal. She didn't dance—she hunted.
Clang. Clash. Slash. Parry.
The duel drew gasps from the disciples as their movements blurred into afterimages.
Su Jian squinted from the sidelines. "Her attacks are forcing him off rhythm. She's breaking his style with sheer aggression."
"She's scary," Daniu whispered.
"She's our only chance," Li Qingyu muttered.
Feng suddenly twirled midair and launched a flurry of rapid slashes—Whirling Lotus Dance—his signature move.
Ziyan narrowed her eyes.
Then she planted her foot and met it head-on with a single, brutal upward slash—Mountain-Crushing Sky Breaker.
The force of her strike shattered the lotus technique like glass.
Feng's sword flew from his hand.
He landed on his back, blinking up at the sky.
Ziyan stood over him, sword pointed at his throat.
"You talk too much," she said.
---
Silence.
Then—[Ding! Challenge Complete. Victory Achieved.]
[Rewards Granted:]
+1 Sect Fame
+300 Spirit Stones
+1 Regional Reputation (Sword Cultivation)
+1 Bonus: Sect Gate Nameplate Upgrade Unlocked
Feng Yichen sat up slowly, rubbing his head.
"Well," he said, coughing, "that was… enlightening."
Li Qingyu walked over with a smile.
"Thank you for your donation. I'll use it to build a nicer bathroom."
Feng winced. "I misjudged you. Your sect may be small, but your foundation is solid."
Ziyan snorted. "So is my blade."
Feng stood and retrieved his sword. He looked around at the ruins, the strange trio of disciples, and the cracked courtyard glowing faintly from the formation's activation.
"…You might actually become something, someday."
Li Qingyu patted him on the shoulder. "We're already something."
---
As Feng departed atop his fragrant cloud, the disciples gathered around their Sect Master.
"That was amazing!" Daniu shouted. "We beat a famous prodigy!"
"Barely," Ziyan said, sitting down and checking her wrist. "He's talented. Just not ready for someone like me."
Li Qingyu nodded. "We're making waves now."
Su Jian looked thoughtful. "With our fame rising, other sects will notice us. Some may offer support. Others may send… less friendly visitors."
Li Qingyu smiled. "Let them come."
"We're not even ranked yet," Su Jian added.
"I said," Li Qingyu repeated, "let them come."
Then he turned to the system.
"System, how many more disciples do I need to unlock the Sect Expansion Feature?"
[Ding! Recruit 2 More Disciples to Unlock Inner Court Development and Reputation Rankings.]
Li Qingyu turned to his disciples.
"Pack your bags," he said. "We're going recruiting."