Chapter 6: The Sect’s Request

Shen Mu rubbed his temples as he stared at the group of sword-wielding cultivators in front of him.

The leader, Feng Tian of the Heavenly Fire Sect, stood with a serious expression, his golden robes fluttering in the breeze. Behind him, several disciples held their breath, waiting for Shen Mu's response.

"…Humbly request my guidance?" Shen Mu repeated, making sure he had heard correctly.

Feng Tian nodded solemnly. "Indeed."

Shen Mu glanced at Bai Ling, who looked just as confused. Elder Zhao, on the other hand, took another sip of tea, as if this was completely expected.

'Alright. How did this happen this time?' Shen Mu thought bitterly.

He took a deep breath. "Look, you guys must be mistaken. I'm not a cultivator, I'm just a humble woodworker."

Feng Tian's gaze didn't waver. "Senior does not need to explain himself. We understand."

Shen Mu felt a headache forming. "No, you really don't."

Feng Tian continued, "We have long heard of the legendary Chair of Enlightenment."

"…The what?"

"The artifact you created," Feng Tian said with reverence, pointing at the simple wooden chair in the courtyard. "It is said that simply sitting upon it grants clarity of mind, allowing one to comprehend the Dao at an accelerated rate."

Shen Mu stared at him.

Then he slowly turned to look at the chair.

The same completely normal wooden chair he had made yesterday.

'Oh, for the love of—'

"Who told you that?" Shen Mu asked, struggling to keep his voice calm.

Feng Tian bowed slightly. "We received news from a wandering cultivator who sat upon it and suddenly achieved enlightenment. He broke through his bottleneck on the spot!"

Shen Mu's eye twitched. 'No. That was probably just a coincidence!'

"Thus," Feng Tian continued, "I have come to humbly request a commission."

"…A commission?"

Feng Tian took a deep breath, then dropped to one knee.

"Senior, please craft a chair for our sect!"

Behind him, all the disciples dropped to their knees as well.

"PLEASE GRANT US THIS HONOR!"

Shen Mu nearly choked on his own spit.

Bai Ling's jaw dropped.

Xiao Lan clutched her forehead.

Elder Zhao chuckled knowingly. "As expected."

Shen Mu, meanwhile, was losing his mind.

'WHAT IS GOING ON?! I JUST MAKE FURNITURE!'

Shen Mu desperately wanted to correct their misunderstanding.

But how? If he said the chair was normal, they'd think he was just being humble. If he refused outright, they'd probably assume he was testing them.

'Alright. Think, Shen Mu. If you just agree and make them a chair, they'll eventually realize it's nothing special and leave you alone.'

His eye twitched. 'Probably.'

He sighed. "Fine."

Feng Tian's eyes lit up. "Truly? Senior accepts?"

Shen Mu forced a smile. "Yeah, sure. I'll make you a chair. Just… give me a few days."

Feng Tian immediately cupped his fists. "We shall wait as long as necessary!"

The disciples behind him bowed deeply. "THANK YOU, SENIOR!"

Shen Mu sighed, rubbing his temples. 'I have a really bad feeling about this.'

---

Meanwhile, in the Clouds…

Far above the mortal realm, within the Celestial Jade Pavilion, a group of high-ranking cultivators stood around a glowing map.

A young woman in an elegant jade robe bowed respectfully. "Empress Yue, we have pinpointed the artifact's location."

The ethereal beauty seated on the lotus throne remained composed. "And?"

The woman hesitated. "It is… in a mortal woodshop."

Empress Yue's serene expression remained unchanged. "I see."

The elders around her exchanged glances.

A divine artifact in a mortal's shop?

This was either complete nonsense… or something far more terrifying.

One of the elders cleared his throat. "Shall we send an envoy?"

Empress Yue's gaze softened slightly. "No need."

Everyone tensed.

"An artifact of this level will not remain hidden for long. Let us wait. The truth will reveal itself soon enough."

She closed her eyes, fingers gently tapping the armrest of her throne.

A mortal woodshop, crafting divine artifacts…

If such a thing truly existed, then the one behind it was no ordinary man.

No, he was someone far beyond their understanding.

---

Back at the Workshop…

By the time the Heavenly Fire Sect finally left, the sun was setting.

Shen Mu slumped into his chair, exhausted.

Bai Ling stared at him with newfound respect. "Senior Shen… you're truly an enigma."

Shen Mu groaned. "Please. Just call me Shen Mu."

Bai Ling ignored him. "First Elder Zhao, now the Heavenly Fire Sect… who will come next, I wonder?"

Shen Mu let out a tired laugh. "Hopefully, no one."

At that exact moment, a loud knock echoed through the courtyard.

Shen Mu flinched. "…You've gotta be kidding me."

He slowly got up and opened the gate.

Standing there was a young woman in silver robes, her aura cold and imposing.

Her gaze was sharp, filled with the arrogance of someone who knew her own power.

She looked Shen Mu up and down before folding her arms.

"So, you're the so-called hidden expert?"

Shen Mu groaned. 'Here we go again.'

---

End of Chapter 6