Chapter 15: The Great Challenge… That Wasn’t

The Eternal Radiance Divine Sect woke up to chaos.

A fancy golden letter, sealed with the Clear Sky Sword Sect's emblem, was pinned to the outer gate.

It read:

"To the esteemed 'Eternal Radiance Divine Sect' —

Due to the unsavory rumors tarnishing our Clear Sky Sect's noble reputation,

we hereby issue an official sect duel.

Prove your worth.

Or admit your cowardice.

— Signed, Elder He Tianya, Clear Sky Sword Sect."

Su Jian read it twice. "They even wrote 'cowardice' in gold ink."

Li Qingyu stretched. "Ah, so dramatic."

Ziyan frowned. "Should we accept?"

Li Qingyu casually brewed his 'Spirit Chicken Enlightenment Tea.' "Of course. But with… our sect's usual dignity."

Su Jian adjusted his glasses. "You mean… creative deception?"

"Exactly."

---

Thus, by the next morning, the Eternal Radiance Divine Sect courtyard had transformed into a spectacle.

At least... by their standards.

A simple wooden platform labeled 'Legendary Challenge Arena' (actually borrowed from the chicken coop).

Banners painted with slogans like 'Eternal Radiance Welcomes All Challenges!' (using Daniu's questionable calligraphy).

The disciples wore matching ill-fitting uniforms stitched overnight from rice sacks.

When the Clear Sky Sword Sect disciples arrived, their expressions froze.

"This... is the arena?"

"This... is the legendary sect?"

Li Qingyu welcomed them personally.

"Ah, honored guests. You came! Please enjoy our sect's hospitality."

The Clear Sky Sect envoy tried to hold back laughter.

"We challenge your sect to a duel. One against one. Three rounds."

Li Qingyu nodded. "Of course. Su Jian, handle the announcements."

Su Jian, holding a rusty gong, shouted:

"First round: Chicken Chase! Whoever catches the sacred chicken wins!"

Everyone: "..."

The Clear Sky disciples fumed. "We meant a proper duel!"

Li Qingyu acted shocked. "But in our sect, catching the chicken is the highest form of martial challenge."

The crowd of bystanders burst into laughter.

Even the Clear Sky Sword Sect elder hiding among them had a vein pop on his forehead.

But… protocol dictated that they couldn't lose face now.

And so, the prestigious Clear Sky inner disciple had no choice but to chase after a plump, cunning chicken… for half an hour… before collapsing in exhaustion.

Victory: Eternal Radiance Divine Sect.

Second round?

Fishing spiritual fish from the tofu-smelling pond.

Third round?

Broom sparring.

By the end, the Clear Sky disciples were too humiliated to demand a real duel.

Li Qingyu sipped his tea under the sunset.

"See? Why bother fighting when we can win by... strategic absurdity."

[Ding! Sect Reputation +3! Hidden reputation unlocked: 'The Sect of Strange Trials.']

---