Chapter 16: The Mysterious Task Projection Art (And Other Misunderstandings)
Morning mist drifted lazily over the Eternal Radiance Divine Sect's courtyard.
Li Qingyu sat on the main hall's steps, sipping tea and humming.
Hu Daniu was sweeping the floor, grumbling about invisible chickens, while Su Jian meticulously measured the angles of the new sect formation with a ruler.
Ziyan sharpened her sword silently, the only one with an aura of serious cultivation.
All was peaceful... until the disciples froze.
[Ding! New Task Available: Outer Courtyard Clean-Up Brigade.]
[Optional Reward: Sect Points +5, Rare Spirit Chicken Feather x1 (Maybe).]
A glowing task window hovered before their eyes.
Su Jian blinked.
"…Did I fall asleep while standing? Ziyan, are you seeing this?"
Ziyan squinted, then frowned.
"It's... floating text? Did Hu Daniu finally learn illusion techniques?"
Hu Daniu, oblivious, was already kneeling.
"Senior Sister, Senior Brother, it's the ancestors! They've finally recognized our hard work!"
He wiped away fake tears, bowing to the floating window.
"I, Hu Daniu, am ready to sacrifice my body to the chicken gods!"
Ziyan smacked him on the head.
"Stop embarrassing yourself. This is obviously a spiritual prank."
Su Jian, adjusting his glasses, carefully poked at the window with a bamboo stick.
"...It's not solid. Huh."
Li Qingyu watched the commotion, taking another sip of tea.
Time for a little… drama.
"Ahem," he said loudly, standing up with an exaggerated sweep of his sleeves.
"You mortals are too narrow-minded."
The disciples turned, eyes wide.
Li Qingyu's expression turned profound, his hands behind his back.
"This… is a secret art I developed after intense meditation atop the Sect Master's Rock of Profound Thinking."
"...We have a rock for that?" Ziyan whispered to Su Jian.
Su Jian shook his head.
"No idea."
Li Qingyu continued, ignoring them.
"This art allows me to project missions directly into your minds. A superior leadership technique. Only the greatest sect masters know this power."
Su Jian raised a skeptical hand.
"Then why does it look like a cheap task board from the city guild?"
Li Qingyu coughed awkwardly.
"That's... for user-friendliness."
Ziyan narrowed her eyes.
"Is this actually some forbidden soul magic?"
Hu Daniu gasped.
"Sect Master! Are you some reincarnated immortal expert who's finally revealing your true form?"
Li Qingyu chuckled darkly, enjoying the moment.
"I cannot reveal the full truth yet. It's… my secret."
The disciples looked at each other, expressions ranging from suspicion to awe.
Su Jian sighed.
"Fine. As long as it gives rewards, I accept it."
Ziyan crossed her arms.
"I'll observe first."
Hu Daniu was already punching the air.
"Task accepted! I, Hu Daniu, will clean the courtyard so clean the chicken spirits can see their reflections!"
[Ding! Hu Daniu has accepted the task.]
Li Qingyu grinned.
"Good. The system— cough, cough— I mean, the Secret Task Projection Art will reward you accordingly."
Ziyan rubbed her temples.
"This sect… is becoming weirder by the day."
Su Jian adjusted his glasses again.
"As long as we get results, I don't mind weird."
At that moment, another notification popped into their minds:
[Ding! Hidden Task Triggered: Investigate the Spying Disciples Near the Mountain Foot.]
[Optional Reward: Sect Fame +1, Random Mystery Box.]
The disciples jumped.
Su Jian squinted.
"Spies already?"
Ziyan grinned, sword gleaming.
"Finally. Some action."
Hu Daniu blinked.
"Does the task come with snacks?"
Li Qingyu smiled, the mysterious glow returning to his eyes.
"Go. Show them the might of the Eternal Radiance Divine Sect."
As the disciples rushed down the mountain, bickering along the way, Li Qingyu leaned back against the door frame, sipping his tea.
"Secret Task Projection Art... not bad."
He chuckled.
"Who says I can't enjoy the sect leader life in style?"