Chapter 6: The Sect Invitation Addressed to a Chicken
The letter arrived on golden parchment, tied with flaming red silk, sealed with the emblem of the Wandering Sword Sect—a group so famous even their laundry instructions were considered ancient wisdom.
It was placed at the temple gates with a note:
> "To the Esteemed Guardian Spirit, Master Yolk-san."
Shen nearly passed out.
Mu picked it up, unsealed it, and read aloud.
> "We humbly invite the mighty beast who silenced the Nine-Fanged Demon Fox and reduced Elder Wei to a twitching spiritual puddle to our Grand Inter-Sect Tournament. Kindly bring your caretaker."
He paused. Then reread that line.
> "Caretaker."
Shen: "Mu, are you a pet owner now?"
Mu: "Technically, I prepare the tea."
Master Yolk-san flapped twice, then stomped on the ground three times.
A pulse of sacred qi rippled out and the sect bell rang on its own.
> [Master Yolk-san Accepts the Invitation.]
The Head Monk dropped his brush. "We… we weren't even going to attend."
Mu smiled. "You are now."
---
🌋 Preparing for the Journey
Mu packed three things: a fresh robe, his best tea leaves, and a small gourd that occasionally giggled.
Shen packed thirty-seven talismans, eight scrolls, and his backup toothbrush.
"Do we even know what the Wandering Sword Sect wants?"
"No," Mu said. "But it sounds fancy."
"They're known for testing combat skill, spiritual resolve, and talent purity."
Mu blinked. "Can you greet a test?"
The chicken clucked once.
---
🏞️ Arrival at the Wandering Sword Sect
They arrived by spiritual carriage—drawn by floating carp made of wind.
The gate opened with a sword-shaped light.
Mu stepped down, bowed to the guards.
> "Amitābha." [+1]
[Discipline +1. Confusion +2.]
The guards saluted... the chicken.
"Welcome, Lord Yolk-san."
Mu whispered, "They made him a lord?"
Shen sighed. "We live in a very confusing world."
---
⚔️ First Event: The Spirit Pressure Ring
Dozens of sects gathered around a massive arena. Floating islands rotated above. Giant banners glowed with names.
A host with bright robes and louder voice announced:
"Contestants must stand under divine pressure and remain unshaken!"
Mu stepped forward.
Then Master Yolk-san waddled beside him.
"This round isn't for spiritual beasts," a disciple sneered.
The chicken blinked.
Then released a single spark from its beak.
The pressure dome above them shattered.
> [Round Skipped.]
> [Score: 100.]
The host stared. "...Next event."
---
🥇 Second Event: Talent Flames
Each contestant channeled spiritual qi into a fire. The purer the fire, the higher it burned.
Some burned red.
Others, gold.
Mu burned lavender.
Shen panicked. "That means..."
"It smells like tea."
Master Yolk-san pecked the ground. A feather burst into flame and hovered.
It burned white. Then gold. Then began singing.
A judge fainted.
> [Event Complete. Bonus Activated.]
---
🌟 Back at the Lodgings
Their sect was given a small cloud-house to rest.
Shen paced. "We're winning by accident."
Mu sipped tea. "Not accident. Etiquette."
The chicken was meditating.
"What happens tomorrow?"
Mu looked out the window.
> "We greet the sword disciples."
> [+1]
---
💪 Third Event: Sword Intent Clash
A field of sword energy manifested midair. Each participant was to step inside and let their sword intent resonate with the swords.
Mu had no sword.
Shen muttered, "We're doomed."
Mu bowed to the floating blades.
> "Amitābha." [+1]
The swords stilled. Then spun.
Each blade hummed in sync, forming a ring around Mu and began rotating peacefully around him.
The host's voice cracked, "That... that is Sword Respect Technique?"
Mu smiled. "More like sword politeness."
Master Yolk-san clucked once.
A sword shattered. A phoenix feather appeared in its place.
> [Bonus: Sword Affinity +1. Feathery Authority Activated.]
---
🛸 Final Event: Team Sparring
Teams were formed at random. Mu was paired with two unfamiliar disciples: one from the Flaming Fist Sect and another from Misty Claw Mountain.
They prepared their battle stances. Mu prepared a teapot.
The opposing team burst forward. Explosions, flames, roaring qi.
Mu stepped forward, lifted the cup.
> "Amitābha." [+1]
Everything stopped.
Even the wind.
All spiritual energy froze.
The other team gently sat down, bowed, and asked for tea.
The referee didn't know what to write.
Master Yolk-san clucked from atop a lantern.
> [Victory by Surrender. Bonus Style Points: 10]
---
🎉 The Award Ceremony
"First Place goes to… the Bald Monk and the Chicken."
No one clapped immediately.
Then a roar of laughter, confusion, cheers, and awe broke out.
Mu stepped up, offered tea to the announcer.
> "Amitābha."
Master Yolk-san pecked the trophy.
It turned into a glowing egg.
No one questioned it.
The Wandering Sword Sect leader stepped forward.
"Your methods are unorthodox, your results undeniable. Would you consider teaching here?"
Mu blinked. "I still have coop duty."
---
☕ Return Journey
Back at the monastery, Mu unpacked his teacup, robes, and a new title scroll:
> [New Title Acquired: Smiling Monk of Sword Serenity]
[Passive: Sword spirits will hesitate before attacking. Disciples may become pa
cifists in your presence.]
Shen lay on the floor. "Did we... change how tournaments work?"
Mu poured him tea. "Etiquette."
Master Yolk-san laid an egg that hummed.
Mu looked at the system.
> [Current Points: 697]
He smiled at the sky.
> "Amitābha."
> [+1]