The Azure Wind Sect's mountain gate trembled from the anger of its leader, Elder Wu Tian.
"That traitorous old fool dares to wear our robes no longer…!" Elder Wu Tian smashed a jade teacup, the fragments flying like his fury.
His once-respected Elder Zhang had not only defected, but now strutted around in a third-rate sect's uniform, preaching about 'sect warmth' and 'free snacks.'
It was an insult they couldn't ignore.
"Enough!" Wu Tian roared. "Send my core disciples. Have them go to this... Eternal Radiance Divine Sect and remind them of their place."
"Yes, Sect Leader!" Four Azure Wind Sect core disciples, famed in the region, cupped their fists.
These were not nameless juniors—they were among the sect's shining talents, each with a reputation in the nearby cities.
This time, they would crush the so-called Eternal Radiance Sect, slap their faces in public, and bring Elder Zhang back—dragged, if needed.
---
At the Eternal Radiance Divine Sect, Li Qingyu sipped tea in the courtyard.
Ziyan polished her sword, Su Jian plotted formations on bamboo slips, and Daniu was carefully crafting… a chicken-shaped battle flag.
All was peaceful. Almost too peaceful.
Until the outer disciple on lookout ran down the hill, gasping.
"SECT MASTER! Four powerful disciples from Azure Wind Sect are here! They look scary!"
Li Qingyu raised an eyebrow. "Ah, right on schedule."
Su Jian glanced up. "Our reputation must be growing. We're attracting attention from the elites."
"Or," Ziyan deadpanned, "they just want to beat us up."
Li Qingyu chuckled. "Let them come."
---
At the gate, the Azure Wind disciples stood with crossed arms, looking down at the tiny sect buildings like they were a pile of rotten tofu.
"THIS is the great Eternal Radiance Divine Sect?" One snorted.
"Looks more like a chicken coop."
"I can smell poverty."
They walked in, their auras flaring to suppress the outer disciples.
But suddenly—Elder Zhang strolled out, arms behind his back, now wearing the Eternal Radiance Sect elder robes with extra embroidery he insisted on adding himself.
His expression was peaceful. His beard fluttered majestically in the breeze.
"Ah, honored disciples. What brings you to our humble sect?" he said with exaggerated politeness.
Their leader, a handsome but arrogant disciple named Zhou Fan, clenched his jaw.
"Elder Zhang! You've shamed the Azure Wind Sect enough!" Zhou Fan shouted. "Have you no dignity left?! Serving under this... clown sect?"
Elder Zhang stroked his beard. "Dignity? Hm... is that before or after our sect served cabbage porridge for six months because of budget cuts?"
"You—!"
"You all look tired," Elder Zhang interrupted. "Perhaps I can get you some of our sect's famous pickled radish tea?"
"ENOUGH!" Zhou Fan exploded. "We didn't come for tea!"
Li Qingyu chose this moment to stroll out, arms folded behind his back, smiling like the host of a street performance.
"Welcome to Eternal Radiance Divine Sect," he said. "If you're here to admire our chicken shrine, please feel free. It's our sect's most sacred relic."
Daniu proudly pointed at a badly painted wooden chicken.
Zhou Fan twitched. His face turned red, but he restrained himself. "Sect Master Li, we are giving you one chance. Hand over that traitor Elder Zhang and kneel to apologize to our sect. Or…"
"Or?" Li Qingyu smiled wider.
"Or we'll humiliate you in front of your disciples and send your sect back to the gutter where it belongs!"
Behind him, the Azure Wind disciples cracked their knuckles and summoned their spirit weapons.
Ziyan snorted. "Such confidence."
Li Qingyu waved his hand.
[Ding! Side Mission generated for disciples only.]
[Mission: Humiliate the Azure Wind Sect's core disciples in creative ways.] [Reward: Sect Points +200, Sect Popularity +1, Extra Snack Rations.]
Su Jian, Ziyan, and even Daniu blinked as the mission screen popped up in their minds.
They had gotten used to this weird 'Sect Master's secret ability' now.
"Looks like it's our turn to have fun," Su Jian smirked, adjusting his glasses.
Li Qingyu smiled. "Remember, elegance and style. Don't just punch them. Make them regret waking up today."
The disciples cracked their necks and stretched.
Zhou Fan and the others sneered. "You dare face us with such garbage disciples? You overestimate yourself!"
Li Qingyu held up a sign that said, "Today's lesson: Never underestimate the power of plot armor."
The fight had not even started, but the crowd of rogue cultivators watching nearby already sensed this wouldn't be a normal beatdown.
This would be a performance.
---