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Ironcrest Village.
A humble, muddy place known for its turnips, bad wine, and the occasional wandering cultivator trying to find meaning in life—or lose it in a tavern brawl.
Today, however, something new was stirring.
At the center of the village square, a suspiciously handsome man with flowing robes, a makeshift scroll stand, and a confident smirk stood tall.
Li Qingyu cleared his throat. Loudly.
A few villagers turned. One donkey brayed.
He unfurled a scroll with overly large calligraphy:
> ANNOUNCEMENT OF LEGENDARY DUEL
Witness: Wandering Sword Pavilion vs Eternal Radiance Divine Sect
Featuring: Foundation Establishment Genius Luo Yan
And… a mysterious, devastating, extremely attractive cultivator known only as Sect Master L
Date: Two days from now
Venue: Sacred Ashen Arena (formerly cabbage field)
Ticket Fee: 1 Spirit Stone
Spectator seating limited — chickens bite after 20 guests
Legends will rise. Cabbages will fall.
A crowd began to form.
An old man squinted at the flyer. "So the sect master's fighting?"
"Maybe it's one of his disciples."
"Isn't the big one called... Cow Something?"
"No, no, I heard it's the one with the glowing eyes and cabbage aura!"
Li Qingyu smiled mysteriously. "Who will represent us… remains to be seen."
He turned dramatically as if he were already walking away from history, letting the confusion stew like spiritual stewp.
> DING!
New Objective Complete: "Begin Rumor Campaign"
Side Effect: Local Interest +33
Side Effect: Wandering Sword Pavilion now officially Annoyed™
Bonus Reward: +50 System Points
---
Back at the Sect…
Shen Yu held a bucket of cabbage juice, glaring at a sign that read:
> "Ashen Arena – Where Legends Are Fried."
Ziyan stepped beside him, chewing on spiritual gum. "So. You're the Event Coordinator now?"
"I didn't agree to that."
"Then why are you wearing the official sash?"
He glanced down. A hand-sewn red sash read: Grand Duel Logistics Overseer.
It sparkled slightly.
"…Li Qingyu," Shen Yu muttered, "must be stopped."
---
Meanwhile…
Hu Daniu was sweeping the arena platform. Or trying to.
One chicken pecked his broom. Another sat squarely in the "VIP Section" and glared at him like a tax inspector.
"Senior Sister," Daniu whined, "how do I get the chickens to move?"
Ziyan handed him a scroll titled Rooster Negotiation Tactics Vol. 1.
"Read. Improvise. Don't lose your fingers."
---
That Night…
The half-finished arena was bathed in moonlight. Cabbage banners fluttered solemnly in the breeze.
Li Qingyu sat cross-legged beneath the half-erected archway, expression thoughtful.
The System blinked open beside him.
> [System Update]
Tickets Sold: 17
Expected Attendance: 40+
New Sect Title: "Duel Cabbage Sect"
Bonus Points Gained: +20
System Tip: Try not to die.
He exhaled.
It wasn't just a duel anymore.
It was a chance — no, a cabbage-flavored revolution.
Behind him, his disciples gathered.
Ziyan was first to speak. "So... you're fighting this Luo Yan guy, right?"
Li Qingyu slowly shook his head. "No. Not this time."
They blinked.
"Why?" Shen Yu asked, lowering his cabbage juice.
"Because a sect rises not through the fists of its master… but the hearts of its disciples."
He turned, pointing at Daniu. "And Daniu's heart is as wide as his face is punchable."
Hu Daniu nearly dropped the chicken he was holding.
"Me?!"
Li Qingyu handed him a scroll glowing with faint light. It read: [Celestial Cow Stance: Thousand-Hoofed Gallop]
One of the 50 mysterious scrolls unlocked during his rumor campaign.
"Train," Li Qingyu said gravely. "Sweat. Bleed if you must. For our reputation rests in your hands, buddy."
Daniu blinked. "I—I'm not ready!"
"You're my first disciple, Daniu," Li Qingyu said, placing a hand dramatically on his shoulder. "If we lose, our sect loses face. And I can't let Ziyan fight because she'll murder the referee."
Ziyan nodded helpfully. "I would."
Shen Yu looked around. "Wait… we're really sending Daniu?"
Li Qingyu gestured to the half-built arena. "Time is ticking. Construction's still underway. The world watches. And besides…"
He gave a sly grin, "everyone loves an underdog."
Ziyan grumbled but nodded. "Fine. But if we lose, I'm dyeing his hair pink."
Daniu paled. "Senior Sister, no…"
---
Elsewhere…
On a high ridge, a lone sword cultivator in white robes looked down toward the strange construction site in the hills.
Luo Yan sheathed his blade.
"They're building… seating?"
The elder behind him frowned. "Do not underestimate them, Luo Yan."
"They're using cabbages."
"…Fair point."
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