The Martial Exchange was an event where young cultivators from different sects gathered to test their skills, exchange techniques, and—unofficially—show off.
Li Tian had no intention of participating. Unfortunately, his Sect Master had other plans, which explained why he was now sitting in the Eastern Cloud Sect's flying carriage, clutching a lunchbox.
"This is a disaster," he muttered between bites of dumpling. "I'm going to get beaten into a decorative floor tile."
"Have faith, Brother Li," said Senior Brother Zhao, a tall, overly serious man who clearly thought Li Tian was some reclusive expert. "Your stillness technique is unmatched. Remember, every move you make is a lesson for the rest of us."
Li Tian almost choked on his dumpling. "Stillness technique? Oh… yes. That. Totally real. Completely intentional."
---
At the Martial Exchange grounds…
The place was huge. Dozens of sect banners flapped in the wind, and hundreds of disciples milled about, each one trying to look more impressive than the last. Weapons gleamed, spiritual auras shimmered, and somewhere in the distance a man was balancing upside-down on a sword for no apparent reason.
Li Tian wanted to turn around and go home.
> [Avoided eagerness to participate: Cultivation +15]
The first few matches began. Cultivators clashed with flashy moves, thunderous explosions, and enough posturing to fill an opera. The crowd roared with approval.
Then the announcer called, "Next match! Eastern Cloud Sect's Li Tian versus Jade River Sect's Meng Qing!"
Li Tian dragged his feet to the stage. Meng Qing, his opponent, was a wiry young man with sharp eyes and the kind of hairstyle that suggested he spent more time in front of a mirror than training.
"I've heard of you," Meng Qing smirked. "The One-Move Expert. I look forward to seeing this legendary technique."
Li Tian gave him a polite bow and whispered to himself, "Legendary technique: staying alive without trying."
---
The match began.
Li Tian… stood perfectly still.
Meng Qing frowned. He dashed forward, sword flashing—only to trip over a loose floorboard, drop his weapon, and slide across the stage until his head hit the gong that signaled the end of the match.
GONG!
The crowd erupted.
"Incredible! He didn't even need to move!"
"Such control over his aura that his opponent defeated himself!"
"True mastery is invisible!"
Li Tian scratched his neck. "…Sure, let's go with that."
> [Won fight without effort: Cultivation +40]
---
The second match…
This time, his opponent was a bulky man from the Iron Boulder Sect. Before the match, the man scoffed, "I will crush you like—"
A bird pooped on his face mid-sentence. Blinded, the man swung wildly, stumbled off the stage, and fell into a decorative koi pond.
GONG!
Li Tian was declared the winner before he'd even blinked.
> [Won fight without effort: Cultivation +50]
---
By now, the crowd was convinced they were witnessing the birth of a legend. Elders from other sects whispered about recruiting Li Tian. Merchants began sketching his face for future merchandise. Someone in the audience even started selling "One-Move Expert" buns (buy one, get one free).
Li Tian, meanwhile, was sitting under the stage eating a baozi, hoping the day would end quickly.
---
Final match of the day…
Li Tian was up against the undefeated champion of the Heavenly Rain Sect, a graceful woman named Yue Shuang. She was fast, elegant, and radiated the confidence of someone who'd never lost.
The moment the match began, a strong gust of wind blew across the arena—courtesy of another match exploding nearby. Yue Shuang's long sleeve got caught on a loose nail in the stage, pulling her off balance. She stumbled, slipped, and somehow managed to knock herself unconscious against the referee's chair.
GONG!
The crowd went berserk.
"The One-Move Expert strikes again!"
"Four victories without lifting a finger!"
"Surely the heavens themselves protect him!"
Li Tian waved awkwardly at the cheering crowd, internally screaming.
> [Became tournament champion without effort: Cultivation +100]
---
That night, the Sect Master patted him on the shoulder. "Li Tian, you've brought glory to our sect. From now on, you'll be our official representative in all major events!"
Li Tian's smile froze. "…All of them?"
> [Received lifelong obligation unwillingly: Cultivation +70]
The System chimed cheerfully.
> [Congratulations, Host! You have reached Stage 2: Advanced Laziness.]
New passive ability unlocked: Aura of Intimidation – Opponents are more likely to defeat themselves before fighting you.]
Li Tian stared at the invisible screen. "…This is getting out of hand."
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