Three days after Jin Ye dismantled a Calamity Beast like it was a squeaky toy, the Skyward Leaf Sect received a letter.
Not a threat.
Not a declaration of war.
A letter.
It was written in elegant calligraphy on black parchment that smelled faintly of brimstone.
Mu Shun read aloud in the Sect Leader's courtyard:
"To the so-called Skyward Leaf Sect,
We, the glorious and feared Demonic Sect, express our deep dissatisfaction with your recent interference in our perfectly legitimate Calamity Beast acquisition project.
In accordance with Article 4, Section 3 of the Eastern Continent Conflict Charter, we demand reparations, an apology, and the immediate surrender of your sect leader for disciplinary stabbing.
Respectfully (but not really),
Elder Gou, Deputy of Petty Grievances."
Jin Ye took a bite of a steamed bun. "So they're mad."
"They're furious!" Mu Shun said. "And they know how to use legal loopholes!"
***
The Sect Council Meeting
For the first time since becoming Sect Leader, Jin Ye attended a full council session.
Elder Zhou slammed the letter on the table. "This is serious. If they invoke the charter, we could be dragged into a formal arbitration by the Alliance Court!"
Elder Ping muttered, "Or we could just stab them now and save time."
Elder Qiu glared at Jin Ye. "This is your fault!"
Jin Ye took a slow sip of tea. "Technically, the beast started it."
***
Mu Shun shuffled a second scroll onto the table. "They also included a... uh... brochure?"
The elders leaned in. Sure enough, it was a glossy, full-color pamphlet titled:
"Why the Demonic Sect Isn't as Bad as You Think"
Featuring smiling skeletons, happy demon wolves, and a suspicious amount of pictures of their Sect Leader standing on mountains looking menacing-but-approachable.
Elder Zhou blinked. "...They're trying to run a PR campaign?"
Jin Ye nodded. "Cute. Let's respond."
The Response Letter (Drafted by Jin Ye)
"To the Esteemed Deputy of Petty Grievances,
Thank you for your letter. I, Sect Leader Jin Ye, acknowledge your complaint and have filed it appropriately. Unfortunately, I filed it under 'Birdcage Liner,' and my bird has already used it.
Regarding your Calamity Beast: it was standing in the sunbeam I was using for a nap. Compensation is denied.
As for your request for my surrender: no.
In return, I offer you one (1) fresh bun, should you ever choose to defect.
Warm regards,
Jin Ye, Sect Leader, Professional Disappointment to the Heavens."
Two Days Later – The Messenger
At dawn, a demonic cultivator in full armor arrived at the gate holding a red flag of truce.
"I bring a counter-offer from the Demonic Sect," he announced.
Jin Ye came out still holding his pillow.
The messenger opened a scroll. "Our Sect Leader proposes... a formal debate between representatives, to be held on neutral ground. The winner decides the reparations."
Jin Ye raised an eyebrow. "Debate? Like, with words?"
"Yes."
"Not stabbing?"
"No stabbing."
Jin Ye smirked. "I'll do it."
The Neutral Ground – The Hall of Eternal Arguments
The Hall was a floating jade palace known for hosting political disputes without bloodshed. It had strict rules:
No physical combat.
Victory by crowd vote.
Magic amplification for dramatic speeches encouraged.
On one side sat the Demonic Sect delegation, led by Elder Gou — a gaunt man whose robe sleeves were longer than his patience.
On the other sat Jin Ye, Mu Shun, and Elder Ping (who had been muzzled to prevent "accidental" duels).
Round One – Opening Statements
Elder Gou rose, voice booming. "The Skyward Leaf Sect has committed an unprovoked act of aggression! We demand justice for the destruction of our sacred beast!"
The crowd murmured approval.
Jin Ye stood. "Correction: your beast wandered into my sunlight. I removed it. That's pest control."
Laughter rippled through the audience.
Round Two – Evidence
Elder Gou produced glowing illusions: the Calamity Beast, alive and majestic, before its "unjust slaughter."
Jin Ye conjured his own illusion: the same beast, blocking a golden ray of sunlight, with himself lying in the shade looking mildly annoyed.
Jin Ye pointed. "See that? That's my nap spot. Would you let a mountain sit on your bed? Exactly."
Half the audience laughed. The other half nodded thoughtfully.
Round Three – Closing Arguments
Elder Gou: "If this sect leader's actions go unpunished, no beast, no sect, no realm is safe from his laziness!"
Jin Ye: "You're welcome."
Silence.
Then — applause.
The Verdict
By overwhelming vote, Jin Ye won.
Elder Gou fumed. "This isn't over!"
Jin Ye shrugged. "Good. I like having something to look forward to."
[Heavenly System Log]
User: Jin Ye
Cultivation: Qi Condensation – 6th Stage
Title Gained: "Debate Champion"
New Passive Skill: Verbal Slap – Inflicts public humiliation damage.