If someone had told me I'd become well-known in a cultivation sect within a week, I'd have imagined fame, fans, and at least one hot senior sister throwing herself into my arms.
What I got instead was… notoriety.
Apparently, being annoying on purpose is still being annoying.
---
"Hey, it's that guy again!"
"Shhh! Don't make eye contact. He'll talk to you."
"He's like a cursed NPC that triggers side quests if you're near him too long."
I strutted past them confidently, mop over my shoulder like a greatsword.
> [System Notification:]
Infamy Level: 27/100
Congratulations! Sect disciples now recognize your face. They still hate it.
---
At breakfast, I sat next to Jun Bai — the most "handsome sword prodigy" in the sect.
He glanced at me like I was gum stuck to his boot.
"You. Why are you sitting here?"
"Because this bench has the best view of Yue Lan's sword techniques. And because your misery tastes better than porridge."
His eye twitched.
I leaned closer and whispered, "Do you ever wonder if your sword is compensating for something?"
Yue Lan passed by at that exact moment. She raised an eyebrow.
Jun Bai turned purple.
> [System Notification:]
Jun Bai's Irritation +6
New Hidden Stat Unlocked: Petty Rivalry (Active)
---
That afternoon, a sect elder announced a "volunteer" for latrine beast-duty. Basically, someone had to drive away the wild spirit chickens nesting in the toilets.
Guess who got picked?
> [New Mission Acquired!]
Objective: Chase off Spirit Chickens without dying.
Reward: 1 Healing Pellet (broken in half), Minor Sect Points ×2
Note: Chickens are aggressive. Do not underestimate the pecking.
---
I entered the latrine courtyard and locked eyes with one of the spirit hens. It clucked with divine menace.
I took a step forward.
It took a step forward.
We understood each other.
This was war.
I screamed.
It screamed.
I ran.
It flew after me.
I threw a mop at it.
It dodged.
> [System Update:]
Spirit Chicken Enraged. Danger Level: Moderate-to-Humiliating.
Host running in circles. Spectators laughing: 12.
---
Just as the hen cornered me, Yue Lan casually walked by again.
"Need help?" she asked, hand on her sword.
"No, no. This is a sacred duel. I have honor to uphold."
The chicken pecked my ear.
I screamed again. "Okay maybe yes."
She chuckled and flicked a pebble at the hen. It ran.
She walked away like it was nothing.
Jun Bai, standing nearby, saw the whole thing.
"Oh-ho. He's watching now," I muttered. "Better get some popcorn, Jun Boy."
---
Back at my bunk, I checked the system stats.
> [Mission Completed!]
Reward Delivered: Half-Healing Pellet (90% expired)
Infamy +3
Yue Lan Impression: 2/10 (You amused her.)
Jun Bai Rivalry: 8/10 (He now considers you a cockroach in robes.)
System Comment:
"You're doing great, idiot."
And then… another hidden message appeared.
> [Corrupted Reward Log Detected]
Original reward rerouted to "Celestial Sword System"
Value: 800 Spiritual Credits
Host compensation: Used robe (now a belt)
I squinted at the glowing text.
"You're selling my stuff… again?"
> [System Voice Offline.]
[Please enjoy your cursed belt.]
I smiled darkly.
"Oh, don't worry, System. Two can play this game."