"Indeed." The Sect Leader leaned forward slightly, and I could see the amusement flickering in his eyes. "And I take it you're here to discuss the... artifacts? The ones your sect is so keen to acquire?"
I cleared my throat. "Yes, yes, of course. We're looking to establish a peaceful... exchange of cultural assets." I felt my mouth dry as the words left me. "We understand that Blackthorn Sect has certain ancient relics, and we—uh—would be willing to... negotiate?"
The goat, in the meantime, had apparently decided the rug beneath me was an ideal snack, as it started gnawing at it with remarkable enthusiasm. A piece of the rug—some very expensive rug, I assumed—ripped clean off with a horrifying ripping sound.
I winced. "Great. Great. The goat's eating the Blackthorn Sect's sacred rug. Fantastic start."
The Blackthorn Sect Leader didn't seem particularly phased by this. In fact, he looked more entertained than anything. "So," he said, his voice turning sly, "you wish to negotiate for our artifacts. What exactly does the Nightshade Demon Sect have to offer in return? A few more... explosive dumplings?"
I opened my mouth to speak, but the goat suddenly looked up, bleated once—and then charged at full speed toward the Sect Leader.
I reacted faster than my brain could comprehend, leaping forward and grabbing the goat by its horns just in time to stop its demonic charge—right as it was about to gore the Blackthorn Sect Leader's very important looking chest.
The Sect Leader didn't flinch. He just watched, his expression unreadable, as I wrestled with the goat. "Quite the strong grip you have there, Long Fei Jian. Not many can control such a... wild creature."
"I assure you," I said between gritted teeth, "this is not the first time I've had to wrangle this thing."
At that moment, the goat managed to free itself from my grasp and, with one swift kick, sent me flying backward into the nearest table—knocking over a delicate tea set and, predictably, spilling boiling hot tea all over the floor.
The goat then trotted calmly back to the rug, where it resumed its gnawing, as if nothing had happened.
I lay on the floor, staring up at the ceiling in disbelief.
The Blackthorn Sect Leader clapped his hands once, and two attendants rushed in to clean up the mess. "Well, Long Fei Jian," he said, his tone never losing its polished, aloof quality, "I must say, this is... quite the introduction. You're certainly... unpredictable. Perhaps that's why the Nightshade Demon Sect sent you?"
I groaned and rubbed my sore ribs. "Yeah, about that. This goat is—insufferable."
The Blackthorn Sect Leader nodded. "It's... charming in its own way, certainly. But let's return to the negotiations, shall we? The artifacts you seek... we are open to discussion—under one condition."
My ears perked up. "Condition?"
He smiled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "A test. A challenge, if you will."
I blinked. "A... test? What kind of test?"
He leaned forward, his voice lowering to a near whisper. "The Blackthorn Sect has a long-standing tradition. Every diplomatic negotiation... requires a demonstration of strength and skill. You will face our Champion in a combat trial. If you win, the artifacts are yours. If you lose, the Nightshade Demon Sect will forfeit any claim to them."
I felt my blood run cold. "Combat trial? You're seriously going to make me—fight?"
He nodded. "It's the way we do things here. We value strength. And, from what I've heard, you are quite strong. After all, you survived the dumpling incident."
"I did not survive the dumpling incident!" I yelled, suddenly defensive. "That was an accident!"
The goat, as though sensing my frustration, bleated loudly in agreement.
The Sect Leader's lips curled into a smile. "Very well. You may choose the time and place. But remember... if you fail, it's not just the artifacts that are on the line."
I swallowed hard. "What else is on the line?"
His smile widened. "Respect. Your sect's honor. And, of course, the very fate of your relationship with the Blackthorn Sect."
I stood up slowly, glaring at my goat, which was still lazily chewing the rug.
"Great," I muttered. "Just great. I'm about to get into a fight with a mysterious Champion of the Blackthorn Sect... and I've got nothing but a goat and a sack of diplomatic snacks."
The goat bleated again, and I swear I heard it say, Good luck with that.
This was going to be a nightmare. Because, how the hell am I supposed to meet the Champion of the sect with my Goat's who is obviously my New Best Friend?
The day of the "combat trial" arrived with all the subtlety of an avalanche. I woke up early—well, "early" by the Nightshade Demon Sect's standards, which meant I was already a few hours late. The goat, however, was fully awake and in peak form, having spent the entire night knocking over various bits of furniture and chewing on everything.
I had a feeling this wasn't going to end well. But I had no choice. The Blackthorn Sect's Champion was awaiting me, and if I didn't make a good impression, I'd lose not only the artifacts but my dignity, my sect's honor, and possibly my soul.
And then there was the goat...
I found him—yes, him—sitting near the gates of the arena, gnawing on yet another rock, while some of the Blackthorn Sect attendants kept a safe distance, eyeing him with visible concern. It had taken all of my willpower to not immediately collapse into a pile of despair.
"Are you ready for this?" I muttered to the goat, trying to keep my voice steady.
The goat bleated once and turned its head to look at me with the kind of judgment I reserve for people who steal the last dumpling.
"Oh, good. I can feel your support," I muttered sarcastically.
The attendants ushered me toward the arena, a massive stone circle that seemed to be suspended in mid-air. The crowd was already gathered, a sea of Blackthorn Sect members with their piercing eyes fixed on me as I approached. They stood silent, their presence somehow more imposing than any actual noise.
At the far end of the arena stood a figure—a silhouette, tall and ominous, framed by the glowing red sky. It was the Blackthorn Sect's Champion, apparently a legend of some kind. I couldn't see his face, but the aura around him radiated so much power that it made my already shaky legs tremble....