Amitābha Online: The Monk Who Greets Death

It began with a banquet.

Which, as always, is exactly when everything goes terribly wrong.

The Wandering Sword Sect had invited representatives from multiple sects, each bearing gifts and rumors, eager to learn about the Monk Who Pacified a Ravine. They expected a stoic cultivator. A master swordsman. A mysterious hermit who spoke in riddles.

They got a smiling teen in travel-stained robes who bowed to everyone.

> "Amitābha." [+1]

And a chicken that rode a jade pillow as if it were a throne.

---

🍽️ Banquet of Blunders

Plates floated. Lanterns glowed. An elder from the Crimson Gourd Sect raised a cup. "To peace and unexpected guests."

Mu raised his tea. "Amitābha."

> [+1]

[Crimson Gourd Elder mildly confused.]

An inner disciple from the Thunder Mouth Sect leaned forward. "So... is the chicken your spiritual companion?"

Mu smiled. "He prefers the term 'spiritual overseer.'"

Master Yolk-san clucked. Lightning flashed outside.

The disciple choked on his noodles.

A monk elder turned to Shen. "And you? What is your cultivation path?"

Shen, clearly exhausted, replied, "I'm the one who carries the scrolls and panics on time."

---

✨ The Unexpected Proclamation

The Sect Leader of Wandering Sword stood.

"The gathering has reached its height. In honor of this moment, we invite any rising talents to step forth and display their spiritual resonance with the Sword of Silence."

A hush.

A sword embedded in crystal appeared midair, glowing faintly. Said to only respond to true martial hearts.

One by one, cultivators stepped forward. Each tried. Some were rejected softly. Others thrown several feet backward with polite spiritual force.

Mu stood up.

The room held its breath.

He bowed. "Amitābha."

> [+1]

The sword shook.

A low tone rang out.

The Sword of Silence slowly unsheathed itself a fraction.

Everyone stood.

The Sect Leader blinked. "That sword has not moved in three centuries."

Master Yolk-san crowed once.

The sword vibrated. Then sheathed itself again.

> [Title Gained: Silent One Whose Tea Calms Blades]

Mu returned to his seat. "I prefer not to carry weapons. They're bad at steeping leaves."

---

⚠️ The Challenge

As the tension faded, someone else stood.

A tall youth, sharp eyes, wearing the crest of the North Peak Phantasm Sect.

"I challenge you," he said.

Everyone froze.

Mu tilted his head. "To what?"

"Combat."

Shen whispered, "He's not serious, right?"

Master Yolk-san flapped down beside Mu. Stared at the challenger.

The youth hesitated.

Mu stood. "I accept. But with one condition."

"What is it?"

Mu smiled.

"Every strike must begin with a bow."

---

🏋️ Duel of Etiquette

They stood on a raised stage. Wind circled them. The audience leaned forward.

"Begin!"

The challenger bowed.

Mu bowed deeper. "Amitābha."

> [+1]

The youth lunged, blade flashing.

Mu poured tea while dodging.

The crowd gasped.

He didn't even look at the blade—just poured calmly, sidestepped, and offered a cup.

Second round. Bow. Lunge. Dodge. Sip.

Third round. Bow. The youth hesitated.

Mu stepped forward and handed him tea.

"You're not serious," the youth growled.

"I never joke about tea."

The challenger stared. Sat down. Drank.

> [Victory by Submission. Bonus: Sect Reputation +10]

---

⚖️ The Secret Vote

That night, the elders of several sects gathered.

"This boy… he's dangerous."

"But in a peaceful way."

"Which is worse. You can't counter it."

"And the bird…"

They all turned toward the balcony where Master Yolk-san was staring at the moon, wings crossed, meditating like a tiny chicken Buddha.

"Should we…?"

"No. We observe. For now."

---

✨ Late Night Conversation

Mu sat under the stars, brewing tea.

Shen joined him, still recovering. "You scared three sects today."

Mu smiled. "I also made new friends."

"You turned a duel into a teahouse!"

Mu nodded. "He needed calm more than victory."

"Mu… do you think this path is sustainable?"

Mu looked up at the stars.

> "As long as there are people to greet… yes."

Master Yolk-san laid another glowing egg.

The stars above blinked.

> [System Notification: World Influence Growing.] [Upcoming Event Unlocked: Demon Envoy Enters the Lower Realm]