The morning sun barely spilled over the mountain peaks when Shen Liang was already pacing through the Sword Courtyard, broom in hand, humming a tune that sounded suspiciously like a sword battle… if swords were made of dust.
Zhao Fei trailed behind, balancing a tray of tea with a wary expression. "Master… the scouts you sensed… they've arrived at the outer gate."
Shen Liang glanced at her, one eyebrow raised. "Scouts, you say? Or merchants hoping for a free broom lesson?" He twirled the broom casually. "Either way, they're in for a surprise."
From the outer gate, three groups of cultivators approached, their robes marked with the insignias of the Golden Flame Sect, Iron Sky Pavilion, and Flowing River Hall. They looked important, serious, and—Shen Liang noticed—completely unprepared for what awaited them.
"Master, should we… hide the disciples?" Zhao Fei whispered, biting her lip.
Shen Liang laughed softly, the sound echoing like a distant chime. "Hide? No, let them see. Let them think we're fools. The bigger their surprise, the sweeter the effect."
The disciples in the courtyard froze mid-sweep, unsure if their master was joking or insane. Shen Liang clapped his hands. "Relax, everyone! Just sweep like the heavens are watching. Which, technically… they might be."
The outsiders approached the main gate, noses wrinkling at the scent of morning dew, dust, and discipline. The Golden Flame Sect envoy stepped forward, voice sharp: "We come on imperial business. Rumors say the Falling Sword Sect no longer trains in swords… but… brooms? Explain yourselves."
Shen Liang bowed slightly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Ah… the rumors exaggerate. We sweep, yes, but swords… swords come too. Though admittedly, our brooms are currently outnumbering them by two to one."
Zhao Fei stifled a snort. "Master…"
The courtyard echoed with soft giggles from outer disciples, who found their master's humor infectious—even in the presence of intimidating outsiders.
Shen Liang raised his broom, letting it rest lightly against his shoulder. "Please, observe. Learn from our… artistry."
A single swipe of the broom sent faint arcs of sword qi rippling across the ground, causing the outer cultivators to step back instinctively.
"W-what…?" the Iron Sky Pavilion observer stammered.
Shen Liang winked. "A broom knows your intent before you do."
The System chimed quietly.[Hidden Quest Update: Rebuild the Falling Sword Sect – Stage 3 Progress: 2/10]
[Skill Progress: Sword Tempering Lv.6 → Lv.7] [Hidden Class Progress: Sword Laborer of Heaven – Awakening 90%]
[XP +420 | Foundation Realm – Early Stage (Stabilizing) 2520 / 4000 XP]
High above, Sect Master Liang Feng observed through a spiritual mirror, stroking his chin. "The boy is… unusual. And yet… his method seems to temper the spirit more than standard cultivation. The discipline is… effective."
Grand Elder Wu chuckled softly, folding his hands behind his back. "A broom may sweep heaven itself, if the hand is worthy."
As the visitors lingered, whispers spread among them: "Could it be… real sword intent?"
Shen Liang watched, one hand on the broom, one hand resting casually at his side. "I hope they take notes. Every sweep is a lesson… and every lesson… is a reminder that underestimation is dangerous."
And somewhere in the shadows, a spy from Iron Sky Pavilion scribbled notes onto a hidden jade slip, thinking they had discovered weakness. Little did he know, the broom's rhythm was already sensing deceit.