Morning sunlight spilled across the Falling Sword Sect, glinting off brooms, stone tiles, and a growing sense of dread. The tranquility of sweeping practice was shattered by a volley of messengers, scrolls flying like startled birds.
Zhao Fei scrambled to catch the first one. "Master… the Empire… the Empire sent a decree!"
Shen Liang yawned, stretching like a cat. "A decree, you say? Breakfast first, then doom, right?"
The scroll crackled under his fingertips as he unfurled it lazily. The elegant imperial calligraphy seemed to shimmer with authority. He squinted.
"By the command of the Emperor, the Falling Sword Sect shall present itself in the upcoming Empire Sect Tournament. Your disciples are expected to demonstrate both skill and honor. Attendance is mandatory."
Zhao Fei froze. "Master… did you read that? The entire Empire… wants us… to compete!"
Shen Liang tilted his head, examining the words with mock seriousness. "Hmm… compete… show off… dangerous… fun… vacation funded by destiny."
"Vacation…?" a young outer disciple whispered, clutching his broom like a lifeline.
Shen Liang waved his hand, brushing off the tension. "Yes! A tournament is just a holiday with rules and applause! Imagine it...me, the broom, a crowd cheering, a bit of chaos… and perhaps some imperial confusion for free!"
From the Inner Pavilion, the elders were less amused. Elder Zhou's face turned crimson. "A tournament! The Empire will judge us! Our enemies will watch! What have you done, Shen Liang?"
Shen Liang leaned on his broom, grinning lazily. "Nothing. They've done it themselves. Destiny booked a trip, and guess who's riding first class?"
Elder Su Qinglan, serene as ever, raised an eyebrow. "You treat imperial scrutiny as… leisure?"
"Of course," Shen Liang replied, spinning his broom in a lazy figure-eight. "Leisure is preparation for glory. Glory… is preparation for… snacks. Yes. Very important."
Sect Master Liang Feng stepped forward, voice calm but firm. "Shen Liang, the Empire will scrutinize every move. This tournament is not a simple exhibition—it is a test of strength, strategy, and reputation. You must prepare the sect."
Shen Liang clapped his hands dramatically. "Ah! Preparation! A sport I excel at almost as much as sweeping floors! Gather round, disciples, it's time for… training for glory and snacks!"
The outer disciples groaned in unison, dreading more grueling broom drills. Zhao Fei muttered under her breath, "Master… they don't understand… they think you're joking."
"Exactly!" Shen Liang said with a mischievous wink. "Let them underestimate us. The Empire shall see… and they shall weep—or cheer. Possibly both."
The elders collectively facepalmed. Elder Yuan muttered, "If he survives this, he will sweep the Empire itself… or get us all executed trying."
Shen Liang wandered casually toward the Sword Courtyard, twirling his broom. "Step one: assess our strengths. Step two: enhance weaknesses. Step three: make it fun. Step four: win, obviously."
He paused, noticing the nervous gazes of the inner disciples. "Ah, I see fear in your eyes. Don't worry! Fear is just respect's cousin who overreacts. Embrace it… and sweep it away."
A subtle hum of sword aura rippled through the courtyard as he twirled. "Also," he added, "let's upgrade your Broom Sword Aura to Tournament-Ready Edition. We will practice while eating pastries, arguing philosophy, and possibly confusing the competition. Multi-tasking is key!"
Zhao Fei groaned. "Master… pastries aren't in the training manual."
"Exactly," Shen Liang said with a sly grin. "Rules are suggestions, not laws. Remember: the broom obeys rhythm… not bureaucracy."
Meanwhile, distant scouts and minor sect spies began whispering in disbelief. "The Falling Sword Sect… preparing for the Empire tournament… with brooms?"
Shen Liang overheard this, raising one finger in mock salute. "Yes. Let the Empire prepare their frowns and their dull swords. We… prepare our dust, our discipline… and our charm."
The Inner Sect elders, though nervous, could not deny the effectiveness of Shen Liang's methods. Even Emperor's envoys who might attend would witness more than just sweeping—they would witness an entire sect united, disciplined, and terrifyingly… unconventional.
The sun climbed higher, casting long shadows over the courtyard as Shen Liang performed a lazy twirl, broom tip glowing with golden sword aura. "Alright, disciples! Take a deep breath, sharpen your spirit, and… maybe sweep the world while you're at it. Destination: Empire Sect Tournament! Step one: survive my pep talk!"
The disciples laughed nervously, brooms held firmly, ready for the preparation arc that would test not only their skill but the bizarre genius of their carefree master.
The System pulsed.
[Hidden Quest Update: Empire Sect Tournament – Stage 1: Notice Received] [Sect Morale +12% | Outer Sect Reputation +10%]
[XP +600 | Shen Liang: Foundation Realm – Mid Stage (Stabilizing)]
[Technique Upgrade Opportunity: Broom Sword Aura – Tournament Edition Initiated]
Shen Liang leaned on his broom, gazing at the horizon. "Vacation… destiny… tournament… a bit of chaos… I like the sound of this."
And so, the Falling Sword Sect began its most bizarre, disciplined, and potentially disastrous preparation for the Empire Sect Tournament led by the only man who could turn a broom into legend.