The sun hung low over the Eastern Divine Continent, painting the Falling Sword Sect's outer gates in molten gold. Shen Liang leaned lazily against his broom, a small caravan of disciples trailing behind. Their mission was simple: journey to remote villages, refine their coordination, and—most importantly—gain practical experience before the Empire Sect Tournament.
"Master… this is just a road trip, right?" one disciple asked nervously, glancing at the winding path ahead.
Shen Liang yawned dramatically. "A road trip? Ha! No… this is destiny disguised as adventure. Also… fresh air, new dust… slightly better than court scrolls. And possibly pastries along the way."
The disciples groaned. One whispered to another, "I swear… he treats life like a vacation."
As they descended the mountain pass, a small village appeared, smoke rising from chimneys and children running through wheat fields. Shen Liang's eyes twinkled. "Ah… civilization! Time for some subtle influence… and mild chaos."
A young girl ran up, pointing at him. "That's… that's the janitor saint!"
Shen Liang paused mid-step, broom balanced like a conductor's baton. "Janitor… saint… poet… sometimes all three. You know your legends!"
Villagers gathered quickly, eyes wide with recognition. Rumor scrolls and wandering merchants had spread tales of the broom-wielding genius who could channel sword aura while sweeping floors. Some whispered in awe, others snickered.
Shen Liang bowed theatrically. "Greetings! I see my reputation precedes me. Or maybe just precedes… my dust."
An old man stepped forward, scratching his beard. "Master… our crops are weak… spirits are low… can your broom do… something?"
Shen Liang tapped the broom tip lightly against the ground. A faint golden pulse rippled through the soil. Crops shivered, and the qi of the surrounding village air subtly strengthened, invigorating the villagers without them fully realizing it.
"There! Consider it… swept into balance," Shen Liang said cheerfully. "Discipline, intent, and a pinch of subtle genius. Free of charge."
Zhao Fei muttered, glancing at him. "Master… you're literally giving XP to peasants now."
"Yes!" Shen Liang said, spinning the broom. "XP for deeds. Strength for kindness. And lessons… for those willing to pay attention. Kindness is a form of cultivation, disguised as normal life. Very sneaky, very effective."
One disciple whispered, wide-eyed, "Master… we gained XP from that?"
Shen Liang winked. "Of course! Every action refines the spirit. Never underestimate… polite sweeping."
The villagers' eyes brightened as faint arcs of golden qi flowed around them. A little boy shouted, "Master… you're a saint and a janitor!"
"Exactly!" Shen Liang said, bowing. "Saintly janitors are underappreciated. Next… we teach the art of broom breathing to elders! Inhale… sweep… exhale!"
The disciples sighed, some shaking their heads, others secretly delighted at the playful energy. Meanwhile, Shen Liang strolled through the village, leaving subtle guidance: proper posture for farmers, rhythm for wood chopping, and even suggestions on how to organize their daily chores to harmonize qi. Each small adjustment improved vitality and stability without anyone realizing they were learning cultivation basics.
The System pulsed warmly.[Hidden Quest Update: Prove the Dao Beyond Form – Stage 2: Influence the Common Folk][XP +720 | Shen Liang: Foundation Realm – Mid Stage (Stabilizing)][Sect Morale +3% | Outer Sect Reputation +2%][Passive Activated: Benevolent Sweep – Gain subtle Qi influence by aiding commoners]
By sunset, the villagers were energized, children laughing, crops subtly healthier, and elders nodding with newfound vigor. Shen Liang stood atop a small hill, broom resting lazily on his shoulder.
"See, disciples? Happiness, balance, minor chaos… and XP. Who said cultivation had to be grim?"
Zhao Fei groaned, holding a small scroll. "Master… the Empire is still sending envoys, the Sword Academy is fuming… and yet… here we are, gaining XP by sweeping dust from a village."
Shen Liang waved dismissively. "Let them fume. Meanwhile, we sweep the world awake. Or at least the bits that pay attention."
The disciples laughed, following him down the hill as the golden light of evening bathed the fields. Shen Liang's broom hummed faintly in resonance with the land's qi—a reminder that even simple acts, performed with discipline and care, could ripple across the world.
And somewhere, beyond mountains and rivers, rumor scrolls fluttered in the wind: "The Janitor Saint walks among us. He sweeps… and yet, everything changes."