Night fell softly over the imperial capital. Lanterns floated along the riverbanks, their reflections shimmering like scattered stars on the dark water. Somewhere in the distance, music from the festival drifted faintly but inside the quiet courtyard of the Falling Sword Sect's rented inn, only the rhythmic swish, swish of a broom broke the silence.
Shen Liang hummed cheerfully as he swept. His robe sleeves were rolled up, hair tied messily, and a half-eaten steamed bun dangled from his mouth.
Another glorious day of janitorial enlightenment, he mumbled. Sweep once for cleanliness, twice for enlightenment, thrice for a free dinner.
A soft voice answered from the shadows.
Four times, and you might attract trouble.
Shen Liang froze mid-sweep.
He turned and there she was...
Luo Yan.
The imperial envoy... the prodigy sword maiden... the Ice Lotus of Heaven... now standing in his courtyard at midnight, dressed not in her silver uniform but in a dark traveling cloak. Her sword hung loosely at her side, her eyes faintly glowing under the moonlight.
You again? Shen Liang said with a grin. Are you here for broom lessons or moral counseling? I charge extra after dark.
She sighed, stepping forward. You… really are impossible.
Thank you, he replied immediately. People keep saying that. It must be my charm.
Her gaze sharpened. I didn't come for your jokes, Shen Liang.
Oh, that's unfortunate, he said, leaning on his broom. They're free of charge. My wisdom, however, has a consultation fee.
Wisdom? she echoed with disbelief.
He gestured grandly with the broom. Behold! The Dao of Labor, freshly swept and moderately profound.
Luo Yan exhaled, trying to stay composed. During the duel… you said something strange. You called labor the path to Heaven. That makes no sense. Labor is… servitude, duty, necessity. Not enlightenment.
Shen Liang chuckled. Ah, so the Ice Lotus wishes to discuss philosophy with the Sect Janitor? Should I fetch tea or a mop first?
Answer me seriously...!!
Her tone held steel... The same composure that cowed nobles and generals now pinned Shen Liang in place. For a moment, even the moon seemed to pause.
He met her gaze and smiled faintly. Labor is not servitude, Luo Yan. It's creation.
She blinked. Creation?
He nodded, lifting his broom. When I sweep the ground, I'm not erasing dirt. I'm shaping clarity. When I mend a broken wall, I'm not fixing a ruin... I'm restoring harmony. Effort itself creates order. Every small act of labor is a ripple that tells Heaven, 'I still care about this world.'
She frowned, her lips parting slightly. You speak as if… work is sacred.
Shen Liang's tone softened. Isn't it? The heavens move tirelessly, rivers never rest, stars burn without complaint. The universe itself labors endlessly. So tell me Luo Yan... if Heaven works without pause, why should mortals call effort shameful?
For a moment, Luo Yan didn't answer.
The night wind brushed her hair, carrying faint petals from a nearby plum tree. She looked at Shen Liang... this strange, infuriating, yet oddly radiant man who spoke of brooms as divine tools and swept as though it were an act of worship.
…You truly believe that, she said quietly.
Of course. Shen Liang twirled his broom like a sword. I've built my entire cultivation path on it. Some people meditate for decades to hear Heaven's Dao. Me? I sweep long enough and Heaven starts sweeping with me.
That's absurd.
Exactly! he said brightly. That's why it works.
Luo Yan pressed a hand to her temple, half-annoyed, half-amused. I can't tell if you're a fool or a genius.
Finally, Shen Liang said, pretending to bow. Someone who appreciates the duality of my existence.
She watched him for a long time...his unshakable calm, the easy laughter that hid a depth she couldn't quite fathom. There was no arrogance in him, no hunger for glory. Yet every word, every gesture carried a strange conviction that made even her the Empire's most disciplined sword hesitate.
You know, she said softly, your Dao… it feels alive. As if the heavens themselves smile when you speak.
Shen Liang shrugged. Heaven's just relieved someone's doing the cleaning.
Luo Yan bit back a laugh but failed; a soft, melodic chuckle escaped her lips. You're ridiculous.
And yet you're still here, he said, tilting his head.
She went quiet again. ...I wanted to understand why you don't fear the Empire, or even me.
He leaned on his broom, thoughtful. Because fear's just dirt. Sweep it enough times, and it goes away.
Her lips parted slightly. You can't sweep fear, Shen Liang.
Of course you can. I've swept mold, corruption, demonic Qi, and once a talking rat that claimed to be a sect elder. Fear's easy.
She shook her head, smiling despite herself. You really are mad.
Madness is just enlightenment without supervision, he replied sagely.
Silence stretched between them, gentle and strange. The night around them seemed softer, moonlight brushing across their faces, a quiet rhythm pulsing in the air. Somewhere beyond the walls, the city murmured... laughter, the clink of cups, the hum of life continuing.
Luo Yan's voice was quieter now. You fight without killing, laugh without pride, and labor as if Heaven owes you thanks. You don't fit anywhere, Shen Liang.
He smiled. That's because Heaven forgot to assign me a department. I'm still freelancing.
She blinked... and then to her own surprise, laughed again. A genuine laugh this time, bright and unrestrained.
It startled her. When had she last laughed so freely?
When she looked up, Shen Liang was staring at her...not teasingly, but warmly. His eyes reflected the lantern light, gentle and knowing.
You should laugh more often, he said softly. The world becomes cleaner when you do.
Her heart skipped once, and she turned away quickly. Y-you talk too much.
Only when beautiful sword maidens sneak into my courtyard at midnight, he said cheerfully.
She glared over her shoulder. Don't flatter yourself.
Too late... It's my hobby.
As she walked toward the gate, Luo Yan hesitated. Shen Liang… when you said "all labor is cultivation" do you really mean that?
He smiled, eyes half-lidded. Of course. Even walking away gracefully is a kind of labor. You're doing great.
She huffed, half embarrassed, half amused, and disappeared into the moonlit street.
When she was gone, Shen Liang sighed and leaned against his broom.
The System's faint chime rang in his mind:
[Hidden Affection +5: Luo Yan's Curiosity Awakens.]
[Heavenly Labor Insight Progress: 38%.]
[New Quest Unlocked: The Sword That Smiles.]
He stared at the screen, grinning. The sword that smiles, huh? Heaven's getting poetic again.
He looked toward the city lights where Luo Yan had gone.
Careful, Ice Lotus, he murmured. Once you start smiling, you'll never stop sweeping with me.
He resumed sweeping the courtyard under the stars, humming softly... a lone laborer whose broom whispered in rhythm with the heavens themselves.