The dawn that followed the Duel of the Hundred Techniques shone brighter than usual or maybe that was just the reflection of Shen Liang's broom, which gleamed like it had just been promoted to nobility.
The Imperial Capital buzzed like a shaken beehive. News spread faster than spirit flames:
"The janitor beat the Sword Maiden!""He deflected sword qi with a broom!""No, no... he erased her sword's shadow! It's Dao-level nonsense!""Should we all buy brooms now?"
Merchants were already selling "authentic Heavenly Janitor Brooms" at ridiculous prices, while wandering cultivators debated whether sweeping could now be considered a form of meditation.
Meanwhile, in the courtyard of the Imperial Sword Council, things were much less cheerful.
Thirteen elders... each an ancient master whose sword intent could split mountains, sat in a half-circle around Shen Liang. They stared at him as though examining an alien artifact.
And Shen Liang, as always, was smiling lazily, sipping tea he probably wasn't supposed to touch.
"Well then," he said cheerfully, "thanks for inviting me, Seniors. Lovely hall. Floors could use some polishing, though."
One elder twitched visibly. Another coughed to hide a chuckle.
The Grand Elder of the Council, a severe old man with eyebrows sharp enough to duel with, cleared his throat."Shen Liang of the Falling Sword Sect," he began solemnly, "we have witnessed your… unorthodox display. The council convenes today to decide whether your so-called 'Labor Dao' constitutes a legitimate Sword Path."
Shen Liang raised a brow. "Ah, so I'm on trial for sweeping too well?"
The Grand Elder glared. "Do not jest before the Empire's highest martial authority."
"Sorry, sorry," Shen Liang said, waving his hand. "I take this very seriously. I even brushed my hair for the occasion."
Someone in the back snorted.
The tension hung thick. The elders began projecting their Sword Qi, testing his composure. Invisible blades hummed in the air. Shen Liang sat there, unfazed, scratching his cheek.
"Interesting atmosphere," he mused. "Smells like arrogance and old tea."
One elder slammed his palm down. "Insolent!"
But the Grand Elder raised his hand. "Wait."
He leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Tell us, Shen Liang… what is the Sword Dao to you?"
The chamber went still. Even the air seemed to hold its breath.
Shen Liang put down his cup, tapping the broom beside him thoughtfully."The Sword Dao, huh?"
He looked around slowly, eyes glinting. "You all chase sharpness.... the perfect edge, the purest cut. You believe the sword's glory lies in its destruction."
He smiled faintly. "But I think the sword is just another tool. Whether it kills or cleans depends on the hand that wields it."
Several elders frowned. One whispered, "Blasphemy."
But Shen Liang continued."A true cultivator doesn't serve the sword... he makes it serve life. A broom sweeps dust; a sword sweeps injustice. Both are extensions of labor of effort. Labor is the foundation of Heaven's balance. Without it, what would your blades protect?"
His words hit like thunder. Even the most prideful elders paused, uncertain.
He chuckled softly. "So yes, I sweep with a broom, not a sword. But every stroke, every motion… is born from the same discipline. I polish the world one floor at a time."
A strange silence followed. Then, unexpectedly, one elder stood.
"His intent… resonates," she murmured. "I can feel Sword Qi woven in his words — not in dominance, but in harmony."
Another elder gasped. "Impossible. Sword Qi cannot reside in a broom."
Shen Liang blinked. "Well, I did wax it with celestial resin last week."
Half the council groaned.
The Grand Elder sighed. "Enough debate. Shen Liang, demonstrate."
Shen Liang nodded, rising. "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you — this floor's going to shine so bright, Heaven might complain."
He lifted his broom. Golden light rippled outward, soft but boundless.
He moved slowly — sweeping once, twice — each stroke echoing like a temple bell. The elders' swords trembled at their sides, reacting instinctively. The air filled with Sword Rhythm, perfectly synchronized with Shen Liang's movements.
One elder gasped. "That's… unity of intent and flow!"
Another whispered, "He's harmonizing the Dao of Labor and the Dao of Sword — impossible! That's dual-discipline integration!"
Dust rose and disintegrated midair, replaced by faint golden motes that danced like stars.
When Shen Liang finished, he bowed politely. "There. I call that technique 'Heaven's Floor Maintenance, Level Two.'"
The Grand Elder's lips twitched. "You… name your martial techniques after cleaning tasks?"
"Of course," Shen Liang replied earnestly. "Otherwise I'd forget which ones work best on muddy enemies."
Silence lingered.
Then, the Grand Elder exhaled and stood."By the authority of the Imperial Sword Council," he declared, "the Labor Dao is hereby acknowledged as a legitimate Sword Path. Shen Liang of the Falling Sword Sect, you are recognized as the Sword Laborer of Heaven — pioneer of the Path of Harmonious Work."
A booming gong resonated through the hall, sending waves of Qi across the empire. The decision was broadcast via spiritual transmission to every sect in the capital.
[SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT: Falling Sword Sect's Rank Increased! Current Level – 8.][Title Obtained: Recognized by the Imperial Sword Council.]
Outside, disciples of the Falling Sword Sect erupted in cheers.
"We did it!""Master Shen's broom has conquered the empire!""Does that mean we get paid now?"
Shen Liang walked out of the hall to find them bowing deeply. He scratched his head."Oi, stop that. You'll get neck cramps. Save the bowing for the broom inspection."
"Master Shen," one disciple stammered, "you—you've elevated us to Level 8! We're a recognized mid-tier sect!"
"Level 8, huh?" Shen Liang muttered. "Not bad. Only eight more levels before Heaven starts paying my overtime."
Luo Yan appeared then, stepping out from behind the column. Her expression was calm, but her eyes betrayed pride and something softer.
"You really did it," she said quietly. "You turned mockery into doctrine."
He grinned. "What can I say? When life throws dirt, sweep it into history."
She laughed softly, shaking her head. "The empire is calling you a mysterious reformer. Some even think you're a celestial in disguise."
Shen Liang smirked. "Nah. I'm just a man who doesn't like dirty floors."
That night, as the empire buzzed with talk of the "Broom Saint," Shen Liang sat atop the sect's modest roof, broom across his knees, gazing at the stars.
"Level 8 already," he murmured. "Not bad for a janitor."
The System chimed softly:
[Hidden Quest Completed: Recognition of the Sword Dao.][Reward: Heavenly Blueprint Fragment (1/9).]
He smiled, leaning back against the tiles."Blueprints, councils, empires… They all take themselves too seriously. But hey, someone's gotta clean up the mess."
As the moon rose high, Luo Yan's silhouette appeared below, watching him quietly.
And Shen Liang, without opening his eyes, called out lazily,"Careful walking up there, Sword Maiden. Roof's slippery with enlightenment tonight."
Her faint laughter echoed through the night, soft, genuine, and dangerously close to affection.