The sun hung low over the Falling Sword Sect's training grounds, casting long shadows across the dirt-stained courtyard. The crowd pressed closer, sensing the tension between the broom-wielding laborer and the bandaged disciple.
Liu Qiming's eyes burned with a mix of rage and embarrassment. "You've made a fool of me enough times already, old man! This ends now!"
Shen Liang yawned, twirling his broom lazily. "Ah… I was hoping we could have tea first. But if you insist on a fight, I won't refuse."
[Combat Detected: Shen Liang vs. Liu Qiming / Difficulty: Extreme][Hidden Quest: Rivalry Confrontation – Survive and Outperform / XP Bonus Available]
The crowd hushed. A few outer disciples even whispered, "Can he really win against Liu Qiming? He's… terrifying."
Shen Liang raised his broom. Dust and leaves swirled in a miniature cyclone around him. A faint golden aura of qi shimmered along the handle.
[Hidden Sword Path Node: Activation 55% → 70%]
Liu Qiming charged like a coiled snake, his sword humming with a violent qi resonance. Shen Liang casually sidestepped, letting the momentum carry Liu past him. He flicked his broom, sending a spray of dirt and pebbles straight at Liu's face.
[Action: Disorient Opponent / +15 XP][Weapon Mastery (Broom) Lv.5 / +5 XP]
Liu wiped his eyes, scowling. "You… sneaky!"
Shen Liang grinned. "I prefer the term 'strategically creative.'"
The crowd gasped as Liu swung wildly, his sword slicing the air with murderous precision. Shen Liang ducked, letting the blade slice a low stone pillar apart with a resounding crack. The dust clouded the air, giving Shen Liang just enough cover.
[Action: Environmental Exploitation / +20 XP]
Shen Liang leaped atop the pillar rubble, spinning the broom like a staff. A sharp gust shot toward Liu, throwing him off balance. Leaves and small stones danced in the air like a miniature storm.
[Skill Activated: Duststorm Sweep Lv.3 / +25 XP][Cultivation Progress: Qi Condensation Stage 3 / 300/300 XP → Level Up Available]
System Alert:
Level Up Available: Qi Condensation Stage 4
Hidden Sword Path Node Progress: 70% → 90%
Rivalry Quest: 50% Complete
Shen Liang smirked as a golden glow wrapped around him. "Looks like it's time to level up… and make this broom more… refined."
The System window flickered:
[System Notification: Level Up Successful – Qi Condensation Stage 4][All Attributes +15%][Skill Unlock: Wind Sweep Technique Lv.1]
Shen Liang felt a surge of power. His movements became sharper, faster, and more precise. He leapt forward, sweeping the broom in a wide arc. A sudden gust formed a small tornado, forcing Liu to retreat several steps.
[Action: Wind Sweep Technique Lv.1 / +30 XP][Hidden Sword Path Node Progress: 90% → 100%][Hidden Node Unlocked: Broom now contains latent Sword Qi]
Liu Qiming's eyes widened. "Impossible! How… how can a broom-wielding janitor move like that?"
Shen Liang twirled the broom with a flourish, Qi now visibly surging along the shaft. "Remember… sweeping is an art form."
With a final, swift spin, Shen Liang sent a concentrated whirlwind at Liu, knocking the bandaged disciple off his feet and onto the ground with a thud.
The courtyard erupted in cheers. Some disciples even began clapping. Shen Liang dusted himself off, pretending to yawn. "Phew… exhausting. But fun."
[Quest Update: Rivalry Confrontation Complete][XP Reward: +150][Main Quest Progress: Rebuild the Falling Sword Sect 4/10 → 5/10][Reputation: Outer Sect Disciples +20 / Liu Qiming – Rivalry Initiated]
As Liu Qiming staggered to his feet, the crowd parted. Zhao Fei came over, grinning. "You… actually did it. That broom isn't just a broom, huh?"
Shen Liang smiled, holding his broom like a king's scepter. "It's a broom, a weapon… and a dream all in one. But let's not stop here. Outer Sect Tournament isn't over, and neither am I."
The system chimed softly:
[Hidden Sword Path Node Unlocked: Blade of the Laborer][Passive Effect: Weapon now channels latent sword qi / +10% attack efficiency][New Quest Triggered: Unlock Sword Path Techniques / Creativity + Combat XP]
Shen Liang's eyes gleamed. "Ah… this is starting to get interesting. A broom with sword potential… who would've thought?"
The sun dipped behind the distant mountains, casting long shadows across the battlefield. Shen Liang stood tall, broom in hand, ready to face the next challenge and carve his path as the laborer who could rival the disciples of the Falling Sword Sect.