The sun had nearly reached its zenith over the Falling Sword Sect, casting long, jagged shadows across the stone-paved outer courtyard. The crowd had gathered to witness the climactic match: Shen Liang versus Liu Qiming, the proud, bandaged disciple who had long underestimated the broom-wielding laborer.
Shen Liang stretched lazily, broom in hand, a faint golden aura still swirling around him. The Universal Level-Up System hovered faintly at the edge of his vision:
[Hidden Sword Path Node: 90% → 100%][Outer Sect Tournament – Final Round Initiated][Objective: Defeat Liu Qiming / Survive & Outperform / XP Bonus Available]
Liu Qiming's qi blazed, red veins of spiritual energy crawling along his arms. "Today, old man, you will learn your place!"
Shen Liang yawned. "Ah… yes. The lesson of humility, taught via broom. I'm ready."
The System chimed with an almost mischievous tone:
[Warning: Rival Combat Detected – Liu Qiming / Difficulty: Extreme][Hidden Quest Update: Rivalry Confrontation – Completion 75% → 100%][Reward: +200 XP, Weapon Mastery +2, Hidden Node: Blade of the Laborer Fully Unlocked]
Shen Liang swung his broom lazily, tracing wide arcs that scattered dust and small stones into the air. The tiny cyclone of debris sparkled faintly as qi flowed through the broom like a hidden river of sword intent.
Liu Qiming charged. His sword ignited with crimson light, slicing a scorching arc toward Shen Liang. The laborer ducked under the strike and countered by sweeping a layer of dust and pebbles directly at Liu's eyes.
[Action: Environmental Advantage / +20 XP]
Liu stumbled, wiping his eyes. Shen Liang twirled the broom, letting the latent sword qi in the shaft surge. A flash of silver energy followed the broom tip, striking Liu's shoulder and sending him skidding back several meters.
[Skill Activated: Blade of the Laborer – Full Node / +50 XP][Weapon Mastery (Broom) Lv.6 / +10 XP]
Gasps erupted from the crowd. Zhao Fei whispered beside him, wide-eyed, "He… he's actually doing it. That broom is a sword in disguise."
Shen Liang grinned lazily, letting his body flow with the rhythm of his broom. He darted forward like a gust of wind, spinning the broom in a spiral that drew in dust, small stones, and the faintest glimmer of spiritual energy.
[Skill Activated: Duststorm Sweep Lv.4 / +30 XP]
The cyclone slammed into Liu, who slammed into a pillar, leaving a jagged crack in the stone. For the first time, the arrogant outer disciple tasted fear.
"Impossible!" Liu spat, struggling to rise. "A laborer… with a broom…"
Shen Liang tapped the broom lightly on the ground, sending a shockwave of qi that pushed Liu to his knees.
[Creative Maneuver: Terrain Exploitation / +25 XP][Hidden Sword Path Node Complete! Latent Sword Qi Fully Integrated]
The golden glow around Shen Liang brightened. His body hummed with newfound energy, every movement faster, sharper, and more precise. He felt the broom not as wood and straw, but as a living extension of himself.
He whispered, "Time to finish this."
A final sweeping strike sent a concentrated tornado of qi and debris spiraling toward Liu Qiming. The outer disciple, despite every ounce of his power, could not withstand the combined force of environmental manipulation, strategic creativity, and latent sword qi.
CRASH! Liu Qiming slammed to the ground, wind knocked from his lungs. The crowd erupted, the cheers echoing across the courtyard. Shen Liang dusted off his robe, yawning lazily.
[Quest Completed: Defeat Rival / Outer Sect Tournament Final Win / XP +250][Cultivation Progress: Qi Condensation Stage 4 / 450/500 XP][Reputation Update: Outer Sect Disciples +50 / Liu Qiming – Rivalry Defeated][Skill Update: Weapon Mastery (Broom) Lv.7 / Hidden Sword Node Fully Integrated]
Zhao Fei stepped forward, clapping loudly. "I… I knew you were strong, but this… this is beyond belief."
Shen Liang leaned on his broom, grinning. "Ah… thank you, thank you. Remember, every great battle begins with a clean floor."
In the shadows of the crowd, Elder Su Qinglan observed silently, her eyes narrowing slightly, a faint smile on her lips. "Interesting… perhaps the laborer truly holds the potential to revive the Falling Sword Sect."
Shen Liang, unaware of the subtle observation, stretched lazily and muttered to himself, "Broom… check. Rival… defeated. Next… let's see what other chores Heaven has in store for me."
At that moment, the System pulsed, a notification flashing briefly:
[Main Quest Progress: 5/10 – The Sect Begins to Stir][New Quest Unlocked: Train in Sword Qi – Integrate Hidden Sword Potential / XP Gain Accelerated]
Shen Liang chuckled softly, broom in hand, eyes glinting with mischief and ambition. "From latrine sweeper to sword master… if the heavens are watching, I hope they enjoy the show."
The Falling Sword Sect had begun to stir, and the janitor who wielded a broom like a blade had just announced his arrival.