On Chores Peak lay a massive Martial Training Field, spanning hundreds of yards in every direction. Paved with uniform grey-white stone slabs, it exuded an ancient, unadorned grandeur. A colossal stone sword towered imposingly at its center.
This was where Outer Sect Disciples trained, and also Li Hao's cleaning assignment for the day—a full day's work for three people.
If this were yesterday, Li Hao might have grumbled. Cleaning this vast area meant no time for cultivation. But now, filled with hope, everything seemed brighter.
"Well, well, if it isn't our number one Waste in history? Oh, wait, our esteemed former Outer Sect Disciple, Brother Li Hao! Up so early—has he already finished cleaning? Haha!"
A sarcastic voice sounded from the side. Li Hao turned to see his three work partners approaching with mocking expressions.
He recognized the leader, Zhang Qiang, a Chore Disciple with a terrible reputation. He never worked, foisting his duties onto others. His arrogance came from his uncle, Manager Liu, who oversaw all Chore Disciples, and his cousin, an Outer Sect Disciple. With these backers, Zhang Qiang ran rampant on Chores Peak.
His two lackeys were Chen Wei and Wang Lei.
Setting aside his thoughts, Li Hao said calmly, "Since everyone's here, let's divide the work. Four people, each takes one side. Fair enough."
"Haha!" Wang Lei burst into laughter. "Brother Zhang, he's assigning you work! What a fool!"
"Now, that's not fair," Chen Wei chimed in, feigning seriousness. "He was once a lofty Outer Sect Disciple. How can we let someone of such former stature do such lowly work?"
"Haha! Insulting someone without a harsh word! No wonder Brother Zhang values you!"
"Where, where. You're the one who gets things done. You're Brother Zhang's right-hand man!"
The two continued their mutual admiration, ignoring Li Hao.
Zhang Qiang swaggered over, patting Li Hao's shoulder with a condescending smirk. "Kid, the three of us have stomach troubles. You clean the whole field. Sound good?"
"Not good," Li Hao said flatly, brushing the hand away. He faced the lackeys. "I get it. You're jealous I was an Outer Sect Disciple. You used to grovel before them. Now you think you can reclaim lost dignity by bullying me. I understand." Having said this, Li Hao turned, picked up his Long Broom, and walked towards the field's center.
His blunt remarks left Chen Wei and Wang Lei's faces flushing red and pale. Zhang Qiang's expression darkened. No one had ever dared disrespect him like this.
Seeing Zhang Qiang's mood, Wang Lei rushed forward, jabbing a finger at Li Hao. "Li Hao! You're a Waste who couldn't reach Mortal First Grade in a year! Brother Zhang offering you his work is a favor! Don't refuse it!"
"I am a Waste," Li Hao retorted, "but better than bootlickers who are nothing but dogs, barking on command."
"Beat him! Beat him to a pulp! I'll take responsibility!" Zhang Qiang snarled. No one challenged his authority.
Hearing the order, Wang Lei grinned ferociously and threw a punch at Li Hao's face.
Li Hao's expression turned grim. He retreated two steps, dodging the fist, and swung his broom hard.
Thwack!
The broom connected with Wang Lei's head. He cried out, staggering back, clutching his eyes as dust filled them, causing tears to stream down.
"You scum!" Enraged, Zhang Qiang charged, fist aimed at the back of Li Hao's head.
Sensing the attack, Li Hao pivoted and met the charge with a powerful punch of his own.
Thud!
A distinct cracksounded. Zhang Qiang's eyes widened in pain—his hand was broken.
Before he could react, Li Hao grabbed the injured fist, yanked him forward, and delivered a fierce kick to his abdomen.
Whump!
Zhang Qiang flew backward, landing heavily on the stone pavement.
Unlike the others who wasted their time, Li Hao had trained his body relentlessly every day since arriving at the Sword Sect. Though not yet a Profound Practitioner, his physical strength far surpassed these layabouts.
Dealing with Wang Lei, Li Hao turned his gaze to Chen Wei.
Chen Wei instinctively stepped back, clenching his fists. "Zh-Zhang Qiang is Manager Liu's nephew! His cousin is an Outer Sect Disciple! They won't let you get away with this!"
Ignoring him, Li Hao crouched beside the groaning Zhang Qiang and patted his cheek. "New plan. The three of you will clean the entire field. Any problem?"
Zhang Qiang hesitated, but seeing Li Hao's fist clench, he hurriedly stammered, "N-no problem! We'll start right away!"
Li Hao gave a dismissive glance, stood up, hoisted his broom, and strode quickly towards Jade Wind Valley. He knew this wasn't over. Zhang Qiang would surely seek revenge through his uncle or cousin. Li Hao was no match for an Outer Sect Disciple yet. To protect himself, he had to become a Profound Practitioner, and fast.
"Brother Zhang, what now?" Wang Lei asked, helping Zhang Qiang up. He knew he was outmatched.
Chen Wei stayed silent, genuinely fearful.
"We wait for my cousin to return," Zhang Qiang spat, venom in his eyes. "Then I'll make him wish he was dead!" No one had ever dared touch him in five years.
"Did you see? Li Hao beat Zhang Qiang and his lackeys!"
"Really? That bastard got beaten?"
"You're kidding! With his connections?"
"I saw it! They tried to make Li Hao do all the work, started a fight, and got beaten! Now they're cleaning his section too!"
"Haha! Serves him right! Finally kicked an iron plate! Let's spread the word!"
The news of Li Hao's victory spread like wildfire across Chores Peak.
But Li Hao had already reached Jade Wind Valley.