Boom.
The eastern sky cracked open as a massive sword-light tore through the clouds, crashing down into the outer courtyard's edge. Dust rose like a tidal wave. Outer disciples panicked, scattering in every direction.
Han Li stood still, broom in hand, sleeves fluttering.
From the debris stepped a man in crimson robes, long hair tied with a jade clasp, eyes sharp like icicles.
Senior Disciple Wu Zhen.
Inner Sect elite. Core Formation cultivator. And famous for burning enemies alive with his Solar Flame Sword.
"Where is the janitor?" Wu Zhen asked coldly.
Han Li raised a hand. "That'd be me."
Laughter rippled from the dozen inner sect disciples behind Wu Zhen.
"You?" Wu Zhen sneered. "Then you're the one who crippled Elder Mu's nephew. And humiliated the Jade Mist envoy."
Han Li dusted a tile with his broom. "I cleaned something filthy. You're welcome."
A vein bulged in Wu Zhen's temple.
"You dare mock the Inner Sect?"
"I mock the arrogant," Han Li said simply.
The ground quaked.
Wu Zhen drew his sword, flames coiling around it like serpents. "Let me show you the difference between a cultivator and a cockroach!"
Han Li sighed.
"I really didn't want to sweep blood today."
Wu Zhen lunged.
Han Li's broom moved once.
CRACK.
Wu Zhen was on the ground, sword broken, eyes wide in disbelief.
Han Li leaned on his broom. "Next time, bring a mop."
Silence fell across the courtyard.
High above, an elder watching through a mirror shattered the image with trembling hands.
"He's back…"