Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Li Xian frowned and said, "Loan me? What does that mean, and why loan me?"

Xiaowu said, "I suppose Lord Ashamed is not clear about the situation here, allow me to explain it in detail." He then explained the rules of the Willing Death Valley. These rules should have been disclosed at the entrance of the valley. However, the lives of those entering are often short, and many die within a few engagements. The constables were too lazy to waste words, and over time, it became an unspoken rule not to inform them.

Li Xian had a rough understanding of the situation and pondered to himself, "Is there a clan wanting to loan me? Could it be because they saw my consecutive victories and wanted to hire me as a guardian for their Nursing Home, to act as a strongman? No... Jade City is wealthy, hiring martial artists is extremely easy. Why choose from someone in such dire straits? This requires caution; Jade City is like a deep abyss and muddy swamp. A slight mistake and one might be dragged into a deeper vortex!"

Calming his mind, Li Xian maintained a composed expression, showing no hint of joy or worry. Xiaowu, even more respectful, murmured secretly, "When I first met this lord, I felt he had an extraordinary bearing. Now, even on the brink of great joy and about to change his identity, he remains so calm, truly... truly admirable."

A few days later.

At noon. Li Xian was resting when he suddenly heard footsteps, and the sound of a lock being undone came from the prison door. The prison door was made of a blend of egretsilk and iron mud, making it extremely sturdy. Even when struck with great force, it remains interconnected like egretsilk. The egretsilk within would bind and entrap a person in place.

Cautiously, Li Xian picked up his mask and put it on.

A few strands of fragrance drifted in first, and the constable said, "The door is open; the two young ladies may enter. Inside is the Ashamed Sword."

Su Susu said, "Indeed, it’s none of your business now, step aside."

The prison door slowly swung open. Zhao Ranran and Su Susu stood gracefully outside. The blood-soaked and filthy Willing Death Valley was dimly lit, yet the two women, dressed in elegant clothing and exuding nobility, stood out distinctly, contrasting starkly with their surroundings.

Li Xian, his face obscured by the mask, sat quietly cross-legged on the bed. His brows furrowed, he scrutinized the two women gravely. Su Susu laughed and said, "What a peculiar man, living alone and wearing a mask, is there something you don’t want people to see?"

Zhao Ranran observed for a moment, then clasped her hands and said, "Brother Ashamed, it’s an honor to meet you." Su Susu also gently clasped her hands.

Li Xian’s brows furrowed deeply, thoughts racing in his mind, "So, the family behind the loan is the Su Family. That day, I learned of the Willing Death Valley from their words and managed to escape Jade Pillar Mountain to seek opportunities here. Zhao Ranran shows no hostility, calling me Brother Ashamed proactively, indicating goodwill. Thus, she must not know my true identity, hmph, naturally, Li Xian’s name is insignificant. She thought she killed me, why would she pay attention to this name? She’d never expect I’m standing before her again."

All who enter Willing Death Valley have their names stripped away, leaving only a code. Though Zhao Ranran intended to help, she never delved into ’Ashamed Sword’s’ real name, assuming Ashamed Sword was born ’Ashamed Sword’, with the code as the true name.

Li Xian asked, "Who are you? Why have you come?" Zhao Ranran replied, "My identity is not convenient to disclose now, you only need to know I’m here to help you, come with us."

Li Xian thought, "This woman’s arrogance doesn’t change, finds joy in charity, and believes herself a savior, truly absurd." His disdain for Zhao Ranran grew, and he said, "Help me? Help me with what, and why help me?"

Zhao Ranran pondered for a moment, then said, "The dangers of Willing Death Valley are numerous, I asked the Su Family to loan you liberty. You can repay the Su Family in the future, there’s no need to remember me. As for why I’m helping you, I noticed you don’t seem like a wicked person. Trapped in such peril, you must have your reasons. I won’t pry further. A helping hand given unconsciously can hardly be explained why."

Li Xian laughed mockingly and said, "Miss, what you say is quite peculiar. We have no prior interactions, how can you assert I am not a villain? I always wear a mask, perhaps precisely because I’ve committed many evils and dare not show my true face for fear of being recognized by enemies. You save me now, and if I harm others once freed, who should be blamed?"

In his mind, he thought, "In the past, when I was in the Water Altar, though I flowed along, I never tainted. I ask myself, I never harmed any woman. Zhao Ranran wanted to kill me, Sister Liuli explained for me, yet she never believed. Later, she even wanted Sister Liuli to feign affection to force me to reveal myself. Now, without any interaction, she assumes I’m not a villain. This person judges others based on whims. I’ve always been Li Xian, at times deemed good, others evil. When we meet honorably in the future, I shall ask her, let’s see how she responds."

Su Susu frowned and said, "Sister Ranran shows great compassion trying to help you, yet you adopt this questioning stance. Truly confused on major and minor, can’t discern gratitude and enmity. Earlier I thought you were a decent person, but now, seems I misjudged. Sister Ranran, this person isn’t worth saving."

Zhao Ranran interrupted, "He speaks sensibly." She continued, "I did not conclude you were not a villain by mere baseless guess. The Willing Death Valley resembles a cage, all within are inevitably provoked to ferocity. To escape peril sooner, those who win do whatever it takes to devastate opponents for rewards. In such environment, your victories yet leaving no trail of murder portray restraint, shows you’re not one to drift with the current. Here, if you refrain from killing wantonly, outside... good or evil I won’t say, but you act with principles, hence my conclusion you’re no vile thief."

Li Xian said, "Even so, what has it to do with you?"

Zhao Ranran was taken aback, through various rebuttals, she too was filled with displeasure. Su Susu sneered, "Sister Ranran, it seems this person doesn’t appreciate your kindness. Your goodwill was wasted. In the future, discern the person before offering a good heart."

Li Xian said, "Ladies, please leave, I’m unworthy of such kindness."