Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

As the crimson sedan chair passed by, a graceful maiden tapped her toes lightly, lifting the sedan in a light and flying motion. She seemed to ride on clouds and mist as she arrived.

This was the "Heaven’s Step within an Arm’s Reach," a profound lightweight skill. Li Xian’s heart sank: "This Commandery Princess is extremely unusual. The lightweight skills of these four graceful maidens surpass mine by several levels. It will be even harder to escape now."

Soon the red sedan approached, accompanied by a faint, enchanting fragrance. Li Jin Kui stepped forward and said, "Welcome, Commandery Princess!" Li Xian knelt on one knee, ready to greet.

The four maidens were dressed in blue, red, yellow, and green. Among them, the lady in the blue dress had features as if painted, of slightly older age, and held the highest rank, and said, "Rise."

Li Jin Kui glanced at the crimson sedan, hesitating. The lady in the blue dress said, "The Commandery Princess was jostled last night and is resting inside the sedan. If there’s anything, speak with me first."

Li Jin Kui lowered his voice and respectfully said, "Alright, as per the Commandery Princess’s instructions, we have captured Xu Cheng, who is now confined and awaiting disposition. Additionally, following her instructions, several dozen spies have been found."

The lady in the blue dress said, "You are efficient. If the Commandery Princess knew, she would surely commend you." Li Jin Kui said happily, "Please, Miss Qing, put in a good word for me before the Commandery Princess."

The lady in the yellow dress raised an eyebrow, "Do you want to claim a reward for such a trifling matter?"

The lady in the blue dress remained gentle and proper while the lady in the yellow dress was rebellious and proud, her words as sharp as needles. Li Jin Kui was extremely embarrassed, forcing a smile and dared not speak further.

...

The figures of the four graceful maidens flickered, and everyone felt a fragrant breeze brush past them as the four women appeared behind them. Li Jin Kui hurried to catch up, while Li Xian mingled with the soldiers as they moved.

Back in the cave. The lady in the blue dress conveyed the command on behalf of Princess An Yang, gathering all Black Armored Soldiers before the cave dwelling. Li Jin Kui personally conveyed the order, instructing the soldiers to remain absolutely silent. Waking the Commandery Princess would be punishable by death.

The Black Armored Soldiers were divided into groups like "Blazing Wind," "Blue Wood," and "Rushing Water" among others. Li Xian belonged to the Blazing Wind group, observing the details, finding his group, and standing silently.

A thousand or so Black Armored Soldiers gathered, managing to make it silent enough to hear a pin drop. Li Jin Kui retreated beside the crimson sedan, feeling proud of his soldiers’ fine performance.

The lady in the blue dress smiled, "General Li, you train the soldiers well and are efficient in your work. Once the Commandery Princess awakens and sees this scene, she will surely commend you."

Li Jin Kui bowed and said, "No need, serving the Commandery Princess means there is no room for carelessness."

The soldiers had been assembled for a long time, but the Commandery Princess was resting in the sedan, keeping their breath silent. One must hold their breath, chest out, and minimize the sound of breathing, rooting themselves, and not making any noise from the ground.

Everything was to be aligned to the Commandery Princess’s standard.

More than half an hour passed. From the sedan came a clear voice like the clashing of jade: "Qing Yao, have we arrived?"

Qing Yao replied softly, "Commandery Princess, we have arrived. General Li Jin Kui has gathered the Black Wolf Army, ready and waiting."

The Commandery Princess said, "Oh? Since we have arrived, why not wake me up?"

Qing Yao said, "The Commandery Princess is tired, so General Jin Kui didn’t wish to disturb you, hence we quieted ourselves," glancing sideways at Li Jin Kui.

Li Jin Kui was full of gratitude, stepped forward, bowed his head and said, "Welcome, Commandery Princess." The Black Armored Soldiers echoed loudly, "Welcome, Commandery Princess!"

Princess An Yang nodded slightly, Qing Yao gently lifted a corner of the sedan curtain, leaned in, and whispered to Princess An Yang, explaining the situation here.

Li Jin Kui said, "The traitor Xu Cheng has been captured. Commandery Princess, please give the order for his punishment."

After speaking, he waved his hand. Two Black Armored Soldiers escorted Xu Cheng to the front of the sedan. Xu Cheng, who was corpulent, trembled with fear upon seeing the crimson phoenix sedan, immediately knelt to the ground, kowtowing and pleading for his life, trying to explain himself, expressing deep regret and loyalty.

Princess An Yang remained unmoved, her voice indifferent, "I’ve always despised betrayal. This person is disloyal and unjust. Jin Kui, what do you think is the best way to handle this?"

Li Jin Kui said, "I believe beheading for public display!"

Princess An Yang said, "Merely beheading is not enough."

Li Jin Kui said, "Then..."

Princess An Yang coldly said, "Those who betray me shall be flayed. Black Wolf Army, listen to my command, form a circle, and watch the execution. Today, I grant this traitor three thousand seven hundred cuts. No one is allowed to blink."

"Whoever blinks even once shall receive ten cuts in his place."

"Bring out those prepared Jade City spies as well, let them watch together."

"Those who betray An Yang will find life worse than death. Those who support An Yang, all the glory and fortune will come easily."

Though her voice was clear and melodious, it was awe-inspiring, and within a few words, there lay the high authority of life and death commands.