Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

The Helmet Master was unwilling to accept it, thinking he could quickly catch up. So he forcefully pursued. At this moment, another Black Armored Soldier, instructed by a commander, pulled the Helmet Master back into the battle formation.

Thus, what Li Xian saw at the time was two Black Armored Soldiers chasing a doctor. The military discipline was strict, and even with many people, trying to deceive or take advantage of chaos was very difficult. Even if one succeeded temporarily, it would quickly be exposed again.

Li Xian handled it quite well, but there were still flaws. He didn’t want to stay for long, just needed to deceive for a moment, then find an opportunity to escape.

The doctor cried out miserably for mercy. This caused the captured ones to cry out and kneel, begging for mercy in a pitiful manner. The original Helmet Master, whose identity was swapped by Li Xian, had his acupuncture points blocked, including the numbing and mute points... Being aware of his situation and hearing Li Xian’s words just now, he realized that Li Xian had successfully deceived them. His heart was extremely fearful, wishing to shout and struggle, yet mixed in with the captured ones, he appeared completely indistinguishable.

Li Jingui sneered: "Kill you? Why would we kill you?" The doctor asked: "Since... since you won’t kill us, why... why capture us? What exactly are your plans?"

Li Jingui said: "Well then, well then, this matter is not much of a secret. Since you ask, I’ll tell you. It’s good for you to listen together and be mentally prepared in advance."

He glanced at Li Xian. Li Xian understood and saw several round stone stools in the cave. He moved them behind Li Jingui. Li Jingui nodded and said: "Your eyesight is indeed improving." He sat down boldly.

Li Xian listened intently, knowing that only by understanding their schemes and desires first could he respond flexibly. Li Jingui pulled out a dagger from his waist, its cold glare was penetrating. He toyed with the blade lightly and said: "Not only will I not kill you, but I will also grant you an opportunity. An opportunity to make achievements."

Li Xian thought to himself: "A load of nonsense, you act for your own benefit everywhere. In words, you speak of family and country everywhere. Others’ lives are left to be used by you as you please."

The doctor confusedly, after pondering for a while, asked: "Could it be... could it be that you want us to serve in the army?"

Li Jingui said: "Not much different. It’s all for the sake of the country and people. But the army is cold and harsh, and fighting with hot blood, life can end in the blink of an eye. Sometimes, a wooden arrow, a cold knife, a dagger can claim our lives. The accumulated military merits and wealth before death go to waste. The beautiful concubines and good women at home... remarry others. In such circumstances, would you be willing?"

He scanned the blade of his dagger across everyone’s necks. With just a thought, a slight exertion, he could take someone’s life. Although their heads were covered with black cloth, they could feel the cold sharpness. They trembled all over, not daring to move rashly.

Li Jingui sat back on the stone stool, using the dagger to scrape off mud from his boots.

Everyone fell silent, knowing that times were different, stability no longer existed. Joining the military meant the life was hard to preserve. But they dared not voice their unwillingness, fearing Li Jingui would seize the opportunity to punish, killing the chicken to scare the monkey.

Li Jingui said: "I said I won’t harm your lives, this is the time to speak freely, if you have thoughts, speak them!"

A farmer said: "I... I am unwilling. I still have an old mother at home, my wife has just conceived a child. If I were to join the military now, then... then what should be done? I hope General shows great mercy and spares my life." He pleaded while kowtowing hurriedly.

Everyone spoke up, extremely unwilling to be forcefully taken to become soldiers.

Li Jingui nodded and said: "I suspected you wouldn’t want to. Actually, bringing you here was not to make you join the army. What you need to do is another matter, which can also contribute to Great Wu, and if successful, you could become famous in future generations and bring honor to your family!"

Li Jingui said: "Have you heard of Jade City?"

A middle-aged man said: "Jade City? Of course, I’ve heard of it, it’s said to be a place where immortals reside. No! It’s a place even immortals want to live!"

Li Jingui said: "Exactly, we are to arrange for you to deeply embed yourselves into Jade City. Become a part of Jade City!"

Everyone was suspicious for a while, but after hearing this, they began to rejoice and applaud, all fear vanished. Li Xian’s brows furrowed, knowing there were hidden meanings, it certainly wasn’t simple.

The doctor asked: "Please speak clearly, General!" Li Jingui said: "Jade City occupies land of Great Wu but is not governed by Great Wu. For many years, countless natural treasures, gold and silver have been sent to Jade City? Jade City prospers immensely, but it draws blood from millions."

"Jade City, Jade City... is really a city of sin! What significance is there in its existence? It should have been destroyed long ago. Yet Jade City leverages its unique geography, heaven and earth are treacherous, outsiders find it extremely difficult to penetrate. If this city is to be broken, it must start from within."

"Therefore... The Commandery Princess needs you to serve as undercover agents, lurking deep within Jade City. When needed, someone will contact you to lay down your lives, to bleed for Great Wu. Should Jade City be broken one day, you’ll have a share of the glory. Such an endeavor to build achievements, isn’t it wonderful."

"Isn’t it much better than us, hundreds of times over. As it is said, a great man either weighs as much as Mount Tai or as little as a feather. Rather than muddling through a lifetime, it’s better to pursue grand pursuits."

The doctor’s face turned pale, lost in despair, he said: "So that’s how it is, so that’s how it is. Why us then? If you’re seeking undercover agents, wouldn’t it be more promising to cultivate officers from within your military?"

Li Jingui said: "For this matter, you ought to thank him." He pointed to the barely alive Xu Cheng. The crowd, with their heads covered, didn’t see his gesture.

Li Jingui said: "This man named Xu Cheng was once carefully cultivated by the Commandery Princess, infiltrated into Jade City as an undercover. The Commandery Princess poured wealth and connections for years, promoting him to a key position in Jade City. Yet this person betrayed the Commandery Princess once tempted by wealth, corrupted by Jade City."

"He exploited Jade City’s unique stance, believing we couldn’t touch him, indulging in pleasure inside. Not realizing within Jade City, besides him, the Commandery Princess has several people available. Always keeping track of his movements."