Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Zhao Ranran’s breath quickened, "Regardless of whether he’s a Flower Thief or not, how many men in the world would truly die for a woman?" Li Xian’s gaze surfaced in her mind again, her thoughts more chaotic: "If they aren’t truly in love, how could it be possible? Given they are in love, Nangong Liuli’s words might not be false. Could it be I’ve truly misunderstood the situation?"

She suddenly questioned herself, "Am I eliminating a Flower Thief, or... is it pride driving me to bully a young man?"

Just now, the breaking of swords and spears, the pose and emotion, even heroes rarely possess. How could she remain untouched, and remain indifferent? Yet precisely because of this, her heart was laden with sorrow.

After standing for a long time, she suddenly saw a green light flicker atop Middle Finger Peak. Zhao Ranran leapt up and landed on the summit, unexpectedly picking up a Ghost Jade.

The Ghost Doctor lineage is passed down singularly, always using "Ghost Jade" to signify identity. Anyone wearing the Ghost Jade is a Ghost Doctor. Just now, amid the thousand swords, the Ghost Jade fell here unknowingly.

Zhao Ranran retreated two steps, her complexion ashen, saying, "He... could he really be a descendant of the Ghost Doctor? This matter is so chaotic... I... I need to think calmly." She gazed across the lake. Though victorious, she fled, rowing swiftly, only when Absolute Palm Peak was no longer in sight did she slow down, drifting along with the waves.

She felt the Ghost Jade in her palm, increasingly uneasy. She had killed the Flower Thief, yet added to her heartache, on reflection, her actions were most improper. She frequently recalled scenes from the battle just now. Jingyao Divine Bird suddenly howled, landing beside her.

By the next morning, the lake’s waves pushed her back to the shore. Zhao Ranran returned to the inn, where everyone sat in the hall. Taishu Yuzhu, Su Lanfeng were drinking tea, discussing that although the drinks here are cloudy, in careful tasting, they have a distinct flavor.

Nangong Xuanming, Nangong Wuyang, and the Jianghu Guests were plotting the fake marriage. The two harbored malice in their eyes, yet their words were all for Nangong Liuli’s benefit. Bian Chengfeng, Bian Bianyun were discussing the return journey.

Bian Qiaoqiao was staring blankly out the window. Zhao Ranran went to Nangong Xuanming’s table, listening to the details of the fake marriage, the two feigned amiability, remembering the bloody fight from last night. Compared, they seemed even more hypocritical.

She felt extremely disgusted, only thinking their voices were grating.

Suddenly awakening, she prided herself as noble and pure, yet permitted this scheme. How is she different from Nangong Xuanming and the others? At this moment, realization dawned, suddenly awake: "I’ve fallen into a delusion! Since I first descended the mountain, I fell into delusion! I entered this mundane world, feeling superior, seeing saving others as charity. My ambition was supposedly to save others, but it was for fame, for profit, to showcase superiority. Rather than genuine compassion and sincere rescue. I was blinded by arrogance, everything I did was condescension. Why do I look down on Li Xian, but have to kill him?"

"Even if fate decides a meeting, it doesn’t mean it’s destined affection. Precisely because I look down on him, I’m begrudgingly fate-tied to him, feeling tainted, swearing to cleanse myself. At this moment, looking back, even if he saw my face, it would be as if I’m a heinous villain. I will definitely meet again, when the time comes, how hard could it be to kill him again? If he’s not a heinous villain, why rush to kill him now?"

"I hold myself in high regard, thinking that anyone connected to me must be extraordinarily gifted. Hence, involving the Flower Thief, I felt so furious."

She felt even more chaotic, suddenly saying, "Let’s stop this fake marriage matter here."

Nangong Xuanming was stunned, saying, "Miss Zhao, you..." Zhao Ranran said, "I’ve thought it over, this is improper."

Nangong Wuyang said, "But if this treacherous Flower Thief is let go, he’ll harm others again. How can we easily let him go?"

Zhao Ranran thought, "They’re chasing Li Xian for personal gain, not truly for the sake of women. I’m also chasing Li Xian for my personal gain." Growing more clear-minded, knowing she had made a grave mistake, overwhelmed with guilt, she said, "If he causes harm again, let it fall on me. No need to discuss further, tomorrow we head home."

Nangong Wuyang said, "But this is our family matter..." Zhao Ranran coldly said, "If it’s a family matter, report everything you say and do to the family. After gaining family approval, you can proceed with the fake marriage plan. Not randomly doing as you please."

Nangong Xuanming said, "I will report it." Zhao Ranran said, "I will also report it, and when the time comes, with Jingyao Divine Bird accompanying, personally deliver to Nangong Bolong."

Nangong Xuanming and Nangong Wuyang exchanged glances, feeling like cold water was splashed, realizing Zhao Ranran wasn’t easy to fool. Nangong Bolong is the Direct Lineage Master, their activities, hidden and sheltered, the elders in the lineage covering up, waiting for things to brew until it bursts, naturally no issue. If exposed early, Nangong Bolong would surely be furious.

Returning to her room.

Zhao Ranran rubbed her temples, last night’s battle still unforgettable, recalling the opponent’s eyes, deep and misty, firm and clear, with disgust and disdain. Her chest felt suffocated, very uncomfortable, with nowhere to release.

...

...

On the other side.

Li Xian suddenly opened his eyes, his heart veins broken, [Heart Protection Divine Intent] maintained his survival, the pain throughout his body unbearable, life hovering between.

Li Xian held "Jade Water Pearl" in his mouth, rapidly sinking. Dongran Lake was incredibly deep, seemingly bottomless; he was dazed, having sunk for some time.

Life-saving Yang Qi surged into his heart, healing his injuries.

Li Xian had planned to feign death to escape early on, but the only death method was "heart veins rupture," enabling self-rescue. Fighting tirelessly, not for victory, but only to await an attack that ruptures the heart veins.

He steadfastly thought, "Since I’m not dead, I must ascend Daoxuan, and fight again!"