Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

In the Miao Yi Pavilion, seventy-three doctors sit for consultations daily. "Sitting Doctors" need to consult for twenty-one days a month with a base salary of one tael of silver. With various allowances, they receive a total of two to three taels of silver. "Registered Doctors" need to consult for twenty-six days a month, with a base salary of one hundred wen coins, and are provided meals after their daily consultations.

After Li Xian took his seat among the doctors, he accepted his role. Hanging his medical plaque, he quietly waited for patients. His table was made of "redwood," entirely crimson, sturdy and durable but very rough, lacking in aesthetics. The table for Sitting Doctors, on the other hand, was made of "sandalwood," smooth and shiny, emitting a faint fragrance.

There were many medicine-fetchers and miscellaneous assistants in the hall. Although the position of a Registered Doctor was low, it was a legitimate one. Medicine-fetchers and miscellaneous assistants had to show respect and deference.

Li Xian organized the items on his table, pondering, "I’m pursuing advancement, not stability, in this role as a doctor, so there’s no need to be overly humble. If an opportunity arises, I must seize it early."

Not long after, a miscellaneous assistant brought a middle-aged man to see him. Li Xian took one glance to discern the issue. After feeling the pulse and inquiring, he confirmed the diagnosis.

By then, his medical skills were already refined, with exceptional proficiency in acupuncture and massage, and a mastery of the "Ghost Pulse Four Techniques." A simple exchange of words and glances could alleviate any illness, as if by ghostly charm. However, newly arrived at the Miao Yi Pavilion, he proceeded cautiously, choosing to heal patients purely through acupuncture and prescriptions rather than the Ghost Pulse Four Techniques.

Li Xian heated the needle over the candle flame, making light stabs. The middle-aged patient shivered all over, then felt greatly improved, leaving the pavilion invigorated.

Soon after, the second and third patients arrived. They mostly suffered from minor ailments like headaches, colds, fevers, and body aches, often caused by fatigue from menial labor.

Li Xian, compassionate towards their hardships, examined their physical condition and, besides treating their illnesses, strengthened their bodies and replenished their vitality. Thus, he treated the illnesses with ease and skill.

By noon, a miscellaneous assistant brought the meals. Served in a large wooden bowl, Li Xian noticed fellow doctors heading towards the "Medicine Garden" to enjoy their meals while also exercising to promote circulation.

Thus, he joined the medics, enjoying the scenery, identifying medicinal herbs, and relishing his lunch. The meals at Miao Yi Pavilion were excellent, with an abundant supply of dishes and meat, infused with herbs in the soup and dishes for a nutritious, body-strengthening meal. Refills were available after finishing.

[You enjoy the meal, practicing the skill of Consumption, Skill Level +1]

[Skill: Consumption]

[Skill Level: 4692/10000 Perfection]

The three large bowls were enough to create a slight sense of fullness. With the strengthening effect of consumption, the meal transformed into a warm current nourishing every part of his body, rejuvenating him, and brightening his eyes.

At noon, there was a half-hour rest. The doctors discussed medical techniques and chatted about various happenings in the city. Li Xian stayed by, listening quietly, absorbing all the information about the city.

Li Xian observed two "Sitting Doctors," both seemingly in their fifties, named "Tie Yuanwang" and "He Jin." They had achieved the Martial Arts First Realm cultivation, but regardless of their martial arts depth, their medical skills were commendable.

He couldn’t help but ponder, "It seems that the Miao Yi Pavilion has a notable background, ensuring even the doctors here have opportunities to obtain Essence Treasures. Otherwise, where would their cultivation come from?"

In the afternoon, as the number of patients decreased, things calmed down. Some Sitting Doctors prepared tea and conversed, discussing how they would spend their leisure time after work.

The first day’s consultations ended uneventfully.

Li Xian sat idly throughout the day, and upon standing, his bones emitted cracking sounds. Returning to his small courtyard residence, he picked up a wooden staff to practice the "Broken Demon Spear," invigorating his muscles and bones.

The direction pointed by the staff exuded a menacing aura, causing ghostly winds to stir and black mist to swirl.

Four Directions Fist, Clear Wind Leg, Thunderbolt Finger, Iron Copper Body, Jade Palm... all these martial arts techniques had already reached their peak, approaching the realm of "Great Self." Li Xian occasionally revisited them but focused mainly on "Setting Sun Bloodsword," "Five Viscera Avoiding Dross and Gathering Yang Scripture," "Only I have a Heart Skill," "Broken Demon Spear," "Finger-Flashing Golden Light."

The first two layers of Setting Sun Bloodsword were at Great Self, but the third layer lacked a sword sheath. Although he could progress forcefully through hard work and with the Heavenly Dao Rewards Diligence Destiny, it lost the true intent of martial arts, and the Swordsmanship was incomplete. Executed alone, the efficacy remained limited.

Further discussion with his wife was needed.

The Broken Demon Spear was also at "Peak," with exquisite spear technique, serving as one of his trump cards. However, his suitable "Ghost Python Spear" was destroyed. Finding another cherished spear depended on fate and luck.

Practicing these martial arts occasionally was sufficient.

[Only I have a Heart Skill]

[Skill Level: 8621/10000 Minor Achievement]

[Five Viscera Avoiding Dross and Gathering Yang Scripture · Strengthening Viscera Chapter]

[Skill Level: 3169/80000 Peak]

[Finger-Flashing Golden Light]

[Skill Level: 8699/15000 Great Success]

Li Xian spent months fighting in Willing Death Valley, often employing various martial arts. In actual combat, skills like Jade Palm, Clear Wind Leg, Setting Sun Bloodsword, and Thunderbolt Finger improved quickly in skill level. Yet these three techniques faced environmental and situational limitations, restricting their development.

Every day during breaks in Willing Death Valley, Li Xian did not expel impurities or exercise his mind...instead, using hair strands to observe the dead-even battles in the arena. Knowing oneself and the enemy ensured countless victories, which was more critical than rapid advancement in martial arts at the time.

Li Xian bent his middle finger, touching it to the pad of his thumb. A golden glow appeared between his fingertips, casting his entire body in a golden hue. Finger-Flashing Golden Light... a Middle Level Martial Arts, was one of the foremost in quality among Li Xian’s martial arts.

Although Setting Sun Bloodsword was a Superior Martial Arts, its true nature was a Combined Sword Technique. The Broken Demon Spear had its deficiencies. Only Finger-Flashing Golden Light was a truly complete Middle Level Martial Arts.

Wen Caishang knew Li Xian wished to complete the "Golden Light Cuisine," intending to capture him and take his eyes. Knowing this would upset him and with her deep affection for him, she prepared this martial arts technique as a gift.

Finger-Flashing Golden Light, with its rapid execution and graceful, ethereal moves like "Flowing Light Shuttle Shadow," "Golden Light Flash," and "Raging Light Finger Snap," offers excellent utility in combat situations.