Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Zhang Cun noticed that Li Xian’s "bangle cage" had been removed, and his jaw dropped in shock, utterly puzzled. He realized that Li Xian had cleared his debts and hurried to seek guidance on the path. Li Xian saw the four could be considered acquaintances, having worked together in the past, collaborated mutually, and shared quite a camaraderie. Thus, he casually conversed with them, found a large rock to sit on, and they chatted idly, each speaking of recent events.

Li Xian feared that after "Zhang Chun" learned about the "Willing Death Valley" situation, he would not understand the dangers within and hastily attempt to get involved, risking his life. Therefore, he did not disclose the events of "Willing Death Valley," merely saying that he gained the appreciation of some influential people, and with a few words, his debts were cleared.

This made Zhang Cun exclaim with envy, beating his chest with regret, wishing it were him. Li Xian asked about what transpired after escaping Jade Pillar Mountain. Zhang Cun truthfully informed him that the next day, "Qingping Tower" came looking for him.

The dispatch soldiers searched the mountains and quickly found traces of Li Xian’s blood, following the trail. However, later on, they neither captured Li Xian nor announced that he was "dead." The matter was left unresolved like this.

Jade Pillar Mountain was as it always was, occasionally having power struggles. They dug jade every day, resting after shifts. Every few days, they could go to Qingping Tower to receive tasks, completing them would grant extra debt repayment.

Li Xian chatted simply for a while and then bid farewell to the four. Zhang Cun and Yue Fan, Luo sent envious glances, finally sighed lightly, and returned with their companions to rest, as they would need to dig for jade tomorrow.

Leaving Jade Pillar Mountain, he traveled several dozen miles of mountain roads. The sky was already completely dark, but there was a resting stone pavilion halfway up the mountain. Scattered in the pavilion were miscellaneous civilians sleeping, occupying the seats.

Li Xian looked forward on his journey, not rushing into the city, thinking it would be interesting to sleep here. He climbed onto the roof of the stone pavilion and leisurely rested. The lights of Jade City were scattered sparingly, yet the city was brightly illuminated overnight, like a jewel glowing with a halo, casting light onto the stone pavilion, making it not appear dim.

The night wind was cool, without any constraints. Li Xian wore plain clothes, flipping forty taels of silver in his hand, pondering: "I once overheard the Constables at Qingping Tower say that with a monthly allowance of four taels of silver, one could eat and drink for a month. It seems that although Jade City is prosperous, the cost of money is not drastically different from elsewhere. With this forty taels of silver, I should be able to find a place to stay."

He gazed at the prosperous Jade City, marveling at the trials he had undergone, feeling that only now was he about to set foot in Jade City to appreciate its splendor. The night quickly passed, and as the sky lightened, Li Xian began his trek and arrived at the "West Wind Gate" of Jade City within an hour.

On the west side of Jade City, there are twelve gates, revealing the vastness of Jade City. Gate Guards guard the city. As Li Xian traveled, he passed through many towns. The wealth of Jade City was evident even from the Gate Guards: all wore Silver Armor, wielded swords, were tall and strong, and not ordinary.

Rumor has it that Jade City’s "armor-making" and "ship-making" skills are among the best. Wearing Silver Armor, they exude exceptional bravery, making people envious. Gate Guarding is considered a lucrative duty, allowing Yu People to enter and leave freely. Miscellaneous civilians need to spend a few copper coins for arrangements yet suffer considerable discrimination.

Li Xian entered the city without fear or danger. The bustling and lively atmosphere enveloped him as he saw a bun shop, followed by vegetable stalls, candy figures stands, a lion dance troupe, performers...

Looking ahead, this "West Wind Long Street" is exceedingly wide, almost like a straight river. Although there are many people, it is not crowded. Magnificent buildings are everywhere, and Jade Universe more commonly.

Colorful lanterns and red silk complement each other.

Some sang poetry from high towers, while others laughed heartily at banquets. Storytellers articulated strongly; mischievous children ran about. The elegance of Jade City emerged before him. Li Xian thought: "I had once planted threads nearby to observe, but only paid attention to passing pedestrians, not witnessing this grand scene. Now, having observed, I realize the true appearance of a corner of Jade City. Flying Dragon City is far beneath."

In the distance, white smoke drifted in thin threads, accumulating into clouds, floating to the eastern mountains. Looking at the eastern mountains, enveloped in white mist, they seemed mystically profound. The myriad forms of Jade City manifested before him.

Feeling hungry, Li Xian bought three boxes of "Yu Linglong" meat buns, one serving of "salty hot bean curd," and one serving of "sweet fragrant bean curd." He then bought two pieces of dry bread and a bowl of dipping meat soup.

In such land of style, lies a land of flavors. Yu Linglong meat buns are made from "pork," "chicken," and other common poultry, minced into meat mash, wrapped into exquisite small buns. One could swallow a whole bun in one bite. The taste is quite fragrant but hardly filling.

Li Xian ordered ordinary foods, spent twenty-four copper coins, and on calculating, found it acceptable. He took a bite of a Yu Linglong bun, the salty hot bean curd warmed his body and invigorated blood, the sweet bean curd satisfied his stomach. Then, leaning against the street side, he watched the dry bread go into his stomach, sipping a few mouthfuls of Clear Water.

Though not gourmet cuisine, he was thoroughly satisfied.

After eating and drinking to his heart’s content, full of vitality, Li Xian dusted his clothes and walked along the "West Wind Long Street" determined to thoroughly explore the street.

Jade City has "three hundred and sixty blocks" in total, some bigger, some smaller. The streets crisscross each other. Each block has a "block head," equivalent to a "County Magistrate" from elsewhere. They are figures who can be considered local overlords despite being "faceless."

The grandeur of Jade City is such that it cannot be fully explored in a single day. Beyond the magnificent buildings, there are ancient trees reaching the heavens, vast lakes, lotus ponds, and waterfall wonders. Li Xian walked over a White Jade long bridge, across a "Longjing River."

As he walked to the middle of the bridge, he suddenly saw a merchant ship out of control, the attendant couldn’t handle the sail, a gust of demon wind blew, the ship moved rapidly, seemingly about to collide. He saw the citizens on the shore exclaiming, the attendant pulling the sail ropes frantically. A few skilled at Martial Arts among the attendants leaped onto the shore to pull.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, they managed to successfully pull in the sails in time. The merchant ship passed beneath the arch bridge into distance. Li Xian watched everything, feeling it remarkable. Wandering casually for another hour, he hadn’t left the block yet.

Li Xian realized it was getting late and needed to choose an inn to stay as soon as possible. Once settled, he could plan subsequent actions. Jade City has many visitors; hence, inns are abundant. Li Xian discovered that inns named after surnames like "Su Inn," "Liu Inn"... are quite common.