Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Li Xian was diligent every day, practicing spears, studying the mind, reading scriptures, learning medicine, the way of arrows, Magic Dao... Whatever he gained, he treasured greatly. Apart from diligently practicing new martial arts, he found spare time to practice various paths. He was full of energy, methodical in his actions, and although what he learned was diverse, he never mixed up priorities. This dedication brought rewarding progress day by day.

In this manner, another month passed. The skill level for the Broken Demon Spear increased by three hundred daily, accumulating to [29935/35000 Perfection].

His paths were:

[Medical Ethics Scripture]

[Skill Level: 89/0]

[Medical Heart Sutra]

[Skill Level: 41/0]

[Ghost Pulse Four Absolutes]

[Skill Level: 3/0]

{Magic Dao Golden Light}

{Skill Level: 19/100}

Li Xian thought to himself: "My Ghost Python Spear is broken, and acquiring another treasure spear of this quality requires a great amount of luck and opportunity. But I’ve trained the Broken Demon Spear technique to this extent; suddenly giving up does not fit my intentions. Better push harder and perfect this spear technique. In the free time, I will practice the Finger-Flashing Golden Light."

...

...

Only sunrise and sunset, morning rise and fall, clouds gathering and dispersing.

Li Xian had no intention of leaving the mountain, passing day by day, immersed in what he gained and learned, digesting and refining it... He remained oblivious to the outside world. Soon two months passed, reaching the deep summer season.

A fishing boat hit a reef at the base of Absolute Palm Peak. The fishermen were anxious, and the noise woke Li Xian. Li Xian came to the edge to look out; upon seeing outsiders again, he felt a sense of bewilderment, gazing at the long sky, he thought perhaps it was fate’s hint that it was time to leave the island.

He heard the fishermen’s anxiety: the fishing boat was full of catch and hit a reef in this remote place. He thought it was difficult to return to shore, knowing also that Absolute Palm Peak was only half an hour’s waterway distance from Swallowing Water City. Occasionally, water bandits passed by, and if they attracted them, the full boat of catch would be impossible to keep, and their lives would be forfeit.

It turned out...

This fishing boat had suddenly encountered strong wind and was blown off course. Seeing land by chance, they quickly steered the boat towards it. But upon closer inspection, an experienced old fisherman immediately recognized Swallowing Water City, frightened to the point of losing strength in his legs. The city had a notorious reputation, being occupied by water bandits, bandits, deserters, and dangerous criminals, indulging in murder, cannibalism, skinning and gutting, leaving no evil deeds undone. Although the fishermen were strong, entering this city would surely lead to death, swallowed alive, their bones extracted and marrow sucked — a tragic fate. They quickly turned the rudder to escape.

Afraid of being detected by bandit ships. In the chaos of urgency: amid panic and change — focused solely on escape — amidst the dark night, Absolute Palm Peak appeared closer. It was already too late to reel in the sail and turn the rudder. The boat was too large to simply stop on command. Although it didn’t hit, the hull and sides were damaged, visibly making the boat difficult to sail.

With the way back uncertain and facing dangers from all sides, at a loss and confusion on how to proceed. Li Xian said, "Fishermen, you’re out fishing quite early?"

It was just before dawn at the hour of Chou and Mao. There were eight fishermen, and suddenly hearing a voice from above, they huddled together in fear. A man skilled in water stumbled into the lake out of fright. Li Xian felt amused and explained again: "Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid, I’m a human, not a ghost."

The fishermen were slightly calmed, looked at each other, and gazed upward following the voice. Under the dim moonlight, they couldn’t see Li Xian. Li Xian spoke again: "Speaking of which, I was like you, hit a reef here some time back. My boat was also destroyed, and I’ve been trapped here for months. Whenever I saw passing fishing boats, I guessed they were bandit ships and didn’t dare call for help. Seeing you today, I finally have company."

A stout fisherman said gloomily: "You, such an unkind person, see us in distress, yet you rejoice!" Another fisherman said: "We don’t want to be your company, yet we are so unlucky — these things just happen to us."

An old fisherman, with dark skin and white hair, looked thoughtful, suddenly shivering all over, he covered their two mouths to silence them, speaking in a low trembling voice: "You two fools don’t know the danger! Speaking rashly could bring great trouble!"

The stout fisherman asked: "We’re all humans, what is there to fear?" The old fisherman kicked him angrily, saying: "Who told you he’s human? Look up, can you see him? It’s pitch black at night; you can’t see five zhang ahead. If we can’t see him, how can he see us with just his eyes?"

Upon hearing this, it was like a spectral breeze brushing past. The fishermen’s hair stood on end, their pupils shrank, and they huddled closely. The old fisherman added: "Remember the ’Swallow’s Maw’ I told you about before? That thing likes to idle chat before eating people. It’s cunning and enticing — it loves to eat those eloquent and clear-speaking. Before locking onto its prey, it deliberately engages in conversation. At such times, if you pretend to be deaf and mute, ignoring it, you might have a slim chance to escape. But you... you were too impulsive, those few words just now likely attracted that thing’s attention!"

The stout fisherman asked, "Uncle Zhang, what should we do?" Uncle Zhang rebuked: "You troublemaker! Because you seem strong and can do heavy work, otherwise I would have kicked you off the boat. Given the circumstance — what else can we do? Go get the fish fork immediately."

He turned to another fisherman and said: "You go get the fishing net. If that Swallow’s Maw attacks, we’ll cover it desperately and stab it with the fish fork. If we manage to kill it, perhaps we can sell it for some money to treat our sister’s illness."

The fishermen sprang into action, preparing for the worst with fishing nets, fish forks, iron pots, and wooden sticks. Li Xian found it amusing yet sympathetic; during such times, the air surged, breeding demons. Common folks suffered oppression from the government and exploitation from noble families, yet they had to guard against the rampage of demons. He was after all young, silent for long, and noticing their guarded demeanor, suddenly felt a playful urge.