Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Under Princess An Yang, each of the four young women has her own expertise. Huang Su excels in delicate brushwork, she never forgets once she sees, capable of painting both skin and bone. Whoever enters the city undercover, regardless of their status, has their face and figure painted onto paper, and kept in the archives for reference.

A few days ago, several undercover agents were successively led out of their narrow chambers and sent to Huang Su’s painting pavilion to have their likenesses painted and filed. As Huang Su was grinding ink and laying out paper, she was initially uninterested, but suddenly she was taken aback, her mind faltering for a moment.

Several people around turned their eyes towards Li Xian as he removed his mask, revealing his true visage. It was said to be a rare and remarkable appearance. His eyebrows were like swords, his nose like a peak, his eyes deep and mysterious, his face as refined as jade, yet still retaining a rugged masculinity. A natural born countenance indeed. The hair at his temples lightly swayed, and the vertical mole between his brows added an indescribable uniqueness.

His attire was simple, yet it highlighted his casual elegance. Calm and collected as usual, he exuded unusual poise. With characteristics of [avoiding the impure] and [pure yang body]. Standing amidst the crowd, it was as though a high-born emperor seated in a dragon carriage, lifting his eyes to gaze upon the masses in moments of boredom. His eyes inevitably lingered on him.

Princess An Yang was slightly surprised, her gaze lingering for a moment, she said: "Indeed, such a fine appearance." Her tone bore slight difference.

She then asked, "How old are you?"

Qing Yao thought, "I didn’t expect this man to be so handsome under the mask. Even the Princess inquired about his age, she must be interested. Perhaps fate might take a turn."

Li Xian did not count carefully, he bowed and said, "I am nearly twenty." Princess An Yang said, "Nearly twenty, Chuchu, when did you come of age?"

Wei Chu scrutinized Li Xian, his expression unseen, but his tone was displeased: "Aunt, your nephew came of age at twenty." Princess An Yang said, "So, you are still younger than Chuchu by a bit."

Li Xian stood respectfully, without speaking. Princess An Yang said, "Come closer."

Receiving Qing Yao’s eye gesture, Li Xian understood and obeyed the order, taking a few steps closer. Princess An Yang observed through the curtain, inspecting closely, thinking, "In this world, there exists such a handsome man. Among all the men I have met throughout my life, none can be compared to him, just purely in terms of this appearance, they would all be less by three points."

Desire was inevitable, and her interest gradually piqued. Princess An Yang asked, "Your home is in Qingning, how is the feng shui there?"

Li Xian answered truthfully, "Although I am from Qingning, I dare not exaggerate. Qingning is a poor and barren place, with treacherous mountains and harsh waters, impoverished and remote. The feng shui is mediocre."

Princess An Yang said, "You’re not seeing it clearly. Such places cannot be underestimated. Is it not said that extremes lead to turnaround, hence masters like to settle in such areas. This impoverished and perilous momentum often harbors variables."

Li Xian thought, "Madam must be like this." He said, "The Princess has a broad vision, seeing things profoundly and from new angles, which is truly admirable. I grew up in Qingning, yet all that I observed and saw lay only on the surface."

Princess An Yang laughed, "That is natural."

Wei Chu clenched his fists, earlier Princess An Yang’s attitude was perfunctory, unwilling to pay attention to Li Xian, but now after seeing his face, she became very engaged, even asking about matters of his hometown. The change in behavior was evidently driven by his appearance, her pleasure visible. Wei Chu compared inwardly, though boasting about his own handsome appearance, often praised, he deeply felt inferior in this case, unavoidably jealous. Wei Chu had harbored affection for his aunt since childhood, now seeking shelter with her, firstly to achieve great deeds, fame across the nation, secondly to keep always watchful of his aunt. Seeing this scene, jealousy surged, thinking, "Since childhood, I’ve seen that my aunt never heeds the charms of men. Numerous proposals from men of status and position were all declined. Yet now she converses with this one. As for who my aunt is, she surely won’t care about such trifles of appearance. Must be mere novelty. Hmph, I can’t stand such a person, of lowly origin, trying to climb the jade branch."

He interjected, "Aunt, this person, young as he is, has manageble strength, does he perhaps come from a major family in Qingning?"

Princess An Yang said, "I was just going to ask you about this matter."

Li Xian said, "I am of hunter origin." Wei Chu spoke, "Bold! How dare you lie in front of my aunt?"

Li Xian said, "In what way am I lying?" Wei Chu said, "You say you are a hunter, how did your cultivation come about? In Qingning, barren and sparsely populated, there are very few who can rise to power. Even if you managed to scrounge food, it wouldn’t reach such accomplishments. Are you perhaps sent by someone to harm my aunt?"

Princess An Yang’s eyebrows raised slightly, observing Li Xian, an invisible force pressed forth. Li Xian said, "I joined the Martial Arts Manor, occasionally receiving the Essence Treasure. After several fortuitous encounters, I obtained some Human Yellow Essence Treasure. This is how I achieved this level."

Wei Chu said to the Princess, "Aunt, this person still cannot be easily trusted. I suggest beating him to death would be simplest."

Li Xian gave Wei Chu a sidelong glance, thinking, "This young lad is so narrow-minded, I haven’t even confronted him, just exchanged some words with the Princess, and he already seeks to end me. If it truly comes to harm, I shall have no other choice but to fight desperately." He remained unmoved, calm as the abyss. Having experienced life and death, he had developed composure, and when facing an ordeal of life and death, he naturally maintained more calmness than others.

Qing Yao secretly observed. Quietly admiring him.

Princess An Yang discerned some clues, Wei Chu, since childhood, was quite hostile towards men around her. She quite cherished this nephew, handsome in looks and talents. Recalling the days when the nephew clutched her skirt and followed her, helplessly she laughed, "Seems my nephew is worried for his aunt. No worries, nephew understands what your aunt’s capabilities are. This young man, under my control, what waves could he cause? But since you are this worried, your aunt is already happy."

Wei Chu blushed, saying, "Aunt, regardless... regardless, nephew dislikes this person. If he stays by Aunt’s side, nephew... nephew... will be unhappy."

Princess An Yang thought, "Chuchu traveled far to assist me, why not heed his wishes." She gazed at Li Xian for a moment, her eyes roaming over his face. Just earlier, upon seeing his countenance, she had felt a sudden brightness, and considered keeping him at the manor for potential use. Yet, given her high status and power, she couldn’t possibly emphasize looks above all. Comparing both, her nephew’s talents and looks were certainly more worth protecting. She said, "Since my nephew does not like, let it be his way, but beating him to death is too wasteful, Qing Yao, take him away and make arrangements."