Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Xu Cheng was tied to a wooden stake, unable to move. The Wolf Head Army formed a circle, each spreading out. The undercover agents were brought out of the cave, holes were dug in the hood to reveal their eyes so they could see outside.

Li Jin Kui acted as executioner to show loyalty. He drew a dagger from his waist, took out a pot of fine wine. He drank several mouthfuls, feeling exhilarated to the extreme. He then sprayed a mist of wine, drenching the blade.

Punching through the air, he unleashed a strand of fire. The dagger immediately ignited with a ghostly green flame. This was the "Ghost Fire Subduing World Fist", personally bestowed by Princess An Yang, symbolizing the ghost fire’s journey through the dark, safeguarding the world for her.

The Wolf Head Army was a unit of personal soldiers secretly raised by Princess An Yang. They were unknown to each other, their armor was their identity. Individuals like Li Jin Kui, who were leaders of this covert army, could command the Wolf Head Army and held significant power. Any disrespect towards Princess An Yang would result in immediate replacement of the leader. The Wolf Head Army would not know the leader had changed.

Moreover, the name "Li Jin Kui" was a surname bestowed by Princess An Yang. Li Jin Kui had only seen the Commandery Princess from afar once and was well aware of her means, feeling both fear and respect, ensuring his loyalty.

At this moment, he intentionally displayed the "Ghost Fire Subduing World Fist" to curry favor and please: the martial arts bestowed by the Commandery Princess made him feel deeply honored, he dared not forget for a moment and studied diligently every day. The ghostly green fire made his face look sinister and treacherous.

Once the ghost fire burned out, the dagger’s edge was exposed, its blade scorching. Princess An Yang ordered coldly, Li Jin Kui stepped forward and began the execution. The knife sliced down swiftly and decisively, cutting off a piece of flesh.

Screams and wailing were heard, desperate struggles ensued. Although the Black Wolf Army was accustomed to battlefield combat, risking their lives, this horrific scene was rare. They were momentarily daunted, with one or two members of the Wolf Head Army blinking slightly.

Princess An Yang did not need to speak. Those who blinked voluntarily stepped out of the formation, receiving punishment by the blade, taking several blows for Xu Cheng. Thus, during the long execution, no one dared to blink again. Their eyes ached from dryness and pain, forced open wide. They witnessed the bloody and gruesome scene.

The captured undercover agents covered their mouths in tears, huddled together in fear, as if they were in hell. ’Xu Cheng’ was initially terrified, begging desperately, divulging the information he knew about Jade City, hoping to save his life and gain the Commandery Princess’s trust. Later, overwhelmed by the pain, with his abdomen torn open and his chest exposed, he realized survival was impossible. He began to curse, calling Princess An Yang a slut, a whore, accusing her of having a heart of stone, arrogance, insanity, feminine foolishness... and so on.

Princess An Yang sat calmly. Li Jin Kui was furious, punched his mouth, shattering his tongue, ensuring he could no longer speak. He then cruelly sliced flesh and shaved bones.

By dusk, the punishment ended. Xu Cheng was reduced to a skeleton, his head still opening and closing its mouth to speak. But it was unclear and gradually became silent. Such a miserable death.

Li Xian forced himself to remain calm, but his heart was unsettled: "I have roamed the Jianghu for several years, encountering the Pot Immortal and pinching nursing home attendants to death was already very cruel. But today, witnessing this punishment is far more so. This world is too cruel... although I do not care for fame and profit, I cannot allow my life to be judged by another’s word. I must become stronger!"

However, although Great Wu is vast, its territory is endless, and the seas are boundless. As long as one breath remains, and one can run and roam, whether bird or beast... whose life can be completely in their own control? Even if there is, it must be extremely rare.

He collected his emotions and mingled with the crowd.

Li Jin Kui, covered in blood, knelt on one knee, clasping his hands and said: "Commandery Princess, three thousand seven hundred cuts, not one missed or spared. When the last cut fell, the traitor Xu still survived for three breaths!"

Princess An Yang said: "Not bad!" Then she said: "General Jin Kui, for your merit in eliminating the rebel, enduring hardship without complaint, your armor stained with blood. I bestow upon you a ’Precious Buddha Golden Robe’, so that when you kill the enemy for me in the future, you will not be stained with blood, the Buddha’s essence will protect your body, warding off disasters and clearing misfortunes. I also grant you three thousand taels of silver, forty servants, fourteen coins of Essence Treasure, military merit... and also provide you with a beauty to accompany you, are you willing?"

The soldiers were initially terrified, but hearing the lavish gifts granted by Princess An Yang, they were filled with envy. For a moment, they were all the more impressed, each thinking: "We only need to be loyal to Princess An Yang, then the execution by slicing will have nothing to do with us. On the contrary, if we achieve merits, we might actually succeed and achieve great deeds."

Princess An Yang surveyed the expressions of the soldiers, knowing her goal was achieved. Managing people is like bending iron, using brute force alone will only incite resistance. It must be bent back and forth to break it, converting the soldiers to loyalty.

She glanced obliquely at the undercover agents. These people would be easily thrown into Jade City. She would not entrust them with heavy responsibilities, but they were an important part of the plan, subtly eroding and influencing. Seeing them all trembling in fear, she said: "Are these righteous men who voluntarily infiltrate Jade City for me?"

Li Jin Kui said: "Yes! Last night when capturing Xu Cheng, these righteous men were impressed by the Commandery Princess’s reputation, respected and were convinced, voluntarily joining."

Princess An Yang uttered an "oh". The atmosphere was silent for a moment.

Li Jin Kui made a gesture. The doctor, being more alert, immediately stepped forward, knelt, and kowtowed, saying: "I... I am thrice fortunate, to... be able to risk my life for the Commandery Princess, to go through fire and water. Th... Thank... you, Commandery Princess, for your favor, please Commandery Princess bestow the mission."

Heavy kowtows echoed. Dozens looked at each other, seeing this situation, all kowtowed to show loyalty, making their heads bleed.

Li Jin Kui seized the opportunity to flatter: "Commandery Princess has the demeanor of an immortal, the bearing of a great ruler, receiving support from those who do right, even doctors, and farmers... all wish to serve the Commandery Princess with utmost loyalty, how could there be any failure."

Princess An Yang was very pleased to hear this, her laughter echoed, she continued: "Gentlemen, since you are determined to help me. I certainly will not treat you poorly. But you must also take it as a warning, do not emulate someone and end up in a miserable state."

Princess An Yang jestingly rebuked: "General Jin Kui, you arranged matters poorly. You did not properly entertain the gentlemen. Resulting in messy clothes."