Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Li Xian summoned the raging winds. Then the Black Armored Soldiers shouted, "Demonic wind, form the array!"

Steps shifted like moving mountains, and the frequency of footsteps varied. The torches, fueled by deep-sea fish oil, were not afraid of the demonic wind’s disturbance and remained brightly lit.

Li Xian originally intended to create darkness to facilitate an escape with everyone scattering. This attempt backfired, increasing the vigilance of the Black Armored Soldiers, leading to searches among the tree canopies and grass.

The leader shouted, "Search carefully, that thief can’t escape!" The voice boomed with deep Martial Arts cultivation!

Li Xian moved stealthily, observing the formations of the Black Armored Soldiers, and was slightly startled. The Black Armored Soldiers were organized in groups of five, each led by a physically strong and imposing leader, with a sound akin to thunder rumbling in his chest. At least, they had the Chest Drum Thunder Sound. Ten soldiers formed a unit, led by an adept captain. Thirty soldiers formed a small squad, with the leader having a reserved demeanor, showing varied achievements in the Martial Arts First and Second Realms. Observing their appearances and conduct, the older ones had diligently refined their Martial Arts, consuming the Essence of Heaven and Earth, exhibiting great competence and strength. A hundred formed a large squad, displaying greater capability, likely possessing Second Realm strength, serving as the backbone even among major powers.

They cooperated seamlessly, forming a certain array.

Li Xian was forced to retreat step by step and, contemplating a forced breakthrough, suddenly devised a plan upon realizing the Black Armored Soldiers’ search was startling the mountain beasts.

Tigers, wolves, bears, and deer among others were driven to flee. Li Xian only needed to stir the beast herd to induce panic, providing an opportunity to act.

Li Xian calmly steadied his breath, sensing with his hair all around, observing the situation in the mountain. He saw the Black Armored Soldiers slowly converging, from the mountain’s foot to mid-hill.

This mountain had excellent terrain, with only a few streams but no flowing rivers or lakes, and very few hiding spots such as caves.

Those like Li Xian, spending the night in the wilderness, were successively found by the Black Armored Soldiers, tied up with special iron chains, hooded, and taken elsewhere. Li Xian pondered, "They’re searching people, but why capture them all? This group is both mysterious and formidable. It’s hard to break through by force, so I might as well take advantage of the chaos."

He immediately retraced his steps and found the unconscious Black Armored Soldier. Stripping off the black armor, he donned it himself and wore a mask, becoming indistinguishable.

Each Black Armored Soldier had a black hood at their waist. Li Xian gagged the soldier, hooded him, pressed his mute acupoint, and then used "Ghost Hand Dispersing Technique" to wake him, keeping a tight hold on his acupoints. The soldier, unable to exert strength, could only struggle slightly.

Li Xian hid well and, after observing carefully, saw the timing was ripe. He immediately sent a silent shock of Chest Drum Thunder Sound, exuding an aura of intimidation. The herd of beasts, already pressured, panicked even more and fled in all directions.

The Black Armored Soldiers dealt with the beast herd, though disciplined, their attention was inevitably diverted. Li Xian seized the opportunity to blend in, imitating the scenes he had observed before, escorting a captive toward a valley.

After walking several miles, the number of Black Armored Soldiers gradually decreased. However, the road was narrow and the terrain complex, making it difficult to escape stealthily. Li Xian constantly observed his surroundings, contemplating an escape route.

Suddenly, he heard a commotion in the forest. Through sensing with his hair, he knew that the main target of the Black Armored Soldiers, unable to hold back any longer, had boldly broken through the formation amid the beast chaos.

What a fierce battle! This person surprisingly had Third Realm strength and was much older, with substantial Second Realm accumulation and numerous Martial Arts techniques. At first, he launched a fierce assault, overpowering many Black Armored Soldiers.

Yet the formation changed without collapsing, collectively countering and containing him. Moreover, reinforcements quickly gathered, and soon he was captured.

Li Xian thought to himself, "What a revelation, this array is quite profound. Utilizing the strength of the group, it layers the enemy’s power away. Skilfully engaging and capturing, it is universally effective."

After capturing the main target, the Black Armored Soldiers continued searching the mountain. By then, they had reached mid-hill, and in another half hour, the mountain was thoroughly scoured. All living beings were captured with black hoods.

Li Xian was forced to escort people deep into the valley. He saw a cave, with Black Armored Soldiers patrolling methodically outside. Inside were iron cages holding dozens of captives, including men, women, and children.

Li Xian threw the person into the iron cage, pretending to patrol while leisurely wandering. In reality, he was gauging an opportunity to escape. Suddenly, he heard a shout, "That boy! Trying to slack off?"

The leader from the earlier mountain search approached quickly. Although he too wore black armor, it had a more distinguished luster. A wolf head was embroidered on his chest, appearing both majestic and fierce.

Li Xian replied calmly, "I wouldn’t dare!" The leader said, "Still trying to argue! Let me tell you, someone important is coming to inspect. At this critical moment, if there’s a mishap, don’t blame me for being impolite."

Li Xian asked, "Who is this important person?"

The leader scolded, "Use your brain, that important person... is of course Princess An Yang of the noble lineage! Never mind, never mind, when the Commandery Princess arrives, follow me to welcome her!" He sized up Li Xian, noting his excellent physique, donned in black armor, standing tall and upright. Favor and kinship naturally arose, generating a sense of liking and intention to nurture him.