Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

That day, Taisun Chunfeng invited Zhao Ranran to watch the battle. Although Zhao Ranran did not like bloody scenes, she was constrained by the invitation from the "Golden Boy" and was also interested in witnessing the "life-and-death risk battle" again. So she agreed.

That night, under the bright moon, Zhao Ranran danced with her sword, her swordplay graceful, with scenes unfolding one after another. Thoughts flashed through her mind as she recalled the past:

"For twenty years, I have been practicing in the mountains, accompanied by clouds and mist, with the sunset as my friend. Sister Qiao wanted to eradicate the Flower Thief. Although I was upholding justice and also hated the Flower Thief, I agreed to help her. Yet deep down, it was truly an excuse to travel the world. During the trip to the Water Altar of the Flower Cage Sect, we captured the evil thief without bloodshed. Matters requiring force were mostly handled by Bian Chengfeng, Nangong Wuyang, and others. Specifically, there was Li Xian, whom I killed personally; this person... was truly the first person under my sword."

"Later, traveling with the Golden Boy, we fought against evil along the way, capturing evil thieves and mostly handing them over to the government. We never actually killed anyone."

"I often think of those eyes, wondering what they were thinking. At the brink of death, could anyone’s eyes be like his? Were his eyes not particularly unique? If people in this world are determined to face death, would they all be so calm and composed? That Willing Death Valley... is akin to a beast arena, extremely cruel. But since those who come are all willing, maybe it can’t truly be called evil. I suppose... I suppose many people possess that kind of gaze."

She felt very confused and suddenly thought, if she saw such a gaze, what would it matter? Was she trying to prove that "Li Xian" was not unique, just one of many, a matter long past, not worth remembering, thus easier to forget? Or was it something else? She was not sure, but it did make her curious about Willing Death Valley.

After waiting two days, Taisun Chunfeng, Su Tie Xin, and Su Susu came to invite her. Zhao Ranran agreed to accompany them and took a carriage to the viewing platform of Willing Death Valley. The platform was built high on a mountainside, atop a mountain. The Doomsday Platform was as white as jade, allowing for a clear view of the fierce battles within.

The first death match was between two street vendors. Due to poor business, they came to Willing Death Valley to fight for money, thinking it would help them financially. However, entering the valley is easy, leaving is difficult, and they regretted it too late; they could only obey the arrangement and continue the endless fight to the death.

This death match was extremely brutal, with severed arms and legs, very cruel.

Zhao Ranran could not bear it, really disliking such battles, but she concentrated on observing. Only feeling the two had transformed into beasts, appearing crazy, hysterical, far from the imagined "calmly facing death" mental realm.

Constantly thinking: "Willing Death Valley never forces, nor needs to force. Everyone who steps into this place should have put life and death aside. So why... why is there no such feeling, nor such gaze."

She asked, "Is Willing Death Valley like this?"

Su Tie Xin said, "For a more interesting view, the strength of the combatants needs to be somewhat matched. These common folk do not know much martial arts; if they encounter a martial artist, they have no chance of winning. Such a match is not interesting to watch. So the opponent is also not a martial artist. If these two want to win, all they rely on is a ferocious spirit. If Miss Zhao finds it uninteresting, it is quite normal. There will be a martial artist battle next, which will be much more exciting."

Zhao Ranran remained silent. Watching several more death matches, the fighting was brutal, men like beasts, beasts like men. Teeth, nails, elbows, foreheads... all became weapons. Although there were no martial arts moves, this life-and-death struggle, striking at one’s nature, stirred emotions and aroused a fervor.

On the viewing platform, the lords of Jade City and the noble families shouted and cheered, egging it on.

Zhao Ranran felt depressed inside, with unclear feelings. But today’s journey ultimately did not meet her expectations. The next day, she went again with Taisun Chunfeng and Su Susu to Willing Death Valley. Su Tie Xin had official duties and did not accompany them.

Su Susu was perceptive and noticed the difference. Although she occasionally entered the valley to watch battles to remind herself to constantly improve, so as not to find herself in the deadlocked situation of Willing Death Valley, she liked to see quick wit at critical moments but did not like the blood and gore of severed heads and limbs, so she did not watch every day. Observing Zhao Ranran’s expression, she thought she did not seem like someone who enjoyed fighting and blood, yet she watched very intently.

Curiously, she asked, "Sister Zhao, are you looking for something?" Zhao Ranran was startled, thinking, "Ah, she is right, I do seem to be searching for something, but what exactly am I searching for?" She replied, "Looking for what?"

Su Susu laughed and said, "I’m asking you! How could you ask me that?" Zhao Ranran said, "Perhaps it’s because it’s rare to come to Jade City, so I just look and observe more. To say I’m looking for something, it doesn’t really count."

Zhao Ranran suddenly asked, "Sister Susu, Willing Death Valley is indeed brutal. Why do they voluntarily come here? Is there anything more important than life?" Su Susu answered naturally, "For what? It’s for the money, of course. If they happen to win, they can get three hundred taels of silver."

Zhao Ranran asked, "A mere three hundred taels of silver, and they’re willing to risk it?"

Taisun Chunfeng laughed and said, "Ranmei, it’s not just three hundred taels of silver, just one tael of silver is enough for someone to risk their life. One tael of silver is already enough for ordinary people to eat meat and drink wine for a long time. Times are difficult, and although these people are driven by desire and willing to risk death, they also seek a change in their status. If you think about it carefully, it’s quite pitiful."

Zhao Ranran said, "I didn’t know this. Is it really so hard for ordinary people to eat?" Taisun Chunfeng said, "Daoxuan Mountain is simple and natural. Although it is not very wealthy, people there don’t lack food. They live and work in peace, without worrying about food. But it is different elsewhere. To tell the truth, I didn’t know it either at the time. After traveling around a bit, I realized the times are hard. So I often carry more silver to give away when needed."

Zhao Ranran’s understanding was incomplete, like a divine bird flying over high in the sky, the bright lights and bustling noise of the splendid palaces overshadowing the dim and old thatched cottages. The ancient saying ’Why not eat minced meat’ is just like this.