Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

The four who arrived were led by "Zhao Ranran," "Tai Shuchun Feng," "Su Sushu," and "Su Tie Xin." All of them had remarkable appearances, dressed in luxurious attire, with fragrant horse hooves.

Zhao Ranran wore a purple silk dress, riding a "White Willow Steed," her long hair flowing like a waterfall, adorned with a jade hairpin with a dangling white pearl, gently swaying, exuding a lively elegance. Her face was hidden behind a misty veil, mysterious and aloof.

It was just past the hour of Mao and into the hour of Chen. The early sun cast elegant rays, with a warm halo. Zhao Ranran appeared to be bathed in divine light, the rays lingering on her, unwilling to leave, rendering her even more enchanting. As she rode, the fragrance lingered along the way, captivating those who beheld her.

Tai Shuchun Feng rode alongside her, wearing a Qilin Golden Crown and dressed in a gilded outfit, with thick eyebrows and sharp eyes, a prominent nose and thin lips, and a slightly square face, strikingly handsome. Tall and broad-shouldered, he had a narrow waist and an imposing gaze, with a proud chest and broad back, such that even riding alongside the Jade Girl Zhao Ranran, he did not lose any of the "Golden Boy" essence.

The Jade Girl was known for her responsibility to save the world, while the Golden Boy often aimed to dominate the realm. Their combination of strength and gentleness aimed to save all beings. As these two young prodigies traveled across the mountain paths, even the mountains seemed brighter, the winds fresher, the grass more spirited, and the clouds lively.

Everything appeared a bit more vivid.

The Su family members from Jade City, Su Tie Xin and Su Sushu, were also outstanding figures within their clan. However, Jade City steadfastly guarded its own territory, and although the clan’s abilities were strong, their reputation was not well-known. People in the Jianghu had not heard of them.

Su Sushu, wearing a red floral dress, was vibrant and lovely, and even standing next to Zhao Ranran, she had her own unique charm. She respectfully praised, "Sister Zhao, I’ve heard about your exploits. The Jade Girl has just entered the world and already eliminated a major threat, uprooting the Water Altar that committed many crimes, which is truly heartwarming!"

She continued firmly, "For us women, no matter how high our status or strong our abilities, we still have to be apprehensive of the Flower Cage Sect when walking the Jianghu. It’s easy to dodge a visible weapon, but hard to guard against a hidden arrow. Those like the Flower Thief, knowing they are weaker, resort to sneak attacks with dirty tricks, which are utterly shameful. When I heard you eradicated the Flower Thief and severely punished the evil-doer, I only regretted not being able to take part. So unfortunate, so unfortunate."

Zhao Ranran smiled and said, "This matter is over, not worth mentioning."

Su Tie Xin, dressed in a silver outfit, his clothes soaked with sweat with a longbow and spear hanging by his saddle, must have practiced martial arts early without slacking. He gazed into the distance, pointing to birds flying among the clouds, and said, "Is that the Jingyao Divine Bird? Its wings are infused with a nine-colored glow, truly... breathtaking."

Zhao Ranran nodded and said, "Indeed." She waved her hand lightly, and the Jingyao Divine Bird soared low, circling around the group, its swift movements joyous and carefree.

Su Sushu said, "Among such divine pets, the only comparison from Jade City would be the revered crane."

Tai Shuchun Feng said, "Sister Sushu speaks of that Venerable Crane of longevity? I have heard a bit but haven’t had the chance to learn more."

Su Sushu said, "Indeed."

Su Tie Xin said, "It is said that those favored by the Jingyao Divine Bird are blessed by heaven. And those who are acknowledged by the Venerable Crane for longevity, even an ordinary person can live two hundred years in its company. As Martial Artists... we should live even longer!"

Tai Shuchun Feng said, "In my opinion, if one is a mediocre talent, even living for a thousand or ten thousand years remains mediocre. To suffer through endless years without ever witnessing the view from a peak, what meaning does it have? The ancients said one could die content after understanding the Way in the morning, and that is just the point."

Su Sushu and Su Tie Xin smiled silently. Tai Shuchun Feng’s voice resounded across the fields with great energy, showing his extraordinary spirit. Zhao Ranran nodded slightly, agreeing with him.

Tai Shuchun Feng suddenly said, "Now that it’s mentioned, I am very curious about the matter. I wonder if there would be a chance for me to have a look?" Su Tie Xin said, "Brother Ji, Jade City loves and respects cranes. All cranes have a ’noble’ status from birth, slightly superior to ordinary folks, and the Venerable Crane of longevity... cannot be referred to as ’it’; it should bear a respectful title."

Zhao Ranran understood and said, "Though Xiao Jing is my beast pet, it is like my close friend. If anyone speaks insultingly of it, I would also become angry."

Tai Shuchun Feng laughed heartily and, with a sincere bow, said, "I misspoke, forgive me." Su Tie Xin laughed, "Hahaha, Brother Ji, please don’t take it to heart."

Su Sushu said, "Venerable Crane dwells deep within Jade City and is hard for anyone to see." Tai Shuchun Feng asked, "Does it have a master?"

Su Sushu hesitated for a moment and said, "Perhaps it’s best not to discuss this behind its back. Yes, Sister Zhao, Brother Ji, I’ve never asked before. I am curious what wind brought you here."

Zhao Ranran and Tai Shuchun Feng exchanged a look. Then came Zhao Ranran’s triumphant fight against the Water Altar and her return. She secured a great victory, her fame spreading, announcing to all that the Jade Girl had entered the world.

In a time when the world was in increasing disarray, Zhao Ranran, although young, had a notable reputation. Her sudden eradication of the Water Altar, clearing away a lingering scourge of the Jianghu, was a rare and magnificent feat. Despite the Water Altar Elders’ superficial cultivation, their strength was poor. However, they had the protection of the Water Altar’s terrain, having occupied it for centuries without setbacks.

Zhao Ranran had a conversation with Nangong Liuli that left her both angry and confused, without any apparent reason. With such mixed feelings, she returned to Daoxuan Mountain, handing over the Elder of the Flower Cage Sect to the elders for judgment.

Yan Nanxun, the master of Daoxuan Mountain, saw her with her achievement but unhappy, understanding that her initial foray into the Jianghu must have evoked many emotions. He sought her out for a personal conversation, hoping to provide answers. While Zhao Ranran had grown, pondering over her experiences left her clueless as to the source of her frustration.

She naturally could not explain it. Zhao Ranran pondered over it for half the night before asking Yan Nanxun, "Master, the matter of a fated encounter upon a single glance, is it true? With my appearance, does a single glance from someone indeed bind me to entanglements?"

She thought to herself, "If this is the case, even though Li Xian is dead, this must still be tied to me. Is it Nangong Liuli? Will she seek revenge on me? Hmph, I indeed have biases, if she seeks me, she can come. I won’t always yield to her..."