Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Three days passed in the water prison, and suddenly the cell door opened. Two constables stood outside the water prison, casting down a "water ladder." Made of silk, it sank upon touching the water, bearing qualities of Martial Arts Second Realm.

The prisoners climbed along the ladder, the sound of water "splashing." The ground was wet, and they gradually reached the shore, gasping in large breaths, feeling reborn. Jade City referred to the water prison as the "Purification Pool."

It means... entering this pool, past identities vanish like smoke and clouds. From then on, one becomes a debt slave. Jade City is extremely prosperous and also a place for entertainment and pleasure. Martial Artists come to Jade City seeking amusement, only to squander their fortunes and flee in debt, eventually captured by Jade City.

Unable to forget past honors, holding onto their societal status. Unruly and untamed, they defy discipline and city rules, inevitably causing disturbances. Hence, there is the "Purification Pool," where those in debt are thrown into upon entering Jade City, stepping into Qingping Hall. It’s to crush their arrogance. The pool water is "Great Qi Freezing Water," invisibly oppressive, making Inner Qi hard to escape from the body. Constant cold tormenting both body and mind.

This perilous environment quickly drains one’s energy. Those submerged must constantly climb the stone platforms, poking their heads out for breath. However, there are only three stone platforms, requiring a struggle to secure one.

Thus, the constant climbing back and forth is just for breathing. Fatigue, fear, and torment... constantly humiliating the debt slaves’ bodies and minds. Understanding the power of Jade City, their arrogance is greatly diminished. Furthermore, it signifies washing away one’s past, thereafter being at Jade City’s disposal.

The two constables did not hurry them, allowing the people to rest. Several First Realm Martial Artists crossed arms over their chests, shivering violently, chilled to the bone, emanating cold air. Several Second Realm Martial Artists were even more weary and exhausted. They could only maintain their breath by repeatedly climbing the stone platforms, barely sustaining their bodies. The days of torment were hard to endure.

Li Xian had endured the deep lake trial, aided by the Jade Water Pearl. The Heart Fire within him burned furiously, his unique spirit and tenacity distinguished him. He was different, possessing a calm aura. Heart Fire boiled his blood, emitting heat.

The constable said, "Alright, alright, let’s go! Quickly follow me." They began to urge.

The constables of Qingping Hall, though holding inferior positions without status, were Yu People of Jade City. Although their Martial Arts were shallow, when it came to status, they were higher than the rest. Among the prisoners, there were no lack of Jianghu experts. After exchanging glances, they followed obediently, not daring to speak out of turn.

The constables were quite pleased, one leading the way, the other behind. After ensuring the count was correct, they proceeded through the complex building. The path was dark, the only sound being the dripping water.

Li Xian looked around, observing the solid wall textures, knowing it must contain numerous hidden mechanisms and traps. Thinking to himself, "Though I’ve only glanced at Jade City, I know it’s skilled with heavenly crafted objects. Still... it doesn’t mean Jade City doesn’t value Martial Arts. The ’Mud-faced Mud-bodied’ Jade Guard I’ve seen possess impressive Martial Arts achievements. These two constables, though lesser, also have Martial Arts foundations. It shows Jade City still prioritizes martial skills, with heavenly craftsmanship as its characteristic."

Considering the current situation. The path wound further, and they had traveled far, yet still unaware of their destination. The Grass Hall Swordsman asked, "Young brother, may I ask, where are we being taken?"

Positioned at the front, he naturally asked the leading constable. The leading constable raised an eyebrow, casually saying, "Young brother? You call me young brother?"

The Grass Hall Swordsman was stunned and asked, "Why..." The constable retorted, "A debt slave like you likely doesn’t understand the situation. You are without status, in debt, how can you address me as a brother?"

The Grass Hall Swordsman’s face turned grim. Though his Martial Arts Cultivation was not shallow, he thought he was humbling himself by addressing a mere constable as "brother." Little did he know he’d be scolded. He restrained himself, knowing Jade City’s uniqueness, and the peculiar surroundings. Even if he attempted to impose his Martial Arts prowess temporarily, escaping Jade City’s grasp was impossible. It was truly a one-way path, forced to comply.

He awkwardly smiled and said, "I was rash, I was rash. Then how should I address you?"

The constable said confidently, "You can call me ’sir.’" The Grass Hall Swordsman replied, "Yes, sir, sir." The constable’s expression eased, quite satisfied, praising, "A teachable child, with this attitude, you may one day rise again."

The constable asked, "Well then, what do you wish to inquire?" The Grass Hall Swordsman said, "Following along this way, I’m curious to know what happens next."

The constable raised his eyebrows, filled with superiority, spoke gleefully, "Specifically, I don’t know. The judges decide, but from my experience, it won’t be good."

He glanced back and said, "If I’m correct, your Martial Arts prowess should be strong, right? Our Jade City has common folk living lavishly, yet falling into debt and imprisoned in the water prison. But as you emerge from the water prison, your breath calms, revealing faint signs. Hehe, I advise, don’t think that with Martial Arts, Jade City money is easy to earn, nor is its debt easy to repay..."

The crowd’s hearts sank. Hearing "Jade City money hard to earn," the Grass Hall Swordsman was half tempted to ask boldly, "Sir, may I ask, what is your monthly salary for your duties?"

Li Xian also felt curious.

The constable furrowed his brows, replying with a sour tone, "My uncle is mud-bodied, with his help, I might eventually become mud-bodied too. Then the salary will be several times more."

The Grass Hall Swordsman said, "Sir, you have limitless potential, we understand. Honestly, I have wandered the Jianghu and have some experience. I’ve seen countless outstanding talents, but your demeanor, posture, and appearance... are of the highest quality. Asking this merely to witness your magnificence."

The constable was slightly inflated, saying, "You have some insight. No harm in telling you. I’m temporarily a constable at Qingping Hall, a position without status in Jade City. Though without status, this position had over a thousand Yu People competing for it at the time. It was my cold endurance for seven years that finally secured this role."