Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

"Inside, it’s quite spacious, with a modest-sized courtyard. As a return favor, when you’re free at night, you must help ensure the garden’s safety. How about it?"

Li Xian, originally troubled with nowhere to settle, was unexpectedly pleased and naturally agreed. Thus, Li Xian received the "medical robes and cap" and proceeded to the minor courtyard of miscellaneous rooms.

It was surprisingly quite good. The herbal garden nurtures numerous herbs, and the scenery is very beautiful. Although the house and courtyard appear slightly old, with moss-covered tiles, they remain very habitable and peaceful, undisturbed.

Moreover, the feng shui is harmonious, making long-term residence quite comfortable. A short detour out the door leads to views of the medicinal garden. A stream runs outside the courtyard, flowing past the house, making bathing and cooking very convenient.

The ground is paved with bluestone slabs, having long been unoccupied, allowing weeds to sprout through the cracks. The front courtyard is small, storing a water vat half a man’s height, with larvae breeding mosquitoes inside, very dirty and muddy. The back courtyard is slightly larger, ample enough to practice martial arts with a spear, and to cultivate herbs and improve one’s temperament.

Yao Baishun said, "If you have no objection, tidy up and start medical practice as usual tomorrow."

Li Xian deeply remembered this kindness, watching Yao Baishun walk away, thinking: "Since I came to rely on Jade City, those I encountered all treated me as a pawn for their interests and various reasons, manipulating me without a care for my feelings. Until I met this physician Yao Baishun, who willingly offered a helping hand. Although this kindness is small, it should be repaid like a spring; such a physician, with a benevolent heart, is indeed more crucial than skilled medical techniques."

After closing the wooden door and fastening the latch, he began tidying up the courtyard. He overturned the water vat, pouring out the filthy water, within which were maggots, water plants, mouse carcasses, and venomous snakes...

Li Xian wielded the Ruyi Treasure Sword, killing the venomous snake, exhaling clear air to dispel the filth. Yet, the carcass exuded a stench that clear air could barely remove. Li Xian temporarily swept it to a corner, moving on to clean the dust-filled house.

He carried all miscellaneous debris out of the residence. Useful items like the "bed table" and "bookcase"... remained indoors. Spending half an hour, several rooms became clean and fresh.

Then, holding the water vat, he filled it with clear water, hoisting it over his shoulder to jump onto the roof for washing roof tiles. The tiles were originally gray-black, covered in moss and grime, turning blue-red after thorough cleaning.

Li Xian dusted off, taking a long breath. Then, he dug a hole and buried the gathered debris in the ground. With this, the solitary courtyard became clean and neat, suitable for long-term residence.

Listening to the birds chirp and flowers bloom in the garden, experiencing several turns in fate, finally stepping onto the right path.

By this time, noon had passed, and Li Xian couldn’t help but sigh: "Outside Jade City, my Martial Arts Second Realm abilities would be somewhat useful. Joining a sect could grant me a superior status, preventing difficulties with food and shelter. Since Jade City is a rich city in the world, uniquely situated, it naturally has advantages. Having no doors or family ties is indeed normal."

Li Xian lay on the hard wooden plank, pondering: "Indeed, I wonder how that old drunkard is doing now? As for that carefree sect, I also don’t know whether it’s true or not. The road is walked step by step; at least my skills and martial arts have not stagnated, and both are progressing. Status shifted from a debt slave and jade miner to a physician at the Myriad Medicine Pavilion, somewhat a legitimate profession."

Counting his money, he had twenty-seven taels of silver left. Li Xian meticulously counted it several times, yet it remained the same, silently storing it safely. Although this money is little, it’s his capital for turning his fate around.

"Once I gradually acclimate, I can roam around the city. There should be places to acquire martial arts; in a prosperous city like Jade City, as long as my skills and status rise, good martial arts and essence treasures won’t be inaccessible."

The next day, early morning.

Li Xian dressed in a blue robe and white cap, no longer masking himself. He was tall, yet his garment appeared loose, with neatly tied black hair crowned. His brows and eyes, facial features were exposed, and a red mark on his brow was prominent. Graceful and outstanding, he attracted attention.

He walked with large strides, drawing sideway glances from herbal apprentices along the path.

Upon reaching the front hall, Yao Baishun saw Li Xian again, with furrowed brows, staring for a moment before enquiring about Li Xian’s identity, when he joined Myriad Medicine Pavilion, and who recommended him. Upon hearing Li Xian’s self-introduction, Yao Baishun let out an "ah," like waking from a dream, examining Li Xian closely, recognizing it as the same person by his facial outline.

Yao Baishun exclaimed, "You... you are that Li Xian? You originally looked like this?" Li Xian respectfully said, "Yao Lao, previously for caution, I intentionally muddied my appearance. Please don’t mind!"

Yao Baishun said, "Not at all, you’re being cautious as well, makes sense."

Li Xian entered the medical hall, his handsome appearance unhidden. The bustling medical hall gradually quieted. A patient looked intently, momentarily dazed. Doctors, heads down writing prescriptions, gradually noticed the anomaly, following the crowd’s gaze finding themselves astonished.

A female patient, long suffering from blood deficiency, came for needle treatment and nourishment, asked with bright eyes, "Good gentleman, what’s your name? Ah, I see you wear a medical cap, are you a doctor?"

Li Xian replied, "Surname Li, name Xian, just entered the pavilion yesterday, now a registered doctor." The patient’s face flushed, surprisingly with abundant blood circulation, her blood deficiency symptoms greatly eased.

For a time, the name "Li Xian" rapidly spread throughout Myriad Medicine Pavilion. Many young curious doctors hurried to see the rumored handsome doctor. Upon seeing, all were amazed at the existence of such a visage in the world.

Among the patients, both commoners and rich young masters gazed fixedly.

Yao Baishun lightly coughed twice, finally subduing the commotion. He wanted to call Li Xian to wear a mask for medical practice but thought: "A person’s appearance is nature’s gift, why hide?"

He arranged for Li Xian to sit in a northeast corner, where he was barely visible, surrounded by various miscellaneous items. This concealed his appearance from the view of passersby at the hall front.