Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

In the Western Mountain Domain, there are three hundred sixty-nine mining sites, with forty-one actively exploited. This particular mine is called "Jade Pillar Mountain." The mountain is low in height, but its roots penetrate deep into the earth, resembling a labyrinth.

It contains countless precious gemstones.

In front of the mine vein, one hundred seventy-four wooden huts are stationed. Each hut accommodates five people, forming a group to mine jade and repay their debts.

The gemstones of Jade City have practical uses, beyond mere adornment. Though the jade miners hold low status, their roles are significant. Due to harsh conditions and a shortage of manpower, the miscellaneous people and Yu People of Jade City... compelled by circumstances, also partake in jade mining.

However, the monthly salary is merely "one tael" of silver. If fortunate enough to find rare gems within the month, then the pay increases to two taels of silver, including food and lodging, allowing them to save their earnings completely. That Wangshan is seeking to qualify for an "official position," requiring preparation for the "local examination," desperately lacking funds, thus coming to the mine vein for jade mining.

The miscellaneous person Liang Huohuo, struggling without a livelihood, was introduced here to make a living. After mining for thirty-six years, he can earn the status of "Yu People" in Jade City. At that time, if he amasses enough silver, he can rent a small house and establish some business, bringing great joy.

Li Xian slept quite soundly. At dawn the next day, Zhang Cun got up to ring the gong, waking everyone for their morning routines. The sky was dim and lifeless. Once fully prepared, they readied themselves to descend the vein for jade mining.

Before entering the cave vein, they needed to wear the "Heavenly Craft Object · Five Lives Mask." The mask fits closely to the face, avoiding dust, and contains threads that connect five masks to each other. No loud noises are allowed inside the vein, so the ’Five Lives Mask’ has no mouth, completely stopping sound from escaping. Communication is relayed through fine threads, transmitted to the masks worn by the team.

Along the path, they saw various teams entering the mountain mines. At the mine entrance, two soldiers guarded, and Zhang Cun, Li Xian, Yue Luo Fan, Liang Huohuo, and Wang Shan presented mine badges to enter the vein.

The tunnel was pitch-black, containing hidden currents. Zhang Cun spoke, words transmitted through connected "fine threads," reaching the ears of Li Xian, Yue Luo Fan, Liang Huohuo, and Wang Shan. The sound was muffled, making the voice indistinguishable, initially unclear who spoke.

Zhang Cun first stated his name and then pointed out Li Xian’s name, warning him of the dangers in the mine. With secret flows rushing, utmost caution is required; if one missteps or is swept into the infinite ocean, survival becomes a distant dream.

Li Xian, with piercing vision, saw clearly in the darkness of the cave, able to observe details. Traveling the path was unimpeded, and while curiously examining, he felt a sense of novelty: "I have been a servant, turned into a flower thief, explored deep lakes, ventured into strange forests. By accident, I now enter the mine vein, becoming a jade miner for a while. It’s no less a unique experience. But the environment here is harsh and dark; escaping sooner would be better."

The group worked together, traveling four to five miles when a fork in the path gradually appeared.

The tunnels of Jade Pillar Mountain’s mine vein are not "narrow." These paths allow upright passage and formed naturally, with many similar mountain mines—though low on the surface, they hide profound mysteries within. Till now, fewer than one hundred have been explored, considered rare marvels of nature deeply buried, unseen by the naked eye.

Yet those within have no desire to seek admiration.

As they brushed past several jade mining teams, each entering different paths, Zhang Cun informed the group that countless "miners" lost their way each year. Most had perished, necessitating staying close to avoid separation and warning of the dangers of the mine veins, recounting many bizarre incidents over the years.

Li Xian listened to the strange tales cautiously, thinking to himself: "While hearing and sight are important, survival is more crucial. Upon first entering the mine vein, I must be immensely careful, quickly familiarizing myself with the mine’s geography to explore at ease."

He twirled a strand of hair, planting it beside the fork as his eyes and ears. Suddenly he felt something strange; the strand’s "earth sensing" ability emerged. Perception entered deep within, acting as an extension to detect the earth’s nature, energy, and essence... sensing faintly beneath the strand were three unique jade minerals.

Stepping lightly, Li Xian felt intrigued: "In Jade City, I often bought jade ornaments to please Sister Liuli and Madam Wen, but the quality, despite being externally beautiful, had little use. However, the jade from Jade City seemed to possess unique powers, hiding profound mysteries."

Just arriving here, he kept a low profile, knowing there were jade minerals underneath but remained silent. Continuing with the team, they traveled more than ten miles, deeply into the vein. The surroundings were cold, with water droplets falling from the ceiling due to infiltration from recent heavy rain.

Zhang Cun called Li Xian over, demonstrating "jade mining techniques" right in front of him, showing how to swing the pickaxe and apply skillful force.

This method wasn’t difficult, akin to chopping firewood, and Li Xian learned by observing. Swinging the pickaxe, he forcefully mined the mountain wall, stirring up stone dust. Practicing several times, he achieved mastery, with high efficiency, mining a piece of mountain jade. This uncarved jade has a rough appearance but holds great potential for future use.

Li Xian asked, "Brother Zhang, is that considered mining a precious gem?"

Zhang Cun laughed, "Indeed. Mining jade isn’t difficult, but it is exhausting and perilous. If it weren’t, countless would compete for the opportunity." Li Xian remarked, "Compared to other debt-repayment professions, would the jade miner’s job be considered above average?"

Zhang Cun waved his hand, "Above average? It’s rather below average. You’ve likely experienced the arrangement for debt repayment professions by the ’Judge.’ Whether it’s being a strongman on a boat, a dancer in a brothel, or a jade miner...Among them, jade mining is the most exhausting and worst job."

Li Xian questioned, "Once a debt-repayment profession is decided, can’t it be changed? One can only repay debt through jade mining?"

Zhang Cun replied, "It can be changed, but it requires money for connections. We already owe debts, how can we have spare money for connections? Even if you have money to connect, yet..." He swung the pickaxe self-mockingly, "Having worked as a jade miner for a long time, I’ve mastered its intricacies. Despite being tiring and hard, the debt diminishes daily. If you change professions and haven’t grasped its nuances, rolling interest would truly be disastrous."