Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

The rules of Jade City are rigorous, with layers of hierarchy that naturally lend themselves to discrimination. "Miscellaneous people" refers to those who are not registered, without surname or name, and even if they die on the streets, there is no one to mourn or remember them.

They are only employed in menial labor, like hard labor, porters, and canal workers, jobs that pay little, come with dirt and grime, and require them to sell their Qi Power for a living.

Li Xian, having paid off his debts, was freed from being a Debt Slave and became a "miscellaneous person." He approached things carefully and, under the guise of seeking medical treatment, was actually "seeking a career in medicine." Just like striking a snake at its three-inch weak point, he first showed his medical skills, naturally attracting the attention of the elderly gentleman.

The Medical Pavilion was in need of good physicians, and the old man knew Li Xian’s skills were exceptional. Fearing discrimination because of his status as a miscellaneous person, and wanting to avoid being expelled before revealing his talents, Li Xian showed a keen, aspiring mind, with a balance of progress and retreat, proving himself a true medical talent. The elderly man, over seventy, greatly valued talent and could not bear to let such skills go to waste, so he tacitly agreed to provide him with an opportunity to escape his current situation.

That white-haired old man, named "Yao Baishun," was the guardian doctor of the Medical Pavilion.

He personally led Li Xian to register his name and obtain a medical license, recording him in the Medical Pavilion’s physician register. The Medical Pavilion categorizes physicians into five levels: Registered Doctor, Sitting Doctor, Enlisted Doctor, Famous Doctor, and Senior Doctor.

Registered Doctors are beginners, Sitting Doctors have limited skills but have entered the medical field, Enlisted Doctors have refined skills, often invited by noble families to enter manors and houses for treatment. Famous Doctors have already gained a reputation, their medical deeds notable, and their skills tried and tested, making them firmly credible, so much so that they are considered distinguished figures even in Jade City. They may find patronage with influential families or even aspire to the position of "titled physician."

Yao Baishun advised, "From today, you are a Registered Doctor. Though the position is low, you can live steadily. With your skills, if you focus your mind here, you will quickly advance."

"Though you are currently a miscellaneous person, your name is registered, so you must tell the truth. Should you achieve something in the future, if you uphold a false name and surname, wouldn’t it be like a tree without roots, superficial, unable to stand firm or steady your heart? We, as physicians, must follow the kind heart of a healer. If your name is false, wouldn’t your heart already be uncertain?"

Li Xian realized this with one thought. Initially, he intended to use the name "Li Qiuyi," but suddenly thought, "Yes, I have always acted with a clear conscience, why use a false name and surname? In this world full of Li Xians, why am I alone afraid to use my real name? Although my real name entails troublesome entanglements, how can changing it avoid all troubles?"

Moreover, understanding Yao Baishun’s benevolent heart, he was now given trust. Indeed, it was a favor of recognizing talent, making him unwilling to disappoint him. So, he chose not to change his name, using "Li Xian" as his registered name, but adopted "Qiuyi" as his medical alias.

To those who called him by his medical alias, they naturally sought him for medical practice.

Yao Baishun stroked his beard, smiling, "Li Xian...what an immortal-like name. Starting today, you are a Registered Doctor at the Medical Pavilion. Also, your attire needs a bit of a change. With such dirty and shabby appearance, how would patients dare to come to you for treatment?"

Li Xian’s face was smeared with dirt, his hair disheveled, striving to appear ordinary.

Yao Baishun led the way, familiarizing him with the pavilion’s surroundings.

The front hall, back garden, miscellaneous rooms, kitchen, flower beds, acupuncture rooms, medicine brewing rooms, and alchemy chambers... Li Xian was amazed to see a large Copper Tripod on the third floor, with its interior ablaze, as several physicians circled around, sweating and observing.

The Medical Pavilion could practice Alchemy and Pharmacy.

After a quick glance, Li Xian followed Yao Baishun down a staircase, arriving at a vast herb garden.

Dozens of apprentice herbalists tended to the herbs, drying and processing them. The Medical Pavilion was well-known in Tongji Square, supported by prestigious families. Many came for treatment, so the demand for herbs was high.

Yao Baishun said, "Among those apprentice herbalists, there are quite a few miscellaneous people. I took them in to give them a livelihood. If they work diligently for over thirty years, the Medical Pavilion will vouch for their Yu People status."

Li Xian smiled, "Master Yao, your kindness is great. Without meeting Master Yao, my little tricks might have gotten me kicked out of the pavilion."

Yao Baishun laughed heartily, "Your skills are indeed remarkable; otherwise, the position of Registered Doctor wouldn’t have been given to you. I admire you, for there was originally a physician named ’Tie’ in charge of recruiting new doctors at the Medical Pavilion. His skills are good, but he’s highly discerning. With your status as a miscellaneous person, no matter your medical prowess, it would have been in vain. Your calculation, avoiding the usual path, is what gave me the chance to offer you an opportunity."

Yao Baishun shook his head with a smile, "So, you see, opportunities are earned by yourself. Now, let’s go quickly."

The Herb Garden had unique plants like "Snake Vine," "Miracle Wood Seed," "Red Ginseng," "Bluewood Vine," and many rare plants, cultivated in strange and wonderful ways. For instance, "Yin Bamboo" needs to be watered with women’s blood to develop medicinal properties; otherwise, it becomes a poison.

In the southwest corner of the garden, there was a miscellaneous task room. Yao Baishun ordered a few servants to bring the physician’s blue robe and white hat. Then he asked, "Do you have a place to stay? I notice your Qi is long-lasting, and you have Martial Arts training. Even being from outside the city, you shouldn’t be in such dire straits."

Men of martial background, merchants, and powerful figures occasionally visited Jade City for leisure and entertainment, carrying tens of thousands of silver. They merely needed to secure a pass to enjoy the city without restriction. Though lacking Jade City status, they need not fall into such misery.

Li Xian immediately told the truth, occasionally hiding necessary details. Yao Baishun was surprised. He would never have expected Li Xian to have won three hundred battles in Willing Death Valley. He gazed at him with a slight change in expression, filled with admiration yet said, "Now that you are practicing medicine in the Medical Pavilion, temporarily set aside Martial Arts achievements. Since you have such strength, there’s no fear of having no path forward. Jade City is well-structured with thriving paths, but ultimately Martial Arts remains foundational. I’ll arrange a miscellaneous room for you in the Herb Garden to stay."