Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

This Chapter resonates remarkably with the Martial Arts Second Realm.

The Martial Arts Second Realm is also known as "Taixu," referring to the transformation of the body’s bone structure. Consuming the Essence of Heaven and Earth transfigures the bones, allowing them to embody the rhythms of the universe, bones like mountains that elevate one’s presence. Wherever the scenery is magnificent and majestic, there must be lofty peaks to complement it.

Martial Arts are likewise... In the Martial Arts First Realm, martial arts evolve into profound techniques, enabling feats and actions beyond the ordinary. Yet, their appearance remains superficial, lacking grand presence. It’s akin to martial arts being like painting: a First Realm Martial Artist and a Second Realm Martial Artist each draw a landscape picture. The former may depict azure mountains and green waters, a riot of color, but cannot capture the layered peaks and boundless momentum —the majestic height of distant mountains and the perilous wonders of nearby ones.

Once the two landscape paintings are compared, the distinction becomes evident. In a bout between a First Realm Martial Artist and a Second Realm Martial Artist, the disparity is clear. But while differences may be evident, victory isn’t guaranteed. Winning depends on the circumstances, situation, and conditions, not purely on the superiority of one’s realm.

The Second Realm significantly enhances Qi Power and strengthens the bone structure... resilience and defense receive amplification, accompanied by other benefits. Complementary to the Bone Strengthening section, the enhancement in power is stronger, and defense, resilience, naturally reap better gains.

Li Xian is resource-strapped, having just entered the Second Realm, yet his power is growing day by day. Compared to the time of the death duel at Absolute Palm Peak, he has become stronger by several measures. He thought to himself, "Jade City is reputed as the wealthiest in the world. Even if I can’t immediately repay my debt and take charge alone, opportunities to scrape a living surely won’t be scarce. Yet, this fourteen thousand taels of silver remains a thorn in my side. I know not how to remove it."

Today... the prison ship crossed "Xiangyu River," entering the vicinity of Jade City. The nearby areas, sheltered by Jade City, are all affluent towns. Along the river, green fields stretch widely, and many wondrous artifacts stand amidst the water paddies.

Suddenly, a mountaintop appeared, where a wooden elephant stood. The wooden trunk pointed skyward and let out a long cry, spraying countless water blossoms, which transformed into torrential rain, irrigating several miles of fields!

This spectacle of grandeur was truly a first sight! One must know that the mountain is higher at this moment, the scenery more imposing. The wooden elephant standing atop the mountain inexplicably emits clouds and rain, utterly remarkable.

Li Xian asked, "What are these?"

A middle-aged man responded, "These are ’ingenious artifacts,’ ’Heavenly Ingenious Artifacts,’ unique to Jade City!"

Li Xian thought to himself, "Such Heavenly Ingenious Artifacts must be extremely exquisite. If they were to spread out, they would surely benefit countless generations." He asked, "Are these artifacts expensive?"

The man tutted in wonder, "It’s curious, odd indeed. Haven’t you been to Jade City? How could you owe money debts if you haven’t? And if you have been there, how could you not know this?"

The prison ship continued along the river, passing by another mountaintop. One after another, within various mighty peaks, stood the Heavenly Ingenious Artifacts "Water Master Elephants." The liquor veteran commented leisurely, "There’s a saying... Heavenly Ingenious Artifacts do not leave Jade City. These Water Master Elephants are only useful within the territory surrounding Jade City."

"Once outside Jade City, they become large playthings, nothing noteworthy."

Li Xian understood, curious to learn more. He began to grasp the essence of Jade City, thinking, "Jade City... Jade City... deserves its reputation. I haven’t entered the city yet but am already broadened my horizons." Although he knows his situation is perilous, he couldn’t help but feel stirred and excited. He saw the river flowing rapidly, the water splashing eagerly. This journey... was made to compete with the flow. The wilder the river, the more turbulent the weather, the more it suits him!

Li Xian wished to shout wildly, preferring to die in the storm than be buried in the yellow mud. His blood boiled, his eyes ablaze.

After a vigorous downpour, the world was radiant with splendor. People of wealth and wisdom gather in such places; the convergence of feng shui results in completely different surroundings. Peering through the narrow window, Li Xian tried his best to glimpse a corner of this world.

Green mountains and jade valleys, clouds layering, fog surging, elephants summoning rain... Along the road, countless towers and jade edifices stand. Occasionally, there are quaint temple residences in the depths of the clouds and mist. The richness of this world exceeds his imagination! It’s truly eye-opening.

A day and more passed.

The prison ship finally docked. A young man with towering stature and a proud demeanor entered, eyes scanning everyone.

The young man declared, "Come aboard, get into the prison coach, and return to Jade City!"

A dozen people flooded into the prison cabin, manipulating ingenious mechanisms. They actually managed to lift the prison chamber, transferring it onto a wooden vehicle. With another move of the mechanism, they fixed the prison cage.

Though still within the prison cage, everyone saw sunlight again. The dazzling brightness made them squint. Curious townsfolk at the street corners gathered to watch, pointing and discussing. Some prisoners felt deeply ashamed, lifted their sleeves to cover their faces.

Li Xian sat cross-legged, also curious about his surroundings. This place was "Yuchui Town," a small town outside Jade City. Extremely prosperous, the streets paved with black stone slabs, crafted with precision, closely fitted, flat, and clean.

Towers rose high on both sides, uniquely designed. Some towers resembled inverted pagodas, narrower at the bottom and wider at the top, where passersby drank and chatted amidst the buildings, indulging in elegance with utmost comfort. Series of buildings were linked together like stacked mountains, with one floor stacked upon another, each building upon the next. Altogether, these thirteen structures formed a unique building complex.

Yuchui Town, influenced by Jade City, mimics its architectural style, astonishing Li Xian repeatedly. Hearing others talk, Yuchui Town could not replicate its form nor embody its charm.

The Silver Armor man emerged from the cabin, his stature grand, with silver light casting upon him. He wore the "Cloud Flipping Sword" at his waist, the sword three feet six inches long, with clouds flipping patterns engraved on its sheath. He held the Cold Flame Spear, its body naturally flawless, seemingly born of heaven. With chest held high, he gazed arrogantly, sharp and imposing, extremely superior.

Passersby at the street corners discussed, "I see this youth is only slightly over twenty, yet at such a young age, he managed to take the position of Jade Guard, a role with prestige and face." "If I remember correctly, this Jade Guard leader post should have low status. It’s said that in Jade City, anyone who earns status and prestige is a dragon or phoenix among men."

"Indeed, the likes of this youth likely attract admiration from many girls." "Naturally. Not to mention this gentleman’s handsome appearance, ranking as outstanding, his status and prestige alone invite women from the outer city to swarm and curry favor."