Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

In the distance stands the Five Finger Mountain, its silhouette resembling a "palm." This mountain is known as "Absolute Palm Peak," reputedly the severed hand of a certain martial arts master, immersed within the lake. Over decades, the evolution of martial arts within the palm has astonishingly transformed into a towering, peculiar mountain.

The palm prints in the mountain are distinctly visible. It seems there is substance to the legend.

The Absolute Palm Peak is quite far, but Li Xian’s exceptional vision allows him to faintly perceive it. He promptly borrows a small boat, vigorously paddling toward Absolute Palm Peak. After about half an hour, he reaches the base of the mountain.

The perpetual lake waves crash, making the mountain’s bizarre rocks jagged. This Absolute Palm Peak poses like "Pinching Flowers," with a uniquely shaped peak and a small pond in its palm. Despite its size, it remains uninhabited. Water bandits once tried to settle here.

Yet within half a month, all succumbed to disease, dying off completely. It seems it might be related to the legendary martial arts master. Li Xian quickly scans the area, absorbing many details, gradually clarifying his understanding. He then guides the boat back to Tun Shui Town.

He clenches his fist: "Only by daring to take risks can one ensure safety." Using the remaining money, he acquires a heavy bow and dozens of copper arrows. His resolve is firm, ready to take the next step.

Suddenly, he hears footsteps. Following the sound, he sees Bian Qiaoqiao running out, her eyes red. Li Xian wonders, "Has this girl been bullied again? Her skills are decent, but her experience is limited; ordinary water and mountain bandits are no match for her. But if surrounded or caught in a trap, she might easily fall. She’s also considerate for Sister Liuli, so I’ll follow to protect her."

With clear distinctions between favors and grudges, Li Xian follows quietly. Bian Qiaoqiao remains unaware, running aimlessly, seemingly to vent her frustration and relieve boredom. She finally stops by the lake, tossing stones into the water.

...

...

Originally, Bian Qiaoqiao returned to the guest room, her heart full of anxiety, yet unable to solve it for the moment. She tries to rest but turns and tosses, finding it difficult to sleep.

She then contemplates past events.

"When I saw Sister Liuli again at the Cyan Ox Residence that day, her face was peaceful, her brows relaxed, her beauty radiant, unlike being entangled in worry. After we rescued her, she instead became sorrowful and melancholy. People should live happily; had I known this would happen, making Sister Liuli unhappy, why...why did I even bother to rescue Sister Liuli, causing her such unease? And what is Nangong Xuanming doing with that wedding, clearly harboring malicious intentions."

She realizes this is no good but unclear about the consequences. Alone in the room, extremely quiet, she slowly deliberates: "Women value reputation, and Sister Ranran also treasures her honor. Such forced and awkward marriage will definitely not be agreeable and will harm Sister Liuli’s reputation. And...ooh...if she marries out, she won’t be part of the Nangong Family, and thus won’t receive the Essence Treasure. Even if it’s a fake marriage, if this is reported back to the family, obtaining resources will be much more difficult. She would lose access to her family’s superior martial arts!"

"And the Flower Thief is hunted by everyone. Sister Liuli, forced to marry him, might even be expelled from her family! There are some old bones in the family, extremely unpleasant, who definitely won’t spare Sister Liuli. I just heard about some family disputes, if pressed step by step, citing this as a reason, perhaps, perhaps...Sister Liuli might be forced to assert her innocence with death, not to tarnish the family’s name."

Startled, she jumps up, her scalp tingling, eyes wide, recalling childhood tales of family matters. There were women in the family having connections with demonic outsiders, unable to be accepted by the family. Later, criticized by outsiders, the family’s reputation suffered, so poison was bestowed, forcing the woman to die.

This pattern can be traced. Bian Qiaoqiao, upon realizing this, feels a chill down her spine. She starts seeing Nangong Xuanming and Nangong Wuyang as monstrous threats, the more she thinks, the more fearsome it seems. She never imagined their hearts would be so malicious, such harm done by siblings.

Bian Qiaoqiao resolutely says: "No way! I can’t just watch Sister Liuli fall into ruin!" Her eyes redden, continually sobbing. She immediately heads to Bian Chengfeng’s door, urgently knocking.

Bian Chengfeng sees Bian Qiaoqiao unable to stop crying, sternly saying: "Did Xuanming the scoundrel bully you again? Come in and speak!" Pulling Bian Qiaoqiao inside, closing the door, gently pats her shoulder for comfort.

Bian Chengfeng finds his cousin charming and innocent, genuinely fond of her throughout the journey. Seeing her weep incessantly, he feels quite sympathetic. He gently asks: "Sister Qiao, what’s the matter, tell me. As your elder cousin, I’ll surely help you."

Bian Qiaoqiao gradually stops sobbing, recounting her deductions again, further saying: "Brother Chengfeng, this matter can’t be left as it is, otherwise...otherwise...Sister Liuli will be doomed!" She pauses, then continues: "Please come with me to call Brother Bianyun, and confront Nangong Xuanming and Nangong Wuyang! They’re plotting murder, let’s expose them!"

Bian Chengfeng sees this matter again, waving his hand: "It’s already over, as previously voted by hand. We’ve acted according to your wishes, the matter has settled. Further entanglement is inappropriate, inappropriate."

"Moreover, Nangong Liuli’s situation is the Nangong Family’s business, we Bian Family intervening is naturally inappropriate."

"Besides, you agreed to the result at that time. Such regret isn’t the Bian Family’s way."

Bian Qiaoqiao anxiously pleads: "How could it be the same, I initially thought they merely wanted to tarnish Sister Liuli’s name, didn’t realize their sinister aim to harm Sister Liuli. Brother Chengfeng...I’m begging for your help."

Bian Chengfeng says: "If it were another issue, perhaps it could be discussed. But even Zhao Ranran hasn’t said much on this matter. Why should I interfere unnecessarily?"

Bian Qiaoqiao begs repeatedly. Bian Chengfeng, growing impatient, says: "Alright, alright, let’s discuss this later. I need rest, you should too." Gently pushing, a breeze from his palm sends Bian Qiaoqiao out.