Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

After pondering for a moment, the flowers and plants ’remained unresponsive’, without any magical effect. Li Xian thought: "The mind transmission of ’Only I have a Heart Skill’ can make others hear my inner voice, thus achieving communication without words. But merely transmitting the sound is like a hollow structure, utterly useless. Yes... the mind transmission is ineffective. But if it’s mind infusion, perhaps it might work!"

He immediately tried again, changing ’mind transmission’ into ’mind infusion’. The two are vastly different; mind transmission is like a subtle vibration in the mind chamber, influencing others’ mind vibrations to convey thoughts. Mind infusion is the will, tempered through life and death, turned into an invisible reality. It can carry any move. He immediately performed the Protective Sound, and through mind infusion, sent it into the planter’s flowers and plants. Instantly, the greenery trembled, showing an invisible, different charm, becoming more resilient. Li Xian turned the Ruyi Ring, and the Ruyi Treasure Sword turned into the thickness of a forefinger. He gently slashed the plant, encountering great resistance.

The plant was like a tough rope.

Li Xian’s mind infusion could naturally make things more resilient. Coupled with the Protective Sound, it reached a higher level. Li Xian successively tried, ’Melody of Immortal Sun’, ’Battle Music’, and ’Ghost Cry Sound’ all proved useful. The ’mind infusion’ gained even more magical use. Li Xian couldn’t help but rejoice; in the vast world of Martial Arts, this bit of exploration held endless joy.

As Li Xian’s thoughts dispersed, he suddenly thought: "Mind infusion could detach from physical objects, infusing voids, and suddenly burst out with a pushing force, acting as an invisible fist edge. If combined with Battle Music, this invisible fist edge would be heavier. In battle against an enemy, it would surely have magical uses. If condensed in front, combined with Protective Sound, it could serve as an invisible soft armor." Focusing half a yard away, he suddenly heard a "dong long" sound, and the wooden table violently trembled, as if smashed by a heavy punch, leaving a dent.

Having tossed around this much, it was already evening. The Waiter knocked on the door, announcing that delightful dishes were cooked and ready on the First Layer hall. Li Xian responded, donned simple clothing, and followed the Waiter downstairs. As he passed by the green vine corridor, he passed in front of the Yao Sound Gate guard. The guard gazed disdainfully, with an unfriendly expression, and a "hum" sound emanated from his throat. Startled, the Waiter was shocked and stumbled a few feet crawling, only gradually calming down once he descended the stairs.

On the First Layer, many guests gathered, and the Shopkeeper invited a storyteller to recount Jianghu tales of love and hatred, half true, half fabricated, rhythmically captivating travelers. In the corners and by the windows, seven or eight-year-old children eavesdropped.

Li Xian chose a spot against the wall, waited momentarily, and the waiter served hot meals and dishes, two meats, and three vegetables, along with a tofu soup. If he wanted wine, he needed to spend extra money to purchase it. Although the Far Guest Inn was not owned by a particular family, the Shopkeeper managed it well, maintaining moderate stature. The dishes were not lavish but were satisfying. The meat and vegetables were fresh. Li Xian heartily ate and drank, finishing the complimentary supper with great pleasure.

Having escaped the predicament, and discovering the wonders of Martial Arts, he was in great spirits and was not stingy with money, spending one tael of silver to purchase a jar of ’Qionghxiang Wine’. Qionghxiang Wine was brewed by the inn itself, a semi-murky and semi-clear wine. It had a slightly sweet aroma. As Li Xian unsealed the wax, several Jade City children pushed open the windows, laughing and asking for a drink.

Li Xian generously laughed, very graciously passing the wine jar over. Each of the Jade City children took a big gulp. Then, leaning against the side wall, savoring the wine with delight. As the wine entered his throat, a burst of pleasure naturally arose.

When it came to fine wines, good wines, exquisite liquors, and Jade Liquors... Li Xian indeed had tasted quite a few. Wen Caishang’s privately brewed wine, unmatched elsewhere. But Li Xian’s taste had not become picky; he enjoyed tasting good wine and did not reject crude wine.

Drinking wine depends on mood, not quality. In this regard, he was quite the opposite of Wen Caishang.

The Far Guest Inn’s dishes were cheap, but the wine and accompanying dishes were expensive. Buying a jar of Qionghxiang Wine came with a small plate of crispy fragrant flower beans. The beans were fried in oil, sprinkled with a bit of salt, simple yet delicious. Putting it into his mouth, crispy and fragrant, one sip of wine, one crispy bean, felt leisurely and comfortable.

The guests in Jade City mostly wore silk clothes and jade robes, dressing elegantly and luxuriously. As the setting sun sank west, guests climbed upstairs to hear tunes one after another. At this time, it was the transition between day and night, and Jade City lit up with thousands of lights, just as its prosperity and entertainment began. Li Xian had never been there before and was very curious. So he carried half a jar of wine and half a plate of crispy beans, following the crowd up to the third floor, where he saw the stage was exquisitely set up, decorated with red silk and red flowers. As Li Xian arrived early, there were still empty seats. He chose a good spot with a nice view, paid three hundred Wen Coins, and sat down comfortably.

The guests came in groups of three or five, friends, and acquaintances. Most were from the Yu People, with few commoners. Occasionally, there were dignified guests, who, when sitting, were quickly flanked by guests with flattery and smiles, showing sycophantic demeanor. Some dignified individuals were kind, returning the cheers with mutual respect. Others were eccentric and irritable, splashing wine all over those who offered a toast, creating a lively scene. After waiting a while, the Copper Gong resonated loudly. The troupe’s leader appeared to speak fluently, making an opening speech, flattering all the guests, before the curtain raised.

This troupe was the "Wu Family Troupe", with quite a reputation in Jade City. They excelled at setting ancient renowned poems and lyrics to pipa, flute, and zither tunes to sing. The melodies were melodious and pleasant.

A songstress, holding a pipa, sang a piece by the Nanyang Period poet "Zi Bo" titled "Mist Conceals the Mountain Welcoming Guests from the West". This predecessor "Zi Bo" was indeed an inheritor of Nanyang’s wildness. The words were wild, grand and magnificent, stirring excitement in the listeners.

The profound meaning of this piece has some connection with Li Xian. Zi Bo’s lyrics in "Guests from the West" welcomed a friend: Lü Dongzhi. As Li Xian understood the meaning, he felt a sense of intertwining past and present, deeply moved.