Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

After Song Tie’s arrogance dissipated, he immediately jumped down from his horse and respectfully saluted. He crossed his hands and interlocked his fingers to show respect. The man slightly nodded and then left gracefully. Song Tie gazed for a long time, filled with envy.

The swordsman from the grass hut said, "Sir, the one who just flew past, is probably not simple, right?" Song Tie regained his arrogance and sneered, "More than not simple, he is someone to look up to. If I am not mistaken, this is a ’Silver-faced Copper-bodied’ character. If I could gain his support, I might hope to achieve a copper face in my lifetime."

Song Tie said passionately, "If... if I reach the Copper-faced Rank, I would be qualified to have my own crane."

The burly man said, "If I remember correctly, Jade City has another name, which should be ’Crane City.’ It’s also known as ’Jade Crane City.’

Song Tie said, "That’s right! Everyone in Jade City loves cranes. Cranes are noble and transcendent, standing alone outside the world, don’t they fit perfectly?"

Li Xian said, "In that case, why not go out and catch cranes?" Song Tie sneered, "What nonsense. What does it mean to catch cranes from elsewhere? The true celestial cranes are native to Jade City and are worth pursuing by everyone. My life’s wish... is to ride the Jade Crane and soar into the sky!"

Returning to his senses, he scolded, "Why waste words with debt slaves like you? Quickly get yourselves to Qingping Tower."

They immediately hurried along the road. They were now within the jurisdiction of Jade City, belonging to the area defending against external enemies. After crossing a high mountain, at the top, the corner of Jade City finally appeared before them.

This city was magnificent beyond words. All that could be seen were: Thirteen towers of gleaming jade, surpassing Baiyujing. The towers resembled overlapping mountains, layered and tiered, densely packed...

At first glance, one could not see even one in ten thousand. As they descended the mountain, Jade City seemed like a giant mouth waiting to devour everyone whole.

Entering Jade City. The citizens on the streets looked over with sympathetic glances. Li Xian and others turned a corner, having no time to closely appreciate Jade City’s scenery, and were quickly sent into Jade City’s "Qingping Tower."

Qingping Tower... clearing debts, settling grievances. All debt slaves were sent here for further arrangement. There was a water prison at the bottom of the tower, where all debtors were thrown, waiting for their fate.

Second Realm Martial Artists sink the moment they enter the water. The prison was nineteen fathoms deep, the water cold and penetrating to the bone. Li Xian sank in, immediately holding his breath and calming himself, showing no panic.

The water prison, though deep and dark, was not as perilous as Dongran Lake. Li Xian was already used to it and soon adapted. In the same water prison, the wine-loving elder enjoyed himself, sipping fine wine in the water, occasionally scratching his buttocks or rubbing his chest, catching fleas.

Li Xian thought to himself, "This elder is likely a master. I have now reached Jade City, though the start is not favorable. But there’s no immediate threat to my life. As for the undercover mission... no need to rush. That Princess An Yang likely won’t pay attention to a nobody like me. However, her nephew started as a Mud-faced Rank, which is already quite high."

Today, I’ve learned much about Jade City. Debt slaves are at the lowest status, followed by mixed people, then civilians, and finally Yu People. Debt slaves must pay off their silver to redeem themselves before they can regain their freedom.

Once in Jade City, one loses autonomy. How to repay debts is determined by Jade City. Li Xian practiced quietly in the water, nurturing his energy. Soldiers come, we will block; water rises, we will dam.

It’s said Jade City gathers the essence of "Guanlong Dao," "Yu Nan Dao," and "Wanghe Dao." It must be full of wonders, heroes gathered. Geniuses from various sects, powerful individuals from various places, and Martial Artists from different villages cannot avoid dealing with Jade City, whether for trade, exchanging goods for wealth, or acquiring treasures...

Li Xian, a mere debt slave, ended up entwined with various forces, geniuses, and masters. With the Dynasty in turmoil, the situation unclear, Jade City too was stirring with rising winds and gathering clouds.

The wine-loving elder, half-asleep, secretly glanced at Li Xian at the bottom of the water.