Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

The Rusted Sword flew by once more.

Li Xian had now figured it out: "Could it be...that the Rusted Sword and Jade Ring are actually a set? Are they spiritually connected?" He removed the ring, placed it on the ground, and walked away alone.

Yet, the Rusted Sword didn’t fly over. Li Xian felt somewhat disappointed: "I thought you would recognize your master, and be faithful only to me." He picked up the ring again, raised his hand, and summoned the Rusted Sword.

Since it is so, I accept them both with a laugh. He used the Rusted Sword to support himself while walking. After a period of recuperation, his emotional wounds gradually eased, and he could start climbing upward again. At this point, the giant object he touched hadn’t returned.

Li Xian was safe and sound and climbed up another dozen yards. Feeling a slight pain in his heart and veins, he found a spot to rest again, pondering the uses of the "Jade Ring" and "Rusted Sword". The ring had a soothing effect on his spirit; each time Li Xian touched it, a coolness flowed through his mind.

He continuously turned to the left, suddenly feeling the edge of the Rusted Sword fall off, and the sword slowly grew larger, revealing a chilling and deadly blade. Li Xian exclaimed, "What a sword, what a sword, it can even grow larger and smaller?"

Li Xian continued turning to the left, and the sword kept growing larger. It became increasingly heavy; his body was still injured, making it hard to hold. After turning thirty-two circles, the sword grew several times larger, reaching its limit.

Li Xian thought of an alternative: "If it grows larger when turned to the left, might it shrink when turned to the right? This object is truly mysterious; let me try it." Then he started turning to the right, and the Rusted Sword gradually shrank. After thirty-two circles to the right, the sword returned to its original size.

Turning another thirty-two circles to the right, the sword turned slim as a short signpost, long like a hairpin. Holding it between two fingers, it was as light as a feather.

This object had been lost for ages, without a name. Li Xian decided to name it "Ruyi Treasure Sword," placing the small sword into the gap beneath the ring. By this time, his heart had gradually recovered, and he could climb upward again.

Thus, Li Xian proceeded according to his capacity; when pain stopped, he’d rest, when it subsided, he’d climb again. Not knowing how time passed, he felt he had been there for quite a while. Each time he felt hunger, he would perform the "Miao Yun Hand," flicking the "Ruyi Treasure Sword" with his fingers.

The Treasure Sword, as thin as a cold needle, could kill fish beasts. Then he’d summon it back, allowing for fresh consumption.

Five or six days passed in the blink of an eye. On this day, he gazed upward and could vaguely see the lake’s shimmer. Li Xian’s heart calmed slightly; though tiredness was overwhelming, he had overcome various dangers, leaving the remaining path not too difficult.

Suddenly feeling the water flow’s increased intensity, Li Xian grabbed onto the rocky wall. After waiting for half an hour, the flow gradually calmed. Li Xian had deeply immersed himself in the lake, knowing that a giant object below must have stirred the waters. After resting a moment, he gritted his teeth and climbed upward again.

The water gradually warmed.

Ordinary grass carp and green carp were commonplace. Li Xian initially crawled underwater, observing the surface with heavy pupils. Seeing calm winds and few fishing boats, with nothing else in sight, he climbed out of the water in one breath.

Lying on a rock, the scorching sun burned intensely; Li Xian spat out a water-avoiding pearl, gasping for breath, enjoying the scorching sun and the gentle breeze. He felt reborn, infinitely yearning for all things of the world.

Li Xian reflected: "Though my fate is drifting, I need not lament. I can appreciate the grand sights more than others. Who else in this world, besides me, could have survived a complete cardiac failure, almost dying, and climbed out from the depths of a thousand-foot-deep lake?"

Li Xian’s "Perfect Appearance," remained unmarred by swelling despite prolonged immersion, yet his long absence from sunlight and cardiac damage led to insufficient circulation, rendering his face pale and his form exceedingly thin. Clenching his fists, his fighting spirit grew even stronger.

"Since I survived, I must move forward. Vengeance must be sought, gratitude repaid!"

Energized, his sleepiness vanished entirely. His spirit was honed in myriad ways, and just when it was unstoppable, a tenacity arising from life and death emerged.

Li Xian stepped onto the mountain path once more, discovering his clothes had rotted away in the water. He chose to discard them, draping them over his shoulder and supporting himself with the Ruyi Treasure Sword as he went. He arrived at the heart of Absolute Palm Peak, where dried bloodstains remained from before.

The Sinking River Sword and Cyan Sword both broke at this location. The Ghost Python Spear was shattered into fragments, its spirit dissipated; the battle’s grim scene from that day reappeared in his mind. Li Xian thought: "Since I began practicing martial arts, maneuvering with archery and fighting in martial arts... Though encountering numerous adversaries, I’ve always narrowly prevailed. When I arranged a duel with Zhao Ranran, I feigned death and escaped, but... the Jade Girl of Daoxuan Mountain truly lived up to her reputation. My martial arts were continually suppressed; my archery skills couldn’t reach their potential, and the swordplay... Just as I closed in, the sword was easily broken... truly an unprecedented fierce battle in my life. Though I hadn’t yet displayed the abilities of Golden Light Technique, Divine Fiend Vicious Clothing, Pure Gang Qi Clothing, and Heavy Pupils. Yet Zhao Ranran hadn’t exerted her full strength either! In this world, the heroes indeed cannot be underestimated!"

"I cannot be conceited; the road is long and arduous! That day’s battle is not over yet. We’ll fight again someday!"

Li Xian dug a pit and established a sword tomb, silently saying in his heart: "This matter isn’t finished; since it’s a fight to the death, as I haven’t died, there’s still one more battle."