Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Wen Caishang rolled up her sleeves, pointing at the charcoal roasting tiger meat, "There’s no need for fire and flames just yet. But there’s the charcoal. If Sect Master Zhang is truly willing, he can go ahead and try it."

Zhang Ruifeng was taken aback. This madam had arrived months ago, and he couldn’t quite figure out her thoughts. But the more they interacted, the more he was impressed, yet the more bewildered he became. At this moment, a sudden thought flashed through his mind, wondering if this was a test to reveal his intentions, or perhaps it was a tease?

He was momentarily dumbfounded. Wen Caishang said, "Just a joke, Sect Master Zhang, please don’t take offense." Zhang Ruifeng hurriedly replied, "No, no. I wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare."

Wen Caishang said meaningfully, "Though this is my first time meeting Sect Master Zhang, it’s actually my second time passing through here. It seems there is some unresolved fate with this place."

Zhang Ruifeng curiously asked, "Oh? With someone like Madam Wen passing by our sect, how could we not have had the pleasure to invite you for a stay? If only we’d met earlier, it would have been... delightful!"

Wen Caishang said, "Meeting earlier might not have been good. It might have led to the danger of clashing swords." Zhang Ruifeng replied, "Madam Wen is too polite. How could I turn swords against you? Besides, if we were truly to fight, I might not be your match. I’d be at your mercy."

Wen Caishang gazed toward the river, saying slowly, "What a pity, what a pity, that I wasn’t able to witness the spectacle of the Tiger Jump River this time. I was just half a step too late."

Zhang Ruifeng immediately said, "If Madam Wen wishes to see it, why not stay until next April? The April river, with thousands of tigers leaping, is truly magnificent!"

Wen Caishang replied, "Although it’s magnificent, I am not in the mood." Zhang Ruifeng asked, "Oh?"

Wen Caishang lightly smoothed her sleeves, neatly folding them on her lap, and said, "I need to resolve a matter of the heart; perhaps then I’d have the mood to return and watch the river and the tigers. By that time, staying a year and a half, or even several years, would hardly make any difference."

Zhang Ruifeng was delighted, "Oh? What matter of the heart? If Madam Wen would share, I will certainly help with all my might if I can."

Wen Caishang glanced at him lightly and said, "It is to capture someone."

Zhang Ruifeng flattered, "Has this person offended Madam Wen? If I capture him, shall I present his dismembered body to Madam?"

Xiaotuan shook his head silently, thinking to himself, "Well, that flattery just missed the mark."

Wen Caishang spoke gently, "That person owes me a million swords. I will make him hurt for me a million times, so whenever he feels pain, he thinks of me. But..."

"If I hurt him, it is because he owes me. If others harm even a hair on him, I will be displeased. There is no need for Sect Master Zhang to be concerned about this."

Zhang Ruifeng felt an inexplicable chill. Wen Caishang’s words were polite, her etiquette impeccable, and her tone gentle. One couldn’t discern her emotions at all. Her emotions were always difficult to grasp; only those with a sharp mind, through long interaction and some insight, could gauge her moods. Li Xian often accompanied her; being with her was like being with a tiger, requiring constant caution.

Zhang Ruifeng couldn’t handle it. He said, "Is there really such a peculiar relationship in this world? Could it be that he... he is..."

Wen Caishang interrupted, "Alright, alright, why talk about that little thief?" In her heart, she thought, "Talking about this nemesis only makes one anxious and worried for nothing."

...

...

This encounter today was no coincidence. Wen Caishang had arrived at the Tiger Luo Sect months ago, aiming to retrieve the "Yellow Dao Bow" from Tiger Cry Ridge and the Mysterious Mountain Range. She was extremely learned and had already explored Tiger Cry Ridge.

This time, she was well-prepared and expected nothing less than success. However, she needed some manpower for assistance, hence she sought out the Tiger Luo Sect. Wen Caishang had her own unique way of handling matters, through clever persuasion and the power of the Broken Sword... These speeches soon convinced Zhang Ruifeng.

With the help of the Tiger Luo Sect, she ventured once more into the Mysterious Mountain Range. Retrieving the Yellow Dao Bow, the past flashed vividly before her; the danger she faced now seemed faded. Yet every nuance of that experience, like fine wine, became increasingly rich and fragrant.

Through several encounters of joy and separation, torment of emotions, it became increasingly hard to part.

Wen Caishang gently caressed the Yellow Dao Bow, which had been away for more than a year. The bow was covered in dust. Wen Caishang wiped it clean with her sleeve, her eyes suddenly catching sight of a few strange birds flying high in the sky.

Her intent immediately aroused, she then turned and pulled the string.

Wen Caishang said, "Xiaotuan, bring the arrows." Xiaotuan immediately fetched the quiver, drew out a Lingyu Arrow and handed it over, the movement smooth and seamless. Wen Caishang frowned and said, "Clumsy."

Xiaotuan was close to tears, feeling his actions were extremely quick. But compared to Li Xian, he was indeed very slow. Hence, he often incurred Wen Caishang’s displeasure, secretly grumbling, "Who can compare to your little gentleman?"

Wen Caishang, gentle and graceful like water at times, was sharp and unyielding the moment she strung the bow and set the arrow, unmatched in heroic spirit, with no trace of a woman’s affectation or weakness, making her even more exceptionally charming. Her robes moved without wind, her gaze fixed upon the distance. Zhang Ruifeng only felt a dizzying admiration, muttering, "What a heroic figure, what a heroic figure..." deeply entranced.

Wen Caishang released the arrow, it pierced the sky, its spirit full and round, hitting a bird in flight. Her fingers were slender and fair, yet when shooting, she was fierce and resolute, feeling unsatisfied. She shot several more arrows, each one remarkable.

Zhang Ruifeng applauded repeatedly, genuinely admiring. In terms of archery, he was far inferior. Wen Caishang, however, frowned and shook her head, thinking, "That young thief, so much younger than me, is several levels ahead in archery. Here I possess this treasure bow, yet I see not the person who once held it."

Recollecting that young thief, how he used some cunning trick, leaving her embarrassed and unable to move, it was truly a lifelong humiliation, a lifelong shame. Her delicate face suddenly turned slightly red, her anger mixed with a bit of nostalgia. The intricacies of it, unknown to others. This feeling could not be summed up in a single word.

"That little thief, after deceiving me, fled triumphantly. Hah! He doesn’t even consider that if my heart wasn’t set on him, he wouldn’t have even had the opportunity to use those sinister tactics, those countless tricks. I was careless at that moment, never expecting that imp to be so capable, to not just restrict me with the Setting Sun Bloodsword, but to bind me in such a humiliating fashion."