Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Their luggage was minimal, allowing for a swift departure.

Li Xian intentionally quickened his pace.

Yao Yin refused to fall behind, keeping close at all times. After walking dozens of miles, Li Xian suddenly felt a shiver run through him, sensing something was watching him. The [Perfect Appearance] crisis sensing was highly accurate. Li Xian had avoided danger several times thanks to this "perfect sensing."

He knew there was a looming threat, stayed alert, and secretly scattered strands of hair. He said to Yao Yin, "If anything happens, we must join forces."

Yao Yin was unaware, but seeing Li Xian’s serious expression, she nodded lightly, feeling tense inside as well. The two continued this way for several more miles.

Li Xian suddenly sighed in relief; the sensation had faded. But still cautious, he grabbed Yao Yin and started running, executing the "Seven Stars Step" in quick succession. It was only after they left the Celestial Screen Mountain range that he recounted what had occurred.

Yao Yin exclaimed, "What you said... is it true?" Cold sweat poured down her body.

Li Xian replied, "Of course it’s true. Do you know what it is?" Yao Yin said, "You have seen the snake ancestor of Celestial Screen Mountain. It is a great beast, and deep within Celestial Screen Mountain, other great beasts dwell. My Yao Clan ancestors have encountered them before, and it is said that several mighty predecessors perished because of them."

Yao Yin added, "If it’s true, the thing you mentioned is probably... a demon owl! This creature loves to kill indiscriminately; once it targets someone, escape is nearly impossible. But... if it’s true, how did we survive?"

Li Xian said, "Even Martial Artists struggle against such a beast. If we join forces, are we still doomed?" Yao Yin replied, "But if we face it alone, none of my Martial Arts moves can contend with the demon owl. Only veteran Martial Artists, with decades or even centuries of experience, possess the strength and techniques to withstand it. Even together, we might not stand a chance."

Yao Yin patted her chest and said, "Perhaps you’re just overthinking it. No matter, we’re finally back, so let’s not dwell on it. Let’s go home!"

Back in Jade City, standing in the bustling streets, the vibrant life is captivating.

Li Xian embraced himself and sighed, "The serene mountains, favored by hermits. The lively market, enjoyed by the common folk. I, Li Xian, am indeed quite ordinary, for I love both the grandeur of mountains and the hustle of the world. Truly fickle."

Li Xian and Yao Yin traveled together for days and grew quite familiar. Yao Yin, feeling sticky after two days without a bath, wanted to rid herself of the mixed scents of hair, body, and sweat, which, although not unpleasant, were bothersome.

She clasped her sword and cupped her hand in salute, "Li Xian, we’ll part ways here. I’ll fulfill my promise to you. Let’s stay in touch in the future."

Li Xian laughed, "Let’s keep in touch!"

They parted ways in the street. Yao Yin needed to return to her clan and document her observations and experiences for the Yao Clan elders to review. Whether true or false would be evident. If confirmed, Yao Yin could soon achieve "Mud Body," gaining a respectable status. Later, she could assist Li Xian in registering as a Yu Person.

Li Xian returned to the Miaoyi Pavilion. All the doctors were surprised, mistaken in thinking Li Xian had already left the pavilion, and began gossiping. Liu San, who greatly admired Li Xian’s medical skills, took the initiative to inquire about the situation. Li Xian responded with a smile and headed upstairs to find Yao Baishun.

After recounting the experience, Yao Baishun smiled and stroked his beard, already aware and not blaming Li Xian, only suggesting he rest for three days to regain energy before practicing medicine again. As Li Xian left, Yao Baishun suddenly remembered something and called him back, "Oh yes, you missed this while you were away. Because you took leave for several days, you missed some shifts and only have the base pay for this month."

He handed over a brocade bag containing one tael of silver. Li Xian paused for a moment before accepting it, lightly weighing it in his hand. Yao Baishun chuckled, "Accompanying that girl must have been tiring. Despite her outstanding talent, she’s quite spoiled and surely needed your care. This silver may not be much, but you can spend it leisurely and enjoy what Jade City has to offer." Li Xian thanked him respectfully, went to his shared room, and after a bath, collapsed onto the bed.

It was now evening, with smoke curling up from the neighborhood. Shops were closing, and children played and laughed.

Li Xian looked through the window, quietly savoring the leisure of the evening.

"Regarding becoming a Yu Person, I’ve done all I can. My encounter with Yao Yin was brief, and I don’t truly know her character. If she doesn’t help, or if other matters arise, the matter may end here. It’s hard to predict. Asking for help is a matter of luck; if it fails, I’ll find another way. No need to dwell on it too much. Master Yao’s advice is sound; with this spare time, I might explore the city, broaden my horizons, and discover more opportunities."

"According to Yao Yin, there are many chances to get a free meal in Jade City. Even if it’s just a few sips of Essence Soup for strengthening through consumption, it would be beneficial."

Having sorted his thoughts, Li Xian drifted into a light nap. With a Pure Yang Body full of Qi Power, he recovered his strength in just half an hour. By then, night had fallen, and despite the distant glow of Jade City’s lights, his courtyard was incredibly quiet, leaving him with a sense of loneliness.

Li Xian, having drifted for so long, was naturally tenacious, but in such a scene, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of melancholy, which soon dissipated.

He splashed cold Clear Water on his face, invigorating his spirit, grabbed a wooden spear, and began diligently practicing Martial Arts.

The outside world was ever-changing, but it could not shake his resolve. The tougher the road ahead, the more fiercely he wielded the spear.

He practiced Broken Demon Spear, Setting Sun Bloodsword, Finger-Flashing Golden Light, Only I have a Heart Skill... training each, then switched to practicing "Magic Dao Golden Light," quickly exhausting his energy to temper his body.

Next to his courtyard was an herb garden. Living here had its advantages. Apothecary apprentices cultivated medicinal herbs, and in the processes of drying and preparing them, residue like roots and leaves with medicinal properties were often discarded. Li Xian could collect these to make medicinal baths for the body, using his medical knowledge and past teachings from Wen Caishang.