Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Li Xian rode a fine horse, leading the way. Behind him was a carriage carrying Madam, followed by a pitch-black coffin.

After entering the city gate.

The townsfolk had rarely seen such a handsome figure. Hearing the sound of hooves, many turned to look.

Someone shouted loudly, "It's Big Brother Li! Big Brother Li has entered the city!"

Amidst a burst of commotion, people gathered along the street, looking on with curiosity, praising him:

"Is this Big Brother Li? Indeed, he is as young and handsome as the rumors say."

"What a majestic presence Li is, like a celestial being descending to the mortal world."

"No wonder he can take the head of an enemy general, and subdue a whole army. His aura is truly different from ordinary people."

"To see such a person is a blessing indeed."

...

Li Xian only then realized the extent of his fame. It was understandable that the townsfolk were excited, but Madam was unpredictable; if she was displeased, innocent lives might be at risk. He glanced at the carriage behind him.

Seeing that Madam made no comment, Li Xian felt slightly relieved, clasped his hands towards the townsfolk and said, "Dear elders and folks, I have important matters to attend to; please make way."

The townsfolk quickly moved aside, their eyes fixed on Li Xian, completely ignoring the conspicuous coffin behind him.

The surrounding was noisy, but Madam Wen was not bothered; if she was not admired, it would seem she had no talent.

Passing through several streets.

Li Xian saw more and more people gathering, helplessly clasped his hands and said, "Everyone, please return to your homes; it's best not to watch the events that follow."

He was humble and courteous, yet did not lose his commanding presence. His shout was neither too soft nor too loud, just right to make the people comply.

Gradually dispersing.

After another street, they arrived at the gate of the Leopard Saber Sect.

The vermilion doors were tightly closed.

Xu Liefeng believed he had left no stone unturned, leaving no flaws. However, with a guilty conscience, the Leopard Saber Sect had recently been closing its doors to guests.

Though the bustling street scene was loudly heard, no disciple came out to investigate.

Li Xian dismounted, knocked hard on the door. The sound was vigorous, resounding into the courtyard.

A disciple of the Leopard Saber Sect was about to open the door when Li Xian kicked it with a force, sending the vermilion door flying several spans, and entered the courtyard directly. Knocking was courtesy first, kicking was force later.

The Leopard Saber Sect gathered instantly, with swords, spears, and staffs, in full array. Xu Liefeng's fourth disciple, "Yang Tong," cursed, "Li Xian, how dare you! Last time my master spared your life, and now you dare to come again!"

Another disciple said, "Don't think you're so great. I tell you, taking the head of an enemy general amidst a thousand troops was just luck. My master could do it too if he wanted!"

"Indeed, you dare to kick the door now, are you courting death?"

The Leopard Saber Sect spoke in unison.

They had heard the street talk, full of discussions about Li Xian's deeds, feeling unspeakably bitter, holding back a grudge in their hearts.

"Enough talk, call your leader Xu Liefeng out, I wish to have a word with him," Li Xian said calmly.

At this moment, dozens of disciples of the Leopard Saber Sect had surrounded Li Xian, despite their bold words and ignoring his deeds, none dared to make a move against him.

"Reckless fool, you will pay the price! No matter how lenient our leader is, this time he won't spare you!" Yang Tong, red-faced, with anger, said.

Li Xian replied with a smile, "That is exactly what I want!"

"Fine! Just you wait!" Angry, Yang Tong went to the backyard.

In the backyard garden.

Xu Liefeng sat cross-legged, facing the wall in meditation. When Yang Tong reached him, he relayed the situation.

Xu Liefeng had already heard the disturbances in the courtyard but was reluctant to appear.

"Leader, please take this youth down to boost the prestige of our Leopard Saber Sect!" Yang Tong knelt and pleaded.

"What is the reason for his visit, do you know?" Xu Liefeng asked cautiously.

Yang Tong replied, "What else for? He's seizing the opportunity to flaunt his strength here! Humph, it's true he beheaded an enemy general, but so what? Can he compare to you, Leader?"

"This youth, young and inexperienced, now acts so high-profile as soon as he gains success. I fear his achievements will end here. Please confront him and make him understand the disparity. Best to break his limbs and crush his martial courage, so he would kneel upon seeing us."

Yang Tong's words were laced with resentment and jealousy. Having lived to half a century in vain, he could not stand the sight of young heroes, thus embellishing his words, fearing Xu Liefeng wouldn't appear.

"I see..." Xu Liefeng stroked his beard, feeling slightly relieved. "This youth is young and impulsive. After making a name, he can't tell north from south. I shall meet him; it should pose no harm."

...

In the outer courtyard.

"Leader!"

"Leader!"

The disciples, upon seeing the leader coming, bowed in respect, standing aside, making ample space.

Xu Liefeng nodded, quite satisfied, glancing sideways, seeing Li Xian coming alone, feeling more assured, with a smile on his face.

With a flick of his sleeve, the disciples beside him understood, brought over a solid red wooden chair, and offered a cup of hot tea.

Xu Liefeng sat grandly, exuding the aura of a grandmaster. After calmly finishing the tea, he coolly said, "Li Xian, last time I spared your life, why come to court death again?"

Li Xian sneered, "Indeed, I have come to meet my death."

Xu Liefeng replied calmly, "You certainly have self-awareness. But since you wish to die, I will not grant you your wish."

"Today, you have broken through my gates and damaged the reputation of the Leopard Saber Sect. Therefore, I will break your legs, so you can crawl back to Yihetang Manor."

"Additionally, take a message back. Inform your lady that I, Xu Liefeng, unaware of her presence in the manor, will personally visit someday to pay my respects and speak of past relations."

He intentionally emphasized the phrase "past relations," intending to remind Li Xian that his lady had ties with their ancestors. Even if he crippled Li Xian, his lady would not trouble him.

Li Xian smiled and said, "Why make it so complicated? My lady is waiting right outside."

"Nonsense! How could your lady..." Xu Liefeng's hair stood on end, filled with fear and anger.

Li Xian leapt over the crowd and landed outside the gate. He called to the carriage, "Madam, I have invited Xu Liefeng out. Please step down."

Madam Wen nodded. "Hmm." She thought to herself, "This young man is quite useful. Xu Liefeng is just a small fry. If I had to invite him myself, it would lower my status."

The more she used him, the more she liked him.

Li Xian took out the Red Jade Horse Stool, lifted the curtain, and helped Madam Wen down. Seeing her appearance, Xu Liefeng was terrified and trembled uncontrollably. The composed demeanor of a grandmaster who could decide life and death vanished in an instant.

His legs trembled uncontrollably.

The disciples of the Leopard Saber Sect, unaware of the hidden truth, were awestruck by Madam Wen's appearance and demeanor. They thought to themselves:

"Such a beautiful woman, with such noble bearing. Serving a woman like this must be a blessing cultivated over ten lifetimes for Li Xian. If I could assist her, even touch her hand, I would die happy."

They all showed dazed expressions.

Liu Mei frowned with great displeasure and waved her sleeve. The disciples' eyes burst, and they went blind instantly.

Li Xian lamented Madam Wen's ruthlessness. As he reached the threshold, he said, "Madam, mind the steps." Madam Wen nodded and stepped lightly over the threshold.

By this time, most of the Leopard Saber Sect disciples were blind, stumbling and moaning on the ground.

Xu Liefeng's face turned from blue to white. Stuttering, he said, "M-Madam, with your esteemed presence... I-I, Xu Liefeng, couldn't greet you... Please forgive me!"

He left his chair with a thud and knelt on the ground, kowtowing.

"It's no matter. I didn't notify you," Madam Wen replied warmly.

"W-What brings Madam here?" Xu Liefeng was drenched in cold sweat.

Madam Wen glanced at Li Xian.

Li Xian understood and carried the coffin into the courtyard.

Seeing the pitch-black coffin, Xu Liefeng shivered, his trousers already wet. "M-M-Madam, surely I... I didn't offend you, did I?"

"If... if I've inadvertently offended you, please, considering past ties, give me a chance to amend my ways."

Madam Wen said, "Li Xian, you explain."

Li Xian said, "Master Xu, if you have forgotten, allow me to remind you. A few days ago, you secretly met with a commander of the Yellow Dragon Army. You intended to use them to cause harm, leading them into Yihetang Manor."

"This incident, you wouldn't have forgotten, would you?"

Xu Liefeng's heart sank. He desperately denied, "Nonsense! Li Xian, despite our grudges, how can you slander me so! You're vicious!"

"Please, Madam, see through this. I've always respected you. Why would I do such a thing? What would I gain? Madam, please don't believe his slander!"

Li Xian laughed, "You must have coveted Madam's martial arts. You meant to use the Yellow Dragon Army to drive her away. Amidst the chaos, acquiring one or two treasures or martial arts from the manor, would hardly be difficult, would it?"

"Nonsense!" Xu Liefeng roared, "Li Xian, I challenge you to a duel!" He surged his inner Qi and launched a powerful palm strike at Li Xian.

This strike was forceful and quick, but Madam Wen caught it with two fingers, gently twisting it. Xu Liefeng trembled, his entire body slowly seeping blood from every pore.

His vitality slowly drained away.

Madam Wen said, "Do you still wish to argue?"

Xu Liefeng dared not move, overwhelmed with terror. With a mere twist of her fingers, Madam Wen had ruptured his veins. Blood flooded into his flesh, yet if he took potent medicine and applied Blood Solidification and Aperture Closure, coupled with the vitality after Rebirth, he might still live.

At the brink of death, a strong will to survive erupted.

Xu Liefeng pleaded, "Madam, this is all baseless claims; you must not believe him! Evidence... y-yes, make him show evidence! If he presents evidence, I am willing to concede. Even if you kill me, I won't complain."

"Evidence?" Madam Wen chuckled, "What a joke. When have I ever needed evidence to doubt someone?"

With a flip of her palm, she drew seven leaves towards her. With a gentle flick of her finger, a leaf flew out, slicing off Xu Liefeng's right hand.

Another flick...

Leaves danced, severing his right leg.

Xu Liefeng wailed for mercy, "Madam, spare me, spare me..."

Madam Wen flicked again, and Xu Liefeng's right eye was cut out.

Xu Liefeng pleaded, "Madam, you can't kill me; you promised the Xu Family! You must keep your word!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Wen indeed paused and discarded the leaves in her palm.

"Since there's a promise, I won't kill you." Madam Wen turned to Li Xian, "You kill him for me."

"I've severed his hand, foot, and eye. Bury these remains in the coffin. Leave this coffin outside; no one may move it."

"In a month, you come to finish him. Ensure he's complete and bury him in the Black Coffin."