Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

With a rainbow draped over his shoulder, a stunning phenomenon. Li Xian sat cross-legged, feeling enlightened.

A martial artist drinking heavenly essence and eating earthly splendor, physical advancement is not merely about brute strength. If it were so, it would be more straightforward to practice horizontal martial arts for strengthening bone and muscle.

Instead, it is about the body's tendency towards the universe, interacting with the heavens and the earth. Thus, unleashing various mysteries, breaking barriers, and extending life. Achieving true rebirth.

Li Xian entered the state of "With a Rainbow Draped Over the Shoulder," his physique, strength, and spirit greatly strengthened. But this was not the main point.

"With a Rainbow Draped Over the Shoulder" is characterized by "dissolving without assimilation."

Retaining the essence of heaven and earth within the body, yet unable to assimilate it. The essence dissipates slowly, buried within the blood and musculature.

When a martial artist circulates their qi and blood, stretches their limbs, and practices martial arts in battle, the flowing blood drives out the heavenly essence from deep within.

When it distorts natural light, naturally there will be a rainbow phenomenon.

Li Xian carefully felt his own transformation, beginning to understand the path of cultivation.

His heart surged with excitement; he seized the moment. Immediately, he grabbed the saber handle, swung it horizontally in the air, stirring a wave of qi.

This was a move from the Daluo Saber Technique, named "Horizontal Sweep," though it should rightly be "Sweeping the Eight Directions," likely renamed to avoid taboos related to a certain saber technique.

Li Xian advanced a step, turned his body, and slashed again. The perfect saber technique returned to its essence, utterly flawless. Yet, it still fell slightly short of achieving peak mastery.

He was enveloped by a rainbow, his saber light intersecting, the interplay of light and shadow captivating his audience, demonstrating astonishing might.

[Daluo Saber Technique, skill level +2]

[Daluo Saber Technique, skill level +2]

After entering the "Essence Food" realm, a martial artist truly interacts with the essence of martial arts. Among the myriad martial arts, only the "Essence Food" martial artists can manifest effects.

The higher the martial arts, the more apparent it becomes.

[Jade Palm, skill level +3]

Li Xian integrated the saber with his palm, the qi flowed naturally, the transition seamless and flawless, which was rare. In combat, changeovers are most feared. An opponent fears unexpected moves, which can catch one off guard. The practitioner also fears their own changeovers, exposing vulnerabilities.

With seamless transition of the two moves, martial arts unfold naturally. The ability to change moves flexibly already gives one the upper hand.

Yet, Li Xian's shoulders gleamed with radiance, his palm's meaning profound. When executed, it subtly resonated with the universe, not only creating a magnificent momentum but also displaying an astonishing phenomenon, with mist swirling around.

Once the palm technique concludes.

Dewdrops accumulate on the grass and leaves in the courtyard.

It has grown increasingly formidable.

"Now that my Daluo Saber is perfect, the distance to the 'Fifteen Feet' Qi Lake is neither far nor near."

"If I add another entry martial art, it should suffice. Although Xu Liefeng is disabled and not as strong as before, he cannot be underestimated."

"He doesn't dare resent Madam, and will certainly vent his anger on me. In a month, our fierce battle will surely be a fight to the death. I must quickly enhance my strength!"

Li Xian put away his joy and adjusted his mindset.

...

...

Qingning County.

A woman on horseback, slowly traversing the street.

She wore black clothing, a black bamboo hat, with a black veil draping down, hiding her features.

Although her face was unseen, her aura was unmistakable. Walking along the street, she stood out starkly, reminiscent of a crane among chickens.

A jade belt wrapped around her waist, hanging a sachet, tied with a jade pendant. Her feet were clad in finely crafted animal skin boots, embroidered with golden phoenix patterns.

Lin Aoshan glanced around, seeing Qingning County's modest scene, feeling somewhat disappointed.

"This tiny and impoverished Qingning County, as a Heavenly Patrol Marquis, I often wander far and wide. Such poverty is indeed rare."

Lin Aoshan entered "Red Candle Street."

There she saw towering buildings on both sides, bustling shops, and a flow of people. Many wore exquisite clothing, somewhat dignified.

This slightly alleviated her disappointment. Barely satisfactory. She looked around leisurely, glancing at bustling shops without stopping.

Until she reached the gate of the Lin Mansion, she gave a "huh," stopping her horse.

"Summon Lin Guolong," Lin Aoshan instructed the gate constable.

"Who are you, to dare call the County Magistrate by name!" the constable retorted.

Lin Aoshan replied, "I'm his grandmother."

The constable was furious, working under the County Magistrate, yet this person disregarded even the County Magistrate. How could she regard them? He immediately called his brethren to surround her.

Fortunately, Lin Guolong was returning from the government office, recognized Lin Aoshan, and rushed to greet her, exclaiming joyously, "Good granny, you've finally come." Delight and surprise were evident in his demeanor.

The constables widened their eyes, even without seeing her face, judging by her figure, she couldn't possibly be old.

"You dogs with low sight, go receive twenty strokes!" Lin Guolong berated them, leading the "good granny" inside the mansion.

Lin Aoshan, with a good temperament, didn't pursue the matter. If she said another word, these constables would scarcely survive.

"Good granny, I received word days ago, saying you'd visit. I've waited long, and today, my wish is fulfilled," Lin Guolong flattered.

"Refer to me by my title outside, as Marquis Xuan," Lin Aoshan said as she entered the main hall, removing her hat and placing her saber by her side.

Her red lips like cherries, elegant eyebrows, long hair braided into a high ponytail, exuding heroic spirit.

"Did you capture two thousand captives recently?" Lin Aoshan asked directly.

"Indeed," Lin Guolong replied proudly.

"This matter is hard to explain in a letter, recount it thoroughly before me," Lin Aoshan showed interest.

"Sure, have some tea first." Lin Guolong offered tea, clearing his throat before explaining the entire process.

However, this time, he spoke truthfully, detailing the city defense and maneuvers against the Yellow Dragon Army…

Each mention of "Li Xian" was full of genuine admiration, praising him as truly talented, unparalleled, young and well-versed in martial arts.

Lin Aoshan nodded slightly upon hearing this.

"Not bad, not bad… Unexpectedly, this barren Qingning County harbors such a young man." Lin Aoshan's eyes sparkled. Though not yet met, his guts to challenge enemy generals was undoubtedly impressive.

"Eliminating an enemy general merits military honor. Where is this young man, for due recognition and reward?"

Turning to Lin Guolong, "You defended the city gates valiantly, deserving merit. I've reported this to the Celestial Patrol Bureau. Perhaps… you might be transferred to the Prefecture City."

Lin Guolong was overjoyed at the words.

The Celestial Patrol Bureau is a special agency answering only to the current Emperor, responsible for overseeing the realm and martial world, with the power to nominate positions.

Although young, Lin Aoshan holds a high rank within the family, serving as a Heavenly Patrol Marquis.

If involved, her opinion could decisively influence rewards and honors.

...

...

Days passed.

[Skill Level +2]

[Skill Level +1]

[Setting Sun Bloodsword·First Layer]

[Skill Level: 5816/6000 Minor Achievement]

Li Xian devoted himself to his cultivation, diligently honing his martial arts. The Setting Sun Bloodsword was nearing Great Success, and he would soon ascend even without the "Dual Swords Unite".

"Eating, nurturing, practicing, and soaking—these activities run through a martial artist's life. Each discipline is profoundly deep."

"Currently, I have no worry about [Essence Treasure], as there are still plenty left in the Heaven-Hiding Box, and consuming a portion daily is sufficient for me to enter the Food Essence Realm."

"However... regarding elixirs, I'll have to find a way myself. The elixirs in the Leisure Pill Pavilion are prepared by the madam for the Nursing Home, not much use for me. If I want truly good pills, I need to purchase them from outside."

Li Xian sheathed his longsword, exhaled warm breath, and after calming his breath, he took a gram of Essence Treasure as the madam had instructed.

[You consumed Secondary Essence Meat, Skill Level +29]

[Skill: Consumption]

[Skill Level: 450/2000 Minor Achievement]

[Description: Anything ingested has a beneficial effect increased by fifty percent, and a detrimental effect decreased by twenty percent.]

A gram of Essence Treasure Meat, upon entering the stomach, released twenty strands of essence. The beneficial effect increased to thirty strands, most of which refined the body and dissipated into the world.

Only four or five strands remained within the body.

Dissolving into the flesh and blood, hidden deep within.

The shoulder glowed with a distinct radiance.

A faint drumming sound emerged from the chest, nearing the "Chest Drum Thunder Sound."

He had thoroughly purified his body, and the characteristics of the Food Essence Realm would gradually appear.

Ninety percent of the hundred-step journey had been completed. The remaining ten steps were the simplest. It required only perseverance and normal progression.

The monotony of intense practice inevitably brought frustration.

Li Xian donned his clothes and strolled around the estate. He climbed a hilltop and lay on the slope to enjoy the breeze.

It was now July.

The peak of summer brought out venomous insects. As soon as Li Xian lay down, mosquitoes started to bite. He had a flash of inspiration, and a faint rumble of thunder emerged from his chest.

Sure enough, it drove away the pests.

Li Xian clenched his right hand into a fist and struck his chest again. A "thud" resounded, aided by external force, he barely managed to create the "Chest Drum Thunder Sound," causing the surrounding cicadas to fall silent, wild rabbits to falter, and birds to land...

The Chest Drum Thunder Sound naturally suppressed these small creatures.

Lying on the grass, Li Xian felt quite relaxed. He glanced at the Jingxin Tower; the madam had been in the tower for days, cultivating.

He dared not use "Heavy Pupils" to spy. During his previous observation, the madam had already noticed. If it happened again, she certainly wouldn't tolerate it.

"If my [Heavy Pupils] were exposed, given the madam's nature, it wouldn't make her happy," Li Xian thought, aware of his place.

He looked around.

The sun blazed down, and many nursing home members were cooling off under the trees. Due to the Yellow Dragon Army incident, many staff had died, with a host of new faces joining.

At that moment, Ding Hu rushed towards the Commander's Courtyard.

"Commander Li, Commander Li, someone is looking for you outside the estate," Ding Hu shouted, seeing no one in the courtyard, calling out to others to help find him.

Li Xian descended the hill, appearing beside Ding Hu, "Who seeks me?"

"You'll see once you go," Ding Hu replied.

Outside the estate.

As soon as Li Xian stepped out, he saw crowds ahead.

Lin Guolong, wearing official robes, approached. Behind him were numerous constables, county residents, and some landowning families.

"Commander Li, congratulations," Lin Guolong greeted, clasping his hands.

Li Xian furrowed his brow, "What is there to congratulate?"

Lin Guolong replied, "You might not know; due to your merits in pacifying the unrest, the Court has reported through the Celestial Patrol Bureau, awarding you a banner as well as the post of Grade Eight Earth Official and Qingning Martial Captain."

Li Xian was momentarily stunned. Though not a soldier, his background was clean. Killing the rebellious military leaders was indeed a significant achievement. However, the corrupt court layers often stripped away credits, making it rare for honors to reach one's hands, something he hadn't expected, treating the matter as forgotten.

He was unaware.

In typical cases, the achievements were diluted through layers and managing to reach Lin Guolong was already rare.

But Lin Guolong belonged to the impoverished forest clan. The Lin family was not weak; Lin Aoshan was directly facing the Sovereign as part of the "Celestial Patrol Bureau." With her patrolling and recommending, the credit was secured.

Li Xian's mind raced, glancing at the Jingxin Tower, preparing words to refuse.

Suddenly, a voice echoed, "It's okay to accept."

It was the madam's Qi Condensation and Sound Transmission.

Li Xian hesitated but spoke, "In that case, I shall accept."

"Ha ha ha, well said, well said, from now on we are colleagues!"

"I ask Brother Li to look after me."

"I have already set up a feast at 'Immortal Dream Tower' in the county, come with us to the city. With a new official post, naturally, the county folks should see what you look like."

Lin Guolong laughed, gesturing, as servants brought a white horse adorned with red silk.

And a set of tailor-made clothes.

The "Grade Eight Earth Official" Martial Officer rank was for military officials, handling local Jianghu affairs and apprehending Jianghu criminals. The authority wasn't extremely large or small, depending entirely on one's capabilities.

If one could maintain order, they could even overshadow the County Magistrate.

Li Xian said, "Please wait for a moment!"

"Understood, understood," Lin Guolong smiled, watching Li Xian's retreating figure, sighing, indeed a shallow pond cannot trap a true dragon, as storms come, it would soar into the sky.

Once upon a time, upon his master's order, he introduced Li Xian, promoting him from B-class Nursing Home staff to Commander. And now, in such a short time, he could even attain an official rank.

Even with his family's protection, he was only a Grade Seven Earth Official.

Li Xian approached the Jingxin Tower.

Madam Wen's voice echoed, "You're young; go out and experience more, all for the best."

"Just remember not to forget your primary duty."

Li Xian responded, "Thank you, madam!"

Inside the Jingxin Tower, Madam Wen had her calculations: "No matter how vast the skies you traverse, ultimately, it's mine. This young man is gaining momentum; if I try to tightly bind him, it will backfire. Letting him go, occasionally reminding him with force, enticing him with beauty, will naturally humble him."

"Besides, if he's a worthless fool, what's the point of keeping him around? Let him explore, and if he truly achieves something, I'll hold him in higher esteem."

The madam always weighed pros and cons meticulously.

Her voice floated down, "Go ahead and don't bring shame to me. Play with the martial officer role as you like, but don't prioritize one over the other."