Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

This great battle was over in an instant, like a withered twig crushed underfoot. Zhou Long, Iron Bear, Mei Rentu, and Hu Shengnan all wailed in agony, their faces as pale as ashes.

They thought themselves cunning, crafting clever schemes.

Yet they underestimated their opponent, leading to their downfall. They truly brought this on themselves.

Li Xian said, "Ladies and gentlemen, what do you think? How is my strategy? Do you all accept it?"

Iron Bear, who had become blind, was once strong and formidable, dominating the local area. Yet he was truly a "bear with the heart of a mouse." This confrontation made him recognize Li Xian's extraordinary prowess, vastly superior to his own. Fearful, he was the first to submit: "I accept, I accept, Sir Martial Captain, you have the final say."

The others, even if reluctant, could do nothing but comply, their attitudes drastically changed.

"Sir Martial Captain, we were blind and failed to recognize a great figure. If you want this treasure, please take it."

"Yes, indeed, there's no need for such trouble. We came for the treasure intending to give it to you."

"Oh, look at this misunderstanding. It's our fault for not making ourselves clear. We martial artists can be blunt, hope Sir Martial Captain won't mind."

…

This openly devised plan can advance or retreat.

If Li Xian were weak, then it would advance. At best, it could force Li Xian to retreat; at worst, it could cost him his life. If Li Xian were strong, then it would retreat, only discussing the matter of the treasure, without mentioning their intent to target Li Xian.

Li Xian laughed and said, "In that case, there's no time like the present. Since everyone is here, please take a seat, all of you."

"Take a seat?" the others were puzzled.

Li Xian said, "Having been promoted to Martial Captain, I should engage with you all and exercise my office. I thought to host a banquet and invite you to discuss matters together at the table."

"Today's gathering is fortuitous; everyone is present, so let's skip the banquet. But some rules need to be discussed with everyone."

"Sir...Sir Martial Captain, please...please pull out the blade. I am willing to listen to your orders." Hu Shengnan's face was as pale as paper.

She had been pinned to the wall by Black Blade piercing her arm. The pain was unbearable, and several attempts to pull it out revealed its incredible force. Not only did it pierce the wall, but it also seemed to lock onto it.

This ability...was beyond her reach. In martial arts, strength or weakness is apparent in a single fight.

Li Xian smiled. The throw just now had both the cast force of the [Vertical Cloud Hand] and the internal operation of [Jade Palm]'s Inner Qi. The Inner Qi locked into the wall like chaotic threads.

Li Xian withdrew the blade.

Hu Shengnan solidified her blood and closed her apertures, casting a frightened glance at Li Xian, obediently raising a wooden stool, and taking a seat in the hall.

Iron Bear, Zhou Long, Mei Rentu, and others, who dominated Qingning, dared not resist but sat obediently in a row. Though each bore injuries, Li Xian had held back sufficiently to pose no mortal threat.

"Master Miao, you as well," Li Xian said calmly.

Miao Xichun watched the whole event, swallowing hard. Despite it being his own turf, he felt like an outsider.

He sat obediently.

Li Xian was direct, his presence more commanding. Radiating heroic spirit, he spoke: "As Martial Captain, I must establish rules."

"I do not care about the past, only the present, and what the future holds."

"From now on, any rivalry between sects must be reported to me in advance. Do not harm ordinary people, or I will personally come by for a visit."

"Furthermore, from now on, all gangs and sects must restrain their followers and apprentices. Conflicts between factions leading to injuries or deaths are typical, but if they infringe upon ordinary citizens, I'll punish them harshly."

"As for protection fees, apprentice fees...they can be collected, but must be regulated, and collected orderly!"

…

Li Xian established rules one by one. Being a native of Qingning, he grew up experiencing the hardships of its people. Setting these rules came from a grassroots perspective, not mere boastful talk.

These matters affected the interests of various gangs and sects, who naturally disapproved. But under pressure, how could they resist?

With many rules set, Qingning County was now under control.

Li Xian said, "Additionally, the Martial Captain Hall oversees various factions, spending significant manpower and resources. Thus, each martial hall and faction in Qingning County must contribute fifty taels monthly to cover expenses."

The major factions, accustomed to seizing others' wealth, were finally calmed today, unable to voice their grievances despite their dissatisfaction.

"Good!"

"Well said, Brother Li!"

A sudden voice shouted. Lin Guolong jumped over the threshold, saying, "Good granny, watch the step." assisting Lin Aoshan as she entered.

Lin Aoshan said, "I can walk by myself," glaring at him, declining assistance.

Lin Guolong straightened his chest, approached Li Xian, and said, "Brother Li speaks the truth, each sentence for the people, moving me deeply. I, Lin Guolong, stand by you, and the county soldiers do too."

"If needed, just speak to me. Our county soldiers are not to be trifled with!"

The leaders of the factions and martial halls couldn't help but change their expressions. No matter how strong Li Xian was, he was ultimately one man, limited by human capacity. But with the support of the county soldiers, the situation was in hand!

Li Xian smiled and said, "Brother Lin, why have you come?"

Lin Guolong said, "How could I not come for such a significant matter? How is the situation? Do you need my help?"

"No need, everyone is very amiable. We are having a pleasant conversation," Li Xian said with a meaningful smile, turning to Lin Aoshan, "And this is...?"

Lin Guolong introduced her, "This is my grandmother, Lin Aoshan, the distinguished Heavenly Patrol Hou!"

"Greetings to Senior Lin," Li Xian cupped his hands and smiled. "How peculiar, pardon my poor eyesight, but Senior Lin doesn't seem like Brother Lin's grandmother, but rather a heroine in her prime."

Lin Aoshan glanced at Lin Guolong and turned her head, "Your flattering words are quite unfortunate. Hitting the wrong mark; I'm his grandmother, yet just turned twenty this year."

Li Xian exclaimed, "So, not Grandma Lin, but Sister Lin. My mistake, my mistake."

Lin Aoshan had a smile on her face. Observing Li Xian's behavior earlier, she found it intriguing, realizing he wasn't a traditionally rigid person. His ruthless yet domineering style was intriguing. For such a figure to emerge in the little Qingning County was truly unexpected.

"So now you'll call me Sister Lin?" Lin Aoshan chuckled warmly.

Lin Guolong interjected, "No, no. Brother Li, you and I are brothers. Naturally, you should call her grandmother."

"Tsk tsk tsk." Lin Aoshan said, "You little potato, calling me grandmother, I don't mind. But if this tall and handsome Brother Li calls me grandmother, I won't like it."

"Just call me sister, I'm older than you."

"No, no." Lin Guolong looked troubled, "That would be too confusing."

Li Xian laughed and said, "In that case, let's just call as we see fit. Sister Lin, Brother Lin, please come inside to chat."

Spring Leaf Martial Hall.

In the courtyard gazebo.

Lin Aoshan smiled, "I arrived in Qingning several days ago, and was curious about Brother Li, but only met you today."

"Sister Lin, are you disappointed?" Though Li Xian addressed her as "sister" to draw closer, he felt no aversion upon first meeting, yet he had no intention to curry favor, it was just a normal address.

Lin Aoshan did not feel disgusted, and smiled, "Not disappointed, you're even more than I imagined..."

"Less rule-abiding."

Her gaze was somewhat peculiar.

Earlier, when Li Xian forcibly took the treasure, she thought he was a domineering and unruly youngster. Lin Aoshan had seen many such people, it was not unusual.

But later, when Li Xian set the rules, every word and sentence was unexpected, even refreshing.

This was why she couldn't wait to have a chat with Li Xian and truly see him in person.

"Less rule-abiding?" Li Xian was surprised, "But everyone who knows me says I'm honest."

Lin Aoshan chuckled, her smile as radiant as a flower, thinking if you were honest, that would be strange. Who knows how many people you've fooled around. She said seriously, "I'm not going to argue with you about this, being honest or not isn't about what you say, it's about what you do."

"May I ask, sister, if there's any particular reason for your visit?" Li Xian asked.

Lin Aoshan said, "It's actually my little grandson who was afraid of not being able to hold his ground and begged me to come. I didn't come specifically to see you."

Lin Guolong hesitated, not daring to refute.

Li Xian said, "I see." Seeing Lin Aoshan's teacup was empty, he poured another half-full for her.

Lin Aoshan raised her eyebrows slightly, "Speaking of which, you and the Lin family actually have a connection."

"Your younger brother is currently in the prefecture city, and his master, Fu Haoran, has quite a connection with the Lin family."

Li Xian thought, the younger brother might have some connection with the Lin family, but it may not be very deep. Although the Lin family is powerful, there's no need for me to rush to attach myself to them.

So he changed the topic calmly. Lin Aoshan didn't mind and the two chatted about many things, discussing the lake scenery and poetry. Li Xian's conversation was not ordinary, surprisingly aligning well with Lin Aoshan.

Unknowingly, it was evening.

This first meeting was quite harmonious.

They parted at the end of the street at dusk.

Li Xian patted off the dust on his clothes, his day's work delayed due to this trivial matter. He returned to the Martial Captain Hall to diligently practice martial arts.

"Martial Captain, you were so impressive today!"

Zhang Hou was full of admiration.

As soon as he returned to the Martial Captain Hall, he spread tales of his exploits. Truly, he had overpowered three halls and two schools, yet demonstrated control, as if he had strength to spare.

"You all keep practicing well, and you might achieve this one day too," Li Xian encouraged.

Entered the inner courtyard for training.

He practiced Clear Wind Leg, Four Directions Fist, Jade Palm, and Daluo Saber all at once, and then practiced Vertical Cloud Hand and Setting Sun Bloodsword, two martial arts.

Skill level steadily increased.

The Qi Lake had reached fourteen zhang.

"My current martial arts are still too few, mostly basic martial arts. Today's fight during the day, that Iron Bear's Bear Gang Body Technique, truly surprised me."

"If there's a chance, I should also practice new martial arts to expand my own strength. Although I have superior martial arts of Setting Sun Bloodsword, due to the characteristic of the swordsmanship, using it alone, with or without middle-rank, is still uncertain."

"It's a pity... the leisure martial pavilion is not easy to access. The things inside come at a cost. Now that I have some strength and wealth in the county, soon those clans will send money..."

"Maybe, relying on my own abilities, I can get a martial arts manual on my own. No need to ask others!"

Li Xian clenched his fist.

A gleam of light burst from his eyes. Martial artists practice martial arts, though they inevitably leverage situations. But strength and wealth... ultimately need to truly belong to oneself to walk the path long and far.

The sky gradually darkened.

Li Xian instructed Wang Wu to buy some fragrant crispy chicken and duck and get some good wine from the wine alley. Six people drank and ate meat together, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

After eating and drinking to their fill, winning hearts and minds, they enjoyed lively conversation.

After the banquet.

Li Xian returned to his bedroom.

The Martial Captain Hall covered several acres, with many houses. Some buildings were old and in disrepair, already damaged and uninhabitable. Li Xian didn't have the money to repair them, so they remained as they were.

The west wing was relatively intact. Serving as Li Xian's bedroom.

Li Xian closed the doors and windows, took out the [Treasure and Strange Objects] from his embrace, and the azure glow filled the room.

Time to see what kind of rare treasure it is.