Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

The treasure pearl was about the size of a fingertip joint, round and smooth, like jade but not jade, like fat but not fat, feeling slippery and cool to the touch. The sensation was very special.

Placed in the palm, the jade glow was lush and beautiful to behold.

This world is vast, containing "treasures and strange objects" with endless marvelous uses. Whether one can acquire them depends on destiny. Li Xian asked Miao Xichun, and this item was obtained by chance from a colorful giant clam.

When Miao Xichun first acquired this treasure, its use was not tested before its whereabouts were leaked, causing disputes and forcing him to hand it over reluctantly.

Li Xian thought, "I am ignorant and have shallow knowledge, possessing treasures yet not knowing their function. Regardless, I should try to ponder it."

With a flash of inspiration, he channeled Inner Qi into the treasure pearl.

The glow of the pearl indeed intensified greatly, illuminating the whole room. But emitting light was definitely not its true use; Li Xian paced back and forth, thinking again.

"That's it, I have the Tiger Saliva Stone, that thing is also considered half a treasure and strange object. Could this item have a similar effect?"

Li Xian was suddenly struck with a brilliant idea.

The Tiger Saliva Stone, when soaked in cold water and used for drinking, could strengthen Qi-Blood and calm the mind for better sleep. But Li Xian's Qi-Blood was already abundant, even surpassing that of tigers and leopards. The Tiger Saliva Stone had become useless, gradually forgotten.

Heavenly wonders are classified into "ordinary mundane objects," "treasures and strange objects," and "rare divine objects."

Similar to alchemical items.

Though possessing strange effects, the Tiger Saliva Stone was only classified as "ordinary mundane objects." Limited by his knowledge, Li Xian still considered it as half a treasure and strange object.

He immediately fetched a bowl of water.

He placed the jade pearl in the bowl and observed closely… yet there was no change in the water quality, clearly different from the "Tiger Saliva Stone."

"Well, I'll ponder it slowly," Li Xian felt greatly disappointed and was about to give up.

Just at that moment, he suddenly noticed something unusual. Although there was no change in the water quality, tiny bubbles were emerging around the jade pearl. Difficult to detect, Li Xian's keen eyesight barely caught a glimpse.

Li Xian uttered a soft "Hmm," immediately drank the water. He felt the changes in his body; aside from a soothing coolness, the heat within dissipated slightly, with no other sensation.

"Could it be…" Li Xian's mind was sharp, and already noticed the clue, thinking broadly: "Miao Xichun said this was obtained from within a clam, therefore related to water. I placed it in water, and bubbles emerged, perhaps it is oxygen."

He immediately walked out of the room.

In the southeastern corner of the inner courtyard, there was an abandoned water jar filled with moss, smelling foul. With Jade Palm, he lightly tapped the jar's wall.

The moss on the inside was shaken down completely, yet the jar remained undamaged. Finally, he cleaned it with water and filled it with cold water again.

Li Xian placed the "jade pearl" in his mouth, under his tongue. He submerged his head in the water jar.

The water enveloped his head and body, cutting off oxygen.

Li Xian felt coolness throughout his body, the oppressive feeling of the water gradually faded. Instead, it felt as if he was riding the wind, free and unrestrained, indescribably joyful.

The jade pearl continuously provided energy.

Li Xian did not need to breathe and could stay underwater for a long time.

It turned out this was the rare "Jade Water Pearl," with rare magical properties, allowing one to stay underwater for a long time, like a fish beast in the water.

"Keeping this, it might have miraculous effects in the future!" Li Xian spat out the Jade Water Pearl and carefully stored it away.

That evening.

He returned to Yihetang Manor.

Excited by the accidental treasure, he saw the water lake beside the house and was eager to try it. He put the Jade Water Pearl in his mouth, under his tongue, and jumped into the water.

The lake water was a deep green.

Li Xian opened his eyes and swam freely in the water. After holding the Jade Water Pearl in his mouth, his swimming skill actually improved. A gentle stroke of his hand resulted in a distance spanning several meters.

He stayed for half an hour without needing to breathe.

Only then did he feel satisfied, quietly slipped back into the courtyard.

...

...

The next day.

The sky was clear.

The three sects and two factions kept their word, each sending fifty taels of silver. After this event, the Military Officer firmly established his footing.

Even those who were dissatisfied dared not speak out.

Fifty taels of silver was actually not much. From what Li Xian knew, a martial school apprentice needed to pay a hundred taels of silver annually for tuition fees.

Those gangs extorted the people, their shops, halls, and various businesses were numerous. Each was rich with wealth flowing.

The townsfolk had all heard of the happenings from the previous day. Praise was endless, and Li Xian, unconsciously, had gained considerable fame.

The remaining small schools and factions, fearful of offending Li Xian, all followed suit by offering silver, signaling their submission.

In future, they would look to the Military Officer as their leader.

Adding it all up, he had five hundred taels of silver. The first thing Li Xian did was to "recruit soldiers and buy horses."

He expanded the team of constables, filled the positions in the Martial Captain Hall, recruited chief clerks, accountants... and so on.

With such arrangements, the Martial Captain Hall officially took shape, looking respectable.

Li Xian set strict regulations. The constables under his command dared not disobey. Li Xian led by example, enduring wind and sun, diligently practicing martial arts. Unintentionally influencing the constables.

Every early morning, before dawn. The outer courtyard of the Martial Captain Hall would echo with "hoo," "ha," and "ha" martial arts noises.

The momentum was unstoppable. As the upper beam is straight, the lower beam is also straight.

The Martial Captain Hall flourished, reaching a peak.

This also created a peculiar phenomenon. Constables from the county government office repeatedly sought information, wanting to transfer to the Martial Captain Hall.

Those serving in the government office had no shortage of bullying commoners but would detour around gang disciples and martial school apprentices, never daring to provoke them.

The Martial Captain Hall was the opposite, specifically targeting gangs, with the esteemed Military Officer presiding, how grand, who wouldn't envy them.

...

...

Li Xian held various positions, moving between manor and county.

Seeing Ding Hu's capabilities were decent, well-informed about the manor's affairs, even surpassing his own.

Feeling quite at ease, he only inquired about things briefly each night, not interfering much. Dedicating more energy to county affairs.

Stepping out from under his wife's palm, carving out a personal space. Of course, this little space was also with his wife's tacit permission. Otherwise, if she clapped her hands, it would all vanish into smoke.

That evening, upon returning to the manor, his wife summoned him.

His wife remained as beautiful as ever, making Li Xian massage her feet, serving through the night.

In the middle of the night, she raised her eyebrows slightly, saying casually, "The silk material is available; I grant you permission to purchase second-grade silk material. If you want it, go to Sangyuan to get it yourself."

Li Xian was overjoyed upon hearing this, and the next morning, he rode to Sangyuan.

Not being engaged in business, he had no concept of wealth. Once involved, he realized how abundant his wife's financial resources were.

There are good and bad silkworms, and there is superior and inferior silk.

The silkworms of the mulberry circle are cultivated by the lady's secret methods, belonging to a rare exotic species. Their silk is tenacious, transparent, and resistant to water and fire. It can be used to make clothes and armor above, and silky clothing and beautiful dresses below.

Even lower-grade silk is offered at a significant price. A single cocoon costs one tael, but the lady, considering Li Xian as one of her own, sells it at a 30% discount due to a lack of silver.

Still costs seven hundred wen coins.

Li Xian, having some wealth, steeled his heart and gritted his teeth. Hundreds of taels were spent to secure plenty of silk materials, and he hired skillful seamstresses to weave them into clothing.

In just a few days, more than four sets of silk clothing were produced. As soon as they were presented, they became extremely popular, attracting the city's wealthy merchants who competed to buy them.

It's known that high-quality materials usually flow to the Prefecture City, directly booked by high-ranking officials and nobility.

They never make it to the market.

Even if one has money, it's hard to purchase them. In this world, wealth is important, but connections are also crucial.

To the lady, these were lower-grade materials, but within Qingning County, they were considered top-notch treasures. The emergence of silk clothing shook Qingning.

The city's landlords, aristocratic families, and gangs all became envious, as if wearing silk clothes made them superior to others. They all competed to buy at high prices.

The final four pieces of silk clothing were sold out in just one day, earning three hundred taels of silver after subtracting the cost of silk materials.

The pity is... silk is not easily obtainable every day.

Li Xian, as a "Martial Captain," suppressed gangs and martial arts schools, and now gradually started doing business. In Qingning County, he was considered somewhat of a figure.

With influence in the county, benefits followed in quick succession.

Many small businesses and vendors in Qingning County heard of Li Xian's swift style and bright personality. They came to pay their respects, hoping to register their under-management industries under his name.

From then on, half of the monthly profits would go to Li Xian, only asking for the safety of their livelihoods.

Li Xian thought, "A true man takes some things and not others. My income is considerable, so I will not take their livelihood money."

He explained clearly to those merchants.

...

...

And so it went.

Li Xian, while running his business, also practiced martial arts.

More than ten days passed.

On this day, he reviewed the account book.

The operating funds for the Martial Captain Hall were entirely his responsibility. Including wages for skilled and unskilled workers, forty-plus taels were needed each month.

The clothing shop's operations were back on track. With funds available, expensive fabrics and silk were introduced. Many skilled seamstresses were under his command, responsible for cutting, weaving, embroidery... and many other tasks.

These also required funds to maintain.

In this way, Li Xian could independently manage everything, and many people relied on him for their livelihood.

Li Xian was also happy to help out.

Aside from maintaining the "Martial Captain Hall" and the "clothing shop" operations, Li Xian had accumulated five hundred taels of usable silver on hand.

At this rate, considering the management fees paid by various groups and factions, seven hundred taels of silver could be accounted for each month.

Li Xian closed the account book, feeling sentimental: "In my past, I never dared to dream of today's prosperity. I once sold myself into servitude for five hundred wen, but now I make seven hundred taels of silver a month."

"However... strength is necessary for survival. The more I learn, the more danger I face! Only by continuously making progress and practicing can I leave danger behind and ensure longevity!"

Martial Captain Hall.

In the depths of the inner courtyard.

Li Xian emptied his mind and began practicing martial arts. The inner courtyard was serene and secluded, with the sound of knives and swords being wielded.

Li Xian moved gracefully, wielding the Daluo Saber Technique with one hand. The saber technique reached perfection, leaving no weak points.

For basic martial arts, minor achievement depends on effort, great success depends on comprehension, perfection depends on talent, and reaching the peak is a matter of fate.

The saber's wind blew gently, creating strange sounds like music, which was quite pleasing to the ears. When Li Xian's interest rose, he felt that merely wielding the saber was monotonous. With a swift turn, he effortlessly drew a fine steel sword.

Simultaneously executing two martial arts styles.

[Daluo Saber Technique]

[Skill Level: 4150/10000 Perfection]

[Setting Sun Bloodsword]

[Skill Level: 5123/12000 Great Success]

Mastery in both sword and saber, the saber technique was bold and sweeping, the swordsmanship intense and imposing.

Once his enthusiasm was fully expressed, he sheathed the sword and saber.

Li Xian took a deep breath, suppressing the boiling yang qi.

"The Setting Sun Bloodsword, a superior swordsmanship, holds many mysteries. It is beyond my comprehension. The lady taught me this swordsmanship, making me constantly endure the burning of yang. Now, my sword skills are getting better, but the yang fire inside accumulates and is hard to dissipate."

"Only by seeking her Dual Swords Unite can I continue practicing. Otherwise, the burning will harm my body."

"I've been busy making money recently, neglecting the martial arts practice. Today's good weather and spare time make it a good opportunity to practice this martial art!"

He wiped away the sweat and sat on a stone bench in the courtyard. From his arms, he took out a book.

The cover was tenacious, made of some kind of animal skin, with a soil-colored hue, named "Iron Copper Body."

The martial arts trading place in Qingning County is called "Hundred Martial Tower."

It holds many martial arts.

After acquiring wealth, Li Xian went to the tower to select martial arts, yet he was a bit disappointed; basic martial arts were odd and varied, a multitude of styles.

They were not as good as in Yihetang Manor.

However, "lower martial arts" were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns, difficult to find a single book.

And... there was a rule in the Hundred Martial Pavilion.

Basic martial arts were usually sold for one hundred taels of silver. Yet, buyers used three hundred taels to purchase them.

The extra two hundred taels would [lock] this martial art.

Only those who later offered more than three hundred taels could buy the martial art.

This raised the threshold, reducing similar martial arts practitioners.

After all, martial arts relate to one's life and death.

As a result, the price of martial arts in the pavilion are highly inflated, quite uneconomical. Only a few of the most common basic martial arts were unlocked, barely sold at normal prices.

...

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