Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

"What a superb shot!" Luo Xia exclaimed spontaneously, her eyes full of admiration. Li Xian remained neither humble nor arrogant, casually responding as he rode his horse over to the old man.

Four arrows fired in succession, piercing through his abdomen, chest, and skull with deadly precision and swift ferocity. The old man was pinned to a tree; blood dripped down the arrow shafts. His eyes were wide open, filled with unwillingness, his legs twitching on the ground, already lifeless.

For caution, Li Xian channeled his qi once more and added a palm strike. It shattered his internal organs, and the old man died instantly. Li Xian still did not approach and waited a moment until he was sure the man was completely dead before he began to search the body.

"Heaven-Hiding Box?"

A pleasant surprise indeed, as the old man's chest garment concealed a box, the lid carved with "round," and the box body with "square." Round symbolizing heaven, square symbolizing earth.

In this world, they believed in a round heaven and a square earth, vast and boundless. Despite Li Xian's two lifetimes of experience, he would not claim otherwise.

The Essence Meat inside had been completely consumed, but its scent lingered.

This box could hold five grams of Essence Meat. Roughly the size of two fingers, making it very convenient to conceal. It could be hidden in the sleeve or chest without leaving a trace.

This item was precious, and Li Xian kept it for his own use, searching once more...

This old man had a strange habit, fond of collecting children's toe bones. Once polished smooth and jade-like, he would make necklaces to wear.

Besides that, there were no other items. Li Xian pondered, "This old man wasn't weak, his possessions should have been rich. I was even hoping to find some martial arts knowledge."

He quickly figured it out. He himself possessed considerable martial arts knowledge, but martial arts secret manuals, essential doctrines, and practice methods were all memorized in his mind. They were generally not carried closely.

Zhang Hou said, "Sir, a cave has been discovered to the west! It seems like it was the old man's residence. But..." At this point, he felt like vomiting, and had to strongly channel his inner qi to suppress it.

Li Xian said, "Take me there to see."

Passing through the dense forest, a cave indeed appeared. Luo Xia was also present; Li Xian asked, "What's the situation?" Noticing all the constables nearby looked pained.

"You'll understand once you go in," Luo Xia calmly replied.

The cave was pitch black, piled high with white bones. In the depths, there was a large pot, the soup steaming with heat, and a fire beneath it. The pot reeked of a foul stench, a mixture of blood and spices.

Li Xian took a single whiff and immediately held his breath, stepping back half a step. The scene within the pot was even more horrifying.

Several children's corpses bobbed to the surface.

Li Xian furrowed his brows, turned his gaze away, and discovered a bed in the corner. Beneath the bed was a book, recording the old man's experiences in consuming children.

It turned out this person had an evil and eccentric preference. He liked devouring children, and as he indulged over a long period, his wicked habits only grew. He even concocted various recipes.

The records in the book were utterly cruel, unbearable to look at directly.

The old man created several dishes, like child head meat, boiling-hot children..., shaving the "ingredients" clean of hair, drenching them in hot oil. Listening to their wails transform into silence...

It was shocking enough to send shivers down one's spine.

Furious, Li Xian thought, "It seems she died too easily!" He tossed the recipe into the fire, burning it quickly.

After another search, beneath the bed lay a correspondence letter.

He found further clues, learning that the old man had committed numerous crimes but was shielded by the Cao Family, who washed away his crimes. He was already a midwife in Qingtian Heavenly City, holding a semi-official position, recording the births of infants every year.

"The Cao Family is truly abhorrent," Li Xian cursed. The Cao Family knew of the old man's preferences and deliberately appointed her as a "midwife." With a few infants, the Essence-Eating Martial Artist was recruited.

"Sir, what should be done here?"

Zhang Hou asked.

Li Xian said, "Burn it all down. Zhang Hou, check around the nearby villages, and see if any children have gone missing."

"For the families of the missing children, inform them of the whole story, and... take a portion of the reward money from the bounty to distribute to them as comfort. Any objections?"

"Your compassion is something we could only hope for," Zhang Hou said.

The remaining constables, along with some skilled members of various factions, all nodded and said, "We leave it to you, Sir."

"Alright!" Li Xian declared loudly, "Then it's decided this way!"

The raging fire consumed the sins. Luo Xia watched Li Xian and said, "You truly have the demeanor of a great general."

Li Xian paused, "Why say that?"

"It's not surprising to discipline an army with strictness. But to govern an army with benevolence, that is as difficult as ascending to heaven." Luo Xia pointed to the constables and said, "Your Martial Captain Hall's constables are already loyal and devoted. But half of them here are also from local factions."

"They admire you, and it seems they wish to serve under you."

"In military affairs, using harsh military laws to restrain troops is a common method. Only with strict military orders do troops have combat strength. Compassion only disperses the army's integrity. But you can both display compassion and gain sincere loyalty. That is truly rare."

Luo Xia said, "If you were to join the military, you'd surely achieve greatness." Her eyes shone as she added, "Consider it?"

Li Xian shrugged, "I have no such aspirations, no need to consider."

He looked at the rising black smoke and said slowly, "My ambition lies in traveling the world and enjoying life. Battlefields of slaughter, I wish to avoid."

Luo Xia laughed, "That is true. Throughout history, military leaders have been domineering and fierce. You might have the talent, but surely wouldn't love the battlefield."

"But speaking of which, if you wish to travel the world, why not act? Is it because you're clinging to the power of a Martial Officer?"

Li Xian said, "This Martial Officer position is as light as a feather to me."

"Then why..." Luo Xia asked, "What other reason stops you from leaving? Have you found a woman you love?"

Li Xian lightly coughed twice, changing the subject. There was indeed another reason: he had accepted favors from the lady of the house, who kept a tight rein on him. It was beyond his control.

The formidable Martial Officer also has hardships that are difficult to express.

This concludes the matter.

The sky is already dark, and there's still some distance to Qingning County. Li Xian changes direction, heads to Huangyu City, books more than ten rooms at an inn, and stays for the night.

At night, Li Xian uses his own money to host a banquet at the "Jade Immortal Tower," entertaining the brothers.

Luo Xia is also present. She boldly orders two jars of "Fierce Bear Wine." This wine is extremely potent, making one drunk with just a taste, and leaves one dizzy, ultimately unconscious.

Luo Xia holds the wine jar, drinking heartily, showing unrestrained boldness not a bit inferior to that of men. The constables exclaim, "Sister Luo is impressive!" "Sister Luo is impressive!"

"Useless!" Luo Xia scolds, "A bunch of useless people, can't outdrink even a woman like me."

Everyone's face looks awkward. Li Xian feels a bit annoyed too, being restrained by his wife, having no freedom, feeling stifled, and unwilling to be suppressed by women again, says, "Hmph, I haven't drunk before, but I still want to compete with you in drinking!"

He orders another jar of Fierce Bear Wine. Pulling off the seal, he takes big gulps. The liquor is spicy as it enters, burning the heart, liver, and lungs. Li Xian grimaces at the initial mouthful of this fiery drink.

However, relying on his [Consumption] skill, he quickly adapts. Luo Xia puts one foot on the table, saying boldly, "Good lad, you are the first who dares to compete in drinking with me. Since it started, don't surrender!"

Li Xian, filled with enthusiasm, eager to eliminate evil, is further spurred by the drink. Blending enthusiasm, bravado, and chivalry, he laughs, "Bring it on, I, as a great man, shouldn't be afraid of you!"

"I won't stop until you're down!" Luo Xia feels challenged. Holding the jar with one hand, she takes a huge swig and says, "Your turn."

Unwilling to be outdone, Li Xian also drinks fiercely from his jar.

Gulp after gulp, back and forth. It is his first time competing in drinking, and it unexpectedly brings a unique joy.

Bystanders from other gangs and martial halls chime in cheers, offering support. As the two get engrossed in the contest, the rest of the tavern guests turn their gaze towards them.

With the [Consumption] skill, Li Xian has an unfair advantage. Seeing Luo Xia getting dizzy yet persisting, Li Xian quickly says, "Alright, you win. I can't drink anymore."

"I... I told... you..." Luo Xia mutters, "you can't... outdrink... me..." She closes her eyes, falling asleep, snoring.

Li Xian chuckles. By this time, the banquet is nearing its end.

A skilled member of the Snake Walking Sect suddenly stands up and says, "Officer Li, after working with you this time, I truly admire you! Here, I toast to you!"

He drains his cup. Li Xian returns the toast, also draining his bowl.

"Officer Li, look at my skills. Can I join your Martial Captain Hall? This year, I've just graduated from Xiongpi Martial Arts Hall. Honestly, following you feels very secure, even in death."

A burly man speaks openly.

In a time of chaos, acting with benevolence always garners followers. Most people drift through life without a better choice.

Insects hide, Red Copper Sect... they commit crimes against innocent people. Being in such organizations, one might partake in such acts without feeling guilty.

Everywhere is numb, everywhere lacks compassion. Why overthink and bring more troubles? Despite inner reluctance, one drifts along.

But if someone appears, earning awe through might, winning admiration through spirit, instilling fear through dominance; a person decisive and compassionate yet not deviating from righteousness...

They stand vividly before everyone, offering an alternative for the future.

There's undoubtedly someone willing to leave the turbulent currents and swear loyalty.

Li Xian says with a smile, "Joining my Martial Captain Hall means obeying regulations."

"No problem, I've already checked them out!" The burly man beams with joy.

The others are moved and intrigued, some expressing their intentions immediately, while others remain observant.

...

...

Qingning County.

Li Xian fulfills his promise, giving fifteen pieces of silver to Luo Xia. Luo Xia acknowledges, feeling unhappy over losing the drinking contest last night and is now tired.

She returns to her room and snores away after receiving the money.

The Martial Captain Hall hunts "Red List criminals," taking heads, forefingers, and big toes as tokens. After submitting to the Celestial Patrol Bureau, they can wait a few months for payment.

Among the ten on the Red List, Li Xian has killed six. The "tokens" are wrapped in preservative "Camphor Leaves," which prevent decay and stench. They have not been reported to the Celestial Patrol Bureau yet.

Li Xian thinks, "I wonder where that Lin Family grandmother went. If I meet her, giving her these tokens might bypass the middlemen and yield more reward."

The heads of the six criminals stockpile in the warehouse. Knowing that funds won't arrive for months, Li Xian decides to advance some silver from his own pocket for the brothers as compensation.

[Daluo Saber Technique]

[Skill Level: 16/50000 Peak]

Success follows hard work.

Li Xian gains another martial art at "Peak" level, with vigorous Inner Qi growing to nineteen feet. Strength robust, adding another accomplishment.

[Your Four Directions Fist, Clear Wind Leg, Jade Palm, and Daluo Saber Technique have all reached Peak.]

[Through this understanding, you realize the "Essentials of Basic Martial Arts," increasing the speed of learning basic martial arts.]

[With a million martial-training experiences, martial intent pure, a wisp of True Martial Intent condenses again.]