Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

The Qi Lake underwent a qualitative change, surging like waves.

The thirty-two zhang lake body had rosy clouds rising, the lake waves boiling, vitality rippling, and strange sights appearing, as if there were blazing sunlight shining and moonlight pouring.

Li Xian executed a palm technique, with the power of "Jade Palm" penetrating out through the palm. The mist spiraled in the air, lingering and forming a vortex of vapor.

The Qi comes from the martial arts, which in turn are drawn from the heavens and earth. Thus, as the Qi Lake undergoes a qualitative change, the inner Qi remains in heaven and earth for a longer time, allowing for more mysterious transformations.

Progress in the martial arts is gratifying.

"I wonder if I am stronger or weaker now compared to the prodigies of the Prefecture City?"

Li Xian struck several palms in succession, with sounds echoing, and couldn't help but question himself, but shortly after, he was relieved. If stronger, then stronger; if weaker, then strive to catch up. No matter how many prodigies emerge, he remains composed and confident.

Practiced until midnight.

After washing up, returned to his room to rest. Although the side room was small, it was fully furnished and decorated.

Madam was in seclusion and unable to move. With no one above him, Li Xian naturally felt relaxed. He sat on a bamboo chair, gently rocking. Enjoying the breeze, he read various miscellaneous books earnestly.

If feeling tired, he would close his eyes and sleep.

...

In the tower. Madam Wen was already wearing the silkworm clothes, practicing extraordinary inner cultivation, her realm progressing slowly. Looking down from the tower, she could see Li Xian performing sword dances, graceful and chic.

"The martial arts are vast, and talent cannot be easily generalized. But Li Xian's progress in both Jade Palm and Setting Sun Bloodsword is remarkable. He is quite intelligent and naturally diligent, rarely slack."

With nothing else to do, Madam Wen watched with great interest. Once Li Xian retired to his room to rest and was out of sight, she calmed her mind and focused on her inner cultivation.

"If nothing unexpected happens, I will soon break through in the Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique. Once I step into the Sixth Layer, my strength will indeed increase. But inevitably, I will become more deeply entangled..."

"This extraordinary technique truly makes me both love and hate it."

Thinking of this, her face flushed slightly.

...

...

The next day.

Before dawn, Li Xian had already returned to Qingning. The roads were sparsely populated, with only a few baozi shops open. Passing by one such shop, a basket of meat buns had just been steamed.

Li Xian bought a few taels, returned to the Martial Captain Hall.

Before even entering, the sounds of "Hu," "Ha," "He" could be heard, mixed with Luo Xia's cursing. Li Xian chuckled to himself: "Luo Xia is quite pretty, but her temperament is really fierce. I, this Military Officer, am truly inept, being absent every other day. Surely she's worried."

After securing the horse's reins, he walked into the hall. Upon hearing the commotion, the constables immediately turned to look. Seeing it was the Military Officer, they greeted him, then returned to their martial training. But after a moment, they vaguely felt something was off, and separately looked back, puzzled once more.

Yet, they couldn't pinpoint exactly what was different and silently wondered:

"It's only been a few days, and although the Military Officer's appearance hasn't changed, how does he look so... significantly different, even more handsome than before? His demeanor seems even more refined."

Luo Xia yelled, "Anyone who dares to look around will get my iron whip. You all continue training, why are you gawking if it doesn't concern you?"

The constables didn't dare to speak; the only one daring to call the Military Officer "unconcerned people" was the Vice Martial Captain. Luo Xia, efficient and decisive, tall and slender, approached with arms crossed, curiously asking, "Haven't seen you for over ten days, did you sneak an Immortal Pill?"

"Pretty much," Li Xian replied with a smile.

Luo Xia teased, "Why didn't you bring some of that good stuff for me to try?"

After a few casual exchanges, they found a stone pavilion to sit. Along the way, Luo Xia occasionally shouted instructions to ensure the constables focused on their martial training.

"By the way..." Luo Xia said, "Are you going to attend that prodigy tower feast?"

"You know about this?" Li Xian asked, "I haven't mentioned it to anyone."

Luo Xia's eyes were already looking elsewhere, commanding the constables to maintain orderly formations. Her strong demeanor had organized the constables efficiently, swelling their numbers to fifty.

After a while, Luo Xia finally responded, "You don't need to say, the entire Qingning County already knows."

"Being away for over ten days, you're unaware of the changes in the county. The news of the prodigy tower feast has spread all over. There are now rumors that you don't dare to attend, only bullying the weak. Faced with a true expert, you might just run away, unable to avoid it."

"The rumors are extremely harsh, obviously someone deliberately incited them to provoke you into attending, to deal with you. It's no doubt the work of the Cao Family."

"Are you provoked?"

Li Xian said, "What fame could be more important than my life? I won't be provoked."

"That's good," Luo Xia slightly relaxed.

Li Xian continued, "But I truly have to attend this tower feast."

"You just said you wouldn't be provoked?" Luo Xia was speechless.

Li Xian said, "The Madam wants to go, how can I do otherwise?"

Luo Xia patted Li Xian's shoulder, encouraging, "Quite the good fortune, enjoy yourself well." Just then, she spotted a constable working slackly, highly non-compliant. She quickly walked over, kicked him down, and loudly scolded. The constable hurriedly got up and corrected his posture.

After chatting for a quarter of an hour, once Li Xian learned the current state of the city and saw how busy Luo Xia was, he didn't interrupt further, returning to the inner courtyard to prepare for today's practice.

After finishing the meat bun, he immediately executed two sets of "Four Directions Fist" and "Clear Wind Leg" to loosen his muscles and bones, circulate his blood and Qi, and boost his spirit. Then moved on to the main course, with chest drumming thunder sound, his fingers striking like lightning.

Skill level +1

Skill level +1

Focusing on diligent practice, with Thunder Ore as a supplement, the Thunderbolt Finger progressed rapidly.

After such arduous practice for several hours, he progressed from [Mastery] to [Minor Achievement].

[Thunderbolt Finger]

[Skill Level: 15/3000 Minor Achievement]

The Four Thunderbolt Finger techniques are killing moves: Thunder Shock, Thunderous, Thunder Shock, and Thunderbolt. The techniques are simple, designed to kill the enemy with a single finger. Li Xian first practiced "Thunder Shock", and with Minor Achievement in martial arts, he was already able to perform it effortlessly.

Thunderous, Thunder Shock, and Thunderbolt... he has also dabbled in these three techniques. Each is mysterious in its own way, all based on the "Chest Drum Thunder Sound".

"With the arrival of the Prodigy Banquet, I need to strive to practice the Thunderbolt Finger to Great Success. Although it is not stronger than the Setting Sun Bloodsword, as a trump card and supreme skill, it is more than adequate. Moreover, once achieving great success, the techniques can be integrated and change endlessly."

"When facing an enemy, incorporating the four killing moves of the Thunderbolt Finger into other techniques is extremely formidable."

Li Xian's numerous achievements: Iron Copper Body, Eighty-One Forged Bones and Tendons, Spine Like a Divine Mountain, Thunderbolt Finger, and various martial arts, can all enhance physical Qi power.

Coupled with his naturally strong muscles and bones, Power of the Heavy Pupils, and Perfect Strange Phenomenon... Li Xian is still inexperienced and unaware of their full weight.

Time passed.

Li Xian strove daily, amassing '600' skill level points daily, aided by the Thunder Stone, and by the seventh day of the tenth month, he had reached the Great Success Realm in the Thunderbolt Finger.

[Thunderbolt Finger]

[Skill Level: 15/10000 Great Success]

He comprehended the [Thunder Listening] trait, enabling him to hear the rolling thunder and know where the lightning strikes.

After that, he continued practicing the Thunderbolt Finger, advancing side by side with the Setting Sun Bloodsword. The progress of the Setting Sun Bloodsword was rapid, with medicated baths and harmonizing becoming more frequent, as he lived close by Madam.

Li Xian often inquired about the essentials of swordsmanship. Although the Yin Sword that Madam practiced was difficult to instruct, Madam's martial arts understanding was profound, and her suggestions were often very helpful.

Such are the factors.

The first layer had reached perfection, the second layer reached [Great Success], revealing the initial landscape of martial arts.

Seeing the Yin Yang Immortal Companions harmoniously together, dancing with the longsword, roaming the world with joy, Li Xian found enlightenment in the initial landscape, his mind stirred, and the next day, when harmonizing with Madam, he couldn't help but recall that scene.

Madam, influenced by the mental realm, felt immense joy, as if in a dream, her mind stirred. She was truly an extraordinary genius, grasping the inspiration, with the sword's sound humming, as the day and night alternated, at the division of Yin and Yang, the sword enriched with Yin and Yang brilliance, refining both their bodies.

Immensely beneficial.

The power of Yin and Yang in the world far surpasses medicated baths. It can smooth the wear and tear of years, preserving beauty, and enhancing an immortal's grace.

Li Xian asked, "Madam, since you have the Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique, why do you value this swordsmanship so much?"

"Superior martial arts are inherently hard to find. This swordsmanship, when harmonized, its power exceeds superior swordsmanship," Madam Wen said. "What is truly rare about this swordsmanship is that it touches upon the principle of Yin and Yang, a great opportunity. Your comprehension is shallow, so naturally, you don't understand."

Madam Wen saw that Li Xian had already achieved great success in the second layer and could practice the third layer. Although the moves in the third layer are strong, they are rather straightforward, and during harmonization, complete emotional harmony and great joy are necessary. When emotions are intense and the sword reaches its peak, furthermore..., therein lies the Seven-day Pass and the Hundred-Day Pass.

Although these matters are inevitable in time, Madam Wen wanted to wait a bit longer.

Thus, she instructed Li Xian to continue diligently practicing swordsmanship without neglect.

A few more days passed, and once again, the manor began to brew essence food. Madam Wen said, "The Food Essence Realm cannot be rushed. It will happen naturally at the right time."

She instructed Li Xian to consume two grams every two days, maintaining this pace.

[Food Essence]

[Skill Level: 48/100]

...

In the blink of an eye, it was the twelfth of October, the eve of entering the prefecture city.

Qingning County.

Li Xian thought of the long journey ahead, which would take over ten days round trip to the prefecture city. The night before departure, he held a grand feast, inviting the constables of the Martial Captain Hall to enjoy a joyous binge at the inn.

He spent lavishly.

The table was filled with a mountain of delicious delicacies, over a dozen exquisite dishes. The aroma spread far and wide, whetting the appetite.

"Martial Captain, we wish you success in winning the title!" The constables raised their drinks and celebrated.

"What's so great about the prefecture city? Let them see how formidable our Martial Captain is."

Everyone enjoyed the lively conversation.

Luo Xia, in high spirits, ordered strong liquor from the waiter, wanting to compete with Li Xian in drinking. Numerous times defeated, countless times fought back, yet it didn't take long before he was drunk on the floor, unconscious.

At the banquet, everyone was unrestrained. They spoke freely, ate freely, drank freely.

Everyone drank boldly, the table full of delicacies, eating gleefully. After three rounds of drinks, Li Xian felt slightly intoxicated as he observed his many brothers, who fought life and death beside him, loyally. Suddenly he thought, "In this way, I have established my own small realm here in Qingning County. But..."

He looked out at the bright moon through the window, at the vast sky, filled with countless stars and endless wonders, and thought, "Soon, I'll meet Xiaofan, and the prefecture city... Is it a broader world?"

"Although Madam accompanies me on this journey, I must still be cautious. The prefecture city is Cao Family territory; open attacks are easier to avoid than hidden ones."

His thoughts churned.

Li Xian felt excitement, anxiety... every meticulous feeling was present. Suddenly feeling somewhat restless, he wandered about to soothe himself and went back to visit the old house.

Luo Xia, though appointed as Vice Martial Captain, still lived at the old house and often visited to see the Liu Wang couple.

The old house was clean and tidy, the thatched roof had been renovated.

...

...

The next day.

In front of Yihetang Manor.

Madam's long hair was styled in an updo, with three silver hairpins inserted sideways, and pearls hung down from the hairpins. Her beauty was stunning, and her accessories were numerous. Ear and neck adornments were tastefully arranged.

Li Xian supported her hand, had prepared the horse stool in advance, and lifted the carriage curtain, attending to everything meticulously. Madam Wen nodded slightly, the jade beads clinked softly, and she sat inside the carriage. A voice came out, "Let's set off."

Li Xian, holding the reins, shouted aloud. The exotic horse "Baiyun" took to the wind beneath its hooves, and they set forth along the official road toward the prefecture city.