Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King-Chapter 249 - 239: Nine Transformations and Nine Changes, Ascending to Greater Heights

Chapter 249: Chapter 239: Nine Transformations and Nine Changes, Ascending to Greater Heights

Yu Nan Dao’s Huashui Prefecture is renowned for its "Flower" and "Water" dual wonders throughout the world. A kaleidoscope of flowers continually emerges, while winding waterways nourish all living beings.

Traveling the road for dozens of miles. The scenery is apparent halfway up the mountain, with a glance revealing abundant flowers on both sides of the winding waterways. It is March, and Jianghu heroes, court officials and lords, and fortuitous literati... all rush to Huashui Prefecture to admire the rare spectacle.

In the mountains, there is a "Flower Appreciation Pavilion," which contains four stone benches. Outside the pavilion stands a stone monument, inscribed: Set up by the Liu family of Weijiang.

The times were turbulent then, but the aristocratic families managed their livelihoods and controlled surrounding resources, making them exceptionally wealthy. This place is an excellent location for flower watching and scenery appreciation, set up by the aristocratic families for travelers and Jianghu guests... to rest and enjoy the view.

If one possesses Martial Arts and seeks wealth, upon seeing the inscription, they might naturally have a sense of dependence and go to the family for discussions. Thus becoming a client. Therefore, the "stone pavilion" is not genuinely beneficial to the people, but rather intended to "recruit" martial masters and enhance the family’s prestige.

A gentle breeze flows through the stone pavilion. The fragrance of flowers wraps around the nose and fingers, softly drifting, making one’s mind tranquil and distant.

After a long journey, clothes soaked in sweat, they take a break here. The two sit in the pavilion, drinking water and eating dry food. Brother Li gazes out beyond the mountain, his view expansive, he sighs, "How beautiful these wildflowers are, imagine those rare exotic flowers, wouldn’t they be beyond compare?"

Wen Caishang chuckles lightly, beginning to discuss "flower appreciation." How to appreciate flowers, how to observe them, the meanings behind flower names, what is good and what is bad... His broad knowledge makes one admire him. While talking, he mentions a few formidable personalities in Huashui Prefecture who are fond of gardening, but it’s just hearsay, as they have no acquaintance, so he speaks briefly.

After eating and drinking enough, energy replenished. As they are about to set off, Brother Li lays his belongings neatly on the stone table in the pavilion, thinking:

"I carry with me a sword, bow, clothes, water flask, dry food, poison powder, and darts, too cumbersome. It’s quite troublesome, and being so conspicuous on this journey, people can hardly forget with just a glance, a little inquiry and they’ll know my whereabouts. I need a way to simplify."

The narrow blade is forged of fine steel, tough and sharp, with a single edge. Though of uncommon quality, it can be replaced by the "Sinking River Sword." Thus, it is discarded. Brother Li carefully selects and refines surplus water flasks and items... shedding whatever can be shed. If it can’t be shed, then find a way to hide it, ensuring everything is handy.

Afterwards, Brother Li jokingly said, "Oh dear, the heaviest thing can’t be left behind."

Having tidied up, just as the sun is scorching, they wait a little while longer, until the clouds cover the sun, the weather turns cool, then proceed forward. After several miles, their steps are firm without revealing their whereabouts, yet his heart hesitates.

Wen Caishang said very reasonably, although the pursuit has been temporarily escaped, they must not be complacent.

He unfolds the map. Huashui Prefecture is located in the southeast, with "Chongling Prefecture" to the south and "Xiaolong State" to the north. Xiaolong State is in distant observation of "Longxiong Dao," they are near each other.

Brother Li gains a general understanding of the direction of the prefecture and the state. Having no good plan, he continues as he goes.

He re-plans the route, decides to head north, trying to make his tracks elusive. The journey is arduous, traveling for about three days, crossing great mountains and passing small counties, in peace and serenity.

Every day receives massages. Wen Caishang’s wrist can move, her forearm can be slightly raised. This night, the two spend the night in the wilderness, Brother Li muses:

"After escaping the encirclement, we then head north. They didn’t expect it, plus suffering great losses in the sea of flowers, they have yet to recover their Primordial Energy, their messages must be out of reach."

"However... carrying Madam is ultimately eye-catching. In the long run, our whereabouts will inevitably be exposed. Besides... our aim is to return to Yihetang Manor. To borrow the treasures in the manor, heal our injuries, otherwise, we will not fear our enemies. Continually fleeing north, we are actually getting further and further away."

Wen Caishang nodded and said, "Makes sense. What do you want to do?"

Brother Li replied, "We have been fleeing for days, with such a vast world, I presume they are unlikely to find us. Madam... I’ll continue the massages, how long until you can walk?"

Wen Caishang gravely said, "I underestimated the Bone Marrow Stabilizing Finger before! The Finger Force entangles, very firmly. Relying solely on external massages will still require over ten days time. Alas, there’s still residual Brahma Sound in my body."

The two lean against each other, a gentle breeze blows, her fragrance filling the air.

Brother Li uncaps the water flask, drinks a mouthful himself. Then feeds Wen Caishang to drink, Wen Caishang has grown accustomed to it. Brother Li ponders for a while, then says, "That Su Qiuyu suffered a setback and will surely seek aid. At this point, it’s better to stay still than to move. Any movement will leave clues, fear of being hunted down."

"Moreover, I haven’t planned the future route yet. At present... I want to find a place to hide. During this time slowly consider the route, plan the journey, once you can walk, whether entering the city or climbing mountains, it won’t be so conspicuous."

Wen Caishang also thinks it’s reasonable, softly says, "Alright, I’ll follow your lead." Suddenly recalling an old agreement, casting a charming gaze, she teasingly says, "You rascal... are you still thinking about me serving you? Once I can walk, will you avenge me fiercely? Making me call you king, making me serve you willingly."

Brother Li laughed, "Naturally."

"Naughty boy." Wen Caishang scolded charmingly, "If I don’t serve well, will you beat me and scold me?"

Brother Li intentionally said, "Not just that, I’ll bite you, pinch you, scratch you."

Huashui Prefecture is covered with blooming flowers, waterways woven throughout. Brother Li and Wen Caishang are in "Zoushui County," which has many villages under it.

The greatest secrecy is found in the market.

Brother Li arrives at "Harmony Village," a mixed surname village with Wang, Li, Li, and Liu four surnames. Brother Li finds a "Li surname man," using money to bribe him, saying he is a distant relative, migrated here.

Spending money to smooth things over, buying goodwill. Thus, Brother Li rented an abandoned house in "Harmony Village." "Palm-sized," very low. Inside, weeds grow, venomous snakes nest, rats abound.

It was said the homeowner’s family was struck by plague three years ago, the whole family died of illness, leading to its desolation. Brother Li surveys the surroundings, sees a large tree.

His feet touch the ground, leaping into the air. Hugging Wen Caishang tightly in his arms, gently places her upon the tree branch. Wen Caishang’s white dress flutters, sitting atop the high tree branch.

After Li Xian landed, he rolled up his sleeves and immediately got busy. Wen Caishang sat gracefully at a higher spot. Although she concealed her Finger Force, she found it hard to move but still maintained her elegance.

Li Xian eradicated snake nests and pierced rat nests, pulled weeds, and swept dust. With Martial Arts by his side, his Qi Power was abundant, making everything quite easy to accomplish. The abandoned house gradually showed signs of life.

Smoke emerged from the chimney, with the black smoke signaling to others that this house was now inhabited. The ashes from burned firewood, which could absorb water, prevent odor, and kill mold, were evenly sprinkled in the courtyard and smeared on the walls.

Except for the leaking roof, everything was handled thoroughly.

Though small like a sparrow, it had all necessary parts. The earthen and thatched house, though simple and crude, did not feel at all uncomfortable for temporary living.

In front of the door was a river, surrounded by blossoming flowers and sparkling waves. Li Xian approached the old tree by the door, lightly kicked the trunk, and Wen Caishang fell into his embrace.

Li Xian laughed, "Princes, aristocrats, wealthy landlords, and merchants... they all hide beauties in golden houses. Alas, I, Li Xian, have been poor since childhood, and a golden house is out of the question. But fortunately, I can still hide beauty in an earthen house. My lady, you are not aggrieved, are you?"

"You glib tongue," Wen Caishang said.

He hid Wen Caishang in the bedroom. The family of Li Daqin arrived in an ox cart, saying, "Brother Li, we brought the things for you!"

Li Xian settled in "Harmony Village," pretending to be a distant relative of Li Daqin, providing enough for two taels of silver to have him assist with acquiring household items like "pots and pans," "bedding and clothes."

Li Xian stayed upright for a few days, ten days. Many things were actually not used. But to cover his traces and reduce others’ suspicions, he needed to appear settled for the long stay.

Li Daqin said, "Wow, Brother Li, your hands are swift, it hasn’t been long and you’ve tidied up so cleanly. Where’s your wife?"

Li Xian smiled and said, "Ha, that lazy woman is sleeping inside. Thank you, Brother Li, for your help, otherwise my wife and I, newly arrived here, wouldn’t know what to do without a place to stay."

Li Daqin said, "We’re relatives, no need to mention it. Here, move these things into the house. But... there’s something you should know. With no name, no land, or field, it won’t last long. You either bribe the county office to clear land for fields, or look for a big family and become a tenant farmer. Or, if you have a craft, you could tend to others’ flowers and plants."

Li Xian nodded in agreement. He took the pots and pans, bedding, and clothes into the house, watching Li Daqin leave.

The small courtyard of the earthen house, adorned with flowers and clear water... was actually quite stable. Li Xian shed his clothes and jumped into the water to frolic, washing away fatigue, and incidentally catching a few large fish.

He cooked a stew, and the aroma filled the air.

Lighting a candle lamp, he drank fish soup to fill his stomach. Wen Caishang laughed, "Although this place is extremely simple, it’s ultimately stable. It’s completely different from dining in the wind and sleeping in the dew."

Li Xian said, "In the Prefecture City, a few taels of silver aren’t enough for one meal. But here in this village, one tael of silver is enough to settle down. There’s a place to live, clothes to wear, food to eat."

"Indeed," Wen Caishang mused, "I used to have lofty ambitions, aiming for the top. My gaze was always fixed on towering mountains, the single branch that overshadowed the group. However... the common people at the foot of the mountains, the green leaves and weeds beside branches, are also strokes in the vast canvas of heaven and earth."

To climb high and see afar is natural.

To watch frogs at the well also holds its own delight.

Wen Caishang’s eyes shone with unusual brilliance as she gazed at Li Xian, thoughts swirling in her mind: "Without this experience, I would never have gained this understanding. I’ve been lifted by my entire family since childhood, entering the Third Realm before reaching maturity. Li Xian is just the opposite of me, hence... he possesses something I lack. I couldn’t see it before, but now I do. I need to observe him more."

Li Xian practiced martial arts in the courtyard. Referencing the star chart, his figure flashed lightly and nimbly. Wen Caishang was open-minded, intending to teach Li Xian Martial Arts. Yet she feared he might get distracted and neglect their escape.

[Seven Stars Step]

[Skill Level: 1096/1200 Mastery]

Li Xian mobilized his Inner Qi, transforming it into a condensed Qi Ball, distributing it to various acupoints such as Huangting, Danzhong, and tailbone. With each practice, he grew stronger.

When the practice was satisfying, he leaped onto the roof. With another jump, he entered the treetops. Never before was he this light, desiring to roam the world.

That night.

Li Xian achieved a Minor Achievement in ’Seven Stars Step.’ He realized the "Stargazing" trait, allowing him to recover slowly as if in slumber when observing stars.

With ample time, he further practiced "Vast Leg." As enlightenment dawned, his practice became more fluent, naturally reaching Peak.

[Vast Leg]

[Skill Level: 13/60000 Peak]

[Description: You have honed the Leg Technique to Peak. Your foot strength has suddenly increased, and moving is like mist skimming over a lake, elusive and indistinct, realizing the "Fog Step" trait.]

This trait allows travel to be effortless and untraceable.

Li Xian’s Qi Lake reached "sixty-six feet."