Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Chapter 669: Chapter 356: Borrowing Funds to Raise the Cauldron, Cauldron Body Decays, Flower Cage Qi Dissipates? Overturning Upon Return

Li Xian went to find Han Zisha and Ye Cheng to borrow silver taels. He visited them, finding Han Zisha first. Han Zisha was dressed revealingly, charming and captivating, with an air of worldly allure. She smiled gently, her eyebrows drawn and lips painted, voluptuous and seductive, her beautiful legs wrapped in semi-transparent silk stockings, gleaming and smooth like skin—a rare beauty, but truly troublesome.

After Li Xian stated his intentions, she feigned weakness, using every excuse, claiming the difficulties of managing household affairs as a woman. It wasn’t easy to save some money, yet she constantly faced risks of financial ruin. She would lend, but demanded a high price—eyeing the bee farm, the orchard, the Golden Embryo Jade Brew, even wanting Li Xian himself.

She had small wit but lacked great strategy. Knowing Li Xian’s reputation as extraordinary, rising like the midday sun, greatly valued by Chief Shi. Although young, he was capable and resourceful. If they became husband and wife, or intimate lovers, he’d bring her numerous benefits in due time.

Li Xian knew Han Zisha was a parasitic rouge insect, draining others’ nourishment. Li Xian thought: "In this vast world, everyone has their difficulties. These survival tactics are understandable. However, I’m burdened with debts and unresolved entanglements. This alluring beauty is truly beyond my fortune." He laughed, politely declining, and exchanged countless arguments with Han Zisha.

They talked from morning until noon. Han Zisha invited Li Xian to stay for a meal and discuss further over the table. Naturally, as he was borrowing money, he complied. At the table, Han Zisha attempted to seduce him, using tempting words and showcasing her form. Her martial arts aimed not to fight but to entice men, expertly employing her strengths.

Multiple times she changed attire, her alluring appearance constantly shifting, with a subtle fragrance wafting nearby, stirring latent desires. Li Xian steadied his heart, though inevitably spirited, he maintained control, always responding gracefully. Han Zisha felt defeated, thinking: "Alas, men like him... How can they be easily seduced? This boy, handsome and talented, will surely achieve greatness. If only he could be drawn into bed now, many good things would follow. Yet he remains cautious, seeing me as a predator, hard to get hold of." Feeling quite disappointed.

She ultimately decided not to offend Li Xian, thus lending the money but demanded five percent monthly interest, intending to squeeze Li Xian over a meal. Li Xian and Nangong Liuli had anticipated this and agreed, securing two thousand taels of silver.

It was just past noon, with enough time left. Li Xian should have headed directly to "Wanghu Town" to find Ye Cheng, but Han Zisha stirred his anger. So, he diverted back home, heading straight to Cyan Ox Residence to calm down, before seeking Ye Cheng.

Nangong Liuli was washing dishes when unexpectedly interrupted, having to multitask, carelessly breaking quite a few dishes. After resting for half an hour, Li Xian visited Ye Cheng again, stating his purpose. Ye Cheng was refined and cultured, having many beauties at his mansion, he managed them skillfully, and they obeyed him completely, serving him thoroughly.

Ye Cheng happened to have surplus funds, lending two thousand taels, drafting a paper contract, stating four percent monthly interest. Li Xian bowed in thanks, deeply grateful and ready to leave. Ye Cheng was bathing in the pool, surrounded by five beauties, massaging his shoulders and legs... indulging in utmost bliss. The pool was filled with mist, nearby a beauty dressed in light pink gauze played the zither. His interest soared, enthusiastically inviting Li Xian to strip and join him in the pool, offering him a few beauties to attend him.

Li Xian politely declined, escaping the estate, internally musing: "The Flower Cage Sect is overly liberal, truly with more yin than yang. No wonder the sect elders are dispirited, not pursuing martial arts progress. Beauty should be considered a bone-crushing knife, with several knives hanging around each elder, naturally cutting their ambition, ruining their bodies."

"Lessons learned, future warned. I may not resist beauty, but cannot slacken in martial arts. Beauty serves as pastime, martial arts as foundation!"

Suddenly thinking: "I’m not much better myself. Previously I played with my wife, overjoyed and carefree, neglecting martial arts."

At night.

[You spar in martial arts, gaining enemy-facing experience, Broken Demon Spear skill level +1]

In the Cyan Ox Residence courtyard, Li Xian and Nangong Liuli each held a sword, sparring, with remarkable moves, exhibiting flexibility and control, gaining experience. Li Xian’s Setting Sun Bloodsword had achieved "Great Self", thus didn’t display it. He used the sword in place of a spear, practicing the "Broken Demon Spear" technique. Nangong Liuli, skilled herself, wielded the "Thirty-Six Mianmian Swords" in response.

The Broken Demon Spear moved unpredictably, eerie and terrifying, sword moves like ghostly grabs and hits. Suddenly appearing, suddenly attacking, fast and hard to defend. The Thirty-Six Mianmian Swords were light and soft, with thirty-six swords concealing countless variations. Nangong Liuli guarded herself with her sword, finding protection within the eerie spear technique.

Both aimed not to win but to clash styles, hoping for inspiration. Refining martial arts techniques, understanding profound principles. Thus intense, they fought from the south yard to the north yard. Nangong Liuli occasionally called: "Watch the sword, watch the move." Li Xian cheered: "Great sword, wonderful move!"

Li Xian executed an exceptional sword move. Nangong Liuli happily exclaimed: "Little rascal, gaining skills!"

[Skill level +1]

[Skill level +1]

[Broken Demon Spear]

[Skill Level: 17213/35000 Perfection]

The spear technique progressed rapidly. Once both were drenched in sweat, Nangong Liuli, lacking endurance, abandoned her sword and called for a stop. Only then did they return to the stone pavilion for dinner.

Li Xian and Nangong Liuli counted the silver, totaling over four thousand seven hundred taels. More than sufficient to set up a cauldron, both feeling something special for their first time starting. Nangong Liuli said: "It’s strange, why is there suddenly a sense of being in charge?" Li Xian laughed: "For a martial artist, starting a cauldron is like a man coming of age. It’s significant, truly akin to establishing their own household."