Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Chapter 680: Chapter 358: Jingyao Divine Bird, Jade Girl’s Message, Annihilate All Flower Thieves Within Ten Days!

Zhou Zhengde sneered and said, "The three of you act like this, I’m afraid it’s very improper, isn’t it?" Wang Shouxin said, "What does Brother Zhou mean? I don’t understand."

Zhou Zhengde said, "Hmph! At this point, what are you pretending for? Aren’t you three worried about the corruption of the cauldron and thinking of escaping the island quickly to avoid danger? Hmph, now that the Flower Cage Sect is in an extraordinary period, it’s fine for you to only think of yourselves, but to not report what you know, and coldly watch as we risk ourselves unknowingly, it makes people despise you."

Wang Shouxin said, "Brother Zhou’s words are very strange, the cauldron’s corruption is something we are not aware of at all. Brother Zhou’s accusation truly makes people uneasy." Qiao Zhengqi pretended to be shocked and said, "What! The cauldron is corrupted? Is this true? When we were boiling Essence Food, it was still in perfect condition."

Liu Renyi said, "Pah! Don’t talk nonsense, you want to escape secretly, but it won’t be that easy. Just say the word. Either we all leave together on a boat, or we will expose this matter to everyone."

Wang Shouyi’s expression was difficult, and he was pondering in his heart. This matter is extremely disgraceful, if it spreads, the loss of reputation is minor, but being condemned by all is major. But if they agree to leave on the same boat, with the five elders leaving the island together, it would be hard to justify, and it would make Jin Shichang suspicious. If Jin Shichang knew the five were fleeing from danger, he might not lead them anymore.

This matter is difficult to navigate both before and after, leaving him in a dilemma. Wang Shouyi said, "The three of us have an appointment to duel with a Jianghu hero in Taibai Imperial City. If you two are willing to help, please come and have tea with us."

Liu Renyi and Zhou Zhengde felt disdainful in their hearts, but they cupped their hands and smiled, "Hahaha, since we are fellows of the same sect, if the three brothers have an imminent duel and need help, we naturally have to lend a hand." They entered the pavilion, grabbed the teapot, and drank directly from it.

Wang Shouyi saw Zhou Zhengde and Liu Renyi’s faces full of delight, as if they had taken advantage, and he was unhappy in his heart. He could have left first, but things did not go as he wished. He said lightly, "Although we have an appointment for a duel, whether we can attend as scheduled depends on the goodwill of Messenger Jin. If he does not come, we can only wait in vain."

Liu Renyi was taken aback and asked, "How long have the three brothers been waiting?" Zhang Kaixuan said, "It’s been four or five days. Messenger Jin has important matters and hasn’t been able to keep us waiting. Since you’re here, let’s wait together. It’s too early to talk about the appointment!"

Liu Renyi and Zhou Zhengde received a cold splash of water, their joy vanished. They waited another day, but Jin Shichang never appeared. Wang Shouxin felt hopeless in his heart, enduring for several days, feeling deeply exhausted, unable to leave the island, with fear brewing even more.

As time went by, the matter grew more and more tense. After enduring for another three days, the island’s atmosphere became strange. Even though the elders were not cooking the cauldron, they gradually felt a depressing atmosphere. They saw several elders frequently entering and leaving Jin Shichang’s residence, arousing curiosity and restlessness.

Wang Shouxin knew that trying to escape quietly to avoid disaster was futile. With Yan Hao, Shi Yufei, and Jin Shichang absent, he was even more frantic and at a loss, his heart was in chaos, and he didn’t know what to do.

After much consideration, he took the initiative to inform the others of the cauldron’s corruption and called the elders to the residence for discussion. On the island, there were seventeen elders in total, all gathered to discuss the matter. Li Xian, although a preparatory elder, was also invited to the residence, sitting at a distance.

He remained silent, watching the elders discuss without offering advice or plans. The discussion in the hall was heated, with the elders speculating incessantly. Upon learning of the cauldron’s corruption, everyone was fearful and uneasy.

Li Xian suddenly frowned and looked up at the sky. He saw a black dot rapidly approaching, diving swiftly from above. It landed directly on the eaves where the crowd was gathered.

It was an extraordinarily majestic mysterious bird. Its brow was adorned with vermillion, its feathers were pure and pristine, and its eyes were filled with divinity, looking down on everyone like a deity. Aloof and proud, it stood there.

A small mirror hung on its chest, reflecting the appearances of everyone present.

The hall fell silent instantly, the elders had profound cultivation, yet they were momentarily awed by a strange bird’s presence. An elder named "Di Yilong", after seeing the bird, his expression changed drastically, legs trembling in extreme fear, pointed to the mysterious bird and said, "Ah! Divine... Divine Bird... it’s the legendary Divine Bird: Jingyao Divine Bird!"

Zhou Zhengde was filled with greed and asked, "Divine... Divine Bird? Such a treasure, if we were to capture it, wouldn’t it..."

Di Yilong scolded, "Foolishness!" He exclaimed again, "Impossible... absolutely impossible. This kind of divine bird, if not blessed by heaven, should not be touched. Moreover... moreover this bird already has an owner. Its... its owner is Zhao Ranran, the Jade Girl of Daoxuan Mountain!"

When the crowd heard the name "Zhao Ranran," some were repeatedly exclaiming in astonishment, while others were confused and clueless.

The divine bird looked haughtily at everyone and perched on the eaves, making the residence feel as if a celestial being was present, its aura was instantly extraordinary. Yet, the atmosphere was chilling, and then it suddenly flapped its wings, causing a fierce wind inside the residence, blowing people askew.

With a long cry, the divine bird soared into the sky, leaving only a letter falling in the hall.

The lettering was delicate, likely from a woman, with strong penmanship, elegant as cold plums. The rhythm of the characters vividly alive on the page, each stroke impeccable.

The letter was brief and read: "Within ten days, eliminate the flower thief."