Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Chapter 681: Chapter 359: The Jade Girl Arrives, Heroes Surround the Island, Delivering Corpses and Words, Gifts from Ranran

Jingyao Divine Bird, suddenly appearing at the Water Altar. Flitting up and down, mysterious and unfathomable. Li Xian looked up and watched as the divine bird disappeared into the clouds and mist. His gaze followed it closely, observing the bird’s posture, thinking: "What a magnificent divine bird, truly extraordinary. It just perched on the eaves, and the entire residence seemed ethereal, as if a fairy dwelling. Its master must be even more remarkable; what kind of fortune must one have to earn the favor of such a divine bird to be its master?"

Ye Cheng performed the "Picking Flowers and Leaves Hand," grabbing through the air. The letter seemed to be controlled and flew into his palm. As he looked at the handwriting on it, his expression suddenly changed, sneering: "Such an arrogant little girl!"

Wang Shouxin, Zhou Zhengde, Zhang Kaixuan... and others all wanted to examine the letter. Upon seeing its contents, their expressions changed drastically; the letter was passed around, finally landing in Li Xian’s hands. His sharp eyes had already noticed the content as the letter fell, and now he examined the handwriting closely.

Li Xian caught a faint fragrance, discerning the handwriting as if recognizing a person, deeply skillful and knowledgeable. Though it lacked immense depth to embrace everything, nor had the unique refined talent, it had a natural sublimity that was outstanding.

The strokes were like a blade, the words piercing deeply into the heart.

Li Xian secretly compared, thinking: "This girl’s calligraphy skill far surpasses mine. I need to strive harder, and cannot be complacent. Just now I heard an elder mentioning ’Jingyao Divine Bird’ and ’Zhao Ranran.’ I wonder what circumstances these are; I must listen carefully."

Han Zisha said: "Elder Di, just now you were extremely anxious; what exactly is going on? Please explain!" Di Yidao sipped his tea to calm himself and said: "This Jingyao Divine Bird... I once saw from afar, it is the pet bird of the Daoxuan Mountain Jade Girl Zhao Ranran."

Zhang Kaixuan said: "Even if it’s a pet bird, it’s just a bit strange-looking. Why make such a fuss with a name like ’Jingyao Divine Bird’ to scare people."

Ye Cheng said: "No, no. The Jingyao Divine Bird really is a propitious beast, an auspicious beast. Records show that the last time a divine bird appeared and chose a master was during the Great Yu period. Throughout vast history, those who can be recognized by this bird are invariably people of great fortune and ability, destined to be significant figures."

Han Zisha jeered: "Elder Ye, why should you bolster others while diminishing your own spirit."

Ye Cheng smiled without speaking.

Zhou Zhengde said: "The divine bird delivered a letter, aiming to defeat the Flower Thief. Though the divine bird is the pet bird of the Daoxuan Mountain Jade Girl, it doesn’t necessarily mean she is personally coming?"

Di Yidao sighed: "If that were the case, it would certainly be good. But I’m afraid the hope is slim; the Jingyao Divine Bird only obeys her orders, very proud. No one else can command it."

The elders clamored: "What shall we do?" "If this were usual times, any Jade Girl or Mystic Girl dared to come, we’d capture them all without fear. But..." "Indeed, the Treasure Tripod has just rotted, Chief Shi, Vice Envoy Yan, and Golden Guide have all disappeared without reason. Why at this moment... a Jade Girl came?" "Could it be that the Water Altar’s luck has run out, hence the continuous misfortune?" "I think so, that divine bird is so formidable, probably that Jade Girl is even more extraordinary. The Treasure Tripod rotting is already a forewarning."

...

...

Ye Cheng furrowed his brows, hearing the discussions, thinking the rotted Treasure Tripod is indeed a bad omen, but if panic spread, the situation would only worsen. He spoke sternly: "Everyone, please listen to Ye’s words."

Ye Cheng said: "The Water Stone Treasure Tripod rotting is indeed distressing. But if we judge based on this, that our Flower Cage Sect is doomed to collapse, isn’t it too unfounded? Besides, Chief Shi must be purchasing a Treasure Tripod. Once the Treasure Tripod returns, won’t this imply that our Flower Cage Sect not only won’t collapse but will rise to a higher level?"

"That Zhao Ranran, relying on the divine bird to deliver a letter and threaten, seems to be showing off, but actually, it’s extremely foolish. Her behavior is like alerting enemies, making us wary in advance. Even if she breaks into the Water Altar, we set up an Array, if she dares to come, we’ll dare to capture her. Hahaha, then catch that Jade Girl and see how Daoxuan Mountain reacts."

"Moreover, speaking again, the divine bird could enter the Water Altar by looking down from the high sky. As for the Jade Girl and her myriad, they can’t fly into the sky or escape to the ground; our various obstacles, the chaotic streams, fog, stone forest... how could she enter? Our Water Altar is ever-present, not child’s play, how could a little girl break it easily?"

The elders heard the words, gradually finding peace. Zhou Zhengde said: "Right, the tripod destroyed and people scattered is ultimately just rumors. We’ve been heroes, faced countless dangers, all passed safely, how could a mere rumor scare us easily. Though the tripod is damaged, besides this, our Water Altar remains peaceful, the elders and disciples are numerous and powerful. We recently recruited ’Li Xian’ as a beginner, shining brightly, with great momentum. Isn’t this the sign of prosperity? Why do we only see the bad and not the good?"

His voice was firm and powerful, and the people spoke one after another: "Elder Zhou’s words are indeed true, we are foolish to trust rumors, causing panic, truly laughable." "There isn’t any certainty in the world. A forewarning doesn’t necessarily come true. The tripod is ruined, then we’ll seek another tripod." "Correct, Brother Wang’s words are reasonable. There’s nothing absolute in the world, the tripod is lost, but it doesn’t mean our Water Altar will be destroyed." "If not for Elder Zhou and Elder Ye’s reminders, we would indeed be fooled by that little girl’s threats."

The crowd laughed and talked, feeling comforted. The atmosphere slightly eased. Ye Cheng knew the calamities together would never be passed easily, but he smiled: "The elders are indeed rare outstanding figures, remaining composed even when faced with calamity. Ye admires you, please have some tea."

The elders drank tea in succession. Ye Cheng continued: "Though it’s so, we still need to take it seriously, make precautions in advance." Wang Shouxin nodded: "Elder Ye’s words are reasonable!"

Elder Meng Han said: "With Chief Shi absent, we’re like a dragon without a head. Why not select someone to manage the Water Altar temporarily, organize defense matters? During this period, we’ll all follow their arrangements."