Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King

Chapter 682: Chapter 359: Jade Girl Appears, Geniuses Surround the Island, Gifts of Corpses and Words—What Ranran Bestows!

The elders shared the same sentiment. After a round of discussion, they chose "Zhou Zhengde" as the leader. With his deep experience and abundant knowledge, Zhou Zhengde inspired everyone, boosting morale with his eloquent speech, silently earning the elders’ admiration.

Zhou Zhengde sighed: "This position should have been Elder Ye’s, yet it falls upon me, Mr. Zhou, to grab fame, and it is... truly embarrassing. But what’s done is done, and I, Mr. Zhou, must adopt a demeanor to not let down everyone’s expectations."

Ye Cheng smiled and said: "Elder Zhou truly deserves the title, please go ahead." Zhou Zhengde, with hands behind his back, said gravely: "Since ancient times, every time there’s chaos, it’s always about stabilizing internally first before dealing with external issues. Although our Flower Cage Sect cannot be called turbulent, the corrosion within the organization is ultimately harmful to morale. Among us, there are some elders, who have already started developing thoughts of retreat, selfishly seeking their survival and disregarding the safety of their peers."

Wang Shouxin secretly cursed. He was equally eloquent as Zhou Zhengde, because he wanted to conceal and not report information; he dared not compete for the leadership. Zhou Zhengde laughed: "I hereby issue the first order, from today onwards, anyone with the position of elder must arrive at this residence at dawn daily to discuss important matters, come rain or shine, without exception. Otherwise, it’ll be considered desertion, and severe punishment will follow."

Li Xian thought to himself: "This Zhou Zhengde appears old, but he is indeed experienced in handling matters. The elders are not virtuous; they’re greedy, lecherous, cunning, and cowardly. If not gathered, they’ll each start harboring various thoughts, scattering morale, turning us into a pile of loose sand." Soaking in the experience.

Zhou Zhengde added: "Additionally, disciples with flower marks and order holding disciples need to be formally registered and arranged meticulously. Those with flower marks shall practice the array in the open space southwest of the island, staying vigilant against any formidable enemies. The order holding disciples... will take wooden boats off the island to patrol the lake."

"Though the fog outside the island is thick, if we just connect one boat to another with ropes, we can ensure no disorientation. In this manner, if the island is attacked by enemies, we can foresee it in advance and be well prepared. With the advantage of our location and people... we’ll ensure the enemy comes and never returns!"

The elders responded in unison: "Elder Zhou’s arrangements are sound, we have no objections!"

With the order issued, the island was abuzz. During the night, watchtowers were quickly erected all around the island. Ordinary order holding disciples tied boats with ropes and ventured into the deep lake to monitor the situation within it. Torches were placed around the water altar, illuminating the night with sleepless vigilance.

Li Xian, as a prospective elder, was both inexperienced and held a unique position. Since he remained silent, the elders found it difficult to delegate tasks to him. Stealing some leisure time, he hurried back to the Cyan Ox Residence to inform Nangong Liuli about the happenings at the gathering, curiously inquiring about the "Jingyao Divine Bird".$

Nangong Liuli was surprised, then said: "The Jingyao Divine Bird is rumored to reside in the Nine Heavens, overlooking the mortal realm with pride. It’s a bird of pure purity, with each feather being a rare treasure. Its clear call dispels illusions, and its wings can summon a gust."

"I’ve heard the elders of the family talking about this bird, saying it surveys the mortal world and selects the favored ones as masters. If acknowledged by it, one’s fortune will blossom, enjoying heavenly protection, with all things aligning with their wishes. It’s truly rare and classified as a ’rare divine creature.’ Though Daoxuan Mountain’s Jade Girls enjoy great renown in the Jianghu, this is the first time such a divine bird has acknowledged anyone as its master. But this divine bird only approaches the Jade Girls, and I rarely come into contact with it, only catching glimpses. Thus, my knowledge is ultimately limited."

"Unexpectedly, it appeared here."

Li Xian laughed: "Sister Liuli, since they came seeking it, this might be a great opportunity for you. If the water altar is breached, you’ll regain your freedom."

Nangong Liuli’s emotions turned complex, she shook her head and sighed: "I... I..." Her gaze drifted into the distance, and she then said: "If rescued, why don’t you come back to the Nangong family with me?"

Li Xian laughed: "Why should I go back to the Nangong family, I’m not a descendant of the Nangong family." Nangong Liuli said: "You... you..." Her face turned rosy.

Li Xian laughed: "Could it be that Sister Liuli wants me to marry in? Now that would require serious consideration." Nangong Liuli, utterly shy, turned her head away and retorted: "Silly brother, who wants you to marry in? It’s more than enough to give you a guard position. You’re dreaming."

Li Xian replied leisurely: "If I’m not allowed to marry in and become an esteemed husband, perhaps marrying a few concubines, then I might as well roam the world. Being a guard is quite boring."

Nangong Liuli waved her delicate fists, wrinkled her nose, and said proudly: "You cheeky thing. Even if you’re allowed to marry in, you’d need to change your surname to Nangong, becoming Nangong Immortal, essentially marrying me instead of marrying anyone else. You still want concubines? You would be my concubine. On the contrary, I could keep several handsome men, to scold and release my steam on you."

Li Xian retorted: "Alright, in such a lousy deal, I won’t marry in then." Nangong Liuli laughed: "That’s why I’m offering you the guard position, not to treat you poorly." Li Xian laughed: "But if as a guard, I have an affair with the direct descendant lady like you, wouldn’t that violate the rules?"

Nangong Liuli shamefully punched him, saying: "You cheeky brother, how can you talk like that, having an affair, how vile." Li Xian laughed: "Alright, alright, I said it wrong, not an affair, but more than one affair." Or many, an unsustainable amount."

Nangong Liuli pinched the sensitive flesh around Li Xian’s waist hard, saying shyly: "Cheeky brother, you cheeky mouth." Li Xian laughed: "Alright then, I won’t let you go," he attacked her sides with alternating hands.

The two joked around for a while, laughter flowing around. Nangong Liuli surrendered begging for mercy, tidying her gown, her expression became complex again, revealing her true feelings: "Li Xian, it’s joyous if we get rescued, but I have this intuition. Even if we are saved, the coming days might never be as carefree as today."

Li Xian drew her close, laughing: "Could it be that Sister Liuli, enduring my teasing and reprimanding on the surface, is actually happy inside?" Nangong Liuli, the remark hitting home, annoyed, said: "If you keep saying nonsense, see if I will even respond next time."