Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King-Chapter 390 - 285: Broken Demon Spear Technique, Candle Sect’s Recommendation, Nan Gong’s Peril, Heavy Pupils Terrify Ghosts_3
Li Xian asked, "Why fear a mere scroll of a broken picture?" Yan Hao replied, "The ghostly entity within the picture is called Wang Ghost. The strokes of the painting conceal a chilling ghostly aura. Ordinary people who see the ghostly painting will feel uncomfortable all over, unable to eat or sleep peacefully."
Li Xian thought to himself, "Rumor has it that those with heavy pupils can repel ghosts and deities. Is this why I am not afraid?" He remained silent. Yan Hao continued, "This broken picture has a significant origin. It’s an imitation of the ’Demon Picture,’ but it does capture some true essence. This Residual Demon Map contains martial arts: the Broken Demon Spear technique, which should be of middle level, but due to its incompleteness, it is far inferior to ordinary middle-level arts."
"But the true Demon Spear... is a martial art famed across the land. Even if it’s a broken imitation, placing it among lower martial arts damages its prestige. And... this martial art’s origin directly points to the Candle Sect. Considering everything... it is stored on the third layer."
"Approximately ten taels of merit silver can exchange for it. However, this martial art has a sinister nature. You might guess that although the Broken Demon Spear is incomplete and not authentic, if one has a fortuitous encounter in the future and obtains another part of the map or observes the true ’Demon Picture,’ the martial art could transform radically. Therefore, many discerning elders have used ten taels of merit silver to purchase the Broken Demon Spear."
"Upon seeing the Residual Demon Map, they all turned pale with fright. Among them, some elders, who were brutal and bloodthirsty as if devils themselves, were still scared trembling in their legs. They forcibly cultivated it... and eventually ended up with foolish traits."
"Therefore, this martial art truly incites both love and hate. Although its current efficacy is far inferior to middle-level martial arts, its origin profoundly intrigues, making it unforgettable, and many elders constantly think about it. I truly don’t know how to handle it, so I sealed it in a box to cut off those delusions."
"If ten taels of merit silver are discounted by seventy percent, you can buy it for three taels. It just so happens that I was thinking, is there really such a coincidence in this world? Could it be destiny? I tried to recommend it to you. Hmm... You remained so calm upon first seeing the Residual Demon Map; perhaps you are indeed fated with this spear technique."
Li Xian couldn’t help but consider deeply. He had originally planned to select a sword technique, body technique, and other skills to maximize his strengths. However, with such a significant opportunity suddenly before him, he couldn’t help but reassess the pros and cons. The Residual Demon Map certainly harbors danger, but he possesses a ’Heaven rewards diligence’ life chart, not fearing difficulty in cultivation. Listening to Yan Hao, though the origin of the Residual Demon Map is significant, due to its incomplete state and being an imitation of the ’Demon Picture,’ its effect is classified as lower martial arts, but it should be more powerful than ordinary lower martial arts.
Li Xian pondered:
"The opportunity of the Residual Demon Map is rare, and once missed, it’s hard to obtain again. While lower martial arts like the Snake Intestine Winding Sword and Soft Scale Swimming Body Technique might be encountered in the future. Moreover, the Residual Demon Map is priced at ten taels of merit silver, and if exchanged... wouldn’t it save six taels of merit silver for free? Such merit silver, ordinary Flower Cage disciples can’t earn in several lifetimes."
"But there’s a significant concern. Yan Hao appeared by coincidence, and the Broken Demon Spear is just too convenient. Are they deliberately guiding me, trying to make me learn this spear technique? How can I, Li Xian, be worth such plotting? Even if there’s an ulterior motive, it probably isn’t about taking my life; otherwise, how could I still be alive... perhaps related to the Candle Sect? Even if related, there’s no need to worry; I’ve already settled in this den of thieves, so there’s no avoiding connections, right?"
His thoughts flashed rapidly, and in an instant, he had an answer, cheerfully saying, "Alright... I dare to give it a try."
Yan Hao said, "Good! You have guts and spirit! After seeing so many sly little thieves, it’s refreshing to look at you, boy. Take this scroll!"
Li Xian was quite surprised, as martial arts classics are considered confidential. Yihetang Manor’s Leisure Martial Pavilion records only basic martial arts and lower martial arts, yet private possession is strictly forbidden. The Flower Cage Sect, with its mix of various sects, should prohibit it even more. Yan Hao laughed, "What? Do you think I’m worried about you running away? Where can you run to within this Water Altar?"
Li Xian understood, laughed, and said, "Vice Envoy Yan’s grandeur is as vast as the sea, truly admirable." He paused and continued, "There’s one more thing I wonder if I should mention."
Yan Hao said, "Feel free to say it." He held no ill will towards Li Xian; this ’Broken Demon Spear’ has significant links to the Candle Sect. Chief Shi intentionally instructed Yan Hao to introduce and test him, to see how Li Xian would choose and his affinity with the Candle Sect. If Li Xian chose the Broken Demon Spear, it would prove a deeper connection, prompting further consideration from him.
Li Xian said, "Some time ago, I obtained a set of Five Elements Command Flags, but my knowledge is shallow, not proficient in the Five Elements, making the flags’ utility quite limited. I know Vice Envoy Yan possesses extraordinary mastery over the Five Elements, and if I could learn a thing or two, it would be truly a dream come true. I also realize this thought is perhaps overreaching, but if I don’t ask, I can’t be at ease."
Yan Hao frowned and sneered, "You lad, your thoughts are too scattered and chaotic. Just after gaining an advantage by acquiring the Broken Demon Spear, you immediately want to touch on my Five Elements marvel. Even if I’m willing to teach you, you’re picking up sesame seeds and dropping watermelon, wasting my energy and ruining your future."
"Moreover, my Five Elements marvel isn’t easy to learn."
Feeling slightly annoyed, originally seeing Li Xian’s calm demeanor, he assumed his nature was steady. Upon hearing this, he couldn’t help but reassess. Li Xian knew such words would certainly displease others. Furthermore, he understood meeting Yan Hao today was likely arranged by Chief Shi, and if he were to inquire at the Martial Arts Pavilion next time, Yan Hao wouldn’t appear voluntarily, making it difficult to encounter him. Thus, such an opportunity must be tried, even if annoying others, it wouldn’t matter. Even if refused, it wouldn’t matter either.
Li Xian followed up, "So Vice Envoy Yan is worried I’ll pick up sesame seeds and drop watermelon. But if I can, in addition to advancing in the Broken Demon Spear, also spare the energy to study the Five Elements marvel, would you then be willing to teach me a thing or two?" His shamelessness was apparent.
