Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King-Chapter 405 - 289: Displaying Spear Technique—Ghostly Aura, Astonishing Talent, and Stunning Liu Qing
Li Xian entered the dwelling, taking in the scenery, and thought to himself, "What a refreshing and elegant abode!" He greeted Chief Shi, Yan Hao, and Chu Liuqing with a respectful bow. When he addressed "Chu Liuqing," he paused slightly, as he was unaware of her background.
Chief Shi smiled, preparing to introduce her. Chu Liuqing said plainly, "Chief Shi, my name does not need to be known by unrelated people."
Li Xian thought, "This woman must be a proud and formidable person, she clearly looks down on me. Well... I am but an unknown young man and dare not expect others to hold me in high regard." He maintained his courtesy.
Yan Hao knowingly asked, "Hua Wuque, what brings you here?"
Li Xian replied, "I remember the Vice Envoy’s wager, always alert and not daring to delay. In my daze, I chased here. If I’ve interrupted your discussions, I shall take my leave. I hope the Vice Envoy and Chief Shi will not blame me." He knew that since Yan Hao had let him in, the matter of the wager had already been mostly decided.
Yan Hao said, "I have considered the past wager as mere idle talk and was originally unwilling to delve deeper. Since you’ve obtained the Broken Demon Spear, you shouldn’t be boastful or anxious, but focus on training diligently. Even if you cannot grasp its technique, nothing will happen. But today, you happened to come looking."
"Since that’s the case, given its importance to you, I won’t take it lightly. Since it’s a wager, rewards and penalties should exist. Should you win, I’ll teach you the Five Elements Secret Technique. If you lose, there should also be a punishment. You tell me, what should this punishment be?"
"If you’re afraid or think your skills aren’t polished, you may withdraw now, and I’ll pretend it never happened. There is no need to feel ashamed; the Broken Demon Spear has a unique nature, and many elders have not been able to discern its clues."
Li Xian pondered for a moment, knowing Yan Hao was exceedingly proud of the Five Elements Secret Technique, a supreme skill. At this moment, the punishment should be expressed heavily; otherwise, it would belittle the technique, resembling trying to get something for nothing, which was unacceptable trickery. He solemnly said, "I am willing to wager my life."
Yan Hao was taken aback, seeing Li Xian’s sincere desire for learning. He remembered Li Xian’s humble origins, the rare opportunity, and his willingness to risk his life, which was admirable. His displeasure softened a bit, and he said, "Why would I want your life? Whether you live or die, how would it benefit me? Let’s do it this way... if you lose, you’ll serve under my command for thirty years."
Li Xian readily responded, "Alright!"
Chu Liuqing’s interest piqued as she drank tea and scrutinized Li Xian, surprised by his handsome appearance, which was rather uncommon. She thought, "This young man has some cultivation, coming from humble beginnings, with definite courage. Unfortunately, he does not understand the severity and intricacy; he thinks he has achieved a slight proficiency in the Broken Demon Spear. But he does not realize he’s merely imitating and mistakenly treading an erroneous path." In the world, profound martial arts cannot be mastered by someone with muddy boots in just over a month.
Yan Hao said, "Have you considered this carefully? It’s already no joke." Li Xian said, "I have thought it through."
Chief Shi said with a smile, "Such courage! As a witness, Hua Wuque... go ahead and display your Broken Demon Spear Technique. If your spear technique truly shows something commendable, I can help lessen your punishment."
Li Xian thanked him, moving to a more spacious area, calming his mind. Yan Hao said, "Begin." Li Xian took out the Peach Blossom Spear, casually twirling it, stretching his muscles.
After a moment of momentum building, he began to exhibit the spear techniques he understood. Li Xian became immersed in the technique, unconcerned with others, repeatedly striking two blows, completely absorbed, revealing nothing special in the moves, with no hint of the Broken Demon Spear’s essence. The Broken Demon Spear had been lost for a long time, and neither Chief Shi, Yan Hao, nor Chu Liuqing had seen it, only heard of its eerie and powerful nature. They didn’t know the true meaning behind the spear technique.
They watched Li Xian execute several spear strikes, seeing no martial arts peculiarity or eerie presence. They all thought, "It seems this young man truly hasn’t grasped the essence. He came to fool us, taking advantage and trying to be clever."
Chu Liuqing’s eyes showed understanding, as if she had foreseen this. Her eyes flashed with disdain.
Li Xian remained calm, determined to fully display what he had. Unconcerned with their doubts, he continued to wield the long spear. The Peach Blossom Spear moved swiftly and fiercely, his figure graceful and agile. Chu Liuqing, Yan Hao, and Chief Shi couldn’t help but think, if judged solely by appearance, this martial art was indeed eye-catching but sadly commendable only for show, unable to achieve true mastery.
Suddenly, Li Xian’s spear momentum changed, abruptly thrusting forward with a move called "Rapid Wind and Resilient Grass," possessing the force of the wind and the resilience of grass. Chu Liuqing and Chief Shi, both experts in martial arts, although unaware of the true form of the Broken Demon Spear, noticed this spear had merit, sparking curiosity. They thought... though Li Xian might not have grasped the true essence of the Broken Demon Spear, perhaps by chance, he could glean some gains.
Yan Hao was growing impatient, ready to interrupt. Chief Shi stopped him; seeing this, Yan Hao realized the situation differed, and focused his attention. Li Xian was completely immersed, his mind absorbed in the Residual Demon Map.
It turned out...
The Broken Demon Spear existed within the diagram. Li Xian wished to completely showcase the spear technique; momentum-building was essential, akin to refining an elixir, first needing to construct a tall tower and set up the Pill Furnace to commence alchemy. To exhibit the work, one must first depict the environment and set the scene before delving into the topic.
Li Xian successively executed the ’West Wind Brings Cold,’ ’Aged Tree and Dusk Crow,’ and ’Fading Human Shadow’ spear moves, revealing the technique’s subtlety, devoid of eerie presence but rich with the scene’s solitude, drawing others into the painting. His diligence was rewarded by Heaven, mastering the spear’s essence flawlessly.
Chief Shi uttered an "Ah," Chu Liuqing felt slight surprise, and Yan Hao, though weaker in martial arts, also recognized the technique’s merit. The three exchanged glances, even more curious.
Li Xian naturally let the spear flow, executing the "Grass-Scaring Ghost" move, showcasing an eerie ghostly effect, like a gigantic stone tossed into a tranquil lake, stirring waves. Chief Shi exclaimed, "It’s truly the Broken Demon Spear." Despite Li Xian’s less refined spear technique, he had grasped a fragment of its essence.
