Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King-Chapter 408 - 290: The Candle Order Spread, Liu Qing Changes Her Mind, Chooses Another Genius, and Prepares Grand Gifts Early
[Small Five Elements Mysterious Evasion]
[Skill Level: 3/100]
Li Xian and Nangong Liuli studied ’Five Elements Basics’ and ’Mysterious Evasion Theory’ for a few days and felt they had gained a lot. Nangong Liuli had a sharp mind and broad vision, often able to answer Li Xian’s doubts. However, in terms of the principles of the Five Elements transformation and adaptation, she was not as adept as Li Xian.
"Five Elements Basics" and "Mysterious Evasion Theory" belong to foundational theories. Yet, the annotations in the book contain the essentials. Yan Hao mastered the Five Elements Mysterious Evasion, but still revisited "Five Elements Basics" and "Mysterious Evasion Theory" during his spare time, noting his insights and reflections in the book.
Li Xian followed the annotations, delving deeper. He recorded his unresolved doubts in the book but never asked Yan Hao for explanations, thinking that even if Yan Hao was willing to teach him the Five Elements Mysterious Evasion, seeking him out too frequently might cause annoyance, which would not be appropriate.
Li Xian studied the ’Five Elements’, practiced the Broken Demon Spear during the day, operated his internal organs’ impurities at night, and sparred with Nangong Liuli during leisure time, cooperating genuinely; time passed quickly, and soon the agreed time arrived.
Nangong Liuli, holding the book, sat under the tree’s shade reading, becoming increasingly astonished by Li Xian. She noticed his quick thinking; although they began studying the Five Elements simultaneously, Li Xian had surpassed her. Silently encouraging herself, she became more diligent, unwilling to lag behind.
Li Xian departed through the side door, heading southeast.
"That Senior Liu Qing initially looked down on me, yet asked me to return to her residence three days later. What’s the reason behind this?"
He soon reached Qingxin Residence.
The residence was peaceful and tranquil, occasionally echoing the light chirping of birds and beasts. Li Xian lightly knocked on the bamboo door. The "tap tap" sound was light and distant without feeling intrusive.
After a moment.
Yan Hao came to open the door, his expression rather peculiar. Hesitating for a moment, he said, "Come in, then!"
Passing through the Pear Garden, they reached the hall. Several people were already seated in the hall: Chief Shi, Chu Liu Qing, and the Guide Jin Shichang.
Chief Shi said: "Miss Liu Qing, are you really not staying a few more days?"
Chu Liu Qing shook her head lightly and said, "No need, I have urgent matters and must take my leave today."
"Chief Shi... you’ve been kind in hosting t"Miss Liu Qing, are you really not staying a few more days?"
"I have urgent matters and must take my leave today," Chu Liu Qing said, shaking her head lightly.
"Thank you, Chief Shi, for your recent hospitality. Should you require my assistance in the future, feel free to ask for me."
Chief Shi, understanding the entire situation and knowing further persuasion was futile, reluctantly said: "Fine then... but that matter..." When he mentioned ’that matter’, Chu Liu Qing averted her gaze, and he wisely refrained from mentioning it further.
At this moment, Li Xian and Yan Hao both arrived in the hall, and the atmosphere was quite heavy. Chu Liu Qing glanced faintly, then ignored them and stood up, saying: "Let’s end it here, Chief Shi, is the boat ready?"
Chief Shi replied, "The boat is ready." Chu Liu Qing said, "Let’s set off early." She walked out of the pavilion directly. Southeast of the island was a place called ’Hu Liu Town’, similar in size to Peach Blossom Town. Walking a few miles out of the pavilion and bypassing Hu Liu Town, there was a boat harbor.
Chu Liu Qing hurriedly kept time, and Chief Shi followed to see her off. Chu Liu Qing remained indifferent and distant; passing by Li Xian’s side, she didn’t spare him a glance. Her figure was elusive, and she quickly distanced herself.
Li Xian found it strange. Yan Hao sighed softly: "Some things depend heavily on destiny. If it’s meant to be, it’ll be; if not, then not. Don’t overthink it." Li Xian was puzzled: "What does Vice Envoy Yan mean by that?"
Yan Hao said, "Even if it doesn’t work out, we must courteously see them off. Let’s quickly follow them." Li Xian and Yan Hao used their lightweight skill, following behind Chu Liu Qing, Chief Shi, and Jin Shichang.
The blue waters were tranquil, and the waves rippled.
A floral boat was anchored on the lake.
Beside the floral boat, Chu Liu Qing’s face was veiled in white gauze, holding a longsword in her right hand, clasping her hands toward everyone and saying: "Let me be escorted only to here." Chief Shi clasped his hands with a smile and said: "I wish you success in all your endeavors, Miss Liu Qing."
Chu Liu Qing nodded faintly. Her beautiful eyes, intentionally or unintentionally, glanced at Li Xian but said nothing. To Jin Shichang, she said: "I ask the envoy to take me out of the altar."
After a while, the floral boat moved away across the waves; the mist over Dongran Lake gradually enveloped the floral boat. Chu Liu Qing, Jin Shichang, and others all left the island.
Shi Yufei said: "Ah! It’s a pity, such a pity!" gently patting Li Xian’s shoulder. Li Xian was puzzled: "Chief Shi... this matter is quite confusing to me, could you explain a bit?"
Chu Liu Qing’s distant attitude was puzzling.
Initially reluctant to mention it, Shi Yufei suddenly thought this matter was an excellent test of character, and immediately asked: "Do you really want to know? The event has passed and can’t be reversed. Some things are better left as if they never happened, which could be a good thing. However, knowing the reason behind it might bring lifelong regrets, envy, and unwillingness. Martial arts could stagnate as a result, which is entirely possible."
Li Xian thought: "Chief Shi’s words are so strange, as if I’ve missed a great opportunity. In recent days, I have gained a lot, why would I feel regretful, envious, or unwilling?" He asked: "Chief Shi, please go ahead and explain."
Chief Shi said: "Alright, let’s return and discuss it." He grabbed Li Xian by the shoulder, leapt, moving swiftly through the bamboo forest, and within a few breaths arrived back at Qingxin Residence.
Yan Hao was a half-step slower, landing steadily in the courtyard. The three of them sat inside the stone pavilion, and Chief Shi said: "This incident, as it turned out, you unknowingly missed a great opportunity."
Li Xian was very curious and pursued further questioning. Chief Shi said: "You’re already aware of the ’Candle Sect’. The Candle Sect’s downfall scattered sparks across the sky. However, the depths of the forbidden Demon Sect should not be underestimated. Like a centipede that never dies, remnants from the Candle Sect linger, secretly regaining strength."
"Previously, Chu Liu Qing was an esteemed member of the Candle Sect, holding some of its core essence. The remnants of Candle Sect went underground; its reputation now vanished. But should its traces reappear, it would certainly shock the world. The Candle Sect is accumulating power, plotting covertly. At this time, entering the Candle Sect is indeed extremely difficult; it requires an introduction and an ’Order of the Candle’ to be granted entry."
