Chapter 7: Head Down Like an Ox, Head Up Like a Tiger
The matter of 【boiling essence treasures】 concluded, and the Servants returned to their usual routines.
Li Xian continued Weeding, using the breaks from Weeding to refine his fist techniques.
【Proficiency + 1】
...
【Proficiency: 756 / 1000 Mastery】
However, at the current speed, three days might not be enough. Li Xian gritted his teeth, his belief unwavering.
He practiced his fists with even greater urgency!
Two days passed in a flash.
【Proficiency: 872 / 1000 Mastery】
Only one day remained.
That afternoon.
Li Xian was in the Servant quarters, having a simple meal of steamed buns and plain water. His gaze drifted, observing his surroundings.
Seeing that Luo Fang and Bi Hao were both absent, and the other Servants' gazes were not on him.
"The time is ripe," Li Xian whispered, then quietly walked out. After moving a few miles away from the others, he quickened his pace, heading towards the bodyguard courtyard.
The path was lush with greenery and pleasant scenery. Occasionally, he could spot rockeries, ponds, and other garden landscapes.
It was a world apart from the Servant quarters.
"I must register at the last possible moment. That Luo Fang is cunning and insidious; if I register too early, he will surely find out and target me."
"Similarly… if I can't pass this bodyguard competition, my fate will be absolutely miserable. Luo Fang won't let me off! This is an all-or-nothing gamble!"
Li Xian clenched his fists, his palms sweating, but his steps showed no signs of panic.
"Sneaking around, what are you doing here?"
A man reached out and stopped Li Xian, his eyes wide, his Aura imposing.
This man was named Qiao Dashou, one of Yihe Estate's bodyguards.
Although they were both household retainers and had signed contracts of indenture, a "bodyguard" and a "Servant" were not to be compared on the same day.
Just by looking at their food, one could tell the difference.
bodyguards, at the very least, had meat at every meal and no shortage of grease in their stomachs.
"Big Brother, I'm here to register," Li Xian said respectfully.
"Register?"
Qiao Dashou's expression was arrogant as he looked down at Li Xian, nonchalantly instructing him:
"Your height is suitable, but you're too scrawny. You're definitely not destined to be a bodyguard. Go back; don't bother with such hard work."
Li Xian frowned. This man's condescending attitude made him extremely uncomfortable.
"Still not leaving?"
Qiao Dashou sneered. He had kindly advised him, but this lowly Servant didn't appreciate it, so he immediately said, "I've seen many people like you."
"As Servants, you harbor unrealistic fantasies all day long. Who am I, Qiao Dashou? If I say you're not the right material, how could it be false?"
Li Xian said in a deep voice, "Though I am a Servant, I believe I have the right to decide on the matter of registration. How you see me is irrelevant."
He sidestepped Qiao Dashou and walked straight into the main courtyard.
"You!"
Qiao Dashou was furious. "How dare a mere Servant speak to me like that?"
He was about to teach him a lesson but suddenly remembered Commander Pang's instruction: Servants registering must not be obstructed; violators will be expelled.
...
Pang Long was sitting in the courtyard when he saw a young Servant approaching. He asked, "Have you come to register?"
Li Xian nodded, "This junior, Servant Class Nine, Number Twenty-seven, Li Xian, wishes to register for the bodyguard competition."
"Alright."
Pang Long's gaze swept over him.
The young man's clothes were tattered, his face smudged. At first glance, he seemed no different from the other Servants.
But upon closer inspection, the boy's eyes held a sharp edge, exceptionally bright.
"A bit interesting. For a martial artist, a bit of spirit and vigor is especially important. Most of the Servants who have registered recently are sneaky individuals. This boy… is a bit different," Pang Long thought to himself.
He didn't know that Luo Fang was feigning compliance, deliberately concealing the news of the bodyguard competition.
He only leaked the news to those who were weak and frail. Even if these people registered, they would have no competitiveness.
Furthermore, he could use this to cover his tracks and prevent Pang Long from becoming suspicious.
"Write your name and Servant number here. Come back here tomorrow morning."
"Understood!"
Li Xian signed his information and turned to leave.
Pang Long picked up the paper, his eyebrows slightly raised, "The penmanship is strong and clear. Has this Li Xian studied?"
In fact, Li Xian was not bad at studying. If it came to talent, he would be more than capable of taking the Great Wu Imperial Dynasty's imperial examinations.
However… studying was expensive, and his younger brother, Li Xiaofan, had an eidetic memory and was exceptionally intelligent. It was more suitable for him to pursue scholarship.
Before their father's death, the family of three lived by hunting. The two brothers, one scholarly and one martial, though not wealthy, had a lot to look forward to.
...
That night.
Li Xian's eyes showed determination. After roll call in the Servant quarters, he hid in a dilapidated room he usually cleaned.
When the night grew deep...
He continued to practice diligently, punch after punch, under the moonlight and cool breeze.
【Proficiency + 1】
【Proficiency + 1】
"The world is cruel, and my life, Li Xian, is worthless."
"But I refuse to sink into oblivion. Whether it's good or bad, it all depends on tomorrow's fortune."
"I…"
Will just punch with all my might!"
He was inspired; he threw punches tirelessly, without feeling tired or sleepy. Sweat drenched his clothes, making him look as if he were caught in the rain.
Time passed...
【Proficiency + 1】
【Proficiency + 1】
【Wild Bull Fist · Incomplete Style】
【Proficiency: 915 / 1000 Mastery】
...
【Proficiency: 946 / 1000 Mastery】
By then, the sky was already beginning to lighten.
Li Xian faced both physical and mental exhaustion and weariness, supported solely by a single belief.
His eyes were wide, bloodshot.
Each punch he threw was still unhurried. Like an old ox chewing grass, clearly starving, but with a steady rhythm.
Though young, he possessed a mature, steady demeanor.
【Proficiency: 976 / 1000 Mastery】
By then, the sky was fully bright, and the gong in the Servant quarters had sounded.
If Li Xian's prediction was correct, the class leader would be taking roll call by now.
Luo Fang had likely already discovered that he hadn't returned all night. According to Yihe Estate's rules, he could even use this opportunity to make trouble and have him executed!
"What kind of true man doesn't strive to climb higher?"
"Rules are for bullying honest people."
He ignored the sound of the gong. He just kept throwing punches, over and over again…
【Proficiency: 989 / 1000 Mastery】
"Just a little more!"
Li Xian had already surpassed his fatigue.
"Class Nine, Number Twenty-seven!"
"How dare you stay out all night!"
"Steward Luo said that if you appear immediately, he might spare your life!"
"Where are you hiding? Come out quickly!"
"I know you're nearby!"
The Servants of Class Nine searched everywhere.
Luo Fang managed the Servants under a system of collective responsibility, so Li Xian's disappearance made the other Servants of Class Nine the most anxious.
These people quickly found the vicinity of the dilapidated room.
At the same time, Li Xian's body shook.
【Proficiency Full】
【Wild Bull Fist · Incomplete Style】
【Proficiency: 0 / 1500 Minor Achievement】
【Description: The Wild Bull is also cunning… it possesses both the honesty of an ox and the fierce courage of a tiger or leopard. Head down like an ox, head up like a tiger. You have thrown tens of thousands of punches, and your strength has slightly increased.】
Within his Dantian, a warm current condensed and remained.
Heaven rewards the diligent; practicing punches all night had finally paid off, catching up with the progress!
Li Xian climbed over the backyard wall, avoiding the search of the Servants.
"As long as I successfully join the bodyguards, I can avoid this calamity."
"Although I violated the Servant rules, Luo Fang is a bully who fears the strong and preys on the weak. He would never dare demand me from Pang Long!"
Li Xian was by no means a reckless man who acted impulsively without thought.
He had his own calculations and considerations, and he understood how to endure, lie low, and suffer humiliation for his goals.
...
At the bodyguard courtyard.
The bodyguard competition was about to begin. Pang Long sat at the front, with three bodyguards standing on each side.
Bi Hao stood among the Servants.
He also wore ordinary Servant cloth clothes, but his figure was tall and straight, making him stand out from the crowd.
Pang Long's gaze swept over, lingering on him for a few breaths, thinking, "Among this group, this Bi Hao has a certain Aura."
"The time is almost up, is there anyone else who hasn't…" Pang Long asked a bodyguard next to him. Before he finished speaking, footsteps approached.
Li Xian rushed into the courtyard, catching his breath, and said, "Commander Pang, I'm here."
"Hmm, you're not over time. Join the ranks," Pang Long said indifferently.
"Li Xian?! Why are you here too? Who allowed you to come?" Bi Hao recognized Li Xian, his eyes widening in shock.
Li Xian's eyes narrowed slightly, "Brother Bi, I came on my own. You and I are competitors. I ask for your guidance then."
"Good kid! You kept it well hidden, you knew about this too!"
Bi Hao's heart flared with anger. He leaned in and whispered, "Do you deserve to be my brother? Very good, your presence here is truly interesting. You have a lot of guts to contend with me. Let's see if I don't make your life hell!"
Li Xian didn't bother to argue, his fists clenched.
A true man should let his fists do the talking!
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