Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King
Chapter 657 - 353: Heroes Without Number, Heavy Pupils in the World, Sword Bones Too Frail to Compare
Wen Caishang acquired three taverns, one clothing pavilion, one fragrant water pavilion, and three plots of land. All were personally selected and carefully prepared. She excelled in strategies, and conducting business was incredibly easy for her.
Upon first arriving in Flying Dragon City, she observed the bustling city with numerous merchants. There was water transportation available and it was backed by the snowy scenery of the Snow Mountain. The governance was orderly, making it a good place to settle assets. Thus, she went with the flow to acquire properties, establish businesses, and recruit staff. In the future, she aimed to gain a profit from Flying Dragon City, thus generating wealth.
Later, she cultivated the "Madam Wang" reputation, firstly to dispel Li Xian’s concerns, and secondly for business benefits. Achieving many things in one move was truly impressive. However, upon discovering He Wentian’s deeds, she foresaw that a major change would soon occur in Flying Dragon City.
Many industries would be affected, and Flying Dragon City was no longer a good place. So she took advantage of the unspread rumors, and managed to sell the three taverns, one clothing pavilion, along with the long-resided fragrant water pavilion to others. The taverns were sold neither at a loss nor profit; the clothing pavilion incurred a slight loss, but the fragrant water pavilion brought several times the profit.
With a brief calculation, this venture was profitable with no loss. On this day, Wen Caishang rode the carriage, leaving Flying Dragon City. She pushed open the rear window, gazing back at the edges of the city with serene and calm eyes. As the carriage traveled further, the view became increasingly blurry, her gaze slowly retracted.
Xiaotuan drove the carriage. Wen Caishang practiced the "Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique", and her mind was calm, but her progress was very slow and even regressing. With a calm expression, she thought: "Even though Xiaotuan helps me with wearing silkworm clothes every day, the progress is still slow. Last time, when I was captured for over ten days, though it was extremely frustrating, and that little thief took advantage, the progress of the Silkworm Robe Mismatched Jade Technique was remarkable. Upon reflection...it was the fastest ever. How strange, could it be that I must be immobilized, for the technique to inch forward? But if immobilized, despite the progress, I would inevitably fall into imprisonment?"
Suddenly she thought: "If he were beside me, obediently and extremely. When I need to practice the technique, like last time, he captures and holds me. When my martial arts progress, he releases me. That would be excellent, even if bullied by him...it would not be unacceptable."
Wen Caishang’s feelings were subtly touched, immediately cursing softly, "Damn little thief, exceedingly cunning, this account will be settled in the future." She glanced toward the corner of the carriage, regretting having disheveled her hair.
It was half a day’s journey. The carriage traveled far, entering dense mountain forests when suddenly, at heights halfway up the mountain, there appeared a wild inn in the wilderness. Although in a remote location, there was a road for passage. Xiaotuan set up a canopy and saw that although the inn was ordinary, it was often cleaned and maintained.
Xiaotuan noticed the approaching dusk, fearing further travel may have no inn available, so he asked: "Madam, shall we stay at this inn?" Wen Caishang pulled back the carriage curtain, looked out and said: "Alright!"
Xiaotuan drove to the inn, located halfway up a secluded mountain. The surroundings were clear and serene, with only a few Jianghu Guests lodging. Xiaotuan imitated Li Xian, took the horse stool from the carriage, intending to draw the curtain and assist Wen Caishang. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖
Wen Caishang gently said: "You...why spend so much effort learning from that little thief? His ways, you should quickly forget." Though her voice was gentle, there was a trace of anger.
Xiaotuan has always been clever, slightly realizing and secretly thought: "Madam has strange thoughts, I cannot fathom them. To please her, Li Xian must take action." Thinking of the scenario, he sardonically thought: "To control her, Li Xian must take action."
Thus he waited outside the carriage. Wen Caishang gently combed her hair, walked into the inn. Her skirt was very long, slightly sweeping the ground yet not staining it. As she walked, her boots were vaguely visible, which sparked imagination, elegant and composed.
Wen Caishang sat with dignity, closing her eyes to rest her mind. Xiaotuan held a money bag, sought the Shopkeeper to open one upper room and one lower room, instructed to take good care of the horses and feed them with fine hay without any negligence. Then, prepare hot water in advance, as Madam might want to bathe. Lastly, order several small dishes to satiate hunger.
The waiter quickly served wine and food. Wen Caishang ate a few bites, drank a bowl of clear porridge, and stopped. The inn’s high location provided fresh air and beautiful scenery, with good feng shui. The windows were pleasant, and gentle breezes blew through, making it exceedingly pleasant and refreshing. Wen Caishang’s hair tips fluttered slightly, also feeling refreshed, sitting quietly with legs crossed. Xiaotuan, on the other hand, enjoyed the food voraciously, increasingly delighted as he ate. At this time, suddenly hearing a "creak" sound, a young man entered the inn door.
He had fair skin, sword-like eyebrows, and bright starry eyes, emitting sharp brilliance, dressed in luxurious clothes. He appeared to be a noble, refined young gentleman, with an air of youthful arrogance. He was about fourteen or fifteen years old, and his sharp intent could sting one’s eyes.
The young man arrogantly surveyed the room, his gaze slightly paused upon reaching Wen Caishang, his expression changed, but instantly recovered. Turning back, he said: "Esteemed one, please enter." His voice was crisp. Then a gentle ringing sounded, and a woman stepped into the inn.
The woman wore a bamboo hat, with a white veil trailing from the brim, concealing her figure and appearance completely. Her steps were light and ethereal, with a presence that surpassed the young man. She was extremely sharp, as soon as she entered the inn, her gaze instantly drifted towards Wen Caishang.
Subtly sensing a threat. Chu Liu’s brow furrowed tightly, observing with several glances, thinking: "This woman sitting quietly in one place, as if non-existent, yet extraordinary in every aspect. Mysterious and unpredictable, should avoid causing trouble, caution is paramount." Proactively sat to a distant place.
Shan Guyun said: "Esteemed one, according to the map, there are over seventy miles to Flying Dragon. We should arrive tomorrow, but unsure if we can make it."
Chu Liu Qing said: "The Five Mountains Sword Sect all come from one lineage, your martial arts foundation stems from Li Mountain Sword Sect, traveling there to test your swordsmanship, you should diligently comprehend the techniques, which could be quite beneficial."
Shan Guyun proudly said: "Thinking of the young elites, they’re nothing but opponents I can defeat in a single move. With my Glazed Sword Bone, Transparent Sword Heart, and respecting your martial training, surely I should crush all opponents."
Chu Liu Qing said: "Indeed, you must possess the essence of invincibility. But the Five Mountains Sword Alliance has a longstanding heritage with profound depth. You should take this opportunity to learn from others’ strengths, enhancing yourself."
Shan Guyun asked doubtfully: "Esteemed one, why should I learn from a bunch of defeated opponents. Could it be the Nine Swords of Gu Yun are not good enough?" Chu Liu Qing said: "The Nine Swords of Gu Yun are certainly formidable, a single sword can break thousands of enemy techniques. You match well with this sword art, aiming for the Earth List is feasible, and even the Celestial List is within reach."