Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King-Chapter 285 - 259: Love Turns to Anxiety, Anxiety Shatters Serenity, The Lady Wanders, Seeking Her Beloved (Part 3)

Chapter 285: Chapter 259: Love Turns to Anxiety, Anxiety Shatters Serenity, The Lady Wanders, Seeking Her Beloved (Part 3)

"Madam, why do you insist that I gouge out my eye? I have treated her with true affection, yet why does she... why does she always want to hurt me?"

His feelings abruptly cooled. Remembering the many things within the manor, Li Xian barely managed to get by against Wen Caishang’s countless schemes.

He could not help but wonder how Wen Caishang truly viewed him. If she considered him a lover, why force him to gouge his eye? If she saw him as a tool, what use was there in keeping him by her side?

His passion was like fire, instantly doused with cold water. He found it hard to comprehend Wen Caishang’s complicated heart, only thinking that she remained unchanged: cold, indifferent, full of calculations.

Naturally cheerful, yet deeply saddened.

"Perhaps from start to finish, I alone believed that my relationship with Wen Caishang was remarkable. But she was only interested in practicing the Yin Yang Immortal Companions sword technique, and with that explained... everything makes sense. She asked me to gouge my eye, not out of love, but to use me as a tool."

"Madam, oh madam... if the score is settled this way. I owe you nothing more."

Li Xian laughed and said, "Of course... Madam, I am willing. When we return to the manor, I will gouge my eye for you. Otherwise, I cannot protect you on the remaining journey."

Wen Caishang joyfully exclaimed, "Good... good sir, sweet sir." Immersed in her happiness, she did not notice Li Xian’s unusual demeanor.

That night, Li Xian felt exhausted. After Wen Caishang tired herself into sleep, he sat alone on the deck of the painted boat, pondering all night.

He was also deeply saddened, his mind strong but constantly manipulated by others. Picking up the pebbles on the boat, Li Xian threw them at the river, creating ripples in the water.

"If I stay by Madam’s side any longer, I will be no different from Commander Pang or Qiuyue. This poor boy happened to climb up, how could Madam, skilled in schemes, truly favor me? The illusion of tenderness left me bewildered, I... should also leave."

"But on the remaining short leg, I will escort Madam. To depart from Madam, I must plan well."

Li Xian suppressed his sorrow and fell into a deep sleep, the scent of Wen Caishang’s hair lingering, his expression complex. As the journey continued, Wen Caishang suspected nothing, devotion to Li Xian overwhelming, serving him wholeheartedly without hesitation. Li Xian smiled back, but a rift had formed.

That day.

The painted boat drifted further along the river, about to leave Qiong Heavenly Mansion. They docked ashore, Wen Caishang stated, "Mr. Li La, we mustn’t destroy this boat. When we return to the manor, I shall order for a lake to be dug, setting this boat within it. Whenever we desire, we can sail it together again."

Her expression bashful yet joyful. The river journey had not yet finished its delight.

Li Xian felt suddenly: "In Madam’s eyes, am I not much different from this boat?" He replied, "Alright."

They stayed a day, steering the boat into a reed cluster. Then spread worm-repelling "mugwort," covering the boat.

Wen Caishang, her legs weak from fatigue, relied on Li Xian when walking. Due to the tumultuous journey on the boat, they missed the dock, with some distance left to Qingning County.

Onwards the pair traveled, indulging in romance and intimacy. Camping in the wild, or residing in inns... Wen Caishang grew increasingly attached, emotions surging, feeling the scenery along the way, and other people... utterly bothersome, unbearably loud.

Wishing they could all disappear, leaving just the two of them, revealing their emotions uninhibitedly.

She clung tightly, whenever Li Xian practiced martial arts, she wrapped around him again.

[Setting Sun Bloodsword·Third Layer]

[Skill Level: 4569/8000 Minor Achievement]

Li Xian advanced with astonishing speed, everything exercised with "genuine combat." The yin-yang baptism benefited him greatly.

Wen Caishang was adept at schemes from a young age. With balanced rewards and punishments, martial arts cultivation, profound knowledge... today’s accomplishments were all related to her nature and talent. But when it came to emotional measurement, it was always hard to get right.

When angry, she rewarded, when pleased, she punished... the signs were there all along. Her asking Li Xian to gouge his eye wasn’t truly a calculated profit. She was so submerged, clueless about what to do, driven by numerous factors into a chaotic strategy.

After a few more days.

They reached "Huangshan Town." Thirty more miles westward stood "Qingning County." Wen Caishang, dripping with fragrant sweat, legs weak, did not hurry further.

Finding an inn in town, they stayed for the night. Huangshan Town, remote and impoverished, had cramped and narrow lodgings. The wooden bed unstable, as they lay down, creaks echoed, "squeak" "squeak."

Li Xian chuckled, "Madam, just bear it for one night, tomorrow we shall reach Yihetang Manor."

Wen Caishang said, "Sir~ thank you for this journey. Once we reach Yihetang Manor, this matter will be resolved. Humph, that Sword-Seeking Alliance, coming aggressively, what can they do against us?"

"Once I eliminate the Gu worm, resting for several years. We... we’ll retrace our steps, visiting and confronting them one by one. Vent all our anger, sweet sir... what say you?"

Li Xian replied, "Pity that by then, I shall see nothing."

Wen Caishang felt heartache and tenderness, unwilling to accept, often beginning to say he need not gouge his eye, just love her well. Yet a vague concern lingered, never dissipating, so she suppressed herself again, stating, "Sweet sir, it’s fine. I... I will serve you always, the Buddhist Sect offers a martial art called ’Heart’s Eye Passing’... I will accompany you there, ask that old monk for it."

Her tenderness overflowed, massaging Li Xian’s shoulders and back. Li Xian said, "Madam, rest well."

The two whispered, practiced sword techniques. Until Wen Caishang was so exhausted that, even in a simple wooden bed, she could sleep soundly.

Li Xian lightly checked her breathing. Wen Caishang, with no guard, hence slept sweetly. Li Xian pondered his escape plan, taking out a blank scroll, his words turning into a letter.

Li Xian thought, "Since the score is settled, let me be forthright."

He dipped the brush in ink, writing a few numbers. He couldn’t help but self-deprecate, even his calligraphy was taught by Wen Caishang. Li Xian lamented:

"All my martial arts... nine-tenths are related to Madam. Departing from her, even obtaining [Essence Treasure] for consumption would be problematic. Martial arts texts, wealth treasures, personal connections... I have none of it. But how can I not leave?"