Diligence System: From Servant to Martial King-Chapter 313 - 266: Martial Arts Accumulation, Nascent Factions, Golden Light Prototype, Madam’s Search?

Chapter 313: Chapter 266: Martial Arts Accumulation, Nascent Factions, Golden Light Prototype, Madam’s Search?

Local powerful clans, ambitious ones, like to bring the majestic scenery of mountains and rivers into their family estates, arranging them into unique landscapes. Concealing the vastness of the world within their hearts, their ambition holds endless meaning. They fear that people will notice, yet also fear that people won’t notice.

Li Xian chuckled, "I didn’t expect to see the ’River-flipping Carp’ in such a small place."

In the canal swam a "grey carp", very domineering, tail slapping golden carp, mouth biting red fish. It claimed dominance in the canal.

Li Xian smiled and asked, "Do you have ambitions to dominate?"

Tian Fu was flustered, deeply startled by Li Xian’s insight, who detected the subtleties from the courtyard scene, saying, "It’s quite embarrassing... This courtyard scene was laid out when I was young and arrogant, spending money freely. Whenever I pass by, I can’t help but blush. It makes the young master laugh."

Li Xian said, "In life, one seeks no more than ’stability and purpose.’ Even if you don’t say it, I can see it. Your courtyard is about thirty years old; the initial landscape was grand and spacious, with a hint of emulating the world. The subsequent expansions have been more contained and pragmatic."

Tian Fu was extremely impressed.

Li Xian lightly stirred the canal water, watching the river-flipping carp play. Tian Fu changed color and said, "Young master, this river-flipping carp is ferocious, you mustn’t play with it! Otherwise it will surely bite blood, attacking viciously. If ineffective... it will headbutt a rock, committing suicide."

The river-flipping carp is an extremely precious ornamental fish in estates. It’s seen only when rivers turn, and the dragon dances with wind and waves. One costs as much as "seven hundred taels."

Though the price is inflated, it... certainly isn’t cheap. This carp is very aggressive and difficult to nurture. It requires the expertise of a "fishery" to meticulously train it, keeping its fierce nature while accommodating household ponds.

Thus, it becomes well-regarded by people.

Li Xian laughed, "It’s okay. It depends on who’s teasing it." He lightly stirred several times; the river-flipping carp exhibited complete docility.

He carried Dragon Qi, bathed in Dragon Soup. The river-flipping carp, no matter how fierce, wouldn’t dare challenge him.

Tian Fu felt a great shock, further admiration, his attitude cautious.

Li Xian, with a rather thick skin, said, "Like this river-flipping carp, its value is somewhat high, it’s the ’rarity’ that matters. But in all the world, no matter how rare the thing, to me it’s not rare. Not just playing, my nephew a while ago even caught a few to eat."

"Ah!"

Tian Fu’s legs trembled, thoroughly intimidated, said, "Young... young master... such... such wealth." River-flipping carp is extremely rare; speaking of "seven hundred taels" of silver, family power can afford it. But when the "fishery" sells the carp, they must investigate family background power.

There’s a saying, "rich carp doesn’t enter poor homes." The so-called "poor home" refers rather to a powerful local force. For the Tian family to acquire river-flipping carp, they managed relations carefully, spending thousands of taels. Thus... the second and third river-flipping carp; the fishery absolutely refused to sell.

Therefore... a pond full of river-flipping carp, wealth is secondary. The family background must have immense connection with the fishery.

Li Xian said, "Enough, I’m also tired of strolling." Tian Fu hurriedly shouted, "Uncle Wang, quickly bring the Jade Stool."

Uncle Wang, quick on his feet, brought the Jade Stool. Tian Fu, eager to please, took the stool himself a few steps ahead, personally placed it beside Li Xian, smiled, "Young master, please sit."

Li Xian smiled, "Thank you." He gently brushed his robe and sat down gracefully.

Tian Fu said, "It’s only proper, only proper. So young master, you see..." His manner and insight were genuine, definitely not pretentious. He arranged the estate, furniture, scenery, feng shui... all handled by him, he understood deeply, naturally feeling amazed.

Tian Fu said, "If the young master is interested, perhaps... perhaps accompany me back to the family once. We can discuss in detail, surely reaching mutually satisfactory terms."

He wished to recruit connections, decided to take a small loss, and sell the estate.

"It’s unnecessary." Li Xian laughed, "When acquiring estates, I don’t look at price. Besides... I have a sense of the price already. If I like it, I can buy it."

"I see..." Tian Fu felt quite disappointed. But thinking if Li Xian really settled here, developed relationships... it could be taken slowly.

Tian Fu said, "So you are..."

Li Xian’s eyes slightly closed, fingers gently tapping the jade edge, leisurely said, "I’ve always liked tranquility. The layout of the gardens and rock pools here... actually isn’t very sophisticated. But the tranquility resonates with me."

"Let me try staying a few days. You mustn’t disturb me. If it’s decent, I’ll buy it."

Tian Fu showed joy on his face, happy beyond expectation.

Li Xian said, "Chase everyone away. No need for reception, it doesn’t interest me, rather disturbs my peaceful sleep."

Tian Fu said, "Young master appreciates elegance. Very well, you may rest." Dared not disturb, called the estate Nursing Home, Servants, all to leave.

After walking out of the estate.

Tian family’s Housekeeper Uncle Wang asked, "Master, are we really allowing him to reside like this? What if he’s a con artist..."

Tian Fu said, "Nonsense. This master’s knowledge is profound, his way of appraisal honed over decades, very difficult to possess such insight. And you see that temperament and appearance, how could he be a con artist."

Uncle Wang said, "But... his clothing seems not so luxurious."

Tian Fu said, "Ridiculous. Does clothing necessarily have to be expensive? Even if you burden yourself with thousands of taels, could it compare to that young master’s demeanor?"

Uncle Wang said, "Yes, indeed... That’s true!" suddenly realizing.

...

...

Inside the estate. Li Xian’s plan went smoothly; he bluffed for a few days of residence, reckoned enough to consume "Yellow Nine Ginseng". He leisurely sat for half a day until all personnel departed, then directly headed to the secret room.

He kept mindful of the time. Waiting for "Mao hour" to begin.

The secret room was dimly lit, the stone door heavy. Servants cleaned daily, no dust found. Inside there was a bed, a table, a mat, and nothing else.