Chapter 7 Bowing one's head makes one like an ox, raising one's head makes one like a tiger.
With the matter of [cooking the essence] concluded, the servants returned to their usual routines.
Li Xian continued weeding, using the breaks to hone his boxing skills.
[Proficiency +1]
...
[Proficiency: 756/1000 Mastery]
At the current pace, three days might not be enough. Li Xian gritted his teeth and strengthened his resolve.
Even more urgent training!
Two days passed in a flash.
[Proficiency: 872/1000 Mastery]
Only one day remains.
At noon that day.
Li Xian ate a simple meal of steamed buns and water in the servants' quarters. His gaze wandered, taking in his surroundings.
Seeing that Luo Fang and Bi Hao were not there, and that the other servants were not looking at him either.
"The time is ripe." Li Xian quietly stepped out, and after leaving the group for several miles, quickened his pace and headed towards the guard compound.
The roadside is lush with greenery and the scenery is pleasant. Occasionally, one can see artificial hills, ponds, and other garden features.
The servants' quarters and the other room are two separate worlds.
"Registration must be done at the last minute. That Luo Fang is cunning and treacherous. If I register too early, he will find out and target me."
"Similarly... if I fail this guard competition, my fate will be absolutely miserable. Luo Fang won't let me off the hook! It's a desperate gamble!"
Li Xian clenched his fists, his palms were sweaty, but his steps were not hurried.
"What are you doing here, sneaky?"
One of them reached out and blocked Li Xian's way, his eyes glaring at him with an imposing aura.
This man is named Qiao Dashou, and he is one of the guards of Yihe Manor.
Although both were household servants and had signed indentures, the difference between "housekeeper" and "odd jobs" was significant.
The difference is evident simply by looking at the food.
I can't say about other things, but at least the nurses have meat with every meal, so they're never short of oil.
"Brother, I'm here to register," Li Xian said respectfully.
"Sign up?"
Qiao Dashou, with an arrogant expression, looked down at Li Xian and casually instructed him:
"His height is suitable, but he's too skinny. He's definitely not cut out for the job of a guard. Go back now, don't waste your time."
Li Xian frowned; this person's haughty manner made him extremely uncomfortable.
"Aren't you leaving yet?"
Qiao Dashou sneered. He had tried to persuade this servant with kind words, but the servant didn't appreciate it. He immediately said, "I've seen plenty of people like you."
"As a menial laborer, you spend your days indulging in unrealistic fantasies. Who do I, Qiao Dashou, need? If I say you're not cut out for this, then you're not lying."
Li Xian said in a deep voice, "Although I am a menial servant, I believe I have the right to decide on the matter of registration. What you think of me is irrelevant."
He sidestepped Qiao Dashou and walked straight into the courtyard.
"you!"
Qiao said magnanimously, "This is outrageous! A mere servant dares to speak to me like that."
Just as he was about to teach them a lesson, he suddenly remembered Commander Pang's instructions: those who volunteered for menial jobs should not be stopped, or they would be expelled.
...
Pang Long was sitting in the courtyard when he saw a young servant approaching. He asked, "Are you here to register?"
Li Xian nodded: "I am Li Xian, number 27 of the ninth class of miscellaneous servants. I would like to sign up for the guard competition."
"OK."
Pang Long's gaze swept over.
The boy was dressed in tattered clothes and had a dirty face. At first glance, he was no different from the other servants.
Upon closer inspection, however, this boy's eyes, though seemingly concealing sharpness, were exceptionally bright.
"Interesting. For martial artists, spirit and energy are especially important. Most of the menial workers who have signed up recently are sneaky and dishonest. This kid... is somewhat different," Pang Long thought to himself.
Little did he know that Luo Fang was outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, deliberately concealing the news of the guards' competition.
The information was only leaked to those who were physically weak or frail. Even if these people signed up, they would have no chance of competing.
This would also serve to conceal their true intentions and prevent Pang Long from becoming suspicious.
"Write your name and errand number here. Come back here tomorrow morning."
"OK!"
Li Xian signed the information and turned to leave.
Pang Long picked up the paper, raising an eyebrow slightly: "The handwriting is vigorous and clear. Has this Li Xian been to school?"
In reality, Li Xian was quite good at studying. In terms of talent, he was more than qualified to take the imperial examinations of the Great Wu Dynasty.
However… studying is expensive, and my younger brother Li Xiaofan has a photographic memory and is exceptionally intelligent, so studying is a more suitable path for him.
Before Li's father died, the family of three made a living by hunting. The two brothers, one a scholar and the other a warrior, were not wealthy, but they had hope for the future.
...
That night.
With a determined look in his eyes, Li Xian, after being called in the servants' quarters, hid in the abandoned house he usually cleaned.
When night falls...
Facing the moonlight and gentle breeze, he practiced diligently, punch after punch.
[Proficiency +1]
[Proficiency +1]
"The world is cruel, and my life, Li Xian's, is worthless."
"But I am unwilling to give up like this. Whether it is good or bad, it all depends on tomorrow's fate."
"I……
Just keep throwing punches!
A sudden inspiration struck him, and he threw a punch, seemingly tireless and exhausted. Sweat soaked his clothes, making him appear as if he were in the rain.
Time passed...
[Proficiency +1]
[Proficiency +1]
[Wild Bull Fist - Incomplete Form]
[Proficiency: 915/1000 Mastery]
...
[Proficiency: 946/1000 Mastery]
By this time, the sky was beginning to lighten.
Li Xian was exhausted, both physically and mentally. She was sustained only by a strong belief.
His eyes were wide open, bloodshot.
Each punch was delivered with unhurried speed, like an old ox chewing grass—clearly starving, yet perfectly rhythmic.
He is mature beyond his years, possessing a natural air of composure.
[Proficiency: 976/1000 Mastery]
By then it was already dawn, and the gong from the servants' quarters rang out.
If Li Xian's prediction was correct, the squad leader was already counting heads at this time.
Luo Fang most likely already knows that I haven't returned home all night. According to the rules of Yihe Manor, he could even use this as an excuse to make trouble and have me executed!
"What kind of man doesn't strive for advancement?"
"Rules are used to bully honest people."
He ignored the sound of the gong, focusing only on waving his fists, over and over again…
[Proficiency: 989/1000 Mastery]
"Almost there!"
Li Xian has overcome his fatigue.
"Class 9, Number 27!"
"How dare you stay out all night!"
"Manager Luo said that if you show up immediately, he might spare your life!"
"Where are you hiding? Come out right now!"
I know you're nearby!
The janitors of Class Nine searched everywhere.
Luo Fang manages the errand boys and girls using a system of collective responsibility. When Li Xian went missing, the other errand boys and girls in the ninth class were the most anxious.
These people quickly found the vicinity of the abandoned house.
At the same time, Li Xian felt a jolt.
[Proficiency level maxed out]
[Wild Bull Fist - Incomplete Form]
[Proficiency: 0/1500 Minor Success]
[Description: The Wild Ox, cunning and treacherous...possessing both the ox's docility and the ferocity of a tiger or leopard. Head bowed, it is like an ox; head raised, like a tiger. You've thrown tens of thousands of punches, and your strength has slightly increased.]
Within his dantian, a warm current condensed and did not dissipate.
Hard work pays off! After staying up all night practicing boxing, he finally reaped the rewards and caught up with the progress!
Li Xian climbed over the backyard wall, escaping the search by the servants.
"As long as you successfully join the guards, you can avoid this calamity."
"Although I violated the rules for menial labor, Luo Fang is a bully who preys on the weak and fears the strong. He would never dare to ask Pang Long for people!"
Li Xian was by no means a reckless man who acted impulsively without considering the consequences.
He had his own calculations and considerations, and he knew how to endure hardship and humiliation in order to achieve his goals.
...
Security compound.
The guard competition was about to begin. Pang Long was sitting in front, with three guards standing on each of his left and right sides.
Bi Hao stood among the servants.
He was dressed in ordinary servant's clothes, but he was tall and stood out from the crowd.
Pang Long's gaze swept over him, lingering on him for a few moments, and he thought to himself, "Among this group of people, Bi Hao is the one with some presence."
"The time is approaching, is there anyone still waiting..." Pang Long asked the guard beside him. Before he could finish speaking, a series of footsteps approached.
Li Xian rushed into the courtyard, took a few breaths, and said, "Commander Pang, I've arrived."
"Hmm, you haven't exceeded the time limit yet, so you can enlist now," Pang Long said calmly.
"Li Xian?! What are you doing here? Who sent you?" Bi Hao recognized Li Xian, his eyes widening in shock.
Li Xian narrowed his eyes slightly, "Brother Bi, I'm coming myself. You and I are competitors. I look forward to your guidance then."
"Good lad! You've been keeping this a secret for a while now, you even knew about it!"
Bi Hao was furious. He turned his head and whispered in Bi Hao's ear, "Do you deserve to be my brother? Very well, it's quite interesting that you're here. You have guts to compete with me. I'll make you regret it!"
Li Xian was too lazy to argue, and clenched his fists.
A true man should prove his worth with a punch!
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(End of this chapter)
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