Chapter 865 - 404: A Rare Leisure—Tiger Attire, Silver Mask, Black Spear, Gallant Steed, and All Eyes Upon Me

Chapter 865: Chapter 404: A Rare Leisure—Tiger Attire, Silver Mask, Black Spear, Gallant Steed, and All Eyes Upon Me

After the verification was completed and the dust settled, the situation changed significantly. Due to his reputation, Xu Shaoqian could not refuse and wrote a recommendation letter for Li Xian. During this period, Li Xian was granted four days of free leave to rest. When he returns to the Marquis Lodge, he will officially become a member of the garrison riders.

Xu Shaoqian called Li Xian to the study, laid out brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, and wrote the recommendation letter. Wearing black armor and holding a wolf-hair brush, he moved the brush as if a general was battling in the field, faint sounds of clashing armies seemed to emanate.

When the letter was finished, he allowed Li Xian to read it. The letter stated: Dubhe above, Xu Shaoqian, Central Lang General of the Gold Appraisal Guard, encountered a talented individual, Li Xian, by chance in the market. A Yu person of the Second Realm in cultivation, knowledgeable in etiquette, understanding of human nature, loyal and courageous, and excels in martial prowess. Truly a talent hard to come by. Wishes to enlist him into the Gold Appraisal Guard, hoping for approval.

After Li Xian confirmed, Xu Shaoqian rolled up the letter and handed it to a strange bird to deliver.

He retracted the brush with a serious tone, "Join my Gold Appraisal Guard and protect the peace of Jade City. I’ve written the recommendation letter for you, this position is hard-earned, I hope you cherish it well! Don’t let my efforts be in vain."

Though Xu Shaoqian came from a prestigious background and might not regard Li Xian highly, the verification showed Li Xian’s capabilities. In a month’s time, ferociously practiced three martial arts. His aptitude in martial arts was not ordinary, his archery was quite unique, dare to fight, dare to plan, there was no shirking, had already written the letter to recommend him, naturally recruited him for personal use.

Thus, there was gradually a sense of pulling him closer. Walking to Li Xian, he reached out to pat Li Xian’s shoulder, appearing considerate and close to his subordinate naturally. Li Xian could perceive Xu Shaoqian’s thoughts, but the favor of his mentorship was genuine, discussing the actions, not the intentions, being inherently carefree, showed respect in words.

Xu Shaoqian reassessed, couldn’t help but mumble. Seeing beneath the coarse cloth and hemp garments, Li Xian’s broad shoulders and narrow waist, his build masculine and extremely vigorous. Standing beside him, slightly shorter, his figure far inferior, a sense of inadequacy arose. He thought continuously, "My Gold Appraisal Guard is one of the Thirty-Two True Guards of Jade City. Both a shield for the city’s protection and its representation. With this build, once clad in tiger-patterned clothes and black armor, standing in such poise, he certainly won’t disgrace the status of Jade City."

Suddenly he asked, "I’m aware you have a facial ailment. Since you’ve joined the Gold Appraisal Guard, under my helm, do you have plans for treatment? To have your appearance revealed."

Li Xian pondered briefly and replied, "The mask is my face, historically in matters of appearance, I’ve faced much discrimination, caused trouble often, showing with a mask has become habitual. Whether the ailment is cured or not makes no difference to me."

Xu Shaoqian said, "That’s up to you, I’ll notify the equipment hall to craft a silver iron mask to compensate for your appearance defects." Feeling slightly balanced, "This fellow’s build is fine, but his appearance is ugly, known by all. Compare solely on appearance, he ends up far inferior to me."

Slightly reassured.

Once more he said, "Here’s a jade bottle, drop your blood into it. It will create an identity token, entered into the register, even if others want to impersonate, it will be exposed. The recommendation letter has been sent to Dubhe, though no immediate response is expected, it is very likely secured. Here’s a temporary Gold Identification Order for you to wear these days."

Li Xian accepted the token, followed the instructions to squeeze out the blood from his fingertip, and dripped it into the jade bottle. Jade City is abundant in jade, and there’s a type of "Body Identification Jade", special in material, containing blood beads within which solidify when held by the true body. Others holding will turn the blood beads to stain the jade. Through this principle, it helps verify true identity, creating various identity tokens.

...

...

Li Xian pressed on for over a month, practicing continually without rest, accumulating fatigue within his body, finally attaining what he wished for, rare three days of free leave, naturally intending to make the most of it.

Leaving the Marquis Lodge, just at noon, the sunlight was harmonious, skies were clear without clouds. Before the Marquis Lodge, it appeared serene, seldom any citizens stepping in. Walking further on, rounding a bend, silhouettes suddenly increased.

Li Xian stretched all his muscles, his spirit relaxed, weariness surfaced. He thought, "Humans are not iron, eventually weary. Even iron, overused would wear and bend. In this month’s time, day exercised, night practiced martial arts. Spirit and body were never at rest. If not for unique heart veins, would’ve long died someplace. Even for martial artists, enduring such a torment is difficult."

Quickly returned to the inn, lay on the bed, closed his eyes, and fell deep asleep. Li Xian eased his spirit, fatigue like a dammed flood, suddenly flowed across the distance, filled throughout his body.

Snoring sounded continuously.

First day sleeping soundly. From noon until early. Energy then fully recovered, all fatigue swept away. Awoken early, mood relaxed, stretching muscles, body "pop" sounded, bones emitted a refreshing sensation.

Indeed felt reborn.

[Bone Shaping and Embryo]

[Skill Level: 18/100]

In the rest of the month, digesting two hundred and sixty-four strands further. Martial Realm progresses another step.

During this month, Li Xian stayed at the "Good Inn" in "Crude Stone Alley". This inn’s rent is inexpensive, over three hundred wen daily. If renting long term, each day reduces by a dozen more wen. Renting a month cost merely three taels of silver.

The inn was also fairly spacious. Li Xian waking from his rest, relaxed, seeing matters completed. No longer needing prolonged stay at the inn, burning money daily. Yet moving into the Marquis Lodge, ultimately unwilling.

Most of the Gold Appraisal Guards return home daily after shifts. Few stay at the Marquis Lodge for night shifts. The Marquis Lodge crowded with comings and goings, complicated relations. Moreover, staying at the Marquis Lodge, if the city faces issues, requires constant readiness, adhering to orders.

Li Xian patted his money pouch, having twenty-four taels of silver left, thought, "I now have a legitimate position, should truly seek a place to settle!"