Daily Essence Soup, Monthly Essence Treasures-Mere Hardship Cannot Stop Me

Wen Caishang is extremely skilled in business, with a unique expertise in Silkworm Silk. Quietly and unobtrusively, she has already expanded her business to a wide range. Recently, her Ancestor Silkworm have revived and are even more advanced. After relocating and settling down, she cultivated new silkworm varieties and produced new silk products.

Silkworm Silk is emerald green, with wondrous uses. It can be used in medicine, crafted into Heavenly Crafted Wonders, and even as weapons. If made into clothing, bedding, or silk pillows, the emerald green Silkworm Silk will constantly heal the body and rejuvenate the complexion, truly a marvel of nature... Due to its extremely limited production, even in Jade City, a single thread is hard to come by.

Carriages were parked Silkworm Tower, all eagerly awaiting its arrival. Li Xian observed for a long time, thinking to himself, "Compared to Madam, the difference isn't just in martial arts; I haven't found a foothold. Since Madam owns properties in Jade City, there must be more than one. I'll keep an eye out for a few more."

Careful observation along the way revealed Wen Caishang's "Silkworm Dream Tower" on a street called "Great Fortune Street". Li Xian, formerly from the One Accord Manor, once helped Wen Caishang manage her businesses in Qingning County.

Know the business principles of Silkworm Dream Tower.

Although Qingning County is not a small place, it is poor and barren. Even if all the people's wealth is plundered, the riches will still be limited. Wen Caishang has a unique vision. Although she settled in Qingning County, she was not constrained by it. Her businesses continued to expand and spread to many places.

Looking towards the Wen Caishang lit Clarity Silkworm Dream Tower, all those coming and going were distinguished individuals. Li Xian recalled her past conversation with Wen Caishang, whose attitude towards Jade City seemed rather intriguing.

Li Xian thought to himself, "The lady's identity and background are also extremely unusual. Yet, I captured such a person in a sorry state last time. Thinking about it carefully, I have reason to be proud. She laid the foundation for me, but the path ahead still requires my own hard work and effort. The path of martial arts is boundless and limitless." He focused his mind, strengthened his resolve, and strode forward.

Focus on the path you are on.

Only by experiencing each and every one of them can they truly belong to you.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Xu Shaoqian and Lei Chong captured Li Hengfeng. Lei Chong, holding an iron whip, bound Li Hengfeng's feet and dragged him along the ground.

Lei Chong hesitated several times before finally asking, "Central Lang General, I... I have something I really need to ask you clearly, or I'll feel terribly uncomfortable!" Xu Shaoqian, head held high, rode his blue horse, its mane flying, a testament to his distinguished status, drawing the attention of everyone on the street. He said, "Speak." Lei Chong said, "Central Lang General, do you really intend to let that brat join my Gold-Seeking Guard? I've thought it over and over, and I still feel it's inappropriate."

Xu Shaoqian said, "When did I say I would allow him to join my Gold-Seeking Guard? I was just giving him a chance." Lei Chong said, "Even so, it's still too easy on this person. Thinking back, when we were trying to join the Gold-Seeking Guard, we went through countless trials and tribulations; the selection process alone took three years."

Xu Shaoqian said, "I am confident in this matter, you don't need to say more." He spurred his horse, and the blue horse galloped forward, its mane bristling and hooves pounding. Lei Chong dared not say anything more and could only ride after him.

Xu Shaoqian had other plans. His large-scale manhunt for Li Hengfeng was all to win the favor of that beauty at Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower. He had once boasted to her that even if it meant searching Great Waves Sifting Sand, he would definitely capture Li Hengfeng and retrieve the rouge.

He seemed to be giving Li Xian a chance, allowing him to become a "Probationary Cavalier." In reality, it was still for matters of romance and pleasure. So that when facing beautiful women, he could have a clear conscience and feel confident. When returning the rouge, he could say that it was his Gold-Seeking Guard captured Li Hengfeng, thus not losing face.

Winning the heart of a beauty is of paramount importance. As for Li Xian, why would he waste his energy on him? He figured Li Xian wouldn't pass the verification. He would retire around 3-5 AM a month later. Li Xian hurried back to the Miraculous Healers Pavilion. It was still dark. Although Jade City had no curfew and its night market was bustling, it was starting to feel deserted at this hour. Li Xian calmed his mind, sat Turbidity Transport, and tempered his will. He picked up his wooden spear again and practiced his spear techniques in the courtyard. The rising sun in the east cast purple qi glow. Thousands of buildings were bathed in golden light, a truly beautiful sight.

Jade City boasts excellent feng shui, with abundant auspicious purple qi. Each tall building is exquisitely constructed, creating a spectacular scene of thousands of buildings vying for auspicious energy. They divide up and gather the auspicious purple qi coming from the east, like individual pavilions and towers.

Li Xian waited a moment longer before the Miraculous Healers Pavilion opened for business. He then went to find Yao Baishun and explained what had happened the previous night. Yao Baishun stroked his beard and said, "So you really won't stay here long. Very well, since you have a better place to go, I won't stop you. But it would be a pity if your medical skills were to go to waste." Li Xian replied, "If I have free time in the future, and if Master Yao doesn't mind, I would like to return to practice medicine."

Yao Baishun said, "Very well, very well. I'll keep this medical token for you for now. Come find me again when you return! But now that you've become Probationary Cavalier, under the Gold-Seeking Guard, you can no longer stay in this small outbuilding."

Li Xian was sincerely grateful and said again, "Alright, once I find a new place to stay, I will inform Master Yao. If Yao Yin looks for me then, I hope Master Yao will convey my message to Yao Baishun with a smile of relief." Seeing that Li Xian cared about Yao Yin, and knowing that the two had already become friends, Yao Baishun naturally agreed. Li Xian bid farewell to the Miraculous Healers Pavilion, packed his belongings, and sighed with emotion. Life in Jade City was difficult, but fortunately, the Miraculous Healers Pavilion had taken him in for more than a month, and he had become Jade Citizen City, gradually adapting to life.

Westwind Avenue is one of the main roads in the western part of the city. It is 15 zhang wide and 20 li long. The ground is paved with white jade. When viewed from above, it looks like a white river flowing from east to west. High-rise buildings stand on both sides, and there is a constant flow of vehicles and pedestrians. The scene is magnificent.

Li Xian inquired of others and learned the location of Marquis Wu Station. He then went straight there. Gold-Seeking Guard was one of the "Thirty-Two True Guards" of Jade City, whose main duty was to protect the stability of Jade City.

They ignore the trivial matters of people's livelihood, and are only responsible for major cases that endanger Jade City. They also have a certain degree of overall coordination and allocation power, and their status and position are far higher than those of the yamen runners. Their future prospects are also broad. Many people in Jade City's "Heavenly Pivot" have all been trained in the Thirty-Two True Guards.

Marquis Wu Station was a military garrison. Holding the "jade stone," Li Xian quickly found the location of "Marquis Wu Station," a building over ten zhang tall. Although the building was not tall, it occupied a large area. The vermilion gate was tightly closed, but a small door was opened on the side. A gilded plaque was inscribed with the three large characters "Gold-Seeking Guard."

The majestic lions at the gate, clad in gold armor and baring their teeth, are quite imposing. The guards standing at the gate are full of vigor, their mere presence intimidating any troublemakers. Marquis Wu Station is solemn and dignified, and the common people keep their distance, hence there are few pedestrians.

Left Guard seeing Li Xian, Zuo Wei shouted in a booming voice, "Who is wearing a mask and acting so suspiciously? Are they trying to disrupt my Jade City?!"

Li Xian refused to be ordered around and said, "I have come here to assume my post at the behest of Xu Shaoqian Xu Central Lang General!"

The two guards exchanged a glance, hesitating upon hearing the name "Xu Shaoqian": "Was it really Xu Central Lang General sent you? What is your post?" Li Xian replied, "The Central Lang General assigned me to Probationary Cavalier duty." The guards immediately sneered, saying in unison, "Nonsense! The Gold-Seeking Guard is not easy to enter. You speak nonsense from the start. Are you here to make fun of us? If you don't leave, we'll have your spears ready!"

Li Xian said, "Second Guard, don't be hasty. The Central Lang General sent me with this." He took out the jade and flicked it with his finger. The Left Guard raised his hand and grabbed the jade in his palm, but felt a burning, sore, and numb sensation, and his wrist stung. He knew that this light flick contained a great deal of force.

The two guards carefully examined the jade, finding it to be a dull green, not a token, and its rough luster, indicating it was not valuable. Just as Li Xian, intending to mock him, was about to reprimand him severely, the Left Guard paused, recalling that Xu Shaoqian had once demonstrated a martial art that seemed to possess the ability to turn fossils into jade. However, his intentions were unclear, and he dared not confirm, so he whispered, "You keep an eye on this person; I'll be right back."

The Left Guard entered Marquis Wu Station and soon emerged, accompanied by a young man. This young man was short, but dressed in black armor, he was even more imposing than the two gate guards. He must be the "Gold-Seeking Guard), for although the two gate guards were formidable, they were not of the Gold-Seeking Guard.

The young man who arrived later was named Yu Hai. He had fair skin and held a jade stone in his hand. He asked Li Xian, "Brother, is this yours?" Li Xian replied, "It was given to me yesterday by Xu Shaoqian Xu Central Lang General." Yu Hai said leisurely, "Central Lang General's skill is gradually increasing; this ' Jade-Illuminating Divine Palm ' is becoming increasingly powerful. I've examined it, and it definitely comes from Xu Central Lang General. I believe this man wouldn't dare to speak falsely; it must be genuine. Let him in!" The two guards on either side looked on with envy, then stepped aside and greeted him with clasped hands. They said apprehensively, "It's our duty; please forgive us."

Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "No blame!" He then followed Yu Hai to Wuhoupu.

Suddenly, a wide training ground came into view, and the sound of horses' hooves echoed from it. Li Xian looked in the direction of the sound and saw dozens of people gathered around the training ground, with two groups of people inside. One group was dressed in red, and the other in black. Each group formed its own camp, riding fine horses and holding wooden poles. They were galloping around the field, vying for a round ball.

Yu Hai asked, "Have you ever played polo?"

A man in red swung his mallet sharply, striking the polo ball and sending it hurtling out. The ball exploded several times with tremendous force and speed. A man in black, mounted on his horse, leaped into the air, quickly approached the ball, and turned mid-air to intercept it.

They went back and forth, vying for dominance. Every movement contained the evolution of martial arts, yet none were weak, their foundations deep and solid. Li Xian shook his head and said, "Never played before." Yu Hai laughed and said, "Join my Gold-Seeking Guard, and you'll get to play sometime." He shouted a few times to the crowd, making a few jokes and teasing, before leading Li Xian forward again.

Just past the drill ground, there is a flower garden.

Marquis Wu Station a vast area, including stables and training grounds.

Yu Hai led the way, saying, "Now that you've met me, let me introduce you! Bring the Jade Slip; I'll first take you to register, then we'll stroll around and I'll introduce you to some friends."

Li Xian asked, "What Jade Slip?" Yu Hai was taken aback and asked, "You don't know this?"

Li Xian truthfully replied, "I truly don't know." Yu Hai said, "The Gold-Seeking Guard is directly under the Heavenly Pivot; personnel appointments are controlled by the Heavenly Pivot. The Jade Slip is the appointment document; don't you have one?"

Li Xian said, "Probably not."

Yu Hai frowned and said, "Even Central Lang General only has the power to recommend, not to appoint. It's strange that he summoned you but didn't provide an appointment Jade Slip."

Li Xian thought to herself, "It seems that Xu Shaoqian was just giving me a perfunctory answer. But it doesn't matter. Even if I can't enter the Gold-Seeking Guard, it's still good for me to learn more about him." Being carefree by nature, she didn't feel annoyed. She then told Yu Hai everything that had happened last night.

Yu Hai said, "I see. If that's the case, then your Gold-Seeking Guard ' is in serious jeopardy." Li Xian asked, "Please enlighten me, Brother Yu."

Yu Hai said, "Let me be frank with you. Xu Central Lang General has no intention of recruiting you into the Gold-Seeking Guard. If he did, he would have already recommended you to Heavenly Pivot. Whether it succeeds or not, we'll see in a few days. He sent you with the jade and promised you the status of Probationary Cavalier; while it might not all be a formality, it's clear he doesn't care about you. He'll kick you out after the assessment a month later."

"But nothing is absolute. If you can truly pass the verification, you might actually be able to seize this fortuitous opportunity. At that time, Xu Central Lang General, for the sake of his reputation, will most likely recommend you. Once the appointment Jade Slip is issued, you will become a member of the Gold-Seeking Guard. For you, that would be a meteoric rise, far better than any of those Jianghu gangs or sects!"

"But if you fail, consider this entire month a dream. However, it's not entirely without benefits. With this resume, you can find another job in Jade City —whether it's a yamen runner, a jailer, etc.—they will definitely look at you more favorably. Your chances of promotion in the future will be much greater. Even if you don't go to Jade City, you can find a powerful force within the Dragon Court Prefecture to join. You'll receive preferential treatment Gold-Seeking Guard will certainly be renowned!"

Li Xian laughed heartily, "In that case, I'm not at a disadvantage at all." Yu Hai nodded, "Of course not. How could my Jade City, a city of unparalleled wealth, mistreat the Thirty-Two True Guards? Moreover, the Gold-Seeking Guard involves many powerful martial arts techniques, which even the major clans in the city greatly covet. For younger generations to join the Gold-Seeking Guard is a promising future, and protecting Jade City is certainly an honor. But if they can learn the martial arts of the Gold-Seeking Guard, their Lineage will also hold them in higher regard!"

Yu Hai was easygoing and very talkative. Upon learning that Li Xian had little hope of joining the Gold-Seeking Guard, he didn't leave. Instead, he poured out his heart, earnestly explaining the pros and cons. Li Xian pondered, "In that case, the Gold-Seeking Guard is indeed remarkable. If I could truly stay here, my future would be bright. Many of the difficulties in martial arts would be resolved one by one."

Yu Hai told Li Xian that all those who Gold-Seeking Guard) will never lack Essence Treasure or Essence Soup. After each day's duty, they can receive a bowl of "Essence Soup," which nourishes them with "fifteen to nineteen strands" of the Heaven and Earth Essence. Approximately ten strands are retained in the body. Gold-Seeking Guard are encouraged to digest this essence quickly through martial arts training and competitions. Each month, they receive "two qian" of refined meat, which, when consumed, nourishes them with "more than fifty strands" of the Heaven and Earth Essence. By drinking Essence Soup daily and Essence Consumption meat monthly, as long as they are diligent and hardworking, their martial arts level will naturally and steadily improve. Those who are diligent, hardworking, and have superior physiques will digest the Heaven and Earth Essence very quickly, and the daily and monthly rewards of Essence Treasure will not be enough to satisfy their appetites; they can even purchase additional Essence Treasure to consume.

Most of the Gold-Seeking Guard are scions of the Aristocratic Clan. Their Lineage provide for their cooking and also share in the Essence Treasure. In this respect, the Gold-Seeking Guard have no need to worry about a lack of Essence Treasure. Their only concern is their insufficient digestive capacity, which causes the abundant Heaven and Earth Essence to be lost and wasted. While honing martial arts skills can help digest the Heaven and Earth Essence, the ability to digest it ultimately varies depending on one's constitution.

Becoming a true Gold-Seeking Guard) grants access to the "Artifact Cauldron Hall," allowing for the forging of a close-fitting black-gold armor and a unique Jade City Crossblade. One can also choose a warhorse, accumulate military merits, and learn the True Guard's martial arts... The benefits are endless and too numerous to list. One can advance to secure a position of power and influence, or even directly enter the Heavenly Pivot. Alternatively, one can steadily progress in martial arts and earn the respect of others.

Yu Hai said, "Although you haven't received an official appointment from Heavenly Pivot, it's only a verbal promise from Xu Central Lang General. But General Central Lang General is a man of Silver-Faced Copper-Bodied Rank, his words carry weight. Therefore, it cannot be disregarded. For this month, you will temporarily serve Cavalier in the Gold-Seeking Guard. However, if you are fortunate enough to join the Gold-Seeking Guard in the future, the Artifact Cauldron Hall will forge your armor, sword, and other equipment."

"The Gold-Seeking Guard Cavalier duty from 5 AM to 7 AM daily, with classes at noon and evening training. The rest of the time is free. I hear your surname is Li; you probably don't have a powerful family background, right?"

Li Xian said, "That's right."

Yu Hai said, "Marquis Wu Station quite large, and there is room for you if you wish. However, you are merely Probationary Cavalier. Although the Central Lang General has made a promise, the procedure is flawed, and there's a sense of illegitimacy involved. Staying in Marquis Wu Station might easily invite trouble. You are also a martial artist, so you should know the temperament of martial people. Not everyone is as easygoing as I am. Moreover, the young masters there have very strong tempers and are not easy to get along with!" Li Xian understood and said, "I will stay somewhere else and go to Marquis Wu Station to start my duty at dawn every day."

Yu Hai said, "That's excellent."

Li Xian asked, "Yes, Brother Yu, what exactly is being checked? Please explain in detail, I would be extremely grateful!"

Yu Hai shook his head and smiled, "You still care about this matter after all."

"The purpose of the verification is to check Gold-Seeking Guard's progress, to see if there is any laziness or negligence, and to verify his true identity to prevent unauthorized individuals from infiltrating. This includes horseback riding, archery, martial arts, the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method, the Stone-Pushing Palm Method, and the Body of Suffering test. If you have prior experience, passing the horseback riding, archery, and martial arts tests, while not easy, is still possible. However, for the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method, Stone-Pushing Palm Method, and Body of Suffering test, which you are only attending temporarily, passing them will be extremely difficult, and the chances are slim."

Yu Hai said, "These three are actually the easiest for ordinary Gold-Seeking Guard). These three martial arts are all basic martial arts, created to temper the mind and will of Gold-Seeking Guard, not for killing or defeating enemies, but only for honing their skills. Ordinary Gold-Seeking Guard must go through layers of selection, with the final test lasting a full three years. During these three years, they enter deep mountains and forests, facing numerous difficulties that test their mind, body, and will. By then, they will have at least reached the Minor Accomplishment or Major Accomplishment mastery levels of the Heavenly Pivot Saber Method, the Stone-Pushing Palm Method, and the Body of Suffering."

"And you haven't gone through this stage. Even if you could pass horseback riding, archery, and martial arts, the chances of passing these three are slim, so you'd naturally struggle to pass the assessment."

Li Xian asked, "I see, that's the difficulty."

Yu Hai said, "Actually, some Lineage scions directly become Gold-Seeking Guard through Lineage connections, without going through rigorous selection and three years of arduous training. However, they must first Minor Accomplishment the ' Heavenly Pivot Saber Method,' ' Stone-Pushing Palm Method,' and ' Body of Suffering ' before daring to join the Gold-Seeking Guard. The Gold-Seeking Guard are directly under Heavenly Pivot, and every assessment is presided over by people from Heavenly Pivot; it's not easy to fake it."

Li Xian asked, "Brother Yu, where should we learn these three martial arts techniques?"

Yu Hai hesitated for a moment, then said, "You're really Dead Heart, aren't you? You really want to try?" Li Xian replied, "I only wish to do my best; whatever the result, that's what matters."

Yu Hai said, "Fine, I won't give up until I Dead Heart you. These three martial arts were created solely to temper the mind and body, hence they are extremely difficult to master. The Heavenly Pivot Saber Method is exquisite, and its killing power is quite good. But the Stone-Pushing Palm Method and the Body of Suffering are completely useless."

He handed over the three martial arts techniques to Li Xian.

Li Xian hid himself well and then wandered around Yu Hai, learning about the various affairs of the Gold-Seeking Guard. Soon it was noon. There was a "Dining Hall" in Marquis Wu Station, where the Gold-Seeking Guard ate and drank.

The dishes were extremely lavish, surpassing those of ordinary restaurants.

Li Xian followed Yu Hai into the Dining Hall. There, he saw a group of Gold-Seeking Guard) gathered at the training ground. He overheard them discussing how the red-clad team had won the polo match by a large margin.

The atmosphere among the black-clad team was somber and displeased.

As soon as Li Xian and Yu Hai sat down, a young man from the red-clad team called out, "Hey Yu Hai, who are you leading? Are they new colleagues? I haven't heard anything about them."

This man was the main force just now. His name was Bai Qinghao. He had a very solid foundation in martial arts and came from the Bai Clan Jade City.

Yu Hai laughed, "You could say that. He was summoned by the Central Lang General to serve as a temporary Cavalier."

One of the men in black shouted, "Temporary Cavalier? What's that? Cavalier are Cavalier, why add 'temporary'?"

The speaker was tall and strong, named "Su Kuo." He had been very brave in the polo match just now. When he charged forward with the ball, he had the air of a general, and his roar shook the surrounding area.

Yu Hai said, "That's a long story, but in short, he will be accompanying us on duty for the next month."

Li Xian bowed to the crowd. Another member of the red-clad team said, "You're being vague. Speak clearly. If a spy infiltrates, will you be responsible?" This man had a long face and a thin mouth; his name was Yao Duan.

Yu Hai intended to cover for Li Xian, but seeing that everyone was becoming increasingly curious, he realized that he had no choice but to speak up. He then secretly glanced at Li Xian and saw that Li Xian was completely unconcerned and calm, smiling at him as if to say, "Please speak freely."

Yu Hai then briefly explained the situation.

Upon Gold-Seeking Guard realized that Li Xian was neither a member of the Lineage nor someone selected through a merit-based system. They immediately lost interest and their desire to befriend him diminished, their gazes turning contemptuous. After a chorus of boos, they resumed their discussion of the polo match.

Li Xian knew that the strong must be strong themselves. What did the contempt of others matter to him? He secretly observed the guards, thinking, "As expected of Jade City. I only caught a fleeting glimpse of the polo match, but it's already clear that their martial arts are all quite impressive. Their strength should not be underestimated."

After a quick meal, Yu Hai told Li Xian that he was free today and there was nothing to do at Marquis Wu Station, so he could go back first and come back to Marquis Wu Station for duty at dawn tomorrow.

Li Xian left Marquis Wu Station and found an inn along the street, spending ten taels of silver to rent a room. After putting away all his luggage, he let out a long breath. He took out three martial arts manuals: "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method," "Stone-Pushing Palm Method," and "Body of Suffering." He first read through "Heavenly Pivot Saber Method." The saber technique was indeed exquisite, but someone had deliberately set up difficulties, causing people to often encounter bottlenecks in their practice.

For days and months, his swordsmanship showed no improvement. This tormented his mind, causing him to doubt himself and making it difficult for him to eat or sleep. The "Stone-Pushing Palm Method" was similar. The palm technique itself was not difficult, but practicing it was extremely physically demanding. Each strike of the "Stone-Pushing Palm Method" felt like pushing a thousand-pound boulder.

He quickly became exhausted and extremely tired.

"Body of Suffering" is a method of body tempering. During practice, the whole body is stinging with pain, which is extremely unbearable. These three martial arts, from three different perspectives, temper the mind and body of the martial artist.

He practiced without progress, practiced until he was exhausted, practiced until he was in excruciating pain. Although these were only basic martial arts, if he could achieve Minor Accomplishment mastery, it would demonstrate his unwavering will and extraordinary physical and mental strength. Li Xian's eyes gleamed. After reviewing the three martial arts techniques one by one, his heart blazed with Heartfire: "Heaven Rewards Diligence, what fear is there of not progressing? As for the Stone-Pushing Palm Method, the Body of Suffering... I Perfect Aspect, and my strength is extraordinary, what fear is there of fatigue? The road ahead lies before me, how can mere hardships hinder me?"

"If that's all there is to it, there's plenty to be made from such a trivial verification process!"

(ps: Jade City is a major city where Yunan Circuit, Guanlong Circuit, and Wanghe Circuit intersect. Madam Wen, Zhao Ranran, the Five-Mountain Sword Alliance, Profound Dao Mountain, the Candle Cult, etc., may come to Jade City at some point, either passing by or for various other purposes.)

Please don't view this as an isolated and closed-off "copy." There are connections between regions. It won't be easy for Xiao Li to make a name for himself in this place, but Heaven Rewards Diligence, and he'll improve every day.