[Skill: Weeding]
[Skill Level: 867/1500 Minor Achievement]
[Description: Bend down a thousand times, endure the severe cold, withstand the scorching heat, what else can't be accomplished.]
Li Xian dedicates himself to a single task, constantly honing his patience. Both physical strength and mental state have improved.
"Weeding may be a minor skill, but it can also bring me progress."
He was somewhat excited, initially thinking, "Even if I become highly skilled at 'weeding,' what would it amount to? It's just pulling grass faster."
In reality, it's not that simple; pulling weeds is just the surface. As any skill is gradually mastered, deeper aspects are uncovered.
Li Xian is now highly proficient at pulling grass, his hands lightly brushing over, exerting little force, and a bundle of grass is pulled from the ground.
The area's feng shui is excellent, the weeds deeply rooted, exceptionally hard to pull. Across the compound, fewer than five people can match his level.
Of course…
He is the only one who would do such menial tasks.
"It's been a while since I last saw my brother; today I'll ask Bi Hao if he can help write a letter home."
Though it's still early, Li Xian finished weeding this place and hurried back to the Servant Room, ready to knock and enter, but heard voices inside.
Steward Luo Fang's voice came first:
"Little Hao, managing all the servants might seem glamorous, but if we talk about status, you're still just a low-level servant in the end."
There are eleven Servant Rooms here.
Each room has about a hundred people.
These hundred people form a "squad," each squad managed by a squad leader. Li Xian is number twenty-seven in the ninth squad.
Bi Hao is the squad leader of the first squad.
Outwardly glamorous, but the status is no different; the only reason he manages all these servants is because his uncle supports him.
Yet the depth of this compound is profound, and Luo Fang isn't much of a person either.
"Uncle Luo, you're right, I'm well aware of this." Bi Hao said with a forced smile, feeling that Uncle Luo was here to knock him down a peg.
"I came to bring you a piece of news this time, Master Pang plans to select one strong and sturdy person from among the servants to become Nursing Home staff.
If you become a Nursing Home staff, that's different. You'll gain the lady's favor and learn some basic Martial Arts."
"Uncle Luo, is this true? You must help me!"
Right after, a "bang" sound came from the room.
It was Bi Hao kneeling in plea.
And even poured a steaming cup of tea.
Luo Fang nodded secretly, took the tea, blew away the foam, sipped a mouthful, pretending to be a big shot, yet tasting low-quality tea leaves.
With a sigh, he said leisurely:
"Of course, this is crucial for your future. To tell you the truth, I was once Nursing Home staff myself.
Later, I became a steward. Although you are my nephew, if you want to truly succeed, you must fight for it yourself!"
"Master Pang asked me to pass this news down, let any servant interested report to him and get ready to participate in the Nursing Home competition."
"I spoke to you first."
Bi Hao's eyebrows lifted with joy, "These lowly beasts, what do they have to compete with me? The Nursing Home position, it must be mine!"
Luo Fang said indifferently:
"You can't say things like that, the competition for Nursing Home staff also values Martial Arts talent, physical ability, endurance, and temperament.
Even though you have some Martial Arts foundation, you've never fought in real combat.
And… those lowly beasts aren't stupid, why would they miss this opportunity? They'll fight with their lives, they'd rather die in the competition. Do you really have full confidence?"
"This…" Bi Hao listened to the analysis and, even with confidence, wasn't so sure.
"Also, your uncle's face won't buy favor from Master Pang. If you miss out, this opportunity is gone." Luo Fang said with deep meaning.
"Please advise me, uncle, for I will serve as an ox or horse to show filial reverence to you in the future." Bi Hao kowtowed three times.
"It's simple." Luo Fang said, "During this period, focus on practicing the fist. Fully master the Three Talents Fist I taught you.
Moreover, arrange those seemingly tall and robust, energetic beasts into the hardest chores. Exhaust their physical strength."
"Uncle Luo, this plan is brilliant!" Bi Hao said, beaming with delight.
"That's not all." Luo Fang shook his head with a light laugh, "Master Pang asked me to share the news. I dare not disobey, but I can choose to talk about it at night while everyone is asleep. As few people as possible should know."
Bi Hao kowtowed thrice, "Uncle Luo, your great virtues are impossible to repay."
"Just remember my favor." Luo Fang said, "There's fifteen days until the Nursing Home selection competition, handle it well."
"Uncle Luo, let me see you out." Bi Hao supported Luo Fang and walked out of the room.
Li Xian listened to their conversation, his anger mixed with joy. He dared not linger and quickly ran back to the abandoned room.
"That Bi Hao… clearly not lacking in strength, yet insists on using such sinister tactics."
"But it's alright, since I found out, I'll secretly lie low and quietly sign up too!"
Li Xian suppressed the excitement in his heart.
In the backyard of the abandoned room, he practiced the 'Wild Bull Fist' over and over.
This time, whether he can stand out depends on this set of fist techniques!
As evening approached, Bi Hao carried out routine inspections; Li Xian pretended as if nothing happened.
Bi Hao nodded slightly, "Good, good, you did well today too. Little Li, you can go to the Accountant and collect three coins as a reward."
"Master Bi, I see your face glowing, your forehead shiny, you must have encountered something good, right?" Li Xian wiped the sweat off his forehead, feigning exhaustion.
"Hahaha." Bi Hao laughed, "You have some perception, kid. Whatever it is, don't ask, it certainly doesn't concern you."
"You, just honestly weed these grasses. Do well, and you can still earn some rewards. Don't overthink, it'll tire your mind."
His tone was disdainful and dismissive.
As he spoke.
Athought flashed in his mind, he looked Li Xian up and down.
This kid is quite tall and can handle this exhausting task rapidly… shouldn't be lacking in strength.
"Little Li, there are more patches of abandoned houses, more patches of grasslands. How about this: weed one abandoned house a day, I see you're quite hardworking, so I specially told my uncle, if you do well daily, you can earn three coins a day." Bi Hao said with great pride.
As if he can dismiss a competitor with just a few words.
The other party should be grateful to him.
Li Xian sneered inwardly, but showed surprise on his face:
"Master… Master Bi, is this true? Weeding one abandoned house a day… can earn three coins? Wouldn't that be thirty coins in ten days?"
"Hahaha." Bi Hao laughed heartily, feeling infinitely pleased, "I didn't expect you brat to be quite good at math."
After Bi Hao left.
Li Xian's expression returned to calmness, secretly making a fist, he must seize this opportunity!
"Lie low… lie low…"
"During these fifteen days, aim to practice the Wild Bull Fist to the Minor Achievement level!"
"On the day of the selection, catch Bi Hao off guard, only then will I have a chance to win!"
"Low-level servants will never have their day, but as Nursing Home staff… you can actually touch rough Martial Arts!"
Li Xian steeled himself with determination, his eyes firm and bright.