Chapter 22: A Painting as a Gift

Leng Qianxue and An Yue’er dared not offer any casual judgments.

“Elder Zhu’s paintings must surely be the work of an immortal,” An Yue’er exclaimed in admiration. “To witness them today is a blessing beyond compare!”

“Hahaha, you flatter me,” Zhu Xiaoyuan replied, delighted. “May I ask what brings the two of you here today?”

Leng Qianxue immediately spoke up. “Elder, the State of Anluan has been in turmoil lately. Many influential figures are heading toward the Southern Ridge Mountains, and I wish to venture there to investigate. I’ve come to visit you today to seek your advice.”

Zhu Xiaoyuan was puzzled.

Why would anyone want to go to the Southern Ridge Mountains? Was there anything of interest there?

Were they searching for the gemstone?

Could it truly be so alluring that it made them so eager to go?

“If you wish to go, then by all means, do so,” Zhu Xiaoyuan replied.

He couldn’t very well stop them from searching for the gemstone, could he?

“Thank you for your guidance, Elder!”

With just a few words from Zhu Xiaoyuan, Leng Qianxue felt reassured. She smiled and expressed her gratitude.

It seemed there would be no great obstacles on this journey after all.

“There is one more matter I’d like to discuss…” Leng Qianxue began again.

Seeing her hesitate, Zhu Xiaoyuan encouraged her. “Speak freely.”

“It concerns Sister Yue’er. I wish to apologize to you on her behalf for what happened last time. She meant no harm, and I hope you can forgive her.

“If it weren’t for the fact that her mother was harmed by a villain, she would never have resorted to such desperate measures.

“You are an elder, your magnanimity is beyond our imagination. Please, I beg you to forgive her. Thank you, Elder!”

Leng Qianxue spoke with utmost respect.

An Yue’er was moved and deeply grateful.

What had she done to deserve such care from Leng Qianxue, who was now even pleading for her?

Zhu Xiaoyuan was surprised as well.

He had always thought An Yue’er was simply after the gemstone, but had never imagined her background was so tragic.

Not only was her mother killed, but she was unable to take revenge, left so pitiful and forlorn—no wonder her beautiful eyes brimmed with tears.

Zhu Xiaoyuan felt a pang of pity, but as an ordinary mortal, there was little else he could do besides sympathize.

He was truly powerless to help.

Just then, a sudden inspiration struck Zhu Xiaoyuan.

He turned and took up the paper and brush he had left on the table.

Lifting the brush, he began to paint.

A trail of ink appeared, imbued with a subtle sense of the Dao.

Zhu Xiaoyuan’s hand moved fluidly, his inspiration guiding each stroke with precision.

Soon, an image emerged on the paper.

An Yue’er and Leng Qianxue stood to the side, utterly entranced.

Each stroke seemed to merge seamlessly with the Dao, as if it had been conjured by nature itself.

Zhu Xiaoyuan’s casual gestures appeared godlike in the eyes of An Yue’er and Leng Qianxue.

…

The painting was soon complete.

Zhu Xiaoyuan set down his brush.

“There’s little else I can do to help,” he said. “But since I happened to be painting today, let me gift this piece to you.” Zhu Xiaoyuan handed the painting to An Yue’er.

She reached out to accept it, still in disbelief.

Had the elder truly given her this painting?

Was this not like a pie falling from the sky?

She was utterly stunned.

Leng Qianxue nudged her. “Sister Yue’er, hurry and thank Elder Zhu!”

Prompted by Leng Qianxue, An Yue’er finally collected herself.

“Thank you, Elder, for your generous gift. I am truly grateful.” An Yue’er’s voice trembled with emotion.

Zhu Xiaoyuan waved his hand dismissively.

“If ever your mind is unsettled or you face difficulties, gaze upon this painting. I believe it may offer you some help.”

After all, painting was his way of soothing his own heart. Zhu Xiaoyuan’s mastery was profound; to appreciate his art was to court enlightenment.

As for whether An Yue’er might attain some realization from it, that was beyond Zhu Xiaoyuan’s knowledge.

But, seeing the hardships the young woman had endured, Zhu Xiaoyuan hoped this gift might bring her some small comfort.

“Thank you so much, Elder.” An Yue’er’s eyes stung with tears, and she nearly wept.

“There’s no need for such thanks,” Zhu Xiaoyuan said again, waving his hand.

Having received the painting and said all that needed to be said, Leng Qianxue and her companion took their leave.

Zhu Xiaoyuan watched the two beauties walk out through the gate.

He then turned and scooped up Hong Xiaoyue, the little cat, into his arms.

“Look where you’ve chosen to sleep!

“My painting, and you—sleeping right on top of it! Hahaha!”

Zhu Xiaoyuan laughed heartily.

The white cat in his arms meowed in protest.

It hadn’t wanted to sleep on the painting, but within that artwork, the very currents of the Dao flowed!

A love-hate dilemma!

Hong Xiaoyue followed Zhu Xiaoyuan everywhere, basking in the benefits the Dao bestowed upon it, yet too afraid to look too closely.

Meow, meow, meow—it simply couldn’t give up, nor could it resist…

Meanwhile, Leng Qianxue and An Yue’er had just left the courtyard.

An Yue’er looked up, her limpid, autumnal eyes brimming with gratitude.

She knew that the elder’s forgiveness and this precious gift were all thanks to Leng Qianxue.

“Qianxue, I truly can’t thank you enough. If it hadn’t been for you today…”

As she spoke, tears threatened to spill from An Yue’er’s eyes.

Leng Qianxue quickly stopped her.

“Sister, this is a reason to rejoice, not to weep!”

She smiled.

“Besides, all this is the elder’s doing. If anyone deserves your thanks, it’s Elder Zhu!”

With her playful remark, Leng Qianxue coaxed a smile from An Yue’er.

“You’re right!”

“Sister Yue’er, don’t you want to open Elder Zhu’s painting and have a look?” Leng Qianxue asked eagerly.

“No!” An Yue’er shook her head firmly. “Elder Zhu said that the painting should only be looked at when we’re in real trouble.

“For now, we’re still safe. Let’s save it for when we encounter danger in the secret realm!”

Hearing this, Leng Qianxue nodded in agreement.

As soon as they returned to the Fire Moon Sect, they reported everything to Yu Qiushui, Huang Xiantang, and the others.

Yu Qiushui was naturally pleased.

Since Elder Zhu had permitted Leng Qianxue and An Yue’er to go to the Southern Ridge Mountains, at least their safety was assured.

After a brief discussion, Huang Xiantang and Yu Qiushui made a prompt decision: they would set off at once for the Southern Ridge Mountains, bringing Leng Qianxue and the others along.

All across Anluan State, the masses were gathering; masters from every corner convened.

Inevitably, they would all meet in the Southern Ridge Mountains!

…

Deep within the Southern Ridge Mountains.

The ground was scarred with deep fissures, fallen trees, and withered, twisted grass…

Even the peaks hidden within the range had inexplicably collapsed.

The devastation was extreme!

A stifling heat hung in the air, scorching the very skin.

Even seasoned cultivators found themselves unable to withstand the waves of searing heat.