Chapter 36: The Thing That Terrifies the Spirit of the Artifact

“Everyone, though Senior Zhu holds everything firmly in his hands, we should still pay our respects to him properly.” Yu Qiushui looked at An Yue'er. An Yue'er immediately nodded in agreement. All that they had achieved now was thanks to Senior Zhu’s support. While Senior Zhu seemed indifferent, that did not mean they would neglect courtesy and fail to pay their respects.

“Very well, I will take you both to meet the Senior now. But let me say this: I will bring you today, yet I cannot guarantee the Senior will grant you an audience. If he does not, please do not make a scene.”

…

Meanwhile, in the Nanling Mountains.

A treasure ship had come to a halt in mid-air. Two young women stood atop its deck.

“This is our ancestor’s domain. I can tell this place is no ordinary realm! So many mysteries, and treasures seem to lie hidden everywhere!” The speaker was a girl barely into her teens, her large eyes filled with curiosity as she gazed at the scene. Slender of figure, she carried a bulging pack on her back, shaped much like a painter’s board.

“Sister Ruofeng, I heard there was a demon lord here not long ago, and a group came to investigate this place. Are our ancestor’s relics still here? What if we have no chance to obtain them?” The young girl spoke, her expression tinged with worry.

Beside her, the girl called Ruofeng appeared to be in her early twenties, graceful and peerlessly beautiful. She carried a Jiao-tail zither on her back, and smiled gently.

“Huan Yue, do not worry. In our Void Sanctuary, your talent shines brightest. If the ancestor left anything behind, it will surely be for you; no one else will take it.”

Huan Yue was a little embarrassed, her cheeks flushing at Ruofeng’s reassurance.

The treasure ship continued to glide smoothly through the sky; today they intended to circle the outer perimeter of the Nanling Mountains and see what lay beyond.

“Sister, the demon lord who appeared here recently is said to possess power greater than a Supreme. Even the Supreme from the Extreme Path Sanctuary could do nothing against him. In the end, he was defeated by a painting.” Huan Yue spoke slowly, her face full of curiosity.

“I truly wish I could see what sort of painting could wield such might!”

Ruofeng smiled. “Huan Yue, there is no need to envy others. Our Void Sanctuary is renowned throughout the world for our paintings. Our skill rivals even the immortals themselves!”

“Your goal now is to improve your abilities quickly—at least reach the Profound level!”

Huan Yue pouted slightly, murmuring her assent.

Then she whispered, “Even so, I still want to see that painting. It must be far superior to the old works kept in our sanctuary…”

The treasure ship did not stop, pressing onward. At that moment, Ruofeng seemed to notice something; her eyes grew serious as she looked ahead.

The ship suddenly paused, refusing to advance further.

“Sister Ruofeng, is something wrong?”

“I’m not sure what lies ahead, but the ship refuses to move forward.” Ruofeng walked to the bow, trying to see what blocked their path.

Their treasure ship belonged to the Void Sanctuary, and possessed a nascent spirit. Though still forming, it could sense danger and had halted.

Ruofeng held her breath, attempting to communicate with the ship’s spirit. Yet the spirit was weak, and after a long silence, it managed only a trembling, “I dare not…”

Dare not?

Though the spirit was still incomplete, what terror could possibly evoke such fear?

“The spirit says there is a dreadful presence ahead. I suspect danger lurks there, and if we force our way in, it could mean certain death.” Ruofeng’s delicate face was grave.

“We’re only at the outermost rim of the Nanling Mountains, and already the treasure ship dares not cross. Our ancestor truly chose a remarkable place! What power must we possess to retrieve treasures from such peril?”

“Turn back!” Ruofeng ordered, preparing to leave.

“Wait!” Huan Yue cried out excitedly.

Ruofeng was confused, glancing at Huan Yue with uncertainty.

“The spirit is wrong! It’s not danger, Sister—not danger at all!” Huan Yue’s lovely face was radiant with joy. “That is the resonance of the brush! A painting, its essence soaring with the Dao, awe-inspiring!”

“Sister, I must go see it. There is surely a master ahead. Please, let’s go!”

Huan Yue seized Ruofeng’s hand, urging her forward.

Ruofeng was stunned, her beautiful face bewildered.

The resonance of the brush? Could there truly be such an artist whose painting sends the essence of the Dao skyward, even causing the spirit to tremble with awe?

Instinctively, Ruofeng thought it impossible.

How could such a master exist, able to affect a spiritual artifact from such a distance?

She did not believe it—not even if their ancestor from the Void Sanctuary returned to life!

“Let’s go, Sister. If we wait, the master may leave!” Huan Yue pulled Ruofeng’s hand tightly.

Ruofeng hesitated. She knew Huan Yue’s talent for painting was extraordinary—perhaps unmatched in all the Martial Realm. Huan Yue’s sensitivity to such things far exceeded most.

If she said there was a master ahead, it must be true.

A master was painting nearby.

Yet, to approach so recklessly was dangerous. Such a master might be good or evil—no one could predict what would happen.

Never mind…

“Let’s go. If danger awaits, so be it. We came to the Nanling Mountains knowing the risks; this is no different.” Ruofeng bit her lip and said,

“Treasure ship, fly forward at once, but keep your altitude low. Do not disturb the master, and show no disrespect!”

The ship spirit obeyed, lowering its flight path.

They began to fly close to the ground.

The treasure ship sped ahead, and before long, they neared the place where the master painted.