Chapter 41: Beyond the Immortal

On the ground lay two black bones.
"These are Yaksha bones! This means the two subordinates sent by the Evil God were Demon Yakshas? Judging by the situation, both Yakshas are already dead! They died right at Senior Zhu’s doorstep!"
Supreme Xieming’s eyes were filled with terror and disbelief.
Supreme Hongxi stared intently at the two bones before him. "Only Yakshas who have reached Supreme or higher levels leave behind such bones upon death..."
For a moment, everyone was lost in confusion, uncertain of what was happening.
If even Supreme Xieming and Supreme Hongxi were so shaken, there was no need to mention Yu Qiushui, Huang Xiantang, and the others.
They stood frozen on the spot, their minds blank with bewilderment.
All of them stared at the black bones at the gate, incapable of thought, dazed...
Even the slowest among them, looking at the bones before them and recalling what the two Supremes had said, understood that the Evil God’s subordinates had perished.
They hadn’t even entered Senior Zhu’s courtyard before being killed at the door.
How powerful must Senior Zhu be?
What depth of strength was required to silence two demon generals without a sound?
They had previously suspected a fierce battle occurred, even rashly speculating that the senior might have died in such a conflict.
Now, things were entirely unexpected...
Two Supremes dead without ever crossing the threshold...
"The Senior Zhu you speak of, perhaps he is more than just an immortal! To possess such overwhelming power and defeat two Supremes with ease..."
Supreme Hongxi spoke, his tone brimming with shock and admiration.
"I see now. The chess game you mentioned, the plans... This level of strength fully supports such claims!"
Supreme Xieming also praised aloud.
Originally, they had thought this senior was powerful, but perhaps only slightly above themselves.
Now, everything that had happened made Supreme Xieming and Supreme Hongxi sigh in regret, realizing they had underestimated him.
Moreover, although both held the Supreme title in their sacred lands and had not yet ascended, ordinary immortals were not intimidating to them.
At most, they respected Zhu Xiaoyuan because he was an immortal.
But now, even Yakshas had died at Zhu Xiaoyuan’s doorstep; things were entirely different!
His abilities were far beyond what they had imagined.

Even if they weren’t afraid, they could not help themselves!
Everyone at the courtyard gate was deep in thought, each pondering in their minds.
Just then, a voice abruptly interrupted their musings.
"Qianxue? Why have you come, still standing at my door?" Zhu Xiaoyuan's voice rang out.
Leng Qianxue immediately turned toward the source of the voice.
There, Zhu Xiaoyuan was walking toward the gate along the path, accompanied by two women.
Leng Qianxue quickly pulled An Yue'er forward, anxiously paying her respects, "Senior!"
Supreme Xieming and Supreme Hongxi also looked toward Zhu Xiaoyuan.
Seeing how young Zhu Xiaoyuan appeared, they were momentarily stunned!
Was this the immortal who, with a single painting, deterred the Demon Sovereign and ended two Supreme Yakshas?
He seemed utterly ordinary, without a trace of aura—like...a common mortal?
Even with their Supreme cultivation, they could not see through Zhu Xiaoyuan!
Indeed, a being beyond immortals, truly unfathomable!
"Wait! It seems this senior has just returned from outside, his demeanor relaxed, showing no signs of battle. What could this mean?"
Supreme Xieming’s heart skipped a beat, unable to make sense of it.
"If not the senior’s doing, the two Yakshas at the gate would never have met him here, much less died at the threshold without entering."
Supreme Hongxi, too, felt anxious.
They exchanged glances, sharing their mutual confusion.
Suppressing his unease, Supreme Hongxi stepped forward and saluted. "I am Hongxi of Jixing Sacred Land, here to pay respects to the senior."
Though he did not understand how the Demon Yakshas died, Hongxi knew one thing: they must not offend this senior.
"Xieming greets the senior!" Supreme Xieming also stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
Zhu Xiaoyuan had yet to speak, but the two women behind him—Huanyue and Ruofeng—were utterly astonished.
These were Supreme Xieming and Supreme Hongxi!
Both were legendary figures; though they hailed from Kongjue Sacred Land, they had never seen either Supreme before!
"This...this... Supreme Hongxi and Supreme Xieming are both here, and they...are so respectful to the senior, without any airs!"

Ruofeng felt as if she had stumbled upon something extraordinary.
Incredible!
Their sacred lands were no weaker than Kongjue Sacred Land, and the names Hongxi and Xieming were revered by all!
Ruofeng’s gaze fell upon Zhu Xiaoyuan. What was this senior’s true identity?
How could he command such deference from two Supremes?
Ruofeng’s mind whirled in a storm.
Perhaps only an immortal could inspire such awe!
Could they truly be so fortunate as to encounter an immortal?
Zhu Xiaoyuan nodded in response to their greetings, though he was deeply puzzled. Judging by their appearance, they were cultivators, but what purpose did they have in coming to his humble abode?
"Greetings to both of you. May I ask what brings you to my humble place?"
Since he didn’t understand, he simply asked directly.
Zhu Xiaoyuan was straightforward and crisp.
Upon hearing this, Xieming immediately stepped to the side and replied respectfully,
"Senior, you may not know, but your painting, ‘The Way of the Sun,’ has shocked the world. By now, everyone knows of it, and we all greatly admire you, so we came especially to pay our respects!"
The painting Xieming referred to, ‘The Way of the Sun,’ was the very one Zhu Xiaoyuan had recently gifted to An Yue'er.
After hearing Xieming’s explanation, Zhu Xiaoyuan smiled knowingly.
Seeing so many visitors, he guessed that An Yue'er must have displayed his painting.
Was it shown for appreciation, or sent to an auction?
In any case, judging by the current situation, his painting had become famous.
And with it, he himself had gained renown, catching the attention of these people.
There was also the possibility that An Yue'er had recommended them to buy paintings!