Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 160: The Fight Between Brothers

Upon hearing that they would be dueling, the rest of the students immediately stood by the corner of the classroom.

Sensing the aura the two emitted, Zhao Ya's face turned grim.

Zheng Yang's fighting prowess was far below hers previously, but after learning a spear art from Zhang laoshi, his strength had been growing swiftly. If she were to fight with him now, she wouldn't be a match for him at all.

"Who of the two do you think will win?"

Liu Yang asked.

"They grew up together, and Mo Xiao's talent and comprehension toward the spear isn't something Zheng Yang can compare up to. I've heard that in the few times that they had crossed blows, Zheng Yang had always been on the losing end. I'm afraid that it would be difficult to surpass him this time as well!"

Zhao Ya hesitated for a moment before saying.

Even though she hated to admit it, Mo Xiao is indeed a fearsome adversary.

Even Zheng Yang himself understands that he isn't a match for this good buddy of his.

Perhaps it is because Lu Xun knew of this that he poached Mo Xiao over from Wang Chao laoshi to have him face off against him. His means were truly unscrupulous.

"I've heard that for this Teacher Evaluation, Wang Chao laoshi had even imparted Mo Xiao a few of his family hereditament spear art!" Even though Yuan Tao's cultivation is lacking, he is well abreast with the news in the academy.

"Family hereditament spear art? You mean the Wang Clan's spearmanship?"

Zhao Ya was taken aback.

"Is the Wang Clan's spearmanship famous?" Seeing her shocked expression, Liu Yang was puzzled.

"There are two prestigious Wang Clan in Tianxuan Kingdom. One of it is my Wang Clan, one of the Four Great Clans, while the other one is the clan of the Spear Master Wang Chong!" This time, it is Wang Ying who replied his doubts.

As a member of the Four Great Clans, and given that the other Wang Clan was equally famous as theirs, it was natural that Wang Ying knew of it.

"Wang Chong?"

"Indeed. Wang Chong is known as the number one spear expert in Tianxuan Kingdom. Even Emperor Shen Zhui is full of praises for him. He singlehandedly and remarkably built the Wang Clan just by his spear arts, and his skills are the ultimate techniques that countless spear practitioners dream of!" Wang Ying said in admiration.

"So incredible?"

Liu Yang was astonished. He couldn't help asking, "Then, what's the relationship between this Wang Chong and Wang Chao laoshi?"

"Wang Chao is the sole son of this spear master. That's also the reason why countless spear practitioners vie to come under his tutelage!" Wang Ying said.

"So that's why!" Turning his attention to the two dueling parties, worry appeared on Liu Yang's face. "Doesn't that mean that Zheng Yang is in danger?"

"Indeed, the Wang Clan's spearmanship is formidable. It isn't something that outsiders are allowed to learn, to think that Wang Chao laoshi would break the rules of the clan and impart him a few moves generously. Looks like they are really determined to win this Teacher Evaluation." Zhao Yao harrumphed coldly.

The Wang Clan's spearmanship is a set of family hereditament spear art; it is only passed down to male offsprings of the clan. Yet, Yuan Tao said that Wang Chao laoshi imparted a few moves to Mo Xiao. From this, it could be seen how highly the latter valued the Teacher Evaluation.

From the very start, Zheng Yang wasn't a match for this Mo Xiao. To make things worse, the latter had managed to pick up the Wang Clan's hereditament technique. How can he possibly defeat him now?

For a moment, the crowd was full of anxiety.

……

...

On the field.

"Wang laoshi has imparted me the Wang Clan's spearmanship's 3rd form, 7th form, and 18th form, so you better watch out!" Mo Xiao said as he twisted his spear and sent a pierce toward Zheng Yang.

"The 3rd form, Onset of the Cold Gleam, 7th form, Remnants of the Setting Sun, and the 18th form, The Returning Forest Canary? Alright!" Zheng Yang's face turned grim.

The Wang Clan's spearmanship is extremely famous. Those who had learned the basics of the spear would be acquainted with it. However, they would only know the forms but not its essence and intent.

"Then, I shall go first. The 3rd form, Onset of the Cold Gleam!"

Mo Xiao moved his spear, and with a loud whistling of the air, his spear shot straight out.

Before even reaching Zheng Yang, its might could already be felt from the shock wave of the taut spear. The spear emanated an intimidating pressure that induced cold sweat.

The move focused all of one's attention and strength on the tip of the spear. Perhaps, even a steel board several inch thick would be pierced through instantly.

As expected of a spear genius. Despite the high difficulty of mastering the Wang Clan's spearmanship, he was able to exert such incredible strength.

"Good move!"

Witnessing the incredible move the other party was executing, Zheng Yang narrowed his eyes and charged forward to face him with a spear art of his own.

……

...

"What an incredible spear technique..."

The shock wave from Mo Xiao's stroke blasted into the surroundings. Sensing the incredible force behind his move, everyone's face turned grim.

"Zhao Ya, since Mo Xiao has learnt such an incredible spear art, why didn't he keep it for the Teacher Evaluation? Why would he come to look for Zheng Yang at such a timing to duel with him?" Wang Ying was perplexed.

If one learned such an incredible move, he should practice it secretly so as to catch one's opponent off-guard during the duel. Yet, Mo Xiao came to challenge Zheng Yang, causing the latter to know of it in advance. Zheng Yang would then be cautious against it during the duel later on, making it more difficult for the move to work.

"It's brotherhood!" Upon seeing the look of confusion on Zhao Ya's face, Liu Yang said.

"Brotherhood?"

"Un, Mo Xiao grew up alongside Zheng Yang, and no matter what, he is definitely reluctant to face off against Zheng Yang in an official duel. Thus, he specially came here to find his good friend to show him what he had learnt under the pretext of dueling with him so that he would be guarded against it! Didn't you see him reveal the names of the moves before the duel? Have you ever seen anyone revealing the moves they are going to use before a duel?"

Only a man will understand brotherly feelings. Even though Mo Xiao had done it in a roundabout and secretive manner such that Zhao Ya and Wang Ying were unable to see through his true intentions, how could his actions escape the notice of Liu Yang!

"So that's the case!"

Everyone came to a realization and turned their attention over to the duel once more.

Ding ding ding!

In the brief moment the others were conversing, both parties on the field had already crossed blows several times. The crisp sound from the crossing of spears could be heard, and the force of their clashes sent shockwaves into the surroundings. As expected, Zheng Yang was unable to stand his ground against Mo Xiao and retreated continuously.

"Good spear art! I haven't been slacking while you were working hard. Mo Xiao, allow me to show you the spear art that Zhang laoshi has taught me!"

Despite being in a disadvantageous position, Zheng Yang did not fluster. Rather, he smiled calmly.

He only used his own understanding and fundamentals of spearmanship to fend off Mo Xiao's blows previously, and thus, he was unable to withstand the other party's Wang Clan's spearmanship.

Boom!

The moment after Zheng Yang said so, his spear rose and flew toward Mo Xiao, as though a dragon treading the river. It was just an extremely simple move, but Mo Xiao felt as though a mountain was weighing on him. The overwhelming pressure left him short on breath.

Peng!

Before he could even react, he felt a dull pain in his chest. The form of his Wang Clan's spearmanship fell apart immediately and he was send flying, skidding backward seven to eight meters.

"Ah?"

Zheng Yang clearly had not expected the move to be able to wield such strength and was taken aback.

He had been practicing this move ever since he learned it from Zhang Xuan, but he did not think that it would surpass the Wang Clan's spearmanship.

He had always thought that it was due to Zhang laoshi's zhenqi that he was able to defeat Zhou Tian laoshi. Only now did he realize that even without that surge of zhenqi, this is an invincible technique.

Ever since they were young, regardless of whether it was in spearmanship or cultivation realm, Zheng Yang has never been a match for Mo Xiao. Now that he had learnt the Wang Clan's spearmanship, he thought that it would already be incredible if he could stand his own against him. However, he did not imagine that a single move would send the latter flying. In fact, if he hadn’t held back at the very last moment, Mo Xiao would have likely have been injured.

"I'm fine!"

Zheng Yang rushed forward to help his buddy up.

"You... What move is that?"

While struggling up, Mo Xiao's eyes were widened in disbelief.

The move he had used was part of the Wang Clan's spearmanship, the number one spear technique in Tianxuan Kingdom. Yet... His spear art was as laughable as playing house as compared to the other party. With a single move, his spearmanship fell apart.

If he hadn't witnessed it personally, he would have never dared to believe it to be true.

"This is the spear art that Zhang laoshi imparted to me!" Zheng Yang said proudly.

Back then, his greatest wish was to come under Wang Chao's tutelage, and witness, as well as learn, a thing or two from the Wang Clan's spearmanship. However, at this very moment, he is thankful that Wang laoshi had rejected him. Otherwise, how could he have stumbled on such an opportunity and became Zhang laoshi's student?

"Zhang laoshi imparted you this spear art? Such... Such an incredible spear art, and he simply passed it down to you like that?"

Mo Xiao found the situation unbelievable.

Wang Chao laoshi valued the Wang Clan's spearmanship greatly, and if not for Lu Xun laoshi's request, he would have never imparted these three moves to an outsider.

The depth of this move isn't something the Wang Clan's spearmanship could compare up to. Yet, Zhang laoshi imparted such a move so easily to Zheng Yang... Are you for real?

"Zhang laoshi never holds anything back when imparting knowledge to us, he is a true teacher!" Zheng Yang said affirmatively.

"This..."

Hearing the earnest words of his good friend and understanding that he truly admired this Zhang laoshi, Mo Xiao chuckled.

Initially, he thought that it was regretful that his good friend failed to come under Wang Chao's tutelage. To think that it would be a blessing in disguise, he found an even better teacher and learned an even greater spear art.

Just by seeing the move, he understood that even if he were to learn the entire set of Wang Clan's spearmanship, he wouldn't be a match for his friend.

"This spear art is incredible, I concede defeat. Can you tell me its name?"

Recovering from his shock, Mo Xiao asked.

He should at least know the name of the spear technique which he had fallen in defeat to.

"Name?" Zheng Yang scratched his head in embarrassment. "I don't know its name as well. It is a move that Zhang laoshi had just created and he hadn’t had the time to name it..."

"Created? Hadn't had the time to name it?" Mo Xiao staggered. He nearly fainted from shock.

Which one of those who managed to create a spear art wasn't a spear master that possessed an intense amount of knowledge on spearmanship? Usually, before a move had even been created, they would have already come up with a name for it... He had already imparted the move to his student, and yet he didn't have a name for it?

Furthermore, this move is even more incredible than the Wang Clan's spearmanship. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it the number one spear of Tianxuan Kingdom... And it doesn't have a name...

Are you sure you aren't pulling my leg!

"How about this? Why don't you help me think a name for it..."

In the midst of his shock, he heard his friend's voice sounding out.

"You..."

Upon hearing those words, Mo Xiao's face darkened. "Zheng Yang, watch your words! Every battle technique is created through the blood, sweat, and tears of a cultivator and its name will be passed down for countless years to come. Since this move was created by Zhang laoshi, he has to be the one to name it. Naming it yourself... How can this be acceptable? If he finds out about it, wouldn't he think that you are insulting his effort and be infuriated?"

Naming someone else's move after learning it from them? You must be joking!

"Ah..."

Upon hearing the solemnity in his good friend's tone, Zheng Yang was taken aback.

Insulting his effort?

Zhang laoshi has already created multiple cultivation techniques and each time, he had us name it by ourselves...

Recalling this fact, he replied, "Don't worry about it. Zhang laoshi has already told me to name it as I please. To tell you the truth, our cultivation techniques are also created by Zhang laoshi, and he had us name them ourselves as well..."

"What? He allowed you to name the cultivation and battle techniques he created?"

Mo Xiao's body swayed and he nearly passed out.

Other teachers are reluctant to pass on their own moves to their own student for fear that it would leak out. In comparison, not only did Zhang laoshi create cultivation techniques and battle techniques for his own student, he even allowed them to name it themselves...

Zhang Xuan... What kind of teacher is he exactly?

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 159: Fraudster?

"Browse through some books?"

Lu Chen and Yuanyu exchanged gazes. They were perplexed.

We invited you here to draw, you can feel free to draw anything you like to display your painting prowess...

Browse through some books?

What does that have to do with drawing?

Bai Xun and Huang Yu, who had prepared to be amazed by Zhang Xuan, were also stunned.

To want to browse through books when you are about to draw... Isn't it a little too late for that!

More importantly... Brother, given your high standards, are you sure that reading books will help with your painting at all?

"Yes!"

Even though he could sense that everyone was looking at him with bizarre looks, Zhang Xuan could only suppress his awkwardness.

He truly had no other ways.

Painting?

He also wished that he is an expert who can produce a third level or fourth level painting easily and impress everyone here.

But the truth is that... He doesn't even know how to hold or use a paintbrush... How can he paint like that?

The Library of Heaven's Path allows him to see through all flaws and take the knowledge in books for his own usage. However, it doesn't possess the ability to allow him to become a true master painter in an instant, unless... He read sufficient painting books to form a Heaven's Path secret manual!

The library is able to extract the correct portions of a manual, allowing Zhang Xuan to achieve mastery in any art swiftly and easily... If this really works out, perhaps he might become a true painting expert in a moment's time.

"What kind of books do you want to read? Could it be that... you have reached a bottleneck in painting?"

After a long moment, Master Lu Chen asked.

Similar to cultivating, one can meet with a bottleneck in painting. There are people who are able to reach the third level with just a few years of training, while there are also people who find themselves unable to reach even the first level their entire life.

He truly couldn't fathom why Zhang Xuan would request to browse through books. After musing for a moment's time, it suddenly struck him that perhaps he had reached a bottleneck and wanted to attempt to break through his current level.

Otherwise, why would he need to browse through books before painting?

Reading and painting are two completely unrelated matters!

"That's not it, it's... it's that... I have yet to reach the state where I can reach the state of mind required for me to draw as and when I like. Before I draw, I need to read a lot of books to calm my mind, and only then will I be able to create high-quality paintings!"

After squeezing out his brain juice, Zhang Xuan finally came up with an excuse.

After all, he can't possibly tell them that he doesn't know how to hold a brush, and he needs to browse through some books... to learn...

If he were to truly say that out, the other party might treat him as a lunatic.

Painting is something much harder to learn than martial arts. It is impossible to reach Lu Chen and Yuanyu's level of mastery without decades of effort, countless wasted paper, and worn-out brushes. To want to learn painting just by browsing through a few books...

Isn't that dreaming?

Even if you wanted to lie, you should at least take the trouble to come up with something more believable...

"A good painting is related to one's state of mind, luck, and opportunity... Given your age, it is understandable that it is difficult for you to produce a good painting without adjusting your state of mind."

Master Yuanyu nodded his head in approval.

Master Lu Chen didn't reject Zhang Xuan's words as well.

Painting is an art, not a physical technique. Even if one's physical condition isn't good, it is unlikely for one's strength to be impacted greatly.

However, if one were unable to get in the appropriate state of mind, no matter how well one painted, it would only be a painting with form, but devoid of a soul. It can never be considered as a masterpiece.

"It's my habit... Hm?"

He didn't expect the two masters to not refute his words. Halfway through his explanation, he paused abruptly in surprise.

But soon, he came to a realization.

Art is the same, no matter what world one came from.

Back then, when Wang Xi wrote the 'Preface of the Orchid Pavilion', he was drunk and wrote it casually. But when he woke up and tried to rewrite it, he found himself unable to surpass his previous work. This is the importance of one's state.

It is just how even if you were to give Master Yuanyu brush and paper and have him redraw his masterpiece, River Canary Painting, he would definitely be unable to replicate it.

Everyone has their own masterpiece, and often, many factors are contained in their work. It was perfectly reasonable for him to request to browse through books to adjust his state of mind.

"Lu Chen, don't you have quite a bit of painting secret manuals and collection in your study? Why don't you have our little friend here go in to take a look? We can wait here while he gets into his ideal state to display his painting skills!"

Master Yuanyu said.

"My study?"

Lu Chen's mouth twitched.

The previous time that the fellow achieved a breakthrough in his cultivation, he had wrecked his study. Until now, he remains traumatized by the event.

However, he is also curious to see what level of painting had the other party reached. Thus, he nodded his head, "Un, Ah Cheng, bring Brother Zhang Xuan over!"

"Thank you, master!"

Seeing that he had managed to muddle his way through, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief and followed butler Uncle Cheng into the study.

The previous time he was here, he was looking for Fighter 6-dan Pixue realm secret manuals. Back then, he had never thought that he would return here to read up on painting.

……

...

When Zhang Xuan stepped into the study, the atmosphere in the lounge turned bizarre.

"Adjusting one's state of mind... Master Lu, why have I never heard of such a precedent?" Huang Yu couldn't help but ask.

As an assistant master teacher, she had seen and experienced many different things. Honestly speaking, she had never seen such a strange action.

"The need to adjust one's state of mind differs from person to person, so it is hard to say for certain." Lu Chen didn't reply, so Master Yuanyu spoke up in his place after a moment of contemplation. "Actually, this is more of a habit. In the past, there was an expert who sold firewood before he became famous..."

"I know that, is master speaking of Elder Lu Chai?" Bai Xun asked.

Elder Lu Chai's original name was Lu Chuan, but as he used to sell firewood for a living before he became famous, people termed him as Lu Chai.

When he reached Tongxuan pinnacle, there was hardly anyone in Tianxuan Kingdom who was a match for him and as such, his name rang far and wide during that period of time.

From a lowly ordinary man who sold firewood, he became an expert whose name rattled the entire kingdom. Elder Lu Chai often spoke of his affairs to motivate the younger generation, so quite a few people knew of his background.

"Indeed, it's that Elder Lu Chai. You know how hard he worked to raise his cultivation and how he became famous, but you aren't aware of the fact that he chopped firewood to adjust his state of mind before battling. He would lock himself in his room and spend an entire day chopping firewood so as to get into his top form."

"Now that Brother Yuan had said so, I recall another expert from a century ago, the Aloof Swordsman Wu Jiangping. He was known to be capable of 'calming the seas with a single sword'. I've heard that before he made a name for himself, he was a bamboo weaver. Before every battle, he would adjust his state of mind through weaving bamboo, thus achieving the level of a Tongxuan eventually and becoming a figure respected by everyone!"

Master Lu Chen said.

"Indeed, there are many such examples. Our friend here seems to utilize books to adjust his state of mind. It is not really a bizarre sight, just that..."

Yuanyu's words suddenly paused here.

"Brother Yuanyu, feel free to say anything that's on your mind!"

Lu Chen chuckled.

"Back then, when you were painting, I took a glance at him and intentionally questioned Huang Yu and Bai Xun so as to see how he would react. However... He seems to be confused by what was going on, as though he is completely ignorant of painting and... In fact, I doubt that he was able to notice anything about your painting!"

Recalling what he had seen previously, Yuanyu shook his head, "Brother Lu, you said that he was able to discern the flaws and secrets behind your 【Summer-Autumn Painting】 and 【Chi Xiong Howling to the Heavens】, so he shouldn't have been showing such an expression!"

As a physician, Master Yuanyu is adept at paying attention to minute details. Back then, Zhang Xuan was clearly shocked when he saw Master Lu Chen's painting, and he had seen it clearly.

"Ignorant of painting? That shouldn't be possible."

Master Lu Chen isn't as sharp and attentive as Master Yuanyu, so he found the latter's words slightly hard to believe.

This Zhang Xuan was able to see through his layout immediately upon walking into his courtyard, and after which, he proceeded on to tear open the top layer of paper on the Summer-Autumn Painting to unveil the contents hidden within, as well as point out the errors in the Chi Xiong Howling to the Heavens...

With such discerning eyes, how can he possibly not know anything about painting?

"This is just my intuition, there is also a possibility that I might be wrong..."

Master Yuanyu shook his head.

He was truly filled with curiosity toward Zhang Xuan.

Before he even saw him, Master Lu Chen had described him in a way such that it wouldn't be shocking even if Zhang Xuan turned out to be a heavenly being who descended to earth. This had piqued Yuanyu's interest, but after meeting the person in question, honestly speaking, he was slightly disappointed.

Master painters had a disposition unique to them, but he did not feel any hint of it from that fellow. Furthermore, that person was filled with hesitation when it came to talking about painting. He couldn't help but suspect whether that fellow is truly a master painter. If not for the sake of his old friend's dignity, he would have started challenging the other party's identity.

If the other party truly had painting capabilities that were in no way inferior to them two, he shouldn't have been like that.

"Could it be that... he doesn't know anything at all? He feigned it all out?"

A thought suddenly popped into Master Yuanyu's mind and he frowned.

If it is true, then everything else makes sense.

It is precisely because he knows nothing about painting that he tried to avoid the topic and claim that he needs to browse through books to alter his state of mind.

It is precisely because he knows nothing about painting that his face reflected his confusion when he saw Lu Chen painting, and that he could not compare to even Huang Yu and Bai Xun.

But that made sense, the other party isn't even twenty yet. Even if he were to boast a vast knowledge on painting, how high can his mastery of painting be?

He probably did an investigation on his old friend's painting beforehand and then pointed it out, feigning knowledge, when in fact, he is a fraud.

If that is indeed true, he would have to warn his old friend so as to not fall for the other party's deception.

"Brother Yuanyu, don't you have to visit someone in the afternoon? Would it be inconvenient for you to wait like this?"

Just when he was pondering about how he should bring up the topic, Master Lu Chen's voice sounded in the air. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

"Oh, I heard that a master teacher named Yang Xuan had appeared in the capital. He had resolved Ling Tianyu's wife's illness and the problem Du Miaoxuan faced through extraordinary means. Thus, I would like to pay him a visit to learn from him!"

Master Yuanyu nodded his head.

Ling Tianyu's wife and Du Miaoxuan were his patients. He had been searching for ways to solve the problems plaguing the two, but he wasn’t able to succeed. Yet, that master teacher named Yang Xuan managed to solve everything so quickly. As a master physician, it is natural that he would want to pay the other party a visit in hopes that the latter can offer him a pointer or two, allowing him to tread further in the way of the medicine.

"Master teacher?" Master Lu Chen uttered in disbelief.

He had always been secluded in his residence. As such, he was completely oblivious to the storm Yang Xuan had raked up in the capital.

"Indeed. Why don't we pay him a visit together this afternoon? I know that you have been hoping to reach the fourth level of painting, but it has been eluding you. Perhaps, with the guidance of a master teacher, you might be able to do so!"

Master Yuanyu smiled.

"Alright, that's a promise. After we're done examining them, let's go!" Master Lu Chen nodded his head in excitement.

…………………………

While Zhang Xuan was at Master Lu Chen's residence to conduct an examination for Huang Yu and Bai Xun, a youngster carrying a spear on his back had arrived at the classroom. It is Zheng Yang's childhood playmate, as well as his best buddy, Mo Xiao.

Initially, the two of them intended to acknowledge Wang Chao as their teacher, but only Mo Xiao succeeded. Zheng Yang became Zhang Xuan's student instead.

"I have learned a new spear art recently and I came over to spar with you!"

With a jerk of his spear, Mo Xiao seemed to have melded into a single being along with his spear, and he exuded an extremely sharp aura which caused others to frown in discomfort.

"Alright!"

Zheng Yang stood proudly with his spear ready, not intending to back down from the challenge at all.

Library of Heaven's Path - Chapter 158: It's Your Turn

"However, it hasn't been long since you two came into contact with painting. Not only would it be ineffective to have you paint for your examination, it would be an insult to the craft. Thus, after discussing with Yuanyu, we came up with a new examination format.”

It has just been a month since Huang Yu and Bai Xun first came into contact with painting. Even if Master Lu Chen were to have them paint, what kind of painting could they come up with? It would just be embarrassing to have that. Thus, Master Lu Chen chose to use another method to test them instead.

Speaking to this point, he chuckled and continued, "The format would be that... I, Yuanyu, and Brother Zhang Xuan will first paint, and the two of you will then appraise and rate the paintings. The person, whose review is the most accurate and precise, will be presented the Ink Daylily Canvas!"

"To paint? Hm?"

Sipping on his tea, Zhang Xuan had merely intended to show his presence for the examination. But upon hearing Master Lu Chen's words, he staggered and nearly spat his mouthful of tea onto the elder’s face.

You must be joking! I am just here to add to your number, yet you want me to paint... Are you examining them or me?

I don't even know how to hold a brush, what kind of painting can I draw?

"I think it's better for me to not to paint..." Zhang Xuan said anxiously.

"Don't reject this offer, let's bond over literature. There are many literature gatherings that require one to come up with poems or drawing. It's rare to have you and Brother Yuanyu here at the same time, so let's interact through our paintings. At the same time, we can have these juniors understand the true charm of painting. Perhaps, they might even fall in love with the craft and become a master in the future."

Master Lu Chen stroked his beard and chuckled.

Zhang Xuan was on the verge of tears.

Are you listening to my words carefully?

What I mean is that I can't paint, and I don't want to paint. Yet, you go on rambling about interacting through painting…

The heck that we interact through painting!

"Cough cough, there's really no need for it. It's enough to have you two draw. I haven't done any preparations for this..."

Zhang Xuan could only phrase his words even clearer.

"I have already prepared the brush, paper, and ink slab. Brother Zhang Xuan, there's no need to be so restrained, treat this as your home and draw as you please. At the same time, let them understand what true painting!" Master Lu Chen replied.

"Restrained? Understanding what true painting is?"

This isn't what I am trying to say at all!

"Alright, Ah Cheng, go and prepare the painting tools. Xiao Yu and Bai Xun, watch carefully as we paint and learn from it!"

Lu Chen thought that Zhang Xuan was embarrassed and waved away his concerns with a smile.

"Yes!" The butler Uncle Cheng waved his hands, and a few maids carried in three sets of painting tools and placed it on the table before them.

Zhang Xuan's eyebrows twitched furiously.

He couldn't even draw with a pencil, and he has to do it with a brush now...

If he knew that the examination would be like this, he would never have come.

"Since we're here to get acquainted with one another through our paintings, let's not constrain ourselves to any topic!" Once the preparations were in place, Master Lu Chen looked at Master Yuanyu with a grin. "Brother Yuanyu, you are a guest, so it'll be best if you go first!"

"Alright. I will be displaying my inferior skills then!"

Master Yuanyu stroked his beard with a smile and walked forward to the table. Picking up the brush, he mused for a moment before starting on his painting.

His brush flew around the paper with astonishing force and elegance. The moment he started painting, his kind face and disposition transformed. He exuded the aura of an expert painter without an equal, garnering respecting from the onlookers.

"There are four main levels to painting. They are namely 'Reality Depiction', 'Spiritual Canvas', 'Infused Intentions', and 'Breathtaking Verisimilitude'. Reality Depiction means the recording of the sight one sees in reality perfectly. Even though such a drawing may be remarkably lifelike, it is the lowest level of a painting."

As Master Yuanyu started painting, Lu Chen explained the various levels that a piece of painting can be assigned to the crowd.

"Spiritual Canvas refers to the level where the scenery and objects one draw comes alive through the infuse of spiritual energy. The entire painting will look as though it is a living scenery. For example, if one drew a fish, the spectators would feel as though the fish is alive, and that it would leap out from the canvas at any moment."

"The third level, Infused Intentions, refers to the level in which one is able to infuse one's intentions into a painting! One must first attain a certain state of mind before they start painting in order to produce a painting that can move and allure others. My 【Summer-Autumn Painting】and 【Chi Xiong Howling to the Heavens】 happens to reach such a level. That's why one would feel as though the paintings are unfolding before him, as though he has been pulled into its world."

"Brother Yuanyu and I happen to have reached this level. If we're sufficiently lucky, there is a small possibility that we might be able to produce a level 4 painting. Breathtaking Verisimilitude refers to a painting in which characters carry a disposition of their own, to the point that even animals and savage beasts are unable to tell the difference between a painting and reality. The Ink Daylily Canvas that Xiao Yu wants and Brother Yuanyu's River Canary Painting of such a level."

"Oh!"

Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

He thought that whoever whose drawing was the most lifelike would be the better painter. Only after listening to the explanation did he realize that drawing a lifelike painting... was simply the lowest level.

Only when a drawing was infused with the painter's spirit and unique artistic conception can it be considered a true masterpiece.

In the midst of the discussion, Master Yuanyu's painting slowly began to take shape.

It is a painting of a Mountainous Jungle Sparrow. Within the tranquil forest, two sparrows are dancing around. Even though they are motionless, one can almost hear the bright chirping of the birds in the air, as though one had entered the mountainous forests, and is surrounded by the fragrance of the flowers and the melodious twitter of the birds.

"Master Lu, is this an Infused Intentions painting?

Huang Yu couldn't resist asking.

For it to induce such a sensation, this showed that the painting contained a profound artistic conception. One couldn't help but be absorbed into it with a single glance.

"Un!" Master Lu Chen nodded his head. "This painting has indeed reached the level of Infused Intentions. However, it barely meets the mark. As for why I say so, it is your job to analyze and appraise it. Whoever who is able to come up with the most precise answer will be the victor."

"Yes!" Huang Yu and Bai Xun immediately focused their gazes on the painting.

In no time, Master Yuanyu placed his brush down.

He had completed the Mountainous Jungle Sparrow Painting.

"Hehe, looks like my skills have gotten rusty after resting for too long. Here is my humble painting!" Master Yuanyu smiled. "Lu Chen, it's your turn!"

"Alright!" Master Lu Chen walked up to the table, picked up the brush, and his hands started to fly about.

Even though they are both master painters of the third level, it is clear through Lu Chen's fluid movements that he is more adept.

In his painting, a lone boat could be seen floating on the surface of a river. There were no astonishing waves or fearsome storms, but it gave the feeling as though one was trudging ahead against all odds, that the entire world was hindering the boat's path. Even though the person on the boat was drawn with just two mere strokes, his courage in charging ahead despite the dangers that lurked ahead induced the spectator's hot-bloodedness.

"Looks like Brother Lu's technique is superior to mine!"

Even before the painting was finished, Master Yuanyu couldn't help but comment.

He is skilled in painting and is renowned in the field as well, but when compared to Lu Chen, he is still a long way off.

While the artistic conception behind his Mountainous Jungle Sparrow Painting isn't bad, if one were to analyze the two paintings thoroughly, Lu Chen's artistic conception would be a tier higher than his.

He had only contrasted the silence of the forest along with the liveliness of the birds, but the other party had brought out the inner struggle of a person. It is clear that the other party is much more skilled than him.

"How is it? Can you tell anything from it?"

Master Yuanyu turned his attention to Bai Xun and Huang Yu and questioned them with a smile.

"I can tell that Master Lu had used three types of painting techniques and twelve types of painting strokes in his Flowing River Painting. Also, there seems to be the shadow of the renowned painter eighty years ago, Chen Jiao, in his painting." Huang Yu pondered for a moment before replying.

Chen Jiao was a famous female painter in Tianxuan Kingdom back then. Her strokes were delicate, and she specialized in painting mountains and rivers. In that aspect, she was said to have reached the pinnacle for river paintings, and she was honored as the number one painter in the Tianxuan Kingdom in the last three hundred years.

"I saw that too..." Bai Xun hurriedly said.

"Un, seems like you have good eyes!"

Master Yuan Yu chuckled.

"Three types of painting techniques? Twelve types of painting strokes?"

Zhang Xuan was speechless.

From his perspective, all he saw was Master Lu Chen picking up the brush and drawing randomly. He couldn't tell anything unique about it at all.

Even though he had infused all of the knowledge from the books which he had flipped through into his head through the golden page in the golden book, they were all mainly related to cultivation techniques, battle techniques, and pill forging. There were barely any painting-related books in the teacher Compendium Pavilion, and as such, he is nearly completely ignorant on the topic.

"Haha, Brother Yuanyu, you are way too humble!"

In a moment's time, Master Lu Chen completed the Flowing River Painting as well. Chuckling, he walked over and said, "I have been touring the Benma River these few days and accumulated several days of emotions before unleashing them all on this painting, that's why I was able to up you one in this painting. Brother Yuanyu is normally busy going around treating others and isn't as free as me. If you were to be like me and immerse yourself into painting, I'm afraid that I would be far from a match for you!"

"Painting is dependant on talent. It is because I find myself lacking talent that I chose to tread on the path of a physician!"

Master Yuanyu shook his head.

"Alright, we two old folks shouldn't be praising one another here like that. Speaking of talents, Brother Zhang Xuan is truly a genius. Despite being young, he possesses a unique view and understanding of painting. I believe that his painting ability is in no way inferior ours."

Master Lu Chen shook his head smiling and gestured Zhang Xuan forward. "We are already done painting. Brother Zhang Xuan, it's your turn!"

Huala.

The moment he said those words, everyone's eyes turned to look at Zhang Xuan.

Master Yuanyu also nodded his head in approval. His eyes were filled with curiosity, he was interested to see what kind of painting Zhang Xuan would come up with.

He had heard Lu Chen spoke of Zhang Xuan's matter before. Even though he does not doubt his words, he still found it a little unbelievable that Zhang Xuan could reach such an incredible level of expertise at such a young age.

Painting is different from martial arts. It isn't something one can succeed in just because one has talent. One needs to accumulate a multitude of experience and emotions in order to comprehend life so as to produce good paintings. Even for him, it was due to him treating innumerable patients that he gained the inspiration required for his mastery in painting to soar, reaching the current level he is at.

However, Zhang Xuan is not even twenty. Even if he was born with natural compatibility to painting, at the very most, he only has a solid foundation that allows him to reach the level of Reality Depiction. If he wants to create paintings of the level of Spiritual Canvas and Infused Intentions... He probably needs a lot more training.

Of course, he wouldn't vocalize these thoughts. After all, it would be impolite.

At that moment, when Master Lu Chen invited him to paint, he couldn't help but peer over to see what standards that fellow possessed.

Even Bai Xun and Huang Yu looked excited.

Zhang Xuan had performed impressively the previous time he was here, pointing out the flaws and secrets behind Master Lu Chen's painting, even giving him pointers. They couldn't help but admire him for that. Right now, they are truly curious to see what kind of level had this Zhang laoshi, who isn't much older than them, had reached.

"Me?"

Sensing their eager gazes, Zhang Xuan felt his head swelling up.

He thought that the other party was just casually bringing the matter up... To think that he really needed to draw.

How can he draw when he doesn't know a single thing at all?

He can't possibly draw a little chick, add a halo to it, and call it Divine Phoenix.

If he really did so, he probably wouldn't have to dream about stepping out from the residence alive. He would surely be beaten to death.

"This... this... Can I first browse through some books?"

Scratching his head, Zhang Xuan suppressed his embarrassment and asked.

True Martial World - Chapter 412: The conflict during the medicine trial

With Yi Yun standing up, the entire venue turned oddly quiet. Everyone looked at Yi Yun with a startled look.

They were dumbfounded. In this situation, if anyone was to stand up to say something, it would have been Su Jie or the Lin family's Matriarch, or someone from the upper echelons of the Shentu family clan.

What was the meaning behind Yi Yun standing up? With his status, what sort of qualifications did he have to speak?

"You?" Shentu Nantian looked at Yi Yun and sneered, "What's your name? Who are you in the Lin family? How old are you? What's your cultivation level? Do you know what the situation is? Do you know what the status of all these Elders and seniors are? With so many seniors not speaking, is it even your turn to speak!?"

Although Shentu Nantian wished he could kill Yi Yun, he had to maintain his gentlemanly image in front of the upper echelons of the Lin family and other large family clans. He could not scold without culture.

However, even so, his words were full of sarcasm and disdain. His three questions were all pointing at Yi Yun's weakness. Firstly, he was a junior. Secondly, he was lacking in strength. Thirdly, he was an outsider and had no relations with the Lin family. To suddenly speak out at that moment showed how lacking in etiquette he was.

"I am Yun Yantian, the Lin family's guest elder, Su Jie's disciple. I'm 15 years old, cultivation at the early stages of the Yuan Foundation realm..."

No one expected that against Shentu Nantian's obvious sarcasm, Yi Yun managed to answer his questions calmly, as if he could not tell the sarcasm in the words.

This behavior no doubt enraged Shentu Nantian. Probably everyone from the Shentu family clan was enraged, even the Lin family were puzzled over Yi Yun's behavior.

"Elder Su, this..." The Lin family's Matriarch looked towards Su Jie and was confused. She had a good impression of Yi Yun. Her impression of this youth was that he knew when to advance and retreat, and had a sense of etiquette. She did not understand why Yi Yun would suddenly stand up.

Su Jie was equally confused. This cheap disciple of his had never not let him worry.

"Enough!" At that moment, on the Shentu family clan's side, an old voice erupted. There was a strong energy shockwave contained within this voice, causing many people's ears to tremble!

"Pa!"

An angry looking Thousand Hand Granny smashed downwards on where she was sitting and the seat's arm was shattered into wood pulp!

The Thousand Hand Granny bent her body and slowly stood up. With her cloudy eyes, she stared angrily at Yi Yun, like an old vulture eyeing a prey.

During the Shentu family clan's negotiations with the Lin family, she had been angered greatly and was already fed up.

Especially half a month ago, her most beloved grandson, Shentu Nantian had suffered a backlash on his soul. Even after using soul nurturing medicine that cost a fortune, they had not managed to completely heal his soul. He was still nursing his health and his cultivation speed was significantly affected.

She had blamed this on the Lin family. If not for the Lin family doubting their Shentu family clan's Desolate Heaven technique heritage, and doubted Shentu Nantian, would they have needed to hold the Desolate Heaven technique tea session? Would they have needed to let Shentu Nantian demonstrate such dangerous techniques at the tea session? And this kid who did not know the immensity of heaven and earth had not only messed up the tea session, he had now messed up such an important moment.

"Where did this little bastard come from? Does he even know his manners!? If this were the Shentu family clan, to be such an unbecoming junior, for a little bastard that doesn't know what weight he has to jump out and make a fuss, I would have killed you with a slap!"

The Thousand Hand Granny said with a sullen face. Her words not only scolded Yi Yun, she had also secretly highlighted how the Lin family's family rules were too lax. Only then could a little bastard who showed no respect for his elders jump around at such an occasion. She could not specifically scold the upper echelons of the Lin family, but could only use this subtle manner to release her anger. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

Upon hearing the Thousand Hand Granny's words, the Lin family's Matriarch's face also sank slightly.

"Thousand Hand Granny, what is the meaning of this?" In such a situation, the Matriarch had to speak.

"Matriarch Lin." The Thousand Hand Granny no longer sounded polite with her tone, "Don't blame that this old granny's words sound ugly, this marriage alliance was indeed proposed by my Shentu family clan; however, wouldn't this benefit the Lin family more? Even when Lin Xintong marries into our Shentu family clan, she is still a part of the Lin family. In the future, she will be your Lin family's peerless Great Empress. Nantian will only benefit slightly from this. And because of this, my Shentu family clan has to pay the great price of refining that Great Empress relic!"

"Although my Shentu family clan had suffered in the beast horde a decade ago, we are not reliant on your Lin family's protection. Even if my Shentu family clan might not be able to expand in the next few decades, we are still able to secure our family's heritage!"

Against the Thousand Hand Granny's hot and cold pressure, Matriarch Lin remained silent.

The Thousand Hand Granny would also not completely offend Matriarch Lin, so she turned to Yi Yun once again, "Little bastard, if not for Matriarch Lin, I would have killed you already!"

As the Thousand Hand Granny spoke, an aura came pressing down on Yi Yun. This was not the pressure from that of her cultivation level, it was just the aura of superiority she had obtained naturally from a long period of holding a high position.

Yi Yun pinched his nose. As a petty person, he naturally disliked people pointing at him and scolding him. With a hand, he casually straightened his cuffs and whispered, "I thought that… a person would be more stable in their bearing as they became older..."

As Yi Yun said these words, everyone became stunned!

This included Su Jie and Matriarch Lin. They also did not know how to react.

What was he saying? Although he did not curse, his tone and insinuations were no doubt more aggravating than cursing!

Besides, what Yi Yun had said wasn't false. Although Yi Yun was indeed disrespectful of his elders to speak at a situation like this, it was indeed unbecoming of the Thousand Hand Granny's status to jump up and curse at Yi Yun because of his words!

The Thousand Hand Granny's eyes turned red immediately. It was as if all her blood had surged to her face. The color of blood slowly swallowed one wrinkle at a time. She looked at Yi Yun with alarm and anger. Her expression was that of an old cat whose tail had been suddenly ripped off by someone.

"Little bastard, you are courting death!"

The Thousand Hand Granny wanted to make a move and kill Yi Yun, but at that moment, Su Jie and Lin Xintong stood up at the same time. With a flash, Su Jie had appeared in front of Yi Yun.

As for the Lin family's Matriarch, she had locked on to Yi Yun. If the Thousand Hand Granny were to make a move, Matriarch Lin had the means to pull Yi Yun back.

"Yantian, what are you doing!?"

As Su Jie protected Yi Yun, he spoke as if he was on the brink of collapse. He really felt speechless. What was Yi Yun thinking to actually start reprimanding the Thousand Hand Granny in front of so many people?

"Not doing anything, it's just that...I think the Great Empress relic taken out by the Shentu family clan is problematic!"

Yi Yun's words were resolute and seemed very confident.

Instantly, the entire scene quietened down. Be it the Lin family's elders or the upper echelons of the Shentu family clan, all of them were dumbstruck.

However, the elders of the Shentu family clan only froze for a blink of an eye, following that, they all began looking angrily at Yi Yun.

"What nonsense is this junior spouting!?"

"How dare he slander the great cost and efforts our Shentu family clan had put in to refine the Great Empress relic. If the Lin family does not explain itself, I will definitely not take this going down!"

The Shentu family clan Elders already found Yi Yun unbearable. At that moment, the Thousand Hand Granny's face was sullen. Her ferocious and muddy eyes contained murderous intent that seem like it was going to shoot through Yi Yun!

She said staccato words, "I want the Lin family to hand this little bastard over to me for disposal! If not, you can forget about eating this Great Empress relic!"

The Thousand Hand Granny's rage had reached an extreme. She began to use the Great Empress relic to threaten the Lin family. If they did not hand Yi Yun over, the Great Empress relic would no longer be given to Lin Xintong!

The expressions of many of the Lin family Elders turned upon hearing this.

The fate of Lin Xintong's naturally terminated meridians and their Lin family being able to produce a peerless Great Empress that could rule the Tian Yuan world relied on this Great Empress relic.

Although Yi Yun's value to the Lin family was not small, compared to Lin Xintong, he was almost negligible.

They did not know why Yi Yun was going crazy. At that moment, although many of the Lin family Elders wanted to protect Yi Yun, they could not support his manner of courting death. Why of all people did you have to antagonize that old hag?

The Thousand Hand Granny had always been ruthless. Especially when she grew older, she became even more ruthless. Whoever offended her would live a life worse than death once they fell into her hands!

"There's a problem? What problem is there?"

Yi Yun's words pricked the Matriarch's sensitive nerves. She had reluctantly consented to the marriage only because of Lin Xintong's lifespan. If the Great Empress relic was problematic, it would definitely be something that would let the Matriarch rage!

"What problem can there be, Matriarch? Don't listen to this kid's nonsense!" At that moment, Lin Xintong's grandaunt stood up. She had been pissed with Yi Yun for a long time.

"The Shentu family clan has incurred a great price just to refine the Great Empress relic. Would they have poisoned it and waste this treasured medicine and end up offending the Lin family, just to kill Xintong? What a joke! What good would there be for them?"

"Besides, Matriarch, you have personally inspected the Great Empress relic. With your eyes, could you be inferior to that kid? The way I see it, just hand the kid over to the Shentu family clan since he isn't one of our Lin family!"

Lin Xintong's grandaunt sneered as she looked towards Yi Yun. Don't blame others when you court death yourself!

The words Lin Xintong's grandaunt said was indeed a view all the Lin family Elders held. Based on what did Yi Yun dare say that the Great Empress relic was problematic?

However, the Matriarch did not dismiss Yi Yun immediately. Due to Yi Yun's performance at the Desolate Heaven technique tea session, she felt that Yi Yun wasn't a person who did not have any sense of decorum. The Matriarch's eyes flashed, "Little Friend Yun, tell me. Why do you think that the Great Empress relic is problematic?"

After she asked this, she used her Yuan Qi to transmit privately to Yi Yun, "Little Friend Yun, you must weigh your words. If you can't give a proper response, I may be able to protect your life, but I will endure too much pressure and criticism."

True Martial World - Chapter 411: The final voice

"Of course, Matriarch, please have a look!"

Shentu Nantian was all smiles as he handed the Great Empress relic over to the servant girl beside the Matriarch.

The Matriarch held the relic with her thumb and index finger. Under the sunlight, this ring-shaped relic turned crystal clear. It was like it was a ring constructed from immortal jade. The snake on the relic's surface even gave off a pervasive spiritual feeling.

"Good relic!"

A Lin family Elder could not help but praise it. The Matriarch opened her Heaven's Eye and sank her mental energies into it before slightly nodding. She was very satisfied with it.

With her perception, she could feel the hot energy flowing within the relic. It was extremely pure Yang energy.

Seeing the Matriarch's expression, Yi Yun's heart sank.

He had been hoping that the Matriarch would discover something odd with the relic, but in the end, he was disappointed.

It was needless to say how good the Matriarch's knowledge of the Desolate Heaven technique was. However, that was only limited to the understanding of the Tian Yuan world's Desolate Heaven technique heritage. As for ancient Desolate Heaven techniques, the Matriarch did not know much.

The reason there was a problem with the relic was likely not because the Shentu family clan had poisoned it, but was likely that the ancient Desolate Heaven technique itself possessed extreme danger!

If the Shentu family clan had poisoned it, the Matriarch would naturally have been able to sniff it out. However, with regards to the ancient Desolate Heaven technique, it was a domain that the Matriarch had never been exposed to. Hence, she could not see the defect in the relic.

This made Yi Yun's expression turn ugly. If the Matriarch had seen through it, everything would have been easier, but now, she had acknowledged that the relic was fine.

"Great!" A kind smile appeared on the Matriarch's face, "The Shentu family clan has really worked hard for this!"

Seeing this relic, the Matriarch's attitude towards Shentu Nantian turned kinder. It was like an attitude of an elder to a member of the younger generation.

This attitude made Shentu Nantian very excited.

"This is necessary for us. With the two families entering an alliance, we should trust each other and seek the future together."

As Shentu Nantian said this, his eyes landed on Lin Xintong, "What say you, Xintong?"

Feeling that his marriage with Lin Xintong was 90% in the bag, Shentu Nantian addressed Lin Xintong in a more cordial manner.

And this addressed made Lin Xintong frown slightly.

She did not respond, which resulted in the Matriarch being dissatisfied with her attitude, let alone those Elders who had supported the Shentu family clan, like Lin Xintong's grandaunt.

After all, the Great Empress relic that could cure Lin Xintong of her naturally terminated meridians was right in front of them. This opportunity was not to be missed!

Previously, the Matriarch had taken Lin Xintong's personal wishes into account and wanted to drag out the matter, hoping to see if there would be an opportunity for change.

However, with Shentu Nantian's introduction of the twelve relics, he had sealed their road to back down.

If they did not try the relic today, then there would be no chance in the future. It was equivalent to rejecting the Shentu family clan.

The Matriarch did not dare to take that risk. After all, to cure Lin Xintong of her naturally terminated meridians after missing such an opportunity would be as difficult as ascending to the Heavens.

A desolate bone relic of such a grade, and even made from an ancient recipe, was not something that the Lin family could refine.

"Xintong!"

The Matriarch's voice turned a little harsh.

And at that moment, Shentu Nantian added on, "Miss Xintong, it is not that I am pressing you. Previously, I said that when my Shentu family clan refined this Great Empress relic, we especially used Everlasting Purple Gold to build the box containing the relic to prevent the loss of its medicinal properties. This was why there was a total of seven seals on the relic box!"

"These seven seals are no trifling matter. Even so, the Great Empress relic can only be stored inside the Everlasting Purple Gold relic box for a year. Now, I have opened the relic box. As such, this relic can only be kept for less than an hour. Its medicinal properties are gradually being depleted. The more time passes, the lower its effect!"

By saying this, Shentu Nantian's words were like the final straw that broke the camel's back. The Elders of the upper echelon of the Lin family who was still hesitating immediately leaned towards the Shentu family clan.

Even Su Jie could only let out a long sigh as he helplessly shook his head. He used his Yuan Qi to speak to Lin Xintong, "Xintong, your master is useless. I could not find a divine medicine to join up your terminated meridians. Even if you give your master another 500 years, I do not have any confidence. Now that the Shentu family clan has found it, it is probably fate. Sometimes, one has to pay the price for certain things…"

"Master…" Lin Xintong slightly turned her head over to look at Su Jie. There seemed to be a thousand words in her watery eyes, "You think so too?"

Su Jie sighed, "Warriors practice martial arts to compete with the Heavens, but… looking at the past hundred million years of the Tian Yuan world, how many of them have the right to say that they have defeated the Heavens?"

"Competing with the Heavens is not as simple as just shouting out some brave words, one has to first experience long years of humiliation and stress to slowly sharpen oneself, slowly pushing oneself to an extreme, eventually climbing up to the peak of martial arts. Only then can a person really say that ‘Humans can Defeat the Heavens’. A sharp sword is formed from endless sharpening. No one can defeat the Heavens the moment they were born…"

Su Jie's tone was sincere, and it contained the insight he had gained from his 30,000 years of experience.

The currently slick and unreliable Su Jie's talent in martial arts and the Desolate Heaven technique far exceeded that of his peers when he was young. He too had been a high-spirited and arrogant proud son of Heaven once.

Slowly, through his experiences in martial arts and life, Su Jie had slowly changed into a character in the game of life.

Lin Xintong took a deep breath of air as she smiled wryly.

Two years ago, when she first returned to her family, she had heard of the Shentu family clan trying to form a marriage alliance with the Lin family by having her marry Shentu Nantian. Her first reaction was that it was preposterous. Lin Xintong believed that, with the relationship between the Lin family and the Shentu family clan, and her own understanding of Shentu Nantian, this was something that was impossible.

And back then, there were several Elders in the Lin family who stood by Lin Xintong's side.

Now, after two years, there was no one standing on her side anymore.

Even the Matriarch who had loved her so much, and Su Jie who had treated her as his own daughter, had begun to support the marriage.

However, the Matriarch and Su Jie had not bowed down to the Shentu family clan, but they had succumbed to fate. They yielded to the powers of Nature!

When warriors succumbed to their enemy, it was shameful.

When warriors succumbed to the Heavens, it was very normal.

As Su Jie said, looking back at the Tian Yuan world's past hundred million years, how many would dare say that they had defeated the Heavens?

Lin Xintong shook her head deep down before she stood up. She knew that there was no one who supported her at that moment.

As she was about to open her mouth and say something, a faint voice sounded out from the corner of the venue.

This sound was familiar to her, yet different from her memory.

"Wait! I have something to say."

Lin Xintong was shocked as she turned her head over. She saw that a hundred feet away, a youth dressed in green had stood up from his seat.

He was wearing a cold-looking silver mask. There were two grim-looking lines in the color of blood where the eyes should be. However, at that moment, Lin Xintong could feel an infinite warmth from the grim and cold mask.

Aware of Lin Xintong's gaze, Yi Yun nodded solemnly.

This tiny action was enough for Lin Xintong to understand that Yi Yun wanted to say something to support her.

This made Lin Xintong slightly dazed. At the final moment, when she was the most helpless, with no one supporting her, including Su Jie and the Matriarch, this youth stood up and spoke with a different voice.

Even if Lin Xintong knew that this youth could not do anything, nor could he change anything, but him standing up and sounding out was enough for Lin Xintong.

This voice seemed to be a tiny candlelight in a cold, dark winter night.

It could not provide much warmth or light, nor could it bring the spring or dawn, but… it brought Hope.

Lin Xintong looked at Yi Yun and piercing through the mask, saw Yi Yun's eyes. She could see her own reflection in his dark pupils.

She remembered what Yi Yun had said to her on the night of the victory party.

She had never known that Yi Yun swore to find the method to join up her terminated meridians that night in the Desolate Human Valley two years ago.

Even though the chances of him succeeding were extremely slim, he had still worked hard for it. And at that moment, in front of the Shentu family clan and the Lin family's pressure, he had sounded out with a different voice with his tiny capacity.

This touched Lin Xintong.

"Thank you, but… there is no need."

Lin Xintong shook her head and transmitted her voice to Yi Yun.

She knew that under these circumstances, Yi Yun could not change a thing.

Furthermore, if he said anything inappropriate, he would suffer the wrath of others.

After all, with a matter that was decided by the two large family clans, against the pressure from all the Elders present, anything Yi Yun said could anger some people.

Without mincing words, with his status, he did not even have the right to make a sound.

This was especially so with Shentu Nantian, who had the intent to kill Yi Yun. If the Lin family decided to cooperate with the Shentu family clan, then Shentu Nantian would have considerable influence in the Lin family, so when that came to be, Yi Yun would be in extreme danger.

"Oh?"

With someone suddenly interrupting, Shentu Nantian's expression sank as he turned to look towards the source of the voice.

Upon seeing Yi Yun, Shentu Nantian's blood immediately boiled. It was… that kid!

He still remembered Yi Yun's mask clearly. Although his failure at the Desolate Heaven technique tea session had nothing to do with Yi Yun, Shentu Nantian had already connected his failure with that mask.

Once he saw Yi Yun, he remembered his failure. The words he had said before failing ended up smacking him right back in his face. It was the greatest disgrace of his life!

True Martial World - Chapter 410: Small Black Snake

"A year..."

The Matriarch's expression sank slightly as she looked at Lin Xintong. At that moment, she too was in a dilemma. She finally knew why the Shentu family clan was willing to make a concession and let Lin Xintong trial the Great Empress relic.

According to what the Shentu family clan said, this Great Empress relic was extremely expensive. It was not easy to refine every single relic. The Shentu family clan would definitely not allow Lin Xintong to trial a relic and give the Lin family years to decide. It was impossible for them to to re-refine another similar relic to heal Lin Xintong's terminated meridians when the decision as made.

Now, by letting Lin Xintong eat the first relic, she needed to consume a desolate bone relic every month for the next eleven months. This meant that the Lin family had to decide on the Shentu family clan's marriage proposal.

For Lin Xintong's grandaunt, and the elders in the Lin family who supported the Shentu family clan, they did not have any objections. The grandaunt smiled happily and said, "Dear nephew Nantian, please don't keep us guessing. Quickly, take the Great Empress relic out and let it be an eye-opener for us!"

With her saying this, the sixth granduncle and other Lin family Elders echoed, eager to see the relic.

"Alright, I will open the box. This desolate bone relic was a result of the collective efforts of our Shentu family clan's top Desolate Heaven Masters and some reclusive experts. They used large amounts of treasured materials to successfully refine this."

"After the Great Empress relic was successfully refined, it was immediately sealed in the relic box. On this relic box, there are seven seals. Six of them have already been removed, and the final critical seal can only be removed using my mental energy. This is to prevent its medicinal properties from losing its efficiency."

As Shentu Nantian spoke, be it his tone or attitude, he exuded a tinge of pride. It was as if he had swept away all the unpleasant things said of him bumbling at the Desolate Heaven technique tea session a few days ago.

When Shentu Nantian took the Great Empress relic out, he was really elated. With the relic in hand, even the upper echelons of the Lin family had to be differential towards him, let alone the Lin family's younger generation.

"One of the seven seals can only be removed using Shentu Nantian's mental energy. The Shentu family clan sure wants to highlight the important status of Shentu Nantian."

The Matriarch pondered. She knew why the Shentu family clan had made such an arrangement. The desolate bone relic refinement process had nothing to do with Shentu Nantian, yet, the Shentu family clan had specially prepared a seal that needed Shentu Nantian's mental energy for it to be released. This was to forcefully add a halo on Shentu Nantian, and it was also telling the Lin family that Shentu Nantian would be the master of the Shentu family clan in the future, and his status in the Shentu family clan was extraordinary.

"Alright, I am going to release the seal. Please anticipate it."

Shentu Nantian smiled and he began forming a few hand seals as he injected his mental energy into the Everlasting Purple Gold relic box.

The mental energy needed to verify the mental energy seal was negligible, but as Shentu Nantian was seriously injured, just releasing the seal made his expression change slightly, as his lips turned slightly pale.

Shentu Nantian took a deep breath and he suppressed the pain in his soul. He pretended to easily open the relic box. At that moment, everybody could see the throbbing green vein on his forehead. He was clearly in great pain.

However, at that moment, no one cared about laughing at Shentu Nantian as all the focus was on the Great Empress relic in the box!

In the Everlasting Purple Gold medicine box, it was layered with white Heavenly Silk satin. Above the satin, there was a crystal-like relic.

This relic was not spherical in shape, but it was ring-like. In the hole in the middle of the relic, there was a small, red snake's phantom image swimming around slowly.

Shentu Nantian took the Great Empress relic out with both hands. This relic was like a little Sun, as it emitted extremely pure Yang Qi!

And the relic itself seemed to have a life of its own. A glance could tell the extraordinary value it had!

"It is indeed a treasure!"

The eyes of the Lin family's Elders lit up. They could tell the value of the relic at a glance and they could not stop discussing about it.

"That red snake phantom is a condensation of a pure Yang spirit . This Great Empress relic is also a pure Yang item. Indeed, Xintong's naturally terminated meridians is because of having an overly pure Yin body. Only an extreme Yang item can help join Xintong's terminated meridians up!"

"If I'm not wrong, the material of this relic has the life essence bone of a primordial true spirit desolate beast. Also, it is a primordial true spirit desolate beast that expirates pure Yang Qi!"

Primordial true spirit grade desolate beasts were extremely scarce and they could only be found deep in the Divine Wilderness, so it was hard to capture one. And pure Yang elemental primordial true spirit desolate beasts were even rarer.

The value of the bones of such desolate beasts was unimaginable.

"No wonder the Shentu family clan is so confident. With the Great Empress relic at this grade, there is a 80-90% chance of joining Xintong's terminated meridians up!"

Several of the older-generation Desolate Heaven Masters from the Lin family turned excited upon seeing the desolate bone relic.

This feeling was like a sword master seeing a top-grade sword.

Just seeing a relic of such a grade was a great joy for them.

Furthermore, there were still eleven other relics of this grade!

After appraising the Great Empress relic, everyone's eyes gathered on Lin Xintong.

They were waiting to see if the Great Empress relic would be effective for Lin Xintong. This was something that the Lin family Elders were greatly looking forward to.

"Haha, this Elder has a good eye!" Shentu Nantian suffused a proud smile, "This Great Empress relic is indeed refined from a pure Yang elemental primordial true spirit's life essence bone. As for what primordial true spirit it is, it is not convenient for me to disclose it. Our Shentu family clan managed to refine twelve relics exactly using the primordial true spirit's life essence bone. These relics have an invisible link to them. They were refined as a set."

People could not tell if what Shentu Nantian said was true. They knew that by emphasizing this once again, it meant that once the bone relic was eaten, the Lin family had to make a decision. They could not let the Shentu family clan waste an entire primordial true spirit's life essence bone just for a trial.

Lin Xintong remained silent. She knew that Shentu Nantian was forcing their hand. This made her not want to trial the relic, because once she ate it, they would owe the Shentu family clan, resulting in a complicated situation.

"Xintong!"

The Matriarch could tell what was on Lin Xintong's mind. At that moment, even the Matriarch, who always adored Lin Xintong, would not stand on her side.

Large family clans needed to consider niceties. The Lin family had already agreed to letting Lin Xintong trial the Great Empress relic, and now, the Shentu family clan had already shown their sincerity, so if the Lin family were to change their tune, they would be criticized by others.

Besides, the critical point was that this Great Empress relic had also stirred the Matriarch's heart. She was increasingly convinced that the Shentu family clan had the ability to heal Lin Xintong’s naturally terminated meridians.

Without any confidence, would the Shentu family clan have invited various important figures from the large family clans to witness this occasion?

"I never expected… the Shentu family clan could produce such a relic..."

Not far from Lin Xintong, Su Jie was also sighing as he quietly shook his head. Even Su Jie, who did not like the Shentu family clan, had nothing to say about the Great Empress relic.

If Su Jie spoke truthfully, he too wished that Lin Xintong would try it. After all, the chances of him using his abilities to join Lin Xintong's naturally terminated meridians was extremely small. He too did not want to see Lin Xintong die at a young age, wasting her extraordinary talent. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

"Xintong, consider it carefully. A strung arrow must be shot. If you do not trial the Great Empress relic, then the Lin family will not be able to salvage the situation."

The Shentu family clan had invited so many family clans as witness to force the Lin family, and the Lin family's Elders were happy to see such a situation.

Lin Xintong was silent. Immediately, the gathering turned silent as everyone's eyes were still on Lin Xintong.

Lin Xintong's attitude and decision was of utmost importance!

With the atmosphere turning heavy, people knew that there was immense stress for Lin Xintong at that moment.

A young girl, even with extraordinary courage, might not be able to handle the stress!

At that moment, no one noticed that on a chair in a corner, a masked Yi Yun was staring at the relic. His eyes were shining.

The Great Empress relic… seems to...

When Shentu Nantian opened the relic box, Yi Yun had opened his energy vision.

The Purple Crystal's energy vision could see through all illusions and seeing the essence of all things. Even in the sword and saber tomb, Yi Yun could use the Purple Crystal's energy vision to see the energy marks left behind by its owner despite the tens of millions of years that had passed.

This was an ability that even Great Emperor-ranked Desolate Heaven Masters lacked.

However, when Yi Yun was using his energy vision to examine the Great Empress relic, he found something odd.

In the relic, there was a tiny amount of black gas.

This black gas was hidden underneath the red snake. It was like an even thinner and smaller black venomous snake was slowly swimming around.

However, once the energy vision was disengaged, the black snake could not be seen. It was like a ghost that made his heart jump!

For some unknown reason, Yi Yun felt an extremely sense of foreboding seeing this black snake. This was a feeling Yi Yun never had before!

There might be a problem with this relic!

Upon realizing this possibility, Yi Yun's expression turned heavy.

And at that moment, the atmosphere in the square was still heavy. Lin Xintong remained silent while everyone looked at her. The scene had turned cold!

"Young Master Shen Tu, let old me look at the relic first."

At that moment, the Lin family's Matriarch suddenly spoke.

Actually, she had spoken to ease the situation as it was too awkward. Also, she could examine the relic to see if there was a problem.

True Martial World - Chapter 409: One Year Deadline

Three days later, the Desolate Heaven technique tea session resumed. This time, it was the stage of the older generation like Su Jie.

Shentu Nantian was absent. Ignoring the damage to his soul, even if he had completely recovered, he still wouldn’t have the face to appear at the tea session again.

For a proud person like him to embarrass himself as he did, at such an important occasion, was a really heavy blow that few could understand.

At the tea session for the older generation, Yi Yun only watched, from the beginning to end. While watching it, he opened his energy vision and paid attention to the sealing techniques the Elders of the Lin family and Shentu family clan used, and studied the essence of their Desolate Heaven techniques. During this process, Yi Yun did not attempt to sabotage by using the Purple Crystal.

After all, this was the older generation of Desolate Heaven Masters. Their control of energy was not like Shentu Nantian’s, who was at his limits. It was only because Shentu Nantian was at his limits that it was so easy for Yi Yun to use the Purple Crystal.

Against the older Desolate Heaven Masters, Yi Yun may be able to cause trouble with the Purple Crystal, but it was much more difficult. Also, forcefully reversing the energy flow trajectories would increase the risk of being discovered.

Furthermore, if this thing happened time and again, it would make people suspicious.

Finally, even if his sabotaging succeeded, it would be meaningless as the Shentu family clan had already made a concession by letting Lin Xintong trial the desolate bone relic they refined. Then, regardless of the tea session's outcome, the Lin family would first see the results Lin Xintong had after eating the desolate bone relic before they made a decision.

Compared to the younger generation, the Desolate Heaven technique skills displayed by the older generation were even more exaggerated. They could be described as being spectacular.

And overall, the Shentu family clan held the advantage.

Even though Su Jie and company used all the skills they had, they could not compete with the large number of people that the Shentu family clan had. At the end, the Shentu family clan sent a Grand Elder to display his Desolate Heaven technique. He was extremely thin, and seemed like a walking zombie, but his Desolate Heaven technique completely surpassed Su Jie. No one in the entire tea session could compete with him.

The Desolate Heaven technique tea session for the older generation lasted for three days.

In the end, the Shentu family clan managed to win back a bit of face.

After the Desolate Heaven technique tea session ended, the Shentu family clan entourage did not leave the Lin family, instead they stayed in the Lin family's Tian Hua peak.

In a blink an eye, half a month passed.

Today was extremely important for both the Lin family and the Shentu family clan. This was because this was the day when Lin Xintong got to trial the medicine.

If it succeeded, then the Lin family would very likely gain a peerless Great Empress. Then, the achievements Lin Xintong would have in the future would be on par with the ancient Great Empress.

And the Shentu family clan would form an alliance with the Lin family as they wished, while Shentu Nantian would get his wish of becoming Lin Xintong's partner and obtain great benefits.

However if it were to fail...

"My Shentu family clan have made several preparations for this matter. It is also the only copy of the peerless Great Empress's recipe found in the ancient mystic realm, so how can it fail?"

The Lin family used a square that was dedicated for large-scale sacrificial activities. People from the Lin family clan and the Shentu family clan gathered here and took their seats. Shentu Nantian sat on a front-row bench and was calmly and confidently answering the doubts a Lin family elder had.

Previously, at the Desolate Heaven technique tea session, Shentu Nantian had suffered a spiritual backlash and had nursed his health over the period of time, he used various medicines without considering their costs, resulting in him finally being able to leave the bed.

In fact, the Shentu family clan had waited for half a month mainly to allow Shentu Nantian to regain the ability to get off the bed. After all, Shentu Nantian was the star of the show today. If he did not attend it, it would be outrageous.

However, Shentu Nantian's soul had not completely recovered. If he were to fight, or use the Desolate Heaven technique, he would completely collapse.

At least under the situation of not needing to use his mental energies, he would be barely able to maintain his handsome and imposing appearance.

Furthermore, today was the day when the Shentu family clan took out the Great Empress relic to prove its effects. He could then use the opportunity to force the Lin family to decide on a marriage date for Lin Xintong. He did not want to drag it out any further with the Lin family by pushing and pulling.

He believed that with Lin Xintong's life at stake, and having already thought about the different reasons, the upper echelons of the Lin family, including the Matriarch, would have no choice but to agree to this matter.

And if he were to obtain Lin Xintong's primordial Yin, and have cultivational intercourse frequently, he would be able to look forward to becoming a Great Emperor.

Just thinking of this made Shentu Nantian feel even more high-spirited.

The other people of the Shentu family clan were feeling the same. The Lin family realized that all the people from the Shentu family clan came with a tinge of obvious pride. It looked like they were extremely confident in the desolate bone relic refined by using the Great Empress' ancient recipe.

Although these people did not like the way the Shentu family clan behaved, it was after all, a thought. The Lin family all ended up becoming anticipant and started to feel confident about the desolate bone relic.

And for today's main character, Lin Xintong, her expression was calm as she quietly sat there as if she was a fairy that was meditating. As the person who should feel the greatest emotions, she was the most indifferent.

At that moment, Yi Yun appeared together with Su Jie. When Lin Xintong saw Yi Yun, she revealed a faint smile and nodded at Yi Yun.

Yi Yun saw it and smiled back.

Seeing this scene, Shentu Nantian's expression sank. The triumphant smile he had on his face turned stiff.

Yi Yun also sensed Shentu Nantian's gaze. He turned his head and stared coldly at Shentu Nantian through his mask.

Shentu Nantian quietly and tightly gripped the fan in his hands as his eyes flashed coldly.

Yi Yun's gaze made him feel extremely uncomfortable.

Just seeing Yi Yun appear immediately reminded Shentu Nantian of how he fumbled at the Desolate Heaven technique tea session half a month ago!

It was the greatest stain Shentu Nantian had ever suffered in his thirty years of living.

If this was not the Lin family grounds, he would have smacked Yi Yun to death with one hit.

However, although he could not do anything to Yi Yun now, he would become Lin Xintong's partner after Lin Xintong took the medicine. He would then become half the master of the Lin family. Then, wouldn't a small fry like Yi Yun be easily disposed of by him?

Shentu Nantian squinted his eyes at Yi Yun before turning his head to the Lin family's Matriarch, saying, "Matriarch, the auspicious hour to take the medicine is nearing. Let us invite out the desolate bone relic."

He smiled as he spoke and gently flapped his fan. Although he sounded calm, anyone could hear the hint of pride and confidence in Shentu Nantian’s voice.

Were they this sure that the desolate bone relic would definitely be effective on Lin Xintong?

"Alright." The Lin family's Matriarch nodded.

With the Lin family's Matriarch words, a few Elders of the Shentu family clan immediately stood up.

Shentu Nantian also stood up and walked with them to the middle of the square.

Immediately, everyone from the Lin family stretched out their necks to focus on them.

What would the desolate bone relic refined from the Great Empress' ancient recipe look like?

Feeling everyone's gaze landing on him, Shentu Nantian smiled as he reached out his hand to swipe his interspatial ring.

A stone box with complex patterns and a powerful presence appeared in midair.

"To prevent the desolate bone relic's medicinal strength from depleting, our Shentu family clan have especially used Everlasting Purple Gold and a top refiner master to manufacture this medicine box. Just this box alone is extremely valuable and can be compared to a city. However, if it was to be compared to the desolate bone relic inside, then it would be like a piece of dirt compared to a pearl." Shentu Nantian smiled as he said loudly.

The city he mentioned was naturally a warrior city in the Tian Yuan world. Many of the cities in the Tian Yuan world had millions of years of history.

Many of the surrounding people from the Lin family had heard of Everlasting Purple Gold. Many juniors could not help but exclaim.

"Just the box storing the medicine is already so expensive. This relic sure is worth the wait! Indeed, if they do not have any confidence, the Shentu family clan would not have brought the desolate bone relic here."

"This time, our Lin family will produce a peerless Great Empress. This would be a great matter for both of our families."

As Yi Yun had made an outstanding performance at the Desolate Heaven technique tea session, his standing amongst the Lin family juniors was now extraordinary. At this event, he had the right to sit on a chair, while the juniors, who were discussing, were standing behind their masters.

Hearing their discussions, Yi Yun took a deep breath as he waited silently for the result. It was indeed a very important matter if Lin Xintong managed to join up her terminated meridians.

Even the Matriarch stared unblinkingly at the medicine box Shentu Nantian had taken out.

The other members of the upper echelons of the Lin family also began to whisper and discuss. noveltranslationweb.blogspot.com

The grandaunt's voice was particularly striking, "I already said Nantian would not disappoint us. Look at how sincere the Shentu family clan is. This relic will definitely give us a pleasant surprise! As long as the terminated meridians are joined up, then there is no need to delay Xintong's marriage!"

As she said this, she looked towards Lin Xintong. However, she was disappointed as Lin Xintong's expression still remained as calm as before. Those not in the know would have thought that this matter had nothing to do with her.

"Grandaunt is right. This marriage cannot be delayed any longer. Furthermore… the Great Empress relics used to heal Xintong totals to twelve relics. After taking the first one, then another has to be taken every month."

"As such, the relics would be finished within a year."

Shentu Nantian said this slowly as his gaze landed on Lin Xintong and the Matriarch for a while. His smile seemed to imply that he had everything in control.

Lin Xintong frowned and her watery eyes looked towards Shentu Nantian!

Within a year!

This meant that the Lin family clan had to make their decision on the marriage within a year!

The Shentu family clan would definitely not allow the marriage to be dragged on any further after handing the twelve relics to the Lin family.

This meant that the Lin family had to make the decision on the matter of marriage in the coming months!

Lin Xintong did not know if what Shentu Nantian said about taking the twelve relics continuously every month was true. Maybe it was a lie fabricated by Shentu Nantian to force the Lin family, but this was no longer important. The Shentu family clan just needed a 'legitimate' reason to force the Lin family into making a decision!

The Lin family's Matriarch sighed. Whatever Lin Xintong thought of, she had naturally thought of. This had destroyed her intentions of delaying the marriage date...