I Am an Artist, with Divine Light in My Eyes!

In the Black Ring Group, the Primate asked Little Mist to help stop Li Wuxie and prevent him from attacking Da Ming too early.

When Xiao Ran and his Master returned from the abyss and left Flamefree City, they saw the people guarding outside.

Besides Li Wuxie and the people from Dongfu, those present at the time included officials from the Dao Alliance Headquarters, hunters, people from nearby Subsidiary Sect, and local officials from the Blazing Fire Kingdom.

On Zongzhi Mountain's side, only the Disciplinary Elder and two Discipline Hall Law Enforcer Xiao Ran did not recognize were present.

Little Mist might be among them, or she might have sent someone with her, or she might have delivered a message to someone among them.

The Disciplinary Elder kept urging Li Wuxie to make a move.

Who was stopping Li Wuxie? Xiao Ran had no idea.

Although the people in the Black Ring Group won't kill him for now, and may even want to recruit him, it doesn't mean they won't become his enemies in the future. It's always good to be cautious.

Gao Shi Brother Gao, Xiao Ran actually had some doubts.

After all, he had an alibi from picking up girls in the Ten Thousand Beasts Valley during the last Sword Inheritance Assembly, so he was too innocent.

However, in the eyes of a criminal investigation expert, being too innocent may not be a good thing.

For example, in suspense films, the murderer is often someone who seems so innocent at the beginning that it's impossible for them to be the killer.

This time, Gao Shi Brother Gao was on a date inside the gate again.

With such a major incident happening around us, do you really still have the mind to go on a date?

Who knows, maybe this guy really is a pervert.

Xiao Ran didn't press the matter further, lest he expose himself.

Just as they were about to leave Sword-Tempering Mountain, they bumped into Gao Shi, who was returning in triumph.

Outside the Sword Forging Hall, Gao Shi, with a smug look on his slightly stubble-covered baby face, patted Xiao Ran on the shoulder and pulled him back to the main hall.

True Person Moxia was in a good mood, but upon seeing Gao Shi, he immediately put on a stern face.

"You still have the nerve to come back!"

"I'm just back to see my junior brother."

With Xiao Ran standing nearby, Gao Shi, unafraid of his Master's anger, cheerfully poured Xiao Ran a cup of tea.

I also brewed a cup of Fire Reducing Tea my Master down.

"When I saw you came to Sword-Tempering Mountain, I rushed back without even accompanying you, my junior sister. How was it, great hero? Was the internship mission exciting?"

Did you see me arrive at Sword-Tempering Mountain?

Was he keeping an eye on me all along? Xiao Ran hoped he was just overthinking it. After all, his Gao Shi brother Gao Shi was quite an interesting person, much like himself back when he was preparing for the college entrance exam and still wanted to pick up girls.

"It's not as exciting as dating my senior."

Xiao Ran sipped his tea and smiled.

Gao Shi stood watching the two drink tea, rubbing his hands together and pacing back and forth, his eyebrows dancing with excitement and his face glowing.

It was unclear whether he was excited because he had made friends with Junior Sister Zhehui, or thrilled by the fact that Xiao Ran and his disciples had saved Flamefree City from the giant dragon and the Great Underworld.

"Although I have always believed in my junior brother's strength, this time it was really dangerous. I heard that Chief Li was about to draw his sword to slay the Netherworld and save you, but then a giant dragon suddenly appeared and swallowed the Netherworld! After that, it was the story of Ling Zhou and my junior brother's heroic rescue. It was really just one step away. If Disciplinary Elder, Flamefree City would probably be gone."

It was indeed quite dangerous, but the danger was felt by the people of Flamefree City, not by Zongzhi Mountain or Xiao Ran and his disciples.

Xiao Ran only said:

"The Disciplinary Elder also had his concerns, and we cannot use the established outcome to negate his views at the time."

"That's true."

The Gao Shi rubbed his hands together, as if he had something to say, but hesitated and didn't say it.

Xiao Ran didn't ask any more questions.

Instead, he took out a bamboo sheet drawing, on which was a design of a greatsword palace.

Considering that traveling with his Master by bamboo raft was undignified, consumed a great deal of Spiritual Power, and did not provide shelter from the wind and rain, he personally designed a magnificent Sword Riding Palace for future travel.

True Person Moxia was too busy to ask for such a luxurious and comfortable item, so he turned to Gao Shi for help.

After all, because of Junior Sister Zhehui, Gao Shi still owed him a favor.

"I have designed a Sword Riding Palace here. I would appreciate it if you could build it for me when you have time, senior brother."

"Junior brother can design imperial palaces? Let me see."

The Gao Shi took the blueprints and glanced at them.

The great sword is ten zhang long and two zhang wide, covered with lawn, has Vegetable Garden, a hot spring, and Bamboo House...

That's too extravagant!

Gao Shi was so envious he cried, completely forgetting that True Person Moxia was still sitting to the side. He blurted out, "This isn't a palace, it's Imperial Harem! What, Junior Brother, do you want to take Uncle Ling Zhou and Nephew Chuyan out for a wild adventure?"

"Cough cough."

True Person Moxia coughed twice.

Xiao Ran hurriedly explained:

"Senior brother, don't talk nonsense. This is my own cultivation retreat. I will continue to cultivate on the road."

Many people are practicing, I understand, I understand.

Gao Shi gave Xiao Ran a look, glanced at the blueprints, and frowned slightly.

"Your Spirit Runes are really well written, no, they're amazing... Who wrote them?"

Xiao Ran deliberately tested him.

"I wrote it myself."

Gao Shi stared at Xiao Ran, stunned for a long time before finally saying, "You're a true all-rounder!"

Xiao Ran smiled but didn't explain anything.

Displaying his superior Spirit Runes skills meant that he might be able to decipher the inscription—although he tried today and could only see the surface-level enlightenment information in the inscription; limited by his Cultivation Level, he was unable to delve deeper.

If Gao Shi is Little Mist, he will likely mention this important information in the group.

Gao Shi held the blueprints, thought for a moment, and said, "I can build it for you, but I'll allow you to copy this design. I'll also build a palace, and wouldn't it be wonderful to go out and play with Junior Sister Zhehui in my spare time?"

"Um?"

True Person Moxia put down his teacup, glanced at Gao Shi, and his deep eyes seemed to carry a sword-like aura.

The Gao Shi's face darkened, and he hurriedly said:

"No, you're kidding! I don't have time to play anymore!"

"Thank you, senior brother."

Xiao Ran nodded, put down his teacup, and got up to leave.

Suddenly, the Gao Shi sighed:

"A month from now, Junior Brother will surely be a peerless genius of the Dao Alliance, driving his palace and carrying beauties to Chaos City in style... Junior Brother, you have lived the life I dreamed of. Perhaps, only after a genius like you saves the Dharma Ending Era can I take a break."

Xiao Ran smiled.

"Why is even my senior brother starting to spout nonsense?"

The Gao Shi patted him on the shoulder, seemingly implying something.

"Haha, just kidding, senior brother. Don't feel pressured."

Xiao Ran might really be overthinking things regarding Gao Shi.

After leaving Sword-Tempering Mountain, Xiao Ran took Chuyan and flew towards Hundred Herbs Peak.

After the Flamefree City incident, the atmosphere inside the sect became noticeably more lively.

Along the way, many inner disciples greeted Xiao Ran, their eyes filled with barely suppressed admiration.

Some of the female disciples, in particular, stared at Xiao Ran with wide eyes.

They once admired and even loved the Sword-Wielding Elder, but now, out of love for him, they have begun to admire Xiao Ran.

Chuyan, riding a slender sword, flew swiftly beside Xiao Ran, her green gauze fluttering and white silk flowing in the wind, exuding an ethereal aura.

But seeing the infatuated looks on those women's faces in the distance made me inexplicably annoyed.

"These women are spineless. Haven't they ever seen a man before? They're all so unsophisticated."

"What?"

Xiao Ran was stunned, his face suddenly contorted with shock.

What kind of indecent remarks are these? "These are all my fans, could you please have a better attitude?"

Chuyan pouted her thin lips and slightly turned her small mouth upturned.

"I know these women. They all came up the mountain because they admired our Grandmaster, or they transferred from other sects. What era are we living in? Women have a million ways to Dual Cultivation! Why bother with men? They're all fearless of pain and pregnancy, even daring to face men. Why don't you become Wraith Hunters and confront the Wraith directly?"

Xiao Ran felt increasingly uneasy as he listened, so he quickly flew over on his sword and touched Chuyan's forehead, finding that she had a slight fever.

Why are you suddenly so agitated?

Chuyan subconsciously slapped Xiao Ran's hand away.

"It's nothing, I just had a nightmare last night."

"Oh..."

When the two arrived at Hundred Herbs Peak.

Chunwa and Qiuchan had already returned ahead of schedule. After being scolded, they went to the Pill Chamber to watch the fire.

Xiao Ran looked around the Bamboo House and tiptoed towards the south of Hundred Herbs Peak.

Chuyan followed behind, suppressing the emotions that had just surged, and suddenly didn't know what to do.

"By the way, what are we here for?"

Xiao Ran whispered a reminder.

"Looking for materials!"

"Yes, yes, yes."

When it comes to finding materials, she's wide awake.

But then I thought about it again and felt extremely nervous.

"I heard that our Grandmaster is injured and is recuperating in the Hot Spring Valley. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for us to disturb her?"

Xiao Ran pouted.

"What injury? Master is faking illness, wanting me to serve her hand and foot. Do I look like such an easy-to-be-fooled simp?"

More than just similar! Chuyan seemed thoughtful, but still worried.

"After all, our Grandmaster pulled an entire city back from the abyss. Even if she wasn't injured, she must be exhausted. Wouldn't it be inappropriate to disturb her rest?"

Xiao Ran suddenly stopped and turned around, saying:

"Who said we wanted to disturb her?"

"Are you going to steal...?"

Chuyan opened her eyes wide.

Xiao Ran:

"Shh-"

"I understand, I understand!"

Chuyan suddenly perked up and hurriedly asked Xiao Ran:

"Do you know the art of concealing your breath? I'll teach you!"

Sorry, you overestimated my ability to learn on the spot. I, Xiao Ran, am just a useless person who relies on the system.

Xiao Ran said confidently, "I have a higher level of concealment technique than the Concealing Breath Technique, but Master and Senior Uncle's Cultivation Level is too high. If we are caught, we will be skinned alive. To be on the safe side, I need your Concealing Breath Technique to cooperate."

They speak so grandly and elegantly, yet they still rely on me.

Chuyan's face lit up slightly, and she asked with considerable pride, "How do I cooperate?"

Xiao Ran said, "You use your concealment technique to protect me, and I'll hold your wrist and lead you to merge with the natural order of heaven and earth. We'll have double protection, as long as we don't get too close to the Hot Spring Valley."

"Good."

Chuyan extended her slender wrist.

Xiao Ran held it as if taking a pulse.

Suddenly he stared at her.

Chuyan turned pale with fright when Xiao Ran looked at her with the posture of taking her pulse and with a surprised expression.

What's wrong with me?

Xiao Ran frowned and said, "Why are you even more excited than me!"

"..."

Chuyan's eyebrows twitched slightly, and at the same time she let out a long sigh of relief.

Thankfully, nothing happened.

A dream is just a dream.

Chuyan was indeed excited to be searching for materials with Xiao Ran, but she was even more nervous.

"The elders and Grandmaster are both at the Spirit Severing Realm, can they really not detect us?"

Xiao Ran explained, "Of course you can find it if you look closely. The problem is, the area around Hot Spring Valley is sealed off by spirit-suppressing seals. My Senior Uncle and the others weren't on guard in the pool. You can guard against anything, but it's hard to guard against a thief within your own ranks. Who would have thought we would..."

Chuyan seemed to have realized something.

"I understand, it's just like when my Imperial Brother stole my clothes when we were kids."

"What?"

Xiao Ran was stunned, as if he had heard some incredible news, and almost strained his back.

Shouldn't it be the Imperial Brother peeping at you while you're bathing? What the hell is this about him stealing your clothes?!

Chuyan then realized she had spoken out of turn and quickly made a hand seal in the air above Xiao Ran's head.

"Soul Vanishing Art!"

Slap! Xiao Ran slapped her on the forehead.

"Don't be so rude. Your Imperial Brother's hobby is very common in my hometown. There's no need to be shy about it."

Chuyan was startled.

"What's your hometown? Your methods are so unconventional!"

Shh, don't talk.

Xiao Ran quickly changed the subject and quietly approached the South Cliff Hundred Herbs Peak.

He reminded Chuyan:

"Remember, you can only see with your naked eyes. You must never use your divine sense. If you do, we're doomed."

"I understand."

Chuyan nodded and was about to peek down at the Hot Spring Valley when Xiao Ran tackled her to the ground.

"You don't know anything!"

Xiao Ran pressed down on Chuyan's small buttocks while using his hand to dig a clever groove on the edge of the cliff.

You can lie on the edge of the cliff without sticking your head out, and you can see the view of the Hot Spring Valley below through the recess.

"You're really something!"

Chuyan praised softly, then looked down.

Wow, my Senior Uncle is here too! How exciting!

Xiao Ran whispered:

"Is that your Senior Uncle? Don't forget your seniority!"

"Cough cough."

The two were located less than ten feet above the Hot Spring Valley, and to cultivators, the pool water was right in front of them.

The mist rising from the water looks incredibly exciting!

Nine streams flow gently down, disappearing into the rising mist.

Xiao Ran silently took out a bamboo board and began to draw directly with a small carving knife.

The first thing he had to draw was his Master.

Lingzhou Yue's black hair was loose, her eyebrows and eyes were like a painting, her lips were covered with morning dew, and her eyes reflected the moonlight. Her delicate and beautiful shoulders were like a snow mountain immersed in a sea of mist...

Compared to her Master's unparalleled beauty, even her Senior Uncle, who had been beautiful for ten thousand years in the Cultivation World, paled in comparison.

Beside Xiao Ran, Chuyan, with her little bottom sticking out, was lying on the edge of the cliff, watching intently.

While watching, she asked Xiao Ran with a puzzled look, "You've already seen and even touched your Grandmaster, so do you still find it exciting to see him from afar now?"

"Also?"

Xiao Ran frowned, realizing that things were not so simple.

Chuyan said, "You don't understand. The saying goes, 'A wife is not as good as a concubine, and a concubine is not as good as a stolen one.' It's only by secretly watching that you get a different kind of thrill."

Oh.

I see, you're that kind of lewd person...

But I am not!

I am an artist, and my eyes radiate a sacred light!

Xiao Ran held the carving knife, his brushstrokes flowing like dragons and snakes, drawing with great enthusiasm. As he carved, he also offered his critique:

"I hadn't paid attention before, but I didn't expect my Senior Uncle to have such a great figure. Everything was so natural and perfect. He has a classic, golden-ratio physique..."

Chuyan pursed her lips and looked closely.

True Person Yinyue has dignified and gentle features, exuding warmth. Her smooth and lustrous classical figure has a unique herbal fragrance.

However, Chuyan still loved her Grandmaster! She suddenly turned her head, her eyes sharp.

"Why are you even going after the elders? Can't we be a little more focused on one person?!"

Xiao Ran scoffed, "I'm a painter. I paint art, showcasing the inner beauty of different characters. Even Master needs other women to highlight his unique beauty. I'm not the kind of person you're thinking of!"

After some persuasion, Chuyan's mind wandered, and she suddenly became interested in Xiao Ran's painting.

"Let me see what you drew."

Xiao Ran's paintings of women are of such a high artistic level, the figures are so ethereal and beautiful, that it's hard to bear sharing them with outsiders.

He immediately declared, "I'm sorry, this set of photos is my exclusive collection!"

The more he said that, the more envious Chuyan became, and she grabbed a corner of the bamboo board and started to pull it.

"I insist on seeing it."

"Look at you, my foot!"

Xiao Ran held down the bamboo board and kicked Chuyan's thigh.

The two were secretly competing, neither willing to give in.

Xiao Ran exerted force, Chuyan couldn't take it.

Chuyan exerted force, Xiao Ran couldn't bear it.

Push together...

Sudden!

The ground beneath them could not withstand the pressure and suddenly collapsed.

The two of them, along with their notebooks, fell to the ground.