Jiyin Painting School Reveals Its True Face; Xiangrong Seeks Help; the Young Master Is Fickle

Upon hearing the phrase "not easily weighed," Li Xian pondered deeply. The Fortune measured by reason, hence the emperors, martial arts masters, Lineage, and professions of the world all ultimately consider some degree of reason. "Not easily weighed" means difficult to measure, unclear in its assessment. The deeper meaning is that Li Xian is not one to be bound by rules. Li Xian pondered further, noting that the special features were "Double Pupils" and "the Divine-Ghost Malevolent Garment," perhaps these two aspects shielded him from heavenly secrets, making him difficult to weigh. Li Xian pressed for further answers, but Wu Gan could not provide a complete response. He was a scholar-gentleman, unaware of the affairs of martial artists.

Wu Gan said, "I possess exceptional skills in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and philosophy... You may choose from these, and I will impart them to you without reservation. Although martial artists do not seek Fortune, they can certainly gain knowledge, which is something many cannot obtain. If you feel that learning these arts will hinder your martial arts progress, you may leave. Ultimately, we have no master-disciple relationship."

Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "Old sir, Li Xian misunderstand. I would be more than happy to broaden my horizons. As for the Fortune, it is extremely ethereal, Li Xian I won't dwell on it. Of all the paths you mentioned, Li Xian am particularly interested in the 'path of painting.' That's why I wish to learn it." He thought to himself, "I currently run a shop, but Xiao Wu and Xiao Chao help me manage it. I can inspect it every few days, which won't take up much time. Besides, as for my Gold Steward job, I manage to complete a fourth-tier mission every two days, which is relatively easy. I keep up with my martial arts training every day, but I am by no means without leisure time. If you are truly sincere in passing on your painting skills, I have both the time and the energy, so how could I not learn it!"

Wu Gan said, "It's rare to see someone so genuinely interested in learning to paint. I started out as a painter myself. Since that's the case, from now on, come and learn to paint with me every day between midnight and 1 AM. If you achieve something, and you're interested in fame and fortune, you can easily sell your paintings for thousands or even tens of thousands of gold coins. If you're not interested in fame and fortune, cultivating your character is also perfectly acceptable. It might even greatly benefit your understanding of martial arts."

Thus, Li Xian agreed to become Wen Caishang's apprentice. That very night, she began studying "painting techniques." Li Xian had previously sought out rudimentary painting skills from Wen Caishang during her "journey along the river." Wen Caishang's painting skills were also exceptionally high, but at that time, Li Xian was eager to learn but unwilling to do so, while Wen Caishang was willing to teach but unable to. Her grip on the brush was unsteady, and the slightest movement would cause her legs to weaken. Naturally, the objects she painted were difficult to depict.

Li Xian admired his wife's extensive learning and also hoped to be Proficiency in various fields. However, he had already given his all to martial arts. Literature, painting, poetry, music, and many other pursuits were costly and time-consuming, and required instruction from teachers. He simply couldn't manage it all, so he hadn't succeeded yet.

At this opportune moment, to have such a good teacher was a stroke of luck. Li Xian became Wu Gan's apprentice with a sincere heart, without any intention of currying favor. He thought, "Purely learning painting techniques is already extremely rare, a stroke of good fortuitous opportunity I've found for free. If I were to use this to curry favor, I might fall into an even bigger vortex. My wish is to learn painting peacefully and steadily." Therefore, the old man and the young man skipped the formalities and, after a simple conversation, directly imparted the true essence of painting. Li Xian learned how to hold the brush, how to lay out the paper, how to grind the ink, and so on. He then began to copy Wu Gan's previous paintings. During the copying process, Wu Gan explained the subtleties of each stroke, how exquisite and extraordinary each stroke was, and the hidden meanings behind each dot and splash of ink... These crucial points could only be understood through the instruction of a renowned master.

Wu Gan told Li Xian that although painting may seem ordinary—a three-year-old child holding a twig, making a stroke or a circle in the mud, and that's considered a painting—it has many uses when practiced deeply. It can depict the scenery of heaven and earth, the spirit of martial artists, and the grandeur of rivers and mountains. Martial artists use painting to pass on their skills. Li Xian had a senior brother surnamed Gong, known in the martial arts world as "Old Painter."

He often received invitations from martial arts friends, who would pay exorbitant sums to entertain him just for a seat in their homes. If he were to receive a painting as a gift, these friends would be willing to entrust their lives to him, moved to tears of gratitude. He was also frequently invited by martial arts masters to help him paint martial arts techniques so that they could be passed down to future generations for study and practice.

The "Heavenly Crafted Wonders" of Jade City are intricately constructed, requiring a preliminary sketch on paper before being built, demanding extremely exquisite skill. Li Xian thought to himself, "Painting is about depicting beautiful things. Once my skills are perfected, I can paint portraits of beauties someday—wouldn't that be incredibly elegant?" Wu Gan's style emphasized both meaning and form, forming its own school known as the "Jiyin Painting School." Li Xian already possessed a foundation in painting, received guidance from a renowned Skillful Hands, and combined with his exceptional skill Double Pupils eyesight, his painting immediately astonished Wu Gan.

Compared to Wu Gan, Li Xian's paintings possess a unique beauty in every detail. Wu Gan was taught by a renowned master, while Li Xian was exceptionally intelligent and quick-witted. Thus, the master and disciple, one teaching and the other learning, were free from any constraints. The other's vast and profound painting skills flowed forth, as if eager to impart everything. The other, thirsting for knowledge, devoured it all.

In just one hour, Li Xian had mastered Proficiency [Jiyin Painting School], immersing himself in its lingering charm. In a daze, Li Xian thought, "Ah... so this is what it feels like to receive instruction!"

Li Xian was primarily self-taught. He received a brief introduction to the Ghost-Vein Medical Art from Su Tingmang for a month before disappearing without a trace. His martial arts skills were honed through his wife, but she rarely gave him any guidance. Now, receiving her complete instruction, the experience was entirely different.

Before they knew it, it was the hour of Chou (1-3 AM). Li Xian packed up his paintings and returned the way he came. He agreed to come back the next day to ask for advice. Back at Jujube-Pasture Residence, Li Xian was still in high spirits and continued to paint. He first painted a blade of grass and a rock, then a tree and a wall.

He then painted Golden Cicada, knives, and swords. All of this was merely to express his interest. Li Xian's many skills became increasingly effortless. In the courtyard, he practiced swordplay, painting, spear fighting, playing the flute, and martial arts.

Jade City devours people, but it also devours talent. All kinds of skills can be found here. As long as one has enough wealth and status, one can acquire them. Thus, Li Xian adds another skill to his repertoire.

Proficiency martial arts, Proficiency, and painting. As October approached autumn, the summer heat gradually Proficiency. Gold-Seeking Guard and his men cheered with joy, so much so that they were drenched in sweat during their street patrol.

Zhou Qingqing, Wei Qingfeng, Qiao Qing, Lu Qingguan, and other disciples of the Nature Sect are about to return. Yao Yin will accompany them back to the sect. It is said that all good things must come to an end.

Li Xian hosted a farewell banquet, during which they drank heartily, reluctant to see him off. After the banquet, they rode together for another three miles outside the city gates. Zhou Qingqing, Wei Qingfeng, Qiao Qing, and the others were also reluctant to part, having thoroughly enjoyed their months-long trip to Jade City. However, on the path of martial arts, one should not let dazzling sights dazzle the eyes. On the way out of the city, Li Xian said, "Brothers, we have known each other for a while, and today we are parting. I have nothing of value to give you, but this is Sweet Jujube Wine I brewed myself. I hope you will not find it offensive."

Yao Yin rode a "Fragrant Mist horse," its body entirely brown and white, its skin shimmering with iridescent colors under the sunlight, a truly dazzling sight. She was dressed lightly, in a light blue off-the-shoulder blouse, a short pleated skirt, embroidered white satin stockings, and deerskin boots. Her two braids swayed left and right as she rode the horse.

She said, "Alas, my father feared I would be too playful and forbade me from investing any money in your shop. I have high hopes for your 'Dew Cicada Shop'." Li Xian replied, "It's alright, I'll reserve a small share for you. You'll always be a small owner of the Dew Cicada Shop.' Without Miss Yao's introduction and the help of benefactors, Li Xian alone would probably still be struggling at the bottom."

Yao Yin smiled and said, "Of course, I am your great benefactor, you can't afford to make a mistake like this. It's a pity I have to go back to the sect again. I really hate to leave you, ah... yes... I really hate to leave home."

Zhou Qingqing covered her mouth and chuckled. Yao Yin's pretty face flushed red as she said, "I originally wanted to say that I was really reluctant to leave you all. Senior Sister Zhou, please don't think such things." Wei Qingfeng said, "Yes, yes, I wouldn't dare to think such things. Yes, Brother Li, our Elder Wang is staying in Jade City. If you want to buy Cicada Tea Ginseng in the future, just go and find him. Speaking of which, it's a very good thing that our Nature Sect's products can be favored by Jade City and help Li Xian make money." Qiao Qing said, "Yes, Brother Li, we've known each other for a long time, but we've never seen your true face. Now that we're about to leave, can we see your true face? A little ugly or handsome, so what? We're brothers, would we laugh at you? Appearance is a gift from heaven, it's just that the heavens are jealous of your talent and gave you an ugly appearance, it's not your fault."

Having traveled together several times, the group was already quite familiar with each other. Lu Qingguan said, "Indeed." Yao Yin's gaze was strange, and she hesitated to speak. Li Xian smiled and said, "Indeed, since we've met, it would be truly unfair to everyone if we couldn't be honest with each other."

Li Xian then removed his mask, revealing his true face. Qiao Qing, Zhou Qingqing, Lu Qingguan, and Wei Qingfeng, having heard rumors of Li Xian's ugly appearance, were already mentally prepared. They thought they would remain calm no matter what face they saw, and then told Li Xian that his appearance was natural and there was no need to be troubled by it. However, they saw Li Xian slightly lift half of his face, revealing his left cheek, with clean and fair skin. How could he possibly have the rumored appearance of "scars and pockmarks" and a strange face? They couldn't help but think, "Could it be that the other half of his face is what's rumored?"

Li Xian's action of lifting his mask was actually extremely fast, happening in an instant. However, everyone had been curious about his face for a long time, and regardless of whether he was beautiful or ugly, they all stared intently at him, making it seem slow. As more of Li Xian was revealed, they could gradually see his straight nose and clearly defined lips...

Everyone couldn't help but gasp softly, thinking to themselves, "Who was that damned bastard who spread such lies? This face is not only a hundred and eight thousand miles away from being ugly, but it's probably a hundred and eight thousand miles away from being handsome."

When the mask was completely removed, everyone was stunned. Li Xian had mastered the "Ghost-Vein Medical Art," and his eyes were extremely deep, containing all sorts of mystery, giving people a dreamlike feeling and adding to his unique temperament.

And there was the red mole between her eyebrows, a striking feature. The thin hair at her temples fluttered gently; this appearance was truly captivating.

Although Yao Yin knew Li Xian's true appearance, she was still startled when she saw him again. Her pretty face turned red with embarrassment as she stared at him for a long time. Everyone remained silent as a gentle breeze blew, causing her hair to flutter slightly.

Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "Gentlemen, I apologize. It's not that Li Xian 'm not being honest, but the situation in Jade City is complicated."

Zhou Qingqing stared blankly for a long time, then suddenly came to her senses. Her usual generous and cheerful demeanor vanished, replaced by awkwardness and embarrassment. She said, "I understand, I understand." Lu Qingguan and Wei Qingfeng both exclaimed, "Ah! Brother Li... I didn't know... he was so handsome!"

Li Xian said, "Just as Brother Qiao said, appearance is something one is born with; whether one is beautiful or ugly, there's no need to care too much." Wei Qingfeng laughed, "You don't care? Look at them, they've completely captivated the two beauties of my Nature Sect."

Yao Yin and Zhou Qingqing snapped out of their daze, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed. Zhou Qingqing struck out with a palm, knocking Wei Qingfeng off his horse. Zhou Qingqing said, "You're asking for it." Yao Yin replied, "Hmph, I already know what he looks like. I'm tired of looking at him. I won't be captivated by him."

Zhou Qingqing cupped her hands and smiled, "I never expected Young Master Li... to be so... so extraordinary... You... you really are something, with such a handsome face, how... how come you don't let anyone see it, you always hide... hide it away?"

Li Xian said, "It was a last resort." He then explained the many reasons. After understanding, Zhou Qingqing said, "I see, then... that's indeed good. Alas, I really don't know how to put it." She kept glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, thinking to herself, "I truly... have never seen such a handsome man before. I've seen quite a lot, but this appearance, I'm afraid, is unprecedented throughout history..."

Li Xian said, "Today we have been frank with each Li Xian, and I consider you all true friends. I hope that one day we will meet again in the martial world, and we can recognize each other." Zhou Qingqing, Wei Qingfeng, Lu Qingguan, Qiao Qing nodded, all feeling happy. Yao Yin, however, thought, "Now it's all good. This appearance was originally known only to me." She sighed softly.

Zhou Qingqing took the wine jar and tied it to the saddle. She then took out a book from a bundle and said, "Speaking of which, we also have something to give to Brother Li. This is the Cicada-Herding Canon, a compilation of essential techniques for shepherding cicadas by myself, Junior Brother Wei, Junior Brother Lu, Junior Brother Qiao, and Junior Sister Yao. If you study it according to the manual, you will be able to manage your Dew Cicada Shop business. May Brother Li's business flourish and make you as wealthy as a country!"

Li Xian accepted the Cicada-Herding Canon, and they exchanged gifts. Zhou Qingqing and the others, seeing that it was getting late, waved goodbye despite their reluctance to part. Li Xian watched them go, followed by Lu Qingguan and Wei Qingfeng. Li Xian sighed inwardly, "With their departure, I have far fewer playmates in Jade City."

Yao Yin gazed at him for a moment, then said, "I'm leaving too. Keep in touch, let's correspond often." Li Xian asked, "Keep in touch? When will you return?" Yao Yin shook her head, "The affairs of the martial world are hard to say. But I'll return at least once or twice a year. Now that the Nature Sect and Jade City have close ties, I should be able to return more often. But... I can't stay this long anymore."

Li Xian said, "Be careful. A beautiful woman like you, you must be very Flower Thief when traveling the martial world." Yao Yin said, "I know. You be careful too... I... I heard from Grandpa that Jade City is not peaceful anymore. Especially you, with no connections, you've easily become a scapegoat. You must know how to protect yourself, don't... don't..."

Don't tell me I won't see you when I come back next time.

Li Xian smiled and said, "Don't worry." Yao Yin's eyes reddened slightly. She said nothing more and rode away. Parting in the martial world is always uncertain. Li Xian watched them go for a long time, and only after they disappeared did he ride back alone. He thought to himself, "When I finally escaped my predicament and officially set foot in Jade City, the first person I met was Yao Yin, who was staying at the same inn. At that time, she was arrogant and her guards were equally haughty. Later, after joining the Miraculous Healers Pavilion, I met her again and got to know her. Fortunately, with her help, I was able to achieve my Jade Citizen City, and from then on, I had a place to put my skills to use."

"Now that she has left Jade City, she feels quite lonely. Jade City has lost a friend and playmate. And she still has to face all the unpredictable dangers alone." The autumn air is crisp and clear. After seeing her friend off, Li Xian calmed her mind and continued to practice martial arts, catch thieves, practice painting, and run her business.

The Dew Cicada Shop opened in early September. In the middle and late part of the month, it purchased Enlightenment Cicada, Mountain-Treasure Tea, Bitter Ginseng, and other items, which were sold off gradually. After a month of operation, after deducting rent and staff salaries, it earned a total of 5,700 taels of silver.

While not booming, the business was progressing steadily. Recently, many shops and merchants, seeing the potential of Dew Cicada Shop, wanted to inquire about the sources of "Enlightenment Cicada," "Mountain-Treasure Tea," and "Bitter Ginseng." Li Xian did not disclose any information. After several months of exploration, the Nature Sect had gradually stabilized its operations. The supply of Enlightenment Cicada and Mountain Treasure Leaf was already limited, so priority was given to the shops that had initially cooperated with them. Li Xian's Dew Cicada Shop was one of them. Although small in scale, it controlled the supply channels, which was enough to establish a foothold and generate stable income.

After Li Xian advanced to the "Mud Body" level, he gained the right to "list names." Jade City had a rule: any shop of a certain size required at least two Mud Body guarantors, who would also be listed in the shop's register. Wen Caishang's Silkworm Dream Tower was quite large, requiring several Mud Body, Bronze Body, and Silver Body cultivators to list names in order to continue operating. Li Xian's "Dew Cicada Shop" was not yet of a sufficient size, so it did not require any listing names.

A wealthy merchant then approached, wanting to use Li Xian's Mud Body as a front for a shop. The fee was two thousand taels of silver per month—quite a sum!

The Mud Body can be registered under the names of three shops and three residences at the same time. However, the right to register the Mud Body under these names is not actually up to Li Xian. Commandery Princess Anyang has already made other arrangements, and the right to register the clay body has already been used up.

Commandery Princess Anyang has extensive connections and influence, with influence and control over businesses, martial arts, and government. Commandery Princess Anyang herself owns numerous shops and properties in Jade City.

Take, for example, the "Patrol-Pacifying Horse Ranch." This horse racing company is very powerful, with several mountains outside the city and a vast horse ranch. There are countless fine horses, and exotic horses are common. Many young masters from Jade City and important officials from Heavenly Pivot often visit the horse ranch.

Li Xian then deduced that the owner behind the horse farm was Commandery Princess Anyang. Li Xian, from a humble background, could only go with the flow, act according to circumstances, and navigate the situation carefully. He needed to be constantly vigilant, lest he become a pawn.

He pondered to himself how to get rid of Commandery Princess Anyang and defeat her with a slight advantage. After careful consideration, he realized that the only solution was to "wait for the right opportunity." Every midnight and early morning, Li Xian would calm himself down and seek out Wu Gan to teach him painting techniques. The "Jiyin Painting School" was making rapid progress every day, and Wu Gan was pleased with this and spared no effort in teaching him.

On the ninth day of the tenth month, Li Xian returned from Marquis Wu Station, having completed a fourth-level task and received forty taels of silver and thirty-five military merits. As he was on his way back, he suddenly heard a clear and melodious tune.

Li Xian stopped a passerby and asked, "Did you hear a flute melody?" The passerby shook his head and said, "What flute melody?" Li Xian frowned slightly, observing the passerby's expression, and knew that only he could hear this melodious sound.

Li Xian looked towards the path on his right and sensed that the music was coming from there. He thought, "This music isn't hostile; it seems to be deliberately drawing me there. I'll go and see." So he followed the sound of the flute. After passing through a small alley, the view suddenly opened up to a main road for carriages and horses.

The crowds were thronging, the sounds deafening—hawkers' cries, shouts, horses' hooves, and shouts of cursing crashed against him like waves. Yet, he heard a flute melody, clear and melodious, like an invisible hand drawing his attention and beckoning him to a certain place. Li Xian thought, "I practice the Demonic Sound Mind-Seizing Melody and have some knowledge of sonic martial arts. The sound I hear must be some kind of sonic martial art. And this person's use of it is already quite formidable. If I go, I must be extremely careful. If I don't go, since this person has summoned me like this, they probably won't give up easily."

Li Xian followed the sound, turning left and right through the streets and alleys. With each turn, he was more startled. The sound was like ripples on water, spreading out in a gentle, diffuse way. But this mysterious melody was like condensing those ripples into lines, and those lines twisted and turned endlessly. The more turns Li Xian made, the more powerful the artistry of this melody became.

After walking for a while, I came to a green grove. In the distance, there was a row of willows, their branches swaying in the autumn wind. Beside them was a pale yellow boat. At the bow stood a woman in a light green dress, looking around.

Li Xian called out, "Young lady, are you calling me?"

The woman in green, upon seeing Li Xian, said, "This is my sister. Please board the boat quickly; my sister has something to say." Li Xian replied, "What is it that cannot be said here?"

The woman in green said, "In short, it's inconvenient."

Li Xian thought to himself, "I recognize this young lady in the green dress; she's the personal maid of the most beautiful courtesan at Blue-Heavens Long Dream Tower. The 'sister' she Tao Xiangrong. But this is truly strange. This beautiful young lady and I have never met before, yet she's suddenly inviting me in such a bizarre way. I'm afraid... I'm afraid she wants something from me? Such a grand gesture shouldn't be to harm me. Since the beauty has invited me, why not go and meet her?"

Li Xian said, "Alright, it would be impolite to refuse!" and leaped into the air. Liang Xiaoshi suddenly exclaimed, "No!" She pushed out with both palms, unleashing a powerful palm strike. Although the force was considerable, it could not stop Li Xian.

Li Xian, unwilling to resist, withdrew mid-air and stood back on the shore, asking, "You're quite a strange person. You're neither here nor there. Fine, I won't keep you company any longer." He then turned and left.

Liang Xiaoshi said, "What a temper! I wanted to tell you to clean the mud off your feet before boarding my sister's boat." Li Xian sneered, "Li Xian is of lowly status and unworthy to board your sister's boat. Fine, farewell."

Seeing that Li Xian was about to leave, Liang Xiaoshi panicked. She served Tao Xiangrong and was usually quite arrogant. She even showed some disrespect to Xu Shaoqian. Facing Li Xian, she was even more casual. Seeing the mud on Li Xian's feet, she could have politely offered to wash it off with river water. Instead, she directly used her palm to block him, though this was not malicious. Li Xian wasn't angry, but rather annoyed by the trouble, so using this opportunity to leave was perfect.

Liang Xiaoshi stamped her foot, at a loss for what to do. Suddenly, a melodious voice came from inside the boat. "Young master, please wait. Xiaoshi I did just now was indeed inappropriate. I hope you will be magnanimous and not take offense."

Li Xian thought, "Judging from the voice, it really is Tao Xiangrong." He used his light footwork and shouted, "I'm a rather stingy person!" and ran even faster. Tao Xiangrong annoyed and lightly plucked the strings of her zither. The sound resonated, and the willow branches on the bank immediately coiled around it. This move was very gentle, with no intention of harming the enemy, yet it was extremely entangled, wave after wave. Li Xian thought, "It seems Tao Xiangrong to stop me. Her move is truly formidable. This courtesan's strength is unfathomable! I think she's determined to find me; she must have something urgent that requires my help. If I leave now, she might find me at home."

Li Xian avoided the willow branches, deliberately changed direction, and floated lightly back to the boat. Tao Xiangrong next move to persuade her to stay, so that she could state her demands and then negotiate, when she saw that Li Xian had already returned on his own initiative. She was taken aback and asked, "Young Master, you..."

Li Xian smiled and said, "My anger has naturally subsided." Tao Xiangrong couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Young Master is truly... truly fickle."