Demon Refining Furnace

Last time, when he had accompanied two other imperial envoys to the southwest, they had traveled aboard an official ship built for the open sea. It was heavy, with a reinforced hull. So much thought had gone into that that comfort had naturally received less attention.

When they reached the ship's salon and saw its splendid furnishings, even Su Ziji could not help remarking, "This is a fine place to paint."

"Isn't it? When you have time, you can come here to paint. The view is wide, and there are windows to look out of. You needn't stand on deck in the wind and sun. It really is an elegant spot," Luo Pei said with a smile.

Su Ziji smiled too, but did not take the offer seriously.

A painting table had already been set before Liu Zhan. A large sheet of paper lay flat across the broad, smooth rosewood surface. After a moment's thought, he lifted his brush and began painting in swift strokes, his hand moving like a roaming dragon and a darting snake.

Su Ziji and Luo Pei stepped closer and watched him paint as if no one else were there. The picture was strange: it appeared to be a landscape, yet within it were layers of dwellings.

In the upper reaches lived celestial maidens and immortal officials. The farther down, the poorer the inhabitants became, until at the bottom lay a hell so gloomy it made their skin crawl.

Liu Zhan was formidable in Daoist Arts, but he also had exceptional talent in painting.

Su Ziji could see how freely he painted, yet there was also the force of flashing spears and galloping warhorses in his strokes. It was as though he had poured both his austere, killing air and his unyielding nature into the picture.