Or rather, the Painting Spirit had begun acting strangely ever since they entered the Great Tomb.
The Painting Spirit had undoubtedly been gentle before, like an older sister next door, like the young lady of an aristocratic clan.
But now, those qualities were fading. She had grown taciturn, speaking neither to the other spirits nor to Su Jiu, as though burdened with worries she refused to voice.
No one knew what she was thinking, nor did anyone know what she intended to do.
Su Jiu was no fool. Naturally, she too sensed that the Painting Spirit was growing estranged from her. Although she did not know why, that perception could not be wrong.
Toward the Painting Spirit, who could be considered the first spirit to follow her, Su Jiu had always been remarkably tolerant.
She decided to give the Painting Spirit another chance. If she was willing to be honest, Su Jiu could pretend the earlier incidents had never happened. But if...
The Azure Realm was now fraught with danger. She had little time to spare for herself, much less the patience to unravel a spirit's thoughts and wishes.
"Painting Spirit, this is already the second time. I hope you'll say whatever you have to say plainly."
The Painting Spirit's already pale face turned several shades whiter.
Her thin lips trembled twice before she spoke. "A Jiu, I know you're exceptionally gifted. Since you've seen these paintings, you must have noticed that they're just like the paintings in the burial chamber. They were all painted by the same person."
At this point, the Painting Spirit abruptly brought up an unrelated subject.
"Do you remember how we first met?"
Su Jiu nodded. "I've never forgotten the help you gave me that time." It was precisely that encounter that had given rise