The plum blossom painting had changed again.
The other three besides Jing Jiu had also made gains. Several red plum blossoms had been added to the nearby wintry branches, a delightful sight that complemented the scattered red blossoms in the distance, leaving nothing wanting.
He Zhan had painted the new blossoms himself as well. Once he finished, he admired them with satisfaction for a while, drained the wine in his flask, and left Western Mountain.
Cultivators from the various sects stopped before the painting, overcome with wordless emotion. They knew Jing Jiu would be the Dao Battle champion at this year's Plum Gathering.
The news soon reached Green Mountain.
The young disciples of the Nine Peaks were naturally delighted and felt immensely honored.
The elders of the various peaks had held considerable expectations for Jing Jiu beforehand, but they had thought that, young as he was, he could hardly surpass Luo Huainan. Once the news was confirmed, they too were pleasantly surprised.
On Divine End Peak, Gu Qing and the youth surnamed Yuan blanched a plate of Mulberry Leaf Salad, washed some fruit, and opened a flask of medicinal wine.
The monkeys caught the scent and ran up from below the cliffs, chattering incessantly, keeping the celebratory feast from becoming too quiet.
"I'll go out of the mountains tomorrow to meet Master."
The youth surnamed Yuan set down his wine cup, his delight giving way to worry.
The news from Chaoge City was scant, and he did not know how serious his master's injuries were.
Calculating the time, the Wooden Sword Boat sent to fetch Zhao Layue should reach Yunji Town tomorrow. Gu Qing said, "Of course I'm going too."
"Someone has to stay on the peak, doesn't he?" The youth surnamed Yuan said.
Gu Qing pointed at