Painter Lu

"Painter Lu?"

The two ruffians looked at the man, clearly recognizing him.

The ruffian in front frowned and snapped, "Blind fool, can't you see I'm busy?"

The ruffian behind said with a cold glint in his eyes, "You think we're kind because we haven't caused you trouble yet?"

No one was stupid. The two ruffians were clearly blocking someone in the alley, and this man dared to approach, meaning he was definitely going to interfere.

Painter Lu shook his head. "If you want to rob others, I won't interfere. But not him."

The ruffian in front pointed his short knife at Painter Lu. "Why not him?"

The ruffian behind hissed, "Stop wasting words with him, get rid of him quickly!"

Hearing this, the ruffian in front swung his short knife towards Painter Lu's shoulder, intending to scare him off or injure him.

Painter Lu calmly replied, "Because I find this young master's appearance handsome, his brows like swords and his eyes like stars. I wish to discuss with this gentleman about painting his portrait."

At these words, not only the two ruffians but even Gu Zhao was dumbfounded.

Regardless of what they thought, all three looked at Painter Lu's hand. He had merely extended his free left hand and grasped the wrist of the ruffian in front who was lunging with the knife.

"You're hiding your strength well. You're a martial artist?" the ruffian behind exclaimed in surprise.

But the ruffian in front had no time to be surprised. He felt as if his wrist was gripped by cast iron. No matter how he struggled, it wouldn't budge. The iron grip tightened, and the pain intensified, bringing tears to his eyes and sweat to his forehead.

"Ah!" a scream erupted.

"Clang!" The short knife fell to the ground.

Painter Lu finally released his grip. The ruffian in front stumbled back, clutching his wrist to his chest with a trembling hand. He looked at the clear, red handprint on his wrist, unsure if it was broken.

As if sensing something, he couldn't help but look up, meeting Painter Lu's eyes. Without a word, the ruffian in front bypassed Gu Zhao and fled.

The ruffian behind was also quick-witted, knowing who to provoke and who not to. He also wasted no words and quickly bolted after the first ruffian.

Painter Lu watched them flee before turning to Gu Zhao and nodding calmly. "Greetings, Young Master."

Gu Zhao hadn't stopped them either. While feeling the pulsations of the Five Thunder Token in his sea of consciousness, he cupped his hands in thanks. "Thank you, Painter Lu."

Although Painter Lu called Gu Zhao handsome, he himself was not bad-looking. His fair skin revealed faint veins, he had a high nose and thin lips, and a faint cinnabar mole below his left eye. He appeared somewhat delicate, no wonder those two ruffians hadn't taken him seriously.

Painter Lu nodded. "You're welcome. Besides, I have my own selfish reasons."

Gu Zhao looked at the bamboo pole Painter Lu was leaning on. It was as tall as a person and had a scroll painting of a landscape with a figure hanging from it. The figure, dressed in a green robe, stood on a misty bluestone bridge, holding an umbrella, exuding an elegant aura.

"A fine painting!" Gu Zhao exclaimed.

Painter Lu smiled slightly. "It is indeed a fine painting."

"You want to paint one for me too?" Gu Zhao asked.

Painter Lu nodded. "Young Master, your bearing is extraordinary and your presence is radiant. If I could wield my brush, it would be my honor."

Gu Zhao looked again at the portrait in Painter Lu's hand. The artistic conception was elegant, and the figure was lifelike. The eyes of the person in the painting seemed to look out through the misty rain, with a hint of melancholy, towards himself outside the painting.

"It should be my honor," Gu Zhao narrowed his eyes and asked, "How much is this painting? I should ask if I can afford it first."

Painter Lu chuckled and shook his head. "Once I finish painting it, I will naturally gift it to you, Young Master."

Gu Zhao pointed to the painting in his hand. "Then what about the owner of this painting?"

Painter Lu answered evasively, "Once I finish one, I can naturally paint another."

Gu Zhao understood and asked another question. "Are you a local of Xiu Yue County?"

Painter Lu shook his head and then nodded. He looked at Gu Zhao's long robe. "I've been living here for two years. If you're looking for a friend's residence or wish to visit the county school, I can guide you."

Gu Zhao nodded. "That would be great. It's quite a large county, Xiu Yue County."

Painter Lu turned and led the way. "Although Xiu Yue County is located in the southeast of Changping Prefecture, it borders Yongzhou to the east and is not far from Yazhou to the south. It's a place where three prefectures meet, so there are naturally many people."

Gu Zhao followed, casually asking, "You have extraordinary skills. Are you a Mage?"

Painter Lu's footsteps didn't falter. "My cultivation is shallow, barely enough for self-preservation. I can't be considered a Mage."

"You're so capable, have you encountered any demons or ghosts?" Gu Zhao asked, like a curious child who had seen nothing of the world.

"I haven't," Painter Lu's lips curved into a smile as he shook his head. "You're overthinking it. Where are there so many demons and ghosts in the world? Most of it is just hearsay."

Gu Zhao remained noncommittal and looked at the scrolls in the bamboo basket behind Painter Lu. "Are these all paintings?"

"Yes," Painter Lu nodded. "If you'd like to see them, Young Master, you can admire them to your heart's content after I finish painting."

"Your painting skills are superb, I'm very much looking forward to it," Gu Zhao said, not getting too close to Painter Lu, and continued to ask, "Are these all portraits?"

Painter Lu paused. "No, there are also some landscapes and scenery."

Painter Lu didn't live far. Not long after leaving the alley, they turned into another one and soon arrived at Painter Lu's residence.

It was a secluded small courtyard. The courtyard wasn't large, with only two rooms facing and to the side – one bedroom and one painting studio. The stove and miscellaneous items were all piled up in the yard.

"Please, Young Master," Painter Lu opened the door to the side room and invited Gu Zhao in.

Gu Zhao walked in slowly, looking around as he asked, "Is this where you paint, sir?"

"Not bad," Painter Lu nodded and went to the table beside him to pour Gu Zhao a glass of water. "Things happened so quickly earlier, I haven't had a chance to ask for your name, Young Master."

This side room wasn't large. A white wall, a long table, two chairs, a slightly tilted easel, and a wooden rack holding watercolors and ink were all the furnishings in the room.

Gu Zhao set the water aside and casually gave a false name, "Zhang Hang."

Painter Lu didn't mind. He simply gestured for Gu Zhao to sit by the table. "Brother Zhang, please make yourself comfortable. As long as I can see your face, that's all that matters."

After saying that, he sat down opposite Gu Zhao, set up his easel, spread out a sheet of drawing paper, and prepared to begin painting.

"Just like that?" Gu Zhao asked.

"Just like that," Painter Lu nodded, looking at Gu Zhao with admiration. "Young Master, you are so handsome and distinguished. This painting is bound to be a masterpiece."

Gu Zhao looked at Painter Lu, then at the surroundings. It was indeed much safer and quieter than the alley they were just in. He then flexed his fingers. "Alright, let's do it."

Just then, a knock sounded at the door. "Lu Sheng, if you've met a good friend, why don't you invite them to my place?"