Cultivating with Bragging System

Chapter 735 372 Cold Mountain Curtain Falls_2

The incarnation took no further action, watching indifferently as the others were either gravely injured or fled.

He raised his hand.

A painting scroll slowly descended onto Little Cold Mountain.

Countless fervent gazes turned toward it.

Everyone knew this was no ordinary scroll. Not only was it imbued with the perfect Dao of Painting, but it had also been baptized by the Heavenly Dao.

It could be called a supreme treasure of the Dao of Painting!

It governed the very fortune of the Dao of Painting!

In the right hands, this treasure could rival an Emperor Armament.

But soon, those gazes retracted. There was no other reason for it; the painting scroll had already settled upon Little Cold Mountain.

Who could possibly steal a treasure from the hands of the Painting Immortal?

Well... perhaps it was possible for that mysterious expert who merged with the Dao using his own body.

...

Wang Xiu's expression remained calm as he grasped the scroll. As his mind stirred, he immediately felt an aura unlike that of any ordinary treasure. The scroll seemed alive, inhabited by countless beings, with blood flowing and pulses beating within.

Holding the scroll felt as if he controlled the very lifelines of those depicted inside. With a single thought, he could cause their Dao hearts to collapse. Every single person within it was a cultivator of the Dao of Painting.

A figure landed in the courtyard.

Wang Xiu looked up and smiled, offering a cupped-fist salute. "I pay my respects to you, Senior Painting Immortal!"

Wu Daozong glanced at Wang Xiu, then at the painting scroll in his hand, his expression complicated. "Before you, sir, how could I presume to call myself a senior?"

"Senior, you have worked tirelessly your entire life to promote the Dao of Painting, continuing the work of past sages," Wang Xiu said with a smile. "You even possess a selfless spirit, willing to sacrifice yourself to the Dao to pave the way for future disciples. Such a noble character has my utmost admiration!"

"It is true that I have devoted my life to studying this path," Wu Daozong said with a wry smile, "but in terms of accomplishment, I am far behind you!"

Wang Xiu spoke calmly, "I was merely fortunate, having stood on the shoulders of giants to achieve some minor success. At any time, the pioneers… are always worthy of admiration!"

Hearing this, Wu Daozong's gaze toward Wang Xiu grew much warmer. "Sir, your Daoist Magic is profound, yet you remain so humble. It is truly admirable! I must also thank you for intervening to save my life!"

Those outside had no idea what had just happened on Little Cold Mountain.

But he was perfectly clear on it. He had witnessed every moment of the recent events.

Wang Xiu had performed a substitution, using an external incarnation to take his place in uniting with the Dao. Not only did this perfect the Dao of Painting, but it also saved his life!

Although it was somewhat incomprehensible how a mere incarnation could be chosen by the Heavenly Dao, there were far too many mysteries surrounding Wang Xiu. To have such attainments in the Dao of Painting, he should have long been a figure capable of uniting with the Dao and ascending. Yet, in Wu Daozong's perception, Wang Xiu's Cultivation Level... did not seem very high.

Perhaps he is the reincarnation of some Great Ability from ancient times!

After the two exchanged pleasantries, Wu Daozong's gaze fell once more upon the painting scroll in Wang Xiu's hand. "All my life, I exhausted myself trying to complete the final stroke for the Dao of Painting," he lamented, "but my own aptitude was limited, and I still fell far short! I never imagined it would be completed in such a way today."

The countless lines on that painting were the accumulation of his untold years of dedication. He had completed over ninety percent of the work but was stuck on that final stroke, a stroke that Wang Xiu had now supplied.

Wang Xiu smiled faintly and presented the painting scroll to Wu Daozong.

Wu Daozong visibly trembled and did not accept it, looking at Wang Xiu with a puzzled expression instead.

"I need to stay in Cold Mountain City for some time. If you don't mind, Senior, this painting can remain with you for safekeeping," Wang Xiu said.

Joy surged in Wu Daozong's eyes. "Are you serious?"

Wang Xiu nodded.

Wu Daozong immediately cupped his fists and offered his earnest thanks. "Sir, if there is anything you need in this city, please speak freely. Everything is negotiable!"

He knew Wang Xiu was intentionally helping him by offering to lend him the scroll for study. He had been stuck in his current Realm for a very long time. Observing this treasure, which carried the fortune of the Dao of Painting, would undoubtedly be of immense benefit and might even allow him to break through his bottleneck.

Wang Xiu stated frankly, "As it happens, there is indeed one matter I need your help with, Senior!"

"Please speak!" Wu Daozong replied eagerly.

"I would like to borrow the Azure Sky Tree of Ten Thousand Years..." Wang Xiu looked at Wu Daozong, enunciating each word. "...I wish to use the mother tree."

The Azure Sky Tree of Ten Thousand Years was a Spiritual Root of heaven and earth. It inherently contained the Power of Cause and Effect and could help one enter a dream state to comprehend the Mortal World's Dao as if experiencing it firsthand. It was truly a supreme treasure.

Initially, Little Cold Mountain had announced it would hold a birthday celebration for Wu Daozong, preparing for the Azure Platform Assembly. The final prize was supposed to be an Azure Sky Tree of Ten Thousand Years, but it was just a sapling. In terms of both grade and effect, it was far inferior to the mother tree. Wang Xiu had learned of this from Wu Lingshu, and to complete the final step of his Flawless Immortal Path, he was naturally aiming for the best.

Hearing Wang Xiu's request, Wu Daozong understood. He agreed at once without hesitation. "That can be arranged!"

His thoughts stirred slightly.

A short while later, a beautiful woman dressed in white, with skin as fair as snow and a cold demeanor, entered the courtyard. She glanced at Wang Xiu and bowed respectfully. "Master!"

"Mm," Wu Daozong nodded and asked, "What are the casualties in the city?"

The woman saluted. "Senior Brothers are still tallying the numbers, but it is likely… not a small figure. I was just helping some Senior Sisters settle the injured..."

"Leave those matters to your senior brothers and sisters for now." Wu Daozong glanced at Wang Xiu and said to her, "This is..."

"Wang Yitian," Wang Xiu supplied with a smile.

Wu Daozong continued, "This is Dao Friend Wang, an honored guest of mine. Find a fine cave dwelling on the mountain and clean it up well."

Then, he introduced her to Wang Xiu. "Dao Friend Wang, this is my youngest disciple, Dantai Mingyue. Although she is still young, her talent in the Dao of Painting is considerable, even surpassing my own at her age!"

Oh?

Wang Xiu could not help but take another look at Dantai Mingyue. It was not the first time he had heard her name. Back when news of the Azure Platform Assembly swept through most of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, there were rumors that the Painting Immortal intended to use the event to select a suitable Dao companion for his beloved disciple, Fairy Dantai.

So, this is her!

She truly lived up to her reputation. Her beauty was unparalleled, like a snow lotus blooming defiantly against the wind on a mountain peak—noble and aloof.

"Indeed, she is remarkable! A true inheritor of your legacy, Senior."

With just one glance, Wang Xiu could tell Wu Daozong was not exaggerating. The woman's skin was like ice and her bones like jade. Though her expression was cold, her eyes overflowed with spirit, and she exuded an aura of deep immersion in the Dao of Painting that ordinary people could not imitate.

Seeing the appreciation in Wang Xiu's eyes, Wu Daozong laughed heartily, seeming more pleased than if he had been praised himself.

He waved his hand. "Mingyue, you may go and make the arrangements. Dao Friend Wang, come, come, I'll take you to see the Azure Sky Tree of Ten Thousand Years!"

"Many thanks!"

"Not at all, not at all..."

The two departed, chatting and laughing.

Dantai Mingyue maintained a respectful posture, her beautiful eyes filled with astonishment as she watched them leave.

Who is that young man? My master actually called him a Dao Friend? My master is a Quasi-Emperor Supreme! In the entire Yaoguang Heavenly Realm, there are few who qualify to be his peer. But the most critical part is that Master is personally taking him to see the Azure Sky Tree of Ten Thousand Years! When Confucius from the Academy wanted to take a look, my master turned him away at the door, even though they are fellow disciples from the same sect! How could this person command so much respect?

Dantai Mingyue's mind was filled with questions, but with no one to ask, she could only suppress her curiosity and carry out Wu Daozong's orders.

「Meanwhile, at the Academy.」

Confucius looked at the Black Armored Person before him and smiled. "The situation has already become clear."

The Black Armored Person remained silent, stood up, and walked outside.

Meng Ran watched his retreating figure, saying with reluctance, "Confucius, are we just letting him go like this?"

"He carries the Black Emperor's Cauldron," Confucius sighed. "Defeating him is easy, but capturing him would be as difficult as ascending to the heavens. Now that their scheme has failed, the losses they've suffered must be significant. There's no need to rush..."

Meng Ran nodded, only half understanding. "What exactly happened over at Cold Mountain City?"

Confucius gazed toward the distant horizon. "A pleasant surprise. Your martial uncle escaped a calamity. This is truly a cause for celebration!"

"A pleasant surprise?"

"Yes. And speaking of which, it was an old acquaintance of yours."