Chapter 169

Chapter 169: Painting Realm

"Is that so?"

Thud, thud, thud—

Yang Lingrui’s heart suddenly raced. Seeing Feng Linghua actually considering showing the scroll, he hastily raised his hand. "Ladies, it wouldn’t be proper for me to witness such private feminine matters."

"Now that we’ve learned this person’s name, I’ll make thorough inquiries at Willow Leaf after returning home. Should I discover anything, I’ll send word to Miss Linghua. How does this plan sound?"

Feng Linghua had always treasured the portrait of "Young Master Lin". His words helped her restrain her eagerness.

"Young Master Yang speaks sense. I’ll trouble you with this investigation then."

"No trouble at all."

Yang Lingrui barely steadied his nerves when he noticed Li Qingwan’s suspicious gaze. Her willow-leaf eyebrows knitted slightly, questioning lights flickering in her eyes. Though his reasoning sounded logical, something felt oddly inconsistent.

"What does Miss Qingwan think? Does this arrangement suit?"

A seasoned performer, Yang Lingrui met her gaze without flinching, his demeanor perfectly natural.

"Oh, it’s fine," Li Qingwan replied, withdrawing her stare as she realized her intensity.

As sunset painted the sky, Yang Lingrui rose with a bow. "Thank you both for today’s tour of Chess Academy. Miss Qingwan’s masterful game particularly revealed the profound depths of the Way of Chess."

"Young Master Lingrui flatters me. My understanding barely scratches the surface."

The trio exchanged farewells. While the women headed to Steward Hall, Yang Lingrui returned to his Residence alone.

"Linghua," Li Qingwan began as they walked, "you said Young Master Lin practices Wind technique, correct?" Something about Yang Lingrui’s earlier behavior nagged at her, and careful consideration had unearthed curious connections.

"Indeed! He masters the Technique of letting the gentle wind into the body to extract Essence from spiritual insects!"

"Impressive technique," Li Qingwan mused, remembering her brother’s mention of Yang Lingrui’s Wind practice. Feng Linghua’s constant praise of Young Master Lin’s striking appearance also matched Yang Lingrui’s true features.

"Could this be coincidence?" The overlapping details troubled her, yet two points proved insufficient for conclusions. Moreover…

She glanced sideways at Feng Linghua, who clung to her arm beaming brightly.

If it truly was the same person…

How should she face this?

If Feng Linghua discovered the man she secretly adored was merely Yang Lingrui’s disguise, what would she think?

"Ah…"

At this thought, Li Qingwan released a soft sigh.

Remembering Yang Lingrui’s words from earlier that day, fresh resentment stirred in her heart.

"Hmph! ‘Never happened,’ ‘Devoted to cultivation,’ ‘Never will’ – such noble declarations! If it really turns out to be you, we’ll have words!"

Li Qingwan silently fumed.

"Sister Qingwan? Why the sudden sigh?"

"Nothing. Just disappointed I couldn’t view your treasured portrait again today."

…

Li Qingwan avoided accompanying the pair during the next two days’ excursions.

Feng Linghua arranged two acquaintances from the Qin Academy and ChengTian Academy to guide Yang Lingrui.

With their visits to these academies completed, the initial four-day exploration period drew to a close.

The fifth day allowed for rest before the true highlight arrived –

Contacting the Spirit Communication-level Enlightenment Stone!

By the sixth morning, Yang Lingrui’s patience had worn thin from days of forcibly suppressing his cultivation.

The Enlightenment Stone lay hidden within ChengTian Academy’s painting realm, accessible through the Spirit Eye Pavilion that had awed Yang Lingrui days prior. Selected academy disciples joined the expedition, including Feng Linghua as the art academy’s rising star.

These disciples owed their rare opportunity entirely to Yang Lingrui’s group – the painting realm wouldn’t reopen for decades otherwise.

Stepping onto a wall-sized landscape scroll transported them to an inverted wonderland:

Feet planted on sky, mountains looming overhead, rivers cascading across their shoulders.

Such marvels existed only within ChengTian Academy’s domains.

At the realm’s heart hung the object of their anticipation – a luminous white-green jade stone radiating soft light.

"Brother Yang! ChengTian Academy truly surpasses all tales!" Xu Jianan exclaimed, rejoining Yang Lingrui.

"Indeed," Yang Lingrui agreed. "These few days alone justify sending future family scholars here at any cost."

"Undoubtedly!"

Their conversation halted as a lean figure materialized before the green mountain-shaped stone.

"Disciple Shen Yue pays respects to Uncle Master Wei!"

"Academy disciples greet Mountain Master Wei!"

"Younger generation salutes the Mountain Master!"

Led by academy leader Shen Yue, the group bowed deeply. Even the prideful He Shenglai and Su Lingyun displayed reverence – ChengTian Academy’s four Mountain Masters were all Spirit Communication Realm experts, and Wei Kangping stood foremost among them, his Taoist skills profound and combat strength immeasurable.

"Rise, young friends." Wei Kangping’s warm voice lifted them effortlessly forward.

He addressed the academy disciples: "Remember this privilege comes through our royal guests’ presence."

"We shall never forget this grace!"

Wei Kangping’s gaze swept over Yang Lingrui’s group, faint surprise flickering in his eyes.

"The court’s report was accurate – intriguing talents indeed," he mused.

Every disguise and concealment technique – including Yang Lingrui’s – lay bare before his perception. Hidden treasures, suppressed cultivation levels, altered appearances – nothing escaped his notice. Yet cultivators of his stature saw no need for public revelations.

"Let’s dispense with delays."

At his mental command, the Enlightenment Stone hummed to life, bursting into prismatic radiance.