Ch. 96 - The Heartless Painter

“Master Xu, I came this time to ask about something related to Sunshine Village,” said Elder Xianyun.

“I’m not in the mood to answer your questions right now. Come back tomorrow,” Xu Qingshan replied indifferently with a wave of his hand.

Then, a faint azure spiritforce gathered, and his figure disappeared in an instant.

Elder Xianyun stared at the spot where Xu Qingshan had been standing, her gaze sharp. She felt that this man had become even more unfathomable.

“Elder Xianyun, what should we do now?” Elder Fanyun asked from the side.

“Let’s head back and return tomorrow. There has to be a solution,” Elder Xianyun replied. “The True Martial Sacred Ground may be powerful, but they still have to abide by the rules. They won’t go to war over a mere village.”

As the two elders left in quiet frustration, Xu Qingshan returned to the Grand Hall of the True Martial Sacred Ground.

Inside the grand hall, aside from Xu Qingshan, the other six Grand Elders were also present.

“Master, what exactly is going on with the Immortal Spirit Sect?” the Grand Elder asked.

“I’d like to know that myself,” Xu Qingshan replied calmly.

“Master, I’ve already sent disciples from the Intelligence Hall to investigate. We should have results soon,” said the Third Elder.

“Let’s wait until we get those results,” Xu Qingshan nodded. “I’ve also heard rumors that the Palace of Paintings is about to reemerge in Violet Sun City.”

“Yes, many martial artists have already rushed to Violet Sun City,” the Third Elder replied. “Years ago, Heartless Painter and his Palace of Paintings vanished together, which shocked the entire Far West and became an enduring mystery.

“But recently someone obtained a painting and accidentally uncovered its secret. Turns out Heartless Painter had hidden the entire Palace of Paintings within one of his artworks. No wonder we couldn’t find it for so many years.”

“I’m not particularly interested in his legendary brush,” said Xu Qingshan slowly. “But it’s said that he once obtained the World Pearl. That could be hidden in his legacy. This time, we must not miss it. We must obtain it.”

“Who shall we send to the Palace of Paintings?” the Third Elder asked.

“The Grand Elder will lead the team. Choose a few disciples from the core ranks,” Xu Qingshan instructed.

…

By midday, the disciples from the Intelligence Hall had returned with a rough summary of events.

“You’re saying that due to Baili Xiao’s connection, the Immortal Spirit Sect is hesitating on whether to act against Sunshine Village?” Xu Qingshan asked thoughtfully.

“Yes. In truth, even the Immortal Spirit Sect isn’t certain if that village is the one in question,” the disciple replied respectfully.

Xu Qingshan pondered for a moment and looked to the other elders. “What do you all think?”

“This has nothing to do with our sect,” the Grand Elder replied flatly. “It’s not worth turning hostile with the Immortal Spirit Sect over a village.”

“I don’t agree,” the Sixth Grand Elder, Xiao Ruoxuan, stepped forward. “We should speak to Xiao’er first. No matter what, she’s the heir to the Grand Empress. If it’s her village, she should have a say.”

“Very well. Bring Baili Xiao here,” Xu Qingshan said.

Before long, Baili Xiao was summoned. She greeted everyone present politely.

Xiao Ruoxuan then explained the situation about Sunshine Village to her.

Baili Xiao’s face instantly turned pale. She shook her head in disbelief. “That’s impossible. Chu Yang and I grew up together, he would never hire someone to assassinate the Saintess of the Immortal Spirit Sect.There’s no bad blood between them. And when I left the village, he had just reached the Mortal Realm. There’s no way he had that kind of power.”

“We didn’t call you here to defend him,” the Grand Elder said coldly. “Since Sunshine Village is your hometown, we felt you had the right to be informed. That’s all.”

“Master, please… save Sunshine Village. The people there are innocent,” Baili Xiao pleaded, dropping to her knees before Xu Qingshan.

“It’s just a small village. Is it really that important to you?” Xiao Ruoxuan asked, somewhat helplessly.

“I grew up there. The villagers are like family to me. I can’t just sit by and watch them die,” Baili Xiao said, shaking her head.

She was silent for a long moment, then exhaled deeply, as if making a painful decision. With determination in her eyes, she looked at Xu Qingshan and said:

“Master, if the sect truly has reservations and won’t help, I understand. I’m willing to hand over the Grand Empress Hongtian’s legacy, and face life or death alongside Sunshine Village.”

“What nonsense are you saying?” Xiao Ruoxuan’s brows furrowed. “You think I’d stand by and watch you throw your life away?”

“Master, it’s just a village, they’re being used as scapegoats,” Xiao Ruoxuan said to Xu Qingshan. “Let me negotiate with the Immortal Spirit Sect. Whatever price needs to be paid, I’ll handle it.”

“What do the rest of you think?” Xu Qingshan asked the remaining elders.

The room was silent for a while, then the Grand Elder spoke flatly. “If the Sixth Grand Elder can handle it, then let her take charge of the matter.”

“Very well,” Xu Qingshan said, turning to Xiao Ruoxuan. “Tell the Immortal Spirit Sect that the True Martial Sacred Ground is willing to assist them in finding Chu Yang.

Announce a bounty across the entire Western Region:

Anyone who can provide a confirmed lead on Chu Yang’s whereabouts will receive a Planet-grade weapon.

Anyone who can capture Chu Yang will receive a Star-grade weapon.

That’s the reward we can offer. If the Immortal Spirit Sect wishes to raise the stakes, they’ll have to pay the difference themselves.

Also, have Baili Xiao draw a portrait of Chu Yang. We’ll need it for the wanted posters.”

Hearing Xu Qingshan’s words, Xiao Ruoxuan nodded.

Baili Xiao immediately said, “Master, Chu Yang can’t be the killer.”

“Enough. Someone has to take the fall for the Saintess’ death,” the Grand Elder interrupted coldly. “If you keep this up, then hand over the Grand Empress’s legacy and go back to Sunshine Village. Let’s see who you can save.”

Baili Xiao fell silent. She understood she had no choice.

The True Martial Sacred Ground was only helping Sunshine Village because of the Grand Empress’s legacy.

Later, back on Graceful Willow Mountain, under Xiao Ruoxuan’s persuasion, Baili Xiao returned to her quarters.

Her heart felt like it was being carved apart with a blade.

Tears welled up as she personally drew the wanted portrait of the one she loved most.

Staring at the familiar face on the paper, her mind went completely blank.

“I’m sorry, Chu Yang... I’m so, so sorry,” she sobbed, hugging her head, crying alone.

She couldn’t just draw a fake image. With so many people in Sunshine Village, anyone could easily tell if it was real or not.

No one would ever understand the pain of handing over the one you love most, and personally sending them into the depths of hell.

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