Chapter 240 Portrait of Lao Wu
Zhong Cai accepted the token.
In the past, he would have enthusiastically observed the material, font, weight, and so on, and then shared it with his husband.
But now, Zhong Cai simply asked, "How many people can I mobilize?"
Duan Xingchen had already prepared his answer and immediately replied, "We can mobilize two teams of open guards and two teams of covert guards."
He quickly told Zhong Cai about the manpower situation on White Fish Island.
·
The islands in the azure sea are categorized as small, medium, and large.
Small islands typically range in size from 100,000 to 300,000 hectares, and the highest concentration of Qi that they can accommodate is within the Enlightenment Realm.
Medium-sized islands typically range in size from 300,000 to 1 million hectares, and can accommodate the strongest beings at the Spirit Transformation Realm.
Large islands have a minimum area of one million hectares, and the largest ones are even comparable to a state, capable of accommodating the strongest beings who can reach the Tongtian Realm!
Baiyu Island is one of the medium-sized islands, with an area of approximately 700,000 hectares.
The island lord, Duan Jin, is a cultivator at the peak of the Palace Building stage. If his strength were to advance further and reach the Spirit Transformation stage, he could hire cultivators with the Mountain Moving Technique to move uninhabited or willingly dependent islands to him, thereby expanding the island's area.
Duan Jin and the island lord's wife were both very good at business, and the economy of the entire White Fish Island was quite prosperous. The island lord's mansion was very wealthy, and the islanders were also very rich.
Naturally, the island lord's mansion can support a large number of people.
Duan Jin has eight powerful warriors at the early and middle stages of the Palace Constructing realm under his command—four of whom are secret guards and four are open guards.
Each Mingwei (a type of guard) commands a unit of armored soldiers. Each unit has at least eight captains who are fusion cultivators. Under the captains are squad leaders of the Suspended Illumination Squad, and hundreds or thousands of members of the Enlightened Realm.
Each commander of the Dark Guard only recruits cultivators at the Suspended Illumination level or above, resulting in a significantly smaller number of recruits.
Mingwei patrols and guards Baiyu Island in shifts.
The secret guards took turns guarding the island lord's mansion.
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The tokens alone could mobilize enough manpower to cover half of the workforce.
The remaining guards, whether overt or covert, are responsible for taking turns protecting White Fish Island and the Island Lord's Mansion, and cannot be divided again.
In other words, this is the greatest sincerity that Duan Jin and his son Duan Xingchen can offer.
·
After listening to Duan Xingchen finish speaking, Zhong Cai looked up at him and said, "Thank you."
Seeing that Zhong Cai's attitude was no longer so cold and the anxiety in her eyes had dissipated a little, Duan Xingchen felt somewhat relieved.
However, Zhong Cai said, "Since that's the case, I'll be leaving."
Duan Xingchen quickly said, "Wait!"
Zhong Cai looked at Duan Xingchen again, her expression showing a hint of impatience.
Duan Xingchen immediately advised, "Young Master Zhong has been at sea for several days and must be exhausted, both physically and mentally. Why not stay here for a day, prepare some nourishing food, and recuperate before continuing your journey tomorrow?" Seeing Zhong Cai's hesitation, he added, "Furthermore, it would be best to first draw a picture of the person Young Master Zhong is looking for, then make many copies and distribute them to the soldiers. Otherwise, even if they meet, they won't recognize each other, which could hinder Young Master Zhong's plans."
Zhong Cai pondered for a moment, then nodded: "That makes sense."
Duan Xingchen's tense expression immediately relaxed.
Zhong Cai didn't say much, took out a piece of paper and pen, and went directly to the table next to her.
Duan Xingchen didn't bother him; instead, he was somewhat curious.
It's unclear who Young Master Zhong is looking for, but he seems so preoccupied with this person that he doesn't want to linger at all. It took some clever persuasion from him to finally get some rest for the night.
·
With swift, flowing strokes, Zhong Cai sketched a human figure on the scroll. Though only a few strokes were needed, the figure's noble character and extraordinary bearing were vividly portrayed.
Duan Xingchen thought this was very strange.
Because he had clearly never seen this person before, and the person's features had not even been drawn yet, he felt as if he had already seen the person's extraordinary demeanor and could not look away.
From this image, Duan Xingchen could sense Zhong Cai's feelings.
It is very profound and persistent; the emotions on the page are almost overflowing.
At that moment, Duan Xingchen suddenly had a guess.
·
Zhong Cai had not yet finished painting.
His brushstrokes were remarkably swift, as if the person had been firmly etched into his mind. Every stroke was precise, and no matter how fast he drew, there would be no mistake.
Gradually, the details of the people in the painting were drawn out quickly.
He is indeed a handsome young man, whose extraordinary temperament is evident even when he is just standing in a painting.
It is very bright, like a gentle breeze and a bright moon.
At this point, Zhong Cai finally picked up his brush and began to draw the person's facial features.
Duan Xingchen unconsciously moved closer to take a look.
This time, Zhong Cai still wielded the brush quickly, but his brushwork was extremely careful.
Ears, mouth, nose... and finally the eyebrows and eyes.
Her long eyebrows slanted upwards towards her temples, like the unfolding green mountains.
And those eyes...
Once meticulously depicted, its radiance shone through, subtly conveying affection as it reflected the peaks of its eyebrows.
·
Only now did Duan Xingchen truly see the person in the painting.
He was a young man who looked to be no more than twenty years old, with an extremely upright posture and an unprecedentedly handsome appearance, pure and unadulterated handsomeness.
But when looking at the young man, the first thing you notice is his expression.
The young man smiled, his eyes filled with tenderness.
He just looked at him quietly, as if he were watching a boy who was painting.
Duan Xingchen looked at Zhong Cai again and saw him staring blankly at the person in the painting, as if he were looking at the handsome young man. A smile involuntarily appeared in his eyes, and his eyes became brighter. It seemed that Young Master Zhong's aura was more lively, similar to the feeling he had when they first met before Young Master Zhong spoke.
Then, Duan Xingchen confirmed his guess and thought with certainty: There's no doubt about it! She is definitely Young Master Zhong's beloved!
After thinking for a moment, Duan Xingchen didn't disturb Zhong Cai, but waited by his side until he came to his senses.
And so we waited and waited...
Duan Xingchen's legs were numb from standing.
Zhong Cai, however, is still watching!
Duan Xingchen: "..."
For a moment, I didn't know how to describe my feelings. It was like I was getting to know my benefactor all over again.
But what else could he do?
We've waited so long, we can't let it all go to waste.
Let's just keep waiting.
·
Zhong Cai quietly looked at the portrait of Lao Wu.
Back when Lao Wu and I were still best buddies, we didn't actually see each other very often. Although we were always happy together, we did have to part ways frequently.
Later, he married Lao Wu, and they never separated again.
Perhaps it was because their relationship had been completely upgraded. Although they had anticipated being separated before coming to the top continent, he hadn't felt this bad when he did. It was only after they were actually separated that he realized that all he could think about was wanting to reunite with Lao Wu as soon as possible.
I've never felt this way before.
...It was quite a novel experience.
·
As he looked at the portrait, Zhong Cai reluctantly pulled his gaze away from his old man's portrait, turned around, and prepared to hand the portrait to Duan Xingchen for rubbing.
However, as soon as he turned around, he saw Duan Xingchen standing in the corner, moving his feet back and forth.
Zhong Cai: "?"
Duan Xingchen noticed Zhong Cai's gaze, quickly looked over, and greeted her with a smile.
Zhong Cai carefully rolled up the portrait and handed it to Duan Xingchen, saying, "Thank you for your trouble."
Duan Xingchen accepted the gift with both hands, showing utmost respect. At the same time, he inquired, "May I ask this young master's name? And what is his relationship with Young Master Zhong...?"
Zhong Cai replied, "His name is Wu Shaogan, and he is my Daoist partner."
Duan Xingchen smiled and complimented, "Young Master Wu and Young Master Zhong are a perfect match, truly a match made in heaven."
These were indeed his true feelings, but he also said them deliberately. As soon as he said them, he saw Zhong Cai's expression instantly relax, clearly pleased.
Duan Xingchen understood.
Praising the love between the couple who have helped you is also a way of repaying them.
Then, Duan Xingchen racked his brains and said all sorts of nice things. He invited Zhong Cai to a welcome banquet, explaining that it would just be the two of them, father and son, to express their gratitude.
Zhong Cai felt a bit better after being praised by him, so she went.
And just as I stepped out...
Zhong Cai was shocked to find that it was already completely dark.
They arrived at the island lord's mansion before noon—and now it's already dark?
Zhong Cai paused.
So, how many hours did he actually spend looking at Lao Wu's portrait?
But if he misses Lao Wu, he misses Lao Wu; if he watches him a little longer, he watches him a little longer... well, that's all.
Zhong Cai remained calm and followed Duan Xingchen towards the reception hall.
Duan Xingchen didn't mention how long he had been waiting, but as they walked, he talked more about White Fish Island. He originally wanted to ask more about Zhong Cai and his Daoist partner, but thinking that it was too intimate to discuss such matters, he didn't say much.
·
Reception Hall.
The welcoming banquet had been prepared long ago, but Duan Xingchen sent someone to Duan Jin to inform him that his beloved son's savior was drawing a portrait of his Daoist partner, so Duan Jin naturally did not urge him to hurry.
However, Duan Jin still arrived ahead of time.
Upon noticing a young man walking in with his beloved son, Duan Jin stood up and took a few steps to greet them, showing no disregard for the host's hospitality despite his higher cultivation level.
Duan Jin smiled and said, "This must be my young friend Zhong Cai. I am so grateful for your help this time, otherwise I would have had to endure the pain of losing my son." As he spoke, he took out a mustard seed bag and handed it to Zhong Cai, "This is just a small token of my gratitude. I hope you will accept it."
Zhong Cai did not refuse, but took it and said, "Senior, you don't need to be so polite."
Although he doesn't talk much now, he's still polite.
Duan Jin smiled and said, "Please have some light wine and snacks, young friend."
As he spoke, he made an inviting gesture.
Zhong Cai remained polite and followed him inside courteously.
·
The welcoming banquet featured a variety of delicious dishes, with most of the ingredients coming from the sea, especially the best shrimp, crab, fish, and snails.
Normally, Zhong Cai would have been eagerly devouring the food, but now that he was all alone, he had lost much of his interest in enjoying the delicacies. However, because the host was so hospitable, he still managed to eat as much as he could.
However, if he encounters a truly exceptional dish that he can appreciate even in his current state of mind, Zhong Cai will quietly make a note of it, preparing to bring Lao Wu to try it after they meet up.
The meal was eaten very quietly.
Duan Jin already knew from Duan Xingchen that the distinguished guest was not very interested. The main point was that he and his son would warmly entertain the guest, but they would not force the guest to cooperate.
After Zhong Cai finished eating, Duan Jin didn't talk to her. He just greeted her, arranged for Duan Xingchen to take care of her, and then left.
Zhong Cai felt that this way of getting along was quite suitable.
Right now... he just doesn't want to talk to anyone at all.
It's best to ignore him.
·
After the meal, Duan Xingchen escorted Zhong Cai back to the guest courtyard.
Zhong Cai took her usual rest.
Duan Xingchen then hurriedly went to find his father again.
Duan Jin was flipping through a classic book when he saw his beloved son enter and looked up at him.
Duan Xingchen handed the portrait to his father first, saying, "This is Young Master Zhong's Daoist partner, Young Master Wu Shaogan. Look, we need to make copies quickly and distribute them to the soldiers." He quickly reminded him, "By the way, the manpower Young Master Zhong needs is..."
As Duan Jin listened, he unfolded the portrait, then raised his eyebrows and exclaimed, "What a magnificent sight!"
Duan Xingchen smiled and said, "You two are a perfect match for Young Master Zhong, aren't you?"
Duan Jin nodded in agreement, saying, "They are indeed a good match."
When father and son talk together, they naturally don't talk nonsense.
Although it's just a portrait, the brushwork is incredibly delicate, and the spirit is so vivid that it's as if the young man is about to step out of the portrait—it's truly astonishing.
Moreover, the spirit and charm that can be seen in the painting are indeed quite harmonious with the young master Zhong Cai whom the father and son met in person, as if there is a strange aura between them that no one else can interfere with.
So the father and son admired it for quite a while.
Duan Jin then summoned a bodyguard, handed him the portrait, and instructed him to make a copy and give it to the relevant personnel.
The guard responded and left.
Duan Jin looked at his beloved son, patted his head for once, and said, "Forget about that despicable thing. I'll find you a better one later."
Duan Xingchen was taken aback, then remembered who his father was referring to as the "despicable thing".
However, he had always been someone who couldn't stand being wronged. Although Zhu Zixi was indeed very beautiful, and she didn't show it outwardly, making it difficult for others to tell, his instincts still reminded him—Zhu Zixi disliked him. And how could Duan Xingchen, who had been pampered since childhood, possibly fall deeply in love with someone who disliked him?
Therefore, Duan Xingchen's feelings for Zhu Zixi were mostly out of a sense of responsibility, and he didn't really have any romantic feelings for her.
That's why Duan Xingchen felt that as long as Zhu Zixi and Duan Xingming brought up the matter with him, he might feel a little embarrassed, but he would definitely be willing to agree in the end.
But...
Thinking of this, Duan Xingchen waved his hand and said, "No, I'll find it myself."
Duan Jin said helplessly, "You think I have poor taste?"
Duan Xingchen said decisively, "No! Father's taste in Mother is top-notch."
Duan Jin's expression became even more kind.
Duan Xingchen hesitated, seemingly unsure how to express himself, but he still managed to find the right words and explained, "I just feel that getting engaged directly before the wedding is still very uncertain. I'm thinking I'm not in a rush. I'll try my best to win someone's heart when I meet someone I truly like."
In other words, he didn't want to waste his energy on someone he didn't know if he liked, or if that person didn't really like him—it could easily lead to problems! His life was at stake!
Duan Xingchen sighed again, "Father, you don't know, after I was rescued by Young Master Zhong, I saw that he was in a bad mood the whole time, and all he could think about was reuniting with his Daoist partner... He was completely single-minded." He pinched his chin, trying to express himself, "I'm a little envious of that kind of relationship. I used to think that the relationship between my parents was already very precious, but after all, they also gave birth to me! Besides, I don't like women, so I don't feel it very deeply."
“But Young Master Zhong is different. He looks like he’s gone mad with qi, it’s too… too conspicuous.”
Duan Xingchen thought for a moment and said, "I want to find someone with whom I can have such deep feelings. If it can't be that deep, even seven or eight tenths of that will be fine!"
Duan Jin didn't interrupt Duan Xingchen until he finished speaking, then nodded and said, "Then go find someone yourself! You have plenty of time, take your time to find someone you like."
Duan Xingchen smiled broadly: "Thank you, Father!"
Duan Jin chuckled and said, "What's there to thank me for? I was just worried that you'd be cheated out of your money and that I wasn't being sincere with you. But now I think, cheating you out of some money is nothing compared to teaming up with an ingrate to take your life!"
Duan Xingchen cleared his throat: "Father, the past cannot be changed, let's turn the page on this."
Duan Jin patted Duan Xingchen on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Go to sleep. We'll be busy starting tomorrow."
Duan Xingchen nodded: "Yes, Father, please rest more."
The father and son then said goodbye.
·
After returning to the guest courtyard, Zhong Cai neither rested nor practiced cultivation.
He simply took out a fine brush and ink, carefully recalled Old Wu's appearance, and painstakingly redrawn a portrait of his old man.
The person in the painting is still smiling at him, their eyes seemingly filled with tenderness and endless spring breeze.
So handsome!
Zhong Cai suddenly realized that she had been thinking wrong before.
Why is he always brooding over Lao Wu? He could have drawn Lao Wu more often!
After meeting up with Lao Wu, he showed Lao Wu all the drawings he had made of Lao Wu!
Zhong Cai looked at the portrait for a long time, then thought for a long time before carefully hanging it up. He then took another roll of paper and began to draw again.
This time, he drew an ultra-cool pose of Old Wu drawing his bow and shooting an arrow!
So cool!
then……
One, one, and another.
Zhong Cai's brush moved with divine inspiration. Every moment he spent with Lao Wu was etched into his mind, so drawing it was like making a copy; he didn't need to rack his brains at all.
Every time Zhong Cai painted a portrait, he would hang it in his room.
He could draw one or two paintings in almost every incense stick's time; if he couldn't finish one wall, he would change to another.
So, occasionally when Zhong Cai's wrists started to ache, he would look up and see several old Wus smiling at him, which would put him in a much better mood, and at least half of his previous frustration would dissipate!
Zhong Cai couldn't help but think: Hey! I'm such a love-struck fool!
Then, after basking in his smugness for a while, he continued drawing Old Wu...
And so, he drew more and more.
And so, I don't know how much time passed...
·
Duan Xingchen got up early in the morning and came to the guest courtyard excitedly.
There was no commotion, so Duan Xingchen didn't rush in. Instead, he called out from outside, "Young Master Zhong, may I come in?"
Still no movement.
Duan Xingchen called out twice more.
Then a voice came from inside saying, "Come in."
Duan Xingchen immediately went inside, wondering to himself—could it be that Young Master Zhong was in deep cultivation that night and therefore didn't notice his call…
All thoughts came to an abrupt halt.
Instead, Duan Xingchen was... dumbfounded!
So many paintings!
The room is full of paintings!
The walls were covered with paintings, and even the ceiling was covered with them!
Although that young master Wu Shaogan was indeed incredibly handsome... that couldn't stop the whole room of "young masters Wu Shaogan" from laughing!
And I don't know if it's just my imagination...
As Duan Xingchen looked from the walls to the roof, he found it increasingly eerie.
Is it really because of the excessive laughter that it's creepy?
Or is it...?
Duan Xingchen always felt that as his gaze followed the portrait, the young man's demeanor seemed to change little by little... Perhaps it was his eyes, perhaps it was the curve of his lips...
……hiss.
Duan Xingchen shrugged, feeling a little uneasy.
Perhaps it's because Mr. Zhong has been painting too much, and his brushwork has gradually become stiff...?
But that doesn't make sense either!
It's still so delicate, and its charm is still so captivating...
Duan Xingchen was a little confused, so he quickly rubbed his arms to get rid of the goosebumps.
Then, he dared not look up at the roof anymore.
Those on the roof, obviously pasted on last, are the most creepy!
·
Zhong Cai had no idea what Duan Xingchen was thinking; he only felt that the room full of old Wu people was really wonderful.
It makes him feel very safe.
Old Wu was watching him the whole time he was painting!
Although it can't compare to the real, ever-watchful Old Wu, it's better than nothing.
But right now, it's more important to find the real Old Wu.
Zhong Cai quickly finished the portrait in his hand.
Then, he reached out and beckoned—
In an instant, all of Lao Wu's portraits floated up and rushed towards Zhong Cai one after another!
It was as if countless old men had pounced on them.
Zhong Cai revealed an expression of enjoyment, and his movements were as fast as lightning! He grabbed each "Old Wu" card as it approached, and quickly rolled it up and put it into the ancient city.
He decided to build a palace in the ancient city specifically to house Old Wu's portrait!
·
After putting away all the portraits, Zhong Cai finally looked at Duan Xingchen and said, "Shall we go see the armored soldiers?"
Duan Xingchen quickly regained his composure and said with a smile, "Exactly. To avoid any mishaps, I will accompany Young Master Zhong this time as well."
Zhong Cai thought about it and thought it was okay, so she nodded.
The two agreed and walked out the door one after the other.
·
In the winding, sprawling mountain range.
In a certain mountain range, a tall, handsome young man was walking unhurriedly.
Each step seemed unhurried, yet each step covered a great distance.
Upon closer inspection, a faint glint of light could be seen in the cuff of his left sleeve—it appeared to be a mirror.
The young man was holding something in his hands, and the fingernails of his right hand fell gently and carefully, as if he were carving something.
Gradually, he withdrew his nails.
Upon closer inspection, one can discover that what it was holding was originally a "block of iron," but now it has revealed a clear human figure—a small statue.
He was a spirited, lively, and handsome young man.
His bright eyes and approachable demeanor made him unforgettable at first sight.
As the young man gazed at the "small portrait," a subtle ripple appeared in his otherwise emotionless eyes.
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