Chapter 701 347: The Azure Sky Tree of Ten Thousand Years (4000 words)_2
Chapter 701 347: The Azure Sky Tree of Ten Thousand Years (4000 words)_2
But Wang Xiu, possessing both skills along with the Ten Thousand Demonic Transformations Art, could display marvels far beyond the imagination of an ordinary person.
To put it bluntly, even if he stood right in front of the Yi Clan, they wouldn't recognize him. In fact, as long as Wang Xiu didn't wish it, even if they noticed him, they wouldn't even think of interacting with him. This was a crude application of the Power of Cause and Effect.
As for Yan Ji and Nie Linglan, no one in the Nine Heavens had ever seen them. Anyone who had was already dead.
Therefore, Wang Xiu had no fear of being exposed.
「...」
Hearing Wang Xiu's words, Nie Linglan finally relaxed her tense body and began to take in the unfamiliar, bustling city.
It's been many years since I was a young girl, but the simple joy of shopping is still etched into my very spirit. Especially when I can do it with the Young Master by my side. Hmm... Although that little vixen is a bit of an eyesore, the three of us walking together do look rather like a family of three!
Thinking this, Nie Linglan gazed at Wang Xiu's back, her heart overflowing with happiness.
「...」
They had set out to eat, drink, and be merry, and that was exactly what they did. Wang Xiu had once plundered a number of the Yi Clan's strongholds, so he was by no means short of money.
Upon entering White Jade City, they ate the finest food, drank the best wine, and stayed in the finest rooms of the renowned Hongyun Building. Pushing open the window revealed a wide river winding through the city's center, glittering like a jade belt under the sun.
After half a month, they had explored nearly every corner of White Jade City. He frequently visited the city's entertainment districts, from the raucous theaters and brothels to the elegant art houses with their high-class courtesans. He spent money like water, and with two magnificent beauties, each with their own unique charm, at his side, he managed to build quite a reputation for himself in a short amount of time.
All the great families and the young masters and ladies of the noble houses in White Jade City came to know of a certain Young Master Wang who had arrived in town. Not only was he incredibly generous, but he was also humorous and witty. He had a way with words that made anyone interacting with him feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze.
Gradually, a saying began to spread through the city.
"If you have no friends, go and find Young Master Wang. He will surely become your most understanding confidant!"
「...」
「Yun Yu Pavilion, Heaven-Grade A Room.」
Wang Xiu leaned back comfortably in his chair, an exquisitely beautiful woman with a lovely figure nestled in each arm. Behind a screen, a stunning woman in blue robes played the pipa, its gentle music soothing the soul.
"Brother Wang, you truly live the life of a god!" said a young, slightly plump man sitting opposite him, his eyes full of envy.
Wang Xiu roared with laughter. "Brother Qu, you come from a great family. Isn't living such a life a simple matter for you?"
Qu Xiao shook his head with a bitter smile. "The Qu family isn't mine to command. I have over twenty brothers, and my father holds little sway in the clan. My monthly allowance is merely adequate. Compared to you, Brother Wang, I fall far short!"
Wang Xiu shook his head. "I see in you the makings of a dragon destined to soar. Sooner or later, you will rise to greatness. Your current circumstances are not worth mentioning!"
Hearing this, Qu Xiao sighed and shook his head repeatedly. "What a pity that my father and grandfather lack your foresight, Brother Wang! They cannot see my talent... If only you were my father!"
[Ding!]
[Detected someone nearby bragging. Congratulations, Host, on gaining +233 Mana!]
The long-awaited, pleasant sound echoed once more.
Wang Xiu's eyes narrowed. He tightened his grip slightly, causing the two women in his arms to look at him with a coquettish heat, a hint of playful resentment in their gazes as they admired his refined profile.
Wang Xiu laughed heartily and said, "We drink today, so let's not dwell on unpleasant things! Matron Yang, call for the ladies Chunyue and Qiushuang to accompany my Brother Qu for a few drinks. It's on my tab!"
As soon as he spoke, a sweet, coquettish voice came from outside the door. "Right away, Young Master Wang! Young Master Qu, please wait a moment, the ladies will be here shortly!"
Qu Xiao's face flushed as he hastily waved his hands. "How can I accept? You've already treated me so many times, Brother Wang!"
Wang Xiu waved a dismissive hand. "It's nothing, it costs next to nothing! At worst, you can treat me to a drink next time, Brother Qu!"
Qu Xiao declared emphatically, "Of course! Next time is on me!"
[Ding!]
[Detected someone nearby bragging. Congratulations, Host, on gaining +233 Mana!]
The conversation took a turn. Qu Xiao suddenly remembered something. "Right, Brother Wang, there's news on that matter you asked me to look into!"
Hearing this, Wang Xiu sat up a little straighter. "Tell me."
Qu Xiao began, "This Azure Platform Assembly is being held by Little Cold Mountain to celebrate the ten-thousand-year birthday of the esteemed Painting Immortal, Wu Daozong, in three months! They've invited talented individuals proficient in the Dao of Painting from all corners of the world to gather in Wenzhou's Cold Mountain City to compete and add to the festivities for the Painting Immortal's birthday celebration! Those who perform outstandingly will all receive rewards prepared by the Painting Immortal himself! The grand champion will even be awarded an Azure Sky Tree of Ten Thousand Years!"
Qu Xiao paused for a moment before continuing, "That Azure Sky Tree of Ten Thousand Years is a supreme treasure! It is said that meditating beneath it not only purifies one's state of mind and wards off Heart Demons, keeping one's Dao heart clear, but it also allows one to experience ten thousand years in the mortal world within a dream, perceiving the karma of all beings and gaining great insight into the fundamental principles of the universe! It is not just useful for cultivators of the Dao of Painting; it is truly a priceless treasure!"
Listening to all this, Wang Xiu's expression remained unchanged as he chuckled. "Treasures are of little interest to me! I only heard a rumor that... the Painting Immortal intends to use this Azure Platform Assembly to find a suitable Dao companion for his precious disciple, Fairy Dantai? Is there any truth to this?"
Hearing this, Qu Xiao stared for a moment, then pointed at Wang Xiu with a look of masculine understanding and burst out laughing. "Brother Wang, oh, Brother Wang! I was wondering why you'd taken a sudden interest in the Dao of Painting! So that's the reason... Indeed, there are such rumors. That Fairy Dantai is a renowned beauty in the Yaoguang Heavenly Realm, no less than Fairy Qingyu of the Xuan Tian Sect! But as for the truth of it, who can say? It might just be gossip! Besides, this is the Painting Immortal's birthday celebration! When the time comes, I'm afraid experts in the Dao of Painting from all over the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths will gather in Cold Mountain City. Standing out from such a crowd will be as difficult as ascending to the heavens!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Xiu wrapped his arm around the slender waist of the beauty in his embrace and declared with supreme nonchalance, "Though I'm no genius, I have been proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting since my youth. How could I not take such a chance? I would regret it for the rest of my life! What if I'm fortunate enough to win her favor?"
Qu Xiao took a sip of wine and looked at Wang Xiu. "Brother Wang, it's not my place to say, but you already have plenty of beauties by your side! Miss Yan Ji and Miss Nie alone are fairy-like figures. Why bother looking so far afield?"
Wang Xiu chuckled lightly, pinching the chin of the woman in his arms. He spoke softly, "If I, Wang, were to have only one or two women in this life, it would not be my loss, but the loss of all the beauties in the world... To save all these lovely women from their sea of suffering, what is a little hardship? Don't you agree?"
"Oh, you're terrible, Young Master Wang!" the woman in his arms said with a shy smile, lightly tapping his sturdy chest.
Laughter filled the room.
Just then, Matron Yang's voice came from outside. "Young Masters, the ladies have arrived. Shall I have them come in?"
Hearing this, Qu Xiao immediately sat up straight, his face full of anticipation as he looked at Wang Xiu.
Wang Xiu smiled faintly. "Brother Qu, it's been a while since you've seen those two ladies, hasn't it? You must have many private matters to discuss... Why don't you hurry and take them to the room next door for a thorough 'philosophical discussion'?"
At these words, Qu Xiao was overjoyed. He quickly stood up and cupped his hands. "In that case, my thanks, Brother Wang! I will take my leave. Please, enjoy yourself!"
Wang Xiu laughed heartily and waved him off.
After he had gone, Wang Xiu slowly released his hands from the women's waists. "Ladies, you should go out as well."
The two women started, a hint of reluctance in their eyes. "Young Master, tonight, why not let us sisters attend to you properly?"
Wang Xiu smiled gently. "Ladies, you and I are fated to meet. Why rush things? There is plenty of time ahead. Go on, now..."
Hearing his words, the two women glanced at each other, seeing the disappointment mirrored in their eyes, but they could only bow and take their leave.
Once everyone had left, Wang Xiu slowly rose. The rakish, casual air about him vanished completely, leaving only a profound clarity in his eyes, as sharp and distinct as a sky of pure black and white.
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