novelraw Chapter 719 359: Universe in the Painting_1
Chapter 719 359: Universe in the Painting_1
In the following days, a wave of "women's empowerment" swept through White Jade City.
Under the tireless efforts of several core members of the Only Love Alliance, its core beliefs spread like wildfire, reaching the ears of women in thousands of households and sparking a massive commotion.
"Because of you, the world is a beautiful place!"
"Sisters, be confident! We are unique, and our beauty is not for others to define!"
"Sisters, one more time!"
"Confidence, confidence, confidence!"
"Beauty, beauty, beauty!"
"Independence, independence, independence!"
"..."
"Young Master Wang said that if we're confident enough for him to see, we can receive a scroll personally painted by him!"
"WOW!!!"
"..."
On every street and alley, groups of women could be found. They shouted loud slogans, drawing extraordinary attention wherever they went.
***
At a bridgehead, a plain-looking woman stared at her reflection in the river, repeating, "I am beautiful. I am unmatched in the world..."
[DING!]
[Detected someone nearby bragging; congratulations to the host for gaining +99 mana!]
***
In a certain courtyard, a female cultivator gazed at her bright, mirror-like longsword and chanted, "You can do it. You are the smartest. You will succeed. You will master this sword technique within a month!"
[DING!]
[Detected someone nearby bragging; congratulations to the host for gaining +99 mana!]
***
Inside a certain house, a woman with a bruised face cheered herself on while facing a wall. "I can do it. If he hits me again today, I'll knock his head right off. I've got this... I am the bravest woman in the world!"
[DING!]
[Detected someone nearby bragging; congratulations to the host for gaining +35 mana!]
***
"Young Master, why do I feel like they've gone mad?"
Inside an unremarkable carriage pulled by a Spirit Beast, Nie Linglan let down the curtain, a hint of perplexity in her eyes. Why does it seem like these women have become so overzealous since listening to the Young Master's words?
Wang Xiu lay on Nie Linglan's slender, snow-white thighs and said leisurely, "I encouraged them to be confident, to abandon the notion of judging by appearance, and to find themselves. But in this world, those who can truly awaken are a minority; most have strayed from the path. They claim looks aren't important, but in reality, they still want to get a painting from me."
The words he had spread were those of a Saint. Although there were some embellishments, their foundation was righteous. However, human nature has its flaws, and the most common pain point for women is their appearance. Even the most beautiful fairy has moments where she feels she isn't perfect.
Wang Xiu was well aware of this. He was deliberately trying to twist their perspective to make them brag more. If they managed to grasp even a sliver of the true meaning, their hearts would grow stronger, and they would surely benefit for the rest of their lives. In turn, Wang Xiu would reap the rewards from the System. It was a win-win situation. Why not do it?
Still, the current situation, to be honest, had exceeded his expectations, yet it also seemed perfectly logical. Not everyone who professes to follow the great way will ultimately walk upon it.
***
Although the process was somewhat unexpected for Wang Xiu, the outcome was good for him. After just a short stroll outside, he had gained a large amount of mana. His avatar had successfully advanced to the Out-of-Body Realm and was now progressing toward the Saint Manifestation period at an extremely fast speed. As the influence of the Only Love Alliance grew, this process would presumably become even smoother.
The only pity was that, whether due to bad luck or not, he had yet to trigger a critical hit despite so much bragging. This left Wang Xiu feeling quite speechless.
***
Returning to Yuxuan Pavilion, Yan Ji, who was driving the carriage, felt her pupils shrink. She glared at the building, a fierce light flickering in her eyes.
Normally, at this time of day, Yuxuan Pavilion would be impenetrably overcrowded with countless women. But today, it was unusually quiet.
Inside the carriage, Nie Linglan's eyebrows rose slightly as she gently stroked Wang Xiu's head. "Young Master, shall I go in and take a look?"
Wang Xiu slowly sat up, lifted the carriage curtain, and stepped out. "No need. A guest has arrived, and I should greet them personally."
He walked into the courtyard and immediately noticed a man dressed like a scholar sitting on the steps. His entire being radiated resentment and murderous intent.
Seeing Wang Xiu walk in, the man slowly lifted his gaze. His eyes were blood-red. "You are Wang Yitian?"
Wang Xiu smiled. "I am."
The man's breathing grew ragged as he stared maliciously at Wang Xiu. "What did you do to my wife?"
Wang Xiu raised an eyebrow slightly. "And your wife is?"
"Gao Ruotong!" the man spat.
Wang Xiu's eyes widened in realization. "Ah, so it is Lady Gao! Then you must be Zhuang Feiwu, the grandson of President Zhuang. My respects..."
"Cut the crap!" Zhuang Feiwu roared. "I'm asking you what you did to my wife!"
Wang Xiu replied, "Didn't Lady Gao tell you?"
Zhuang Feiwu's eyes were completely bloodshot. "I want you to tell me!"
Wang Xiu sighed softly. "Lady Gao and I hit it off from the start. We were very... candid with each other, and our conversation was most agreeable..."
"Candid... What a way to be candid..." Zhuang Feiwu's face turned crimson with rage. Mana erupted from his body, his aura powerful and terrifying, revealing him to be a formidable expert of the Saint Manifestation cultivation level. Countless runes swirled into existence, forming a giant Jade Pen behind him.
"I'll kill you!" he bellowed.
With an angry shout, the Jade Pen swept across the sky. It transformed into a splendid galaxy that descended from the heavens, tearing apart countless Stars as it rolled toward Wang Xiu with overwhelming force.
BOOM!
Wang Xiu was engulfed in the radiant light, seemingly obliterated.
Zhuang Feiwu froze. It had been... unexpectedly easy. Is this fellow Wang that weak?
Just then, a voice sounded from behind him. "Ah, Young Master Zhuang, why resort to arms? Whatever the issue is, we can sit down and talk it over."
Zhuang Feiwu jolted and spun around. He saw Wang Xiu standing there perfectly unharmed, one hand still clasped behind his back.
"Talk? My ass!"
Without hesitation, Zhuang Feiwu struck with his pen again, conjuring another brilliant river of stars that crashed down. This attack was even more terrifying, tearing through the void itself and seemingly splitting the world in two. Like a piece of paper, Wang Xiu was ripped apart.
However, Zhuang Feiwu was shocked to discover that the torn void only revealed the very same scene of Yuxuan Pavilion behind it. His furious strike hadn't injured Wang Xiu in the slightest. It hadn't even damaged the courtyard; there wasn't so much as a single hole in the ground.
"An illusion?" murmured Zhuang Feiwu.
"Young Master Zhuang, you yourself come from a distinguished lineage. How can you not recognize the Divine Skills of the Dao of Painting?" Wang Xiu's ethereal voice drifted over. He had reappeared, now sitting in a distant part of the courtyard, sipping tea.
Hearing Wang Xiu's words, Zhuang Feiwu's mind reeled. Could it be... A World Within the Painting?