Cultivating with Bragging System

Chapter 720 360: Elder Brother Wang, You Are the Dear Friend of My Life_1

The cosmos within a painting is an extremely profound realm in the cultivation of the Dao of Painting. It far surpasses the method of manifesting objects from a painting into reality through runes, the technique often called "bringing paintings to life."

The two are on completely different levels of difficulty. It is like comparing a technique of void evasion to a simple light-based method for rapid travel. To the uninitiated, they might seem similar, but only those who truly understand know how vast the difference really is.

In Zhuang Feiwu's memory, only two people in all of Huangzhou had cultivated their Dao of Painting to this level. One was his grandfather, Zhuang Mocheng. The other was the president of the Green Leaf Association, Cao Xiu. Both were renowned figures in the world of Dao of Painting cultivators. In terms of cultivation, they were powerful beings of the Earth Immortal Realm, towering above countless other cultivators.

Yet, the cosmos within a painting displayed by the young man in white seemed even more masterful than his grandfather's. Zhuang Feiwu had studied the Dao of Painting under his grandfather for many years and could be considered an expert in his own right. When faced with his grandfather's painted cosmos, he could at least perceive some clues, even if he couldn't break it.

But just now, he had completely torn apart the "world" before him without feeling the slightest abnormal fluctuation, as if everything he had experienced was incredibly real.

Could it be that this young man's Cultivation Level in the Dao of Painting is even higher than my grandfather's? How is that possible?

Zhuang Feiwu was startled by his own thought, his heart pounding in his chest. He quickly told himself that it couldn't be true. The other party must have used some technique beyond his comprehension. After all, Wang Xiu publicly claimed to have inherited the mantle of an ancient Great Ability, so possessing some remarkable skills was understandable.

"It seems I have underestimated you!" Zhuang Feiwu stared at Wang Xiu in the distance, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, but he made no further move. He could not discern whether what he was seeing now was yet another layer of a painted cosmos, a world created by Wang Xiu's brush.

"Come and sit, Young Master Zhuang," Wang Xiu invited with a calm smile. "A few days ago, a young lady gifted me several jin of newly arrived Longyu Tea. I don't know much about the art of tea, so would you be so kind as to taste it for me?"

Looking at Wang Xiu, Zhuang Feiwu felt even more frustrated. It was as if all his earlier rage had been spent on a bale of cotton. Powerless to do anything else, he could only snort coldly before sitting down opposite Wang Xiu. He lifted the teacup and took a large, angry gulp.

"Mediocre," Zhuang Feiwu commented with a cold expression.

Wang Xiu did not take offense, saying with a smile, "Young Master Zhuang hails from a prestigious family and is accustomed to the world's rarest delicacies. It's only natural that your standards are high and that my tea is not to your liking."

Hearing this, Zhuang Feiwu's expression shifted slightly. "You certainly have a way with words. But don't think that will make me let you off the hook. I still haven't settled the score with you for gawking at my wife!"

Wang Xiu laughed heartily. "We can discuss that, of course! Here, have a few more cups of tea!"

Zhuang Feiwu grew even more perplexed. What is with this man? Is he incapable of anger? I barged in, smashed things, glared at him, and threatened him, yet he doesn't seem the least bit upset. At the same time, he doesn't seem intimidated by the Zhuang Family name either. How strange!

He took two more quick sips, then set the cup down. "Tell me, what exactly happened between you and my wife?"

Wang Xiu replied calmly, "It's simple. Your wife came seeking a painting, so I painted one for her."

Zhuang Feiwu's brow furrowed. "What kind of painting requires taking one's clothes off? Do you think I don't understand the Dao of Painting?"

"You naturally wouldn't understand," Wang Xiu said. "This is art."

"Art...?" Zhuang Feiwu was stunned. It was the first time he had ever heard the word.

Wang Xiu serenely explained, "Art transcends humanity, gender, and worldly conventions. In the presence of art, there is no distinction between man and woman; all are but a part of the vast tapestry of the universe. What I painted was not your wife, Young Master. It was a unique form of beauty that exists under the heavens!"

Zhuang Feiwu blinked, feeling a bit dizzy from hearing such a novel explanation for the first time.

Wang Xiu continued, "You must have seen the painting I made for your wife, Young Master. Did you harbor even a single profane thought while looking at it?"

Zhuang Feiwu replied thoughtfully, "I did not."

Wang Xiu nodded. "Exactly. It is precisely because my heart was free from worldly desires and my eyes saw only pure beauty that I was able to create such a work. Even if countless people were to view that scroll, their eyes would only hold appreciation, not lustful thoughts."

Zhuang Feiwu sneered, "You speak in such high-minded terms, but I've investigated you. You only paint for women. How can you claim you're not a lecher?"

Wang Xiu replied hurriedly, "That's a complete misunderstanding. From the very first day I began painting in the city, I have said that I only paint for those with whom I share a destiny! It is not that I refuse to paint men, but rather that the men I have met... lacked that destiny with me."

After a pause, Wang Xiu looked at Zhuang Feiwu and smiled. "Today, however, now that Young Master Zhuang is here, have you considered taking a painting home with you?"

Zhuang Feiwu pointed to himself. "Me? You want to paint me?"

Wang Xiu nodded. "Precisely. From the moment I first saw you, Young Master Zhuang, I knew you possessed an extraordinary gift and were destined for greatness. Your natural talent in the Dao of Painting is astounding, and it is only a matter of time before you soar among the nine heavens! Surpassing President Zhuang's accomplishments in the Dao of Painting is merely a matter of time for you."

Hearing this, a flash of joy appeared in Zhuang Feiwu's eyes, but he quickly shook his head. "You don't need to flatter me. I know my own limits. I'm far from catching up to my grandfather; even my own brothers are far superior to me."

Wang Xiu shook his head. "Not at all! That is only because you, Young Master Zhuang, lack a small flash of inspiration."

Zhuang Feiwu was confused. "What do you mean?"

With a slight smile, Wang Xiu waved his sleeve, and the Four Treasures of the Study appeared before them. He picked up the brush, splashed some ink onto the paper, and left a few rough, bold lines. "Brother Zhuang, what do you see in this painting?"

Zhuang Feiwu stared at the scroll. Suddenly, the ink marks seemed to come alive before his eyes, transforming into dragons that soared through the nine heavens and across the starry river.

He exclaimed, "Dragons! So many dragons!"

Wang Xiu sighed. "Brother Zhuang, and you still say you're not a genius? This is the Nine Heavens Dragon Roam Painting, passed down in my sect for many years. Only a supreme talent in the Dao of Painting can discern its true nature. Even I took half a month to grasp a fraction of its mysteries back in the day, yet you saw it with a single glance! Your talent is truly admirable."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Feiwu's eyes filled with surprise, followed by disbelief. "But... didn't you just paint this?"

"Uh... this is a secret technique of my sect," Wang Xiu said, telling a boldfaced lie. "To prevent this painting from ever being lost, it has been condensed into a spell that can be drawn at any time."

A look of intense delight spread across Zhuang Feiwu's face. "Is that really true?"

Wang Xiu nodded solemnly. "I, Wang Yitian, never lie."

Zhuang Feiwu hesitated. "But... you haven't even seen my work! How can you be so sure I'm a genius?"

"There is no need," Wang Xiu said. "For some people, a single meeting is enough."

Hearing this, Zhuang Feiwu was deeply moved. Tears streamed down his face as he grasped Wang Xiu's hand. "I never imagined... I, Zhuang Feiwu, have toiled in the Dao of Painting since I was a child, but in my grandfather's eyes, I am nothing but an ignorant fool who can't tell right from wrong. He even controlled my marriage, leaving me no choice! I had to painfully leave the woman I loved to obey his order and marry someone I have never felt anything for. I thought my life was destined to end in such a messy, unfulfilling way! I never expected that after wasting half my life, I would finally meet a soulmate like you, Brother Wang. Only you could see my true talent..."

Wang Xiu grasped his hand in return, his voice filled with emotion. "Meeting you, Brother Zhuang, is also the greatest fortune of my life!"

"Brother Wang!"

"Brother Zhuang!"

"..."