Inner Demons

Chapter 9: Artificer

The convoy continued its journey. Qiao Jiaxin sat upright in the carriage, but after a while, she felt the sun was uncomfortably hot. So she shifted her body slightly, glancing stealthily.

She found this young man interesting, probably... the journey wouldn't be so boring anymore.

Then, on the other side of the carriage, the other two began to converse.

At first, Old Daoist Liu didn't pay much attention to the young man. But after a few polite exchanges, he felt at ease.

He was an Artificer, actually one of the more successful ones – he had a small temple in Weicheng, dedicated to the Wei River Dragon King. The incense wasn't strong, but it was enough to barely subsidize his food and clothing. Occasionally, a family would come to request a painting, and if he was lucky enough to sell it for a few tenths of a silver coin, he would live even more comfortably.

In his early years, he had a master who was said to have learned a bit of the Breathing and Self-Cultivation Method from a green-robed disciple of the Dongxuan Sect – referring, of course, to the true Dongxuan Sect of the seventy-two schools – stationed in Liu City. So his master also called himself a disciple of the Dongxuan Sect.

Such things were common in the martial arts world, and cultivators and immortals didn't really care. In fact, if one were to be truly pedantic, deviant sects and lowly mundane schools in the martial arts world that took such names accounted for almost nine out of ten. Anyway, cultivators and immortals had no time to fuss over these things – they were all busy seeking eternal life through supreme detachment. Besides, there were only so many pleasant and powerful names, so why shouldn't others use them?

Therefore, by the time of Old Daoist Liu, he simply called himself the sect leader of the Dongxuan Sect. Of course, his Dongxuan Sect only referred to that small temple. While this noble identity might not be accepted in Luocheng, it could still be used to bluff people and earn a surprised look when traveling outside.

But the people of Hongfu Escort Agency were also from Luocheng and already knew his background. So, along the way, no one respected him as the esteemed sect leader; when they were bored, they would come and tease him. Ahem... everyone loves beauty, and Old Daoist Liu loved beauty; this was only natural.

Now this young man came over and became the only one willing to have a decent conversation with him.Therefore, Old Daoist Liu had a very good impression of him, and when he put on airs, he even seemed like an otherworldly master.

"...So, my young friend also has some research in the art of painting."

"Just a little, just a little. You are truly the senior master."

"Hehehehe... This humble Daoist is untalented, but having practiced for thirty-six years, I now have some insights. In this Luocheng, those who have cultivated to the Intent Realm are probably less than a handful – and this humble Daoist is fortunate to be one of them."

"Ah... that sounds very impressive. What is the Intent Realm?"

"Hehe. Mundane people paint, and Artificers also paint. What's the difference? Because Artificers also cultivate the orthodox Xuanmen methods. Cultivating orthodox methods, gathering spiritual energy, and cultivating to the realm where one can use one's will to move the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, that is different from mundane people; that is the Intent Realm."

Actually, Li Yunxin knew all of this. Although his parents hadn't told him much, they had mentioned the realms. It was hard to imagine what their intentions were back then, teaching him methods to cultivate his body and refine qi, yet fearing that he would know more. Perhaps at that time, they were also conflicted – whether or not to let their only son learn these things.

Just as people who learn martial arts easily solve problems with their fists and attract trouble, they probably feared that if their son learned well, he wouldn't be able to stay in the mountain village.

But although he didn't know what level of cultivation they had, one thing was certain – no one would be willing to let their skills be buried.

Perhaps it was in this conflicted state of mind that they hadn't yet decided how much they wanted him to know.

Unfortunately, it seemed unlikely there would be another opportunity.

As Old Daoist Liu said, in the Intent Realm, one can move the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. It sounds great, but as far as Li Yunxin knew... it was useless.

At least for Artificers.

Artificers at this realm could integrate spiritual energy into paintings – those paintings that calm the mind and ward off evil spirits were all like this. It had some minor use, better than nothing. Perhaps masters of the Intent Realm could do better – there was a difference between "it feels somewhat comfortable to look at" and "it makes one feel completely refreshed to look at."

But looking at Old Daoist Liu's attire... he probably wasn't among the ranks of masters.

It would be better in the Illusory Realm; at least one could toss out a painting and create some illusion to scare people. The trick he used to scare Captain Xing was a skill of this realm.

Further into the Manifestation Realm, it was no longer a phantom – one could truly summon something, but it wouldn't last long.

The reason he asked the old Daoist these questions was that after walking for several days, he realized that the Artificers in this mundane world... seemed different from the Artificers his parents spoke of.

Hmm, a bit weak.

Or rather, not just a little weak.

Sometimes Li Yunxin even suspected his parents had made a mistake.

So he wanted to understand how weak these people really were.

After listening to Old Daoist Liu rambling on, full of reverence, about the five realms, and largely using phrases like "it is said," "perhaps," and many inaccuracies, he realized that Chisongzi was right.

The Dao of Painting was truly in decline...

Luocheng was considered a large city. There were five Artificers in the Intent Realm. Even if Old Daoist Liu barely managed to secure a spot, there were still only five.

As for the Illusory Realm, Old Daoist Liu said it could only be seen in the Capital City – only high officials and nobles could see it.

As for the Manifestation Realm, according to him – "Who knows if it even exists? Although Artificers are no longer mundane people, perhaps some seniors, out of competitiveness, applied these five realms of the Sword Sect and Daoist Orthodoxy, hoping that one day a master of that level would emerge among their descendants. Alas... I am ashamed."

So, what Chisongzi told him, and what his parents told him... not everyone knew.

Perhaps there was more to the decline of the Dao of Painting – otherwise, it shouldn't be like this, as if the history of the past had been erased from the mundane world.

But Old Daoist Liu felt that Li Yunxin was a person "devoted to the Dao." Seeing him patiently listen to so much, he developed a greater appreciation for talent.

So he began to beat around the bush – "Is my young friend from Luocheng? Where does your family live?"

Li Yunxin sighed dramatically: "It's a long story. My family suffered some misfortunes, and I am now alone, without parents."

Qiao Jiaxin, listening with pricked ears, felt a little sad when she heard this, but also slightly relieved.

Old Daoist Liu's heart rejoiced, but his expression remained unchanged: "Oh? Then what are your plans when you go to Luocheng?"

Li Yunxin shook his head: "I'll see as I go."

"Hmm. My Dongxuan Sect temple is also a peaceful place," Old Daoist Liu stroked his beard.

"With your profound cultivation, Daoist Priest, it must naturally be a blessed land."

Qiao Jiaxin was a little anxious on her side. She felt that the handsome young man probably didn't know what kind of place Old Daoist Liu's "Dongxuan Sect temple" was and might be tricked into going there.

Actually, her family's place was big...

And her father always said they were short on hands and wanted to recruit people.

Old Daoist Liu was also a bit anxious. This young man spoke cleverly, respectfully, and was devoted to the Dao, so why didn't he understand what he was getting at?

Qiao Jiaxin couldn't help but want to expose Old Daoist Liu. But Old Daoist Liu had already taken precautions – afraid that the escort agency people would mock him again while he talked to the young man.

Seeing Qiao Jiaxin's eager expression, he simply shouted loudly: "Hmph! Fool! Have you not yet awakened! Do you wish to seek the Dao!"

This loud shout startled both Qiao Jiaxin and Qiao Sifu, who was driving the carriage. After shouting, Old Daoist Liu felt smug, thinking that the sentence he blurted out in a moment of quick wit...

It was truly the demeanor of a master!!

Li Yunxin also seemed startled. But after a brief moment, his face showed joy: "Can I? Can I really?"

Then he sat in the carriage, raised his hand, bowed deeply, and said: "Master, please accept this disciple's bow!"

Qiao Jiaxin and Qiao Sifu were dumbfounded. The old Daoist was smug, stroking his beard and maintaining a pose for a while before quickly grabbing Li Yunxin's hand – afraid that his new disciple would change his mind.

This young man admired him, was respectful, spoke well, and most importantly, was handsome! If he took him out in the future, the scene and his prestige would instantly be elevated! At least he'd earn an extra three tenths of a silver coin!