The group of constables finally caught up, panting heavily, and shouted, "Let go of the blade and step back!"
Xu Shulou lifted the sword and pointed it at the trembling man on the ground, speaking gently, "Honorable officers, you've misunderstood. This blade was just taken from this man. As a law-abiding citizen, how could I carry such a dangerous weapon around? What if it frightens innocent people?"
The constables eyed her suspiciously, but when she willingly handed over the large saber, they quickly confiscated it. The man immediately sobbed and threw himself at the lead constable, clinging to him for protection.
The doubt in everyone's eyes was practically overflowing.
Xu Shulou sighed and was about to force the man to vouch for her innocence when she took a step forward. The man instantly cried out, "Take me to the yamen! I’d rather go to jail!"
The lead constable glanced between the two of them and decisively waved his hand. "Take them both in!"
The commotion of the chase had drawn Xiao Ruzhuo over as well. Standing beside Xiao Ya, he watched the entire scene unfold before interjecting with a mix of amusement and exasperation, "Officers—"
"It's you?" The constable's expression softened slightly. The two had helped the yamen capture several thieves earlier that day, proving themselves useful.
"Yes," Xiao Ya stepped beside Xu Shulou. "This young lady is with us. I can vouch that she is indeed... a law-abiding citizen."
The constable turned to the man. "Then why is he crying?"
Xu Shulou fabricated on the spot, "Perhaps tears of remorse. I was just enlightening him on the principles of being a decent person."
"..."
Xiao Ya’s lips twitched. "Is this your so-called experience? The constables don’t even recognize you. Did you not catch a single thief all afternoon?"
"I did catch them," Xu Shulou smiled. "But delivering them one by one was too troublesome. I decided to stockpile them instead."
"Stockpile them?" Xiao Ya was baffled. This was certainly new—people stockpiled vegetables and grain, but thieves?
The constables followed her dubiously to a small courtyard just a street away from the yamen, the residence of an elderly couple.
Xu Shulou pushed open the door and revealed over a dozen men stacked atop each other on the bed. "Look, a whole string of them."
The constables gaped. The men were tightly bound, and when one constable tugged at them, he realized they were all tied together in a line, the rope’s end even playfully knotted into a lucky knot.
"What... is this?"
Xu Shulou said proudly, "I found their hideout."
"How?" Xiao Ya thought for a moment before slapping her forehead. "Right, since they were a gang moving around, they must have had a meeting point. Instead of startling them, we should have tailed them. I should have realized."
"I did follow one," Xiao Ruzhuo admitted sheepishly. "But he was very alert. He slipped into a crowded shop and blended in. I memorized his clothes, but the moment I blinked, he vanished. I underestimated them—even with my senses, I lost track."
An experienced constable nodded. "These thieves are indeed hard to tail. They might change their outer robes between entering and exiting a shop to throw off pursuit. How did you manage it, miss?"
Xu Shulou patted the string of thieves. "Actually, I noticed an old man buying an unusual amount of food. After he left, I asked the vendor and learned he wasn’t a servant of any wealthy household. His behavior seemed suspicious, so I followed him—only to walk straight into an ambush."
She had originally been observing the thieves’ movements, waiting for them to transfer stolen goods. But spotting the old man had saved her the effort.
"An ambush?" The constable stiffened. "Were you injured?"
"No, thankfully I ran fast," Xu Shulou patted her chest, feigning fright. The constable was about to offer comfort when she added, "Otherwise, they might have escaped."
The constable swallowed his concern and asked professionally, "What about the elderly couple?"
"The old folks were shaken. I sent them to the physician first," Xu Shulou explained. "The thieves threatened the wife to force the husband into compliance."
The constable understood. "I’ll report the truth. That couple has lived here for years—honest and reliable. Even the magistrate knows them. You needn’t worry about them facing trouble."
As the constables prepared to haul the thieves away, they found the rope now tangled into an unyielding knot.
When the constable looked at her, Xu Shulou shrugged. "I had them neatly stacked, but they kept wriggling."
"..."
The competition ended with Xu Shulou as the clear winner. Between the other two, Xiao Ya lost to Xiao Ruzhuo by a single thief.
Night had fallen, and the Donglai Shun eatery had already closed. The three climbed onto a rooftop to drink under the moonlight.
Xu Shulou brought out two jars of plum wine she had packed earlier. After finishing one, she intended to slip away under the pretense of buying snacks, leaving the two to enjoy the night. But Xiao Ruzhuo stopped her, claiming he knew of a late-night tavern, and volunteered to fetch more wine himself.
Alone on the rooftop with Xiao Ya, Xu Shulou was caught off guard when the latter suddenly asked, "Elder Zhang... was he lucid before he died?"
Xu Shulou hadn’t expected her to bring up Zhang Baihe. After a pause, she nodded. "Yes. He passed peacefully."
Xiao Ya poured a cup of wine onto the ground. "...That’s good."
Seizing the moment, Xu Shulou countered, "Do you think Fan Yang and Fan Zhi killed Elder Zhang under the Lingxiao Sect leader’s orders, or was it their own decision?"
Xiao Ya studied her before answering, "I believe it was the sect leader’s command."
"..."
After a brief contemplation, Xiao Ya added, "It’s a cold-hearted move, but from a sect leader’s perspective, it wasn’t wrong."
"It wasn’t wrong, strictly speaking," Xu Shulou sighed. She understood the leader’s desire to protect the sect’s reputation by concealing a disciple’s demonic corruption. But just because something wasn’t wrong didn’t make it justifiable.
"I’m not saying I agree with the leader’s methods. I’ve always admired Elder Zhang," Xiao Ya clarified. "But growing up in the palace, I learned that rulers—with rare exceptions—can’t afford to be purely good. It’s human nature."
"Your answer differs from Senior Brother Lu’s." Lu Beichen firmly believed Fan Yang had acted alone.
Xiao Ya shook her head. "I’m not like Eldest Brother. I joined the sect late—I’ve never even met the leader properly. I don’t hold any filial affection for him."
Xu Shulou was slightly surprised, "You've never even seen his face?"
"We've spoken, just not face to face. For many years, the sect master has been in seclusion to recover from his injuries and hasn't emerged once. Important matters within the sect are reported to him by others, and only my master and a few others like Fan Yang are permitted to enter. If there’s any business, the sect master simply summons everyone and communicates through the closed door," Xiao Ya explained. "You know about the failed tribulation decades ago, don’t you?"
Xu Shulou naturally knew. Back then, the leader of Dustless Island had been invited to assist in guarding the tribulation and had personally witnessed the Lingxiao Sect master fail to withstand the heavenly lightning, leaving him severely injured.
The Dustless Island leader had sighed deeply upon returning and sent over rare medicinal herbs, urging younger disciples like them to cultivate their minds diligently and not be overly troubled by worldly distractions.
At the time, the Lingxiao Sect had been rising in prominence within the cultivation world. News of the sect master’s failed tribulation had many eagerly awaiting their downfall—until Lu Beichen’s parents successfully ascended to immortality, spreading word far and wide and restoring the sect’s prestige.
Still, she hadn’t expected the sect master’s injuries to remain unhealed after all these years.
Xu Shulou looked at the woman across from her. "Why do you trust me so much?" Even such confidential matters were shared without hesitation.
Xiao Ya smiled faintly and countered, "Do you know when I completely let my guard down around you?"
Xu Shulou guessed, "After our conversation in the Void Abyss Secret Realm?"
"Not entirely."
"Because I helped Elder Zhang Baihe?"
Xiao Ya shook her head. "Not quite."
Xu Shulou gave up. "Then I can’t guess."
"It was the day you were afflicted by the love gu," Xiao Ya said softly. "I wasn’t there myself, but I pestered our senior brother until he finally recounted everything that happened in detail."
Xu Shulou was taken aback. "What was so special about that day? Surely not because I killed Fan Yang?"
"In the Cloudwater Pavilion, under the influence of the love gu, you were determined to kill Fan Yang. I can’t imagine the fear and fury you must have felt..." Xiao Ya gazed at her, her eyes carrying an unreadable emotion. "Yet before striking, you still took care to shield the pavilion with spiritual energy, preventing its collapse from harming bystanders. That was when I knew—every word you said in the secret realm was true."
"..." Xu Shulou stood up on the rooftop, letting the luxurious aqua-blue brocade robes flutter in the night breeze. Hearing this, she snapped open a folding fan, obscuring the emotions in her eyes.
Under the moonlight, Xiao Ya sighed softly. "Xu Shulou, you are a sentimental soul. You love this mortal world—you love all under heaven."
Dustless Island, Main Peak.
On a quiet morning after the rain, the ageless sect leader sat in meditation atop the mountain. The morning mist hung like a veil, a gentle breeze stirred, and all was serene.
Unfortunately, this tranquility was soon shattered.
"Xu Shulou?" The sect leader eyed the figure who had suddenly appeared before him. "What are you sneaking around for in your own sect?"
"I rushed back overnight from near the Lingxiao Sect," Xu Shulou pulled the sect leader into a corner. "Don’t let Wei Xuandao find me."
The sect leader sighed. "What did you do?"
Xu Shulou paused. "What could I have done? Uncle, you always assume the worst of me."
"Then let me rephrase—what are you planning to do?"
"..." Xu Shulou smiled sheepishly. "I have a favor to ask. I’d like you to visit the Lingxiao Sect’s leader."
The sect leader’s expression remained blank. "Why don’t you go yourself?"
"I can’t."
"Don’t be modest. You’re more than capable."
"..."
The sect leader shot a glance at this troublesome disciple. Xu Shulou had hurried back after bidding farewell to Xiao Ya, yet she showed little sign of weariness. Her ethereal dress, woven from spiritual silk, shimmered like mist and clouds, its hem embroidered with trailing begonia branches. She fanned herself with a gaudy folding fan, her eyes bright as she regarded him with an ingratiating smile.
The sect leader could only sigh again. "Why?"
"I’ve noticed that no one in the Lingxiao Sect has seen their leader in a long time," Xu Shulou voiced her suspicion. "I’m worried something might have happened to him—perhaps something involving Wei Xuandao."
"Aren’t you overthinking this? It’s common for cultivators to seclude themselves for centuries," the sect leader understood her implication but disagreed. "The Lingxiao Sect is a major sect. If something so absurd had happened, how could it be kept secret? Besides, he’s a Tribulation Transcension cultivator. Even if injured, someone like Wei Xuandao wouldn’t stand a chance against him."
"I hope I’m overthinking it too, but I can’t shake the feeling Wei Xuandao is up to something. If I visit alone, the leader might not see me, but it’s different for you. You two were once close, and he owes you a debt for protecting him during his tribulation," Xu Shulou mused. "If he refuses to see even you, then something must be wrong."
"What about Wei Xuandao?"
"Leave him here for now. He wouldn’t dare cause trouble on Dustless Island. But we should hide the Soul Summoning Banner," Xu Shulou suggested. "If you’re worried, have my master keep an eye on him."
"Between you and Chang Yu, I’ve been thoroughly managed," the sect leader grumbled, feeling his authority wane. "Who’s the elder here?"
Xu Shulou, sensing his acquiescence, bowed with a smile. "Thank you, Uncle."
Her smile was so bright it made the sect leader’s hand itch. First, he was stuck studying the Soul Summoning Banner with Wei Xuandao, and now, before they’d even made progress, Xu Shulou had saddled him with another task.
"Every time you leave, you bring back trouble for me."
"Uncle..."
The sect leader waved her off, unwilling to argue further. "Fine, fine. If this trip will put your suspicions to rest, I’ll go. I’d like to see that old man anyway. When do you want to leave?"
"The sooner the better," Xu Shulou said after a moment’s thought. "I promised my junior sister I’d take her to the Flying Eagle Sect’s auction."
"..."
---
Lingxiao Sect.
Xu Shulou stepped into the leader’s secluded cave dwelling—a serene and quiet place, perfect for meditation.
Upon hearing of the Dustless Island sect leader’s visit, the cave’s doors finally opened.
Xu Shulou nearly dismissed her suspicions as baseless until she noticed the meditation platform was empty. Only an unfamiliar disciple stood nearby, his gaze flickering nervously at their arrival.
"Who are you?"
The disciple didn’t answer, merely bowing in greeting.
The Dustless Island sect leader frowned and called out, "Ling Li, where are you, old man?"
"Here." A calm voice echoed from deep within the cave. The two followed the sound down a long, dim passage until the space opened into a cavern bathed in light from an opening above. A jade platform stood at the center, illuminated by the sunlight streaming down.
Seated on the platform was a man with tranquil features—Ling Li, the long-absent leader of the Lingxiao Sect.
Xu Shulou knew at once he wasn’t an imposter.
The aura of a Tribulation Transcension cultivator couldn’t be faked.
There were no chains or spells binding him. His spiritual energy was abundant, and the jade platform beneath him was carved from spirit-nurturing jade.
He truly was in seclusion, cultivating.
Xu Shulou exhaled in relief.
Ling Li regarded the Dustless Island sect leader. "After all these years, your temper hasn’t changed a bit."
The sect leader sounded concerned. "After so long, your injuries still haven’t healed?"
"They’ve healed," Ling Li shook his head. "I’ve chosen to focus on transcending the tribulation. This time, I will succeed."
The sect leader nodded. "I see."
"Well? Why did you come to see me?"
The Dustless Island sect leader glanced at Xu Shulou, who had conjured up a host of conspiracies, and gestured. "You explain."
Xu Shulou flushed with embarrassment. "My apologies. I thought you might have been captured or even killed by Wei Xuandao, so I asked the sect leader to visit."
"Why would you think that?"
"I heard you hadn’t been seen in decades, only communicating with disciples through your voice. I thought the voice might be an impostor."
Ling Li replied, "That voice wasn’t mine."
Xu Shulou stiffened. "What?"
"It was Junior Brother Wei handling sect affairs on my behalf. I allowed him to mimic my voice."
"Why?"
"I’ve delegated all sect matters to them. Using my voice made it easier, so I permitted it."
"Why did you stop handling sect affairs?"
"I spent too much energy on trivial matters before. Now, if I wish to ascend, I must focus on the Great Dao," Ling Li’s gaze swept over the Dustless Island sect leader. "If it weren’t you today, I wouldn’t have opened the door."
"...Sect Leader," Xu Shulou frowned. "Did you... speak with Elder Zhang Baihe a few months ago?"
"No."
Xu Shulou’s lashes trembled. "Nor did you reprimand him for his low cultivation and urge him to train harder?"
"Of course not."
"Sect Leader," Xu Shulou clenched her fists. "Are you certain Wei Xuandao can handle this responsibility?"
"Enough," Ling Li shook his head. "Consider me no longer part of the mortal world. I’ve left its affairs behind."
Xu Shulou refused to relent. "But—do you know Elder Zhang Baihe was murdered? Do you know Fan Yang and Fan Zhi committed atrocities under your name? Do you know Wei Xuandao possesses an evil cultivation manual? It already claimed Elder Zhang’s life and may claim others. He’s even eyeing the Soul Summoning Banner. Can you truly ignore all this?"
"These matters would only disturb my focus. They hold no benefit for my ascension."
The Dustless Island sect leader sighed. "I haven’t changed, but you have."
"There’s no change. I simply see things clearly now."
"But..." Xu Shulou stared at him. "How can you not care?"
"What does it matter whether I care or not? The heavens are impartial; all things follow their own fate," Ling Li countered. "Why must I intervene? If I had ascended decades ago, wouldn’t they have to manage these matters themselves?"
"You..."
"I’ve given enough to the Lingxiao Sect. But the cultivation world has no rule that the capable must labor more," Ling Li’s tone was flat. "Each person’s path is different. I won’t interfere with yours, so don’t question mine."
Xu Shulou found it bitterly ironic. After hearing of his decades-long absence, she’d imagined countless scenarios—captivity, murder, even secret replacements like the Black Tortoise Tower’s leader. She’d rushed back to Dustless Island to enlist the sect leader’s help in "rescuing" him, only to find the truth laughably simple.
It wasn’t as Xiao Ya guessed—that the sect leader had ordered Zhang Baihe’s execution for demonic corruption.
Nor was it as Xu Shulou feared—that he’d been secretly harmed.
If Wei Xuandao had ulterior motives, they weren’t directed at Ling Li.
He wasn’t incapable of acting—he simply chose not to.
He hadn’t sent anyone to kill Zhang Baihe, nor would he lift a finger to save him. To him, Zhang Baihe didn’t exist.
No hidden reasons, no conspiracies—just indifference.
Xu Shulou felt a pang of sorrow for Zhang Baihe. "But Elder Zhang was your junior brother. A man of such integrity, driven to demonic corruption and suicide by Wei Xuandao’s evil manual... How can you not care? Not even ask a single question?"
"Tell me—do the immortals in the heavens care for the mortals below?" Ling Li met their gaze, his eyes devoid of emotion. "To ascend, I must cast aside such distractions."
Immortals in the heavens? Mortals below?
Who decided the former mattered more than the latter?
With such a mindset, could he truly ascend?
Xu Shulou studied him for a long moment. The Dustless Island sect leader watched her with concern, as if fearing she couldn’t accept this reality.
But in the end, she only sighed softly. "I overstepped today. Pretend I was never here. Please... continue your cultivation."
Ling Li said nothing, waiting for them to leave.
"If you won’t handle these matters, I will," Xu Shulou paused at the cave’s entrance, looking back at the jade platform. "If I ever find proof Wei Xuandao intentionally harmed others, I’ll ensure he dies by my sword."
Ling Li didn’t respond.
But her words weren’t meant for him.
Xu Shulou and the sect leader walked in silence for a while before turning back to gaze at the majestic cave dwelling nestled in the mountains. The distant peaks were shrouded in mist, resembling a celestial realm, yet the one residing within was no immortal—only a man obsessed with becoming one.
"I can’t say I’m particularly surprised," the sect leader shook his head. "He’s always prioritized ascension above all else."
"..."
"Especially since he’s a Tribulation Transcension cultivator. At his level, few in this world can constrain him," the sect leader said softly. "When one stands too high, it becomes difficult to see the grass and insects beneath their feet."
Xu Shulou naturally understood his meaning and smiled. "Uncle, you don’t need to console me. I get it."
The sect leader looked at her and suddenly laughed. "Don’t listen to him. What nonsense about ‘trivial matters’? You handle the most ‘trivial matters’ of anyone, yet I think your temperament makes you the most likely to ascend."
"I don’t really care about ascension," Xu Shulou replied, utterly lacking in ambition. "What’s so bad about the mortal world? By the way, Uncle, you go ahead first. I still have something to take care of."
The sect leader raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"I built a roasting oven in the courtyard where I stayed in Lingji Valley," Xu Shulou gestured with her hands, "about this big. I want to take it with me."
"..."
"Uncle?"
The sect leader waved a weary hand at her. "Go ahead. I’ll go back and keep Wei Xuandao company. You go play with your oven. Teamwork."
"..."
---
Xu Shulou found Xiao Ya at the Lingji Valley’s training hall. The moment Xiao Ya spotted her, she sheathed her ice sword with a graceful flourish and hurried over. "You disappeared all day. Where did you go?"
"I went to visit your sect leader," Xu Shulou paused briefly before succinctly recounting the day’s events.
Xiao Ya was stunned. "That’s beyond what I imagined, though thinking about it, it’s not entirely surprising. Haven’t there been mortal emperors who neglected governance in pursuit of the Dao? Especially since the sect leader is so powerful—no one would dare try to usurp him."
Xu Shulou smiled. "You’re taking this rather well."
Xiao Ya then realized something. "So it was my master who ordered Elder Zhang’s execution?"
Xu Shulou nodded.
Xiao Ya sighed but refrained from further comment. Wei Xuandao had first distributed the dangerous manual and later ordered the cover-up. Even if his initial intentions weren’t malicious, and even if he later expressed regret, she knew her master had acted dishonorably.
Xu Shulou added, "I’d like to ask for your help with something."
"Go ahead."
"You know about that manual your master has..."
"He already destroyed it," Xiao Ya said. "Master said he regretted giving it to Elder Zhang. He tore it up in front of all us disciples."
"Hypothetically, just hypothetically..." Xu Shulou hesitated. "If you notice anyone in the Lingxiao Sect acting strangely—say, a sudden surge in power or symptoms of demonic corruption like Elder Zhang’s—could you..."
She left the sentence unfinished, but Xiao Ya understood. Nodding solemnly, she promised, "I don’t believe this will happen again, but if I notice anything amiss, I’ll inform you immediately."
"Thank you."
"What for?" Xiao Ya smiled. "Even if I don’t share your grand compassion for the world, I can’t ignore what happens right in front of me."
With that, they parted ways, and Xu Shulou set off back to Dustless Island.
Before stepping onto Moonlight Peak, she glanced in the direction of the main peak.
Wei Xuandao... To deal with someone like him, she needed irrefutable evidence—proof of his crimes.
Xu Shulou sighed softly.
"Senior Sister!" The moment she set foot on Moonlight Peak, her juniors swarmed around her. "You’re finally back!"
They chattered excitedly:
"We heard you killed Fan Zhi—good riddance! We were so worried Wei Xuandao might harm you!"
"Senior Sister, did you eat well at the Lingxiao Sect? Sleep well?"
"Did anyone bully you?"
Xu Shulou answered each in turn: "Yes, I’m fine. I ate well, slept well, and no one bullied me."
No matter how heavy her heart was, being surrounded by them lifted her spirits.
She turned to her youngest junior sister. "Still want to visit the Flying Eagle Sect’s auction?"
Bai Roushuang’s eyes sparkled. "Yes! Senior Sister, with all the important things on your mind, I thought you might forget about this little promise."
"I don’t forget my promises," Xu Shulou smiled. "Anyone else want to come?"
Jiang Yan eagerly agreed, while Ji Ci looked miserable.
"What’s wrong with him?" Xu Shulou asked.
Jiang Yan smirked. "He bankrupted himself buying a ‘Sun-Piercing Bow’ recently. No spirit stones left."
Ji Ci groaned. "I’ll sit this one out. Otherwise, I’ll just be tempted by more shiny things I can’t afford."
The others, like Song Ping, were focused on cultivation, so Xu Shulou took only Bai Roushuang and Jiang Yan to Fandu City, where the auction was being held.
Fandu was a city built by and for cultivators, hidden deep in an uninhabited desert, accessible only to those with spiritual power.
They arrived at night, just as the city’s lanterns were being lit. The streets glittered with brilliance, rivaling even the most prosperous mortal capitals. Bai Roushuang gaped—even the grandest imperial city couldn’t compare.
Cultivators filled the skies: some on swords, some on spirit beasts, some riding gourds. A beautiful woman floated barefoot on a length of gauze, ethereal as an immortal, while another reclined lazily on a flying jade scepter. The scene was bizarre beyond belief.
The city boasted not only ground-level structures but also floating pavilions. Most astonishing to Bai Roushuang was a river winding down from the sky, its shimmering surface dotted with lights like the legendary Milky Way. She couldn’t fathom what level of cultivator could create such a river in the heart of a desert.
"I’ve been part of the sect for over a year," Bai Roushuang marveled, "but the wonders of the cultivation world still leave me breathless."
Xu Shulou smiled. "I felt the same way my first time here."
"If a mortal stumbled in," Bai Roushuang gazed at the floating pavilions, "they’d think they’d entered the celestial realm."
Jiang Yan laughed. "Mortals would just assume it’s a mirage."
Bai Roushuang blinked. "So mirages are real? Could they all be cultivators’ doing?"
Xu Shulou explained, "Some are natural phenomena, some are cultivators’ creations, and some are demonic illusions. Step into one, and when you emerge, decades may have passed."
Bai Roushuang’s jaw dropped. "Such things really exist?"
"Alright," Xu Shulou took her hand. "Let’s focus on exploring Fandu first. The auction hasn’t started yet—we have time to wander."
They stopped before a multi-story building where a demonic cultivator greeted guests at the entrance. Behind beaded curtains, music and laughter spilled out, accompanied by the scent of ambergris and fine silks.
Bai Roushuang frowned. "Another brothel?"
"No." Xu Shulou tapped her fan toward a plaque in the air.
Bai Roushuang followed her gesture. "‘Taixu Realm’? What’s that?"
Xu Shulou smiled mysteriously. "You’ll see when we go in."
Inside, Bai Roushuang’s eyes landed on an enormous painting. She stared—then gasped. "Senior Sister, the people in the painting are moving!"
"Exactly," Xu Shulou nodded. "This is what Taixu Realm sells."
"Paintings?"
"No. Entry into paintings."
Bai Roushuang was even more bewildered. Jiang Yan pointed. "You’ll understand once you step inside. This one near the entrance is ‘Lady of Guo on a Spring Outing.’ Further in is ‘Han Xizai’s Night Banquet.’ Upstairs, there are more. Which do you want to try first?"
Bai Roushuang chose the simpler one with fewer figures. "Let’s start with the spring outing."
"Good. Watch me first." Xu Shulou paid in spirit stones, and a female demonic cultivator handed her a small pouch of coins. Holding the pouch, Xu Shulou walked straight toward the painting.
Just as Bai Roushuang was about to warn her not to bump into it, Xu Shulou stepped effortlessly into the canvas.
Among the painted riders, a woman in a begonia-adorned dress appeared—Xu Shulou—waving at them from within the painting.
Bai Roushuang’s eyes nearly popped out. "Sh-Senior Sister is inside the painting?!"
"Yep," Jiang Yan grinned. "Coming?"
Bai Roushuang nodded, mustering her courage to follow him in.
The painting "Lady of Guo on a Spring Outing" unfolded vividly before her.
Beautiful women rode horses in splendid attire, laughing and singing.
The procession soon vanished into the distance. Bai Roushuang stared after them. "Should we catch up?"
"No need," Xu Shulou chuckled. "We’re free to explore."
Bai Roushuang looked around. Flowers bloomed under a bright spring sun—though this was a painted world, it felt utterly real.
"Visiting occasionally is fine, but don’t lose yourself in it," Xu Shulou warned. "Over time, it becomes hard to distinguish illusion from reality."
Bai Roushuang didn’t quite understand. "The scenery is lovely, but is it really that addictive?"
Jiang Yan raised an eyebrow. "This is just the first painting. The ones after are even more enthralling."
They strolled along the road, passing many travelers. Bai Roushuang marveled, "The painting is so much bigger than it looked from outside!"
When they reached a vendor selling flatbread, she asked, "Can we really eat the food here?"
"Yes, and it’s delicious." Xu Shulou bought three flatbreads and a bowl of lamb soup, paying with the coins from the demonic cultivator. They found a spot on the grass to enjoy their meal amid the scenery, leaving Bai Roushuang awestruck yet again.
After eating, they walked further and entered the city gates.
"Wow..." Bai Roushuang gasped. The capital was alive with bustling crowds and endless carriages.
The streets were broad, flanked by grand, meticulously planned buildings. Scholars, warriors, men and women—both Han and foreign—filled the streets, including many women dressed in male attire. The thriving city seemed to embrace all things.
Shops displayed jewels, silks, and foreign dancers—a true "gathering of treasures from all directions."
Through an ancient painting, the splendor of a bygone era was reborn. Bai Roushuang finally understood why some lost themselves here, unable to return.
At the very least, she couldn’t wait to try the next painting.
