Eternal Tale

The old blind man displayed a faint smile and began sketching the patterns of the world in his heart, his brush strokes flowing like a dragon in flight.

Though his brush lacked the infusion of mana, it moved with an imposing aura, sweeping across the paper with ink.

Chen Xun found himself in a peculiar state. He had never interacted with any master of painting, nor had he ever discussed the art with such experts, but he had seen quite a few paintings.

Especially in the Immortal Pavilion, where calligraphy and paintings adorned the walls.

Yet, Chen Xun couldn’t quite acknowledge those paintings in his heart, especially after breaking through to the Void Refinement phase. He felt that no one in the grand world of painting could earn his recognition.

Although this old gentleman couldn’t teach him much, he expanded Chen Xun’s perspective on the art of painting.

It was the so-called lack of talent that required a bit of guidance from others; sometimes, the difference was just that spark of inspiration.

Chen Xun was such a person. He and Black Bull were never particularly clever, but their long lifespans allowed them to encounter countless people of all kinds.

Whether mortal or cultivator, the flashes of wisdom from these encounters would occasionally amaze them, leaving a lasting impression in their hearts.

Chen Xun was always pondering how to let paintings evolve through the years... using a fleeting lifespan to continuously paint and evolve this artwork of life. This was the world within the heart of this old gentleman.He took a sip of health tea, contemplating what his own inner world might be, and then immersed himself in the old man’s artwork, quite focused, finding it rare to meet someone only slightly inferior to him in painting.

The days passed quietly, one after another.

At the alley entrance, where an old blind man used to paint year-round in exchange for some food, there was now a young man. He didn’t paint but just sat quietly watching.

People came and went, and what was initially surprising became commonplace. Alas... another one had gone mad.

Especially the neighbors in the alley, who sighed inwardly, thinking that the eldest brother of the Chen family was squandering his prime years on these meaningless paintings. What girl would fancy him?

Wang Da Auntie also tried to persuade him several times, but to no avail. She sighed and left, hoping that the eldest daughter of the Chen family wouldn’t end up like her brother.

Spring, summer, autumn, and winter, the seasons changed, flowers bloomed and withered, and the four seasons of the mortal world were like the imprints of time, showcasing the cycle of life. The alley became increasingly lively.

Chen Xun and his companions had been in the alley for five years, and the children who used to be chased around by Little Chi were gradually growing up, with only faint traces of their former selves visible.

This scene gave Nangong Heling a strange feeling, as if a year in the mortal world was like a hundred years in the world of immortals.

In spring, in the courtyard.

Two Crane Spirit Trees were also gradually growing, with many branches and leaves swaying gently in the wind, making a pleasant rustling sound.

”Sister Crane!” A girl’s head peeked out from the door, mischievous and lively, ”Are you there?”

”Guanghan, huh.”

Little Crane was reading some books she had bought from the mortal world. She looked up with a smile, ”Come in quickly.”

Zhou Guanghan bounced in, her eyes scanning the surroundings. The courtyard was very clean, and there was even a small flower field.

The household items inside were complete, and many things she had never seen before, certainly not in her own home.

She had a long braid, and her eyes were as clear as when she was a child, though her appearance had changed quite a bit.

”Sister Crane, where’s Black Bull?” She looked around, as Black Bull liked to nap under the tree, but it wasn’t there today. ”I brought it some picture books; Black Bull loves looking at them!”

”It’s out with my eldest brother. They said they bought a piece of good land outside the town to do some farming.”

Nangong Heling smiled, looking at Zhou Guanghan, ”Why are you dressed so nicely today? Do you have someone you fancy?”

”Ah! No!” Zhou Guanghan rushed forward, her face turning red, ”Sister Crane, please don’t tell my second sister.”

Little Chi was sunbathing on the roof, yawning. Life was so comfortable.

Its gaze slowly drifted downwards, noticing how much the little girl had grown. Back then, it had chased her around quite a bit.

Especially Zhou Guangyi, who had even challenged it, saying it couldn’t bully his sister.

In the end, it bit off his shorts, and he fled in panic, going home to find his parents. That kid had recently started practicing martial arts, saying he would challenge it again in the future. Heh, wasn’t he just asking for trouble?

It yawned again and continued lying on the rooftop. This was the safe life it wanted, with no sense of crisis and the ability to cultivate, comparable to the Tian Duan Plains.

But Little Chi’s gaze still occasionally glanced down, never leaving Sister Crane alone.

In the courtyard.

Nangong Heling looked at Zhou Guanghan with a teasing smile, ”Don’t worry, I won’t tell.”

”Sister Crane, I trust you!” Zhou Guanghan said boldly, then whispered, ”He’s a martial artist I met while helping my parents with their stall. I heard he’s a disciple of a martial arts sect.”

Her eyes were filled with admiration and longing. People from the martial world were not to be trifled with anywhere they went, and it was said they earned a lot of spirit stones. Plus, because they practiced martial arts, they were incredibly heroic.

”Oh? Does he have feelings for you?” Nangong Heling asked patiently, her voice gentle, ”People from the martial world consider the world their home. Your mother surely wouldn’t agree.”

”Ah, Sister Crane, I can be a heroine too!” Zhou Guanghan’s eyes lit up, ”My brother told me many stories about people from the martial world, wielding swords and seeking justice!”

Nangong Heling chuckled, tapping her on the forehead, ”When it comes to love, it’s about mutual feelings. Are you just daydreaming, little girl?”

”Sister Crane, I’m not.” Zhou Guanghan pouted slightly, a bit disappointed, ”He said some things I didn’t understand, but we’re not that far apart in age.”

”It seems little Guanghan has reached the age of budding love.” Little Crane’s eyes curved with a friendly aura, ”In a few years, you’ll all be adults, and your parents don’t want you to stay in the alley forever.”

”Ugh... Sister Crane, I long for the martial world too, but I don’t know anything. I’m really not smart.”

Zhou Guanghan looked troubled, sitting on a stone bench with her chin in her hand, ”My brother and sister told me to stay with our parents. They’re going on a journey, and I’ll be the only one at home.”

”Staying with your parents is good too.”

”Sister Crane, but I also want to go out and see the world. There are so many places in town I haven’t seen yet. My brother said if he makes a name for himself, he’ll take us to the big city.”

”Guangyi is a child I’ve watched grow up. He’s a family-oriented person,” Nangong Heling said softly, ”But boys and girls are different. They have their own aspirations.”

”He’s worried that no one will take care of your parents in the future, so he’s leaving you behind.”

”Sister Crane, what about Brother Xun? Everyone says Brother Xun lacks ambition, that he’s already retired in the alley at such a young age, wandering around with Black Bull.”

”Ah? Haha...”

Nangong Heling covered her mouth with a laugh, her eyes sparkling with surprise, ”My eldest brother is a very, very capable person. You’re all mistaken.”

”Ah? Really?” Zhou Guanghan exclaimed, not doubting Sister Crane’s words, ”Is Brother Xun also from the martial world? A hidden martial arts master in the bustling city?”

She got excited instantly, her expression animated. Her brother had told her such legendary stories, where someone unknown for ten years suddenly astonished the world upon leaving the alley!

”...Well, no.” Nangong Heling shook her head calmly, ”He doesn’t know martial arts. My eldest brother has never practiced martial arts.”

”Oh.” Zhou Guanghan dragged her voice, the towering image of Brother Xun in her mind collapsing instantly, reminding her of childhood memories.

”Haha, damn it, Bull, lift Zhou Guangyi up and pick that peach for us. It’s broad daylight, no man’s land, round it up, it’s ours!”

In the end, they were chased away, fleeing in panic. She rode on Black Bull’s back, escaping madly, while Little Chi barked and roared at others, chased by a dozen big dogs for two streets.

Thinking about it made her giggle foolishly. Although Brother Xun was a bit unreliable, he was really good to them, and her parents respected them, never speaking ill of them.

Nangong Heling tapped her forehead with a smile, ”What’s wrong? Don’t like Brother Xun anymore?”

”Ugh, no, Sister Crane, I’ll tell you a little secret.” Zhou Guanghan leaned close to Nangong Heling’s ear, ”Brother Xun’s paintings don’t look like anything.”

”Hmm?”

”Woof! Woof woof woof!”

On the rooftop, Little Chi jumped up, barking furiously at Zhou Guanghan, its face filled with anger. How dare this little brat slander Brother Xun behind his back!