Chapter 45: Wrong Major

Zhu Xiaoyuan’s casual words had an unexpected effect, stirring the spirits of An Yue’er and the others. Was the elder implying that they should work hard to gather information for him, and that, in time, he would reward them accordingly? Perhaps... when one person ascends, all those around them are elevated as well!

The eyes of An Yue’er, Yu Qiushui, and the rest shone brightly, as they began to envision dazzling futures for themselves. Now, they wished they could set out immediately—even if it meant forgoing food and rest—so long as they could find the news that Zhu Xiaoyuan sought.

“Elder, there is one more matter we wish to ask about!” Yu Qiushui suddenly spoke, his thoughts having just caught up. “Now that Xieming Supreme and Hongxi Supreme have obtained the painting, with their abilities, they are bound to stir up some trouble. Should we go and take part in their endeavors?”

This question had been troubling Yu Qiushui for some time, and he couldn’t make sense of it. After all, the Nanling Mountains are a land of both opportunity and peril; everyone wants to try their luck—what if fortune smiles upon them?

Zhu Xiaoyuan listened and couldn’t help but chuckle. From their words, it sounded as if those two guests were planning something with his painting. If so, wouldn’t that threaten An Yue’er’s business? Now that his artwork was gaining appreciation, it wasn’t impossible that they might organize an auction or something of the sort.

But no matter what they did, he would not allow An Yue’er and her associates to see their enterprise in Anluan Country destroyed. His own people deserved his protection and care. Perhaps, he thought, it would be best to let them show themselves at such events and conduct their business well. Maybe they wanted to get more paintings or calligraphy from him to bolster their positions—something easily done for Zhu Xiaoyuan.

“If you wish to go, then do so! If there is anything you need from me, I will of course lend my assistance.”

Upon hearing this, An Yue’er and the others were immediately excited. With such a solemn promise from the elder himself, what was left to fear? Even if trouble befell them, there was someone greater to rely on—the elder would surely step in to help.

“Thank you, elder! Your kindness and grace, we shall never forget!”

Having secured Zhu Xiaoyuan’s promise, An Yue’er and her companions had nothing more to ask. They promptly offered their farewells and left his courtyard.

Thus, the once bustling courtyard was now quiet, with only Huan Yue and Ruofeng remaining.

“What are your thoughts now?” Zhu Xiaoyuan turned his gaze to Ruofeng, smiling as he asked.

By now, night had fallen. Standing alone in the courtyard with these two beauties felt somewhat improper. If they were to stay the night, it would surely invite gossip.

Huan Yue and Ruofeng blinked their beautiful eyes at him, leaving Zhu Xiaoyuan momentarily at a loss for words—he was, after all, being watched by two lovely ladies!

Huan Yue was quick to speak. “Elder, I wish to follow you... to learn painting. Would you allow it?”

She was now utterly convinced by the elder before her. Just moments ago, she had witnessed two supreme-level figures treating Zhu Xiaoyuan with utmost respect. From their conversation, she had also learned that this was a man whose casual artwork could kill a supreme! The elder’s realm was unfathomable.

As for painting, within the Holy Land of Emptiness, Huan Yue believed that not a single person could compare to Zhu Xiaoyuan. This was her chance—a golden opportunity. If she could grasp it and stay by his side, it would be a rare and precious fortune for her.

Ruofeng, standing beside Huan Yue, was nearly dumbfounded by her request. This was an immortal—how could Huan Yue be so bold! Yet, beneath her shock, she couldn’t help but hope; if the immortal agreed...

Zhu Xiaoyuan, for his part, didn’t seem the type to be stingy. Perhaps Huan Yue truly had a chance.

He hesitated, however. To teach painting? He had never intended to take disciples. Zhu Xiaoyuan was about to refuse, when suddenly a voice echoed in his mind.

“Task: Accept the two before you as disciples!”

He was stunned. The troublesome system was at it again! Now, even if he wanted to refuse, it was impossible.

“Well, since you sincerely wish to become my disciples, I suppose I can make an exception and accept you both.”

Zhu Xiaoyuan spoke through gritted teeth as he took Huan Yue and Ruofeng as his disciples.

Upon hearing this, the two women could scarcely believe their ears.

“Is it that you’re unwilling?” Zhu Xiaoyuan asked, seeing their silence.

“Not at all! How could we be unwilling? It’s just... we can’t believe what we’ve heard!”

Huan Yue, hearing his words, grew anxious. She leapt for joy, unable to contain her excitement—like a child, which she truly was.

“The elder has accepted me as his disciple! I’m so happy, wow!”

Her face was aglow with joy, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Ruofeng remained frozen in place, unable to process what had just happened. The elder had actually agreed to Huan Yue’s bold request? It was almost unbelievable. Though he seemed approachable, this was far beyond her expectations. Perhaps Huan Yue was destined for such fortune.

Ruofeng was also delighted. Although the Holy Land of Emptiness held many painting secrets left behind by its immortal founder, none could compare to the works of Zhu Xiaoyuan. Besides, those legacies were left from before the founder’s ascension—they were merely notes from a supreme, hardly worth comparing to the creations of an immortal.

Moreover, though Huan Yue was exceptionally gifted and intelligent, she had been repeatedly overlooked within the Holy Land. If she could leave the sect now, it would be a rare opportunity. With such a capable elder, what was a mere holy land?

Just as Ruofeng was lost in excitement, she suddenly recalled what the elder had said: “Accept you both as disciples!”

With a jolt, Ruofeng realized the implication. She glanced around—only she and Huan Yue remained.

Did he mean...?

Flustered, Ruofeng spoke up, “Elder, if I’m not mistaken, you said you would accept us both as disciples?”

Both of us...

Zhu Xiaoyuan nodded. “That’s right.”

Ruofeng was even more bewildered. She hesitated, “Elder, I... I don’t practice painting, but rather the way of the zither...”

She stammered, unsure. The elder was a master of painting, so how could she study under him? Was she meant to abandon music for painting?

Zhu Xiaoyuan immediately understood. The beauty before him was hesitant not because she was unwilling, but because her specialization was different.