Chapter 71: Following You

“I do,” Ruofeng nodded. “These are our founder’s zither and brush.”

“A thousand years ago, when our founder ascended to immortality, she left these two treasures behind. The Sacred Land of Kongjue has been searching for them ever since, but never had the opportunity to find them.”

Ruofeng gave a brief account of the matter.

Zhu Xiaoyuan immediately understood.

So these two items are antiques that have existed for a thousand years!

They must be worth a considerable sum!

For An Yue’er and her companions to acquire such treasures, it likely means they made a profit in business. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have given such valuable gifts.

Thinking this, Zhu Xiaoyuan examined the zither and brush more closely. Their materials seemed rather ordinary, not as remarkable as those his system had granted him.

Still, regardless, these were tokens of An Yue’er and her companions’ sincere intentions. Seeing that Huanyue and Ruofeng recognized these treasures, Zhu Xiaoyuan decided not to refuse them.

“I’ll accept these antiques, and gratefully receive your kindness!”

Then, he handed the zither and brush to Ruofeng and Huanyue. “These treasures seem to be fated for you two. Why don’t you keep them?”

Though these items weren’t as good as those crafted by his own hand, they were certainly better than what Huanyue and Ruofeng were using at present!

Huanyue and Ruofeng were stunned by Zhu Xiaoyuan’s words!

He was gifting them the treasures?

Impossible!

These were their founder’s treasures, no less than immortal artifacts. Such generosity from Senior Zhu was beyond imagining!

Yet as Zhu Xiaoyuan spoke, An Yue’er and Leng Qianxue became delighted.

Having known the senior for so long, they had finally done something that pleased him.

Still, they were quite surprised.

With Senior Zhu’s abilities, even the treasures he casually crafted surpassed the level of immortal artifacts. Why would he value these that were merely at the immortal artifact level?

Now, seeing him give these immortal artifacts to his disciples, they felt reassured.

But at the same time, envy began to stir.

Though they could receive gifts from the senior, it was different from spending time at his side and receiving his guidance.

If only they could always be with Senior Zhu. The thought made them deeply envious.

“Thank you, Teacher!”

Huanyue and Ruofeng were overjoyed as they received the zither and brush from Zhu Xiaoyuan.

Once they held them, their gazes were fixed upon the items.

Previously, the Sacred Land of Kongjue had dispatched countless people to Nanling in pursuit of these treasures, yet none had returned with even a fragment of information.

But now, they were holding them in their hands...

It seemed that following their teacher truly brought endless fortune and opportunities!

“Senior, there is one more matter we’d like to discuss with you. Outside the courtyard, several gentlemen who participated in these events wish to come in and meet you. May we ask for your opinion?” Leng Qianxue spoke up.

Zhu Xiaoyuan immediately understood.

It seemed the calligraphy and paintings he’d gifted An Yue’er and the others had gained further appreciation in this incident.

Those outside must have come seeking him by reputation!

Was this the beginning of his path to renown?

Thinking this, Zhu Xiaoyuan felt a surge of joy. “Let them in. Since they’ve come, let’s meet them.”

An Yue’er bowed to Zhu Xiaoyuan and went out.

“Seniors, Senior Zhu has agreed to meet you.”

As soon as she spoke, the three outside were overjoyed, their faces beaming with smiles.

To receive an audience with the senior was truly their good fortune!

Excited, they followed An Yue’er into the courtyard.

“Here... It feels as if powerful traces of the Dao pervade every corner! I feel utterly insignificant within this small courtyard!” The Supreme Lingji took a step forward and couldn’t help but whisper.

With the flow of Dao resonance, he didn’t dare to move recklessly.

Supreme Ziyang glanced around the courtyard, and his mouth fell open in shock.

Within the courtyard, the ordinary chickens wandering about and the goldfish swimming in the pond...

This...

Supreme Ziyang was left speechless.

Ye Qingchen was the last to enter, and as soon as she stepped inside, the scene before her stunned her.

“This must be the Dao of Immortality...”

She turned to look at Zhu Xiaoyuan, who stood leisurely in the courtyard, and in the next moment, she knelt down.

Supreme Ziyang and Supreme Lingji had not yet recovered from the earlier shock, and now were dumbfounded again.

What was happening? Regardless, this white-haired woman was at least a near-immortal. How could she simply kneel so casually?

Yet even a near-immortal knelt, and they were not even at that level...

Ziyang and Lingji exchanged a glance, and without hesitation, they too knelt.

The one most bewildered was Zhu Xiaoyuan!

What age was this? Why did everyone, upon meeting, drop to their knees without a word?

Why were these enthusiasts of calligraphy and painting all like this?

An Yue’er and her companions were taken aback seeing the three seniors kneel upon entering.

These three could be said to be the pinnacle figures of the Heavenly Martial Realm.

Two Holy Masters, one near-immortal!

Who would have expected them to kneel at their first meeting?

Zhu Xiaoyuan was stunned for a long while, and no one in the courtyard responded. “Please rise, everyone!”

Upon hearing this, Supreme Ziyang and the others reacted as if obeying an imperial decree and hastily stood.

“Senior!” they said, “We have long heard of your great name. If not for your calligraphy and paintings, we would not know what would have become of us!”

Supreme Lingji said with deep emotion.

“In all the world, a person like you is as rare as a thousand miles south. We are truly fortunate!” Supreme Ziyang added.

Zhu Xiaoyuan couldn’t help but smile.

“You two flatter me too much. I am but a simple craftsman, hardly worthy of such praise.”

Hearing this, their admiration for Zhu Xiaoyuan grew even deeper.

This was precisely how a true senior should be—profoundly gifted yet humble, never putting on airs!

Those Dao mysteries they themselves could barely touch were, in Senior Zhu’s eyes, merely simple skills.

“Senior, may I... may I follow you, obey your guidance, and seek a glimpse of Dao meaning?” Ye Qingchen suddenly spoke, her words faltering with nervousness.

Everyone could see her anxiety.

Ye Qingchen had been a near-immortal for many years, her strength allowing her to dominate the Heavenly Martial Realm, yet in this situation, she couldn’t help but be nervous.

Zhu Xiaoyuan frowned after hearing her request.

Again with this?