Book 2 Chapter 79: Mountains and Water - Martial God

Chapter 79: Mountains and Water Each private room on the second floor was divided into a front hall and a back hall. When Xu Shan pushed the door open and entered, the weight on his heart eased just slightly. Contrary to his fears, He Yiming and his companion had not gone directly to the inner room. Instead, they stood hand in hand, silently admiring the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the outer walls. From the moment He Yiming entered the room, his gaze was immediately drawn to a painting on the wall. It was a landscape painting, remarkably lifelike and captivating to the eye. However, this was unmistakably not the work of a famous artist, as there were no signatures or stamps on it. If the painting weren't truly of exceptional quality, it wouldn't have been hung in such a place. Of course, this was merely what an ordinary person could discern. To He Yiming, the painting was far more than just a mere ornament for admiration. It contained profound cosmic principles and insights into the natural order. He was certain that the creator of this painting was a master of innate talents, particularly skilled in manipulating the elements of clouds and rain. Though the artwork might not offer immediate benefits for He Yiming, prolonged observation might help him grasp the universal truths embowed within and bolster his own understanding. Internally, he sighed, thinking how fortunate he was. Had it not been for the insult that the heir of the Zi family cast upon Yuan Lixun, he wouldn't have come upstairs and seen this landscape painting. This painting, unless it fell into the hands of a master like himself, who understood the way of clouds and rain, would not reveal its mysteries no matter how long it hung there. Not even Cheng Fu or Shui Xuanjin would grasp it. A faint sound of footsteps arose behind him. He Yiming turned and naturally donned a teasing smile. Xu Shan offered a deep bow, the pained twist of his face nearly comical. He Yiming pondered momentarily, then pointed to the landscape painting on the wall, making his intentions abundantly clear. Xu Shan exhaled a long breath, nodding his head repeatedly. As long as he could placate this unpredictable troublemaker, he was willing to pay any price, let alone give up a painting meant for public enjoyment. After all, doing business in the state of Tianluo, offending the Five Great Families was utterly inadvisable. Even someone with the profound backing of Fenglaixiang wouldn't want to easily offend the local powers. Moreover, having witnessed He Yiming's extraordinary skills firsthand, Xu Shan inwardly feared him deeply. At such a young age, He Yiming was already this formidable. Who knows what powerful influences might be supporting him in the shadows? So long as the two didn't cause trouble in his Fenglaixiang, he'd be eternally grateful. Smiling wryly, He Yiming nodded to Yuan Lixun. The young woman, of a similar age to He Yiming, was quick-witted and immediately understood He Yiming's intent. Though relieved that he let the matter with the Zi heir go, she couldn't help but feel a touch of disappointment. Nonetheless, as she stepped forward to take down the painting, a familiar voice whispered to her ear, "Lixun, I'll avenge you once we're out of here." Yuan Lixun paused momentarily, a sweet warmth filling her heart, making her movements feel buoyant. Suddenly, the inner hall's door softly clicked open. Zi Ruiguang stepped out with an annoyed expression, which turned to intense dissatisfaction upon seeing He Yiming and Yuan Lixun. Xu Shan felt a wave of dread. He never anticipated that this young master would emerge so soon, seemingly uninterested in the treasures meticulously prepared by the establishment. At that moment, Yuan Lixun approached the painting, ignoring Zi Ruiguang as if he didn't exist, and reached out to take down the artwork. With a disgruntled snort, Zi Ruiguang's gaze fell upon the painting and he hesitated. Seeing Yuan Lixun's delicate hand touch the frame, he loudly ordered, "Wait." His voice was authoritative, as if everyone in the world should heed his commands. Yet, neither He Yiming nor Yuan Lixun had any intention of obeying him. Pretending not to hear, Yuan Lixun took down the painting, removed the frame, and began to roll it up. Zi Ruiguang's complexion darkened severely. In his twenty-some years of existence, rarely had he encountered such blatant disregard for his presence. When he bellowed in rage, the attendants outside quickly rushed in. Though wary of He Yiming, when their master called, none dared to hesitate. Watching as Yuan Lixun returned to his side with the painting, He Yiming chuckled, turned to Xu Shan, and said, "Mr. Xu, name your price for this painting." Xu Shan sighed deeply and replied with a bitter smile, "This painting is merely decor for the establishment. If it's of interest to you, feel free to take it." He Yiming gently shook his head. "That won't do. I don't have the habit of taking things by force or deception." Xi Shan inwardly smiled bitterly, thinking: As long as you leave without further provoking Zi Ruiguang, you may have ten, even twenty of these paintings if you wish. Such thoughts, however, couldn't be voiced in front of Zi Ruiguang. Zi Ruiguang, voice cold, abruptly said, "Mr. Xu, I want that painting." Xu Shan's jaw dropped, a pained look crossing his features, akin to having swallowed a fly. He Yiming seemed unfazed by Zi Ruiguang's words. He continued smiling and inquired, "Mr. Xu, not only do I want this painting, but I'm also curious about its origin. Who painted it and why is it here?" Zi Ruiguang's face darkened further, anger rising within him. He suddenly exclaimed, "Are the two of you deaf? I told you, this painting is mine." He Yiming merely waved a hand dismissively, "Where did this buzzing fly come from, annoying and bothersome?" The expression on Xu Shan and the others' faces drastically changed. What began as a minor dispute now escalated to clear provocation. Ordinarily, Zi Ruiguang's attendants would have reprimanded or attacked He Yiming directly. But having witnessed He Yiming's elusive, unpredictable movements earlier, they were deeply aware of his formidable skills. Facing him head-on would certainly end poorly for them. Now, despite their unified anger, they remained silent, lest they drew fire upon themselves. Yuan Lixun giggled, her eyes inadvertently catching sight of a familiar face. Her brows furrowed slightly, but the moment was fleeting, as she couldn't immediately recall his identity. Focused entirely on He Yiming, the man did not notice Yuan Lixun's subtle change in demeanor. Zi Ruiguang's eyes glinted with a flash of embarrassment and anger, quickly followed by a surge of murderous intent. Sensing Zi Ruiguang's killing intent, He Yiming sighed inwardly. These children of prestigious families indeed regarded human life as trivial. A mere jibe could provoke such murderous thoughts. Was human life so cheap in this world, or were these individuals' hearts so distorted? Zi Ruiguang composed himself, forcing a smile, "Heh, I am Zi Ruiguang of the Zi family. May I know your name? You seem unfamiliar." While infuriated, Zi Ruiguang, raised in such a privileged environment, was no incompetent fool. At the very least, he knew to first ascertain an opponent's background. Should the opponent prove too daunting, certain actions that might breach the delicate boundaries between noble houses needed careful consideration. He Yiming chuckled lightly, "There's no need to associate with me. I have no interest in befriending someone who can't tell mud from clay, someone who looks down on others with dog eyes." As he spoke, he winked at Yuan Lixun. Her lovely face flushed a shade of red, and she quickly averted her gaze, filled with stifled laughter. When they first met, Zi Ruiguang had mockingly called Yuan Lixun a country bumpkin. So, He Yiming's current remark about dog eyes low-balling people was a deliberate counter, indicating that He Yiming did not regard Zi Ruiguang as an equal. He Yiming's blatant defiance and audacity expressed a disdain that extended even to the entire Zi family. Zi Ruiguang's visage darkened until it seemed to drip. With a growl, he dropped his inhibitions. They had sullied his pride to this extent. If he continued to endure, the reputation of the Five Great Families of Tianluo would be tarnished for naught. He gestured and coldly ordered, "Seize them." Aware of not being in an appropriate place for violence, Zi Ruiguang restrained himself. But once the pair were captured, there were countless ways to deal with them thereafter. With their master's command, the attendants hesitated no longer, though inwardly conflicted, they lunged forward. Zi Ruiguang's entourage consisted of twelve individuals: nine were attendants raised by the Zi family itself, while the remaining three were traveling companions recruited from afar. At this moment, six of the attendants moved forward. Observing their coordinated charge, it was evident that they were skilled in combined attacks, their movements filled with a rugged bravado indicative of seasoned veterans who had faced the brutal reality of battlefield combat. Naturally, He Yiming did not hold these individuals in any regard. He smiled slightly, ready to counter, when he was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching from outside. Subsequently, the door was flung open, and someone quickly stepped into the room. The newcomer immediately discerned the situation: the attendants attacking, with He Yiming and Yuan Lixun standing there casually, appearing utterly unbothered by the looming fists and fierce winds swirling around them. The man's expression changed dramatically, his eyes filled with fear. Without hesitation, he rushed forward, shouting, "Stop!" His voice was laced with terror yet carried authority. The advancing attendants paused immediately, startled by the familiar voice, though it seemed slightly different from what they remembered. Zi Ruiguang's demeanor shifted quickly from hope to sheer disbelief. The newcomer didn't intend to assist him; instead, he darted forward with astonishing speed, positioning himself between the six attendants and He Yiming. Turning his back to He Yiming, he completely exposed himself, ostensibly without any defense, while simultaneously unleashing a powerful punch forward. The six attendants, upon realization, were struck with fear. Against the incoming blows, retaliation was inconceivable; even blocking seemed impossible. They stood still as wooden stakes, rooted to the spot. The man mercilessly struck each attendant once, sending them flying backward with a controlled force so as not to cause lasting injury. Only after dealing with the attendants did he turn to face He Yiming, bowing deeply with respect. "Master He, my brother acted out of ignorance. Please pardon his unintended offense. Rest assured, I will severely reprimand him upon returning." Xu Shan and Zi Ruiguang, along with others, were initially dumbfounded, then wide-eyed with realization. Though they weren't acquainted with He Yiming, the buzz around the capital naming "Master He" had reached fever pitch. If they still didn't recognize him, they'd best not remain in the capital at all. Excitement and fear flickered in everyone's eyes, particularly the attendants. Realizing they had dared to confront a master of such standing, cold sweat soaked their backs. Zi Ruiguang, now deeply frightened, lost every shred of his previous arrogance, replaced entirely by fear. He Yiming glanced at the man, saying, "You're Zi Ruwen." "Indeed," Zi Ruwen responded excitedly, "I never imagined Master He would remember my name. It's my utmost honor." He Yiming inwardly shook his head. On their first meeting, Zi Ruwen had galloped recklessly through the streets with other young nobles, a far more imposing presence than his brother. But recognition of his identity shifted his demeanor to one of restraint and humility. Feeling a sudden irritation from these interactions, He scoffed coldly, "Ah, the heir of the Zi family indeed holds such sway. I suggest that Brother Zi Ruiguang needs his mouth disciplined." Zi Ruwen's expression slightly changed, but he quickly nodded with deference, "Yes, Master He is right." He then turned to Zi Ruiguang and commanded, "Raise your head." Zi Ruiguang lifted his head blankly, only to have his vision blur as fiery pain erupted on his face. His elder brother, Zi Ruwen, slapped him repeatedly. Within moments, Zi Ruiguang's face swelled like a pig's head, and blood dripped from the corners of his mouth. Yet, apart from instinctively dodging the first slap, he stood rigidly, neither pleading nor resisting, enduring stoically. He Yiming frowned slightly, "Enough, let's end this here today." Zi Ruwen ceased and instructed, "Thank Master He." Zi Ruiguang bent slightly, muttering through his swollen face, "Thank you, Master He." Ignoring him, He Yiming turned to Xu Shan, "Mr. Xu, about the painting's value and origin, I trust you can enlighten me now?" With a start, Xu Shan snapped back to awareness, quickly agreeing and issuing a string of instructions. Moments later, a ledger was presented. After a brief perusal, Xu Shan said with a wry smile, "Master He, I've found the details. This painting was created two months ago by a destitute traveler who dined here without money. In lieu of payment, he painted this on the spot. The manager, finding it rather good, decided to waive the meal's cost and used it as decor here." "To cover his tab?" He Yiming's expression was caught between amusement and disbelief. He sighed, realizing how vast and strange the world was. That an innate-level master could end up so destitute, yet still adhere to such ordinary conventions, was indeed rare. "Exactly, Master He," Xu Shan replied respectfully. He Yiming pondered briefly, asking, "Does Fenglaixiang have establishments like this throughout the country?" "Yes, we operate similar jewelry stores and restaurants in major capitals." "What happens if someone dines but can't pay?" Hesitating, Xu Shan finally answered, "According to our inn's rules, anyone who tries to dine and dash would be forced to vomit out as much as they consumed." He Yiming's smile grew peculiar, "Your manager had some insight, then. Lucky for you, he accepted this painting without resorting to violence—otherwise, your inn would've been in trouble." Xu Shan froze, tentatively asking, "Why would that be?" Receiving the painting from Yuan Lixun, He Yiming gently stroked it, saying, "The creator of this painting is an innate master whose understanding of the world's principles doesn't fall short of mine. Even if confronted, I couldn't guarantee victory. Had your inn's staff tried to exact what he consumed, well..." He eyed Xu Shan playfully, "Perhaps your inn has hidden masters as well?" Xu Shan's expression turned comically wide-eyed, his gaze larger than ever in his life. Laughing heartily, He Yiming said, "Let me know the cost of that meal. You can report it to Shaoming Pavilion for reimbursement. Let's go, Lixun." Yuan Lixun nodded softly, trailing He Yiming to the door before pausing, as if remembering something, but kept her astonishment subdued as they departed. He Yiming exchanged no further words with the Zi brothers, bringing relief to both. Despite his loss of face, Zi Ruiguang's eyes harbored a hint of resentment alongside fear and lingering dread.