Chapter 46: Piano, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting
Chapter 46: Piano, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting
Cheng Lingyu flushed and quickly changed the subject to the chess game.
Caiyun sat on the bed, her striking features darkening. “Ouyang Lie planned this carefully. I misjudged him. At Blood Weapon Second Level, his cultivation surpasses mine. He immediately used mental power to pressure me, keeping me defensive while hiding his true trap within the chess game.”
Cheng Lingyu frowned. “That’s unfair.”
“Fairness?” Caiyun snorted. “You’ll learn. That chess game held a deadly formation meant to cloud minds. Combined with his higher cultivation and distractions, it nearly broke me. You saved me from real trouble today.”
The youth stayed quiet, unversed in worldly schemes.
“What will you do if he returns? Why challenge you to chess?”
“I’ll be ready next time. He wants to claim me as another trophy for his collection.”
“So I ruined his plans.”
Caiyun flicked his forehead. “You’d rather feed your sister to wolves? He won’t bother you yet—I called you my junior apprentice publicly. Now tell me, where are you from? What brings you here?”
Their eyes locked. Though Caiyun’s beauty outshone even Hong Xiu Tian Xiang, Cheng Lingyu hesitated to share his secrets with this new acquaintance.
“Keep your thoughts for now.” She read him easily. “Come to the chess academy regularly. I’ll teach you engraved formations.”
“What are those used for?”
Caiyun chuckled. “Novice. Formations manifest the heavenly way—essential for refining tools, pills, divination. The stronger your cultivation, the more uses you’ll find.”
“Then I’ll learn! What about the other three courts?”
“Why ask?”
“I visited the piano court earlier. Hong Xiu Tian Xiang’s zither music stunned me. Met Jade Fan Scholar Lian Yunxiang too.”
“Hong Xiu’s the flashiest. Xiuling’s calligraphy resembles swordplay but lacks power. Watch Ruyun in the painting court—her brush steals souls.”
“A friend brought me to Yunyang City today to explore all four courts.”
“Observe more, speak less. This city’s dangerous beneath its surface. Your cultivation’s low but your foundation’s solid—visit the ghost market occasionally. Might find useful treasures.”
“What about the three major auction houses?”
“Good items, but too pricey for you.”
After half an hour, Cheng Lingyu found Miao Sanxu waiting impatiently outside.
“Well? How’d Miss Caiyun repay you? Promise marriage yet?”
Miao Sanxu was excitedly grabbing Cheng Lingyu.
“You’re misunderstanding. She agreed to teach me chess; we played two games, and she was way better.”
Miao Sanxu frowned. “Chess? This… this… Well, proximity gives you the edge. In Yunyang City, thousands of men eye Miss Caiyun. If you try harder, maybe you’ll win her someday.”
Cheng Lingyu ignored him, glancing at the sky. “Time is running short. I must return to the inn—my father’s waiting.”
Miao Sanxu said, “I’ll walk you back. Tomorrow, we’ll visit the Calligraphy Academy and Painting Court. Though Lady Xiuling and Lady Ruyun aren’t as stunning as Miss Caiyun, they’re famous beauties many wish to marry.”
Cheng Lingyu smiled. He cared little for looks—Ruo Xue’s place in his heart was unshakable.
Back at the inn, Cheng Lingyu briefed his father, Cheng Yun.
“Engraved formations are profound. Seize this chance. Cheng Zhaolong’s tied to Ye Xiaoyun—his cultivation’s soaring. To kill him, you must grow stronger.”
“I’ll first learn Yunyang City’s layout before making plans.”
The pair discussed briefly. With uncertainty lingering, many matters needed observation.
The next morning, Miao Sanxu brought news.
“Cheng Zhaolong’s thriving in the Xuanhuo Sect under Ye Xiaoyun’s favor. His strength surged, and he gained a high-quality treasure artifact, boosting his overall strength.”
Though troubling, Cheng Lingyu stayed calm. He’d watch Cheng Zhaolong closely for an opportunity.
“Let’s visit the Calligraphy Academy.”
Located west, the academy gathered skilled young swordsmen.
Displayed works by Lady Xiuling bore forceful strokes, swirling with sword energy.
Cheng Lingyu studied them, gaining insights.
“Enough staring. Let’s see the real person.”
Miao Sanxu dragged him to a courtyard. A petite girl in green wielded a soft sword, etching characters with sword light. Crowds cheered. Cheng Lingyu marveled—he’d never seen such sword-calligraphy.
Lady Xiuling seemed a carefree soul, immersed in swordsmanship. Despite her youth, her cultivation reached the Soul Martial Realm—a surprise to Cheng Lingyu.
After half an hour, they left for the Painting Court in the north.
Quietest of the four courts, it housed Lady Ruyun, twenty years old and famed for her art.
Clad in white, she radiated elegance. Cheng Lingyu recalled Senior Sister Caiyun’s warning: Beware Ruyun’s brush—it ensnares souls.
Touring the courts, Cheng Lingyu ranked Caiyun highest in beauty and virtue, while Hong Xiu Tian Xiang, Ruyun, and Xiuling tied. In strength, Caiyun and Ruyun led; Xiuling and Hong Xiu Tian Xiang trailed.
Each court excelled in its art. Ruyun, painting like an ethereal immortal, captivated many—including Miao Sanxu, who gaped adoringly.
At noon, they met Jin Miaoyi. Over food, he shared updates:
“Cheng Zhaolong’s the Cheng family’s top disciple in the Xuanhuo Sect. He’s reached the River Stage, wielding the vicious Soul Piercer. Rumors say he seduced Ye Xiaoyun to climb ranks.”
Cheng Lingyu frowned. “His deceit will breed jealousy. Any rivals scheming against him?”
Miao Sanxu grinned. “Clever—using others to kill him!”
Cheng Lingyu shook his head. “Unlikely. But many covet Ye Xiaoyun. Cheng Zhaolong’s enemies might harass him discreetly.”
Jin Miaoyi nodded. “Sound reasoning. Qu Wei reports Shenhuo Sect has Cheng disciples too. Stay hidden.”
That afternoon, Miao Sanxu showed Cheng Lingyu three auction houses: Tianbao Building, Qibao Pavilion, and Jubao Studio—all linked to the Xuanhuo and Shenhuo Sects. Monthly auctions traded monster cores, treasure artifacts, pills, weapons, and rare materials.