The City’s Strongest Son-in-law Chapter 1236 - 1235: Life-bound Magical Artifact

"Master, you truly have no life-bound magical artifact? I had indeed heard that once one reaches the Primordial Essence Rank, their life-bound magical artifact becomes rendered useless."

Wang Junyi gazed at Su Changfeng, his disbelief evident. Could it be that if his master lacked a life-bound magical artifact, he had already ascended to the Primordial Essence Rank?

Impossible, surely? After all, that was the apex, and it was rumored that only three individuals on the entire Tianyuan Continent had achieved such a feat.

In Wang Junyi’s perception, a Seventh-rank Expert already commanded immense power. He had only witnessed such a cultivator once and never imagined he would encounter someone of the Primordial Essence Rank in this lifetime.

Su Changfeng himself was uncertain of his current standing, lacking a life-bound magical artifact to confirm. However, considering that Primordial Essence represented the zenith of power in this world, it was unlikely his current strength could yet rival it.

"I require a small favor from you. Could you assist me in finding a skilled painter?" Su Changfeng steered the conversation away from cultivation ranks. Yet, in Wang Junyi’s estimation, Su Changfeng was already a Primordial Master.

"Certainly!" Wang Junyi responded without a moment's hesitation.

In truth, regardless of the request Su Changfeng posed, he wouldn't refuse. To him, Su Changfeng was a Primordial Master, and he, Wang Junyi, was now the disciple of such a renowned figure. How could he possibly fail to fulfill even a minor task?

"Excellent, then bring the painter here tomorrow. Also, do not forget to procure the necessary brush and ink," Su Changfeng instructed.

"Consider it done," Wang Junyi affirmed with a nod.

"Very well, that concludes our discussion for now. I shall take my leave. Regarding our association, it must remain confidential for the time being," Su Changfeng reiterated his reminder.

Wang Junyi readily agreed, pledging his absolute silence on the matter, even to his own father.

He recognized that his future accomplishments were intrinsically linked to Su Changfeng, and thus, he would never do anything to jeopardize their connection.

As Su Changfeng’s figure receded into the distance, Wang Junyi remained rooted to the spot, his heart brimming with elation. "I never conceived that I, Wang Junyi, would be blessed with such fortune in this lifetime to become the disciple of a Primordial Master. Father, you always urged me to uphold the position of City Lord, but now, what value does the position of City Lord hold in comparison?"

"Our perspective was so limited, unaware of the myriad wonders this world holds. By Su Changfeng’s side, I am confident that one day I shall ascend to the ranks of imperial power."

Meanwhile, at the formidable Shen Family estate.

Shen Yunlong, who had previously assessed Su Changfeng, approached Shen Rushuang to recount the recent events. Shen Yunlong’s demeanor was one of utter disdain, deeming Su Changfeng a complete liability. Shen Rushuang, however, felt his assessment was perhaps too hasty, harboring lingering suspicions.

Someone capable of being flung aside with a mere casual punch – how could such an individual be a match for a mere Fourth-rank Expert?

Upon hearing the account, Shen Rushuang’s elegant brows knitted slightly. While she didn’t wholly subscribe to the notion of Su Changfeng being a hidden powerhouse, the preceding circumstances appeared suspiciously coincidental.

"If Su Changfeng truly possesses no power, then how do you account for the inexplicable disappearance of those individuals?" Shen Rushuang inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.

Shen Yunlong, never one to concern himself with trivialities, responded with characteristic indifference: "Rushuang, I believe you are overthinking this matter. Perhaps that fellow merely had a stroke of luck, which explains nothing significant."

Shen Rushuang, unlike her brother, sensed that the situation was far more complex. Even if it were mere luck, wouldn’t there be a logical explanation for the vanishing of those people? Yet, no investigation yielded any clarity.

The casual dismissal of the incident as simple luck left her with a nagging sense of unease.

"Brother, the grand hunting event is drawing near. Do you intend to participate this time?" Shen Rushuang transitioned the topic.

"Absolutely. While I hadn't initially planned to return so soon, the anticipation of the upcoming hunting event compelled me to hasten my journey back. If I can successfully attain the status of a Beast Tamer, I can undoubtedly rise to prominence," Shen Yunlong declared with conviction.

Shen Rushuang nodded, acknowledging the significant prestige associated with being a Beast Tamer within Xingluo. Should Shen Yunlong achieve this distinction, his entry into Xingluo would be virtually assured.

"I intend to encourage Su Changfeng to participate as well," Shen Rushuang stated.

"You still harbor the notion that he is some sort of master?" Shen Yunlong asked, a hint of exasperation in his voice. He understood his sister’s underlying intentions but perceived it as unnecessary. He had already gauged Su Changfeng’s capabilities; what further scrutiny was required?

"Not only do I wish to gauge his abilities, but I also intend to seize this opportunity to eliminate him," Shen Rushuang revealed her true intentions.

Shen Yunlong chuckled, readily dismissing the need for such elaborate planning. "There is no need for such convoluted arrangements. If you desire his demise, I can personally handle him for you right now."

Shen Rushuang gently shook her head, reassuring her brother, "Brother, please don't be concerned. While defeating him would be simple for you, his demise during the hunting event would provide me with a justifiable reason to remain by his side."

"Very well, if that is what brings you pleasure. However, ensure you caution this good-for-nothing to refrain from aimless wandering. His presence is quite displeasing to behold," Shen Yunlong declared.

Shen Rushuang readily concurred, sharing the sentiment. Witnessing an individual considered a waste frittering away their days was indeed a vexing sight.

The following day saw Su Changfeng and Wang Junyi reconvene at their usual meeting spot, with an elder accompanying Wang Junyi.

"Master, this esteemed gentleman possesses the greatest artistic talent for painting within Tianshui City. Feel free to convey any instructions you have directly to him," Wang Junyi informed Su Changfeng.

The elder maintained a bowed head, never once meeting Su Changfeng's gaze. Upon hearing Wang Junyi address Su Changfeng as 'Master,' a flicker of surprise crossed his features, though he managed to conceal it.

This elder was a man of considerable wisdom, understanding the wisdom in not prying into matters that did not concern him, a principle that contributed to his longevity.

Su Changfeng acknowledged this with a nod before addressing the elder. "Sir, I have summoned you here with the hope that you might assist me in painting a portrait. I shall endeavor to describe the appearance of the individual, and I would be grateful if you could capture her likeness on canvas. Does this arrangement meet with your approval?"

"Certainly, young master. Should your description prove accurate, I shall spare no effort in my attempt to fulfill your request," the elder replied, nodding his assent.

Following this agreement, the elder commenced his work, guided by Su Changfeng's descriptive narrative. Having spent a considerable amount of time in Chen Qingqing's company, Su Changfeng was intimately familiar with her features, allowing him to articulate her most defining characteristics for the portrait.

Demonstrating the skill that earned him acclaim as Tianshui City's foremost painter, the elder completed the depiction of Chen Qingqing in under an hour. Remarkably, the finished artwork bore an astonishing ninety percent resemblance to the actual person, eliciting a nod of approval from Su Changfeng.

Upon the completion of the painting, the elder inquired respectfully, "May I inquire if the young master is content with the result?"

Gazing upon the portrait held in his hands, Su Changfeng acknowledged that while absolute perfection was elusive, the accuracy achieved solely through verbal description was truly remarkable. He offered unreserved praise, stating, "Not at all bad, quite excellent. The esteemed elder indeed upholds his reputation as Tianshui City's premier painter."

A slight smile graced the elder's lips as he responded, "As long as the young master finds satisfaction, it seems my life has indeed been spared."

...