The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor Chapter 1802 - 1799: I Can Paint

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Previously on The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor...
Ye Xuan used a black candle to afflict the Demon Vine Ancestor Root, causing it great discomfort. Meanwhile, a mysterious creature attacked the weakened Demon Vine Ancestor Root with a Yin Ming Shovel. Ye Xuan departed, planning to collect more Immortal Treasures later, while the mysterious creature battled revived Demon Vines. Ye Xuan then entered the Qiankun Ancestor's body to retrieve the World Tree, causing the missing people from the Mystic Yellow List to emerge and escape.

With the complete integration of the World Tree into the Qiankun Ancestor, everyone present would find themselves trapped. Though Ye Xuan wasn't precisely a benevolent figure, he had interacted with some individuals, while others held little significance to him. With the Emperor Road imminent, their chances of survival were uncertain. Prompted by Ye Xuan's warning, they began to exit the World Tree. Familiar faces offered Ye Xuan greetings, inquired about the battle's outcome, and then departed, while strangers left without a word. Upon emerging from the World Tree, their auras had undeniably intensified. It was evident they had absorbed a substantial amount of World Power during their stay. Previously, even a moment's absorption was enough for many at the Great Venerate Peak to ascend to the Great Sage Realm. Having cultivated within the World Tree for over seven days, their power had grown even more formidable. Suddenly, a tall young woman clad in a black robe approached Ye Xuan. Appearing to be in her early twenties, she exuded a heroic aura, sharp and peerless. A three-foot sword was sheathed at her waist, and her hair was styled in a high ponytail, giving her a refined appearance. She landed gracefully near Ye Xuan, cupped her hands, and introduced herself, "I am Nie Jing, from Qilin Continent. Greetings to Young Master Ye." Nie Jing was recognized as the twenty-fifth on the Mystic Yellow List, one of the three prodigies from beyond the Nine States Land. While Nie Jing was indeed from the Xuanhuang Great World, her origin was Qilin Continent, not the Nine States Land. Nie Jing's approach caused bewilderment among the remaining Mystic Yellow List prodigies. They questioned her intentions: was she planning to challenge Ye Xuan? Such an act would be incredibly foolish, given Ye Xuan's demonstrated power in the recent battle, where even the second-ranked Zhou Ye stood no chance. Challenging Ye Xuan would be suicidal. Their curiosity piqued, they lingered, eager to witness the exchange. Ye Xuan narrowed his eyes and calmly asked, "Is there something you require?" He did not recognize the young woman and had no prior interactions with her. Nie Jing cupped her hands again, her voice tinged with nervousness, "Nie Jing wishes to follow Young Master Ye. May I ask if Young Master Ye agrees?" Her intention became clear to all. It wasn't a challenge, which would indeed be foolish. Following Ye Xuan was the sensible choice. Yet, the question lingered: would Ye Xuan accept? Everyone was filled with curiosity. Many had developed certain ideas about Nie Jing. Firstly, her origin from Qilin Continent, beyond the Nine States, meant it lacked a powerful foundation like an Immortal Sect, implying a clear background. Secondly, she was young, beautiful, and possessed extraordinary talent and strength, evidenced by her twenty-fifth ranking on the Mystic Yellow List. It was worth noting that Zi Yang Heavenly Monarch, despite breaking through to the Great Sage Realm while enduring Heavenly Dao Suppression, only secured the twenty-fourth position. "Oh?" Ye Xuan's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Nie Jing. His gaze seemed to penetrate her very being, revealing her completely. Nie Jing felt an overwhelming pressure, Ye Xuan's dominant and invasive inspection leaving her feeling utterly exposed, her cheeks flushing. Fortunately, Ye Xuan soon averted his gaze. He turned away from Nie Jing and stated plainly, "Potential is passable, temperament lags behind." This assessment effectively conveyed his refusal. His words left the other individuals from the Mystic Yellow List speechless. "Potential is passable!?" Nie Jing's delicate face paled, and she felt lost. Although she had anticipated rejection, she never imagined it would be for such a reason. She was, after all, a Sacred Body! The Spirit of the Void God Realm was Tenth Rank; her Daoist Platform was perfect, and in condensing the Grotto Heaven, she had achieved the remarkable feat of condensing Nine Cave Heavens, making her unparalleled on Qilin Continent. How could she be merely "passable" in Ye Xuan's eyes? Nie Jing felt a profound sense of shock. In the distance, a tall and robust young man, who had been intending to approach, halted upon hearing Ye Xuan's evaluation of Nie Jing. He sighed deeply and quietly retreated. His name was Yue Chong, and like Nie Jing, he hailed from Qilin Continent, ranked twenty-seventh on the Mystic Yellow List. He had initially planned to seize this opportunity to pledge allegiance to Ye Xuan. However, witnessing Nie Jing's rejection, he lost all courage to proceed.

Endeavoring further would only result in humiliation.

Alas.

Individuals such as himself and Nie Jing, despite their standing on the Mystic Yellow List, possessed rather limited backgrounds, which in turn restricted their access to resources.

Should they falter in their progress moving forward, a descent from the Mystic Yellow List would be inevitable.

Whispers filled the world about the imminent opening of the Emperor Road.

At this critical juncture, if he and Nie Jing failed to secure a powerful patron, their journey along the Emperor Road would be exceedingly brief.

It was precisely for this reason that they found themselves here, at the Great Ruins, not only in pursuit of an Immortal Treasure but also to seek out a benefactor.

Their intentions were clearly directed towards Ye Xuan.

This was due to Ye Xuan's prominent position atop the Mystic Yellow List and the prevalent rumors of his formidable background.

Nevertheless, Ye Xuan flatly rejected their plea.

"Then may I…"

At this precise moment, another young maiden, clad in yellow and exuding a timid aura, cautiously interjected, her gaze timidly venturing forth.

"Cheng Kes!"

Upon this young girl's appearance, Nie Jing and Yue Chong's attention was immediately captured.

There were but three individuals on the Mystic Yellow List who hailed from outside the Nine States Land.

These were Nie Jing and Yue Chong, both hailing from the Qilin Continent.

Alongside them was Cheng Kes, a native of the Xuanhuang Continent, the most expansive continent beyond the Nine States.

Her ranking was twenty-first on the Mystic Yellow List, surpassing even Chi Yan and Zi Yang Heavenly Monarch.

Nie Jing and Yue Chong, who had initially intended to depart, paused their movements, their curiosity piqued as to whether Ye Xuan would extend his acceptance to Cheng Kes.

Ye Xuan, having heard her words, directed his gaze towards Cheng Kes. He noted that this young girl's bone age was a mere twenty years?

Ye Xuan was momentarily taken aback.

Her bone age was only slightly greater than his own, and on the Mystic Yellow List, perhaps only Ye Xuan and Jiang Ya were younger.

Through careful assessment, it was determined that this young lady possessed a Divine Body of Great Success.

Beyond this singular extraordinary trait, she exhibited no other remarkable qualities.

"Do not refuse me, I possess the skill of painting," Cheng Kes hastily added as Ye Xuan's gaze lingered upon her.

"Painting?"

Nie Jing and Yue Chong exchanged bewildered glances, pondering if this constituted a unique talent.

"A painter?" Ye Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Mm-hmm!" Cheng Kes affirmed with an emphatic nod.

"Very well, you may accompany me henceforth," Ye Xuan declared, giving a slight nod.

"Wonderful!" Cheng Kes exclaimed with delight. She immediately executed a bow and earnestly conveyed her gratitude, stating, "Thank you, Young Master!"

"This…"

Nie Jing and Yue Chong were utterly perplexed.

Was this permissible?

Yet, before they could voice their queries, Ye Xuan gestured for them to dismiss the matter.

The decision to accept Cheng Kes was not born of impulse.

It stemmed simply from the fact that Cheng Kes was a painter...