The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor Chapter 1803 - 1800: Survival of the Fittest
Previously on The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor...
This is not the kind of painter from the mortal world, but a true Painter!
An extremely ancient profession, once as glorious as today’s four hottest professions.
A Painter paints mountains and there are mountains, paints water and there is water, paints the world and there is the world.
A painting of a god brings the descent of a god.
A painting of invincible intent attaches to oneself, and oneself becomes invincible!
This is the Painter.
In a certain era, it once ascended to brilliance.
In today’s era, even if they exist, they are scarcely found and akin to a Divine Puppet Master, and even then without mastery.
But Cheng Kes is different.
When Cheng Kes said he could paint, his hands danced in the air.
Others couldn’t understand, but Ye Xuan saw it at a glance; it was the authentic technique of a Painter.
Of course, in Ye Xuan’s view, there were still many shortcomings.
But this was enough to prove Cheng Kes’s value.
As for Nie Jing and Yue Chong, relatively speaking, their value was not that significant.
Ye Xuan didn’t have the time to cultivate them.
The Emperor Road was about to open, and by then, these people would be the first to ascend, and how long they could survive was unknown.
Furthermore, Ye Xuan didn’t think these two could go far.
At this moment, Nie Jing and Yue Chong were sent out from the Qiankun Pot into the Blood Sea.
But the two were still unable to react to what just happened.
Just being able to paint is enough?
But they could master music, chess, and calligraphy!
For a moment, the two peerless talents from the Qilin Continent were somewhat depressed.
"Alas, forget it. Since he won’t accept us, we can only find someone else."
The two exchanged glances and saw the helplessness in each other’s eyes.
When they were on the Qilin Continent, they often challenged each other, so they were already familiar with each other.
Especially in this unfamiliar place, they counted on each other for support.
After all, unlike the geniuses of the Nine States, they didn’t have a huge background to support them.
The people who came with them to the Great Ruins had all perished.
"Who are you going to find now?" Nie Jing looked at Yue Chong and asked softly.
Yue Chong sighed, looked into the distance, and said, "Duan Qingcang, perhaps. The second ranked Zhou Ye is a Daoist, it’s impossible for him to accept me."
"What about you?"
Yue Chong looked at Nie Jing.
Nie Jing shook her head and said, "Originally, the second choice was Mysterious Woman Yunhua, but after meeting her, I gave up. I realized we are not on the same path, and moreover, she is most likely to be kept by Ye Xuan."
"So... I plan to try my luck at Kunlun Ruins."
Nie Jing said.
"Kunlun Ruins... Jiang Ya?" Yue Chong had a peculiar expression: "I heard she is Ye Xuan’s cousin, are you sure you want to go?"
Nie Jing took a deep breath and nodded, "I’m sure, if she is unwilling to take me in, then I will ascend the Emperor Road alone, and then it will depend on fate."
Yue Chong heard the determination and helplessness in Nie Jing’s words, and he said nothing more, clasping his hands, "Take care."
Nie Jing returned the courtesy, "Take care."
Thus, the two set off to pursue their respective targets.
Yue Chong went to find Duan Qingcang, and Nie Jing went to find Jiang Ya.
This kind of situation only happened to these two.
Plus Cheng Kes.
No other reason.
It’s only because they didn’t have the background, the foundation, or the backing.
The geniuses from the Xuanhuang Nine States, those who ascended the Mystic Yellow List, each had enormous backing; their backing provided them with stability in their cultivation, without worrying about cultivation resources or Daoist Magic and Divine Skills.
Thus, those on the Mystic Yellow List never followed or submitted to anyone.
But Nie Jing, Yue Chong, and Cheng Kes all resolutely chose to become followers.
At first glance, it seemed like a humiliation.
But in fact, it was a way to protect themselves.
At least in Ye Xuan’s view, it was like this.
Choosing to depend on a powerful backing when one lacks strength of their own is a wise move.
The weak following the strong is an eternal rule.
It will never be rewritten in any era.
Just take the East Desolate of Daozhou as an example.
For the likes of Purple Flame Mountain, Tiger Evil Sect, and Qingliu Mountain, they all choose to depend on stronger forces like Qianyuan Cave Heaven and Fierce Battle Sect.
And similarly, powerful forces like Qianyuan Cave Heaven and Fierce Battle Sect would depend on even stronger forces like Fierce Sun Heavenly Sect.
After all.
This is a world where the weak are prey to the strong.
The teachings of Confucianism are to uphold justice and establish peace for all eternity.
Unfortunately, no one has achieved this yet.
Even sages like Ji Yueyi of Confucianism or the later Sages Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi, none of them achieved such a feat.
However, from Ye Xuan's perspective, their eras were undoubtedly the most glorious and peaceful in human history.
Ultimately, however, everything reverts to the law of the jungle, a harsh reality.
One by one, the prodigious talents from the Mystic Yellow List almost departed from the World Tree.
Along with them, numerous other formidable individuals also followed suit.
The final one to emerge was the enigmatic Feathered Transformation Woman.
Zheng Wushan, Elder Chu, and the others were already awaiting the Feathered Transformation Woman's appearance.
Though the Feathered Transformation Woman did not secure the Immortal Treasure, she was mere inches away from attaining the Dark Immortal Body, a feat that imbued her with extraordinary capabilities.
Concurrently, they maintained a vigilant watch over Ye Xuan, apprehensive of any further actions he might take.
The wait proved to be agonizing, and finally, the Feathered Transformation Woman materialized. Everyone converged around her, murmuring, "Feathered Transformation Woman, let's depart quickly."
Despite her lack of awareness regarding the unfolding situation, the Feathered Transformation Woman perceived the collective unease and understood that circumstances might be unfavorable. Consequently, she opted to leave with them.
"Wait a moment."
At this precise juncture, Ye Xuan casually interjected, "The others may depart, but the Feathered Transformation Woman will remain here."
Upon hearing these words, the expressions of everyone present shifted dramatically.
"What is Young Master Ye implying? You have already obtained the Immortal Treasure; why do you insist on detaining Yun Si?"
Elder Chu inquired with a stern tone.
"Could there be some prior connection between Young Master Ye and the Feathered Transformation Woman?"
Standing behind Ye Xuan, Cheng Kes could not help but ponder this question internally.
Earlier, at the World Tree, she had observed Ye Xuan and the Feathered Transformation Woman interacting, yet their demeanor suggested no amicable relationship.
"You may also leave now."
Ye Xuan stated deliberately.
"Ah? Is Young Master speaking to me?" Cheng Kes asked in a meek tone, slightly taken aback, before adding, "Very well, I understand."
Cheng Kes departed obediently, refraining from posing further inquiries.
Following Cheng Kes's departure, Zheng Wushan stepped forward to face Ye Xuan, his countenance grave. "Young Master Ye..."
Ye Xuan cast a dismissive glance at Zheng Wushan and commanded curtly, "Scram."
Zheng Wushan's face paled, and he clenched his teeth, demanding, "I beseech Young Master Ye to provide a clear answer: what must be done for you to release Yun Si?"
Ye Xuan smirked, replying, "It's simple. Return to the Heavenly Domain and summon Mu Yun. Have him kneel before me, and I will spare his disciple."
Zheng Wushan's complexion turned ashen, his fists clenching uncontrollably.
Ye Xuan could utter anything, but the blatant insult directed at Emperor Mu ignited a murderous intent within him.
Even fully aware of his insurmountable disadvantage, he was prepared to fight a battle destined for defeat!
"Begone. I have no time for protracted discussions with you. As for the Feathered Transformation Woman, I have no intention of taking her life; I merely wish to ask her a few questions."
Ye Xuan declared slowly, flicking his fingers.
Instantly, Zheng Wushan was violently expelled from the Qiankun Pot, spewing a mouthful of blood, his face turning a sickly pale hue.
Witnessing Zheng Wushan's state, Elder Chu and the others felt a heavy burden in their hearts. Recognizing their inability to oppose Ye Xuan, they could only implore him not to harm the Feathered Transformation Woman.
Ultimately, these individuals were also dismissed by Ye Xuan with a casual wave of his hand.
Only the Feathered Transformation Woman remained, fixing Ye Xuan with a cold, unwavering glare from beginning to end.