Do I... Look Like a Supreme Treasure?

"Jiu Fuzi was utterly convinced that the Blood-Robed Sword God would neither dare nor be able to kill him, simply because seeing Yu Nü required his recommendation." As she spoke, the painter drew an expression of helplessness on her face once more. Qi Yuan looked at her in wonder. If only Xiao Jia could master a skill like this, that would be wonderful. Then he would be able to see far more of Xiao Jia's joys and sorrows. "The Great Tribulation cannot be resisted." The painter drew a despairing expression. "Yu Nü once said that worlds like the Canglan Realm number three thousand in all. "Among them are worlds ten or a hundred times stronger than the Canglan Realm, and a hundred times more vast. "Yet through all these years, not a single realm has succeeded in defying it. "The greatest hope our Canglan Realm ever had was merely gaining one additional Yang God. "And in one of those other worlds, three Yang Gods gathered together, yet none could defeat the Great Tribulation!" The painter drew that despairing expression on her face once again. "So whenever I hear of someone wanting to challenge the Great Tribulation, I only feel sorrow. "Your... end will be no better than that Yang God's." "You're just a painter—what the hell do you know about the Great Tribulation?" Qi Yuan could not help but retort. "Nobody knows the Great Tribulation better than me. I've already drawn up a thorough, meticulous plan: *Qi Yuan Eliminates the Great Tribulation*. In less than half a year, the Great Tribulation is going down!" When he was still a Divine Infant, he might not have had complete certainty against the Great Tribulation. Now that he had stepped into the Purple Mansion, dealing with it was practically in the bag. His only hesitation lay with the mark of the Great Tribulation. If he wiped out the Great Tribulation, the figure in Taihuang Palace could annihilate every single cultivator in the Canglan Realm with a single thought. Including his junior sister, Jiang Lingsu. Even he would be unable to protect them. This time, the Eccentric Painter did not draw. "You might not know this, but every cultivator in the Canglan Realm has had a mark planted within them. "The moment that figure behind the Great Tribulation has a single thought, all living beings will perish. "That includes your junior sister, your relatives, and your friends." Her voice was steeped in despair. "Sometimes, living in a daze like this, never thinking about the affairs of heaven, is a blessing." "You know about the mark?" Qi Yuan looked at the Eccentric Painter. "Did Yu Nü tell you?" Without entering the Yang God realm, discovering that mark was utterly impossible. There was no way the Eccentric Painter could have detected it herself. Which meant it had to be that Yu Nü. "Yu Nü's identity is mysterious; she is suspected to have come from the Upper Realm," the Eccentric Painter said. "Oh? Does she know more details about this mark?" Qi Yuan was very keen on this. Every day, he scrutinized the marks on the cultivators just to find a way to break them. Though so far, he had found no conventional methods—only rather unconventional ones. The Eccentric Painter's body trembled slightly. "This is tied to a supreme treasure. Yu Nü once said that even Yang God experts in the Upper Realm desperately crave a supreme treasure. "It is even said that if a Yang God of the Lower Three Heavens obtains a supreme treasure, they can ascend directly to the Middle Three Heavens along with their entire sect. "If our Canglan Realm possessed a supreme treasure, perhaps we truly could break free from the Great Tribulation!" The Eccentric Painter suppressed her voice, yet the fervent yearning and anticipation within it remained unmistakable. This was the single solution to the Great Tribulation that she had discovered after slacking off for so many years. Qi Yuan frowned in thought, then looked at the Eccentric Painter and asked in all seriousness, "Do I... look like a supreme treasure to you?" Eccentric Painter: "..." "That look on your face makes it hard for me to keep it together. Don't tell me you're about to draw a bowl cut on your head, record a video, and say, 'Fellow Daoists, I witnessed a truly speechless incident today...'" Qi Yuan engaged in malicious speculation. This Eccentric Painter had no face, yet her expressions were far too vivid. "I don't quite understand what you mean, but it is common for experts to have eccentricities," the Eccentric Painter said. "Speaking of which, since the mark is connected to a supreme treasure, doesn't that mean... if I had another supreme treasure, I could resolve the mark?" Qi Yuan mused. The Eccentric Painter shook her head. "I don't know about that either. Supreme treasures can bring fatal disasters even to Yang Gods. How could a tiny fish like me know such things? "However, supreme treasures possess unfathomable powers. Perhaps one truly could isolate the mark. "Of course, the greatest purpose of a supreme treasure is far beyond merely shielding against a mark..." The Eccentric Painter knew very little about supreme treasures—she did not even know what they were specifically called. But from what she had heard Yu Nü say, the plight of the Canglan Realm and the other three thousand realms all stemmed from a single supreme treasure. "All right, now that the game lore is clear, let's proceed with the quest storyline," Qi Yuan said. He then added, "Sorry, too much gaming has rotted my brain. This isn't a game, and what you said isn't lore. "I came here to ask a favor of you: draw something for me." The Eccentric Painter glanced at Qi Yuan. "I rarely paint for others, and I have requirements. If a painting isn't difficult, I won't touch it." "What a coincidence—the thing I want painted happens to be very difficult," Qi Yuan said cheerfully. "Don't worry, I won't mistreat you. If you do a good job, well, I'll reserve... one square meter of land for you inside the painting!" Qi Yuan spoke with complete seriousness, being quite generous by setting aside a whole square meter this time. "Oh? What do you want me to paint?" The Eccentric Painter completely ignored the latter half of his sentence. "Paint... the Netherworld!" Qi Yuan declared solemnly. A look of surprise appeared on the Eccentric Painter's face. "The Underworld? That's merely a legend; there's nothing worth painting about it." In the Canglan Realm, legends of the Underworld existed, as did rumors of reincarnation. Yet most cultivators never took them seriously. When cultivators killed, they extinguished even the soul! Where would there be an Underworld, and where could one fall into reincarnation? "The Netherworld I want painted is different from what you imagine. Furthermore, I will provide you with a brush; you will paint using it," Qi Yuan said calmly. "When I paint, I am only accustomed to using my own brush. The brushes of this world, including yours, are far too ordi—" However, halfway through her sentence, her body froze. From where her eyes should have been, two beam-like flashes pierced straight through the drawing paper covering her face. She stared blankly at the Mountain and River Sheji Brush that Qi Yuan had brought out, her breath catching in her throat. "This brush... this brush... How could such a brush exist in this world? "What kind of brush is this? A Dharma treasure? No! A treasure? That's not right either!" The moment the Mountain and River Sheji Brush appeared, her mind was completely captivated by it. There was nothing else in her eyes besides that brush. She could not conceive how such a brush could exist under heaven. Holding the Mountain and River Sheji Brush, Qi Yuan asked, "My brush is far too ordi-what?" The Eccentric Painter faltered, her face feeling hot, desperately wishing she could take her words back. "Far too ordi... ordinarily confident?" After racking her brain, that was the only term starting with 'ordi' that could remotely pass as a compliment. *Ordinarily confident?* "Praising a brush like that is a bit rude, you know." Qi Yuan chuckled, paying it no mind. The Eccentric Painter kept her eyes fixed on the brush, her expression shifting repeatedly. "Just what is this? Could it be a supreme treasure? No, supreme treasures are mere legends, hard to come by even for Yang Gods. How could one appear here?" Her heart was in turmoil. Compared to this Mountain and River Sheji Brush, the brush in her own hand was far too shabby. "A supreme treasure?" Qi Yuan paused. "I don't know, but this brush is pretty impressive." In the past, Dongjun had used this brush to turn illusion into reality and create the Mountains and Seas Picture Scroll. Based on that description, it truly deserved to be called a supreme treasure. However, Qi Yuan had no clear idea what tier of treasure the figure in Taihuang Palace or the power behind the mark actually possessed. "The brush is ready. Now it's time to explain the Netherworld to you." With a wave of his hand, Qi Yuan manifested seven slide presentations. As a thought struck him, his expression suddenly turned solemn. "Sovereign Heaven and Houtu, Ksitigarbha, the Ten Yama Kings, and the Ghost Emperors of the Five Directions—reveal yourselves at once!" Qi Yuan commanded, his voice ringing like an imperial edict from the Heavenly Emperor. How could one give a slide presentation without presenters? Qi Yuan had long discussed the architectural blueprints of the Netherworld with these deities who held Netherworld offices, working out an exceptionally thorough plan. At the sound of Qi Yuan's voice, a sudden, ghostly wind seemed to sweep through the painting workshop. Over a dozen men and women of mysterious aura and stern, solemn majesty appeared. Each one of them carried a vast, unfathomable presence, mysterious and boundless. The Eccentric Painter's expression shifted slightly. The strongest person she had ever met was Yu Nü. And Yu Nü was a Mythological powerhouse capable of reflecting across the heavens. Yet every single one of these dozen or so individuals possessed an aura far more unfathomable and deep as an abyss than Yu Nü's. She would believe it even if someone told her they were Yang Gods. And then, an even more shocking sight unfolded before her. These dozen-plus mysterious experts bowed their heads toward the Blood-Robed Sword God. "Greetings, My Lord!" The Eccentric Painter's heart shook violently. These figures actually addressed the Blood-Robed Sword God as *My Lord*. Could it be... could it be that the Blood-Robed Sword God really... was a supreme treasure? Just then, Qi Qi's gaze fell upon Jiang Lingsu. A delighted smile appeared in her eyes. "Godfather, is this Godmother? She is truly naturally stunning—a perfect match for you, Godfather!" What Qi Qi visualized was Houtu, one of the Six Imperial Sovereigns. She was also the commander-in-chief for this establishment of the Netherworld. Jiang Lingsu's face flushed crimson instantly. Looking at Qi Qi, she was completely flustered. "*Cough, cough*... Don't talk nonsense, this is my junior sister," Qi Yuan coughed. A smile lingered in Qi Qi's eyes. "For such a breathtaking junior sister to marry someone else would be far too wasteful." "Hey, Qi Qi, don't go defining women however you like. Why does a girl have to marry?" Qi Yuan said. "I'm giving you all a task: explain the Netherworld to her, and once I find the land, you'll help her paint the Netherworld for me!" "Don't worry, Godfather, Qi Qi will see it done properly!" Qi Qi said. Qi Yuan's gaze turned to the Eccentric Painter. "Help me paint the Netherworld, and you get one square meter. "By the way, if it's convenient, compile all the information Yu Nü told you about the Great Tribulation, supreme treasures, and Taihuang Palace. I need it. "This grand plan, *Qi Yuan Eliminates the Great Tribulation*, needs to be made even more thorough and perfect. "*Sigh*, this is bound to be the greatest plan in the history of the Canglan Realm, worthy of being recorded in the annals and adapted for the screen by future generations! "I just hope the actor playing me is handsome enough, or else he won't be able to capture my charm." The Eccentric Painter was left utterly bewildered. She could still follow what Qi Yuan said earlier. Toward the end, it sounded completely bizarre. Even so, she nodded earnestly. "Very well, I will compile it for you immediately." Even her form of address for Qi Yuan had shifted to a respectful honorific. Originally, regarding the Blood-Robed Sword God's claim that he would eradicate the Great Tribulation, she had seen only a lone, reckless warrior attempting the impossible. Now, having seen the Mountain and River Sheji Brush and the dozen-plus mysterious experts appearing by Qi Yuan's side... For some reason, a sliver of hope sprouted within her long-dormant heart. Could he... truly pull it off? Her heart trembled, and she quickly snuffed that trace of worry. She had already made up her mind: she would immediately write a letter to the hidden organization where Jiu Fuzi belonged, warning them under no circumstances to cause trouble for the Blood-Robed Sword God. Otherwise... they would simply be marching to their deaths! *** Rain drizzled outside. Qi Yuan sat on a tower pavilion, his gaze calm. Every day, he observed the cultivators of the world, not limiting himself to the Helan Continent. Unfortunately, his gains were meager. He had not obtained much more information regarding the mark. What the Eccentric Painter could provide was also very limited. Right at that moment, footsteps approached. "Daoist Qi, long time no see! I heard you broke through to the Purple Mansion—truly cause for celebration!" Qi Yuan looked over, delight surfacing on his calm face. "True Monarch Dazhi, my good friend, you're finally here!" Seeing True Monarch Dazhi before him, Qi Yuan felt much more at ease. Whenever he ran into perplexing problems, True Monarch Dazhi was always able to use his brilliant mind to give Qi Yuan some inspiration. "The moment I received your transmission, I rushed over without stopping," True Monarch Dazhi said. "I'm exhausted, and a bit hungry. Let me have a bite first." With that, he lifted a bone hanging around his neck, put it into his mouth to chew, and licked it a few times. Qi Yuan stared, stunned. "What kind of fine treasure is that?" Seeing this, True Monarch Dazhi panicked slightly and pulled the bone back. "*Cough, cough*. Remember the last time we met, when someone tried to plot against you using a diseased bird, wanting you to fall sick? "Back then, the bird got burnt to a crisp. As a refined man, I didn't eat it. "You ate the bird meat and were about to give me the bones..." "I remember throwing the bones away because the bird was diseased," Qi Yuan recalled clearly. Back then, a cultivator from the Mountain of Destiny had tried to scheme against him using a diseased bird. Afterward, he had killed the conspirator and wiped out the Mountain of Destiny with a curse technique. "*Cough, cough*. Well, seeing as you didn't catch any illness, didn't that prove the bird wasn't poisonous? "I saw that this bone wasn't burnt, so I picked it up to have a taste. "It's just that this bone is too tough; I can't bite through it," True Monarch Dazhi explained. "I see," Qi Yuan nodded. Just then, True Monarch Dazhi said, "Regarding the mark you mentioned, I have some thoughts." "Oh?" Qi Yuan's eyes lit up. True Monarch Dazhi was truly worthy of his name; he delivered results the moment he arrived. "Do you remember that book I once saw in a dream?" True Monarch Dazhi asked. "Could it be that you saw a way to remove the mark in that book?" Qi Yuan asked, his eyes brightening further. Qi Yuan's understanding of the Yang God realm had originally come from the book in True Monarch Dazhi's dream. True Monarch Dazhi said, "In a way, yes, and in a way, no." "True Monarch Dazhi, stop speaking in riddles and acting like an aloof master. Do you think your brother doesn't know what you're capable of?" Qi Yuan said. "Where did that diseased bird come from back then?" True Monarch Dazhi asked. "This door!" Qi Yuan waved his hand, and a small wooden door appeared. This wooden door had come from the Destiny Sorcerer who had schemed against him back then. The door's appearance was connected to the Gate of Myriad Manifestations that Qi Yuan had seen in the Liufeng Realm. "Right! This door looks very similar to the legendary Gate of Ultimate Principle! "The Gate of Ultimate Principle is a supreme treasure, the foremost among all exotic treasures! "Rumor has it that when any Ultimate Principle Realm expert in the Immortal Realm breaks through to the Ultimate Principle, the ultimate principle they comprehend will leave a mark upon the Gate of Ultimate Principle. "This door is protected by the rules of ultimate principle; it can surely isolate all marks and karma in the world!" Qi Yuan froze. He recalled that back in the Liufeng Realm, when he comprehended his origin divine ability, the Great Oblivion Heart Scripture, he had also left a mark upon the Gate of Myriad Manifestations. *I am an Ultimate Principle?* *How come I didn't know that?* Qi Yuan looked at True Monarch Dazhi with a face full of suspicion. "You really know a lot. If reality were a game, you'd definitely have close ties with the game developers." More and more, Qi Yuan felt that True Monarch Dazhi was shrouded in mystery, cloaked in mist. Perhaps that mist had a name: the Halo of Wisdom.