Chapter 2: Conquering Cultivators with Talent
Qin Yudie smiled and inquired, "Hope you don’t mind us asking, who is the calligrapher wrote this plaque?"
She harbored modest expectations, recognizing that the individual responsible for such profound sentiments on the plaque must be a reclusive master, unlikely to readily disclose their whereabouts and identity.
"Are you referring to 'What Are You Gazing At'?" Xu Yan couldn't fathom why this attractive young lady, instead of buying things, was inquiring about things like this. Nevertheless, thinking that she might be a wealthy lady, he replied honestly, "I wrote it. After all, this is my shop, so naturally, I wrote it myself."
Upon finishing his response, he noticed that these two young ladies, especially the one who asked the question, seemed somewhat off. Their expressions were frozen, tinged with surprise.
Could it be that they were awestruck by my exceptional good looks?
After a moment, Qin Yudie realized she had been somewhat indiscreet. She put on a smile, "Really?"
She had suspicions; the person before her exhibited no cultivation and appeared entirely ordinary, let alone being exceptionally young. How could such an individual be the author of characters imbued with profound Tao?
Perplexed, Xu Yan said, "Of course, I wrote them myself. If you find them unlikable, I can rewrite them anytime."
Feeling a bit uneasy now, he thought that perhaps these two individuals were unsettled by the words "What Are You Gazing At." Otherwise, why would they seize upon him to inquire about the inscription on the plaque?
Upon hearing Xu Yan's affirmative reply, Qin Yudie and Mu'er exchanged a glance, detecting astonishment and doubt in each other's eyes.
Subsequently, Mu'er's eyes flashed with intelligence. Turning to Xu Yan, she asked, "Did you create all the calligraphy and paintings in this shop?"
Understanding Mu'er's implication, Qin Yudie grasped the situation.
If this young man truly wrote the plague "What Are You Gazing At," there might be other calligraphy and paintings in the shop containing Tao sentiments. A quick inspection could reveal whether they were crafted by the same hand.
"All the works in this shop are my own creations. Would you like to take a look?" Xu Yan said, entering the small store and holding the door wide open.
Numerous calligraphy and paintings adorned the walls, and this was only the outer hall; the inner hall housed other treasures.
Qin Yudie and Mu'er followed suit and entered the shop. As they gazed upon the calligraphy and paintings, the world before them suddenly transformed.
Endless Tao sentiments surged from the artworks, encompassing the Tao of landscapes, the Tao of living beings, and many other grand paths.
Rivers imbued with Tao flowed vigorously, towering mountains changed form, and in an instant, everything disappeared.
On a colossal and magnificent vine resembling a heavenly abyss, seven gourds were suspended, falling to the ground, transforming into a young man.
This was the evolution of life, the supreme Tao.
Qin Yudie and Mu'er emerged from the Tao sentiments of the calligraphy and paintings, their eyes filled with unimaginable awe.
All these works contained Tao sentiments, surpassing by far the few characters on the plaque.
Mu'er looked at Qin Yudie and communicated through spiritual transmission, "Senior sister, have we encountered a reclusive master?"
"Hush!" Qin Yudie's expression suddenly became solemn, and she transmitted her spiritual power at the same time, "The owner of this shop is undoubtedly a reclusive master, a true powerhouse. Such venerable figures choose to live in seclusion to experience the mundane world. We must not broach the topics of cultivation and Tao sentiments with him."
"Also, stop using spiritual transmission. Such minor skills cannot fool him, and it may displease him, akin to showing off a minor skill in front of an expert."
After communicating with Mu'er, she looked at Xu Yan with an expression of respect and admiration that was hard to conceal.
A person who comprehended numerous grand Tao and could integrate them into calligraphy and paintings was unquestionably an unimaginable powerhouse.
Encountering such a figure was indeed her good fortune.
Xu Yan felt a bit uncomfortable under Qin Yudie's gaze and asked, "Miss, is there a particular piece you like?"
Unconsciously treating herself as a junior, Qin Yudie replied, "I truly admire the senior's calligraphy and paintings, but they are priceless treasures, and I’m afraid I cannot afford..."
These calligraphy and paintings, each imbued with Tao sentiments, were truly treasures of the cultivation world. Their value was immeasurable. Although she was the granddaughter of the sect master of the Tianren Sect, she couldn’t afford such priceless treasures.
"Senior? Priceless treasures?" Xu Yan was initially puzzled, unsure of what these young ladies were getting at. However, he quickly realized that Qin Yudie and Mu'er's gazes were once again fixed on his calligraphy and paintings, displaying a look of enchantment.
He understood it all, crystal clear.
It turned out that these two young ladies were also enthusiasts of calligraphy and paintings, but their skills were likely mediocre. Seeing a master like himself in this field, calling him "senior" and labeling his works as "priceless treasures" was understandable.
Otherwise, outsiders observing his works such as "A Lone Wolf in Fierce Battle Against Five Sheep," "The Straw-Hat Youth's World Tour," and "The Electric Mouse's One Hundred Thousand Volts" would have no idea what they represented. Only those knowledgeable in the art would recognize his brilliance.
Not to boast, but aside from cultivation, he had achieved a level of mastery in various skills, reaching a state of returning to simplicity and transcending the ordinary.
These girls turned out to be a fan of calligraphy and paintings. He decided he should put on the airs of a senior. With this in mind, Xu Yan spoke, "Since you both appreciate calligraphy and paintings, allow me to gift you a piece."
He walked to the painting table and brought over his earlier creation, "The Seven Calabash Brothers Rescuing Grandfather," extending it to Qin Yudie.
Qin Yudie, pleasantly surprised, could hardly believe it. "Senior, is this... truly a gift for me?"
In her heart, she thought, Such a priceless treasure given directly to others—indeed, he is a genuine reclusive master, unconcerned about material possessions, freely doing as he pleases. I wonder when I can reach the same level as this senior.
"Of course, it's just a painting. Look at all the ones I have here. Would I deceive you?" Xu Yan said nonchalantly.
This person exuded an otherworldly temperament, possibly a cultivator. Conquering a cultivator maiden with talent, having her address him as "senior," genuinely pleased him. Giving away a casually drawn painting was no big deal.
After all, his paintings usually sold for only a few dozen copper coins. Gaining a fan of calligraphy and paintings was already worthwhile.
"Thank you so much, Senior!" Qin Yudie was extremely delighted. She received "The Seven Calabash Brothers Rescuing Grandfather" and carefully examined it. Then she noticed a signature in one corner: Xu Yan.
She looked up at Xu Yan and asked, "Is Xu Yan your name, Senior?"
Xu Yan, pleased with the title "senior," said somewhat arrogantly, "Of course, would you, a fellow enthusiast of calligraphy and paintings, leave someone else's name on your artwork?"
He found this young lady more agreeable, not just because she was beautiful, but mainly because she appreciated his talent. Usually, ordinary people who bought his calligraphy and paintings had little understanding of the art, making him feel quite isolated.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone