MSBITRS Chapter 76 V2

Wan Linjun’s stiff smile surfaced again. “Rest up. I need to return to refine more pills.”

“I’ll visit your peak another day.”

“Mm, come whenever you like.”

Putting away his unsettling smile, Wan Linjun tapped his cane against the ground. A cloud formed beneath his feet, lifting him into the air as he headed back toward Danding Peak.

The old man had come all this way simply to encourage Li Changshou.

If the other elders refused to acknowledge him, Wan Linjun would.

If no one else in the sect would protect him, Wan Linjun would.

That was all there was to it.

Standing by the lake, jade token in hand, Li Changshou watched the elder’s retreating figure in silence, his heart finally settling.

The Primordial World was dangerous, but not everyone in it was cruel.

“Senior Brother!”

A soft voice called from the window.

Ling’e peeked out, lowering her voice. “Someone else is coming!”

“I see them.”

Li Changshou sighed, slipping the jade token into his sleeve. Today was too lively…

“You’ve been quite well-behaved today,” he commented, glancing at Ling’e.

She pulled a face at him. “I just didn’t want to get scolded again for causing trouble!”

Then she blinked and asked curiously, “Senior Brother… did you surrender earlier?”

“I won.” Li Changshou transmitted his voice directly to her. “But inside our sect, we must be mindful of these things.”

“Oh.”

He added casually, “Later, prepare some tea and bring it to my room. That dragon prince, Ao Yi, is bringing a female companion. Our Xiaoqiong Peak must have someone presentable as well.”

Ling’e’s eyes widened before she let out a few suppressed giggles.

She quickly activated the isolation array outside her room—one that had recently been improved by her senior brother—then deftly began changing and freshening up.

Before long, Ao Yi, Han Zhi, and the one leading the way, Senior Uncle Jiu Wu, descended on clouds, landing softly before them.

Li Changshou stepped forward to greet them, exchanging a knowing glance with Jiu Wu. Instantly, the two understood each other’s intentions.

Li Changshou had expected Ao Yi to visit, and he had expected an apology. What he had not expected was for the young prince to bow deeply upon arrival.

“Your Highness, there’s no need for such courtesy. Please, come inside. My humble abode is simple—you must forgive the lack of grandeur.”

With that, Li Changshou welcomed Ao Yi and Han Zhi into his grass hut.

Before Ao Yi could even bring up the earlier duel, Li Changshou casually asked, “Does Your Highness have an appreciation for painting and calligraphy?”

Thus, the topic veered off course.

Ao Yi and Han Zhi were quickly drawn in, their attention fully captured by Li Changshou’s effortless redirection.

Li Changshou took out several of his collected and personally crafted paintings, allowing them to admire his work.

Before long, the conversation flowed entirely under his control. Ao Yi and Han Zhi, a dragon and a woman, nodded continuously, genuinely intrigued.

Jiu Wu, initially worried about any lingering awkwardness, soon found himself absorbed in the discussion as well. Eventually, he even took out a few pieces from his private collection to join in.

Half an hour later, Ling’e, having meticulously dressed up, entered with a tray of tea.

The three guests couldn’t help but pause in admiration.

This young junior sister of Li Changshou’s—

She wore a delicate gauze dress, her hair arranged into an intricate cloud bun, adorned with a jade hairpin and pearl earrings.

Her eyes sparkled, her nose was small and exquisite, and her lips were a soft pink.

Her brows were like the delicate arcs of a crescent moon, her slender neck exuding an air of grace.

Her skin rivaled fresh snow, and her waist was so delicate it seemed as though a breeze could sway her.

At first glance, she seemed like a celestial maiden meant to dance to divine melodies.

Upon a second look, she appeared to have stepped out of an exquisite painting.

Ling’e’s presence subtly overshadowed Han Zhi’s, her looks and temperament making a noticeable impression.

When she sat beside Li Changshou, her bright gaze flickering with curiosity, Jiu Wu couldn’t help but have a thought—

‘Does Xiao Jiu… perhaps have feelings for Changshou?

If she does, then… I should probably give her a heads-up about this junior sister of his…’

—A seasoned elder’s instinctive sense of crisis.

What began as a discussion about paintings extended all the way until dawn. By then, Ao Yi and Han Zhi had developed a newfound appreciation for Li Changshou, deeming him a refined gentleman with impeccable taste.

Everyone enjoyed themselves.

Seeing that they had no intention of leaving, Li Changshou skillfully transitioned the conversation to music.

However, before long, Han Zhi received a transmission from her master. She whispered something to Ao Yi, who frowned slightly before nodding.

Regret flashed across the young dragon prince’s face as he stood. “Brother Changshou, it seems we must take our leave. There is a matter at Po Tian Peak that requires our attention—our senior brothers are about to spar with your sect’s elders.”

Li Changshou walked them to the lake, engaging in a reluctant yet polite farewell.

At last, the troublesome guests were sent off.

The dragon prince smiled warmly. “Brother Changshou, should you ever find yourself free, please visit Jin’ao Island. I will personally host you, and we shall continue our discussions.”

“Of course, of course.”

As Ao Yi and Han Zhi departed, Jiu Wu shot Li Changshou a discreet thumbs-up before following after them.

Watching their figures fade into the distance, Li Changshou waved lightly, sighing inwardly—

‘Fate willing, we shall meet again…

Or better yet, let’s never meet again.’

With this burden off his shoulders, Li Changshou stretched lazily, his divine sense turning toward Po Tian Peak.

The renowned cultivator Wang Qing Shang was about to make a move.

Though Li Changshou was curious to witness the battle, he had dealt with enough trouble for one day. He chose to observe from afar.

Meanwhile, inside the grass hut, a cheerful Ling’e bustled about, tidying up the scattered scrolls and teacups.

Her gaze landed on a partially unrolled painting. Tilting her head, she saw the title at the top—

“My Greatest Treasures.”

Her senior brother’s handwriting.

Hmph, let’s see what kind of woman you admire.

She sneakily glanced at Li Changshou’s back by the lake before fully opening the scroll.

It was…

A secret weapon.

A masterpiece from Li Changshou’s early years—his now-retired “One Hundred Beauties, Aged” series.

The brushwork was exquisite. His artistic skills had surpassed even his usual standard.

It had been tucked away for decades, a forgotten relic among his collection of finished pieces.

Ling’e unrolled it further, her hands trembling.

Her legs gave out.

She collapsed against the desk.

…

What now?