The Commotion caused by a Painting

Today marked Mu Rou's 18th birthday, a time in life often regarded as the pinnacle of youth. However, this year she felt an overwhelming sense of loneliness.

Her family had made no effort to arrange a birthday celebration for her, and even her so-called 'friends' had drastically changed their attitudes, neglecting to offer even a simple congratulation.

"Xue Yuan, Ke`er," Mu Rou called out to the two girls who shared her beautiful courtyard.

"What is it, Mu Rou?" Xue Yuan and Ke`er turned their heads to look at her.

"Today is my birthday. Would you like to have a meal together?" Mu Rou asked, her gaze fixed on them.

Xue Yuan chuckled dismissively. "I'm sorry, but I have some things to attend to."

Ke`er swiftly followed suit. "I'm busy as well. I can't join you." With that, she left abruptly, not bothering to offer any pleasantries. Mu Rou couldn't help but sigh deeply. Although both of them wore polite smiles, she could sense the insincerity beneath. She had long suspected that her 'friends' no longer wished to associate with her, and their actions now confirmed her suspicions.

Nevertheless, the disappointment was real. In the past, when Chu Ling had been here, the four of them had enjoyed a strong bond. Her relationship with Chu Ling, in particular, had been especially close. Xue Yuan and Ke`er would usually go along with whatever they did. Even though Chu Ling often found the duo tiresome, Mu Rou had a good rapport with them.

Mu Rou left her courtyard and headed in the direction of the Dreamsky Forest, a place where she often met Qin Wentian. But today, she departed after waiting for a while without seeing him. Recent events had weighed heavily on her mind, leaving her distracted. She aimlessly roamed the Royal Academy, her thoughts consumed by the changes in her life.

Meanwhile, Xue Yuan and Ke`er returned to their residence, but before they could head out again, a courier delivered a scroll to them via the Sky Transport Network.

The Sky Transport Network was one of the most prominent companies in the Chu Country, known for its top-tier courier services. They possessed a fleet of formidable demonic beasts, and for a suitable fee, they could expedite deliveries beyond the country's borders. Moreover, the Sky Transport Network enjoyed special privileges that allowed them to operate within martial academies without question. Considering that many students hailed from different corners of the world, courier services were a vital part of academy life, and the Sky Transport Network was the undisputed leader in this field.

The painting scroll had originated from the Emperor Star Academy and was meant for Mu Rou. However, since Mu Rou wasn't at her residence, the Sky Transport Network entrusted it to Xue Yuan for delivery.

Xue Yuan and Ke`er were mildly curious but didn't pay it too much heed. They took the delivered scroll with them as they headed to a lecture conducted by one of the Elders. While their friendships with Mu Rou were not as close as before, they didn't mind delivering an item for her. And of course, they had no intention of simply "losing" the item. Knowing that the Sky Transport Network was among the top three companies in the Chu Country, they understood that they possessed formidable methods beyond courier services.

To accomplish continent-wide deliveries, the network would need an extensive and efficient network of informants, allowing them to be familiar with every location and even individuals.

"Xue Yuan, what's in that scroll?" Chu Ling, who was also attending the lecture, noticed the scroll case in Xue Yuan's hands and couldn't resist asking.

"It was delivered by the Sky Transport Network. The recipient is Mu Rou, and it appears to be from the Emperor Star Academy. However, the courier didn't leave a name," Xue Yuan explained.

"The Emperor Star Academy? Open it up and let's see," Chu Ling ordered. Xue Yuan hesitated momentarily but, after seeing Chu Ling's furrowed brow, decided to open the scroll case. As the mystical-looking painting was revealed, both Xue Yuan and Chu Ling instinctively took a step back, inadvertently causing the painting to tumble to the ground.

The moment the painting was unveiled, a powerful and dominating aura emanated from it, as though the figure within the painting was alive, wielding an ancient halberd and poised to obliterate everything in its path.

"What's going on?" Onlookers gathered around, their eyes fixed on the mystical painting that had fallen to the ground. They, too, felt the overwhelming aura when the painting was exposed. It was as if the figure within the artwork had come to life, brandishing an ancient halberd with the intent to conquer all.

"What an extraordinary painting; it must be priceless."

"Art collectors would go crazy for this masterpiece," the crowd marveled, while Chu Ling couldn't help but mutter, "Isn't it just a painting?"

Deep down, though, she couldn't help but wonder who had gifted such a painting to Mu Rou.

"What's happening here?" At that moment, a middle-aged figure appeared on the scene. This middle-aged man was the Elder leading the day's lecture. Seeing the commotion, he couldn't resist walking over.

Almost instantly, the crowd parted to make way for the Elder. His gaze landed on the painting on the ground.

"Whose is this?" inquired the Royal Academy Elder.

"It's Xue Yuan's," a voice from the crowd pointed towards Xue Yuan when the Elder inquired about the painting's owner.

The Elder fixed his gaze on Xue Yuan and asked, "Could you lend this to me?" An awkward expression surfaced on Xue Yuan's face. This painting had been delivered by the Sky Transport Network, intended for Mu Rou, not her. She had only agreed to pass it on to Mu Rou when the courier sought her approval.

"Xue Yuan, if you ever encounter any issues with your cultivation in the future, don't hesitate to seek my guidance," the Elder offered, leaving Xue Yuan somewhat frozen in disbelief. An Elder wouldn't actually keep the painting, right?

"Alright," Xue Yuan nodded reluctantly. The Elder smiled, taking the painting in his possession. "Today's lesson will be postponed to another time. Everyone, disperse."

With that, the Elder hastily left, leaving the students to buzz with questions. What kind of item could prompt such attention from an Elder?

Meanwhile, Mu Rou remained oblivious to these events. Even Qin Wentian had no inkling of what was transpiring and hadn't given much thought to the painting's value.

Returning to her residence, Mu Rou noticed Xue Yuan treating her with an unusual degree of politeness. Xue Yuan seemed somewhat restless, leading Mu Rou to suspect that something was amiss. However, she didn't dwell on it too much and spent the day in solitude, overwhelmed by sadness.

It was her 18th birthday, yet it felt like the loneliest she could remember.

Perhaps it was due to her family's political pressures. Her father, who had always pampered her, hadn't made an effort to invite her back. These influential figures had no time for her emotions, as they were too preoccupied with their own political maneuverings.

As the date of the Jun Lin Banquet drew closer, the looming specter of the Nine Mystical Palace's hidden influence, Luo Qianqiu's quest for the top spot, the arrival of the Snowcloud Country's Crown Prince, and the rising power of Chu Tianjiao and his allies made it increasingly challenging for anyone associated with the infamous Qin Wentian.

That fateful day, in the midst of a snowstorm, Qin Wentian had turned down the opportunity to befriend the 3rd Prince, Chu Tianjiao.

Unbeknownst to the students of the Royal Academy, several teachers within the institution were in a state of uproar due to the mysterious painting from the Emperor Star Academy.

Although they weren't aware of the painting's true origin, an Elder had claimed it belonged to a Royal Academy student named Xue Yuan. With that knowledge, no one delved too deeply into its origins.

Moreover, the Royal Academy decided to showcase the painting in one of its galleries. Invitations would be extended to individuals from across the nation, particularly to weaponsmiths and Divine Inscriptionists.

The news of this extraordinary painting quickly spread throughout Chu Country. On the second day, the Royal Academy officially announced that the painting belonged to Xue Yuan and was an invaluable treasure. They would be sending out invitations for people to come and view it, creating a frenzy of excitement.

Yet, Xue Yuan was gripped by anxiety. This painting wasn't rightfully hers, and if the truth came to light, her reputation would be shattered instantly.

In her mind, Xue Yuan thought that her only viable course of action was to repair her relationship with Mu Rou. Once their bond was mended, she would disclose the truth about the painting's ownership.

Mu Rou was utterly perplexed. She couldn't fathom why Xue Yuan had suddenly become so courteous and had even invited her to view the mysterious painting. However, her curiosity about the widely discussed artwork compelled her to visit the gallery hall alongside Xue Yuan.

The Royal Academy's Gallery Hall was a grand and expansive space. The painting occupied a central position on the first level, and a throng of people surrounded it, keeping a respectful distance.

Several venerable elders stood near the painting. Despite their aged appearances, their eyes gleamed with vitality.

"There's no doubt about it; this painting must be a Divine Imprint. A Human-type Divine Imprint, no less, and a truly awe-inspiring creation. I wonder which grandmaster crafted it," one elderly man commented, filled with reverence.

"If we were to classify this painting by Divine Imprint levels, it would likely be a 3rd-level Divine Imprint. Its extraordinary aura is beyond compare. I can confidently say this is the first time such a Divine Imprint has emerged in Chu Country," another person exclaimed, stunning the onlookers. This painting was, in fact, a Divine Imprint!

"A creation defying the heavens. A priceless treasure," countless individuals offered their evaluations, with some even inquiring of the Royal Academy's elders, "Is this painting available for purchase?"

"That's a question for the owner to answer," replied an elder, who was none other than Xue Yuan's teacher. He spotted her in the crowd, smiled, and called out, "Xue Yuan, are you willing to sell this painting?"

Xue Yuan was momentarily frozen, her gaze shifting to Mu Rou.

"If the painting is indeed for sale, as a heaven-defying creation, its price would be beyond imagination. Moreover, how did you come into possession of this artwork? Which grandmaster was responsible for its creation?" the Elder inquired further.

Mu Rou also glanced at Xue Yuan, taken aback by the revelation that Xue Yuan possessed such a priceless painting, which had caused such a stir.

"The grandmasters from the Star River Association have arrived," a voice announced at that moment, signaling the arrival of several figures. Their presence was evidently related to the painting.