Who’s the Inscriptionist?

Four figures from the Star River Association arrived, with the leader being a man around 50 years old. As soon as he entered the gallery, his eyes locked onto the displayed painting.

Standing to his left was Murin, and behind him was none other than Gretchen, the Royal Academy student. When she learned that the Vice President of the Star River Association was visiting in person, she hurried to lead the way.

"Vice President Zuo," the Royal Academy elders greeted respectfully. It was clear that these visitors had an impressive background.

Zuo Yin, the Vice President of the Star River Association, was responsible for the association's weaponsmith division. He held significant authority and was a 3rd-level Divine Inscriptionist himself. The fact that someone of his stature had come personally to view the painting was remarkable.

Zuo Yin nodded in response to the elders and turned his gaze to Xue Ying. "Young lady, how about selling this painting to me? I'm willing to trade a 3rd-level Divine Weapon for it."

Desire trembled in Xue Ying's heart. She wanted to claim ownership of the painting, but she couldn't bear the consequences of embezzling goods delivered by the Sky Transport Network.

"No," she said, struggling internally.

"Young lady, name your price. You can tell me directly. But remember, opportunities like this are rare," Zuo Yin persisted. Xue Ying couldn't meet his gaze.

"Zuo Yin, isn't it inappropriate for someone of your status to pressure a young girl like this?" A voice suddenly interjected, causing Zuo Yin's pupils to involuntarily narrow.

The newcomer wore simple clothing and looked exceedingly ordinary. In any other setting, he might have gone unnoticed, but his appearance sent shudders down Zuo Yin's spine. With this old man's arrival, obtaining the painting wouldn't be easy.

"It seems I'll have to handle this discreetly," Zuo Yin thought to himself. He then whispered to Murin, "We must acquire this painting. Additionally, use all our resources to locate the Inscriptionist who created it. If they're from Chu, spare no expense to invite them to the Star River Association."

Murin nodded. If the young lady continued to refuse their offer, he would immediately tap into the vast informant network of the Star River Association for assistance.

News of the painting's commotion spread to all the martial academies, even reaching the Emperor Star Academy, where it caused quite a stir.

Meanwhile, Mu Rou was feeling better than before. She entered the Dreamsky Forest once more. Since being ostracized, the City of Illusions had become her sanctuary. She frequently honed her skills there, tirelessly striving to enhance her combat abilities.

Mu Rou returned to the place she knew so well out of habit, only to find Qin Wentian there this time. She couldn't help but break into a smile as she asked, "What are you doing here?"

Qin Wentian responded with a shrug, "Yesterday, we were supposed to meet here for your birthday, but I was late, so I missed you. I thought I'd try my luck today."

Mu Rou looked slightly abashed, saying, "You really came here yesterday? I'm sorry; I only waited for a short while before leaving."

Qin Wentian smiled, "I thought something might have upset you. Since we're friends, I care about your feelings."

Mu Rou smiled gently, "You're overthinking it."

Changing the topic, she said, "Oh, by the way, Qin Wentian, you're a 3rd-level Divine Inscriptionist, right? The Royal Academy is currently exhibiting a mystical Divine Inscription painting that's open for everyone to view. Rumor has it that a grandmaster evaluated it as comparable to a 3rd-level Divine Imprint. Would you like to come take a look?"

Qin Wentian furrowed his brow. Although the news had spread to the Emperor Star Academy, he hadn't heard of this development.

Mu Rou continued, "It's a human-shaped figure wielding an ancient halberd. Now that I think about it, it looks very similar to the weapon you're carrying."

Qin Wentian frowned, connecting the dots. A human-shaped figure wielding an ancient halberd in a Divine Inscription painting? That sounded exactly like the gift he had prepared for Mu Rou.

"Mu Rou, did you receive the gift I prepared for you yesterday?" Qin Wentian casually asked.

"Gift?" Mu Rou paused for a moment, then her face lit up with joy. "I didn't expect you to prepare a gift for me. I haven't received it yet, though. Did you ask a friend to deliver it? What's the gift?"

Mu Rou's words confirmed Qin Wentian's suspicion. It seemed he needed to have a talk with the people from the Sky Transport Network.

"Wait for me at the Royal Academy; I'm coming right now," Qin Wentian said as he turned and hurried away.

Mu Rou, puzzled by his haste, called out after him, "Why are you in such a rush? I'll wait for you at the Royal Academy's entrance."

With that, she too departed, touched by the fact that someone remembered her birthday. During this period of ostracization, she had witnessed the true range of human emotions. A real friend would never treat her the way others were treating her.

After Qin Wentian reported the situation to the Sky Transport Network representative stationed at the Emperor Star Academy, they launched an immediate investigation and showed a willingness to cooperate.

As for Qin Wentian, he made his way to the Royal Academy. Mu Rou was indeed waiting for him at the academy's entrance.

"That was fast," Mu Rou exclaimed in shock as she watched Little Rascal rapidly transform into a smaller version of itself. Her eyes gleamed with fascination.

"This little guy is even faster than a dragon horse," Qin Wentian smiled. "Let's go take a look at the Divine Inscription painting you mentioned."

"It seems like you're really interested in this painting," Mu Rou laughed as she led the way. Although their real-world interactions had been limited, they had become familiar with each other during their sparring in the dreamscape and had already grown to consider each other good friends.

The Gallery Hall was bustling with people. Renowned weaponsmiths had rushed over to the Royal Academy and were awestruck by what they saw. Such a heaven-defying creation... The Human-shaped Divine Inscription figure wielding the halberd was actually composed of a perfect fusion of numerous intricate Divine Imprints that synergized flawlessly, creating an entity of its own.

Greed and impulse stirred in the hearts of many spectators, and they coveted the painting for themselves. However, within the Royal Academy, no one dared to be too audacious.

Even before Qin Wentian arrived at the Gallery Hall, he encountered some familiar faces – Ye Zhan and Liu Yan.

Ye Zhan halted in his tracks, a faint smile playing on his lips as a cold glint flashed in his eyes. He looked at Mu Rou and remarked, "Mu Rou, I had no idea your relationship with Qin Wentian was so good. I wonder what your Mu Clan would think if they found out."

"It's none of your business," Mu Rou retorted coldly, casting a dismissive glance at Ye Zhan.

Qin Wentian calmly looked at Liu Yan, the misunderstanding from before having been resolved. He no longer had any reservations. Despite the fact that Ye Zhan was dating Liu Yan, Qin Wentian wouldn't hesitate to confront him if necessary.

"Is that so?" Ye Zhan sneered. But before he could continue, Qin Wentian intervened, warning him, "You'd better watch your mouth."

As he spoke, an icy aura radiated from Qin Wentian, surging toward Ye Zhan. Ye Zhan paled and froze momentarily before glaring back at Qin Wentian. He retorted with a cold laugh, "If it weren't for the support of the Emperor Star Academy, do you think you'd still be alive today?"

"If we weren't within the grounds of the Royal Academy, you'd already be dead," Qin Wentian stated, taking a step forward. A tremendous pressure emanated from him, causing Ye Zhan's face to contort with unease. He hastily retreated two steps.

"Let's go," Qin Wentian said to Mu Rou. Mu Rou, however, fixed a cold gaze on Ye Zhan. "What if not? If it weren't for being born into the Ye Clan, would you dare to be so arrogant? Everything he's achieved, he's earned with his own hands. What right do you have to say 'if not'?"

Mu Rou then glanced at Liu Yan, who stood beside Ye Zhan. "Your judgment is seriously flawed."

Mu Rou led Qin Wentian into the Gallery Hall, leaving Ye Zhan with a grim expression. A flicker of malice flashed in his eyes.

Upon seeing the painting, Qin Wentian's eyes lit up with sharp intensity. This was the gift he had prepared for Mu Rou, a gift she was unaware of. And now, it was displayed in the Royal Academy without his permission. Anyone in his position would be furious.

However, as Qin Wentian approached the painting, he was blocked by someone who curtly said, "Keep your distance."

Qin Wentian snorted coldly. He couldn't even approach his own creation?

Ye Zhan's voice cut through the air. "He's Qin Wentian from the Emperor Star Academy." Several gazes converged on Qin Wentian.

Someone in the crowd chuckled. "Qin Wentian from the Emperor Star Academy? What's he doing here in our Royal Academy?"

"I heard he's a 3rd-level Divine Inscriptionist. Maybe he came here hoping to gain some insights from the painting."

The Elders of the Royal Academy also turned their attention to Qin Wentian. One of them spoke up. "Since you're from the Emperor Star Academy, step back."

The Royal Academy was in constant competition with the Emperor Star Academy, especially for the coveted position of the number one martial academy in the Chu Country. Consequently, the Royal Academy often made things difficult for students from their rival institution. And this student happened to be none other than the infamous Qin Wentian, so they had no intention of being polite.