Riddle within the painting

In the outskirts of the Royal Capital sprawled a realm draped in a verdant tapestry of bamboo shoots. This bamboo forest stood as a sentinel right at the threshold of the Dark Forest, cloaked in a serene and tranquil ambiance.

Qin Wentian and Lu Feng reached this distinct locale, their gaze fixed on the vibrant sea of bamboo that exuded an aura of burgeoning life.

"Here we are, though I'm unable to accompany you inside," Lu Feng lamented with a wry smile. "No one would dare to invade this forest without permission."

With a light nod, Qin Wentian hoisted Little Rascal and advanced, beckoning with a respectful tone. "Qin Wentian, a junior, seeks to pay his respects to Senior Gongyang."

"You may proceed," resonated a voice from within the bamboo forest. Before him, the bamboo stalks seemed to animate, parting to form a passage leading forward.

"Here's where we part ways," Lu Feng said, his smile lingering.

"Thank you," Qin Wentian acknowledged, and Lu Feng took his leave.

As Qin Wentian traversed the path, he found it elongated, eventually revealing a modest lodge at its end. The tranquil surroundings imparted a sense of seclusion, as if this place existed in its own serene universe.

"What a remarkable place," Qin Wentian marveled inwardly. Approaching, he discerned Gongyang Hong sitting before the lodge, engrossed in the act of inscription. Arranged before him lay a series of scrolls, each adorned with intricate runic patterns that seemed almost like Divine Imprints.

"Senior Gongyang," Qin Wentian greeted with respect.

"You're quite prompt, young one. Come take a look at this painting," Gongyang Hong beckoned.

Seated, Qin Wentian accepted the proffered painting, a subtle stiffness overtaking his expression. Before him lay yet another Human-type Divine Inscription painting.

"Senior, what is this?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"A Divine Inscription painting, naturally. How long do you think you'll require to comprehend the Divine Imprints within?" Gongyang Hong questioned.

Frowning, Qin Wentian scrutinized the painting before him. Within its frame, a figure of ethereal allure extended a pointing finger, emanating an overpowering pressure that seemed to pierce the viewer's very soul.

A jolt coursed through Qin Wentian's mind, and involuntarily, he released his grip on the painting, his heart quaking in astonishment.

"I suspect the Divine Imprints on that painting are of the 4th level. Gaining insights within a short span is an impossibility," Qin Wentian replied.

"Did you inscribe this, Senior?" he inquired.

Gongyang Hong chuckled. "How could I possess such an advanced level of comprehension? You're giving me too much credit."

"Regarding your painting, how did you manage to inscribe it?" Gongyang Hong probed.

"In a unique state of epiphany, I attempted to channel the energy within me into the painting. Through a fortuitous combination of factors, I succeeded," Qin Wentian replied with utmost respect.

"Channeling your internal energy into the painting?" Gongyang Hong repeated, his eyes lighting up with intrigue.

"Yes, and it's led me to wonder: aren't Divine Imprints and innate techniques somewhat similar? They share certain distinctive traits," Qin Wentian mused. His casual contemplations had a profound impact, prompting Gongyang Hong to suddenly grasp something as if struck by a bolt of insight.

"Divine Imprints, akin to innate techniques?" Gongyang Hong murmured, a mesmerized look in his eyes as he fixated on the Divine Inscription painting before Qin Wentian.

"If this painting were an innate technique, what kind would it be?" He continued to ponder, his gaze lost in the painting.

4th level Divine Inscriptions were exponentially more intricate than 3rd level ones. Qin Wentian was unable to decipher them. As he concentrated on the painting, an overwhelming sense of razor-sharp pressure bore down on him.

Qin Wentian sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and employed the Dreamcast Art to enter his dreamscape. In an instant, he found himself on the same ocean shore as before, face to face with the Divine Inscription painting of the enchanting woman.

"Transform," he commanded with his dream will. The Divine Imprints in the 4th level painting came to life, manifesting the ravishing figure that launched a series of attacks in his dreamscape.

Although Qin Wentian couldn't yet decipher the nature of the 4th level Divine Inscriptions, within his dream, he tested his theory, allowing the painting to undergo various transformations to deduce its properties.

Exiting his dreamscape, he found Gongyang Hong still in his reverie. Abruptly, Gongyang Hong snapped out of it and stared at Qin Wentian. "Use the energy you sensed from the painting to attack me. Hurry."

Gongyang Hong's demeanor astonished Qin Wentian. This Divine Inscription painting appeared to hold profound significance for Gongyang Hong.

Rising, Qin Wentian thrust his finger into the space before him. The surroundings quivered as his finger attack made contact with Gongyang Hong's body. Yet, it felt like stabbing a wall of steel—Qin Wentian couldn't even budge his opponent.

"Finger technique, staggered attacks? There are no such innate techniques. I'm certain of it," Gongyang Hong declared.

"Senior, the technique I used was undoubtedly a finger-type innate technique. However, what I sensed is merely the tip of the iceberg. It could be a spear-type or sword-type technique, or perhaps something else entirely. Furthermore, it seems to be infused with an unending current of energy," Qin Wentian explained.

"Spear-type or sword-type technique? Unending, eternal energy?" Gongyang Hong absorbed himself in thought for a long while. Abruptly, he lunged sideways, unleashing a sword strike. His Sword Qi surged, ferociously aiming to obliterate everything in its path. The wind generated by his swing coalesced into a furious hurricane, slashing through bamboo shoots with relentless vigor.

"Could it be this type of innate technique?" Gongyang Hong queried.

"It's highly likely," Qin Wentian replied, his heart pounding as he felt Gongyang Hong's formidable sword intent.

"The Nine Swords of Life, this is it, the Nine Swords of Life!" Gongyang Hong exclaimed, his excitement palpable. He rushed back into his lodge and returned with three more Divine Inscription paintings, hastily handing them to Qin Wentian. "Quickly, help me examine these and tell me what they contain."

Gongyang Hong, an expert weaponsmith, possessed profound knowledge of Divine Inscriptions. Yet, he now appeared like a madman, seized by an inexplicable frenzy. What kind of paintings could provoke such a reaction?

"Alright," Qin Wentian agreed, taking the second painting in his hands.

In this painting, a figure extended his palms, releasing a devastating energy much like the previous 4th level Divine Inscription painting. However, Qin Wentian couldn't decipher its meaning.

Once more, he entered his dreamscape, meticulously studying the countless transformations, then shared his insights with Gongyang Hong. But no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't match this innate technique to any known one.

"Senior, perhaps you've never cultivated this particular innate technique before," Qin Wentian suggested gently.

"Impossible, absolutely impossible. If what you say is true, that innate techniques are hidden within Divine Imprints, I would certainly recognize them. I've never cultivated the Nine Swords of Life either," Gongyang Hong declared firmly. He then executed over a hundred different innate techniques at Qin Wentian's request, decimating the area before him.

"Senior Gongyang knows so many innate techniques. Even if he's never cultivated them, he can instantly grasp their essence and meanings. That's incredible," Qin Wentian marveled.

Gongyang Hong's vast knowledge astonished him. As he glanced at the painting once more, he pondered, "Could it be that this innate technique comprises multiple transformations within itself?"

"What did you say?" Gongyang Hong's eyes lit up upon hearing Qin Wentian's words.

"Senior, perhaps this innate technique contains many different transformations within it?" Qin Wentian speculated. Gongyang Hong took a deep breath, stepped forward, and thrust out his palms. This time, he didn't execute any specific techniques, but Qin Wentian sensed that Gongyang Hong's next strike would encompass countless transformations.

"Yes, that's the feeling I had," Qin Wentian confirmed.

"Formless Art," Gongyang Hong murmured as he directed Qin Wentian to examine the next painting.

Qin Wentian nodded and analyzed the third painting. It featured inscriptions of stunning beauty and mystique, but it didn't appear to be an innate technique. The two of them engaged in deep discussion, and even as night fell, they had yet to reach a conclusion.

They forwent sleep, continuing their analysis. Finally, Gongyang Hong made a seemingly awkward, ungraceful movement. Despite its clumsiness, it caused Qin Wentian's eyes to light up.

"This is highly likely it."

"It's the beginning stance of a movement technique called Connecting Steps. It encompasses numerous variations," Gongyang Hong explained. "Now, the last painting."

Qin Wentian studied the last painting, the only one featuring a male figure. The figure stood motionless, yet its eyes radiated an extraordinary brilliance.

Gongyang Hong glanced at it briefly before sighing, "Of the three earlier innate techniques, I merely understood them but never cultivated them. But this final innate technique, I recognize it – Eyes of Death."

s Gongyang Hong's voice dwindled, his eyes transformed into endless, fathomless tunnels. Qin Wentian shuddered with fear, but in the very next instant, Gongyang Hong's eyes returned to normal.

"This eye-type innate technique is one I'm most proficient in. The Nine Swords of Life was her favorite technique. As for the Formless Art and the Connecting Steps, I've also heard of them. Why did I only realize today that these four types of Divine Inscription paintings contain four types of innate techniques?" Gongyang Hong inhaled deeply, staring into empty space.

"Nine Swords of Life, Eyes of Death, Formless Art, Connecting Steps," Qin Wentian murmured, "Life and death are two separate entities. No, instead, it should be – life and death are intertwined!"

(See TN Notes for a clearer meaning – it can also be interpreted as "We live and die together.")

As Qin Wentian's subdued voice reached Gongyang Hong's ears, it felt as though a lightning bolt had struck his mind, freezing him in contemplation.

In that moment, Qin Wentian sensed tremendous pressure. The entire space seemed to be saturated with a heavy silence.

"Life and death are intertwined, HAHAHA, life and death are intertwined! Gongyang Hong, you should be cursed to live a life of eternal damnation!" Suddenly, Gongyang Hong erupted in anger, spewing a mouthful of fresh blood. His Qi churned chaotically, assaulting his heart, and he collapsed to the ground.

Yet, his eyes remained wide open, reflecting deep despair, boundless regret, and seething hatred.