Xu Yan traversed the world of cultivation, unable to cultivate for a full twenty years, yet emerged as a mortal proficient in all forms of poetry, books, zither, and painting.
However, Xu Yan also moved on; being a mortal detached from fame and fortune, isn't it rather splendid?
Yet, after Xu Yan's work "The Calabash Brothers Rescue Grandpa" circulated, it stirred up a veritable tempest in the world of cultivation.
...
A certain disciple of a renowned mountain sect remarked, "Senior Xu has imbued the ultimate truths of the cosmos into a painting, attaining the realm of 'all things returning to one.' We can only look up in awe."
An esteemed ancestor of a sacred sanctuary intoned, "Senior Xu has already transcended the bounds of creation. Every stroke and line conceals the great Tao. This is a height I shall never reach in my entire lifetime."
...

Turns Out I'm a Hidden Expert

Xu Yan passed through the God and Demon Burial Ground and arrived at the Hell Lava.


He listened to the words of the Golden Ant and Phoenix, feeling both surprised and puzzled as he continued on his way without interrupting.


His inner world was far from calm. The fact that the Golden Ant was the offspring of the Hongmeng Ant, one of the ten ancient true spirits, and that the Phoenix was the younger sister of the true Phoenix, another of the ten ancient true spirits, was unimaginable. It could frighten even gods and shake the courage of divine beings.


Suddenly, the lava in the area erupted, converging to form a gigantic lava demon, opening a pair of crimson eyes staring at Xu Yan.


It roared, and a massive lava arm struck towards Xu Yan.


"What's going on? There wasn't such a situation when I came here." Xu Yan's figure flashed, appearing a hundred meters away, avoiding the punch, and asked with confusion.


Exiting the Desolate Valley