Ling Tian Sword God

Chapter 1140 - 1139: The Painter Saint’s Methods

The art of bringing paintings to life is a technique said to be possessed only by the legendary Painter Saint.With blood as ink and the heart as a brush.

At the founding of the Central Dynasty, the Painter Saint Wu Daoxuan once painted in the court, but back then, he was painting a true dragon.

It was said that Wu Daoxuan had a magical touch, and his creations were filled with life, but the true dragon he painted in court, though vivid, did not awaken from the painting. Moreover, the dragon was missing a pair of eyes, which puzzled many.

Everyone assumed Wu Daoxuan to be a charlatan, but to their shock, with just a couple of strokes, the blind dragon leapt from the scroll and soared into the Nine Heavens, vanishing without a trace.

From then on, the Painter Saint’s name was truly known to the world.

Unexpectedly, on this day, Ling Chen witnessed such an extraordinary skill from Shen Bingxin.

But before Ling Chen could think any further, the ice-blue phoenix in the painting lunged fiercely towards him, reaching him in the blink of an eye.

The ice-blue phoenix exuded a formidable aura, capable of instantly freezing a Saint into an ice sculpture.

Ling Chen immediately drew the Thunder Sound Sword and performed a sword technique.

"Ascending Green Lotus!"

Countless sword qi gathered into a massive sword qi lotus, protecting Ling Chen at its center and spinning rapidly.

The cold air around the ice-blue phoenix spread rapidly, and upon contact, it froze the sword qi lotus surrounding Ling Chen.

"This is not good!"

Ling Chen felt an overwhelming chill around him, as if his body would turn to stone in the next moment.

Hissing sounds!

The frigid air expanded, causing the air above the Heavenly Moon Spirit Pool to drop swiftly, forming snowflakes that fluttered down.

Shen Bingxin extended a delicate jade hand, caught a snowflake, and nodded softly as she watched the beleaguered Ling Chen, whispering in a gentle, melodious voice, "Return!"

Under Shen Bingxin’s command, the ice-blue phoenix obediently flew back, transforming back into a painting.

Ling Chen sheathed his sword and looked at the scroll on the table, saying, "Master, is this technique of the Painter Saint?"

Shen Bingxin shook her head, saying, "I merely stumbled upon some remnants of the Painter Saint’s legacy. Compared to the Painter Saint, the gap is monumental."

To turn paintings into reality requires extremely high cultivation to support it, and the more refined the painting art, the more powerful the images one can manifest.

Among those who can bring paintings to life, some can only depict snakes, insects, birds, or beasts, while others can paint tigers, phoenixes, or even true dragons.

"I’ll give you this painting. All you need to do is inject True Qi into the scroll, and you can summon the phoenix in the painting. Of course, as the power in the scroll depletes, its might will dwindle until it eventually becomes an ordinary painting."

"Thank you, Master."

Ling Chen nodded and put away the scroll. The ability to bring paintings to life is indeed extraordinary, and if he ever got the chance, he would certainly want to learn it well.

He hadn’t expected his nominal master to be so remarkable.

"You may leave now."

The dense fog around Shen Bingxin gathered once more, shrouding her again, "During this trial, you should greet your senior brother, the Free and Unrestrained Marquis."

With that, the fog covered her entirely, and Ling Chen could no longer see Shen Bingxin’s figure.

"Free and Unrestrained Marquis, my senior brother."

Ling Chen’s eyes glimmered with interest. Over time, he had heard the name of the Free and Unrestrained Marquis more than once, whether from the disciples’ mouths on Lingyue Island or from the Elders, who all spoke highly of his senior brother.

He had long wanted to meet this renowned Free and Unrestrained Marquis, but the latter always appeared and disappeared unpredictably, and even as a junior, he had never seen him once.

It seems this time during the Secret Treasury trial, his senior brother should make an appearance.

Saluting in the direction of Shen Bingxin, Ling Chen then left the range of the Heavenly Moon Spirit Pool.

...

The next morning.

On the Martial Arts Plaza, twelve disciples had already gathered, led by the Elder Thirteen, the Spiritual Heart Saint, and were ready to set off.

In the center of the plaza stood a flying puppet about ten zhang in size, entirely black and seemingly made from a variety of materials, outwardly resembling a giant eagle.

The disciples participating in this Secret Treasury trial were divided into two groups.

In Ling Chen’s group, he saw Gu Wuqing, Leng Qianshang, and others, but there was no sign of the Free and Unrestrained Marquis.

"The Free and Unrestrained Marquis should have been placed in the other group."

Lin Wan also glanced around before saying.

Ling Chen then nodded in realization, seemingly the more senior disciples were assigned to the other group.

On the other side of the queue, Leng Qianshang and Gu Wuqing stood together, and the latter cast a cold glance at Ling Chen, saying, "Leng Qianshang junior brother, what virtue or ability does this guy have to participate in the Secret Treasury trial with us? Once inside, we should give him a hard time."

"How shall we give him a hard time?"

Leng Qianshang’s eyes brightened slightly. He had previously lost to Ling Chen; although nobody knew about it, it remained a thorn in his heart, leaving him very displeased.

If he could avenge himself against Ling Chen and let the latter suffer a heavy loss, it would undeniably please him greatly.

Moreover, even though Ling Chen defeated him, he didn’t believe he wasn’t a match for Ling Chen. It was only because of the significant flaws in his moves, which Ling Chen exploited.

He must find an opportunity to teach Ling Chen a lesson to cleanse the shame of his defeat.

"Once we enter the Secret Treasury, keep an eye on this kid’s movements. Once we find our chance, let’s attack him and give him a severe beating, shall we?"

Gu Wuqing said sinisterly.

"But, this boy’s senior brother, the Free and Unrestrained Marquis, will also enter the Secret Treasury. If he finds out we taught his junior brother a lesson, I’m afraid he won’t let it go easily." Leng Qianshang said with some concern.

Gu Wuqing shook his head, saying, "The Free and Unrestrained Marquis is such a lofty figure; he won’t meddle in such matters. We’re just giving Ling Chen a lesson, not killing him; the Free and Unrestrained Marquis won’t bother with such petty issues."

"As you say, then."

Leng Qianshang nodded, with a cold smile in his heart. That way, Ling Chen might suffer quite a bit.

Zhou Qingqing, standing beside the Spiritual Heart Saint, couldn’t help but ask, "Elder Thirteen, is the Secret Treasury we are heading to this time the Demon Dragon Palace?"

The Spiritual Heart Saint nodded, confirming, "Indeed, it is the Demon Dragon Palace. There’s no need for me to elaborate on the dangers of the Demon Dragon Palace; I believe all of you are fully prepared. Ling Chen, this is your first time participating in the Secret Treasury trial, are you ready?"

"I’m ready."

Ling Chen nodded.

"Then let’s set off!"

The Spiritual Heart Saint waved his hand, then flew onto the back of the flying puppet, and the twelve disciples participating in the trial, including Ling Chen, all moved simultaneously, taking to the puppet.

Once everyone had boarded the puppet, it suddenly soared into the air, flying rapidly towards the distant horizon.