Chapter 157: Painting Master!

Huh? This is……

The War Prince was the first to notice, crying out in surprise.

Ye Wuque and Sheng Xuanyi also immediately looked up.

Under the shocked gazes of the three, the ancient scroll that carried an entire epoch's history and ultimate secret, like a sand sculpture weathered over hundreds of millions of years, began to crumble from the edges, turning into specks of crystalline light, which then swiftly vanished, returning to nothingness.

In just a few breaths, the earth-shaking 'Huangxian Jiyuan Diagram' completely dissipated in the starry sky, turning into ash without leaving a trace.

It seemed its sole purpose in existence was to wait for a fated one to arrive, deliver that sealed-away history and hope, then accomplish its mission and retreat, falling into extinction.

The starry sky returned to its former desolation, as if nothing had ever happened.

"Just like that… it's gone?"

The War Prince murmured, a hint of regret on his face.

Such a divine object vanishing like this is truly lamentable.

Sheng Xuanyi stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at where the ancient picture vanished, a trace of thought and emotion on his face, and he suddenly spoke:

"Such astonishing talent, able to bear an entire epoch's rise-and-fall epic in a single scroll, melting its fortune, heroes, wars, and even ultimate hope into one furnace…… Such heaven‑piercing, earth‑shaking method, looking through ancient history, reminds me of a supreme existence……"

Ye Wuque and the War Prince looked at him.

Sheng Xuanyi spoke with a hint of reverence, slowly saying:

"That existence rose in an era even more ancient than antiquity, extraordinarily talented, forging a unique path…… He entered the Dao through painting!"

"One stroke, one line can evolve mountains and rivers, the state; splashing ink, wielding the brush can fix the Qiankun of all heavens!"

"He is honored as…… the 'Painting Master'! He is the universally recognized highest achievement in the way of painting throughout history! His name shocks ancient and modern, his might presses upon the Zhutian Huanyu, his title echoes through eternal time and space!"

"Painting Master……" Ye Wuque softly repeated the title, his mind and spirit also shaken.

To enter the Dao through painting and reach such a realm is unheard of, worthy of being called a miracle.

Sheng Xuanyi said firmly:

"Only that legendary Painting Master could paint such a work containing an epoch's epic and bearing the ultimate secret of the Huangxian Jiyuan Diagram; I truly cannot think of anyone else capable of such a world‑shaking brushstroke!"

At that moment, deep in Ye Wuque's soul, the long‑dormant Bronze Ancient Mirror seemed to be stirred by the name 'Painting Master,' evoking ancient memories; its surface rippled imperceptibly, and a soft sigh filled with endless vicissitudes and emotion rang in his heart:

"Heh…… truly worthy of the Painting Master's hand. Even a casual sketch can pierce an epoch, leaving a thread of hope for posterity."

Ye Wuque's heart stirred, and he immediately inquired with his divine sense:

"Big shot, do you know the Painting Master? Is this Huangxian Jiyuan Diagram truly painted by that senior?"

The Bronze Ancient Mirror, rarely speaking much, said in a distant voice, as if crossing countless ages:

"I know…… he certainly wouldn't have missed the ultimate campaign that swept across the Zhutian back then; this painting is his casual doodle, a small memorial of that era, and also a…… ambiguous thought left for those who come after."

Its words remained simple, yet they revealed astonishing information.

The Painting Master not only existed, but also participated in the Huangxian Jiyuan's ultimate campaign!

And this picture was merely his 'casual' creation?

At his peak, what grandeur must he have had?

"Hope…… could it refer to that epoch's treasure?" Ye Wuque understood intuitively.

"Indeed." After the Bronze Ancient Mirror confirmed, it fell silent again, saying no more.

Ye Wuque's heart filled with boundless reverence and curiosity toward the Painting Master he had never met.

He was a true supreme talent standing at the pinnacle of the Zhutian, harboring the epoch in his heart!

At this moment, Sheng Xuanyi withdrew his gaze from the Void, turned to look at Ye Wuque, his eyes becoming deep and sharp, as if able to see into people's hearts.

He curled the corner of his mouth with a meaningful smile, spoke calmly, yet his words carried an undeniable confidence and sharpness:

"Ye Brother, today's battle, this encounter, you are an opponent I, Sheng Xuanyi, acknowledge, and also…… a rare collaborator."

He paused, then continued, "Hopefully, in the future, in that unknown time‑space, when we seek that ultimate treasure, we might have a chance…… to cooperate again, or…… each rely on our own means."

His words expressed acknowledgment and also drew the line for future competition.

He evidently also mastered the key information leading to the treasure.

Ye Wuque met his gaze, his expression calm, and simply said lightly: "If that time comes, I will naturally seek your guidance, Senior Sheng."

Sheng Xuanyi nodded, said no more, gave a slight nod to Ye Wuque and the War Prince, his form faded like merging into the Void, and in the next instant vanished into the desolate starry sky, leaving no trace, fully displaying the inscrutable means of the Undying Aristocratic Family's heirs.

Ye Wuque watched the direction he disappeared, his gaze slightly narrowed.

This Sheng Xuanyi, with endless trump cards, decisive yet deep‑hearted, worthy of the name Dong Sheng, is an extremely troublesome character.

The future struggle for the epoch's treasure will surely be a dragon‑tiger battle.

"My lord, should we continue our journey to the Wasteland Heaven Passage?"

Seeing Sheng Xuanyi depart, the War Prince stepped forward and asked.

Ye Wuque gathered his spirit and nodded.

The Tai Chu Divine Fruit is already in hand; the urgent priority is to quickly enter seclusion, attack the Eighth Turn of the Undying Indestructible Imperial Golden Body, and then proceed to the Dragon Clan Ancestral Land.

However, just as he was preparing to set off with the War Prince, tearing through the Void to leave——

Ye Wuque's footsteps suddenly halted!

He abruptly turned his head, his pupils instantly becoming icy cold, like two bolts of cold lightning tearing the starry sky, shooting suddenly toward the front, a pitch‑black Void that seemed empty!

An intangible, yet bone‑chilling icy aura, thick with deathly stillness and killing intent, like a venomous snake lying in wait long ago, has already locked onto them!

Ye Wuque's mouth curled into a cold arc, and he muttered:

"As expected…… finally unable to hold back!"

Beside him, the War Prince also instantly felt his hairs stand on end, a strong sense of danger enveloping his whole body; instinctively his qi and blood boiled, battle spirit surged, his body burst forth with brilliant divine light, ready for battle!

Having just experienced the shock and insight of the epoch's ancient picture, in the blink of an eye…… the situation shifted abruptly, killing intent arose again!