I Truly Am The Villian

Two tables were set outside, both brand new, with some pots, baskets, and the like on them.

Because Wu Zhaodi's residence is in a rather remote part of the village, there are no other houses around.

Shu Long said, "I've been wanting Zhaodi to move to Shuyang County, but she refuses.

She insists on living here, saying it's quiet."

"It certainly is quiet," Xu Zimei nodded.

"What are you two doing here?" Wu Zhaodi asked, glancing at them with slight annoyance.

"Zhaodi, let's go to Shuyang County together," Shu Long persisted.

"The Sanluan Sect is recruiting new disciples there today, and people from several surrounding counties have come.

It's very lively, and I came specifically to call you."

"Sanluan Sect," Wu Zhaodi's expression darkened slightly.

"That's the subordinate sect of the Tianluan Immortal Palace, right."

"That's right, I heard that the Sanluan Sect gets to recommend one disciple every year to the Immortal Palace," Shu Long said with longing.

"That's an Immortal Palace, after all. Even our Heavenly Dragon Empire has to show due respect."

"If it's so great, why don't you participate?" Wu Zhaodi snorted coldly.

"I'd love to, but you know, with my cultivation at the Esteem Vein level, they wouldn't even look at me," Shu Long laughed.

He didn't have much aptitude, being a scion who never intended to become a peerless powerhouse.

So he was quite clear-headed about these things.

"In that case, let's take a look," Wu Zhaodi thought for a while and finally nodded.

"That's more like it," Shu Long said with a cheerful smile.

"Brother-in-law, where did you come from?"

"I came from across the sea, our place is a small village, probably one you haven't heard of," Xu Zimei replied.

The three of them didn't bother to pack anything, as Shu Long had his attendants prepare the Monster Beasts.

Each of the three mounted a Monster Beast and headed for Shuyang County.

...

The spring breeze caressed their faces, while the willows drooped to the ground.

The official road was adorned with flowers, offering pleasant scenery along the way.

As Shuyang County stands at the forefront of the sixteen counties within the Heavenly Dragon Empire, its scale is naturally immense.

At first glance, the city wall resembles shepherds herding sheep toward the Skyward Que, true to its name.

The thick city wall was built with bricks and tiles of various colors, and at the "sheep horn" section, the actual horn of a divine Monster Beast Kui sheep was embedded.

The group passed through the official road and entered the spacious main road. Even before reaching the city, the crowd at the city gate vividly illustrated the bustling nature of the place.

"I'm not bragging; apart from Heavenly Dragon City, our area here in the Heavenly Dragon Empire is the most prosperous," Shu Long boasted proudly.

As they approached the city, Wu Zhaodi found a veil from somewhere and wore it on her face.

Shu Long looked at her with curiosity.

"I'm just avoiding some unnecessary trouble," Wu Zhaodi casually explained.

"Don't worry, this Shuyang County is my turf; who dares to give us trouble," Shu Long said boldly.

Yet he didn't press the issue further.

Xu Zimei could guess that Wu Zhaodi's identity might not be simple, fearing she might encounter acquaintances.

"Our Shuyang County is known for two specialties: the Sword Dance and the Capital of Paintings," Shu Long introduced.

"This Sword Dance refers to the Drunk in Dust Inn, where all the girls seem like Sword Immortals descended to the earth.

The Sword Dance is so magnificent that even within the Catastrophe Demon Domain, everyone agrees there's no other place like it.

As for the Capital of Paintings, it is where the Painting Saint Zhang Heng resides, and he is a teacher to all without discrimination.

With tens of thousands of disciples under him, thousands come daily to visit and become his pupil."

Upon saying this, Shu Long continued, "I guess you might not be interested in the Painting Saint, so let me take you to see the Sword Dance at the Drunk in Dust Inn.

If you come to Shuyang County and don't see the Sword Dance, you'd regret it for life."

"I want to go see the Sanluan Sect," Wu Zhaodi said.

Xu Zimei glanced at Wu Zhaodi and noticed a change in her mood, perhaps related to the Sanluan Sect.

He smiled, "Let's go see the Sword Dance first; we can see the Sanluan Sect anytime."

"Exactly, exactly," Shu Long quickly added.

"The Sanluan Sect stays at my Shu Family for a few days while here.

If you want to see them, I'll take you to meet them tonight."

Eventually, Wu Zhaodi did not refuse.

The group walked into Shuyang County, Shu Long being quite familiar, led them down the main street.

Everyone around bustled about, and the aroma of delicious snacks from the street vendors wafted over, igniting Xu Zimei's appetite.

He bought some pastries, which were sweet but not overwhelming.

While eating, the three arrived in front of the Drunk in Dust Inn.

Calling it an inn is not quite accurate, as it resembles more of a Peony Garden.

The meaning of Drunken Beauty is derived from a type of peony.

In fact, the peonies here come in countless varieties, Black Sea with Gold, Peerless Ink Jade, Fire Refined Golden Pill, Paeonia...

But it is said that the Garden Owner loves the Drunken Beauty, hence the name.

The walls surrounding the Peony Garden are brushed with white paint, and the paintings of peonies on them are lifelike.

It's a moving painting, with blooms unfurling and even the fragrance of flowers faintly perceivable.

Such an intriguing work of art.

"This painting is personally made by the Painting Saint Zhang Heng, worth a fortune. How is it? Beautiful, right?"

"Principle of Painting," Xu Zimei murmured to himself.

"What is my brother-in-law saying?" Shu Long asked in confusion.

Xu Zimei smiled and shook his head without explaining, as it was too complex to articulate.

The painting was infused with the essence of principles, resulting in these phenomena. However, this so-called Painting Saint was indeed remarkable; principles alone wouldn't suffice.

One needs to excel in the art of painting to such heights that they stand unrivaled to achieve such skill.

If Zhang Heng advanced to the Taoist Fruit realm and grasped the rules, this painting might exhibit even greater wonders.

With a casual stroke, a real peony could be conjured into existence through sheer spirit.

"Magnificent," Xu Zimei exclaimed in admiration.

"It would be nice to meet him if there's a chance."

"That would depend on luck, brother-in-law," Shu Long explained.

"Not to discourage you, but countless people seek to meet the Painting Saint every day. Even my father has to make an appointment in advance."

Xu Zimei smiled and did not argue.

He and Wu Zhaodi followed Shu Long, heading towards the Peony Garden.

"What's the matter? Feeling down," Xu Zimei asked quietly, glancing at Wu Zhaodi.

"Do you have a grudge against the Sanluan Sect?"

"They're not qualified," Wu Zhaodi replied lightly.

"Then it must be the Nine Luan Immortal Palace you mentioned before," Xu Zimei chuckled.

Wu Zhaodi's expression remained unchanged, but she gave Xu Zimei a look laden with meaning.

The Drunken Beauty is not accessible to just anyone, as Shu Long retrieved a token from his sleeve.

Only then were the three of them allowed to enter the garden.

Once inside the Peony Garden, a fragrant aroma greeted them.