Zhu Rong gritted his teeth. Unreconciled though he was, he still apologized, saying, "Miss Liu, I'm sorry! Elder Han, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have started that!"
People nearby immediately stepped in to smooth things over:
"Let's all calm down. We came here today for Master Yunlu, not to discuss personal grievances."
"That's right, that's right! Harmony brings wealth!"
"Elder Han, please bring out Master Yunlu's painting so we can feast our eyes. We've been looking forward to this for a long time."
Seeing how impatient everyone was, Elder Han didn't keep them in suspense. He turned and drew a scroll from among his many collectibles.
He unfurled it.
Instantly, everyone's eyes lit up, and they exclaimed in admiration, "It truly is a work by Master Yunlu."
Master Yunlu's works had distinct characteristics, typically portraying the most profound artistic conception with the most minimalist brushstrokes.
One glance was all it took for anyone to know this was an authentic piece by Master Yunlu; it was something that could never be forged.
Liu Yan'er's eyes were shining as well, though she failed to notice the rather strange expression on Lu Yun's face as he stood beside her.
Isn't this something I drew when I was thirteen years old?
Lu Yun clearly remembered that one day when he was thirteen, after finishing his qigong practice and feeling bored, he happened to see an eagle perched above his head, so he sketched it out in freehand lines.
And what left the deepest impression on him was that he had accidentally dropped a red berry juice stain right on the eagle's head.
The painting Elder Han was displaying at this moment clearly showed a red mark right there.
This proved that the painting was indeed the handiwork of Lu Yun.
Yunlu... Lu Yun...
Lu Yun understood in a flash.
When he painted those pictures back then, it was purely for his own amusement. He had thrown them away as soon as he finished and never gave them another thought.
The old Daoist priest must have secretly brought these paintings down the mountain and even fabricated a completely nonexistent Master Yunlu.
I really haven't even entered the martial world yet, but the martial world already has my legend.
Master, old Daoist, you are simply a marketing genius!
Chapter 19: Gilding the Lily
Elder Han was all smiles.
He was not a vain person, but seeing the envy on everyone's faces, a trace of pride nonetheless stirred in his heart.
He had expended a tremendous amount of effort to successfully bid for this authentic work by Master Yunlu.
Now it seemed it had been worth it.
"This piece is titled *An Eagle Perched on a Tree*. What are your thoughts after viewing it?" Elder Han asked with a smile.
Someone immediately replied, "This painting follows Master Yunlu's consistent minimalist style—distinctive and executed with only a few sparse strokes, yet allowing one to see at a glance that this is an eagle and that is a tree."
Elder Han nodded. "Most paintings focus only on form while losing spirit, but Master Yunlu's works possess both form and spirit. That is why they are so difficult for ordinary people to forge."
The crowd nodded in agreement.
Then a few others shared their viewpoints.
After pondering for a moment, Zhu Rong said, "I think this painting actually reflects a certain state of mind of Master Yunlu."
"Oh? Why do you say that?"
Everyone grew interested.
Zhu Rong cleared his throat and continued:
"Look at this tree. Although there are few brushstrokes, it looks almost like a shadow, representing the current predicament.
"Now look at this eagle. It appears to be resting on the tree, but in reality, it is not. What it expresses should be a sense of helplessness.
"I ask you, what eagle does not long to soar high? But it has no choice, so it is forced to land on the treetop. This is helplessness.
"And then, the crucial point: right on this eagle's head, there is a smudge of red, forming a sharp contrast with the grayish tones of the entire painting. What does this indicate?
"It indicates that this eagle is unreconciled; it longs to fly into the azure sky once more.
"Therefore, my final conclusion is that this painting reflects Master Yunlu's current situation. This must be a work from a low point in Master Yunlu's life."
When Zhu Rong finished speaking, the room fell silent for a moment before bursting into warm applause.
His interpretation was utterly spot-on.
He was practically the roundworm in Master Yunlu's belly!
Elder Han was full of praise as well. "If Master Yunlu could hear this analysis of yours, he would surely regard you as a kindred spirit."
Then he looked toward Zhu Hongyuan and said with a smile, "Old Zhu, your son truly surpasses the master!"
Zhu Hongyuan said proudly, "Haha, I've said all along this boy has a future. It's thanks to my cultivation—I've been instilling plenty of calligraphy and painting knowledge in him since he was a child."
He truly wasn't modest at all.
Exclamations of praise sounded all around, and even Lu Yun couldn't help wanting to applaud Zhu Rong.
I didn't even think of all that when I painted this myself, yet you actually analyzed it out. You really are a talent.
Listening to the praise of these seniors around him, Zhu Rong couldn't help wearing a smug smile. Suddenly, he glanced at Liu Yan'er and asked, "I wonder what Miss Liu's opinion of this painting is?"
Ever since Liu Yan'er walked through the door, Zhu Rong had shown hostility because he felt she was simply unworthy of being here.
A woman of the demimonde—what the hell did she know about calligraphy and painting?
Zhu Rong deliberately posed the question, wanting to see Liu Yan'er make a fool of herself.
All gazes instantly shifted to Liu Yan'er.
Elder Han smiled encouragingly. "It's fine, Miss Liu. There are a thousand Hamlets in a thousand readers. There's no harm in voicing your feelings; let's all exchange ideas."
Liu Yan'er nodded and said, "I personally am a loyal fan of Master Yunlu as well, so I'm very happy to see this painting today. It truly bears Master Yunlu's consistent style..."
"Cut the nonsense and get straight to the point," Zhu Rong interrupted impatiently. "What style and characteristics? Others have already talked about those earlier; you don't need to repeat them."
"Little Zhu, don't be hasty, let Miss Liu finish speaking first," Elder Han said.
Because Zhu Rong had performed well just now, Elder Han had a very favorable impression of him, which was why he directly called him Little Zhu.
Even though Zhu Rong's interruption was extremely impolite, Elder Han did not reprimand him.
Liu Yan'er frowned, but still continued what she was saying: "Overall, this *An Eagle Perched on a Tree* is an excellent piece, but I feel that the red smudge is a blot on it."
Liu Yan'er voiced her thoughts.
She also found it strange in her heart: obviously a flawless painting, why would Master Yunlu needlessly gild the lily by adding that stroke?
This didn't look like Master Yunlu's past style at all.
When Lu Yun heard this, a trace of a smile couldn't help floating to the corner of his mouth.
Sister Yan'er is the only one who truly understands me!
Because that red smudge wasn't painted on at all; it was juice he had accidentally dripped while eating red berries.
However, when the surrounding crowd heard these words, their expressions instantly changed drastically.
Zhu Hongyuan rebuked loudly, "You are simply talking nonsense. Master Yunlu's works could never contain any superfluous brushwork."
The others also voiced their dissatisfaction one after another.
Master Yunlu was their idol; they absolutely would not allow anyone to disparage him.
For this woman to dare say Master Yunlu was gild the lily—wasn't she asking to be cursed at?
Zhu Rong sneered, "I said it before: how could this kind of woman possibly understand painting? Inviting her here is simply ruining our refined mood."
Elder Han also wore a displeased expression.
Although he had said he wanted everyone to speak their minds, what he truly wanted to hear was praise from different angles, not criticism.
Liu Yan'er's critique made Elder Han very unhappy, and he didn't even give her a good look for the rest of the time.
Liu Yan'er naturally noticed the change in Elder Han's attitude and her heart filled with disappointment.
She had thought this was truly a gathering for calligraphy and painting enthusiasts, but she never expected it to be a bunch of sycophants—even Elder Han was no exception.
She shouldn't have come tonight.
Liu Yan'er wanted to leave right then, but Lu Yun pulled her back and said, "Wait a little longer."
Lu Yun was never one to take a loss lying down. Since these people dared to bully Sister Yan'er like this, how could he be willing to just leave like that?
It seemed it was time to reveal his identity as Master Yunlu.
Just as Lu Yun was pondering how to reveal his identity, the scene that unfolded next made him change his mind.
Chapter 20: A Fake Painting
"Elder Han, since we've looked at so many of your collectibles, why not take a look at mine?"
Seeing that Elder Han's collection had been viewed just about enough, Zhu Hongyuan suddenly uttered these words.
Everyone turned to look at him.
Elder Han was surprised. "Old Zhu, could it be that you brought collectibles as well?"
Zhu Hongyuan smiled, turned his head, and told Zhu Rong, "Go fetch it!"
Zhu Rong nodded and left for a moment, returning to the exhibition hall shortly after with a painting scroll.
"This piece of mine is a painting by the Eastern Jin master Gu Kaizhi. Although its skill level doesn't reach that of Master Yunlu, its greatest asset is its antiquity, giving it high collection value."
Zhu Hongyuan introduced the piece while unfurling the scroll. Instantly, a magnificent landscape painting came into everyone's view.
It really was a work by Gu Kaizhi.
Everyone was struck with wonder.
Yet just as Zhu Hongyuan was basking in the envious gazes around him, he suddenly heard a voice say, "Don't bring out a fake painting to make a fool of yourself."
Zhu Hongyuan's smile stalled.
He looked over.
Discovering that the speaker was Lu Yun, his expression instantly turned gloomy.
"Brat, what did you say?"
"I said, this is a fake painting."
"A fake painting? Are you kidding me?"
Zhu Rong was even angrier than his father, losing his temper on the spot. "If this were a fake painting, do you think we wouldn't be able to tell? Or do you think your appraisal skills are higher than everyone present?"
His words successfully concentrated all the hostility of the crowd onto Lu Yun.
None of us could tell it was a fake, but you're the only one who sees it—doesn't that mean your skills are higher than ours?
The crowd's gazes toward Lu Yun instantly filled with hostility.
He had no idea where this grasshopper had bounced out from, so fond of seeking attention.
Elder Han also said with a dark expression, "If you two siblings are here deliberately to pick a fight, then please get out immediately. My place doesn't welcome you."
He never angered easily, but tonight, his genuine wrath had been stirred.
First Liu Yan'er casually criticized Master Yunlu's authentic work, and now another Lu Yun had popped up, pointing at Zhu Hongyuan's collectible and calling it a fake.
If this wasn't picking a fight, what was it?
No matter how good Elder Han's temper was, he could no longer tolerate the two of them and issued an eviction order on the spot.
Lu Yun, however, sneered. "A fake is a fake; no matter how anxious you get, it's still fake. The fact that you guys couldn't tell only proves that you're trash."
"What? You dare call us trash? Who the hell do you think you are, kid?"
"Impertinent wretch, your hair isn't even fully grown yet, but your tone is quite arrogant."
"Young people these days really lack education."
"Enough!"
Suddenly, Elder Han gave a loud roar, pointing at the two of you and shouting, "The two of you, get the hell out immediately!"
"A bunch of blind fish, I'd find it smelly even staying here. Sister Yan'er, let's go."
Lu Yun took Liu Yan'er's hand and made to leave, but at that moment, Zhu Hongyuan's voice suddenly rang out from behind: "Stop right there!"
"Does your daddy have something to say?"
Lu Yun turned around and looked coldly at Zhu Hongyuan.
Zhu Hongyuan was so angry his nose was almost crooked, and he gnashed his teeth as he said, "You brat dare slander my collection as a fake painting. If you don't give me an explanation, I'll tear your mouth apart."
"Want an explanation, do you? Simple."
Lu Yun sneered, then suddenly strode toward the Gu Kaizhi painting, picked up a cup of hot tea, and splashed it right across it.
"What are you doing?!"
Zhu Rong roared, charging forward to fight Lu Yun to the death, but the next second, he froze in place.
Only to see Lu Yun pinch the edge of the soaked xuan paper and rub it; the layers of xuan paper instantly separated.
A double layer.
Seeing this, the crowd's hearts skipped a beat; they already had a pretty good idea in their minds.
Lu Yun sarcastically remarked, "Two layers of xuan paper. The lower layer is a forged fake, and the upper layer is used to make it look aged. You couldn't even spot such an obvious interlayer, and you still claim you aren't trash?"
Everyone's expressions stiffened.
They were furious, but unable to refute it—who told them to have genuinely misjudged it?
Liu Yan'er also revealed an expression of astonishment.
She had thought Lu Yun was deliberately disgusting these people by calling it a counterfeit, never expecting it to actually be a fake painting.
Watching these people eat crow felt truly exhilarating.
At that moment, Zhu Hongyuan suddenly lunged forward, snatched the painting back, and cried out in agonizing grief, "My three million!"
He had spent a full three million to buy this painting, waiting to show it off tonight in front of everyone, only to find out he had bought a fake.
Zhu Hongyuan's heart was bleeding.
Yet what made him vomit blood even more was yet to come.
Because of the tea water, a small line of characters slowly emerged along the edge of the xuan paper: *Whoever bought this is a moron!*
"Pfft!"
Overcome with rage and grief, Zhu Hongyuan slumped directly to the floor, his entire body convulsing, his face the color of an overripe jujube.
Zhu Rong shouted in panic, "Dad! What's wrong with Dad? Doctor Hu, quick, see what's wrong with my dad!"
A middle-aged man wearing round-rimmed glasses stepped out.
His name was Hu Weiping. He was also a calligraphy and painting enthusiast whose primary profession was as a doctor. He currently served at the Jiangcheng City Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital as the chief physician of the acupuncture department.
After examining Zhu Hongyuan's condition, Hu Weiping's expression grew somewhat grave.
"Your father suffered from excessive agitation of emotions, causing liver yang to transform into wind and disturb the upper orifices, thereby triggering a stroke. The situation is extremely critical."
"Then... what should we do? There isn't even a hospital nearby!" Zhu Rong panicked instantly.
Hu Weiping thought for a moment before saying, "My teacher once taught me a set of acupuncture techniques that might come in useful, but I don't have much certainty."
"Doctor Hu, please give it a try. My dad's life is in your hands," Zhu Rong pleaded.
"I'll do my best!"
Hu Weiping nodded, then drew several four-inch filiform needles from his portable needle pouch.
Selecting acupoints: Neiguan, Jiquan, Chize, Weizhong...
Watching Hu Weiping administer the needles, Lu Yun wore a slightly surprised expression, but quickly shook his head again.
"The Nine Revolutions Returning Sun Needle isn't used like that."
At a single glance, Lu Yun recognized that Hu Weiping was performing the Nine Revolutions Returning Sun Needle technique, but there were clearly several errors among the acupoints he had chosen.
Lu Yun offered a well-intentioned reminder, but who would have thought that Zhu Rong suddenly turned his head and roared at him:
"Shut your damn mouth!"
"If it weren't for you, my dad wouldn't have passed out. Spare me your cat crying over a dead mouse with fake compassion."
"If anything happens to my dad, I'll make sure you suffer!"
Chapter 21: A Bunch of Blind, Pedantic Fools
Hostile gazes stabbed toward him.
Not just from Zhu Rong, but from all the calligraphy and painting enthusiasts present, including Elder Han.
It seemed they blamed the entire cause of Zhu Hongyuan's seizure on Lu Yun.
Because of him, a previously perfect calligraphy and painting gathering had been ruined.
And that damned woman Liu Yan'er, too.
Future calligraphy and painting gatherings should completely bar the two of them and put them on the blacklist forever.
"Cough, cough..."
Suddenly, a fit of coughing sounded. Zhu Hongyuan regained consciousness, and the jujube-red flush on his face had already faded.
Only then did the crowd breathe a sigh of relief.
Hu Weiping put away his filiform needles and said with an icy expression, "Just now, it seemed I heard someone talking arrogantly and questioning my medical skills?"
He had already heard Lu Yun's remark earlier, but because he was administering the needles and couldn't spare his focus, he hadn't immediately refuted him.
Now, Zhu Hongyuan had woken up.
Hu Weiping could finally spare his attention to reprimand Lu Yun.
He absolutely would not allow anyone to question his professional standards.
The surrounding crowd was already dissatisfied with Lu Yun to begin with. Seeing Hu Weiping take issue with him, they all revealed gloating expressions.
Didn't you say Hu Weiping's needle technique was wrong? Now that Zhu Hongyuan has woken up, let's see how you explain.
Does your face hurt?
Lu Yun, however, ignored the crowd's mocking gazes and said indifferently, "Within three days, Zhu Hongyuan will pass out once more, and moreover bleed from his seven orifices. Within five days, he will surely die!"
Just now, when Hu Weiping was administering the needles, Lu Yun had seen it with absolute clarity.
The erroneous needle technique had forced Zhu Hongyuan's surging vital energy and blood back down, blocking it without dredging it. This method would inevitably provoke an even more violent rebound.
Barring accidents, Zhu Hongyuan would suffer a relapse within three days, and it would be even more severe than today.
The moment Lu Yun said this, Zhu Rong's eyes turned red with fury as he roared, "Bastard, you dare curse my dad? I'll fight you to the death!"
He charged angrily toward Lu Yun.
At that instant—
Lu Yun's gaze abruptly turned cold as he swept a glance at him and said, "If you want to die, go ahead and try making a move."
Zhu Rong's body shook.
The steps he had just prepared to charge forward with instantly froze in place.
He was frightened by Lu Yun's imposing aura.
"Trash!"
Lu Yun couldn't be bothered to waste any more time with them. He turned to leave, but before departing, he glanced at Elder Han.
"A bunch of blind, pedantic fools. For Master Yunlu to have admirers like you is a disgrace."
With that, he pulled Liu Yan'er's delicate hand and strode out of the Han residence, leaving the crowd gasping with rage.
On the return journey.
Liu Yan'er's lovely eyes rippled as she kept sizing up Lu Yun.
Lu Yun gave a wry smile. "Sister Yan'er, why are you looking at me like that? Is there writing on my face?"
"Little Lu Yun, you were simply too domineering just now. Sister loves it."
Liu Yan'er smiled charmingly. Suddenly, she cupped Lu Yun's face and planted a kiss right on it.
On Lu Yun's steel-like thick skin, a rare flush appeared.
Liu Yan'er said carelessly, "Don't go getting any wild ideas, oh—Sister is just too happy, that's all."
Lu Yun smiled bitterly inwardly. You're my older sister, where would I dare get any wild ideas!
When the two returned to Luyin Villa, it was already past eleven o'clock at night.
Usually, Liu Yan'er, like the other sisters, chose to live near her workplace for convenience.
Only Ye Qingcheng, whose company was close by, regularly stayed at Luyin Villa.
Now that Lu Yun was back, Liu Yan'er also prepared to move back in and live together; if worst came to worst, her commute to work the next day would just be a bit longer.
"How did you get back so late?"
When the two returned to the villa, Ye Qingcheng actually hadn't gone to sleep yet.
She had already finished showering and was wearing a semi-transparent gauze nightgown, the lace hemline just covering the roots of her thighs.