The group from the Zi Family returned to Luo River Town. Upon learning the situation, both the Luo and Wu families were quite astonished. The Wu Family was especially furious as Wu Shijin had disappeared without a trace.

A disappearance would only imply one thing: death. In a fit of rage, the Wu Family Head wanted to lead an attack on the Zi Family but was stopped by the Luo Family Head. Meanwhile, they secretly sent people to investigate the situation. The Luo Family Head had always been very cautious in conduct.

The Zi Family, in turn, treated Tangyu as an honored guest. Even Zi Yuanzheng had some ulterior motives, specifically asking Zi Yan to accompany Tangyu. Tangyu did not quite like Zi Yuanzheng's nature. Though it seemed like he sacrificed Zi Yan for the family, there was quite a bit of self-interest involved. As a father, such a character was certainly not what Tangyu admired.

That day, Zi Yan led Tangyu into a study room, a vital area for the Zi Family where outsiders are generally not allowed to enter at will. Needless to say, even Zi Yan herself couldn't easily enter here.

Surveying the formation in the room carelessly, Tangyu's gaze suddenly fell upon a painting. At first glance, it seemed quite ordinary. The things depicted gave a sense of the absurd, and one couldn't tell what was drawn or its intended expression. It was akin to abstract art; for many, it was nothing but random graffiti.

Of course, this painting wasn't mere graffiti. In terms of quality, it was exquisitely done. Those with a discerning eye could see that the technique was virtually at a master's level, exceptionally skillful. It was an ink painting, bold and vigorous strokes like a mighty dragon. The ink embellishments were intricate and captivating, causing admiration. Even Tangyu, a layperson, was involuntarily enchanted.

After a couple of glances, intending to withdraw his gaze but, for some reason, Tangyu felt a strange sensation: "This painting is not perfect, or rather it is just a piece of a set. What could it be conveying? Why do I feel that there's some profound artistic conception within?"

With such thoughts, Tangyu began to observe the painting attentively, scrutinizing it in every detail.

With intent, his consciousness unexpectedly entered a vast world, an endless expanse in all directions. Landscapes as paintings and heavens as poetry, producing infinite artistic conception.

"This is—" Tangyu was startled too. After his consciousness entered this realm, he felt his state of mind elevating, his understanding broadening. This sensation was so wondrous, leading Tangyu to immense joy. He did not expect to have such a gain here.

For Tangyu now, elevating his mind and finding a path suitable for his breakthrough was most important; anything else offered him no assistance. Currently, he was stuck in the Ninth Layer of the Zifu Realm, ordinary cultivation methods offered no hope of breaking through to the Immortal Realm.

What Tangyu needed was a new path, and enhancing his state of mind was a potential approach he considered. Thus, departing Liufeng City, Tangyu had precisely this purpose.

Zi Yan silently stood aside watching Tangyu. She didn't understand how Tangyu was so entranced by the painting. She had seen this abstract painting many times and never found anything special about it.

Cre-eak—

The study door suddenly opened, and Zi Yuanzheng entered. Startled by the sound, Tangyu withdrew from the vast realm, revealing a hint of joy on his face: "An interesting painting, it's surprising to see such an intriguing work here. The creator's mindset is truly impressive, reaching a highly refined level. It seems within small worlds, remarkable individuals can emerge."

Zi Yuanzheng approached and said, "Master Tang also has knowledge of paintings?"

Tangyu shook his head, smiling: "No, I just enjoy looking at them. Does this painting have a background story?"

Zi Yuanzheng nodded: "Master Tang indeed has a good eye. If this painting were outside, everyone might directly ignore it, mistaking it as an ordinary one. But you spotted something about it at a glance. This painting was accidentally acquired by an ancestor of mine a thousand years ago. Even then, our ancestor couldn't discern its meaning, just vaguely sensing its unusual nature."

"Moreover, the material of this painting is extremely special, impervious to water and fire; even a Golden Core Realm expert can't damage it. Thus, my ancestor thought it might be a spiritual object, preserving it, and passed it down through generations. In our Zi Family, it has been merely a decorative piece through the millennia. Countless in our family have seen it, unable to uncover its mystery."

"Could Master Tang have discovered something about it?"

Tangyu shook his head: "Not exactly, but I do think this painting has something unique about it. Also, I suspect that this painting isn't complete, is it?"

Zi Yuanzheng nodded: "Indeed, it should be so. My family's ancestor also did quite a bit of research, and the conclusion was the same. Tangyu, you see the five ancient characters in the lower right corner of this picture. These characters are said to be from the Ancient Times, with a history of over a million years. Based on this, my ancestor also deduced that the origin of this picture is highly likely from the Ancient Times. Items preserved from that era until now are exceedingly rare and valuable."

"These five ancient characters were also deciphered by my ancestor; they mean 'Four Directions Contemplation Map'. Hence, my ancestor boldly speculated that there should be four such pictures, representing the four corners of the world. This one only represents one of those directions. Thus, it is only by gathering all four pictures that we can understand what this picture truly signifies."

"However, perhaps for us, this holds no significance. This picture has been with the Zi Family for a thousand years, yet it has not brought us any benefit."

Tangyu thought about it and nodded. It does indeed seem that there should be four pictures. Even a single picture felt extraordinary to Tangyu. Gathering all four would surely yield something valuable. So Tangyu also developed a strong desire for the Four Directions Contemplation Map, and even vaguely felt that these four maps might be quite beneficial to him.

Zi Yuanzheng, being very perceptive, noticed Tangyu's interest in the map from a glance. Thus, he said immediately, "Tangyu, this map is just an ornament in the Zi Family. If you like it, I will give it to you. I hope you won't refuse. You saved my daughter's life, and I have no way to repay you."

Tangyu hesitated slightly before saying, "Alright then, I do like the map. However, I won't take it for free. The Luo and Wu Families plan to target your Zi Family, and I will help you deal with them. I also have a Cultivation Technique here, though ordinary, it should be practical for you." As he spoke, Tangyu made a gesture, and a cultivation manual appeared in his hand, which he handed to Zi Yuanzheng.

Zi Yuanzheng did not refuse, he took it and glanced at it, immediately becoming pleasantly surprised and excited. He looked at Tangyu with an unusual expression. Such a powerful Cultivation Technique surpassed even the best techniques of the Zi Family. Yet, in Tangyu's words, it's merely ordinary. This made Zi Yuanzheng even more curious about Tangyu's background and more certain that this young man was indeed extraordinary. Moreover, to mention helping the Zi Family deal with the Luo and Wu Families so nonchalantly shows his remarkable capability.

Zi Yuanzheng felt a surge of joy, thinking that maybe this time, the Zi Family could turn the tide and escape disaster.

Moreover, perhaps through this ordeal, the Zi Family could reap benefits and grow stronger.

For the Zi Family, this was of great significance. Zi Yuanzheng felt grateful that at this critical juncture, the Zi Family encountered such a benefactor.

Tangyu put away the Four Directions Contemplation Map, resolving to himself: "I must collect all four maps to see. This map is indeed difficult to destroy, made of exceptionally tough material. Not even the Golden Core Realm or Zifu Realm can easily destroy it. Still, after a million years, it's unknown if the other three maps still exist or have been destroyed. Hopefully, they haven't. As long as the four maps are still around, I will search the entire Mystic Spirit Continent to find them."

"Oh, by the way, Tangyu, I have another piece of news to tell you. According to my ancestor, it is said that the royal family of Mount Throne Country also has a similar painting, though its authenticity is unknown. This information dates back three hundred years to an ancestor of mine. Three hundred years have passed, and even if it was true, it's uncertain if the painting still exists in the royal family of Mount Throne Country." Zi Yuanzheng added another piece of information.

"Mount Throne Country." Tangyu pouted slightly, deciding that regardless of the truth, it was worth investigating. After settling this matter, he planned to visit Mount Throne Country.

Tangyu knew where Mount Throne Country was located, not far from here, only a journey of twenty thousand miles.

Zi Yuanzheng instructed Zi Yan to continue accompanying Tangyu around the residence before leaving.

After her father left, Zi Yan couldn't help but ask, "What's so special about this map?"

Tangyu smiled, "Of course it's special; otherwise, I wouldn't be interested in it. Obviously, you can't see what's special about it; some things can't be judged by their surface. Specifically, I can't explain it to you. Rest assured, I won't take your Zi Family's stuff for free; I'll give you some benefits."

Zi Yan waved her hands quickly, "No, no, no, that's not what I meant. This thing is of no use to the Zi Family. If Tangyu sees value in it, that's a good thing; otherwise, it would just be a decoration here. Besides, Tangyu has already given us enough benefits. I can't repay the life-saving grace you've shown me; plus, this time we may need your help against the Luo and Wu Families. Such a great favor, the Zi Family is immensely grateful."

"These are all minor matters, not worth mentioning. Now, take me for a tour around." Tangyu waved dismissively, indifferent to these matters.

Zi Yan looked at Tangyu, nodded, and found herself increasingly curious about this man, even—feeling a vague sense of affection. This feeling was new to her; the emotions of a young girl are indeed a wonderful thing.

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