Chapter 329: Enlightenment of a Grandmaster (2)

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Ahead, the sound of reading came from a straw hut. The voice sounded aged.

When the sound of reading reached one’s ears, it made one feel as if they were standing in a desolate night.

This was literary talent infused with the power of the soul.

Is the reader a great scholar? Han Muye wondered.

Is he a scholar or a master to be able to saturate people’s hearts with his words? 

Han Muye looked up. The window of the straw hut was open, and a white-haired old man in a linen robe was sitting at a desk. In front of him were five or six boys sitting at a few dilapidated wooden tables.

Isn’t this White Deer Mountain Elder who left his writings?

As if sensing that Han Muye was at the door, the old man stopped reading and turned to look out the window.

“Hehe, we’re destined to meet, night travelers. Do you want to come into my straw hut?”

The old man put down the book and smiled.

Han Muye nodded and walked into the straw hut.

Lin Shen quickly followed behind him.

When they entered the straw hut, they saw that the four walls were empty. There were only two or three paintings hanging on the wall.

The handwriting was bold and powerful. The paintings were of pine trees, cold plums, and green bamboo orchids.

“There are guests today. You can go back first. You must not forget to study diligently.” In front of the desk, the old man waved his hand at his students.

The boys sitting in front of the small wooden tables quickly packed up the books, bowed, and then dispersed.

Han Muye looked at the four walls and sized them up carefully.

“Young Master, it seems that you’re quite knowledgeable about painting and calligraphy?” Seeing Han Muye looking at the paintings around him seriously, the old man chuckled.

Han Muye shook his head and said, “It’s not considered knowledgeable. I only know a little.”

His gaze landed on the wild cursive script. “The book has always been the voice of the heart. The words ‘still water’ are really touching.

“Old mister, your actions are like still water, your heart is like a rock, and your words are like tough grass. You’ve reached greater mastery of this Dao.”

Hearing Han Muye’s words, the old man laughed and pointed at the other paintings. “Then what do you think of these paintings?”

Han Muye looked at the four paintings, and a faint noble aura rose in his eyes.

The moment he injected his Great Spirit into his eyes, the old man sitting upright trembled and narrowed his eyes.

In Han Muye’s eyes, which were filled with Great Spirit, the four ordinary paintings became illusory.

“The pine tree has an unyielding wind that is difficult to suppress. The bamboo has the tenacity of breaking rocks. The plum tree is cold and fragrant, and the orchid fragrance is elegant. They’re not limited to one style.

“Junior admires Mr. Dongfang’s character.”

Dongfang Shu.

The signature on the paintings was Dongfang Shu’s.

White Deer Mountain Elder, Dongfang Shu.

“Alright.” The old man looked at Han Muye with a bright gaze, then said, “I wonder what else Young Master can see?”

Is he testing me?

Han Muye smiled and nodded. Then he looked at the paintings and said indifferently, “The calligraphy says ‘still water’, but there are wild waves in your heart. It’s a waste of your talent to be in this straw hut.”

The old man’s expression did not change as he looked at Han Muye.

Han Muye looked at the four paintings and said gently, “Although the pine is staunch, I don’t know where the wind comes from. Sir, you have resentment in your heart.

“Although the bamboo is upright, the leaves are drawn sloppily. Sir, you’re angry.

“The plum blossoms are like fire, and the snow can’t hide it. It can be seen how proud you are.

“Orchids, you used the wrong brush.

“One brush stroke for mountains, two for rivers, three for the phoenix’s eyes. Sir, you deliberately didn’t expose the phoenix eyes. Are you waiting for someone with eyes? Or are everyone’s eyes empty?”

Han Muye turned and looked at the old man.

The divine light in the old man’s eyes converged. It was as deep as an ancient well, making people feel as if they were about to drown in it.

However, Han Muye’s mind did not waver at all.

“Alright.” Dong Fangshu stood up, straightened his clothes, and cupped his hands. “In the past 30 years, countless people have visited my straw hut. You’re the first young man to have such foresight and bearing.

“Greetings, I’m Dongfang Shu of White Deer Mountain.”

Han Muye also raised his hand and cupped his hands. “Han Muye greets Mr. Dongfang.”

Dongfang Shu smiled and invited Han Muye to sit down. He picked up three teacups on the desk and poured tea into them. “The plain tea in the wilderness might not be palatable.”

Han Muye picked up a half-full teacup and took a light sniff. Then he smiled and said, “I really don’t know anything about tea.”

Then he put the tea into his mouth.

Behind him, Lin Shen also picked up his teacup and drank it in one gulp.

“Yes, it’s a little bitter, but it’s still acceptable.” Han Muye put his cup back on the desk and smiled.

“Haha, it’s tea grade. As long as it’s not too bitter, isn’t it fine?” Dongfang Shu laughed and picked up the teacup in front of him and drank it in one gulp.

Those who make an issue of something are all pretentious.”

Han Muye smiled but said nothing.

There were many people who could comprehend the Dao. It would be too much to say that they were all pretentious.

Seeing that Han Muye was silent, Dongfang Shu chuckled and said, “Young Master Han, are you traveling the world to broaden your horizons?”

Han Muye nodded and said, “I’ll do a little business while I’m at it.”

Hearing Han Muye say that he was doing business, Dongfang Shu first frowned, then his eyes lit up. “It’s rare.

“If you want to be extraordinary, you have to be experienced in the secular world first. At your age, to be able to bow to a merchant and not do fake Dao essays, you must have real talent.”

With that, he spread his hands and said, “Tell me, what business do you do? I have a few friends in Jinchuan City who are in the secular world. Let’s see if they can help you.”

Han Muye raised his hand and took out a long sword and a jade bottle.

Seeing the sword and the jade bottle, Dongfang Shu’s eyes lit up even more. “There’s no external or internal Dao in cultivation. Your sword and pills are an internal-external dual cultivation. This business is not small.”

Reaching out to hold the sword, Dongfang Shu’s expression changed. He looked at Han Muye as he held the jade bottle.