Chapter 4

I apologize, it was not intentional. Lingxi awkwardly returned the peach branch to him

An hour later, Ban Yuanjun set down his brush and looked at the painting with considerable satisfaction. The lines of the painting were slender and vigorous, capturing the robust physique of the bear, while the expression was vividly lifelike, evoking a sense of anxiety and anticipation during the divination process. Although the Taoist priest across from him was only seen from behind, his hair was impeccably arranged, and the folds of his robe were both loose and orderly, exuding a lively spirit.

Under the oilcloth umbrella made of nan bamboo, Mo Long strolled leisurely, dressed in a new green robe, with the ends of his hair loosely tied with silk, clearly just having washed away the dust of the day. He casually picked up a small child and asked for some freshly fried osmanthus chestnuts before he turned into the Du Family Restaurant, which was adorned with lotus lanterns

Turning her head, she saw several portraits posted on the wall. Upon closer inspection, she realized they were wanted notices issued by the city lord, with a note at the bottom stating the reward.

Xiahou Feng expressed his confusion: "I also want to know, what exactly is Long Ge? Why can't we be informed about it?"

The climate of Changliu is distinct from other places. Every sunset, layers of dark clouds roll in from the north, bringing a light drizzle that continues until the next day at the hour of the rabbit. The clouds and rain come and go without a trace, occurring daily without interruption

Lingxi expressed gratitude verbally, yet her demeanor was one of indifference as she lifted her foot to leave

Lingxi inexplicably held a peach blossom, not understanding what custom this was

The young lady has a straightforward disposition; I treat her as a friend. If she can trust me, that is sufficient. Let us not discuss remuneration any further

"You lead me in, and I shall pay the fee." Lingxi said

I guess it's a flat-haired one!" Xiahou Feng exclaimed, "Brother Long's eyes are so sharp.

Xiangting

The brightness of the gold made it somewhat difficult to open his eyes. Ban Yuan Jun said, "If... if all of this is real gold, then it is certainly enough." He took a sky blue glazed water basin, which Lingxi thought was merely a brush washer, but unexpectedly, he placed a gold ingot into the basin. Seeing the gold ingot remain motionless at the bottom of the basin, showing no signs of change, a look of joy appeared on his face, increasing even more. In this manner, he continued to test several more gold ingots, all of which showed no changes whatsoever. Seeing the gold ingot remain motionless at the bottom of the basin, showing no signs of change, a look of joy appeared on his face, increasing even more. In this manner, he continued to test several more gold ingots, all of which showed no changes whatsoever.

Yes

In the Autumn Hall, Xiahou Feng had long since arrived, along with Dongli Chang, who had emerged from his shell, and the deeply troubled Mo Ji.

What is the purpose of this water basin? Why is there a need to place the gold ingot inside?

With a smile, Ban Yuan Jun said: "Changliu City is so vast, and since you have entered my art gallery, it can be considered that we are fated to meet. How about this: you have traveled a long way, so I shall extend my hospitality and invite you to taste the local delicacies, and then I will accompany you to Xiangting. What do you think?"

Lingxi found it quite amusing, bending down to examine the little white mouse, and remarked, "Keeping a mouse as a pet is rather interesting"

Here, miss, do not fan, I feel dizzy... A faint sound came from the fan in her hand

Of course it is interesting. In addition to wolves, tigers, leopards, and bears, the Elephant Courtyard has also gathered many exotic beasts from all corners of the world, such as the Shu Lake, the Chihuang, flying squirrels, and the roe owl, many of which you have never seen before, each with its own unique abilities. I specifically went to the Elephant Courtyard to observe the behavior and form of the Chihuang. It just so happens that today is the seventh day of the month.

Oh

I am eager to find this bear, and naturally, the more the better

This is indeed novel, fortune-telling?!

Dong Li Chang glanced at him and said, "Do not inquire about matters that should not be inquired about!"

Very good. Lingxi is quite satisfied, and I will write below, 'Those who have information may receive a reward of one hundred gold.' Please draw more like this.

Lingxi still did not understand: "Beast Fighting? Is it just going in to watch the fights? What is the interest in that?"

At this time, dusk gradually deepens, and the rain mist arrives as scheduled. On the street, a young child with a floral cloth tied around their head shelters under the eaves, calling out to sell a tray of dried fruits. It is mealtime, and the restaurants in Changliu City are experiencing the busiest moment of the day

The young lady carries a substantial amount of money and is alone; she should exercise caution. It is important to understand that a gentleman is not at fault, yet possessing a precious item can lead to trouble.

Lingxi pondered and said: "This bear is divining, and next to it, let's draw a Taoist priest."

However, my lady, although I am not talented, I can be considered somewhat well-known here... Halfway through, Jun guessed that she was inexperienced in the ways of the world and pondered how to politely decline. As he lowered his head, he caught sight of a bear in the painting, and suddenly his eyes brightened, "Are you looking for this bear?!"

Before he finished speaking, Lingxi was already irritated by the pollen, causing her nose to itch uncontrollably, and she couldn't help but sneeze. Petals fell to the ground in a flurry, leaving her with only a bare peach branch in her hand

Changliu City, since the first piece of blue-black stone was laid as the foundation on the ground of Changliu Mountain, has passed several thousand years, and it is unknown how many foreign travelers have become locals. Every tiny edge of the blue-black stone slabs has been worn smooth and rounded, reflecting light in the mist and rain that come and go without a trace.

It was also a matter of chance that I happened to take them in, and it is rare that they are obedient, so I decided to keep them for use. Half-Yuan Jun raised his hand to gesture outside, politely saying, "Please, miss."

Before the words were finished, a slow voice was heard from outside the hall: "Round hair and flat hair? Why must I be the one with hair?"

Xiahou Feng complained while tapping his claws: "Why hasn't Long Ge arrived yet? I'm already hungry"

"Miss, please wait!" Half-Yuan Jun smiled and stopped her, "The payment for the painting has not yet been made. Moreover, you just mentioned that if there are any informants, they could receive a reward of one hundred gold pieces. I must speak frankly, is this reward..."

A tacit understanding

This is your first time coming to Changliu, and you haven't even heard of Xiangting.

I have seen him! There is a ring of red fur around his neck, called the Crimson Flame Bear. I encountered him in the Elephant Court. He fought fiercely with a leopard, and goodness, there was fur rolling all over the ground

Are these enough? she asked

What does the young lady want to paint

The Elephant Court is the arena established by Young Master Xuan, and it is also the largest arena in Changliu City. It opens every seventh day, and the events held within are quite serious, extremely bloody.

Xiahou Feng spoke with confidence: "When I was on the mountain, my parents taught me this way. We only soak in the hot springs once before the New Year; usually, just shaking off the fur is enough. Why complicate things! Have you seen Long Ge when he bathes? Does he have round fur or flat fur?"

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare." The gentleman hurriedly smiled and said, "It's just that the young lady suddenly took out so many gold ingots, which indeed startled me. Are you traveling alone, young lady?"

Halfway through, Jun raised his head, waved his sleeve, and six little white mice slid down in a line from the beam, obediently arranging themselves in a row on the table.

For example, one can depict a fierce tiger descending the mountain, a sick tiger returning to the mountain, or playful cubs frolicking...

Halfway through, the gentleman collected all the gold ingots and replied with a smile: "Young lady, you may not know that in the city of Changliu, there is a mix of dragons and snakes, and some spirits have practiced the art of illusion, transforming leaves and stones into silver coins to deceive people, which is truly despicable. To eliminate this trickery, the city lord specially crafted a batch of Gui Zhen Yu and distributed them to merchants of all sizes. If a fake gold ingot is placed in the water basin, it will revert to its original form"

Mo Long stepped into the hall, raising an eyebrow at them

Lingxi inquired: "Are all these paintings done by you"

Mo Ji, who did not know when she came to her senses, said faintly: "I think it is Yuan Mao, based on the skills..."

"I am the one beneath the half-moon." He handed the peach blossom to Lingxi

Half-heartedly, Jun exclaimed: "What is meant by the phrase 'the face of a person resembling peach blossoms'? Today, I have finally come to understand..."

You must take good care of the art gallery and must not be negligent he instructed

The little white mice squeaked in unison twice.

Stepping onto the blue ink stone slab, as a foreigner, Lingxi walked along the bustling street, gazing at the dazzling array of shops on both sides, momentarily lost in thought. In the vast sea of people, where should she begin her search?

About a hundred sheets? ! '' Halfway through, Jun suddenly felt a surge of blood rising, which he forcefully swallowed back.

"Wait a moment... Is the young lady going to the elephant courtyard now?" Half Yuan Jun hurriedly asked.

Well

"It's nothing, it's nothing. May I ask if the young lady is interested in purchasing a painting?" Half-Yuan Jun inserted a peach branch into the earthenware vase, smiling as he asked Lingxi

Lingxi thought it was reasonable; he was naturally considered an informed party. He then took out a handful of gold coins from his sleeve, each one delicate and about the size of a thumb. As soon as these gold coins landed on the table, they transformed into the size of a fist, stacked high, shining brilliantly in gold, extremely dazzling.

Thank you for the reminder, I take my leave

A black bear, with a ring of red fur around its neck. Lingxi recalled the appearance of the bear from the Western Mountains, estimating that her second uncle should look somewhat similar, particularly large in size, furry, with a round head and small ears

Ban Yuanjun then asked, "What kind of expression do you want?"

Lingxi turned to look at the sound, and on the fan was a painting of peach blossoms by the water. In the painting, there was a person on a pavilion by the water, dressed in wide sleeves, supporting her forehead as if feeling dizzy. She had no choice but to place the fan back on the table. The figure in the painting, after leaving the pavilion, surprisingly had the leisure to pluck a peach blossom before leaping out of the fan.

I truly do not understand the likes and dislikes of the people here, Lingxi put away the painting and said: "Then I will go take a look"

Lingxi was momentarily taken aback: "How troublesome."

expression

Upon hearing this, Ban Yuanjun was taken aback for quite a while before asking: "Miss, you want this painting, is it to find someone?" His tone carried a hint of hurt.

Lingxi nodded honestly: "Indeed, it is my first time, and I would appreciate your guidance"

"What is this for? What does round fur and flat fur have to do with you?" The village head in the east refused to answer.

He is much more particular about his bathing than you are, from head to toe, every hair must be neatly arranged, not a single knot can be allowed. The village chief leisurely sipped his tea, casting a sidelong glance at Xiahou Feng, saying, "Unlike you, who jumps into the water as if being punished, almost wanting to scrub yourself with mud."

This method is quite good; after all, capturing someone is essentially about searching for a person, isn't it? Lingxi felt a surge of joy in her heart and casually chose an art gallery, stepping inside. The shop was not only adorned with paintings hanging on the walls, but also featured several folding screens, each displaying a painting, whether it be ink wash landscapes, ladies strolling in gardens, or scenes of flowers, birds, and insects. On the table lay dozens of unfolded paper fans, which were also painted. Lingxi casually picked one up, fanned herself, and looked around, asking, 'Is anyone here?'

This restaurant features several halls and courtyards, each named after flowers and plants. The corridors are shaded, and beaded curtains hang at the entrance. Banana plants and variegated bamboos are planted beneath the corridors, and the rain patters on the banana leaves, creating a delightful and elegant atmosphere

What does it matter if it is just one person

Lingxi nodded and asked, "Is Changliu City large? Would posting about a hundred flyers be enough?"

I see. "Lingxi sighed, "Are you worried that I am here to deceive as well?"

He nodded slightly and humbly smiled, saying: "These are merely creations of games, I hope they do not amuse the young lady. Is there anything that the young lady particularly likes?"

The performance at the Xiangting begins after the lights are turned on, and it is still early to go now. Moreover, there are many rules at the Xiangting; any newcomer must be accompanied by a regular patron in order to enter and enjoy the show

I do not want any of these paintings; I would like you to create another one for me.