"Bastard, you have to pay for my painting..."
Seeing his painting torn to shreds, the young man became furious.
But upon meeting Ji Mo's gaze, he inexplicably felt a chill run through his body, as if he had fallen into an ice cave. He shivered instantly, nearly wetting himself.
In a panic, he stumbled away from the scene.
Such sharp eyes, such terrifying pressure, it was truly too dreadful!
He probably wouldn't even need the other person to make a move; a few more glares and he would be scared to death.
After running a good distance, the young man finally relaxed and sighed heavily.
His luck had truly turned for the worse. He had intended to capitalize on Miss Ji's popularity to swindle some foolishly wealthy individuals and make a fortune.
He never expected to almost get caught on his first attempt. It was truly terrible luck.
The young man took out another identical painting and analyzed it carefully, unable to figure out where he had gone wrong.
It shouldn't have been like this. He had merely painted a perfect, inspiring back. How could that person be so certain it wasn't Miss Ji, and even claim it was defamation?
Could it be that this person had seen the real Miss Ji, and her actual figure was even more beautiful than what I painted?
The young man was utterly perplexed.
Just then, an incredibly surprised voice suddenly rang out: "Is the person in the painting that Miss Ji?"
Meng Ji was almost killed by Ling Lan, but fortunately, she had means of survival and escaped without incident.
Fortune accompanies misfortune, and misfortune hides fortune!
It turns out that fortune and misfortune are intertwined, and surviving a great disaster truly brings good fortune.
She had been unable to find any information about Ji Mo for days and thought she would inevitably be whipped.
Unexpectedly, a new path opened up, and the surprise came so suddenly.
"No."
The young man denied it, fearing a repeat of the previous incident.
The woman before him exuded a murderous aura, clearly a formidable figure. If she also knew Ji Mo, he was sure to have a bad outcome, possibly even perishing on the spot.
"Stop pretending, you can't fool me."
Meng Ji, with an expression that suggested she had seen through him, immediately exposed him: "This line, 'May we all be blessed with longevity, and share the moon's beauty across a thousand miles,' was written by Ji Mo. And the line below, 'Who understands my loneliness?' further proves it. I will pay a high price for this painting. If you know any other news related to Ji Mo, I will reward you handsomely."
Upon hearing this, the young man's eyes nearly glowed green.
Happiness had come so suddenly. An idiot was actively delivering himself to his doorstep. If he didn't seize this opportunity to fleece them, he would surely be struck by divine retribution.
"Miss is indeed intelligent, you've seen through me. I won't pretend anymore, I'll lay my cards on the table. That's right, the person in the painting is indeed Miss Ji Mo. Although my relationship with her isn't very deep, I do know her somewhat."
The young man was also quite the actor, spewing lies fluently without batting an eyelid.
As long as the other party didn't know Ji Mo, he could fool them however he pleased.
"Come with me. As long as you tell my young master some information about Ji Mo, you won't be shortchanged."
Meng Ji felt a great sense of relief and immediately led the man to see Lang Qing.
Lang Qing had also arrived at the Shallow Sun Forest and was staying in the most luxurious room of the most luxurious inn.
He met the young man and looked at the painting, his expression fluctuating.
Clearly, he wasn't easily fooled. Without evidence, how could he be sure the person in the painting was Miss Ji?
The main reason was that he had seen countless people and could tell at a glance that the young man was not a good person.
Could such a character possibly know the esteemed Miss Ji?
Having navigated the world for many years, the young man was adept at reading people. Sensing Lang Qing's suspicion, his eyes darted, and he began to spin a tale: "I was a destitute painter. During a time of hardship, I received kind assistance from Miss Ji, and thus we became acquainted."
"Oh?"
Lang Qing remained impassive and asked indifferently, "Then, is Miss Ji beautiful or ugly? And is her figure as exquisitely proportioned as depicted in the painting?"
"Miss Ji usually covers her face with a veil, but her features are as beautiful as a painting. Her beauty is undoubtedly heavenly. As for her figure, my painting skills are shallow; I cannot capture even a tenth of the grace of Miss Ji's elegant posture. I am ashamed."
The young man's answer was flawless, revealing no flaws.
"This is only a tenth?"
Lang Qing was finally moved.
If that were truly the case, how captivating would the real person be!
His breathing quickened, his eyes gleamed with a wicked light, and he vowed to obtain Ji Mo at all costs, regardless of any price.
Even if it meant a direct confrontation with the Feng Hua Xue Yue Sect, he would not hesitate.
"Very well, I will not mistreat you. I can offer you a reward of one million immortal crystals. Of course, you must first swear a Heavenly Dao oath to prove that you have indeed met Miss Ji."
Lang Qing smiled at the young man, but his eyes held a cruel, chilling glint.
Meng Ji, standing beside him, said, "My young master despises being deceived more than anything. As long as what you say is true, the reward will be paid in full. Otherwise... I forgot to tell you, we are from the Floating Dream Pavilion."
"Floating Dream Pavilion!"
The young man could no longer maintain his composure. He was so terrified that he almost collapsed to the ground.
Especially upon learning that the person before him was Lang Qing, the young master of the Floating Dream Pavilion, a notorious, uncouth beast, he was so frightened he almost fainted on the spot.
The consequences of deceiving Lang Qing were dire. He couldn't imagine what fate awaited him.
"Heaven as my witness, sun and moon as my guide, I have indeed met Ji Mo..."
The young man hardened his heart and decisively swore the Heavenly Dao oath.
He would rather face the judgment of the Heavenly Dao than fall into Lang Qing's hands and endure inhuman torment.
The young man wished for death, but fate had other plans. The oath was sworn, and no punishment descended from the Heavenly Dao.
It was clear that the facts proved the young man had not lied.
Lang Qing's demeanor changed instantly: "Meng Ji, hurry and get the immortal crystals to generously reward this brother, and prepare a table of fine wine and dishes. I want to drink until we are both intoxicated with my brother."
He grabbed the young man's hand, showing immense enthusiasm, and then quietly inquired how he could meet Miss Ji.
The young man stood there like a stunned chicken, unable to comprehend when he had ever met the mysterious Miss Ji. Wasn't this utter nonsense? Could the Heavenly Dao also make mistakes?
He dared not linger, not even for a moment. He concocted another excuse: "From what I know, Miss Ji should be arriving at the Shallow Sun Forest within these two days. Young Master, you only need to send people to keep an eye on all the entrances, and you will naturally encounter her."
Lang Qing's eyes lit up, and he humbly asked, "Then how can one identify who Miss Ji is?"
"Miss Ji is as dazzling as the sun in the sky, outstanding and distinct. The moment you see her, you will be deeply captivated and unable to extricate yourself."
The young man explained with great seriousness, leaving Lang Qing completely bewildered.
Then, after receiving his reward, he promptly took his leave.
Lang Qing immediately issued orders, dispatching hundreds of his subordinates to stake out all the entrances to the Shallow Sun Forest.
Unexpectedly, the next day, he received good news.
A subordinate came running, waving his hands excitedly, to report.
"Young Master, Miss Ji has appeared. Although she is disguised as a man, deliberately concealing her identity, her temperament and beauty are truly more radiant than the midday sun. She is simply breathtakingly beautiful!"