Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

The lake breeze gently caressed.

The two stood side by side on the shimmering deck.

Staring at the boundless lake surface, Shen Qing couldn't help but doubt the truth behind the legend of Beihai.

He couldn't resist asking, "Regarding the origin of Beihai, there's a rumor among the people that it was created by Ancient Cultivators. Do you think it's true?"

"Eight or nine times out of ten, it's true," Huang Furo replied confidently.

"Why?" Shen Qing asked curiously.

Huang Furo's gaze penetrated the layers of waves, as if she saw that glorious era that was beyond reach. Slowly she said, "I heard that in Ancient Times, the world was filled with Spiritual Energy. Cultivators could easily pluck stars and seize the moon, and a single technique could change the weather."

"Back then, every path under the sun flourished, and a single beam of light could destroy the world, a single blade of grass could cut through stars. The Heavenly Dao was in the grasp of people, and longevity was not unattainable for many cultivators."

Between her words, Huang Furo's eyes shone with endless yearning for the Ancient Period.

Shen Qing's expression turned serious; this was the first time he'd heard of the Ancient Era, and it shocked him.

Huang Furo's recent experiences in the Mountain Sea Department must have unveiled many secrets unknown to those from lower echelons.

He asked, somewhat puzzled, "Since the Ancient Times were so powerful, why has it become like this today?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"Yes," Huang Furo sighed deeply and said, "During the Ancient Period, just when the Human Clan was in a brilliant era, the Heavenly Dao suddenly collapsed. Countless sects vanished overnight, and those powers that once stood at the pinnacle of the Cultivation World silently broke their inheritances. Our current paths of cultivation are entirely built on that ruins."

Shen Qing frowned slightly, turning his gaze toward the broad lake surface in the distance, and after a long while, he said, "Our ancestors were truly remarkable."

"Look at this Beihai, stretching nearly a hundred miles; it's the mark left by a single punch from Ancient Great Powers, allowing us to feel the might of our ancestors from that era. We are indeed so fortunate."

Shen Qing gazed at the lake surface, remaining silent.

After a short while, a gong sounded from behind the deck, like a startling cry of a wild goose in autumn, piercing through the tranquility of the lake.

Huang Furo gently turned her head and said to Shen Qing, "The Chrysanthemum Viewing Festival is about to start; let's go in."

Saying that, she took the lead in stepping forward and heading inside.

Shen Qing had already heard of Princess Yuzhen's reputation, and deep down, he couldn't help but feel a bit of anticipation.

He closely followed Huang Furo's steps, the two walking side by side as they headed into the building ship.

In the hall of the building ship, the main seats for the Chrysanthemum Viewing Festival were meticulously arranged in the center, surrounded by various chrysanthemums, appearing exceptionally enchanting. The air was filled with a faint scent of chrysanthemum, refreshing the senses.

Not only that, besides the chrysanthemum floral arrangements, there was a stunning gown made entirely of assorted chrysanthemums placed prominently in the center.

The chrysanthemum-accessorized gown extended more than ten meters and was adorned with many gold, silver, and coral ornaments, extremely luxurious.

At this moment, many young gentlemen and ladies had already assembled at the entrance, creating a lively atmosphere.

As Shen Qing and Huang Furo arrived at the entrance of the hall, a stunning woman with a hint of scrutiny in her gaze politely stopped them.

"Distinguished guests, pardon the interruption. I am Su Qiaoqiao, and today I am organizing this event on behalf of Princess Yuzhen. May I have your names so I can arrange seats for you?"

Shen Qing and Huang Furo exchanged a glance, Huang Furo lowered her voice and said, "The eldest miss of the Su Family." Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire

Shen Qing was inwardly alarmed; the person before him was indeed the daughter of a prestigious family.

He took out an invitation, cupped his fists, and said, "I am Shen Qing, the Southern Chief Officer of the Military Department."

"I am Huang Furo, the Chief Officer of the Mountain Sea Department."

Huang Furo and Shen Qing took turns introducing themselves.

Su Qiaoqiao immediately recalled their identities.

She gently took the invitations they handed over, smiling slightly, her demeanor exuding the aura of a noble household.

After carefully verifying them without error, she took two exquisite identity cards from the tray held by a maid beside her, handing them to them and said, "So it's the two esteemed persons; welcome, dear guests. Please take these cards to enter. Please, both of you."

Receiving the identity cards and invitations, Shen Qing and Huang Furo brushed past Su Qiaoqiao and stepped into the hall.

Inside the hall, young gentlemen and ladies, people of celebrity and refinement had already gathered, laughing and chatting.

They used chrysanthemums as a medium to discuss interesting events happening around them.

"Forty-one..."

Shen Qing, holding his identity card, found his seat in a relatively rear location.

This spot was somewhat concealed, not too prominent, perfectly suiting his intention to secretly observe and gather information.

Just as he sat down, unexpectedly, Huang Furo followed closely.

Shen Qing said in surprise, "You're sitting here too?"

Huang Furo feigned anger and said, "Why, can't I sit here?"

"Haha... Miss Huangfu, although you usually like to put on a cold face, your act of feigned anger is truly unconvincing." Shen Qing's words pierced through Huang Furo's little pretense.

She bit her silver teeth lightly, not knowing why she found this handsome man before her somewhat annoying.

"Honestly," Shen Qing shifted silently inside the seat, smiled at Huang Furo, and said, "I'm honestly glad you'd sit here."

The brief flicker of annoyance in Huang Furo's heart vanished without a trace, and she sat next to Shen Qing with a calm expression, upright and poised.

She glanced around, finding the surroundings quiet; only she and Shen Qing were there, perfectly matching her preference.

"What are you looking at?" Not far away, Young Master Zhao Liu poked the person next to him, Li Yi, curiously and said, "Staring at someone like that, have you taken a liking to them?"