The peach forest was filled with the bleak and withered feeling of winter, full of gloominess. However, a hint of brightness and color had appeared because of this [The Kite-Chasing Girl].

It was like a wisp of sunlight had passed through the dark clouds and shot into one's heart.

"It's a pity!"

Murong Mingyue sighed.

A famous painting like this should be framed up, either as a treasured collection in someone's study or hung in the hall of some famous historical site.

It was a waste to leave it here.

After all, many years later, this peach tree would rot from the exposure to the wind and rain as well as insects.

"There's nothing to be sorry about. Its mission is complete when it is able to get you to like it, for you to give me recognition and be willing to come to the Central Province Academy."

Sun Mo wasn't trying to coax her. This was what he really thought.

Murong Mingyue turned and took a long look at Sun Mo; a strange feeling was seething in her heart. Her gaze then landed on the famous painting. She looked at the young girl and the kite.

(To think that I've witnessed the birth of a famous painting? And it has been drawn on a peach tree? I didn't expect that I'll be able to see such a miracle in the last part of my life!)

Murong Mingyue sighed, exerting force in her right hand. Some small wood chips slid off from between her fingers.

"Did you really create four famous paintings?"

Murong Mingyue felt curious, wanting to take a look at them. They should look amazing.

"If you're interested, you can come and take a look!"

Sun Mo invited.

Murong Mingyue didn't say anything, but her expression wasn't as cold as before.

"In life, the days go on regardless if you're happy or sad. Since that's the case, why not be happier?"

Sun Mo slowed down his voice, speaking like a radio broadcaster on a midnight program, pretending to assume the role of an advisor of one's feelings.

"Are you trying to console me?"

Murong Mingyue asked.

"I'm also consoling myself."

Sun Ming wanted to shape his image into one who seemed to share a similar fate as Murong Mingyue, trying to hit on her empathy. With them being in a similar situation, their relationship would also get closer.

It was a pity that Murong Mingyue wasn't falling for it.

"Haha."

Murong Mingyue's laughter had a hint of bleakness and helplessness in it.

"Since you aren't happy here, then why not come to the Central Province Academy? Jinling's prosperity is definitely the best in the world. Nangu Alley's buns, Daoji Bakery's pastries, Crystalla's cosmetics, and even Qinhuai River's floating brothels will all make leave unforgettable impressions on people, making them feel that their life hasn't been a waste."

Sun Mo persuaded.

"Teacher Sun, there's no need to waste your breath."

Murong Mingyue looked at the painting on the peach tree. "I know that your standard in the field of spirit runes is exceptionally high, but these peach trees are already dead. Even if you're at the great ancestor level, you won't be able to bring them back to life."

Sun Mo smiled modestly, not retorting.

(You'll know how powerful I am when you see peach blossoms fluttering everywhere.)

"Sun Mo, leave the Dragon Subduing Academy. This is the country of the barbarians, not a place for someone from the Central Plains like you."

After Murong Mingyue said that, she turned to leave.

Sun Mo shrugged and planned on continuing to put in effort when Mei Ziyu walked out.

"Sun Mo, Jiang Ji is looking for you!"

As Mei Ziyu said this, her gaze landed on [The Kite-Chasing Girl]. She felt a little envious.

(How nice would it be if this famous painting was done for me.)

Every famous painting was worth passing down through the times. When people looked at this painting in the future and talked about it, they'd talk about the story between Sun Mo and Murong Mingyue.

(But I have nothing.)

Of course, Mei Ziyu was a good girl and wouldn't make things difficult for Sun Mo. Therefore, she immediately restrained her expression.

"Why is Jiang Ji looking for me?"

Sun Mo frowned. "It can't possibly be that he is going to give in because he has been dealt a blow by me, right?"

By right, the two of them were competitors who would fight it out to the bitter death. After all, if Sun Mo was to get first place, he'd snatch the first place on the Great Teachers Hero Rankings that belonged to Jiang Ji.

"I'm not sure, but he seems very anxious."

Mei Ziyu felt that there was a high possibility that Jiang Ji wanted to ask for Sun Mo's help.

"Come, let's go and take a look!"

Sun Mo packed up his stuff.

Mei Ziyu followed by Sun Mo's side and then turned to take another look at that famous painting. She then let out a sigh.

"It's a pity!"

The famous painting would just end up being covered in dust here.

"It's just a painting. If you like them, I can give you eight or ten of them in the future. They might not necessarily be famous paintings, but they will definitely be drawn with the greatest effort."

Sun Mo, as a straightforward guy, finally showed a soft side to him for once.

Of course, the most important thing was that Mei Ziyu's standard in botany and herbology wasn't weak either. She might be weaker in alchemy, but she had a mother who was near to the ancestor level!

As the vice-headmaster, Sun Mo had to uphold a good relationship with the two beautiful great teachers.

(Sigh! If only I could headhunt Mei Yazhi over. It'd both be eye-pleasing and useful.)

"No need. I'm happy with your sentiments."

Mei Ziyu refused, but she felt elated inside.

Ding!

Favorable impression point from Mei Ziyu +1,000. Respect (6,290/10,000).

The system looked at the favorable impression points and couldn't help but sigh. (This guy is hankering after the bodies of your mother and you, but you didn't notice it?)

(You're really counting money for the person who sells you away.)

After Sun Mo and Mei Ziyu left, another guy stood in front of the peach tree.

"To think that it's a famous painting?"

Looking at the kite that was soaring in the sky, as well as the young lady who was running in the sunflower field, the man let out a surprised sigh and couldn't help but reach out his hand, wanting to touch it.

However, just as his fingertips were about to touch it, he came to a stop.

He couldn't bear to taint it!

"Sun Mo, you're so outstanding that it makes me feel unbearable to destroy you."

The man sighed. (But you've touched my reverse scale and your Ancient Dragon Capturing Hands is of great threat to my plan as well. Therefore, Sun Mo, you must die.)

...

Jiang Ji and Sun Mo met in a meditation room. This place was more private and there'd usually be no disturbances from outsiders.

"Teacher Sun, there's something I need to seek your help for."

After seeing Sun Mo, Jiang Ji cupped his fists together, asking for help with an awkward expression.

He had wanted to wear a smile, but he had graduated from a famous school after all, had been outstanding since young, and had also risen to first place on the Great Teachers Hero Rankings. Therefore, he wasn't good at fawning at someone else.

"Teacher Jiang, you're too polite. If there's anything I can help you with, I'll definitely do my best."

Sun Mo didn't refuse.

Jiang Ji wasn't a scheming person. Other than being a little arrogant, he wasn't bad.

Sun Mo could do Jiang Ji a favor then see if he could headhunt him over to the Central Province Academy.

"I keep having an uncomfortable feeling in my body but am unable to find out the reason behind it. I've been to the Dragon Subduing Academy's pharmacy and had a doctor check me out, but they said that there's no problem with me and that my body is very fit."

Jiang Ji described his condition, his meaning very clear. He wanted to rely on Sun Mo's God Hands to find out what his ailment was.

"Teacher Jiang, I need to make things clear. My Ancient Dragon Capturing Hands is more effective in healing muscle injuries as well as promoting blood circulation and dispelling blood stasis. If you have a medical condition, you should look for a professional doctor."

Sun Mo felt stumped. (Do you have a misunderstanding about the God Hands?)

"I believe in Teacher Sun."

Teacher Jiang's expression was very solemn.

With him saying this, what else could Sun Mo do? When he activated Divine Sight, he placed his hands concurrently onto Jiang Ji's shoulders to conduct a check.

All the data remained to be off the scale. He was definitely a genius amongst geniuses. However, right now, there was a row of red words that stood out a lot.

Note: Abnormality has occurred within the body. If treatment isn't given in time, it'll be life-threatening.

Sun Mo's countenance immediately turned grim.

At the sight of this scene, Jiang Ji's heart sank. However, he could hold it in and didn't ask.

After 15 minutes passed, Sun Mo drew his hands back. "Teacher Jiang, where do you feel uncomfortable?"

"I have no idea either."

Jiang Ji shook his head.

"You don't know?"

Sun Mo was stunned.

"My instincts are telling me that my body isn't at its optimal condition."

Jiang Ji explained.

Sun Mo was filled with admiration. This was a top-notch genius. Ordinary people would definitely feel at ease if they sought treatment but were told by the doctor that they were fine. However, that wasn't the case for Jiang Ji. He trusted in his instincts more.

And it turned out that his instincts were right.

"Teacher Sun, what's wrong with me?"

Jiang Ji asked humbly.

"I'm certain that there's a problem with your body, but I'm not sure what the problem is."

After saying that, Sun Mo gave it some thought then added, "I advise that you get a top-notch doctor to check things out."

Jiang Ji fell silent. His connections were all in the Central Plains. If he were to seek treatment, he'd have to give up on the examination. However, he wasn't willing to leave just like that.

After all, leaving would mean that he was forfeiting. To him, failing the examination would be a blemish on his life.

A few minutes later, Jiang Ji spoke up, "How serious is it?"

"I can only say that you better get it treated as soon as possible."

Sun Mo's tone was solemn.

"I understand."

Jiang Ji suddenly bowed toward Sun Mo. "I'll remember this favor. If I can get through this, I'll definitely repay you greatly."

"You're still planning on continuing with the examination?"

Sun Mo felt worried.

"Although the chances of winning against you aren't high, I don't wish to leave sheepishly like this. Teacher Sun, let's show our real capabilities during the Autumn Hunting Sacrificial Ceremony."

Jiang Ji smiled. "Moreover, the battle against you has made me clear about a lot of things."

"Although it isn't suitable for me to say this, I'll still advise you to give up on the examination and quickly return to the Central Plains to look for the best doctor to get treatment. Otherwise, your body will suffer from permanent damage."

Sun Mo reminded him.

"I understand Teacher Sun's kind thoughts."

Jiang Ji felt thankful.

Right now, Jiang Ji's morale was high and he could be said to be Sun Mo's stepping stone. If he were to leave, the damage done to Sun Mo would be even greater since it wouldn't have been a clear-cut duel between the two of them.

Sun Mo was purely standing in his shoes and having his best interests at heart when he tried to persuade him to give up.

He was a good guy!

Ding!

Favorable impression points from Jiang Ji +100. Friendly (410/1,000).

"Teacher Sun, you must be careful. The ones who made a move might be the Dark Dawn. You're more outstanding than me, so they'll definitely not let you off."

After Jiang Ji said this, he left the meditation room.

"Sun Mo..."

Mei Ziyu looked worried.

"This is something that'll be coming sooner or later."

As his reputation grew, the people from Dark Dawn would definitely come knocking on his door. Therefore, he must work hard to get stronger.

With the Dragon Subduing Palace sealed up, Sun Mo was unable to enter and could only sigh powerlessly. He then spent his time outside of his classes either reading in the library or giving Xianyu Wei guidance in the training room. He led a fulfilling and satisfactory life.

All of this was in preparation for the upcoming Autumn Hunting Sacrificial Ceremony.

"Teacher, I must perform well!"

Xianyu Wei wanted to fight for her teacher.