The Extreme Alchemist of the Mighty Cauldron

Upon seeing the scroll in Fang Lin’s hand, Han Luoyun wore a puzzled expression.

Noticing this, Fang Lin didn’t speak. Instead, he quietly unrolled the scroll.

After the scroll was unfolded, an air of confusion remained on Han Luoyun’s face, as it was obvious that he wasn’t aware of the painting’s origin.

Fang Lin, seeing Han Luoyun’s perplexed expression, couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. Nonetheless, he asked tentatively, “Do you know anything about this painting, Master? I found it in the treasury.”

At his words, Han Luoyun’s brow furrowed slightly. “You found it in the treasury? I don’t seem to recall having such a painting in the B Treasury-house.”

Fang Lin was momentarily speechless. What kind of Sect Master was this? He didn’t even know what was stored in his own treasury.

Actually, it wasn’t entirely Han Luoyun’s fault. The painting was mostly obscured by the Shenlong Cauldron on ordinary days. Unless one moved the cauldron aside, the painting would remain completely hidden from view.

Although Han Luoyun had visited the B Treasury-house many times and was well aware of the items stored within, he truly didn’t recall anything about this painting.

“It appears that this painting is quite old, but I have no knowledge about it,” Han Luoyun shook his head and said.

Fang Lin sighed softly. Although he had been mentally prepared for this, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed. He put great significance upon this matter as it concerned his mother. He still hoped Han Luoyun could provide some useful insight.

Just as Fang Lin was about to put away the scroll, Han Luoyun mused with a smile, “Although I don’t know about it, perhaps there are others within the Sect who do.”

A glimmer of hope flashed in Fang Lin’s eyes. “I would appreciate it if you could help me ask around, Master.”

Han Luoyun curiously asked, “Is this painting very important to you?”

Fang Lin pressed his lips together, replying gravely, “To your disciple, this painting is more important than my own life.”

Hearing this, Han Luoyun understood. Fang Lin rarely spoke of matters with such severity. Clearly, the painting held extraordinary significance to him.

Immediately afterward, Han Luoyun pulled out a Message Transmitting Jade Slip, apparently communicating with someone.

Fang Lin remained patient, waiting quietly on the sidelines.

After a short while, Han Luoyun announced, “I asked my martial uncle. He, too, is unsure. He suggested asking a senior elder within the Sect for more information.”

Fang Lin’s mouth twitched slightly. Han Luoyun’s martial uncle was considered to be a highly respected figure with significant status in the Sect.

If even Han Luoyun’s martial uncle was unaware and had to ask an elder, just how old was this elder supposed to be?

After another pause, Han Luoyun seemed to receive a response. He picked up the Message Transmitting Jade Slip and after a moment, his face showed an unexpected mix of astonishment and surprise.

“What happened, Master?” Fang Lin hurriedly asked.

With a frown, Han Luoyun replied, “My martial uncle’s master, who is my grandmaster, has some knowledge but not complete clarity. He has decided to consult an ancient elder within the Sect.”

Fang Lin looked at Han Luoyun mockingly and Han Luoyun had to look away in embarrassment, scratching his nose with a wry smile.

Fang Lin couldn’t help but feel that Sect Master Han was showing off the depth of the Purple Mist Sect’s heritage. First, it was his martial uncle, then his grandmaster, and now an ancient elder was brought up. Was he trying to tease him?

Nevertheless, Fang Lin waited patiently, hoping that the esteemed elder may know something about the scroll.

After waiting for an hour, Han Luoyun finally received some news. His expression turned queer upon hearing it.

Fang Lin joked, “Did the ancient elder consult his master too?”

Han Luoyun gave Fang Lin a glare before clearing his throat, “That ancient elder’s memory is rather hazy due to his old age. He started checking the ancient books passed down within the Purple Mist Sect. They should contain some clues.”

Fang Lin was speechless. After all this, they were still at square one. He had no choice but to continue waiting.

After a significantly long wait, a message finally arrived at Han Luoyun.

Fang Lin, however, had low expectations by this point and merely looked at Han Luoyun expectedly.

There was a profound astonishment on Han Luoyun’s face as he put down the Message Transmitting Jade Slip and addressed Fang Lin, “The ancient elder has consulted the ancient books and knows the history of this drawing.”

“What?” Fang Lin exclaimed, instantly reinvigorated. He quickly enquired further.

Han Luoyun slowly spoke, “This painting appears to have been placed in the Purple Mist Sect’s treasury by the founding ancestor of the Sect. Over a thousand years have passed, and basically no one knows the painting’s origin anymore.”

Fang Lin gasped, “Could the person in the painting be the founding ancestor?”

Han Luoyun shook his head, “Although the Sect’s founding ancestor was a woman, she isn’t the woman in the painting. The founding ancestor’s portrait remains in the ancestral hall, and she looks completely different from the woman seen from behind in this painting.”

Fang Lin pressed on, “Do you know any connection between the founding ancestor and the woman in the painting?”

Han Luoyun shook his head again, “According to the ancient elder, the ancient texts recorded very little. There is not a single word about the woman’s background.”

Fang Lin stood there, stunned. After half a day’s inquiry, all they knew was that the painting had been placed into the treasury by the Purple Mist Sect’s founding ancestor. But its true origin was still unknown.

“You don’t have to be disheartened. Even though the painting’s origins remain unknown, the fact that you found it might be some sort of fate,” Han Luoyun consoled. He could see that Fang Lin was feeling quite dejected at the moment.

Fang Lin gave a wry smile and nodded in response. Since this painting was a portrait of his mother, Bai Qingxue, he intended to uncover its secret, no matter how minute the hope may be.

Just as he was about to put the painting away and leave, Han Luoyun stopped him, “For what you did with the Ten-thousand Medicine Sect, I haven’t rewarded you yet. This Ancient Alchemy Scripture, I give it to you.” Han Luoyun said, handing over the Ancient Alchemy Scripture he had won on the bet with Gong Wuliang.

Fang Lin was not in a good mood, so he merely expressed his gratitude and left after receiving the Ancient Alchemy Scripture.

Han Luoyun watched Fang Lin as he walked away, and was left deep in thought.

In reality, he had received more information than he revealed. The ancient elder had shared that the painting was once used in a ritual by the founding ancestor.

“What connection does this child have with this painting?” Han Luoyun pondered.

Back at his residence, Fang Lin sat on the bamboo chair and closed his eyes for a while.

The secret of the painting still remained hidden. Given the antiquity of the painting, there was hardly any useful information in the old texts about it.

But Fang Lin didn’t worry too much. Since he was the one who found it, he was convinced he would uncover more about it someday.

With his calm restored, Fang Lin casually flipped through the Pill Scripture he had put aside.

Initially, Fang Lin wasn’t particularly interested in the Pill Scripture. However, upon closer inspection, he realized this scripture was far from ordinary.