Jiu Mu thought to herself, what do I have to trade with now?

Before, when I was young and naive and didn't really have survival skills, I resorted to stealing from those evil demons, thinking at least I wouldn't starve to death.

Later, I met Yun Li, who told me that stealing, even from bad people, doesn't change the nature of the act and ultimately harms one's virtue, so I completely changed my ways. I began to consider not leaving any debts behind, even if it meant bearing some losses myself, I would rather give more and accumulate good karma.

Now, being sent and sheltered as a guest, I consider the accounts settled. If I take Mr. Jiang's supreme treasure without the ability to repay, wouldn't I be owing too much?

"Do you think I'd cheat you?" Jiang Yuan laughed and said, "If you can understand it, you are fated to have it. The world's supreme treasures always find their fated owners, so it should be yours, keep it."

All nine of her eyes widened in shock, and the thought echoed in her mind—Mr. Jiang is incredibly bold!

There is a small world in this painting!

It encompasses everything with the aura of the Great Dao. If it were other cultivators, they would definitely keep it well-hidden, afraid of others finding out and coveting it, yet such a supreme treasure was given away with just a few words? 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"No, I can't accept such a precious treasure." Jiu Mu hurriedly waved her hand and said, "What I said to you earlier was just me feeling down and wanting to vent a bit, not trying to gain sympathy.

I was merely hoping you could arrange some tasks within my capability so I could earn Yin Demon Pearls for cultivation. Please take back this treasure, what merit do I have to receive such a hefty gift?"

Jiang Yuan: ...

If you don't take it, how can I complete my task and get my reward?

Anyway, the system foots the bill, I gain the favor points, we both benefit, so why not take it?

"You can't leave the courtyard bounds yet, and with your current realm and power, talk of repayment is premature," Jiang Yuan persuaded. "If you feel uneasy, why don't we make a deal—

You first take this Mountain and River Map and cultivate well. When you return to the Demon Realm in the future and overthrow the Regent Throne, seizing power, and when you have sufficient resources, I will then collect the benefits as needed. What do you think?"

It sounded more like a consolation, Jiu Mu opened her mouth but couldn't say anything.

Mr. Jiang's words were true; not being able to leave the courtyard meant she couldn't go out for training. Space Technique was inherently difficult to improve upon, obtaining relatively high returns in the short term could only rely on the opportunities in the painting world.

"I will never forget Mr. Jiang's great kindness! When I return to the Demon Realm, I will certainly repay you in kind!" She could only bow deeply, solemnly accepting the heavy scroll with both hands.

The members of the courtyard couldn't help but sigh; those present, counting one by one, all used Mr. Jiang's resources to first strengthen themselves, to repay when they had the power in the future, so all was exchanged with vague promises for benefits.

Mr. Jiang's favor is as deep as the sea, unable to be repaid!

[Side Quest: Jiu Mu's Comeback]

[Quest 4: Give "The Ninth Volume of the Mountains and Rivers Map" to Jiu Mu, helping her with cultivation, completed. Reward: Building Material Pack +1 issued]

[Quest 5: Have Jiu Mu advance to the Soul Emergence Realm in her cultivation. Reward: Skill Upgrade Card +1]

"I can't see how the painting is alive," Qing Niao tilted her head, frowning, and quietly asked the little cloud sparrow on her shoulder, "Can you see it?"

The other shook his head crisply and said, "No, no, I also feel the colors are a bit light, not vivid enough. If there were more trees on those cliffs and more vividly-colored flowers, it would be even prettier!"

Jiu Qing was also puzzled, "Which eye did you see with?"

All nine of Jiu Mu's eyes rolled at him, and she muttered gloomily, "A single glance shows it, the clouds are rolling, the lake water is rippling, and there is a strong presence of demonic energy wafting over the cliffs. If you get closer, you can feel the wind blowing on your face."

Upon hearing this, everyone was curious and took turns trying, but no one felt even a hint of wind.

However, when Jiu Mu got close to the Mountain and River Map, her hair indeed seemed to be lifted by the wind and flew up.

"Can you go in now?" Ling Di stood on her back legs, ears twitching with great interest as she asked, "Can you go in, take a look, and come back to tell us what's in the painting?"

Seeing everyone's anticipation, Jiu Mu was also curious and immediately nodded in agreement. She re-hung the painting on the mushroom house, and with a thought, she truly flickered and entered the painting.

"Oh! Look quickly, Miss Jiu Mu really appeared on the painting!" Hu Zhile immediately spotted a tiny figure in a red dress suddenly appearing in a corner of the huge painting. It was vividly lifelike and definitely Jiu Mu.

"How did she become so small? By comparison, doesn't the painted boat on the lake resemble the Menghua Treasure Ship?"

"We can't tell if the painting moves, and if Miss Jiu Mu only appears as a small figure after entering, is she actually already walking in the painting's world?"

"I really want to go in and see, Mr. Jiang! Mr. Jiang! When can I enter the painting's world?"

......

Everyone was discussing with great curiosity and envy, then all turned eagerly, looking over.

Jiang Yuan looked helpless, thinking to himself, haven't you seen I can't even enter? The system doesn't even give it to me, who knows if there's room for you!

Though the truth was as such, he needed to be more tactful.

So he attributed everything to "fate," letting it take the blame. Then he said the time and fate had yet to align; he also boosted their spirits a bit, saying good cultivation could lead to more encounters and opportunities in the future. In short, he combined perfunctory words with comfort, drawing big dreams, and everyone was excited upon hearing it.

Just as he was speaking, a breeze struck, and Jiu Mu flashed out from the painting's world, her face full of joy.

Looking again at the corner, that small red-dressed figure indeed had disappeared.