The next day.
Having "dealt with" Prince Wen Yu, Wang Shouzhe was casually reading in his study as if nothing had happened.
Jiang Mu Xian was as usual attending to him by brewing tea and lighting incense.
Her movements were still skilled and quick without any mistakes, yet her whole demeanor seemed drained, with faint tears at the corners of her eyes.
"What's wrong with Mu Xian?" Wang Shouzhe put down his book and asked with slight concern, "Could it be that you've encountered some trouble?"
"My lord…" In the next instant, Jiang Mu Xian couldn't control her tears anymore as she spoke in grievance, "I just feel too useless, my lord's efforts have been in vain, and I have no confidence at all in this Four Corners Battle."
"…" Wang Shouzhe pondered for a moment and was a bit puzzled, "That shouldn't be the case, you're already at the advanced stage of the Purple Abode Realm, and with your Heavenly Woman Bloodline, your winning rate in the Four Corners Battle should be over ninety percent."
"But, but I can't even beat Wang Baoguang." Jiang Mu Xian felt increasingly wronged, her eyes teary as she said, "Except for the first time when he held back, I couldn't last through a single incense stick's time in our subsequent encounters."
"Ah, so it's Baoguang." Wang Shouzhe suddenly realized, "You don't need to worry about that, and there's no need to compare yourself to him. That kid is just a freak. Among the family members in his age range, few can win against him with equivalent cultivation base."
Few?
Jiang Mu Xian was taken aback, her mouth twitching slightly.
The phrase "few," doesn't it mean that there are at least a few? She originally thought Wang Baoguang was the most formidable among the young people in Lord's family.
Unexpectedly, there were even stronger ones.
"However, Baoguang's actual combat ability is indeed exceptionally strong." Wang Shouzhe pondered, "To be safe, you should continue sparring with him to accumulate experience during this time."
"Ah?"
Jiang Mu Xian's eyes widened. Spar again?
However, Lord's comfort was indeed special, as her gloomy mood significantly improved.
Forget it, after all, she wasn't afraid of death, so how could she fear sparring with Wang Baoguang?
Jiang Mu Xian secretly made up her mind, this time, she was definitely going to endure for three incense sticks' time.
So, she joyfully began brewing tea and serving water.
Jiang Mu Xian hadn't expected that just as she walked into Wang Shouzhe's study.
Somewhere at the base of the wall from another direction, there was a figure stealthily hiding beneath the dappled shadows of the trees, quietly operating the Sky Mechanism Recording Disk to capture the scene.
That figure was evidently Wang Baoguang.
With his exceptional talent, he had cultivated stealth-type cultivation techniques to a masterstroke level.
And for better photographs, he spent a fortune upgrading his equipment.
Over the years, the Sky Mechanism Recording Disk had undergone several transformations, resulting in revolutionary changes, not only with more functions but also significantly enhanced portability.
The one in Wang Baoguang's hand was the Wang family's latest portable Imaging Disk—[Mini Imaging Disk Xuzi Special Edition], utilizing several patents developed by Wang Baoguang himself.
This gadget looks like a palm-sized crystal plaque, with a button and a slot on the edge, capable of capturing still images and dynamic recordings. It's also quite portable, and when a mobile imaging disk is inserted, it can serve as a crystal screen, though the screen is a tad small.
Happily reviewing the scene captured on the Mini Imaging Disk, Wang Baoguang couldn't help but reveal a proud smile.
This framing, this angle, this lighting effect… simply perfect~!
Not only did it capture the plaque of the Old Ancestor's study, but through the rendering of the light and shadows, it highlighted the exquisite temperament of Immortal Jiang to perfection.
From this angle, anyone would think Immortal Jiang had an unusual relationship with the Old Ancestor.
He truly was an unremarkable little genius of photography~
Carefully saving the recording, making a backup, Wang Baoguang promptly took out a small notebook and, while inspiration struck, began quickly jotting down notes.
"In the summer of Great Qian Longchang Calendar 3549, Jiang Mu Xian was frustrated at the training ground, softly comforted by the Old Ancestor, who then took her to the study…"
As he continued writing, he didn't know what he was conjuring up in his mind, but the smile on his face became mysteriously quirky.
This was indeed a case of starting with a picture and crafting the entire plot.
Just as he was getting more excited in his writing.
Suddenly.
Wang Baoguang felt something awry above his head. Looking up, he saw a massive hand formed of green energy, suspended above, gradually emitting a terrifying presence.
"Oh no, I've been discovered!"
Wang Baoguang shrank his head and was about to run for it.
But that green energy hand descended from above, with a "smack," and with lightning speed, as if swatting a fly, it slammed Wang Baoguang into the muddy ground.
As the energy dissipated.
Only a deep palm print remained on the ground, and Wang Baoguang lay sprawled in the center of the print in a pitiful and sorry state, gasping more than breathing.
Meanwhile, Wang Shouzhe's stern voice echoed in his ears.
"Get in."
Even in such a sorry state, his treasured [Miniature Imaging Disk] was still well-protected, without a scratch.
After checking the condition of the Miniature Imaging Disk and carefully brushing off the mud and dust, he tidied up his clothes, then smoothly entered Wang Shouzhe's study, nodding and bowing with an ingratiating smile, "Old Ancestor Grandfather, what instructions do you have for me?"
He acted as if nothing had happened.
It was clear he was used to being beaten.
Wang Shouzhe beckoned him over and gestured with an open palm.
Wang Baoguang's face immediately fell.
The Old Ancestor Grandfather's orders were something he absolutely did not dare to disobey. Even though he was extremely reluctant, he still respectfully placed the Miniature Imaging Disk into Wang Shouzhe's open palm with a bitter face.
Taking the Miniature Imaging Disk, Wang Shouzhe immediately began reviewing the photos Baoguang had taken through the crystal stone screen.
He had to admit, this kid's photography skills were indeed quite good. For the same subject, this kid could capture a slightly better effect than others.
Wait a minute… Isn't this a photo of him walking side by side into the Drunken Immortal Building with Yun Tiange? Judging by the angle, Yun Tiange almost looks like she's leaning into his embrace… And then there's a photo of him glancing wretchedly at Lu Qiu Qingyang!
Setting down the Miniature Imaging Disk, Wang Shouzhe looked at Wang Baoguang with a complicated expression.
How on earth did this darned thing manage that?
"Uh…" Wang Baoguang said weakly, "In a public setting, hiding from others' notice is much easier compared to doing so in Old Ancestor Grandfather's courtyard. Even a True Immortal wouldn't unfold their God Sense at all times, covering everyone. But, I wouldn't dare go into the Cuiwei Residence private rooms…"
"As for capturing the right moments, that's all down to talent. I don't know why, but I can always catch the perfect moment to take the perfect shot~~ Old Ancestor Grandfather, look at this series of photos of you leaving, so arrogant, domineering~ terribly impressive…"
And then, there was nothing more.
Soon, many more wooden stakes appeared in Wang Shouzhe's courtyard. Wang Baoguang was tied up with ropes on all four limbs, suspended in a large X-shape, face down. The Artifact Spirit Green Xiaoyi wrapped the Miniature Imaging Disk in energy, joyfully taking photos of Baoguang from all angles like an unmanned aerial drone.
"Young Master Baoguang, turn your face a little, yes, perfect angle, give us a smile. Click~"
"Young Master Baoguang, let's do another close-up overhead shot~~ focus is on your micro-expressions~~ showcasing your defiance and disdain after corporal punishment… click"
"Let's have another stubborn little expression that shows you won't learn a lesson… click"
"The next vibe is important, it needs to show your unwavering determinate gossiping spirit despite a thousand obstacles! Slightly tilt your head, face the light, eyes resolute, yes, just like that, Young Master Baoguang, you truly have talent, click."
Just as Green Xiaoyi was enthusiastically taking photos, Cai Youdao walked into Wang Shouzhe's courtyard.
Seeing this scene, he chuckled, "Isn't this the Baoguang kid? Aren't you the one who claimed 'not afraid of any authority, determined to pursue the gossip career to the end'? What happened, are you tripping over your own shoelaces?"
"Hello, Senior Cai." Wang Baoguang greeted, full of indifference, "On the road to realizing ideals, life is bound to have some bumps. No need to mind them, just stand up, dust yourself off, and forge ahead resolutely."
"I admire your tenacity, kid." Cai Youdao rubbed his hands and chuckled, "Want me to teach you a few advanced stealth techniques? I've wandered far and wide and have probably offended countless people, surviving all thanks to these tricks. But… your Senior Cai is a bit tight on funds recently…"
