With the full level experience boosting him, Zhong Lin had achieved the level of the Creator in the "Red Sun Stance," standing high above, making him feel like a veteran who had trained in Pile Skill for decades.
His eyes were slightly closed, his hands forming a virtual embrace in front of his chest, as if holding the sun in his arms.
A scorching aura emanated from Zhong Lin, making it feel like a furnace within three feet.
If one were to listen closely near Zhong Lin at this moment, they might even hear the sound of blood flowing.
As time passed, sweat formed on Zhong Lin’s forehead, soaking his clothes, as if his entire body was sweating, with the Qi-Blood flowing around him feeling like it was burning, turning from warm to scorching hot.
An hour later, Zhong Lin slowly opened his eyes, exhaling a mouthful of turbid air that condensed in the void, lingering several feet long.
"The Qi-Blood has increased by three points, but it’s a pity there’s no elixir to aid. Otherwise, it would definitely increase more, and I don’t dare to practice further, as it would easily lead to physical depletion."
Zhong Lin wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling somewhat dissatisfied with today’s progress in practicing the "Red Sun Stance."
"Zhong Lin, open the door quickly, it’s me, Old Zhou."
Old Zhou’s voice came from outside, sounding very urgent.
Zhong Lin showed a puzzled expression; why did Old Zhou come at this time? It wasn’t even off-duty time yet. While thinking, he quickly walked over to open the courtyard door.
"Old Zhou, what’s the matter?"
Without replying, Old Zhou grabbed Zhong Lin’s arm and started pulling him outside.
"It’s a good thing you’re home. Quick, the County Lord is looking for you."
"Looking for me? Has something happened?"
Zhong Lin was even more confused. His identity outside was just an artist, so why would the County Lord want to see him?
"I don’t know. Just hurry up, don’t keep the County Lord waiting."
Urged by Old Zhou, the two quickly reached the County Government.
With the end of the chaos, the County Government gradually resumed its previous order, though some familiar faces were missing, while others unfamiliar appeared.
Since the last incident with Chi Yan, Zhong Lin rarely appeared in the County Government.
"The County Lord is waiting inside, do not be discourteous."
Old Zhou whispered to Zhong Lin, then paused his steps to wait outside.
Zhong Lin nodded and walked into the main hall, where four people were seated on the Taishi Chairs on both sides, three men and one woman.
The main seat was taken by an elder, with a young man and woman seated to his left and right, while the County Lord sat on the lowest seat on the left, below the young man.
Such a scene surprised Zhong Lin briefly, but he quickly adjusted his emotions and respectfully greeted, "Zhong Lin pays respects to the County Lord."
This was also Zhong Lin’s first time meeting the County Lord of Black Mountain County. He once saw him from a distance on the city wall, but at that time, the County Lord looked quite distressed. Today, however, he was dressed in a black cloud robe, his hair meticulously groomed.
The County Lord’s expression was much like that of the chief arrest officer Xue Zheng when he first met Zhong Lin, full of bewilderment.
In their understanding, artists were mostly elderly people or scholars full of scholarly air.
Yet, Zhong Lin looked like a robust young man with a youthful face. He didn’t look like an artist at all; rather, he resembled a playboy from a wealthy family.
"I’ve heard others say that you can draw based on descriptions from others’ mouths?"
"Yes, does the County Lord have any instructions?"
"Very well, bring the prisoner in."
At the County Lord’s command, two constables soon brought in a prisoner in shackles.
Upon seeing the prisoner’s face, Zhong Lin’s heart skipped a beat. He recognized him as the "Iron Arm Sword King" Xu Ruo, who had fought the elder of the Du family on that day.
He never expected this man to be captured. Xu Ruo was a Sixth Grade Qi-Blood Realm expert, and now he was reduced to a prisoner.
This made Zhong Lin’s pride in cultivating the Sixth Grade dissipate instantly.
What good is Sixth Grade cultivation? It just leads to being locked up like a dog.
One must not be arrogant!
While pondering, someone else prepared the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone and brought them in.
Zhong Lin quickly walked over to the desk, sitting down and picking up the brush.
Xu Ruo looked up at the old man sitting at the center, speaking in a hoarse voice, "If I confess everything truthfully, can I be spared?"
The County Lord slammed the table in anger, "You still dare to negotiate? It seems the torture isn’t enough. Take him out and give him the harsh punishment. I don’t believe we can’t open his mouth."
The elder, who was sipping tea, frowned slightly, setting down his teacup.
"For a civilian martial artist to cultivate to the Sixth Grade is commendable. Sparing your life, so be it."
Xu Ruo was overjoyed, falling to his knees with a heavy thud, the shackles on his neck clanging against the floor.
"Thank you, elder, thank you!"
"Yes, Han Jin... Han Jin is twenty-five years old, fair-faced, beardless, with delicate features, and his eyes..."
As Xu Ruo described, a young man’s image formed in Zhong Lin’s mind.
Shortly after, Zhong Lin picked up the brush, and within the time of an incense stick, the image in his mind appeared vividly on the paper.
Zhong Lin had never seen this person, but having just heard the word "strategist," he surmised that this must be the strategist from the previous chaotic army, and the "Bone Throwing" strategy against the Zhang and Du families could very well be his idea.
Bowing his head to dry the ink on the paper, he offered it with both hands.
"My Lord, the drawing is complete."
Xu Ruo looked up at the portrait, his expression excitedly declaring, "Yes, this is Han Jin."
Everyone else cast their eyes on the portrait in Zhong Lin’s hand, instantly captivated.
It was incredibly life-like.
The person in the portrait seemed as if they might step out at any moment.
"This artistry is truly an eye-opener!"
The young man who hadn’t spoken until now couldn’t help but praise.
However, even Zhong Lin found this way of praising to be peculiar, but he still replied, "Thank you for the compliment, just a humble skill to make a living."
The young man stood up, scrutinized the painting carefully, his eyes gleaming.
"Your skill is no ordinary craft. I’ve never seen such excellent artistry. If you were to paint those courtesans in the brothels, tut tut, that would bring in boatloads of money!"
Zhong Lin said nothing, but his face showed a bit of embarrassment and shyness.
Seeing Zhong Lin’s expression, the young man’s eyes lit up, more intrigued.
"Wait... Have you really done that?"
Zhong Lin gave an awkward smile, "Desperate times call for desperate measures."
"Come, tell me how much you charge?"