With a wave of Ling Feng’s hand, a white light appeared in front of everyone, and then a scroll appeared in front of them.

This scroll was the legacy scroll of the Painter, the Hundred Refinements Diagram!

As Ximen Tian, Sect Master Lan, and Ximen Shuang set their eyes on the scroll, their minds were instantly captivated by it.

Ling Feng, as the master of the Hundred Refinements Diagram, could clearly feel that these three had already been captivated by the Diagram, and their minds were completely focused on it.

If Ling Feng were to activate the Hundred Refinements Diagram at this moment, the souls of these three would enter the diagram, and without Ling Feng’s permission, they might never come out for the rest of their lives.

Ling Feng let out a low roar, then waved his hand to put away the Hundred Refinements Diagram. At this moment, the three seemed to awaken from a dream, each with a look of shock on their faces.

Cold sweat seeped out of Ximen Tian’s forehead, and he realized that if Ling Feng had activated the Hundred Refinements Diagram just now, he might have gotten lost in it.

He exchanged a glance with Sect Master Lan, and both saw surprise in each other’s eyes.

"Worthy of the Painter’s legacy!" Sect Master Lan remarked with a sigh, "With our strength, we were captivated by it! But what is the purpose of this scroll?"

Ling Feng said, "The purpose of this scroll is very singular; it can enhance the mind of a cultivator, and beyond that, it has no other function!"

Enhance mental cultivation? It is well-known that improving one’s mental state is extremely difficult, but unexpectedly, the Painter’s scroll can indeed enhance a person’s mental cultivation. If this gets out, it will surely attract a lot of coveting interest.

Even Ximen Tian and Sect Master Lan had a brief thought of seizing the scroll, but they quickly dispelled such ideas, knowing that they weren’t in a position to fall out with Ling Feng, and even if they did, they might not be his match.

After all, Ling Feng had defeated Nan Yidao with a single punch, and was not someone they could bully as they did before.

"With this scroll in my hands, as long as the opponent is from Heaven’s Gate, I can completely seal their soul within the scroll!" Ling Feng said with a deeper meaning, "Of course, if they’re not from Heaven’s Gate, I can also use the scroll to enhance their mental cultivation, so there’s no need for the two of you to worry!"

"In that case, we’re relieved!" Ximen Tian smiled, but his smile always seemed a bit awkward.

Soon, the banquet ended. Ling Feng had in-depth conversations with Ximen Tian and Sect Master Lan. Throughout this process, Ximen Shuang didn’t say much, just looked at Ling Feng with a hint of concern, a touch of joy, and a trace of hesitation in her eyes—a complex blend of emotions.

During this time, Ling Feng didn’t intentionally look at Ximen Shuang, yet he could feel that her gaze mostly lingered on him.

After the banquet ended, Ling Feng returned to his room, and as soon as he did, there was a knock on the door: "Sect Master Ling, Ximen Shuang requests to see you!"

Ling Feng furrowed his brow slightly, "Miss Ximen Shuang, whatever it is, let’s discuss it tomorrow. It’s late, and you should get some rest."

But Ximen Shuang did not leave; instead, she continued, "I have something important to tell Sect Master Ling, and I must say it tonight. I ask Sect Master Ling to open the door. Surely, you’re not afraid of a delicate woman like me?"

Ling Feng sighed and opened the door, seeing Ximen Shuang there, "What is it that cannot wait?"

Ximen Shuang looked at Ling Feng, "Won’t you invite me in for a sit?"

Ling Feng hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside, "Come in."

Walking into the room, Ximen Shuang sat on a chair to the side, more ethereal in her demeanor than before.

"Miss Ximen Shuang, please, tell me why you’re here quickly. It isn’t good for your reputation if we, a man and a woman alone, stay together for too long." Ling Feng said with a wry smile.

Ximen Shuang bit her lip, a hint of helplessness on her face, "Big Brother Ling, do you think reputation means anything to me?"

Ling Feng frowned, looking at Ximen Shuang without speaking.

"Big Brother Ling, I want to ask, was it because of how my grandfather acted towards you that you disliked me, and that made you reject my affection?" Ximen Shuang asked courageously, meeting Ling Feng’s eyes.

Ling Feng exhaled softly, "I think you misunderstood. Although your grandfather’s attitude dissatisfied me, I would never hold it against you! It’s just... I have no romantic feelings for you! My words may sound harsh, but I see you only as a friend, or even as a gentle, needful-of-protection sister! Do you understand?"

Ximen Shuang sighed lightly, "I understand. That’s fine, too. I can finally give up... Big Brother Ling, be cautious of the Storm Sect and... the Ximen Family!"

With that, Ximen Shuang stood up, "It’s late. I won’t disturb your rest any longer. I’ll leave now!"

Ximen Shuang turned and left. Ling Feng sighed softly, knowing well what she meant by coming to him at this hour. If he were willing to accept her, they could go to Mount Wu together that night.

Yet, Ling Feng’s response was to reject Ximen Shuang without hesitation.

But what did her last words imply? Could it be that the Storm Sect and Ximen Family intend to harm him? Ling Feng pondered for a while but couldn’t figure it out, so he brushed it aside.

After all, he never fully trusted the Storm Sect or the Ximen Family. He would just have to be extra cautious when the time came.

During the following days, Ling Feng attended the rest of the Martial Arts Conference battles with Ximen Tian and Sect Master Lan.

Yun Bufan successfully defeated Meng Yu, but he paid a painful price. No one expected the typically low-key Meng Yu to burst out with such a strong fighting power, causing Yun Bufan significant trouble. If Yun Bufan hadn’t been slightly superior, he might have ended up losing suddenly in this match.

The battle between Jian Qingchen and Nan Yidao was equally intense and spectacular. After a two-day rest, Nan Yidao’s strength had recovered substantially.

After nearly an hour of fierce fighting, it was Jian Qingchen who had the last laugh. Although Nan Yidao’s strength had recovered considerably, the previous injuries were too severe, and the recovery time too short. Being able to fight Jian Qingchen to a standstill for one hour was already quite an achievement.

The representatives of the Ximen Family and the Storm Sect were both eliminated, and by a single person, which was unexpected for many. The final showdown was scheduled for three days later, and the time passed quickly. The Martial Arts Conference was gearing up for its final duel.