“It’s here, it’s here. I have a premonition I will be able to create a famous painting today!”

  Miao Mu swiped the brush across the paper. His expression mirrored that of the concept in the painting; there was occasionally a look of excitement and occasionally a look of malevolence. As for the discussion of the surrounding crowd, he had long since tuned all of them out because he had entered the state of forgetting everything.

  After that, some motes of light flashed.

  “Haha, Wondrous Blossom!”

  Miao Mu was extremely joyful. Just when he was about to continue, he was stunned when his gaze turned back to his painting. Why were there no colors?

  Wait a minute, where had the motes of light gone to?

  Subconsciously, Miao Mu’s gaze shifted toward the trajectory of the motes. After that, he soon discovered that they landed on Sun Mo’s paper.

  The brush in this braggart’s hand was currently glowing brightly with resplendent radiance.

  “What?”

  Miao Mu was dumbstruck. His hand uncontrollably drew a line on his painting that shouldn’t have appeared by rights.

  To artists, this was a major mistake. Basically, it was no longer possible for him to enter the Wondrous Blossom state. However, with Miao Mu’s drawing skills, there was still a possibility for him to salvage it. At the very least, he could transform it into a piece of art that was not too bad.

  However, everything seemed to lose its meaning now.

  “W……wondrous blossom realm?”

  Miao Mu’s face was filled with shock. It was like seeing an empire-toppling beauty being married to a beggar full of sores. Moreover, the beggar was an old man with half a foot in his coffin.

  (How is this possible?)

  This was a state that was impossible for famous artists to enter at will. It couldn’t be purchased by money, all depending on talent.

  But this Sun Mo……

  How old was he? Only 20?

  When Miao Mu thought of this, he immediately grew very angry and jealous. He felt that he had wasted the past 30 years of his life.

  “Miao Mu, calm down. Maybe you’ve seen it wrongly!”

  Miao Mu rubbed his eyes forcefully, but he felt despair after that. There was no mistake. The traces of light from spirit qi could be seen, Sun Mo’s painting was now filled with colors. This was undoubtedly the effect of the Wondrous Blossom Realm.

  “Failure!”

  “Failure!”

  “Failure!”

  Completely out of instinct, Miao Mu started to curse Sun Mo in his heart, hoping for his failure. As for his own painting, because his heart was now in chaos, it was no longer possible for him to continue.

  Half an hour later, Sun Mo retracted his brush. His painting was completed.

  The painting of a speeding horse appeared before the eyes of everyone.

  The entire Linjiang Hall fell silent. Everyone involuntarily took a few steps forward and even tip-toed and stretched their necks for a look.

  “Grandmaster Miao, are you still going to continue drawing?”

  Qi Mu`en asked.

  According to the rules, in a painting battle, the two paintings could only be compared when both sides finished the painting or the agreed time limit was reached. But in this situation now, it was clear that Miao Mu had collapsed mentally.

  “Y……yes……”

  Miao Mu returned to his senses and wanted to continue drawing. However, his mind was now in chaos. All the emotions he was brewing earlier had faded away.

  (How did this happen?)

  (This is clearly a banquet for me to expand my fame, why did all the attention get seized away by a layman?)

  “Teacher Miao, if you are unable to finish your painting, don’t force yourself!”

  Zheng Qingfang persuaded.

  “Grandmaster Miao, why don’t you go down and take a break first?”

  Qi Mu`en gave Miao Mu a path of retreat.

  (You are very famous and are known as the number one artist in Jinling. But in the painting battle, Sun Mo produced a famous painting. What can you use to win him?)

  Only a famous painting can win against a famous painting.

  If he was tactful, he should go down quickly and stop delaying everyone from admiring the painting.

  “I……I……”

  Sweat dotted Miao Mu’s forehead. Ever since he had produced a famous painting three years ago, no matter where he went to, he was treated like a grandmaster by everyone. He had never been in a predicament since then.

  Miao Mu really wanted to leave, but with the pride of a famous artist, he decided to stay. He mustn’t flee without a fight.

  “I’m still fine. Let’s admire the painting!”

  Miao Mu drew in a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. Although he suffered a setback, it could be considered a type of tempering exercise.

  “Maids, come and display the painting!”

  Zheng Qingfang waved his hand grandly. There were immediately two serving maids with tall figures walking out, one on the left and one on the right. Their fair hands held the paper and displayed the painting for the guests to see.

  Hua~

  Everyone exclaimed in admiration.

  On the paper, tufts of green grass, swirls of wind extending into the horizon, and clouds dotting the azure sky could be seen.

  There were a bunch of horses resting idly beside the lake.

  However, there was another bunch of seven colts (young horses) who were running as fast as lightning, galloping with all their might, chasing after the flowing clouds in the sky.

  Their hooves kicked up the mud; they trampled on the green grass. Their manes and tails swished with the wind, like a magnificent banner fluttering!

  The content of this famous painting wasn’t complicated. It was an overall simple concept, yet it was grand and impressive. It caused people to imagine themselves on the boundless grassy plains, being one with the heavens and earth. After that, it was the galloping horses. Their rippling muscles simply caused people to be intoxicated. One could sense the beauty of strength from the horses just with a single glance.

  After the exclamations of surprise, the guests fell silent and attentively admired this painting of galloping horses.

  This was the power of famous paintings. Even if one didn’t understand drawing, they could still feel the charm within.

  “A masterpiece, truly a masterpiece! With just a single glance, I feel my heart is full of strength and vigor. I wish to gallop like those colts!”

  Governor Fang sighed in admiration.

  “Sun Mo is actually a famous artist as well?”

  Cao Xian was shocked as he glanced at Yue Rongbo at his side.

  “I just knew about it too!”

  Yue Rongbo curiously surveyed Sun Mo. (Young man, you really concealed yourself very deeply! Also, is your talent like the surging tides of great rivers that are inexhaustible?)

  Ding!

  Favorable impression points from Yue Rongbo +100. Friendly (836/1,000).

  “I’ve said it a long time ago. Teacher is the best!”

  Lu Zhiruo had a calm look on his face. “Alright, alright, there’s no need for you all to be shocked. This is just standard operating procedures, just applauding will do!”

  Ying Baiwu had never doubted this point.

  Gurgle~

  Li Ziqi gulped down a mouthful of saliva when she looked at this painting. Compared to the papaya girl who worshipped Sun Mo blindly and the iron-headed girl who didn’t understand drawing, the little sunny egg knew how difficult it was to achieve the Wondrous Blossom Realm.

  As for her teacher, he could enter it any time he wanted to!

  (My heavens, teacher, are you the most favored child of heavens?) ……

  Gu Xiuxun looked at the painting. She then suddenly turned and glanced at An Xinhui. She had always worshiped An Xinhui, but now, she felt a little loathing and even a little jealousy toward her.

  (Why are you able to get such an outstanding fiancee?)

  “I suddenly feel that I might not be worthy of him!”

  An Xinhui applauded and heaved a sigh.

  Gu Xiuxun jumped in fright. She hurriedly lowered her head. “N……No it won’t be. Sister Xinhui is also very outstanding!” ……

  “Prince Li, how is it?”

  Zheng Qingfang stroked his beard, smiling as he turned his head.

  Li Zixing had a gloomy look on his face, feeling so depressed that he felt like coughing up blood. What else could he say? He could only praise it!

  “Good, very good!”

  This was a famous painting. Even though Li Zixing was a part of the royal clan, he was in no position to evaluate it.

  “Haha, good? In what aspects is it good?”

  Zheng Qingfang continued to ask.

  (Why don’t you go to hell?)

  Li Zixing glanced at Zheng Qingfang while silently cursing in his heart. His tone grew tougher. “Sorry, my learning in this is too shallow, I can’t tell!”

  No matter what, Li Zixing was someone who had received royal education. He naturally could see the strong points of this painting. However, wanting him to praise the murderer who had killed his son? This was something even more difficult to bear compared to killing him.

  “Grandmaster Miao, since Prince Li doesn’t understand. You, as a famous artist, should be able to tell what’s so good about this painting, right?”

  Zhang Qingfang shifted his target.

  “This painting displayed the hot-bloodedness and sharpness of young people!”

  Miao Mu spoke, feeling embarrassed. He casually skimped on the details.

  “Everyone, Teacher Sun, oh it should be Grandmaster Sun…… After all, he produced a famous painting and is worthy of the title ‘Grandmaster’.” Zheng Qingfang smiled and looked at the guests here. “Earlier, was he qualified to evaluate the works of others?”

  “Naturally yes!”

  Governor Fang nodded.

  The guests, who had felt that Sun Mo had been talking nonsense and nitpicking earlier, now felt somewhat embarrassed. If a famous artist was evaluating the artwork of someone else, even if the painter of the artwork was present, he wouldn’t be able to say that the famous artist wasn’t qualified to evaluate his work.

  After that, they turned and looked at Miao Mu, recalling that he said Sun Mo was just a dabbler and didn’t understand painting. In the end, Miao Mu was crushed……

  T……this was truly a humiliation great enough to make people feel like dying!

  But then again, wasn’t this Sun Mo a little too impressive? He could break the record and be the number one ranker, and he could also produce a famous painting?

  (What can’t he do?)

  “Grandmaster Sun, how long have you practiced drawing for?”

  Qi Mu`en was curious.

  “I didn’t really practice it seriously before. I would only casually draw stuff when I have some idle time!”

  Sun Mo braced himself and explained. He was too busy recently and had planned to draw some AV actresses for his own entertainment, but he didn’t even have the time to do so.

  Wow!

  The guests exclaimed. This was what a so-called genius was, right?

  Fang Wuji was drinking, ignoring the happenings here, but Liu Mubai saw everything. Honestly speaking, he felt somewhat jealous.

  After all, no one would feel bad that they had too many skills.

  “Calm down, calm down. Drawing is just a minor dao!”

  Liu Mubai consoled himself.

  “Teacher, the path of a famous artist is destined to be one with no future!”

  Han Zisheng consoled in a low voice. “Your goal is to become a saint, to educate everyone in the world!”

  “Bootlicker!”

  Although Liu Mubai verbally scolded his disciple, he felt even more fond of him in his heart. (Sun Mo, you have Xuanyuan Po and Ying Baiwu, but I’m not bad as well. Han Zisheng alone can rival all six of your personal students.)

  “Grandmaster Sun, I wonder if you are willing to sell this painting?”

  Governor Fang rubbed his hands, feeling a little anticipation.

  “Fang Lun, you are incorrect in this. I’ve said earlier that I’ve pre-booked Teacher Sun’s painting in advance.”

  Zhen Qingfang hurriedly spoke.

  If Sun Mo rejected Fang Lun, he might offend him. So, it was better for Zheng Qingfang to speak out. In any case, he must not miss out on this painting.

  “Damn, Old Man Zheng, you are actually playing schemes? You are really getting more and more shameless the older you are!”

  Governor Fang scolded. Naturally, this was the teasing between friends.

  Li Zixing had wanted to suppress Sun Mo, but after the painting battle ended, Sun Mo’s fame actually erupted. How could this be possible? He cast a glance at Miao Mu. This fellow was crushed, and it was helpless to depend on him anymore. Hence, Li Zixing turned his gaze toward Ni Jingting.

  (During such a crucial moment, I still have to depend on you!)

  “Cough! Cough!”

  Ni Jingting coughed twice loudly.

  The sounds of discussion in the surroundings instantly faded. The guests turned over. Ni Jingting was a 3-star great teacher. This was the respect accorded to him.

  “Teacher Sun, drawing is a minor dao. We, as great teachers, should still focus on educating others!”

  Ni Jingting lectured.

  “Haha!”

  Li Zixing was silently joyful. (So, are you angry or not?)

  (Since you are a low-star great teacher, you should just be obedient and accept the admonishment. Do you dare to rebut? Fine, I will let you wear the hat of someone disrespectful to their seniors. When this matter circulates out, all the seniors in the great teacher world would surely be unhappy with you.)

  Chapter 509: I’m Deeply Afraid That I’ve Underestimated Sun Mo!

  Ni Jingting’s lecture did have some logic to it.

  Things like famous paintings weren’t a necessity to the world. It was like in the modern era, most people had probably only heard the names Van Gogh and Da Vinci in passing However, there were definitely more people who knew about Einstein, Edison, and Newton.

  Speaking of their contributions to the world, Einstein’s contributions would definitely be greater than Van Gogh’s.

  “A good show is about to start!”

  Gu Xiuxun was silently joyful. (Do you think the name Black Doggy Sun is fake? Later on, he will definitely bark at you so loudly that you start to doubt life.)

  “Your talent isn’t bad, don’t waste it on painting.”

  Ni Jingting appeared to be showing guidance to Sun Mo but was intentionally trying to disgust him and make him dig a hole for himself. (If you say thanks for the guidance, you will surely feel so sullen like you just ate shit. If you want to argue, the hat of ‘not respecting seniors’ will be even more secured on your head.)

  “Teacher Ni, your words are incorrect!”

  An Xinhui and Yue Rongbo felt that Ni Jingting was extremely sinister. Just when they wanted to help Sun Mo get out of the predicament, the spirit qi in the surrounding suddenly gathered and surged toward a youth.

  Swish~

  The guests in the surroundings hurriedly stepped aside. They turned their heads in the passing and then glanced at the youth clad in a school uniform. That youth was completely focused on Sun Mo’s painting, staring at it unblinkingly.

  “He is going to break through!”

  Cao Xian excitedly let out a low roar. “Everyone, keep silent!”

  This was a good seedling from his school, his breakthrough must not be disturbed.

  “Wuji, stop drinking!”

  Yue Rongbo berated. Duan Qiao was Fang Wuji’s personal student. At such a time, Fang Wuji naturally had to stay by his side to protect him.

  “Mn, Little Qiao is going to break through?”

  Fang Wuji stood up with a look of joy on his face. After Duan Qiao had opened up 12 acupoints in the spirit-refinement realm, he entered a bottleneck phase. However, no one expected that he would actually breakthrough now.

  Fang Wuji hurried over and saw Duan Qiao currently staring at a painting. He also glanced over and his mental state was instantly stirred.

  RUMBLE~

  Duan Qiao’s robes fluttered without wind, swelling up. His body was like a vortex, frenziedly devouring the spirit qi in the surrounding.

  Three minutes later, the breakthrough ended!

  Hu~

  Duan Qiao exhaled a long breath.

  Spirit-refinement realm, 15 acupoints opened. Success!

  “Headmaster Cao, congratulations. Another genius is born in your esteemed school!”

  Although this Duan Qiao had an 80 to 90% chance of becoming a formidable opponent for the students of Sun Mo and Liu Mubai, An Xinhui still congratulated Cao Xian.

  An Xinhui was undoubtedly magnanimous and open-minded.

  “Spirit-refinement realm? Impressive!”

  Liu Mubai praised.

  “Haha, his name is Duan Qiao, a personal student of Wuji. In the future, if there are no accidents, he would be the top student of our Myriad Daos Academy!”

  Cao Xian introduced, helping Duan Qiao boost his fame.

  Back then Fang Yan, the top student of the Battle Hall, got famous because An Xinhui had brought him to the Deer Tail Banquet.

  Everyone naturally wouldn’t be stingy with their praises. The surrounding guests immediately congratulated Cao Xian, causing him to smile so widely that one could see his teeth and not his eyes.

  “Teacher, I’ve finally broken through my bottleneck and reached the next level!”

  Duan Qiao rushed to Fang Wuji’s side and reported happily.

  “Mn, I saw it!”

  As Fang Wuji surveyed Duan Qiao, he stretched out his hand to inspect his body. “Go and thank Teacher Sun. Without the stimulation of his famous painting, it’s unknown how long it would take you to break through the bottleneck!”

  When everyone heard this, they were stunned. (What do you mean by this? Are you guys not opponents?)

  Duan Qiao was stunned. After that, he nodded and walked toward Sun Mo. He then bowed. “Teacher Sun, thank you for your famous painting. It helped me to break through successfully!”

  “Your words are too serious. It’s all because your comprehension ability is very high!”

  Sun Mo was humble and didn’t dare to accept the bow.

  “Teacher Sun, you should stop being humble. This Galloping Horses painting does have the effect of edifying the hearts and souls of students. If it wasn’t pre-booked by Premier Zheng, I really wished to bring this back to school to display it, allowing all the students to view it!”

  Yue Rongbo laughed.

  Si~

  After hearing this, all the guests took a gasp of cold air. They only felt that there was a charm exuding from this painting, but they didn’t expect such an effect. After that, they all subconsciously glanced at Ni Jingting.

  One must know that this 3-star great teacher had just criticized Sun Mo earlier, saying that drawing was just a minor dao. In the end, Sun Mo’s painting actually helped a student to break through his bottleneck successfully!

  Wasn’t this too face-smacking?

  As expected, Ni Jingting’s expression was filled with embarrassment now!

  He wanted to rebut, but Yue Rongbo was a 4-star great teacher. If he argued now, wouldn’t that mean he felt that 4-star great teachers were inferior to him?

  Li Zixing’s lips twitched. He glared at Cao Xian. (How do you teach your subordinates?)

  Cao Xian bitterly smiled. Yue Rongbo had always admired Sun Mo very much, saying that he was someone with an upright character. Most people would say this as well.

  Who asked Sun Mo’s painting to have such an effect?

  If one wanted to complain, one could only blame Ni Jingting for being too unlucky.

  “Teacher Ni, I feel that Grandmaster Miao had said something good earlier. A dabbler shouldn’t criticize others!”

  Sun Mo laughed and looked at Ni Jingting. He coldly mocked, “In the aspect of painting, you have no qualifications to guide me!”

  The entire Linjiang Hall felt completely silent. No one would have expected Sun Mo to so openly rebut Ni Jingting, not giving him the slightest bit of face at all.

  “Haha, Black Doggy Sun is going to bite people.”

  Gu Xiuxun was extremely joyful.

  “Teacher Ni, if you wish to understand more about famous paintings, you can look for me for advice. But there’s no need to take me on as your teacher!”

  Sun Mo acted generously, yet his words caused Ni Jingting to be angered half to death.

  Pu!

  An Xinhui couldn’t help but smile. Her childhood sweetheart really showed mercy at all!

  “Aren’t Sun Mo’s actions a little too arrogant?”

  Cao Xian muttered.

  “Headmaster Cao, maybe by the end of the year, Teacher Sun would have 3 stars pinned on the pocket of his chest. Ni Jingting truly has no qualifications to be arrogant before him.”

  Yue Rongbo explained.

  “You are saying that Sun Mo can achieve the feat of rising 3 stars in a year? Are you not overestimating him?”

  Cao Xian was astonished. At the same time, he felt a little worried. This was because he knew Yue Rongbo’s judgment was very accurate. If Sun Mo could accomplish that, he would become the Myriad Daos Academy’s strongest opponent.

  “I’m deeply afraid that I might still have underestimated him!”

  Yue Rongbo sighed ruefully.

  “Teacher Sun, many thanks!”

  Fang Wuji clasped his hands and bowed.

  Two months plus later, Fang Wuji would also participate in the 2-star great teacher examination. The stronger Duan Qiao was, the better his chance of passing. Hence, he had to thank Sun Mo.

  After he spoke, Ni Jingting’s countenance grew even darker.

  As the host, Fang Lun naturally didn’t wish to see a conflict. Hence, he shifted the topic. “Enough, this matter shall conclude here. Let us continue to admire famous paintings instead.”

  “Do you have some famous paintings?”

  Zheng Qingfang was astonished.

  “Haha, Old Zheng. This time around, I have bought the most recent famous painting Wu Yezi drawn. It’s absolutely authentic.”

  Fang Lun bragged.

  Miao Mu’s famous painting naturally wouldn’t be able to be comparable to Wu Yezi’s. Wu Yezi was publicly proclaimed as Jiangnan’s number one artist, while Miao Mu was only the number one in Jinling.

  Even if the painting he drew wasn’t a famous painting, it was still extremely hard to obtain it.

  “Governor, why don’t you quickly take it out?”

  “It’s Grandmaster Wu’s famous painting after all, I’ve never seen one from him before!”

  “It should be said that only a few people have ever seen his paintings. Those who could buy his paintings would have very high statuses and would place them in their collections. Ordinary people wouldn’t be able to see any of them!”

  The guests discussed, all of them had looks of excitement on their faces.

  This was the effect of a famous person. Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting would surely be more attractive compared to the painting drawn by a student from the academy of arts.

  “Bring it over!”

  Fang Lun shouted.

  Li Ziqi and Lu Zhiruo exchanged a mutual glance. What was supposed to come had come in the end.

  As expected, that little maid soon entered the area. However, her build was too small. So two other maids went over and helped open up the painting scroll.

  “This is the new work of Grandmaster Wu Yezi, the [Riches and Honor, Solitary Life Painting]. It……eh?”

  Fang Lun had wanted to introduce the painting, but the instant he looked at it, he was stunned. For some reason, he felt that something was different.

  The colors had changed a bit. Moreover, even the concept exuded by the painting seemed different.

  “Old Fang, what’s wrong?”

  Qi Mu`en was puzzled.

  “Nothing much, I was just sighing in admiration. As expected of the work produced by a grandmaster. Every time I see it, it gives me a different experience.”

  Fang Lun laughed uproariously. He was extremely impressed.

  He treated the difference between the two paintings as Wu Yezi’s profound drawing skill.

  Upon seeing this scene, Lu Zhiruo silently used her elbow to nudge Li Ziqi. “Senior sister, we succeeded!”

  “Mn!”

  Li Ziqi was also at ease now.

  In truth, this couldn’t be blamed on the other party being careless. No matter what, no one would expect that someone could copy Grandmaster Ye Wuzi’s painting like this!

  “Good painting!’

  “As expected of a grandmaster-level masterpiece!”

  “The concept, the composition……they are both absolutely wondrous!”

  The guests all praised. This was especially so for those officials. They immediately felt a sense of unsullied loftiness, a feeling that made them stand out from the common crowd!

  “Master Wu Yezi’s masterpiece is truly worthy of its reputation!”

  Li Zixing applauded as he complimented, “Teacher Sun’s painting earlier wasn’t bad. But when compared to this, the concept and his skill are evidently much inferior!”

  Was it?

  The guests weren’t able to tell, but nothing could go wrong as long as they agreed with the prince. Because even if they used their buttocks to think, Wu Yezi’s painting would definitely be better than Sun Mo’s.

  Pu!

  Ying Baiwu, who always had a cold expression, involuntarily burst out laughing at this moment. After that, disdain appeared in her heart. These major characters were truly empty inside. What ignorant fellows.

  Zheng Qingfang helplessly shook his head. This was clearly an opportunity to help enhance Sun Mo’s fame. But in the end, Fang Lun had taken out such a high-level painting. Sigh!

  “Eh, this painting……”

  Miao Mu was stunned. Why did something seem wrong with it? It was just that before he could think things through, he heard someone shouting!

  “This painting is a fake!”

  Fang Lun was extremely angry.

  (Are you doubting my judgment?)

  However, when he was about to explode in anger, he turned his head and realized that the person who had just spoken was none other than Li Zixing’s youngest son, Li Feng.

  This caused him to have no way to vent his bellyful of anger.

  “Don’t talk nonsense!”

  Li Zixing berated.

  “Father, this painting is fake!”

  Li Feng was still young. When he saw that no one believed him, his rebellious nature kicked in and he wanted to prove that he was correct even more.

  “Little prince, tell us why do you think it is fake then?”

  Fang Lun asked with an unkind tone.

  “F……fake……”

  Li Feng stuttered. He was worried that after he revealed how the maid damaged the painting, she might expose his role in it.

  “This is clearly a famous painting at the Wondrous Blossom Realm. How can it be fake?”

  Qu Mu`en shook his head. Li Feng spoke too irresponsibly.

  “Yeah, why is it fake?”

  After hearing all the comments, Li Feng suddenly started to doubt himself. (Could it be that I’ve seen it wrongly? Hence, he stared at the painting closely, wanting to find traces of it being redrawn.)

  “Hu, we passed the calamity!”

  Sun Mo heaved a sigh of relief. After that, he glanced toward the little maid and winked at her.

  “Hehe!”

  The little maid, who was originally extremely worried, finally revealed a smile of joy. But at this moment, a loud and heroic-sounding voice rang out.

  “Sorry, sorry. I came late!”

  Li Ziqi turned her head. After that, her countenance changed because the person who had just arrived was Wu Yezi.