Chapter 304: Ji Mo Gongzi

Zhang Xuan exclaimed, asking if they should go take a look. He had nothing else to do anyway and also wanted to understand how calligraphers and painters were assessed. Following the young man in green, he walked towards the commotion.

At the front of the crowd, a dark green table and chairs were placed against the wall. An eighteen or nineteen-year-old youth, dressed in white, sat upright in a chair, his eyes tightly closed.

The crowd erupted with declarations of love for Young Master Ji Mo and desires to bear his children. Others retorted fiercely, claiming Young Master Ji as their own and threatening to tear the clothes off anyone who dared compete. Some even urged specific women to confront rivals and tear their clothes, promising support. Even though Young Master Ji Mo in front still had his eyes closed, the many women below had already gone wild.

The young man in green whispered that even though Young Master Ji was not very old, he was very compassionate towards women, and most importantly, he had a jade-like face and a refined, handsome appearance, leading many girls to adore him. Zhang Xuan nodded and looked at Young Master Ji Mo. The young man indeed had fair skin and a quite handsome appearance. Even with his eyes closed, the corners of his mouth were slightly turned up, giving the impression of a gentle smile, which made him very popular with girls. Talented, powerful, from a good family, and most importantly, quite good-looking — no wonder so many women were crazy about him.

Zhang Xuan asked what he was doing. Seeing the other party sitting upright, ignoring the surrounding commotion, with eyes tightly closed, Zhang Xuan asked what he was doing. The young man in green replied that Young Master Ji Mo was about to paint and was probably calming his mind and adjusting his state. Zhang Xuan found it strange, asking if he was adjusting his state there. It was just painting; he usually just picked up the brush and started. Did this even require adjusting one's state? Besides, even if he needed to adjust, wouldn't it be better to go somewhere quiet and private? With so many people making a racket there, what was there to adjust?

Before the young man in green could speak, a girl turned around, glaring, and stated that Young Master Ji had become a master calligrapher and painter before he was twenty, calling him an absolute genius whose every action had deep meaning, beyond the comprehension of a country bumpkin like Zhang Xuan. Another woman snorted, agreeing and telling the unknown outsider to get lost and not defile Young Master Ji's calligraphy and painting there. In an instant, a space opened up around Zhang Xuan, and the surrounding women all glared at him coldly, their faces full of disgust.

Zhang Xuan let out a sound of surprise. He was speechless, not expecting to be antagonized by so many people for having said nothing. The young man in green, with a wry smile, explained in a low voice that the Tianwu Kingdom had a Calligraphers and Painters Guild, and many people, often for show, loved calligraphy and painting, giving calligraphers and painters a very high status. He added that Young Master Ji Mo was an outstanding figure among them, pursued by countless people, and advised Zhang Xuan that it was best not to say anything at all there, or he would be verbally torn apart. Zhang Xuan nodded, and just as he was about to speak, he saw Young Master Ji, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, open them and slowly stand up.

Exclamations arose that Young Master Ji was going to paint, with people wondering what level of work he would produce. Some asserted that, as a formal calligrapher and painter, he would definitely create a Second Realm piece. Upon seeing him open his eyes, the people who had been glaring at Zhang Xuan no longer bothered with him and turned their attention forward again, stars appearing in their eyes. Formal calligraphers and painters, also known as calligraphy and painting masters, like Lu Chen and Yuan Yu, could easily produce Second Realm, or even Third Realm works. As for whether they could achieve the 'Startling Brilliance' realm, that depended on luck and their state. The first four realms of calligraphy and painting are: Recording Reality, Spiritually Agile, Intent Contained, and Startling Brilliance.

Standing before the desk, Young Master Ji Mo announced himself and stated he was about to present his humble work. He flicked his wrist, and a folding fan appeared in his hand. He fanned himself twice, his black hair fluttering, his white robes billowing like wind. He then declared that the painting he was about to create would be auctioned on the spot. However, he would not take a single cent of the money; it would all be used to build a calligraphy and painting hall, inviting apprentices to teach and allow more people to appreciate and understand calligraphy and painting.

The crowd expressed admiration for Young Master Ji, saying he treated money like dirt and praising his scholarly integrity. Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted again, especially the many women, who shrieked excitedly. Zhang Xuan shook his head, thinking that the guy really knew how to win people over. Young Master Ji Mo didn't seem old, but he was well-versed in the ways of public life and knew what would attract people's attention.

This was just like the so-called charity auctions of celebrities in his previous life; frankly, it was a gimmick. If he truly wanted to build a calligraphy and painting hall to help everyone understand and appreciate the art, he could have done it quietly, without such a grand spectacle. What's more... it was already late autumn, and nighttime; standing there was quite cold, yet he was still fanning himself.

Young Master Ji Mo commanded silence. Closing his folding fan, he waved a hand. He stated that he would not waste any more time and would begin painting, hoping everyone would remain quiet. Upon hearing his words, the crowd, who had previously been screaming, immediately quieted down. With a faint smile, Young Master Ji Mo brushed his sleeve, and a brush appeared in his palm as he grabbed it.

Rice paper was spread out. His left hand pressed down on the table, and with a surge of vital energy, ink from the inkstone flowed onto the brush tip. His right hand moved gracefully, and the brush touched the paper. His strokes were like dragons soaring and phoenixes dancing, displaying boundless grandeur.

The brush glided across the paper, like a fish swimming in a pond. As time passed, a painting slowly emerged. It was a landscape painting.

Towering mountains and strange forests with peculiar rocks filled the scene, with water flowing through them, seemingly making a 'ding-dong' sound as it hit the rocks. All the leaves swayed in one direction, as if a gentle breeze was passing through. He noted it was a work of the Second Realm: Spiritually Agile. Taking a look, Zhang Xuan secretly nodded.

After studying the Heavenly Dao of Calligraphy and Painting at Master Lu Chen's home, he had gained a deep understanding of the profession. Even without using it himself, he could appreciate various works of calligraphy and painting. This landscape painting, with its clear waters and beautiful mountains, was as if one was seeing a real mountain range. Its vibrant atmosphere gave it a unique beauty, indicating it had reached the Spiritually Agile realm. However, while it was very impressive, the landscape lacked artistic conception and charm, meaning it hadn't reached the so-called Intent Contained realm.

Zhang Xuan sighed, lamenting that if the artist hadn't overly flaunted his skills and instead painted diligently with a calm mind, he might truly have reached that realm. Although Young Master Ji Mo seemed a bit pretentious, his foundation in calligraphy and painting was indeed good. Logically, if he had painted with a calm mind, producing a Third Realm Intent Contained work shouldn't have been difficult. Unfortunately, in order to make his movements look good, many parts were exaggerated, neglecting the true essence of painting. Ultimately, the painting only reached the peak of the Spiritually Agile realm, just a hair's breadth away from Intent Contained.

He felt a pang of emotion, but kept it to himself. He was only here to see how calligraphers and painters were assessed; he had no connection whatsoever with Young Master Ji Mo. Besides, he had already been reprimanded by the crowd for saying nothing earlier, and he certainly didn't want to be verbally torn apart by the women in front of him now.

Soon, the painting was complete. Young Master Ji Mo casually tossed the brush into a brush holder and hung the painting on a nearby wall. He announced that it was a peak Second Realm painting, the "Clear Wind Landscape," and that the auction was now starting. Bids could be made freely, with a starting price of 1 million gold coins and increments of no less than 100,000 gold coins.

As he spoke, the corners of his mouth curved into a charming smile, and he waved the fan in his hand, accentuating his elegant scholarly demeanor. He then offered a complimentary dinner to the purchaser of the painting. Upon hearing the dinner offer, women excitedly declared their intent to buy the painting, with bids rapidly escalating from 1.1 million, to 1.3 million, and quickly to 2 million, as they fiercely competed.

Zhang Xuan muttered in surprise about the 2.4 million bid. Seeing the price quickly soar past 2 million, Zhang Xuan's eyes widened. He had previously sold a Fifth Realm painting to Lu Chen, Huang Yu, and others for only 2 million gold coins. Yet, this Second Realm painting, which was practically garbage, actually exceeded that price... This was such a rip-off!

Frustrated, he couldn't help but turn and ask the young man beside him how much a Fifth Realm Spirit Transformation painting was worth, roughly. The young man in green replied that a Fifth Realm work was a treasured ink masterpiece left by a two-star master calligrapher and painter, adding that it wasn't something that could be painted every time, but required opportunity and the right state of mind. He explained that such a painting, if it were there, would be considered a treasure of the guild, practically priceless.

Zhang Xuan swayed slightly, asking if it was truly priceless. The young man in green confirmed, stating that if they had to put a price on it, the starting bid would probably be 10 million gold coins. He didn't know what it would ultimately sell for, but he knew one had been auctioned there half a year ago, fetching a final price of 34 million gold coins. Zhang Xuan's mouth twitched, and he felt like crying. A single painting worth over 34 million gold coins, and he had sold four for 2 million... Could he have been ripped off any more?

The young man continued, explaining that the Calligraphers and Painters Guild had been established in the royal city less than thirty years ago, and painting prices had been inflated during this period. He added that thirty years ago, no one paid much attention to them; even a Fifth Realm painting would probably only be worth one or two million, and any higher, no one would buy them. Zhang Xuan questioned if it was truly one or two million thirty years ago. The young man nodded, confirming it.

Seeing his confirmation, Zhang Xuan finally relaxed, feeling a little more at ease. The Tianxuan Kingdom was isolated in terms of information and lacked a Calligraphers and Painters Guild. It seemed that the price Huang Yu and the others had quoted him back then was based on the prices from thirty years ago. Two million... was already quite a sum.

The young man in green looked at him suspiciously, asking if he was looking to buy a Fifth Realm painting. He explained that only the guild master could paint Fifth Realm works, but the master had gone out to seek inspiration half a month ago and hadn't returned yet. Zhang Xuan suppressed his frustration and shook his head, saying he was just asking casually. The young man then looked at him and suggested that he buy Young Master Ji Mo's "Clear Wind Landscape" too, explaining that as a peak Second Realm painting by Young Master Ji himself, it was sure to appreciate in value later. Zhang Xuan shook his head, refusing and stating that he wasn't there to buy paintings and was not interested in what was merely a Second Realm painting.

No sooner had he finished speaking than a cold snort rang out before the young man in green could reply. Young Master Ji Mo in front of him stared coldly, remarking on Zhang Xuan's arrogance in dismissing a Second Realm work as "just" that. Zhang Xuan felt a little awkward and offered his apologies, saying he had just spoken without thinking and asked for no offense to be taken.

The young man had been sweating profusely from painting; it wasn't easy. What he had just said was indeed a bit inappropriate. Young Master Ji Mo flicked his sleeve and raised an eyebrow, scoffing and asking if Zhang Xuan thought a simple apology would suffice. He accused Zhang Xuan of insulting the profession of calligraphy and painting and belittling a formal calligrapher and painter by interrupting the auction and showing disdain for his painting.

Zhang Xuan helplessly shook his head and asked what he proposed. Young Master Ji Mo stated it was simple: Zhang Xuan should buy his painting for 5 million gold coins.

Zhang Xuan was stunned by the mention of 5 million gold coins. He had only come to take a look and casually made a comment, and now the other party wanted to force a sale? What a joke! With so many women here who worshiped him, couldn't he just make them buy it?

Young Master Ji Mo coldly chuckled, asking if Zhang Xuan didn't want to buy it. He waved his hand, declaring that if Zhang Xuan didn't buy it, he must apologize immediately and never set foot in the guild again, adding that the Calligraphers and Painters Guild did not welcome people like him. Zhang Xuan was speechless at the demand that he never set foot in the guild again. It truly was a case of the good being bullied and the gentle being ridden.

He had merely spoken casually and had already apologized, yet the other party remained relentless. He retorted that apologizing was fine, not setting foot in the Calligraphy and Painting Guild was also fine, and even buying the painting for 5 million gold coins was fine, but only if the work was actually worth that price. Zhang Xuan shook his head, saying that a piece any random apprentice could draw didn't even qualify for such a price.