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2.11% Library of Heaven's Path / Chapter 48: What the Heck is This Toy

Capítulo 48: What the Heck is This Toy

Editor: GaiaNova, Thaddpole&Tortex

“…” Huang Yu felt the vision before her spin and she almost fainted on the spot.

[To not even know Zhennan Wang? Dude, are you really from Tianxuan Kingdom? Are you sure you didn’t pop up from some remote corner!]

At this moment, she was starting to regret bringing this fellow here!

Given how ignorant he was, it was likely that he would say something wrong and pull her down along with him!

Actually, Zhang Xuan really wasn’t putting on an act, he was truly ignorant on this matter.

His previous self was the worst teacher in the academy. All along, he had been occupied with how he could stop himself from being expelled from the school. Thus, he never tried to look into the internal affairs of the kingdom and knew very little about it as well. The previous him didn’t even know what section, division and bureau were, so how could he possibly know who Zhennan Wang was?

Jiya!

Just as she was about to explain the glorious war accomplishments of Zhennan Wang, the door in front of them creaked and opened. A butler-like person appeared in their view, welcoming them.

“Uncle Cheng, I am prepared now. I hope to receive master’s guidance again!” Towards the butler he called Uncle Cheng, the white-clothed gongzi Bai Xun spoke respectfully, the arrogance he had a moment ago absent in his voice.

“So it is Bai gongzi and Huang guniang [1]! Please follow me to wait at the lounge!” Upon catching sight of the three standing at the entrance of the door, the butler bowed and ushered them in.

The three of them followed behind him into the residence.

Zhang Xuan gazed around the surroundings.

The residence might not be extravagant in its renovations, inferior even when compared to certain parts of the academy, but it brought about a wholly different atmosphere. Every moment of stillness and every movement in the courtyard felt like a tranquil ink painting, which exuded indescribable elegance.

“What an incredible natural ink painting!”

Zhang Xuan couldn’t help praising.

“Oh? Gongzi… seems to have some aptitude towards painting?” Hearing his praise, the butler turned around and asked.

“It is just a casual comment!” He didn’t expect that a casual comment that he spoke would attract the attention of the butler. Zhang Xuan hurriedly shook his head.

In his previous life, he was a librarian, and his job was deeply related to literacy. Even though he had seen many different paintings back then, he had never picked up a brush, needless to say, paint!

“Our laoye [1] used his heart as his brush and the courtyard as his paper to turn the entire residence into a painting. You aren’t mistaken in your words!” The butler nodded his head and continued moving forward.

Soon, they arrived at the lounge.

The lounge wasn’t very big, but was rich in paintings, giving the room a kind of classical elegance. It had a soothing effect on those who step into it.

It was unlike the other places, where Strength Measuring Rock Pillars could be found everywhere, which made one feel as though they would be thrown out if they displayed insufficient strength.

“I will be reporting to laoye!”

After arranging the seats for the three of them, the butler turned around to leave.

“You know a thing or two about paintings?” The moment the butler left, Huang Yu looked over curiously.

She seemed to have heard the conversation back there. Come to think about it, she didn’t know a single thing about the young man she had brought herself.

“I only felt that the arrangement in the courtyard is reminiscent of a painting!” Zhang Xuan replied.

“Xiao Yu, don’t listen to his nonsense. This fellow is just putting on a show to attract your attention!” Bai Xun’s glare was so intense that fire might emerge from it.

“What do you know? My friend here is extremely knowledgeable and talented! Do you think that everyone likes to act mighty the way you do?” Hearing the other party insult the friend she brought, Huang Yu was displeased.

“Knowledgeable? Him? Xiao Yu, you should be careful. I think this lad is just a useless playboy. Despite being young, he is skilled in the art of deceiving to win the favor of girls. He truly has no shame!”

Luoluo, hearing the lady praise Zhang Xuan, Bai Xun felt the rage in him boiling even more intensely and he gritted his teeth furiously.

“My friend here is skilled in zither, chess, literature and painting. There is nothing he is incapable of; there is nothing he doesn’t have expertise in. Not only is he outstanding in the younger generation, there aren’t many of the older generation who can match up to him! On the contrary, look at yourself! You aren’t skilled in anything, and your mind is only filled with fighting and killing all day long! You are the one that is useless!”

Huang Yu didn’t back down.

“Skilled in zither, chess, literature and painting? You mean him? He doesn’t look much older than me. Even if he started learning from the womb, how much can he learn? You are probably the only one who will get scammed by him!” Bai Xun glared savagely at Zhang Xuan.

“Just because he is young means that he isn’t skilled? What if he is talented? Don’t doubt others just because you are untalented!” Huang Yu retorted.

“…” Hearing their argument, the innocent Zhang Xuan, who had arrows fired at him, frowned.

[If you want to argue, just argue among yourselves! Why must you all rope me in? Did I offend any of you?

Zither, chess, literature and painting, you said? I have never touched any of the four in my entire life… If I am talented, how can I possibly be the first teacher in history to score a zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination in Hongtian Academy?]

Just as Bai Xun was about to counterattack with words of his own, footsteps sounded from outside and a figure walked in.

It was an elderly man with snow-white hair and beard. He carried with him a unique aura, which granted him a majestic disposition.

The butler from before followed behind him.

Emperor Shen Zhui’s ex-tutor, Lu Chen!

“Paying respect to master!”

Upon seeing him, Bai Xun and Huang Yu dared not bicker any longer and bowed simultaneously.

“I heard that someone was able to tell that the arrangement of my courtyard is an ink painting. It is rare to see such a refined youngster nowadays.”

Ignoring the two who were paying respects to him, the moment the elderly man walked in, his eyes was fixated upon Zhang Xuan. It was apparent that the butler had informed him of Zhang Xuan’s previous words.

“Master, this fellow is just spouting nonsense, there’s no need to bother about him. I have already revised beforehand, so master, you can feel free to test me…” Upon seeing the master’s attention fixated on the lad, Bai Xun felt displeased and hurriedly said.

“Did I allow you to talk?”

Master Lu Chen frowned.

“I…”

Bai Xun’s face turned completely red, but he dared not talk back to him.

He might be of high standing, and his father was formidable as well. However, before the emperor’s tutor, he still paled far in comparison.

After reprimanding Bai Xun, Master Lu Chen’s attention returned back to Zhang Xuan. “Since you are learned in painting, it just so happens that I have a work here for you to appraise in my stead!”

After which, he gestured with his hand.

The butler hurried forward and unfurled a painting scroll on the table.

It was a simple and elegant ink painting. The moment it was unfurled, a refreshing aura assaulted its viewers. In a peaceful village, children were frolicking around and smoke emerged from the chimneys. If one concentrated, it seemed as though one could hear the call of the cicada and see the dance of the tree leaves. It was a painting of a scenery.

“This…” Zhang Xuan scratched his head.

He didn’t know a single thing about painting. All he could tell about this painting was that it wasn’t bad. Asking him to appraise? What was he supposed to appraise about it?

“You must think carefully before you speak. This is a test by the master, he… likes to test others. Anyway, when I first came, I was tested by him too… If you manage to speak well, you will be able to borrow as many books as you like. But if you were to screw this up, you will be sent back instantly…”

Just as he was hesitating, Huang Yu’s agitated voice sounded beside him.

“Test?”

Zhang Xuan smiled bitterly.

If only he knew that Master Lu Chen had such interests, he wouldn’t have said anything when he walked into the courtyard.

Was this considered as courting trouble? However, based on Huang Yu’s words, it was likely that the other party would test him even if he said nothing. After all, this was a habit he had cultivated. He probably couldn’t shake it off even if he wanted to.

As for appraising it, what the heck was he supposed to appraise!

He wasn’t even learned in that aspect, what problems could he see from it? What kind of comments should he be making?

After all, the other party was the emperor’s tutor, a master of painting. If he were to spout nonsense, he might be chased away with a stick even before he was done speaking.

“Why? Is there any problem?”

Upon seeing his expression, Master Lu Chen inquired.

“Ah, nothing!”

Zhang Xuan scratched his head. Just as he was at a loss on how he should organize his sentences to come up with words that the other party was unable to find flaws with, a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.

“Since the Library of Heaven’s Path is capable of authenticating items, then… is it possible for it to tell the flaws in paintings?”

At this point, he couldn’t resist stepping forward to touch the painting lightly.

Weng!

A sound echoed in his head and a book appeared in his mind.

Zhang Xuan was overjoyed. After reading the contents of it, he raised his head and gazed at Master Lu Chen with bright eyes. Smiling faintly, he asked, “Master really wants me to appraise this?”

Master Lu Chen didn’t respond, indicating his silent consent.

“I have eight words of evaluation on it!” Zhang Xuan said.

“I am willing to listen to it!” Master Lu Chen looked at Zhang Xuan.

Zhang Xuan nodded his head. His eyes scanned through the painting once more and he shook his head, “The eight words are… Downright senseless, what the heck is this toy!”

“Gongzi, please mind your words!” Initially, he was curious on the evaluation Zhang Xuan could give. Upon hearing these words, the butler almost fainted on the spot. Flustered, he tried to stop him hurriedly, “This is a painting that was just drawn by the master…”

------

[1] Guniang -> Lady/Miss

[2] Laoye -> Old master


Capítulo 49: How Did He Do It?

Editor: GaiaNova, Thaddpole&Tortex

“A painting left behind by the master?”

By the side, Huang Yu felt like she was going insane. She almost lost her balance and fell to the floor.

[In the past, Master Lu Chen had brought out paintings for them to appraise, as well as to test them. However… he had never brought out his own works!

This time, why would he…

If the fellow before her had praised the work the master took out, perhaps, the master will be delighted with his evaluation and let it pass. However… what did you say — Downright senseless, what the heck is this toy?

Is this something a human should say?

To evaluate Master Lu Chen’s drawing as ‘downright senseless, what the heck is this toy’…]

Huang Yu felt like vomiting blood.

[Didn’t you say that you won’t put me in a difficult position? This… What is going on?]

If she knew that Zhang Xuan had decided afterwards that as a teacher, he shouldn’t put her in an awkward situation… more blood would probably come spurting out from her mouth!

[Is this what you call not putting me in an awkward situation?

You are obviously pushing me down the cliff…]

She was regretting her action of bringing this fellow here!

Master Lu Chen favored youngsters who learn with humility. He never discriminated against people, and he liked people coming over to learn from him.

This fellow seemed scholarly on the surface, as well as a person who knew his boundaries, so she thought that he was the type to learn with humility. Thus, she brought him over, so she could please the master. If things went well, she could make use of the opportunity to achieve her goals as well. Yet, she never would have expected that… he was so unreliable!

Huang Yu felt her guts turn green with regret.

If only she knew that this would happen, she would have rejected him on the spot. Why did she guide him over just to bring trouble on herself…

While she was on the verge of going berserk, Bai Xun was on the verge of laughing.

Indeed, what was scary was not a godlike opponent, but a pig-like teammate.

This fellow actually dared to describe Master Lu Chen’s work as ‘what the heck is this toy’. Needless to think, he must have offended the master thoroughly with his words. Even if he didn’t make a move, the master would probably teach this ignorant lad a lesson!

“Is this the knowledge and talent you speak of? Skilled in zither, chess, literature and painting?”

Chuckling softly, he gazed at Huang Yu teasingly.

Huang Yu had just praised Zhang Xuan a moment ago, yet in the next, the latter spoke such words. [Have you ever seen a knowledgeable and talented person act like this?]

“Silence!”

In contrast to butler Uncle Cheng’s anxiety, Huang Yu’s regret and Bai Xun’s glee, Master Lu Chen didn’t get mad due to the other party’s words. He interrupted the commotion going on and looked at Lu Chen calmly, “This little brother over here, why would you make such an evaluation? Is there a problem with my drawing?”

“I didn’t know that it was master’s work. I seek your forgiveness for my brashness!” Zhang Xuan feigned shock and hurriedly bowed apologetically.

The book compiled by the Library of Heaven’s Path allowed him to look into the flaws of the painting, and the artist was also labeled in it. Naturally, he knew that the painting before him was Lu Chen’s work, just that he was intentionally feigning ignorance!

“Don’t worry about it. This is just a painting. I am only asking you to appraise the strengths and weaknesses of the painting, and not the painter of it!” Master Lu Chen gestured.

“With your words, I am reassured!” Zhang Xuan smiled. Facing the painting again, he stroked it and said, “If we are just talking about this painting, even if it is drawn by the master… I can only use these eight words to evaluate it! Downright senseless, what the heck is this toy!”

Huang Yu and the butler looked calm on the surface, but panicked on the inside.

[To say such words after knowing that this is a work of the master. Lad, are you insane?]

“However…”

Zhang Xuan paused for a moment.

“However what?”

“This painting is indeed nothing much. Any artist by the street would be able to draw it. It is already an overestimation by calling it a toy! However, if one is able to see beyond its surface, then it is definitely an astonishing creation that will leave its viewers in disbelief!”

Zhang Xuan said.

“Look beyond the surface? How should we look?” Master Lu Chen smiled gently.

“Simple!” Zhang Xuan looked at the butler Uncle Cheng. “May I trouble you to bring a dagger over!”

“Alright!” After taking a look at Master Lu Chen and noticing the lack of disapproval, Uncle Cheng turned around and walked out. After a short moment, he returned with a dagger and passed it to Zhang Xuan.

“Then, I will be making an embarrassment of myself!”

Grabbing the dagger, Zhang Xuan walked over to the painting and stabbed the dagger into it.

“What are you doing?” Seeing his actions, Bai Xun stepped forward. “That is the master’s work, every single painting of his is incomparably valuable that some even label them as priceless treasures. Are you sure you can compensate him if you damage it?”

Huang Yu also looked at his actions in bewilderment.

[Why would you need a dagger to appraise a painting?]

Ignoring Bai Xun’s rebuke, Zhang Xuan cut the unblemished painting with the dagger.

Tzzzzzzz, the sound of paper being cut echoed in the air. The portion of the drawing that was cut curled upwards. Tugging lightly on it, the top portion of the drawing separated from the bottom layer. This was similar to how there were different levels to a building. A layer of xuan paper [1] formed the top layer of the painting, whereas the bottom layer consisted of goatskin.

Huala!

The tearing of the top xuan paper exposed what was on top of the goatskin. There was also a painting on top of the goatskin, and it was similar to what was on the xuan paper. However, there was more spirit to this one and the depictions were much more vivid. It was as though the mountainous rocks, trees, village and children would pop out from within at any moment.

“If I’m not wrong, the drawing on top of the xuan paper is just a layer of deception. The true drawing is imprinted through the xuan paper, onto the goatskin. This is the true secret behind the master’s drawing!” After tearing the xuan paper carefully away, Zhang Xuan smiled.

“This…”

Regardless of whether it is Huang Yu, the butler or Bai Xun, all of their eyes widened in disbelief.

To imprint the ink beyond the xuan paper onto the goatskin through force, not to mention that the drawing on top of the paper must retain a certain level of clarity such that no flaws could be seen on it… This was way too incredible!

These two paintings were stacked on top of one another flawlessly… How was he able to tell?

“Not bad, not bad!” Upon seeing the young man easily expose the secret behind his painting, Master Lu Chen’s eyes lit up. This time, his gaze towards the youngster was full of praise.

At the same time, he was also filled with shock.

His ability to imprint on goatskin through a layer of paper via force was something he just comprehended. He had never showcased it in front of anyone else. Yet, this youngster was able to see through it in an instant. [His eye of discernment is way too formidable!]

“Then, what about this drawing?”

Master Lu Chen turned around and pointed to a painting hung on the wall.

There was a giant savage beast painted on it. Similar to a savage tiger descending from the mountain, its ferocious aura left its viewers with astonishment. If a timid person were to catch sight of this painting, they might fall limply onto the ground, fearing to make a single noise.

Zhang Xuan stepped forward and stroked it lightly. Then, he smiled, “This painting isn’t bad, but it is lacking in disposition. If I am not wrong, the painter of the work has never seen the savage beast portrayed in the drawing before! This drawing is just based on his personal interpretation!”

“This…”

Master Lu Chen’s body trembled as his eyes widened into complete circles.

Others might be confused by what Zhang Xuan was saying, but he understood what the other party meant.

That was because this painting was his work as well.

The savage beast on the painting was known as ‘Chi Xiong‘, and it was a rare life-form. It was said to possess boundless strength and invincible defense, to the point that no weapon was able to wound it.

Just like what the other party said, it was true that he had never met such a life-form. The reason why he was able to draw this painting was because he had flipped through numerous books, so as to feed his imagination.

This painting was one of his prided works. This was also the reason why it was hung at the middlemost location of the lounge. Innumerable painting masters have come to visit and they were filled with praises for it. They all found the painting majestic and lifelike. Why would the youngster say that it was lacking in disposition?

Since the other party was able to see through the overall situation behind the other painting in an instant, his eye for such stuff should be topnotch. Furthermore, he was able to tell that he had never seen a Chi Xiong just by glancing at the painting, so it was very probable that he had his own reasons for saying so!

“Which part of it is lacking in disposition, would you be kind to enlighten me?”

At this point, Master Lu Chen no longer had the attitude of superiority from before as he hurriedly asked.

“Ah?”

Seeing the emperor’s tutor who kept testing them, causing them to scratch their heads helplessly innumerable times, seeking guidance with humility from a young man who wasn’t even twenty yet, Huang Yu and Bai Xun stared at one another and they felt like fainting.

Especially Huang Yu, her eyes couldn’t stop blinking. The shock struck her mind like billowing waves.

[That fellow… how did he do it?]

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[1] Xuan paper -> A type of paper suitable for drawing.


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