I Can See Your Combat Power

Chapter 166: Chapter One Hundred Sixty-Two: Calligraphy Master

Translator: 549690339

Watching his intricately thought-out plan being shattered by Tang Luo’s words, the simple-minded Xu Lao Ying didn’t take it as a bad thing, but rather that he and Tang Luo were on the same wavelength. Therefore, he excitedly asked, “What do you think, isn’t this plan excellent!?”

A smile flitted across Tang Luo’s mouth as he looked at his simple-minded cousin, feeling an urge to provide him with some basic knowledge: “What do you think Mi Bai lacks most to become a calligrapher?”

Xu Lao Ying was bewildered. He couldn’t understand why Tang Luo would ask this. In his heart, he felt that Mi Bai was already a top-tier calligrapher. What could he possibly lack?

It seems that his cousin’s appreciation for calligraphy is quite limited. He felt pity for his cousin who only loved fighting and tried to console him: “It’s fine, cousin. If you look at more calligraphy, you’ll be able to distinguish the good from the bad. When it comes to Brother Bai’s words, he has created his unique style and is already a calligrapher.”

Tang Luo felt frustrated, staring at the concerned Xu Lao Ying and suppressing a growing anger. Is this idiot belittling him? Did he think that his previous question was prompted by an inability to distinguish good from bad?

He let out a sigh to calm himself and continued without arguing with this fool: “Anyone like him will not, in his lifetime, become a calligrapher!” “Impossible?” Xu Lao Ying retorted, “Mi Bai’s calligraphy is ranked in the top ten worldwide. If not him, who can be a calligrapher?”

“Hmph.” Tang Luo looked disdainful: “You must be confused about the difference between being a prominent calligrapher and producing eminent calligraphy.”

“Don’t fool me. Aren’t they the same thing? What’s the difference?” Xu Lao Ying asked, his expression like he’d been insulted, as if warning Tang Luo that even though he was his cousin, he wouldn’t tolerate deceit.

Rubbing his head, Tang Luo felt that this fellow’s simple-mindedness was distressing. He asked, “For example, I like calligraphy, don’t you? Compared to Brother Bai, what do you think of my calligraphy?”

“Hahaha.” Upon hearing Tang Luo’s words, Xu Lao Ying burst into laughter: “Brother, you can’t be serious. With your calligraphy skills? Tsk, tsk.”

Tang Luo felt hurt, realising he shouldn’t have tried to have a meaningful conversation with this fool.

“How can a candlelight compare with the brilliance of the sun?” Xu Lao Ying pointed to the sky, offering some consolation while trying not to hurt Tang Luo’s feelings, “We all have different talents. Focus on martial arts and leave calligraphy to others.”

Tang Luo asked, “If I told you I love calligraphy and that I’ve written hundreds of scrolls for sale, how much do you think I could sell them for?”

“Hahahaha.” Xu Lao Ying started laughing uncontrollably, slapping Tang Luo on the shoulder, “‘Wake up, brother. No one would buy your calligraphy.”

Tang Luo looked placid: “My calligraphy would sell for more than Huang Ting’s, if there were people willing to sell it.”

“Why so?” Xu Lao Ying reined in his laughter, he suddenly sensed that Tang Luo might be serious, but still was not convinced.

Tang Luo smirked, replying, “Because I’m the prodigy known throughout Xiling, the eldest son of the Sect Head of the Tang Clan, and the most likely to become the strongest warrior in Xiling.”

“But your calligraphy still sucks. Outside of Xiling, it’s worthless.” Xu Lao Ying refuted, “It’s different for Mi Bai. His calligraphy is top-tier everywhere.” “What if the piece was written by the Saint Lord of the sacred land?” Tang Luo casually asked, not bothered by his cousin’s scorn.

Xu Lao Ying was left speechless. He wanted to dispute him, but couldn’t. Because he knew that even if Xu Clan’s Saint Lord wrote the character for ‘shit’, it would be purchased by the wealthy Gao Family for a hefty sum and treasured like a jewel.

Tang Luo realised that Xu Lao Ying had started to understand. He continued, “This is the so-called ‘calligraphy of the famous’. They don’t need to have profound calligraphy skills. As long as they have enough influence, their works will be worth a fortune.”

Xu Lao Ying furrowed his brows, understanding the concept of ‘calligraphy of the famous’, and asked, “So Mi Bai is just a famous calligrapher, because he became famous due to his impressive calligraphy, right?”

He was not a fool. Now that he understood the meaning of ‘calligraphy of the famous’, he could infer the meaning of ‘famous calligrapher’. The latter path was the one Mi Bai was taking.

“He doesn’t meet the requirements.” Tang Luo coldly replied, dismissing his unrealistic fantasies.

“Isn’t becoming a famous calligrapher about mastering the art of calligraphy? Is that wrong?” Full of youthful spirit, Xu Lao Ying disagreed strongly.

Who could accept the fact that Mi Bai, in his appreciation of his calligraphy, was not even a famous calligrapher, far surpassing many famous calligraphers. “You really like calligraphy, don’t you? You must know many of the famous calligraphers.” Tang Luo crossed his arms and asked with a smile.

“Of course.” Since his childhood, Xu Lao Ying had a deep love for calligraphy. It was his greatest pastime aside from practising martial arts. His family had catered to this interest, collecting numerous famous calligraphy pieces and hiring a renowned calligraphy artist, Yan Si Miao, as his teacher.

Having Yan Si Miao as his teacher for over ten years, Xu Lao Ying had visited many calligraphy artists throughout Yuanzhou. No one knew the calligraphy masters of Yuanzhou better than him, as he was familiar with their stories and specialties.

“Now, recall for me. Among these famous calligraphers, is there anyone from a non-elite background? Anyone who hasn’t learned under a famous master?” Enlightenment dawned on Gao Ying’s face under the morning sun as Tang Luo’s relentless questions pierced his heart.

“There must be some,” Xu Lao Ying thought harder, trying to find a legendary calligrapher from humble beginnings. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t find any. Each of them was from an elite family!

His face turned gloomy. He had a lot to say, but the words were stuck in his throat.

“It appears that there are none,” Tang Luo affirmed coldly.

“Why?” Xu Lao Ying asked bitterly, refusing to accept the reality.

“Without the backing of an elite family, there’s no chance to become a famous calligrapher,” Tang Luo coldly unveiled the harsh reality, shattering Xu Lao Ying’s idealistic views about calligraphy.

Xu Lao Ying felt stunned and questioned, isn’t calligraphy supposed to be pure? Why did it become like this? Are there any calligraphers who purely focus on mastering the craft?

“Unless you can make Mi Bai a member of an aristocratic family or find a famous master for him to study under, he won’t be able to become a highly esteemed calligrapher like Huang Ting in his lifetime.”

As they talked, they arrived at the west side of the city, where Mi Bai’s stall was set up on the nearby street. Glancing at Mi Bai’s sincere, dedicated face as he practiced calligraphy, Xu Lao Ying felt an overwhelming sense of pressure.

If such an outstanding talent in calligraphy couldn’t even become a calligrapher, it was nothing short of a mockery to the art of calligraphy..

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