My Master Knows It All-Chapter 438 - 171: Fame Spreads Far and Wide_3

"Indeed, those are fine characters," Ougao Yi of the Divine Occurrence Sect also exclaimed in admiration, "I observe that the brushstrokes flow like dragons and snakes. Clearly, they are mere characters, yet they seem to contain the path of cultivation within. Truly rare and remarkable!"

Cave Master Hu of Qi Bing Cave was not much into the study of script, yet he was somewhat curious and glanced towards Cave Master Peng at his side, asking softly, "Cave Master Peng, what is your take on these characters?"

Within their Thousand Caves Door, Cave Master Peng’s calligraphy was nearly ranked first. Later, after his enlightenment, Peng had become even more superior to everyone else.

Cave Master Peng did not answer directly, but rather conveyed through a secret transmission, "The script is certainly good. Even so, it can be said that before Peak Master Cao visited our Thousand Caves Door, my script could not match his, but now..."

Cave Master Hu instantly understood, "So, you are saying that his current script can no longer compare to yours, Cave Master Peng."

"No, it cannot be said like that. Our calligraphy specializations are different, it can only be said that there is little to choose between us, but given time, I am confident that my script can surpass his."

"However, the premise is that he does not gain enlightenment during this discussion of the Dao. If he does, then it is hard to say."

Enlightenment...

Upon hearing these words, Cave Master Hu didn’t quite know what to say; he too had reached enlightenment thanks to Peak Master Cao. Countless individuals in the Thousand Caves Door had achieved enlightenment because of Peak Master Cao.

Peak Master Cao was from the Hundred Peaks Sect, and if he had the ability to help the people of Thousand Caves Door reach enlightenment, then naturally he could do the same for members of the Hundred Peaks Sect.

Peak Master Cao, it was unknown how many within the Hundred Peaks Sect he had assisted in achieving enlightenment.

Indeed, the Hundred Peaks Sect was fortunate to have Peak Master Cao, a figure of such capabilities.

Elder Xue composed a poem, and Cao Zhen didn’t recognize it at all. In any case, it was supposedly a piece describing the Capital City.

To him, that poem was just mediocre.

Although he did not compose poetry, he had seen countless poems in his previous life, and he did possess the skill to critique them.

Elder Xue seemed very pleased with his work, lightly blowing on his calligraphy and looking at Cao Zhen with pride as he asked, "Peak Master Cao, how do you find my calligraphy?"

Before Cao Zhen could speak, many around them had already started to praise it.

"Elder Xue’s script flows as if the clouds in the sky, the water in the rivers, smooth and unfettered, with no sense of confinement."

"Yes, look how the script moves, be it strong and rigid, or gentle and smooth, like a graceful and slender woman, or like a robust and brave warrior..."

"Not only the script but also the poem..." Kou Shaoyuan of the Divine Occurrence Sect pointed at the paper full of words and inquired with amazement, "Elder Xue, I have never come across this poem before. May I ask if it is your own creation?"

Obviously touched by the compliment, Elder Xue wore an even prouder expression. As he gently touched his beard, he modestly shook his head and responded, "Moved by the sights of the Capital City, I composed these verses. They are but humble words, neither genuinely laudable nor worthy of merit."

"Elder Xue is worthy of being proficient in all four great arts. The marvel of this script is evident to all, but in my view, the poem is yet more exquisite," Kou Shaoyuan saluted Elder Xue with a fist and palm, "Elder, I have an impertinent request. May I ask if you could gift me this script? After all, I truly do admire the poem."

"You jest," Elder Xue waved his hand magnanimously, "If Dao Companion Kou likes it, by all means, take it."

"Many thanks to Elder Xue," Kou Shaoyuan appeared very delighted as he picked up the script, but he did not tuck it away, instead holding it in his hands, "Elder, I shall have it framed when I return home, but I’ll keep it here for now, since you and Peak Master Cao have yet to conclude your poetic duel. After Peak Master Cao finishes his writing, we shall compare them side by side."

Tucking the script away now, how was he to show how lacking Cao Zhen’s script was later?

It’s only through comparison that the weakness of Cao Zhen’s calligraphy would become apparent.

However, Cao Zhen looked towards Chang Tiance, "Prepare the Four Treasures of the Study for me."

He did not always carry the Four Treasures of the Study with him, but Chang Tiance certainly did.

Chang Tiance was swift. He leaped onto the platform and, wearing an honored expression, took out the Four Treasures of the Study, beginning to grind the ink for Cao Zhen.

Elder Xue glanced over, revealing a look of disdain. A true connoisseur of the arts would prepare all Four Treasures of the Study himself, even the grinding of the ink, as did he. Didn’t he too have disciples behind him?

Yet he ground the ink himself.

Why?

Because only oneself knows one’s needs the best, one’s own grinding suits oneself the best.

Cao Zhen, young with limited ability, yet not lacking in pride, even having his disciple carry the Four Treasures of the Study and grind the ink for him.

Soon, Chang Tiance finished grinding the ink and did not leave the platform; instead, he stepped back to one side.

Picking up the brush, Cao Zhen pondered briefly; Elder Xue had written a poem, and if he did not do the same, it seemed somewhat improper.

But what to write?

He scanned his surroundings and, spotting the distant chrysanthemums, was inspired and began to write.

"Waiting for the eighth of the Ninth Moon fair, my flowers bloom to kill the hundred with flair. Soaring scent pierces through Immortal Market’s square, the city clad in golden armor everywhere."

In his view, the Capital City resembled the ancient Chang’an City on Earth, and since it was currently September, it seemed quite fitting to write this poem.

To complement the poem, the characters he wrote also brimmed with an endless aura of ferocity.

As the last character was set down, a surge of energy swirled around Chang Tiance by his side, a tumult of inky essence soared to the heavens.