206 Truth and lies are infuriating! A resounding victory in the first round!
Updated: 2013-07-26 12:56:04 Word Count: 8742
The judges all gathered around the painting. No one wanted to invite the painting master over; they all wanted more opportunities to study the painting's techniques. They were like thirsty seekers of knowledge, even forgetting that there was another painting waiting for their appreciation and critique.
"What exactly is going on?" Princess Aman muttered in puzzlement and dissatisfaction. She wanted to go forward and see, but the competition rules stipulated that contestants could not participate in the judges' evaluations. She glanced at Luo Zhiheng and saw that she looked so confident and at ease, so she couldn't help but get angry and said, "What's with the smugness? I'll show you in a minute!"
Luo Zhiheng smiled faintly and remained silent. She raised her head slightly and happened to see the Prince looking over casually. In the instant their eyes met, Luo Zhiheng clearly saw both a smile and a chill in the Prince's eyes.
This petty man. He was clearly happy to see the painting, but he still had to warn her. He's so secretly passionate; in this respect, he's just like Mu Yunhe.
The competition became restless because the judges were all gathered in one place, making it impossible to continue judging. Everyone was waiting for the results and curious about what the four people had drawn, and what Luo Zhiheng had drawn that had elicited such a strong reaction from the judges.
Soon, the person who had been supervising Luo Zhiheng and was stunned by Luo Zhiheng's painting style was pushed out by the judges and ordered to invite the painting master.
Why invite the Sage of Painting? Because everyone knows that in the realm of painting, the Sage of Painting is undoubtedly the best! Anything judged by his words and observation is naturally far superior to anything else. This style of painting is unheard of and unseen before; it represents innovation and renewal. Many have already envisioned the spectacular scene of this style sweeping the world. And because the Sage of Painting has been immersed in the field of painting for so long, he is sure to have even more superb judgment and commentary.
Seeing Luo Zhiheng's work at this point in the competition had already implicitly predicted the outcome. No matter how good or excellent other paintings were, none could compare to Luo Zhiheng's uniqueness, nor could they possess the creativity and originality found in her work. The high quality of Luo Zhiheng's painting elevated the competition to a whole new level.
It will no longer be just a painting competition, but a combination of wisdom and creativity that will leave people inexplicably shocked and excited!
"Invited me?" The Painting Sage was quite surprised. Could it be that Luo Zhiheng had painted something bizarre? But because it was a painting of the King, they couldn't bring themselves to ask, so they invited him instead? The Painting Sage glanced at Elder Tong and said with amusement, "Third Brother's granddaughter-in-law is quite something. She actually managed to get those arrogant old guys to invite me to evaluate her painting. Third Brother, you know my attitude towards paintings. I only look at the painting, not the person. If she really can't say anything good, don't blame me for being rude."
"Hmph, when have you ever been kind with your words?" Old Master Tong's face finally showed a hint of displeasure, and even the usually calm and collected old man's eyes revealed a trace of worry. If this caused a loss of face, it wouldn't just be Luo Zhiheng herself, but also his old face, and the entire Mu Dynasty, because if Luo Zhiheng won this competition, it would be tantamount to losing to an enemy country! When the news reached the Mu Dynasty, it would be difficult to explain to the Emperor.
"Sigh, you mustn't get angry." The painting master laughed smugly, finally standing up and saying, "Alright, I'll go with you to take a look, just to give the King face. Really, you'll ask me to look at any painting, won't I be busy to death?"
Zhuge Huahun's words implied that he didn't take Luo Zhiheng and the painting seriously. He probably thought it was making a mountain out of a molehill, and there were probably very few paintings in the world that could pass his discerning eye.
Zhuge Huahun took a few steps and then turned back to call to Zhuge Hualuan: "Hualan, come with me. It'll be good to see other people's painting styles. I heard that Miss Bai's skill is quite good. You should also have a match with Miss Bai sometime."
"Yes." Zhuge Hualuan quickly got up and followed.
The grandfather and grandson clearly didn't take Luo Zhiheng's work seriously. They both believed that no painting could amaze them, because they themselves were the pinnacle of painting. Who could be better than them? Who could broaden their horizons? Their personal visit to see Luo Zhiheng's paintings was an act of charity.
The group finally arrived at the competition venue. Dozens of judges hurriedly bowed to the painting master and then made way for him. Naturally, they dared not express their opinions recklessly in front of such an authority in the art world.
"Master Zhuge is here. Please give your critique of Luo Zhiheng's painting. Also, please take a look at the other paintings and award a prize. I think if the Sage of Painting were to announce the winner of this competition, no one would be able to find fault with it." The King's face was very pleased. Because he was in a good mood, his smile seemed even more radiant.
Upon hearing the King's words, the other contestants were secretly delighted and pleased. (16434146 comments on how to find rewards.)
To receive feedback from a leading figure in the art world, and ultimately have their opinion personally determined, is undoubtedly a tremendous honor! It proves the champion's skill and ability, adding prestige to their life and bringing glory to their family. This is far better and more desirable than any other prize.
The other three were eager and excited, but Luo Zhiheng remained expressionless, her gaze fixed on the beautiful woman following closely behind the Painting Saint. Her eyes were filled with coldness and hostility, which she made no attempt to conceal.
She had just been clinging to Mu Yunhe, and that brat, Mu Yunhe, didn't even try to push her away. Damn it, Mu Yunhe was already completely covered up, and yet a woman was still thinking about him? This woman was shameless and extremely annoying.
Zhuge Hualuan felt Luo Zhiheng's gaze and couldn't help but look up. When she saw Luo Zhiheng up close, Zhuge Hualuan was also stunned, and a glint of light flashed in her eyes.
It turns out that the rumored infatuated Luo Zhiheng actually possesses a beautiful appearance. Although not as beautiful as her, Luo Zhiheng is still considered to be of above-average looks. Despite Luo Zhiheng's notorious reputation, it's truly a shame that she married a sickly man on the verge of death with such a face.
But the thought of Luo Zhiheng being protected by Murong Qianxue meant they must be good friends. Murong Qianxue was so detestable; her friends couldn't be any better. Coupled with Luo Zhiheng's bad reputation and tragic fate, Zhuge Hualuan looked down on her. Feeling superior to Luo Zhiheng, she adopted a haughty, superior air, her smile filled with pity.
Damn it!
Luo Zhiheng cursed inwardly, "What's with the act of being a big shot in front of your great-aunt? What's with the saintly airs? What's so high and mighty about her? A lowly person who dares to touch your little darling deserves to be taught a lesson!"
Two women are secretly clashing. A woman's intuition is often accurate. Some people hit it off immediately, knowing they're friends without needing many words, like Murong Qianxue and Princess Yu. But others evoke immediate dislike, repulsion, or even hatred, so much so that they know they're enemies without saying a word, like Princess Aman and Zhuge Hualuan.
Upon hearing this, Zhuge Huahun stroked his beard and laughed heartily, "Since the King has spoken, then this old man will take a look. However, I have always been very strict with paintings. I will naturally praise what I see as good, but don't blame me for being ruthless when I see what I don't."
After he finished speaking, he glanced at Luo Zhiheng. He still wanted to save face for Tong Yunxiao's junior, but waving his hand was really awful. He just hoped that this little girl would listen to him. After all, criticism is also a way to help people improve.
"Please feel free to speak, good or bad, I'll listen. As long as you're commenting on my painting with a fair and impartial attitude, I'll accept it." Luo Zhiheng smiled generously and spoke frankly, her small face devoid of arrogance, appearing very humble.
The painting master nodded slightly at Luo Zhiheng's attitude. Although her reputation wasn't great, her attitude was acceptable.
Zhuge Huahun stepped toward the painting. The moment the King of the World slightly stepped aside to let the painting behind him pass, the smile on Zhuge Huahun's face froze instantly. The painting with its clear and bright colors that came into view subtly yet arrogantly captured all of Zhuge Huahun's attention and his fervent heart for art and the painting!
Zhuge Huahun's expression was exceptionally solemn and shocked. Having lived for nearly a hundred years, this was truly the first time he had ever seen such a unique painting technique and style. Such vibrant and distinct colors could actually be used to paint people; it was simply a masterpiece! But the Sage of Painting was, after all, the Sage of Painting. He could see and understand many things that others could not. The quality of this painting was exposed in his eyes.
His hand couldn't resist wanting to gently touch the colors on the painting, but before his hand could touch the canvas, the judges exclaimed in surprise. They were all terrified but dared not stop the painting master, yet they were also afraid that the painting master would ruin this perfect painting. So they approached the painting with extreme tension.
A mixture of amusement and coldness flashed in the King's eyes. He was pleased that these people cared so much about the painting, but he was also displeased that the painting master dared to touch it. It felt as if this old man, who was almost crumbling, was touching his face, and the King felt nothing but disgust.
He does like men, but that's his normal sexual orientation, and he only likes handsome, gentle, and obedient men, not older men like this.
The painting was so lifelike and expressive that the king felt as if he himself in the painting had come to life. How could he, in his living form, allow anyone to touch it so casually?
"Luo Zhiheng, can I touch this painting?" the Prince asked Luo Zhiheng casually. 16.
The King didn't want anyone to touch his portrait, yet he also wanted the painting master to give it the highest praise, so as to demonstrate his nobility and charisma. This was no longer just a competition; it just shows that Luo Zhiheng is a woman who truly understands people's hearts, grasping the vanity that everyone has.
Luo Zhiheng cursed the King inwardly for being cunning, but on the surface she said innocently, "Not yet, because the paint is wet and hasn't dried completely, so you can't touch it. Touching it even a little might ruin it and destroy the beauty of the painting, making it flawed."
Upon hearing this, Zhuge Huahun immediately withdrew his hand without being told, and turned back to glare at Luo Zhiheng with a furious expression: "Why didn't you say so earlier? What if you ruined this painting? Get out of the way, all of you!"
Zhuge Huahun was excited, or rather, he was ecstatic, ecstatic for such a masterpiece. His blood, which had been calm for so long, was barely flowing, but at this moment, his love and obsession with paintings caused his blood to surge with excitement at the sight of the painting before him.
The thought that he had almost destroyed the painting, and that these people might also destroy it, filled him with uncontrollable rage, fueled by his love for art. It was like the fury and heartache of someone who had almost broken their own child's arm and taken their life.
The group was also quite frightened, and quickly retreated, treating it with the same care as a fragile artifact unearthed tens of thousands of years ago. They were all drenched in a cold sweat, having almost caused a major disaster.
The painting master's reaction didn't seem like indifference or dissatisfaction with the painting at all; instead, it seemed as if he cared about it very much. At that moment, the other three contestants finally had a bad feeling. The painting master's excitement also stirred up the crowd, making the discussion and commotion even more intense, as everyone couldn't wait to see what the painting was all about.
Luo Zhiheng smiled sweetly and said, "Senior Painting Saint, I wonder what you think of my painting? There is still a painting by Princess Aman from the Western Barbarian Kingdom that I haven't commented on yet."
Luo Zhiheng is a bad girl. Knowing her own limitations, she shamelessly tries to take advantage and act innocent. But to those who like her, this only makes her seem genuine and adorable. However, to her enemies, it's a setup. But Luo Zhiheng's only thought is: if you make me lose face, I'll make you taste the suffocating feeling of having face less than a shoe insole.
Zhuge Huahun seemed to be immersed in the painting, his gaze revealing his admiration and love for the fresh style. He praised the painting with unprecedented enthusiasm, saying, "The style is delicate and smooth, full of originality. The figures are lifelike, the colors are vivid, and they are extremely expressive. The expressions and movements are just right and exceptionally lively, making one feel that the King is right in front of them. The emotions in the eyes of the figures are also clearly shown. There is still a sense of femininity, but the masculine energy is also deeply felt. The majestic aura of the King is also depicted in a very impressive way. Even the tiger-skin beast head on the golden armrest of the soft couch is painted with lifelike detail. The details are exquisite and complete. The whole painting seems to use colors in a grand and lively way, but there is also a kind of gentle and understated beauty in it. However, no color can overshadow the theme of the painting, which highlights the King."
Finally, Zhuge Huahun suppressed his surging excitement and couldn't help but look at Luo Zhiheng, uttering a praise he had never used on himself before: "This person, this painting, you, Luo Zhiheng, have brought them to life!!"
The scene quickly quieted down, and Zhuge Huahun's voice was carried far and wide. At this moment, the dozens of people who were calling out the names sang out the evaluation of Zhuge Huahun, the painting saint, word by word. The voices, without any inflection, revealed the most direct shock!
The painting came to life! These three words instantly ignited the first wave of excitement in the audience as they debated the final outcome!
Everyone was stunned! Although hundreds of thousands of people hadn't seen the painting, they were still excited by the words of the Painting Sage, this towering figure. This wasn't the Mu Dynasty's homeland; unless someone deliberately caused trouble, no one would intentionally target Luo Zhiheng. Therefore, here, people saw achievements, results, and the impressive and awe-inspiring accomplishments. The Painting Sage's evaluation of the painting was like an imperial edict, the highest standard. Thus, the Painting Sage's comment instantly propelled the name Luo Zhiheng to a fever pitch in the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people!
Even though there were people from the Mu Dynasty watching, at this moment, they only felt the urge to cheer and shout. This was because Luo Zhiheng was not fighting for herself; her glory would be recorded in the annals of the nations on this day, bringing honor to the country! Therefore, if Luo Zhiheng won, then the Mu Dynasty won, and then every single person in the Mu Dynasty won!
This honor surpasses everything!
Zhuge Huahun had never been so excited. Even with his remarkable achievements, he knew he couldn't create such a painting, nor had he ever even considered this style. Perhaps Luo Zhiheng's work still had many shortcomings, and he could see areas for improvement. But today, he was none of his usual harshness towards this child who had given him such a powerful sense of awe and hope!
How old is Luo Zhiheng? A seventeen or eighteen-year-old child, yet she has achieved such remarkable success in the field of painting. She has every right to be arrogant and say, "I am unique!" because she is unique! Whether she studied on her own or received guidance from famous teachers or reclusive masters, it is enough to prove this child's talent and ability, and it is foreseeable that this child's future is limitless!
He had always prided himself on being from a family of painting masters, believing only those worthy of the title. But the emergence of Luo Zhiheng's painting shattered Zhuge Huahun's innate pride and sense of entitlement! It even instilled in him a strong sense of crisis. If the painting master family continued down this traditional path, his position as painting master might be lost sooner or later. Today there is Luo Zhiheng, tomorrow there might be a Wang Zhiheng. Luo Zhiheng will continue to grow, improve, and perfect; the painting master even felt he had seen a future star!
Even with such a strong sense of crisis, the painting master still praised her generously, simply because Luo Zhiheng today deserved these words! She was truly deserving of this painting.
The Sage of Painting glanced at his beloved granddaughter, Hua Luan, and seeing the shocked, amazed, and incredulous expression on her face, he could only sigh inwardly. His arrogance had finally led him to discover the true level of skill and talent. In terms of painting style and creativity alone, Hua Luan was not even in the same league as Luo Zhiheng.
Those sitting in the stands, including Elder Tong, still looked incredulous upon hearing this. After a long while, Elder Tong suddenly stood up and strode towards the competition venue, with the Chess Saint following closely behind. They were already pleasantly surprised to receive such high praise, but they knew that Luo Zhiheng's other talents were astonishing. That incomplete game of chess had caused a frenzy of admiration in the Mu Dynasty. Could Luo Zhiheng's painting today have such a stunning effect? Could Luo Zhiheng truly be a hidden genius?
"Pshaw! A bunch of frogs in a well, what are they getting so excited about? Her talent must be the best in playing the zither, the best!" The Zither Master didn't want to look at the painting, and he sneered from behind.
Mu Yunhe felt his heart was about to stop beating from ecstasy at the praise; his heart was pounding so hard, yet his emotions remained remarkably calm. Looking at Luo Zhiheng's retreating figure, his eyes were filled with doting affection and tenderness. The outcome of the match seemed certain, and Aheng had once again proven her words through her actions.
Whatever I, Luo Zhiheng, want to do, I will do my best to do it. Whether I succeed or not, I will never give up and will forge ahead!
Luo Zhiheng's perseverance was the key to her repeated victories. Of course, her ingenious and clever ideas and intelligence also contributed to her successive triumphs.
Old Master Tong and the Chess Saint approached the painting, their gazes filled with astonishment and uncertainty, their expressions a jumble of emotions. Old Master Tong couldn't help but glance back at the World King, then exchanged a look with the Chess Saint, both seeing shock in each other's eyes.
This is so lifelike! It's like they just peeled a piece of skin off the King's face and pasted it onto a drawing.
The King couldn't hide his smugness. He had initially thought it humiliating to be used as a real-life reference for Luo Zhiheng's painting, but who would have thought that her work would be so breathtaking and stunningly beautiful? Seeing everyone deeply moved by the painting, without a trace of disrespect, the King felt he had shown off enough. He needed to let his disloyal brothers see just how discerning his judgment was, and how...unique and dazzling his chosen contestant was!
"Alright, let's announce the results. These people's words need to be seen by everyone present, right? Then let's show them to those princes first." The Prince said with a smile, then walked towards Luo Zhiheng. The handsome man gently placed his large hand on Luo Zhiheng's ear, and whispered through his teeth in her ear, seemingly intimately, "Luo Zhiheng, you won. You won a chance to make me suffer a loss, but I won't kill you."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Luo Zhiheng smiled calmly.
"But can you tell me why you want to use me as a subject in your painting? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?" The king lifted a strand of her long hair, ignoring the astonished looks of others. He was used to being accompanied by others and no one could restrain him.
Luo Zhiheng blinked and said obediently, "Do you want to tell the truth?"
The king raised an eyebrow: "I don't like to hear lies."
Luo Zhiheng spoke softly with an innocent, pure, kind and beautiful expression: "Because if I paint the King, even if I don't paint it well, those people will still look at it carefully and won't dare to make it too ugly. If they dare to criticize my painting, they will also suffer a lot, because I'm painting the King. If they say I paint it badly, it proves that they are also saying the King is bad. They're not stupid. Even if they don't give me face, they will give you face. My goal is to win. Maybe they will let me pass because they are afraid of you."
"Even if that's not the case, even if I lose the competition, there will be people to take my place. There are so many judges, and I believe the King must really hate it if anyone denies your handsome and domineering presence, right? With them dying in front of me, I'll be satisfied. You see, I'm very smart, kind, and understanding, aren't I?" Luo Zhiheng blinked her big eyes, saying some fearless nonsense, yet her expression was as pure and innocent as a little white flower.
King Shi was so angry at Luo Zhiheng's "truth" that he almost vomited blood and suffocated!
Suppressing the urge to strangle Luo Zhiheng, the Prince Shi gritted his teeth and sneered, "You're just trying to drag me down with you? Your honest words make me want to kill you. You'd better lie. If you can tell a good lie, I might consider letting you go for now."
He was trying to find an excuse and a way out to let Luo Zhiheng off the hook. Otherwise, given his inability to tolerate being bullied, he might really have slapped this clueless little girl to death.
Luo Zhiheng's pure and innocent face immediately turned into one of adoration, her eyes almost burning with fiery fervor as she looked at the King. She said in a coquettish voice, "The lie is that I have long been captivated by your handsomeness. Your beauty and temperament have deeply impressed and inspired me. Only you are worthy to be the protagonist in my painting. Only a man as handsome as you can create an immortal legend in a masterpiece. I want this painting to be passed down through the ages, so I need a person of extraordinary talent who can be passed down through the ages as a reference. In this world, only you, King Shi, are qualified."
Although he found Luo Zhiheng's voice incredibly fake and disgusting, and her words were only half-truths, the Prince couldn't help but curl his lips into a smile. Being praised was a joyful thing. Moreover, Luo Zhiheng was a shrewd and calculating girl; she knew exactly what to do next. Painting him today was probably something she had planned long ago. Her purpose was likely to use his face to stun the audience, and also to use his status to command respect and control the room.
To put it bluntly, this young girl was simply taking advantage of his fame and status. But she did so so openly and brazenly, which truly endeared her to the King.
But not wanting Luo Zhiheng to continue being so smug, the Prince snorted coldly and asked arrogantly, "You have a young and handsome husband at home, why don't you use him to paint? Or do you think that the chess master Mu Yunhe is not as handsome as me?"
Luo Zhiheng's expression changed, and she said with a smile, "That's different. Mu Yunhe is my own. How could I paint him and let the world share his beauty? I'm such a selfish person. How could I take out my precious treasure for people to judge?"
"You!" The King was speechless, choked by Luo Zhiheng's words. He roared, "This is your true feeling! You only painted me because you were afraid that Mu Yunhe would be taken a liking to other women. Luo Zhiheng, how dare you! Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?"
"Oh, please calm down. Isn't it good to make you a heartthrob? What's the point of a grown man hugging other men all day? Once those women see your unparalleled beauty, they'll definitely fall deeply in love with you. I'm giving you a chance to become famous and win the hearts of women all over the world," Luo Zhiheng said timidly yet mischievously, like a kitten.
The king's handsome face instantly lost its composure.
The Sage of Painting, however, had finished viewing Princess Aman's and the others' paintings in that instant, his eyes remaining utterly unmoved. Having seen Luo Zhiheng's painting, he simply couldn't bear to look at the others. The paintings were quickly passed around on horseback, but only three were transported in this manner. Luo Zhiheng's painting, however, was carried by two people and escorted by a dozen others on a carriage, handled with the utmost care, as if protecting a national treasure. Wherever this painting went, it elicited a frenzy of exclamations of astonishment.
The princes were the first to see it, and their faces were filled with shock. They never expected that the person brought by the Prince would actually possess such abilities! Moreover, they had previously mocked the Prince, and now Luo Zhiheng's painting was like a slap in the face to each of them, both harsh and painful. The princes felt their faces burning with shame!
What's even more infuriating is that Luo Zhiheng's victory in the first round meant that Prince Shi had won this round as well. After being absent for nine consecutive years, Prince Shi achieved a resounding victory as soon as he appeared, which was an absolute humiliation for those who had been secretly mocking him and currying favor with Emperor Xian! In an instant, the princes were both amazed by Luo Zhiheng's painting skills and filled with hatred for her.
Luo Ningshuang's face was filled with disbelief! Such a painting evoked more than just shock; it likely brought immense pressure. Luo Ningshuang had been eagerly anticipating Luo Zhiheng's humiliation, hoping for a complete defeat in this competition. She even complained about why Luo Zhiheng had arrived so just in time; otherwise, her participation would have been far more effective.
But then Luo Zhiheng arrived, and with such a painting, all Luo Ningshuang was left with was envy, jealousy, and hatred. She simply couldn't understand why Luo Zhiheng had such good luck. She painted the Prince, and even though he was clearly furious, he still indulged her. Why, despite having the exact same face, did everyone treat Luo Zhiheng with the same kindness as she did?
What's most infuriating is that Luo Zhiheng was deliberately led astray from a young age, intentionally cultivated to be utterly useless. Why does Hu suddenly possess so many talents? No, before, in the Mu Dynasty, Luo Zhiheng mostly just joked around and acted like a rogue; she didn't display any real talents. So, could this painting today be something the King had someone teach Luo Zhiheng? That must be it! Damn it, Luo Zhiheng got away with it again!
As soon as the oil was applied to the painting, gasps and exclamations rose and fell, and the scene began to spiral out of control.
Finally, the time came to announce the results. There was no need for discussion. The Painting Sage, representing the conference, repeatedly signaled for everyone to be quiet before loudly announcing: "The winner of the first painting competition in this year's World's Number One Talent Competition is—Luo Zhiheng!!"
The answer was already self-evident to the Chess Saint, but when the name Luo Zhiheng was clearly uttered from the Painting Saint's mouth, a burst of enthusiastic cheers and shouts erupted from all directions!