Desolate Devouring Art

Chapter 56 - Trash Painting

Xiao Mingyi purchased the painting to understand the martial intent depicted in it and improve his cultivation. Several young people gathered around, praising Xiao Mingyi for being able to afford the 1,000,000 gold coins required to buy the painting. As Yun Lan’s disciple, Xiao Mingyi was wealthier than most people present, including Du Mingze.

“Congratulations, Brother Xiao, for obtaining Master Kuang’s painting. You’re too lucky!” Wan Yichun flattered Xiao Mingyi. Master Kuang originated from Zen City. This painting was set against the backdrop of the Great Row Mountain Range and undoubtedly authentic.

“You’re too polite. If I hadn’t come to Zen City, I would’ve missed such a great opportunity,” Xiao Mingyi said smugly. The painting had not been on display for long and was not widely recognized. Even if someone did recognize it, the high price would deter 99% of potential buyers.

But when the sudden voice disrupted the complements, Xue Chou roared, “Brat, what are you talking about? How dare you say Master Kuang’s painting is worthless? Do you know Master Kuang’s status in Zen City?”

Master Kuang might’ve died, but his descendants were still in Zen City. They were the strongest clan in Zen City with an extraordinary status. Insulting Master Kuang’s painting was tantamount to insulting the Kuang Clan, and even the protection of the Treasure Pill Pavilion would not be enough to save someone from the consequences.

“I naturally admire Master Kuang’s painting, but it’s a pity that this painting...” Liu Wuxie shook his head, and his facial expression seemed to call them a bunch of idiots to treat such trash as a treasure.

Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with a strange expression and wondered if he was insane. The style used in this painting was the same as Master Kuang, and who could mimic his style?

Lei Tao was anxious because it would be troublesome if Liu Wuxie offended the Kuang Clan. The Kuang Clan was on a new level compared to the clans in Azure Billow City.

A guard approached Xiao Mingyi and whispered something in his ear, causing a cold smirk to appear on his face. “You’re finished!” he said to Liu Wuxie. “You dared to insult the Kuang Clan; now let’s see how you’ll meet your end!”

Most of the items sold by the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce were genuine, although there were a few fakes mixed in.

“Young Master, please don’t spout nonsense. We’re selling this painting representing the Kuang Clan.” The Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce’s deacon came forward, interrupting Liu Wuxie. They were representing the Kuang Clan to sell this painting, and the deacon’s words made Xiao Mingyi laugh even louder.

“As long as you guys are happy about it.” Liu Wuxie shrugged and couldn’t be bothered to argue with them. He didn’t have the time to argue with a bunch of idiots. But his words triggered everyone. Had they been ridiculed for nothing?

Du Mingze stood up for Xiao Mingyi and said, “Brother Liu, what you did isn’t right. It doesn’t matter what goes in your mouth, but it does matter what comes out of it. I know you misunderstand Brother Xiao, but it's insensitive of you to humiliate him in this manner.” Everyone could tell that he was mocking Liu Wuxie.

“Him?” Liu Wuxie pointed at Xiao Mingyi with shock on his face as if he had heard the greatest joke in the world. He said, “A trash like him is worthy of me humiliating him?”

Liu Wuxie’s sharp insult and quick retort left Xiao Mingyi so angry that he nearly vomited blood. He would have attacked if he hadn’t been restrained. No one present could match Liu Wuxie’s vicious tongue.

Xiao Mingyi took a deep breath and said, “Very well! Everyone, I’ve just received news that a member of the Kuang Clan is here at the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce. I’ve sent someone to invite them over, and they’ll be able to confirm whether this painting is authentic.”

Liu Wuxie would have died a thousand times over if looks could kill because none of the alchemists present had a good impression of him.

Du Mingze clapped his hands together and said, “It’s great that the Kuang Clan has someone here. They’re a clan of painters and the ones who brought this painting out, so they’ll be able to tell if it’s authentic!” While everyone present was an amateur when it came to painting, the Kuang Clan was renowned for their skill in the art. In the Great Yan Dynasty, few could rival their talent.

Everyone was excited, but Liu Wuxie continued to look at the paintings on the wall, ignoring everything else. After roughly ten minutes of waiting, Xiao Mingyi’s guard returned, accompanied by an old and a young man. The old man appeared to be in his fifties, while the younger one looked exquisite and could have been mistaken for a woman if not for the Adam’s apple on his throat.

“Who said this painting is a piece of trash?” The old man demanded with fury on his face. Xiao Mingyi’s guards had informed him of what had happened, so he and the young man had hurried over.

Having visited Zen City multiple times, Du Mingze had a good understanding of the Kuang Clan. He recognized Kuang Clan’s Second Elder right away and introduced himself, “My name is Du Mingze, and I pay my respect to Elder Kuang Zhan.” Despite his reputation for having a violent temper, Elder Kuang Zhan was known for being fair and impartial.

Kuang Zhan frowned and asked, “Are you all alchemists from the Treasure Pill Pavilion?” The Kuang Clan was powerful, but they didn’t want to offend the Treasure Pill Pavilion. During the annual competition in Zen City, the Kuang Clan was considered a guest observer.

“That’s right. We all come from various cities,” Du Mingze confirmed before continuing, “Brother Xiao just bought this painting, and we hope Elder Kuang would look at it.” He didn’t mention Liu Wuxie’s insult and left himself a way out by asking for Kuang Zhan’s opinion. If the painting turned out to be authentic, Du Mingze could use the Kuang Clan’s authority to slap Liu Wuxie in the face, achieving two goals with one action.

“This landscape painting is drawn by our ancestor, Master Kuang.” Kuang Zhan gave his answer after taking a look at the painting.

“Thank you, Elder Kuang Zhan!” Xiao Mingyi happily put the painting away.

Kuang Zhan looked around and demanded, “Who said this painting is fake?” He wanted to know who dared to insult the Kuang Clan’s painting by calling it trash. Everyone’s eyes turned to Liu Wuxie, and without anyone pointing him out, Kuang Zhan knew who had spoken.

“Did you call the Kuang Clan’s painting trash?” he asked, directing a powerful aura at Liu Wuxie that made his clothes flutter.

Liu Wuxie stood his ground and said, “Elder Kuang, let me explain. First, I never insulted the Kuang Clan’s painting. Second, this landscape painting is indeed trash.” He refused to back down, even in the face of a member of the Kuang Clan.

Xiao Mingyi and his group laughed, surprised that Liu Wuxie would repeat his insult even in front of Kuang Zhan.

Kuang Zhan was furious. “This painting has been in the Kuang Clan for a decade,” he said. “We wouldn’t have brought it out if we weren’t short on money recently. If you don’t give me a proper explanation today, I won’t let you leave here alive, even if you’re an alchemist from the Treasure Pill Pavilion.”

It no longer mattered whether Liu Wuxie had insulted the Kuang Clan; calling the landscape painting trash had crossed their bottom line.

Du Mingze stood up and pretended to be a peacemaker. “Brother Liu, apologize to Elder Kuang quickly,” he said. “I’m sure the Kuang Clan will forgive you for the sake of the Treasure Pill Pavilion.” He wanted Liu Wuxie to admit he was spouting nonsense.

Wan Yichun joined in, saying, “That’s right. Your behavior is evidence of a lack of discipline in Azure Billow City.” His words were harsh and aimed directly at Liu Wuxie.

The argument had attracted a crowd, with people even coming from other areas to see what was happening.

“How can he just apologize? He should go down on his knees, admit what he said was nonsense, and slap himself a hundred times. How can we let him go so easily?” Xue Chou sneered.

With that, everyone turned against Liu Wuxie, with no one supporting him.

A discussion arose among the crowd, with someone asking, “Who is he to insult the Kuang Clan’s painting by calling it trash? Is he tired of living?” The Kuang Clan was highly respected in Zen City and beloved by its people, so insulting them was like insulting the entire city.

It was no surprise that Liu Wuxie’s words had caused such a commotion and even attracted the attention of higher-ups in the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce, who were watching from a distance.

Liu Wuxie’s gaze turned cold as he looked around at Du Mingze’s group. “Elder Kuang, let me ask you a question,” he said. “If I can prove that this painting is fake, will you make them all apologize to me?”

He had already shown them enough patience, but they had pushed him too far. Did they really think he was a pushover?

Kuang Zhan wasn’t foolish and knew that both sides had to put something at stake. “If you can prove that this painting is trash, I’ll agree to your request,” he said. “But what if it turns out to be real?”

“If this painting is real, I will kneel and kowtow to apologize for my words,” Liu Wuxie said, sweeping his cold gaze over Du Mingze’s party, making them shiver. They all felt like they were about to be devoured by his gaze.

Du Mingze stepped forward. “Brother Liu, you can’t do that.” Du Mingze tried to stop Liu Wuxie only after he had finished talking. Despite appearing benevolent, Du Mingze’s words were ultimately detrimental to Liu Wuxie.

“Thank you for your concern,” Liu Wuxie replied, his face devoid of emotion. Kuang Zhan shivered, unable to discern whether Liu Wuxie was pleased or angry. Earlier, when their eyes had met, Kuang Zhan had been struck by the intensity of Liu Wuxie’s gaze, and he had to admit that it was the scariest gaze he had ever encountered.

A nearby table allowed everyone to closely examine the paintings and calligraphy.

“Brother Xiao, please put the painting on the table,” Liu Wuxie said as he approached the painting, a mocking look in his eyes.

“Brat, I’ll see how you die!” Xiao Mingyi placed the painting on the table. As the crowd gathered around, exclamations of awe and admiration filled the air.

“What a magnificent piece!” exclaimed a greasy-looking old man, his eyes filled with regret. “I saw it yesterday but didn’t have enough gold coins to purchase it.”

“Lei Tao, do you have a dagger with you?” Liu Wuxie said, baffling everyone.