Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
As soon as the argument started, a group of people immediately gathered.
Master Liu was no longer calm. With so many people around, they began arguing. He seemed afraid of something as he went forward and said, “Venerable One, do you know calligraphy?”
Before Fangzheng could answer,
Master Liu had his hands behind his back as he looked at Fangzheng with his head held high. Fangzheng saw nostril hair in his nostrils. For the first time, Fangzheng felt that a person’s nostril hair could be more adorable than a person’s soul.
Master Liu said, “I’ve been studying calligraphy for four years. From imitating to surpassing it, I have written to today. I believe there’s nothing I can write about. It’s not because I’m better than everyone, but because traditional calligraphy has already reached the limits. My limitations and the number of professionals of this era are destined to never be as high as the ancients.
“Since I can’t reach that level of recognition, I naturally can’t reach the heights and status in real life as attained by history. Lacking this motivation, it’s meaningless… So, I plan to follow the example of the European Renaissance and turn it into a leading trend. Is that wrong?”
Someone by the side answered, “That’s right. Master is creating an era! And all of you are only the beneficiaries of the era. Why aren’t you thanking Master and helping him? Why are you still holding him back? What the hell are you doing?”
Fangzheng was amused when he heard that. “You dare say that you have surpassed Chinese calligraphy after four years of learning calligraphy? Chinese calligraphy is profound. It will probably take you a lot of effort to even obtain basic mastery in four years, right? Since you are so good at bragging, why don’t you write a traditional calligraphy piece for everyone to see? Let us see how impressive you are. How dare you be so arrogant and criticize an entire era?”
Master Liu decisively shook his head and said, “To trash, even a lifetime of learning is useless. For geniuses, four years is sufficient. As the saying goes, one immediately becomes an immortal upon gaining enlightenment. I’m one who has completely figured it out. Since I’ve already become an immortal, why would I come back and spar with mortals? I’ve already given up on this traditional calligraphy.”
As he spoke, Master Liu looked at Fangzheng in contempt.
After Fangzheng heard that, he was amused. He had seen shameless people because he was one of the role models. Now, compared to Master Liu, Fangzheng suddenly realized that he himself was definitely a role model among those with good morals!
Master Liu surveyed his surroundings and continued, “I’ve been thinking hard about the path to making a breakthrough in Chinese calligraphy. I couldn’t sleep day and night. After a month of hard thinking, I finally found inspiration by the beach. I saw a child playing with a Super Soaker. Suddenly, an idea came to me. A water gun is something good…
“Why do I say that?
“Everyone knows that the worst part in calligraphy is when there’s not enough ink when you are in the zone. One has to get more ink by dipping the brush. As a result, the feelings and interest are all gone from this break. It’s truly frustrating!
“However, this Super Soaker is different. When it’s full, it can be used to freely write! This is a treasure for writing!
“So I gritted my teeth, put down the brush, picked up the Super Soaker, and began creating with Three-Foot Shot Calligraphy.
“Just like the Renaissance era, many people could not understand art, but so what if they can’t understand it? If they can’t understand it, they need the pioneers of the era to guide them and guide the evolutionary progressives.
“I am a founder of an era, the promoter of world culture. Therefore, even if I have to face everyone’s criticisms, I will not hesitate!
“Some people say that what I’m doing is not art, but that’s because with your mortal eyes, you can’t understand the sublimity of my art. Let alone you, even those so-called traditional calligraphers can’t understand it. Why? It’s because their attainments aren’t enough!
“Therefore, I’m not afraid of being doubted, but I hate being repeatedly questioned. You can be ignorant, but you have no right to judge my work!”
With that said, Master Liu looked up at Fangzheng with a proud look as though he was saying: “What else do you have to say? Tasteless darn baldy?”
Red Boy tugged at Fangzheng and said with a voice transmission, “Master, this fellow has become a spirit. His words are filled with tricks. From the looks of it, he came prepared. This mouth can even make the dead look alive. He’s definitely a professional cheat. I’m afraid someone like you who’s only a part-timer can’t beat him.”
Fangzheng ignored Red Boy and said indifferently, “This Penniless Monk does not know art, but This Penniless Monk knows that the art of the world is not something that stems from life but above life. However, all art is ultimately for use, not for fooling around.
“Calligraphy is calligraphy because the words written are not only beautiful, but can also be understood. It can be used and read. There is a world contained within words, and calligraphy that’s picturesque is pleasing to the heart.
“So, the real art is both for usage and appreciation. But look at your…”
With that said, Fangzheng patted Red Boy on the head. Red Boy knew that it was time to curse, so it was time for him to take the stage. Hence, he immediately cooperated and shouted, “Look at yours. What the f**k is this!”
Master Liu said indignantly, “Who told you that calligraphy must be understood by others? How many people can understand cursive script? It’s a mess and many people can’t understand it. Isn’t it still calligraphy? The reason why you can’t understand my calligraphy is because your attainment isn’t sufficient! Besides, calligraphy requires a constant flow of charm. When using a traditional brush, you have to dip it in ink all the time. This way, it’s very easy to break the charm. Why can’t such backward calligraphy not be replaced by shooting calligraphy?”
Fangzheng smiled. “Do you really know calligraphy, or are you pretending to know calligraphy? The saying that calligraphy requires constant charm is a state of concept, not a continuous way of writing a word. It’s a form of momentum, not stance! Therefore, in calligraphy, there’s a saying: ‘The brush can stop, but the will remains unstoppable!’ If one does not reach this realm, even if you can write a thousand words in one stroke, it will still be lacking!”
With that said, Fangzheng said with a deep voice, “Although China has five thousand years of history, and our ancestors have left us countless treasures, in the long river of history, ignorant people have lost a lot of treasures. Now, there’s not much left. And you still want to use these few treasures to embarrass yourself. To attract attention, you are willing to destroy these treasures. What are your intentions?
“Tell me, what did you write? Two twisted lines and a circle. What is this?”
When Master Liu heard these words, he was somewhat at a loss for words. After staying quiet for a long time, he looked up and said proudly, “It can only be understood, not professed. Since you don’t understand it, you have no right to judge me!”
Fangzheng was immediately infuriated when he heard that. This grandson sure knew how to show off. If he could spout nonsense, he could sweep it under the rug by saying that one couldn’t understand it because you are too low of a level. At the same time, it denigrated the opponent and elevated themselves.
Fangzheng was unhappy. Fangzheng was very unhappy!
Red Boy asked Fangzheng, “Master, what do we do? You can’t beat this grandson in sophistry at all.”
Fangzheng stroked Red Boy’s head and said, “It’s fine. A gentleman does not resort to violence. I’ll watch. You go.”
