Chapter 271.1
Is what youre saying really true, or are you just trying to fool me? Master Painters gaze was filled with doubt.
It couldnt be helped, for Lin Beifan was a habitual offender and already on his blacklist.
Lin Beifan laughed and said, Truth comes from practice. Why dont you give it a try and see for yourself?
Master Painter thought seriously for a moment. The flowers he had painstakingly cultivated were very important to him.
However, understanding the path of painting was even more important.
Hobbies can make way for ideals.
So, Master Painter nodded and said, Alright, Ill take your word for it this time!
Then, Master Painter had all the flowers he had carefully grown brought over.
He watched as Lin Beifan ruthlessly picked the flowers, plucking them all and tossing them into the wine jar in a rough and fast manner to make wine.
Master Painter watched with trepidation: Not like that slower gentler dont be so rough
Lin Beifan ignored the pleas, continuing his harsh treatment of the flowers while saying, Old Li, I know youre reluctant, but how can you gain something without letting go another thing? These alluring things are hindering your path! They must be destroyed to clear the obstacles in your heart and let you continue on the road!
But cant you be a bit gentler and let them die with dignity?
No problem, Im a dignified person too!
In no time, the flowers that Master Painter had painstakingly cultivated were mostly thrown by Lin Beifan into the wine jar, steeping into fine wine.
Now, only a few pots of priceless medicinal flowers remained.
Are you going to destroy these too? I searched the whole world for them, and some are nearly extinct
Dont worry, these are rare medicinal flowers, so I plan to take them back!
After the task was completed, Lin Beifan asked with satisfaction, Old Li, now that these flowers are almost completely destroyed by me, do you feel anything in your heart?
Master Painter clutched his chest: I do!
Lin Beifan was overjoyed and asked, How does it feel?
Master Painter said with immense pain, It hurts!
Lin Beifan:
Im asking if youve realized something from this, not whether your heart hurts! Lin Beifan said sternly.
Master Painter furrowed his brow: Wait, I think I really do feel something else.
He immediately picked up a brush and began to paint on paper.
He painted a scene of withering flowers, each flower incomplete and each flower seeming to have its own story, appearing exceptionally desolate yet enchantingly mysterious while saddening those who smelled it and bringing tears to the eyes of those who saw it.
Literally, anyone who saw this painting couldnt help but feel sorrow and shed tears.
Even the Grandmaster was affected, which was quite amazing.
Ah? Why is this? Master Painter furrowed his brow.
He had painted scenes of withering flowers before, but never to this extent, never so moving that it brought people to tears.
It could be said that this painting had reached the pinnacle of his skill, and he had even taken a slight step forward.
But precisely because of this, he was confused.
He had worked so hard before and couldnt make progress, but now that he had destroyed the flowers, he had actually grown further?
Could it really be that he had broken through the barriers by destroying these flowers?
Could these flowers have truly been stumbling blocks on his path forward?
He was puzzled and looked towards Lin Beifan, seeking an answer.
The principle is actually quite simple!
Lin Beifan said with a smile: Because youve encountered a problem that other masters have faced before!
Your Majesty, I am eager to hear more! Master Painter asked humbly.
Old Li, do you know how many masters throughout history have created their greatest works during their poorest and most difficult times?
Master Painter began to ponder.
At that time, their pursuit was the purest, their ideals the simplest! They were willing to go through fire and water for their dreams, to give everything for them! In those moments, their hearts were the most passionate, their sensitivity to the outside world the sharpest!
But once they achieve success and fame, once they have everything, they gradually become numb, losing their former enthusiasm and keen perception of the world, and thus they can no longer create great works!
Thats exactly your situation!
Lin Beifan declared emphatically: You are now a Grandmaster of this era, possessing almost everything one could want, with nothing left to desire in life! Although you are still pursuing the way of painting, things have changed! Your heart is no longer as fiery as it was in your youth! How easy can it be to surpass your current self?
Thats why I destroyed your most cherished possession, and did it right in front of you, to make you feel the sensation of loss once again! By doing so, your numb heart will be stirred, become sensitive, your emotions will be more full, and the paintings you create will be different!
I see. I have learned my lesson!
Master Painter bowed respectfully and looked up with a wry smile: As Your Majesty said, many things have changed since I achieved fame! Although the changes seem minor, they are still changes! My heart is no longer pure, and my dedication to painting is not as strong as before. Sometimes, it feels like Im just going through the motions! Thats why my paintings always seem to lack that certain something!
Lin Beifan nodded: Exactly! Never forget why you started, and you can accomplish your mission. This saying is easy to say, but to live by it for a lifetime, how easy can that be?
Thats the truth! But now that I know, its not too late. I still have a few years left. Ive tasted almost all the beauty in the world, and I would die without regrets! So, I plan to use the rest of my time to teach my disciples and continue striving to retrace the path of my youth and see if I can take another step forward! Master Painter said with renewed passion.
Lin Beifan was very pleased after hearing this: Its great that you can find your original intention!
Its also thanks to Your Majestys guidance that I have come to this realization! I will never forget this favor! Master Painter said.
Its nothing. I didnt do much, its all thanks to your own enlightenment!
Seeing Master Painters earnest desire to learn, Lin Beifan made a decision: As the saying goes, A good person will go to the end and send Buddha to the West! Old Li, tell me if theres anything else you can lose, and I can help you!
Master Painter: ???
***
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