Liang carefully contemplated the woman’s query, his eyes narrowing slightly as he searched for the right words. Both painting and sculpting can have enduring legacies, yet there is a distinct difference in what each one represents. For him, both forms of art held truth, but still...
Finally, he spoke with measured confidence.
"The painting," Liang responded nonchalantly, "A painting captures the ephemeral beauty of a specific moment, preserving it for eternity. Its colors and brushstrokes have the power to transport viewers to distant realms, evoking emotions and memories that transcend time. The painting’s ability to freeze a fleeting moment and convey its essence allows it to connect with people across generations. Each viewer might interpret it slightly differently, forging a personal bond with the piece that evolves with changing perspectives."
Dong Rui, however, saw the question through a different lens. She took a deep breath before sharing her thoughts.
"The sculptor’s work, While a painting may capture a fleeting moment, a statue endures, its form immutable and eternal. As time passes, the painting’s colors may fade, its canvas may decay, but the statue retains its essence, unaffected by the ravages of time. Standing tall, it becomes a steadfast monument that narrates the strife and dreams of an era. It is not merely a visual experience but a tangible presence, a solid entity people can touch and feel, embodying the spirit of generations long gone while continuing to inspire and provoke thought in those to come."
A thoughtful silence enveloped the chamber as the words hung in the air, intertwining and contrasting like the very art forms they debated. The woman’s gaze flickered between them, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
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"Both of you have valid points. Each art form has its own merits. However, I lean more toward the sculptor’s skill. A skilled grandmaster sculptor can carve a world, creating a lasting, eternal memory. While painting captures the spirit, aspiration, and emotions, its impact can fade over time, leaving it open to interpretation and possible misconceptions."
"Misconception?" Liang rolled his eyes. Almost anything is subject to misinterpretation, he thought. But his musings were cut short as a shimmering crystal appeared in front of him.
"Since you have chosen the painting, you will acquire the Painting Law Crystal," the woman said playfully. "But keep in mind, this one is different from the previous crystals. It contains the essence of a million paintings, and you would need to comprehend them all to master the Painting Law."
"A million?" Dong Rui exclaimed, eyes wide with astonishment. It was well-known that these were no ordinary paintings.
Liang raised his brow, intrigued as he looked at the crystal that manifested before Dong Rui. She had answered correctly, so surely her crystal must be better than his own.
"As for the other crystal," the woman continued, "it is not that different from the previous ones, unlike the Painting Crystal. It contains the essence of the Sculptor’s Law. I hope you can benefit greatly from it." She paused briefly before flipping the hourglass on the table.
As before, both crystals enveloped their recipients in a cocoon of light, shimmering and pulsating with law energy.
For Liang, the Painting Law Crystal unleashed torrents of vivid imagery – landscapes, emotions, and scenes from countless lives, each more complex and nuanced than the last. He could feel the weight of each painter’s brushstroke, the intention behind every line, and the passion that animated each canvas. Comprehending the essence of a million paintings would be no small feat, requiring not just talent but also immense dedication and empathy to grasp the myriad narratives and emotions they conveyed.
Dong Rui, on the other hand, found herself engulfed in a different kind of symphony. The Sculptor’s Law manifested as rhythmic pulses, resonating with the very essence of the stones, metals, and other materials she would carve. She perceived each beat as a revelation of texture and form — the smooth caress of marble, the rough embrace of granite, and the fluid movement within molten bronze. Her sensation of time too was altered; she could intuit the evolution of her sculptures through eternity, feeling how her slightest touch could alter the span of ages.
The woman observed quietly, her warm smile curling into a sinister sneer. "Let’s see if these two can figure it out this time," she muttered, her voice dripping with malice.
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours in this altered state. The oppressive intensity of the light began to fade, casting elongated shadows that gradually anchored Liang and Dong Rui back into the echoes of the chamber’s reality.
Liang exhaled deeply, the mist of his breath hanging in the cool, crisp air like a ghostly apparition. He turned to Dong Rui, her eyes shining with the brilliance of someone who had just unlocked the secrets of the universe. Instead of admiration, he felt a pang of frustration and shook his head inwardly. His gaze then shifted to the woman observing them, her expression a mix of serenity and hidden disdain, though she kept a pleasant smile. Liang couldn’t help but sneer inwardly at the façade, law essence crystals?
"Again, you two finished in time," the woman laughed cheerfully, her voice carrying a melodic lilt. "Ready for the next question?"
Dong Rui’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. She was more than eager to continue but paused to look towards Liang for reassurance. He gave her a slight nod of approval.
Seeing this, the woman’s inner thoughts betrayed her cheerful exterior. Two greedy fools, she mused silently. Most cultivators by nature wouldn’t be able to restrain themselves when confronted with so many law essences.
Outwardly, she extended her hand with a graceful gesture, her gentle smile unwavering. "Both of you have experienced the laws of Transformation and Devouring. I am sure you have touched upon your own law essence as well," she said, her voice taking on a contemplative tone. "Tell me, what do you believe is the ultimate goal of cultivation?"