Wang Lei walked with Grandmaster Wang Shu until they got to his designated location for the press conference.

Other than Master Wang Shu, there were also two other traditional painting masters there to represent the association.

In recent years, more painting styles have been developed, and most young people have opted for the easier methods.

Since even painting with tools on the computer was already a thing that most people did, there were very few people that still put effort into traditional painting.

But at the same time, it didn’t mean that it had diminished the value that people placed to it.

For people with skills, they could sell their paintings at auctions and even create a gallery.

Also, among the rich and higher ups, enjoying art was a thing of class and elegance.

To be able to admire a painting and understand the intent behind it was something that was always important.

“This time, I have asked Pei Tian to make sure that the press doesn’t ask us unnecessary questions as the highlight should be the Art Gathering.” Master Pei Wu said as he stroked his beards.

Neither of the four of them was young and instead of the regular type of press meetings, they had instead arranged a high table on a stage while the press could use their microphones to ask the Masters questions.

This way, they could prevent any accident or disturbances to the Masters.

“Wang Shu’s appearance might even be more of a highlight to today’s meeting.”

Although Master Bai Fu said it in a light hearted manner, the sourness on his face was enough to show how displeased he was with the situation.

“Hehe, it would make all the people know that our country would win this year’s art gathering. It doesn’t matter if it’s difficult, true talent would shine anywhere!”

“Besides, all these years, I didn’t have a student to push forward in the competition. It’s only normal that I don’t show my face too much. But this time around, it’s important that I do so.”

Each of Master Wang Shu’s replies was sharp and straight to the point and Master Bai Fu could only keep quiet.

Not only did he find a student, he even found one that was younger than all the others, but her painting skills were too incredible.

Among the four of them, there was only one person that had a student that had a high chance of winning against Rong Yue.

As the conversation between them ended, the press conference started.

Like Master Bai Fu guessed, the first question was regarding Master Wang Shu’s presence.

“Master Wang Shu, even though you have created an excellent legacy in the last fifty years. You have always been known to be reclusive and would even avoid gatherings like this. Is there anything special about this press conference?”

Master Wang Shu smiled gently before speaking into the microphone. “The life of an artist is better spent in the things of value. Previously, I had left matters like these to my brothers because I had no much business in the competition between the younger generation…”

After saying this, he paused, creating tension, and just before the press representative could ask what was different, he continued.

“I accepted my first disciple this year and like the others, and she would be participating in this year’s Art Gathering. It is only normal that I show up as her master right?”

Murmurs filled the hall as many people were shocked about the news.

“Master Wang Shu had a student?”

Even though he had stopped having exhibitions that were public, he had rocked the world with his excellent painting skills in the last few years.

Because of this, many people had always felt deep regret that he never took a student.

However, no matter how many times he was asked, Master Wang Shu had only one reason.

“Art is a skill to be cultured and not taught.”

He had always insisted that when he met a true talent that he could guide, he would take such a person in as his disciple.

“Just recently, a girl had claimed that she denied your offer to be your student. Could she be that she had finally accepted the offer?” Another reporter asked while many others nodded along.

Upon hearing about Tong Yang, Master Wang Shu had to resist the urge to curse out loud in the hall. After all, the matter was a very unpleasant thing.

Not to talk about it being a lie and Tong Yang dragging his name. She was also someone that tried to snatch things from his beloved Rong Yue.

It was already good that he wasn’t arresting her!

“Ahan, there are some youngsters that would really do anything for the sake of fame. Although I now have my own student, that girl must have been telling a lie.”

“Talking about my student, I’m sure a lot of you must know her as she had been in the limelight recently.”

“Her name is Rong Yue and she is not only a talented artist, but she is also a world champion and top scorer.”

Even from far away, it was easy to see that Master Wang Shu was very satisfied with his student. His smile was wide and his tone had a hint of showing off as he mention Rong Yue.

Most of the reporters indeed knew Rong Yue as one or two of them had written reports about her in the last one month.

Thus, it was surprising that the Tong Yang that had tried to steal Rong Yue’s result was also the one that tried to claim that she was Master Wang Shu’s student.

All of them could already think of headlines just from this ‘coincidence’ and they started scribbling in their notes.

After a few more questions about Master Wang Shu, the reporters finally closed that highlight and moved to another one.

“In the last few years, our country has been suffering defeat in the Art Gathering, is there going to be a change this year?”

The Art Gathering was always held once in a year. And this time, it was being held in their country.

However, a lot of people couldn’t bear to be happy because in the last three years, they had suffered crushing defeat from other countries.

“The younger generation have been training hard for this year’s gathering. Since it would be held in our country, it is very important that we take the first place.”

This time, Master Pei Wu was the one to reply and the reporters noted down his confident and mature reply.

“Also, a lot of people have been complaining about the traditional art dominating the gathering forcefully. Outside of the Art Association, a lot of people believe that if our country can adopt the new and general painting styles of other countries, winning would not be a challenge.”

The reporter that stood up this time was a woman and many of her colleagues started to snigger as soon as she asked her question.

She was known to not relent and would make trouble for people in press conferences.

However, the agency that she worked for was very mysterious and this made a lot of people unable to deal with her.

Hearing the questions, Master Bai Fu was angered the most as his face had darkened greatly.

“What a good youngster. Is there a need for a competition if our country adopts their painting techniques?”

“Although our painting techniques are difficult. It is also the reason why a lot of people that are artistic have a cultured aura around them.

Because it cannot be learnt by just anyone.”

“If one searches for quick success by adopting their own painting techniques, isn’t that the same as admitting defeat?”

Most of the reporters nodded their head in agreement because in a way, it was the truth.

The Chinese painting technique was unique and difficult. It was hard to learn and many of the young people didn’t have the patience to learn it.

Because of this, the people that could learn it were few and most of them hadn’t mastered it like the older generations.

This was why when brought together with the talents of other countries, it would appear as though they were weaker.

But in reality, they had put in even more effort than those other people.

However, the result was what always mattered and not the process or effort.

The woman sat down after being scolded thoroughly while the press conference continued excellently.

“Although our techniques are difficult, the youngsters that have been accepted into our association are also greatly talented and we believe that with them, they would be able to show the world the beauty of our own techniques.” Master Wang Shu added.

“Also, this time around, our association has decided to open the competing slots to the general public!”

Master Long Yan who had been silent the while time announced.

“What?”

“Public auditions?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep