The Billion-Value Lands Are Just For Farming

C577 – It Was Su Ming Again!

​In the villa district of Eastsea City, a white-haired elder intently examined a seal with a magnifying glass in his right hand, his left hand grasping it firmly. He was mesmerized by a single vertical line etched into the seal’s surface.

​”A stroke of genius, truly a stroke of genius!” he exclaimed. “Even the most skilled carver, upon close inspection, would leave slight abrasions from the force and friction on the surface. But this cut is so incredibly smooth, it’s simply miraculous. This is undoubtedly the work of a master!”

​”Old Lee, where on earth did you acquire this seal? Who is the artist behind it? I must meet them,” he insisted.

This elder was no ordinary man; he was a senior official in the cultural department of the imperial court, a man of considerable influence. Though he usually worked in the capital, he had taken leave to recuperate at home, yet his authority remained undiminished.

​Standing before him was Lee Wangyang. Hearing the elder’s praise, Lee Wangyang looked skyward, a wistful expression crossing his face. “Soong, I’ll be honest with you, I witnessed it myself. The carving master took up a flat knife and with a seemingly effortless glide, he carved it. To me, it was as if he had reached the essence of his craft, merging his art into his very blood and soul, the epitome of muscle memory!”

“Is that so? Where did you see this master at work? What’s his name? Might I know him?” Song Jianguo asked eagerly.

​Despite his high-ranking position, Song Jianguo was known for his integrity. He had dedicated his life to the revival of the imperial court’s culture. In an age where society favored the fleeting fame of short videos, he saw the traditional culture at risk, with few young people willing to carry on the legacy.

Over the years, Song Jianguo had met virtually every notable sculptor in the imperial court, yet none seemed capable of such mastery as described.

“You probably don’t know him,” Lee Wangyang replied, posing a cryptic challenge.

​”I don’t recognize him. How can that be? I’ve been all over the imperial court for years, and I’ve met every sculptor worth their salt—at the very least, I’m acquainted with them. How could there be a sculptor I don’t know?”

“This level of carving skill can’t be achieved without forty or fifty years of dedication, not to mention exceptional talent. Could he possibly be from abroad?”

Song Jianguo had a realization.

Sigh…n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

It’s truly regrettable that the long-standing culture of the imperial court, with its thousands of years of splendid civilization, no longer appeals to the younger generation.

While there are many aspects where the imperial court excels over foreign lands, notably in its stable, safe, and united society, it must be acknowledged that in some respects, it falls short.

​In foreign countries, for instance, children who take an interest in musical instruments, dance, soccer, basketball, or even street graffiti receive unconditional support from their parents.

But back home, academic pursuits still take precedence.

Thankfully, I’ve heard that as the younger generation comes of age, society is becoming more inclusive, offering kids a wider array of choices.

“Soong, listen to you. If he were a foreigner, do you think I’d rush over here just to brag about it?”

“I’ll tell you straight, he’s not only not a foreigner, he’s from Eastsea, right in Eastsea City. He’s your fellow townsman, Soong. After all your years traveling, you’ve missed someone right under your nose—it’s like not seeing what’s right in front of you.”

Lee Wangyang was brimming with pride.

“What?!”

Song Jianguo’s eyes nearly popped out of his head in disbelief. “Old Lee, you better not be pulling my leg. A master sculptor from Eastsea? Impossible. I know all the notable sculptors in Eastsea, and there are only a handful of them, all specializing in jade carving, not calligraphy carving…”

“When I say he’s from Eastsea, that’s exactly what I mean.”

Lee Wangyang stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

“Could it be Old Man Zhang?”

“No.”

“The pockmarked guy from the Li family?”

“Far from it.”

“Someone from Sky Dragon Jewelry?”

“Soong, why don’t you guess someone younger? This master sculptor isn’t old.”

“Not old? That can’t be right.”

Song Jianguo grew even more doubtful. “Look, Old Lee, I’ve got my hands full, and I’m not in the best of health. You can’t be messing with me like this.”

“Soong, I’m not fond of what you just said. Out of respect for our long-standing friendship, I brought this item over for you to marvel at, yet you outright dismiss it as a fake. Well, if that’s how you feel, I might as well take it back.”

“No, no, no, wait!”

Song Jianguo panicked upon hearing this. He had merely spoken in the heat of the moment and knew deep down that the matter had to be legitimate. Otherwise, Lee Wangyang, the old timer, wouldn’t have relinquished his role as the president of the Sculpting Association to retreat into seclusion, dedicating himself solely to his craft. He surely must have encountered a master sculptor who gave him a run for his money.

It was a lesson for the arrogant to learn that there’s always someone better out there.

“Enough with the suspense. Who is it already?”

“Haha, the man’s name is Su Ming.”

“Who?!”

Song Jianguo was taken aback at the mention of Su Ming. That was a renowned name. While others might be oblivious, how could he, a senior official from Eastsea, be unaware?

The man who sold diamonds, purchased luxury cars, and acquired five entire residential complexes wholesale.

And most notably, he discovered that concealed national treasure.

Wasn’t each of those feats a sensation in their own right?

“Are you talking about that young man? Barely in his twenties, somewhat handsome, dressed simply yet exuding an air of nobility?”

Song Jianguo asked eagerly.

“Exactly, that’s him.”

Lee Wangyang confirmed with a nod. “You know him?”

“Of course, who doesn’t? In Eastsea, try finding someone who hasn’t heard of him! Did you know about the recent uproar over the national treasure? It was Su Ming who unearthed that hidden treasure. If it weren’t for him, even Tang would have overlooked it…”

Now it was Lee Wangyang’s turn to be taken aback. He had been completely out of the loop regarding this incident. He was aware of the national treasure’s existence but, being from a different field, he had only caught wind of its significance without grasping the full story.

“My goodness…”

The two elderly men sat in the room, exchanging incredulous looks—one, Lee Wangyang, a national treasure in the carving world, and the other, a distinguished cultural authority. Inside, they both felt a tumultuous surge of emotions akin to the roaring waves of the sea.

​In his mere twenties, his mastery of carving has already soared to such heights. Here I am, having toiled for decades, and I haven’t even come close to scratching the surface of his skill… It’s truly humbling…”

A sense of defeat welled up within the two elders. There’s a saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” and talent, it seems, is something one simply cannot covet.

Click to visit👉👈

OR download the app and search the book name directly👇