Gu Huangwu had no idea what Li Mu Yang was worried about. He gave Li Mu Yang's shoulder a hearty pat and said with a laugh, "After I took back your Spring Scenery Leaked, I've spent the past few days studying it carefully. The more I look at it, the more astonished I become, and the more delighted I am. The entire painting contains no peach blossoms, yet it makes people feel that peach blossoms are everywhere. Spring scenery bursts forth, and the painting's meaning overflows. It's a rare masterpiece indeed."
Li Mu Yang could only bow again and say, "Thank you for your praise, Teacher Gu. This disciple still has much to work on. Please continue to offer me your guidance."
Gu Huangwu nodded and said, "It's strange. At first, I thought this was your first time painting, so your technique was somewhat unpolished. But when I examine the composition and arrangement of this painting, along with the handling of certain details, you look exactly like an old hand at painting."
Gu Huangwu looked at Li Mu Yang with considerable confusion and asked, "Are you truly painting for the first time?"
Li Mu Yang was secretly startled. Learning that old dragon's painting techniques really did have side effects—it made it easy for someone of Gu Huangwu's caliber to spot the flaws.
Of course, Li Mu Yang would never admit it, not even if he were beaten to death. He said, "I've always loved paintings and enjoyed looking at them, but I've never actually tried painting one. I simply lacked the confidence."
Although Gu Huangwu still had his doubts, there was no way he could figure out the reason if Li Mu Yang refused to say anything.
"You still need to practice diligently in the future and guard against pride