Only the Spirit, Not the Form

The main hall of the Zhang Family in Yuanning Prefecture.

The main hall is quite large, with an antique feel. The floor is paved with square bricks, and the hall is furnished with mahogany tables and chairs, filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

The Zhang Family rose to prominence through the Imperial Examinations, and later, leveraging these connections, they transitioned into business, leaving behind a vast fortune. By the time of Mr. Zhang, they had become pure merchants.

Despite his illness, Mr. Zhang sat in the main seat. His face was sallow, with a faint dark aura between his brows and pale lips, but his spirit seemed to have emerged from his illness.

The chairs on both sides in front of Master Zhang were full of people, young and old, all dressed in bright clothes, with an air of extraordinary demeanor, exuding an air of being pampered and comfortable. Only the first seat on the left was empty.

These people had different expressions; some wore joy, some remained expressionless, and some wore their emotions on their sleeves with gloomy faces, but none of them spoke, all listening to the young man sitting on the right.

"These calligraphy pieces..."

The young man was dressed in a deep robe and wore a square scarf. He was not old, but he showed no signs of immaturity. He had long, slender eyebrows and bright eyes. He exuded the air of Grand Confucian was expounding on principles.

He held up several sheets of yellowed paper, examined them closely, and finally shook his head, saying, "These characters are no good. They have form but no spirit. They look somewhat decent, but they're just poor imitations, making a fool of themselves! When I was in Central Passes, people often came to me with their own calligraphy, seeking my advice. Many of them were at the same level as this person, and some were even slightly better."

As the boy spoke, he put down the paper, smiled faintly, seemingly humble, yet revealing an air of pride.

Master Zhang frowned slightly and said, "I have long heard of Young Master Qi's name. He was already famous Central Passes three years ago. He was hailed as a young calligraphy master, and his calligraphy was truly awe-inspiring. However, these few pieces were written by my son's friend. They did indeed have the effect of warding off evil spirits and helping me get rid of my illness..."

Before the host could finish speaking, the young man laughed and said, "Master Zhang, I came to Shu Region because of Sanlang, not to compete with others in calligraphy. I don't care about that person's calligraphy, nor do I need to. I only ask you, whose calligraphy suppressed the Evil Qi this time?"

Being interrupted, Master Zhang was naturally displeased, but hearing the young man's explanation, he knew it was the truth. The calligraphy works brought by his eldest son, Zhang Zhen, had temporarily suppressed the Evil Qi and improved his condition, but it soon relapsed, even worse than before. If it weren't for the young man in front of him, he might have really died.

This is a life-saving grace.

At this moment, a young man standing next to the boy stood up and said, "Father, I've also heard of Qiu Yan. After all, he was the top scholar in the Dao Examination in Yuanning Prefecture. However, some people say that he got the top spot through connections, which suggests Mind Arts's dishonest. Even if such a person can write beautiful characters, how can he use his calligraphy to ward off evil? It was probably just a coincidence. But Young Master Qi is different; he's the Calligraphy Sage of Central Passes! His calligraphy can communicate with ghosts and gods!"

The young man who spoke was Master Zhang's third son, named Zhang Yu.

The Zhang Family patriarch had many wives and concubines, but only one legitimate son, Zhang Zhen. Zhang Yu was born to a concubine and was therefore illegitimate, so he was not entitled to inherit the family property. However, the patriarch wanted Zhang Zhen to succeed in the Imperial Examinations, which gave his other sons the opportunity to get involved in the family business. It was through managing the business in Central Passes that Zhang Yu had the opportunity to get to know some of the people in Central Passes.

Suddenly, the young man sitting next to Zhang Yu spoke up, "Third Brother, you're exaggerating. It's just writing; can it really cure diseases?"

This man was also Master Zhang's son, named Zhang Jin. He was also born out of wedlock, but he had a good relationship with Zhang Zhen. He spoke up because he saw Zhang Yu's words slandering Zhang Zhen's friend.

However, before Zhang Yu could respond, the young man turned around and gave Zhang Jin a cold look. The look in his eyes sent a chill Zhang Jin's spine, and he couldn't help but tremble.

"I, Qi Jiulian, did not come here to listen to your critiques. You are not qualified to critique my calligraphy. If Zhang Yu had not invited me, I should be discussing metaphysics with Bai Zhaoyuan and others right now. Why would I come to this remote and impoverished place in Jiannan Circuit?"

Qi Jiulian, known as the Young Calligraphy Sage, was a famous calligrapher in Central Passes. Although young, his calligraphy had already reached a high level, even reaching the ears of the emperor. When the late emperor was alive, he was summoned to court many times.

His words caused a stir among those present, with many whispering among themselves.

"Bai Zhaoyuan? I've heard of that name before, the greatest talent in the world!"

"This Qi Jiulian can discuss profound truths with Bai Zhaoyuan! That's incredible!"

Because of a name, everyone's attitude towards Qi Jiulian changed abruptly.

Just then, a servant rushed in from outside the hall, as if he had encountered something urgent.

What's the commotion?

As soon as the servant entered the main hall, he went straight to Master Zhang without even bothering to greet the others.

"Master, the Liu Household and Zheng Household have learned of Young Master Qi's matter and have sent people to demand the calligraphy. They said that both masters have fainted and are unconscious."

Upon hearing this, Master Zhang was startled. "Huh? Liu Ningyuan and Zheng Chenghu? A few days ago, they took some calligraphy from me. Weren't they already getting better? How come they suddenly got worse?"

Zhang Yu seized the opportunity and said, "Father, everyone says those calligraphy pieces were just a coincidence. Now that they've sent someone, let Brother Qi write two more and send them over. Saving lives is the most important thing!"

Qi Jiulian also said, "Very well, this is a perfect opportunity. I can write it on the spot and show you what the true spirit of calligraphy is."

Upon hearing this, Master Zhang nodded and ordered his men to leave. In no time, several servants carried over a table and brought over writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, which they set up in the center of the hall.

Qi Jiulian didn't stand on ceremony. He stepped forward, picked up a pen, and spread out a piece of paper.

Instantly, his entire aura changed. His seemingly frail body released a faint aura, giving people a sense of awe and reverence!

"Those who truly understand calligraphy Contemplating the Spirit, not the form of the characters!"

As he murmured a phrase, Qi Jiulian revealed a smile, as serene and composed as Buddha Ancestor holding up a flower, his wrist moving and the brush moving at his will!

In his heart, his love and pursuit of calligraphy manifested as thoughts that stirred the surrounding Spiritual Qi.

The lobby, the desk, the people, and the pen seemed to merge into one at this moment, creating a sense of perfect harmony. The ink strokes that appeared under the pen intersected and meandered, exuding a powerful aura!

Two pieces of paper, two words, both meaning "blessing"!

As soon as the characters were completed, their divine charm soared to the heavens, filling the hall and giving everyone present a feeling of good fortune. Even those who had little interest in calligraphy felt moved by Qi Jiulian's movements and expressions while writing.

"This is true calligraphy!"

Snap!

Qi Jiulian put down his pen, his expression restrained, his eyes sparkling. He picked up the two pieces of calligraphy, shook them, and the ink on the paper seemed to burst forth with seven-colored light!

The paper moves with the wind, and the ink dries on its own.

"This is the essence, which cannot be compared to mere physical form."

Qi Jiulian, though young, possessed the arrogance and domineering presence of a youth. His actions astonished everyone present, and he naturally felt proud, standing with his hands behind his back.

The servants from the Liu and Zheng households quickly stepped forward, each taking one of the paintings, expressing their gratitude repeatedly, and then leaving in a hurry.

At this moment, the gazes of everyone in the hall towards Qi Jiulian changed. Even Zhang Jin, after witnessing Qi Jiulian's ink-splashing calligraphy, showed a look of astonishment.

Before long, another group of people came to the door, also asking for the calligraphy. However, before this group had even left, more people arrived, and for a time, the Zhang Family's gate was bustling with people!

Amidst the bustling crowd, Zhang Zhen and Qiu Yan arrived outside the mansion.

Seeing the bustling scene at the side gate, Zhang Zhen hesitated for a moment, but still turned around and said, "Brother, wait here. I'll have someone announce that the main gate will be opened to welcome you."

"No need for that trouble," Qiu Yan shook his head.

"Yes, this matter cannot be taken lightly..." Zhang Zhen said, and sent someone inside to report.

Not long after, the man returned, looking troubled, and said, "Young Master, the Master instructed you to take Young Master Qiu to the side room to rest. We'll have a welcome dinner for Young Master Qiu tonight after we've finished this busy period."

"What?" Zhang Zhen's eyes widened upon hearing this. "If it weren't for those calligraphy pieces, the house would have been in complete chaos. Now that Brother Qiu has returned from his long journey, he rushed here without even resting. He has done more than enough. It would be unreasonable not to open the main gate to welcome him. Why are you only arranging for him to stay in a side room? No way! Where is Father? I'm going to argue with him!"

The person who reported this looked troubled, glanced cautiously at Qiu Yan, and whispered in Zhang Zhen's ear, "Master is entertaining the young Shengzheng with calligraphy in the main hall to suppress Evil Qi. You'd better bear with it for now..."

How could his words escape Qiu Yan's ears?

"A young master of calligraphy? A mere youth dares to claim profound attainments in the Way of Law, capable of writing with divine grace. In this way, he can indeed mobilize his thoughts and Spiritual Qi to suppress the Evil Qi. However, the Evil Qi are only minor; the true root cause lies with the person who cast the spell or the demon. Using calligraphy and painting can only suppress it temporarily, treating the symptoms but not the root cause."

Thinking of this, he had an idea. Seeing that Zhang Zhen was still indignant, he went over and said, "Brother Zhang, please calm down. Since your father's condition has improved, it doesn't matter whether I go or not."

"Look at the mess this has made..." Zhang Zhen said with a face full of shame, "To be honest, my third brother and I have some disagreements. He invited the young calligraphy master over this time, probably hoping to take the opportunity to undermine my prestige at home, but instead, you, my dear brother, have been humiliated. I have already found out what happened. It was that young scholar who belittled your calligraphy, but he didn't know that it was a practice piece you made before you mastered calligraphy. I must report this to Father..."

Qiu Yan shook his head. "Forget it, let's not argue about short-term gains and losses. I heard you say earlier that that criminal Sun asked for calligraphy twice but failed, and now he 'Bedridden and unable to move. Since I'm here, I might as well go and take a look."

Seeing that Qiu Yan intended to leave, Zhang Zhen felt even more ashamed. However, he knew his father's temper and his third brother's character. He was afraid that going there now would only bring him humiliation. So he nodded and led Qiu Yan toward Sun Xingming's house.

As soon as the two left, two figures gradually solidified underground in the Zhang Residence.

Two minds conversing--

"I was chased and beaten by that madman earlier, which almost ruined everything. I didn't expect the Zhang Residence to be so bold as to interfere with Divine Ability with Human Path Calligraphy! This Qi Jiulian is probably the reinforcement that the Zhang Family boy invited!" The turbid thought transmitted.

Then, the ethereal thought said, "That's right, since we've run into him, we must break this brat's calligraphy Human Path!" (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please go to m. qidian. com to read.)