After the meeting, Li Chen invited Qi Yishan to speak with him privately.
He had invited others as well, but in terms of cultivation and mastery, only Qi Yishan could associate with him as an equal.
Both believed the other could bring them the greatest benefits, making this exchange indispensable.
Li Chen asked Qi Yishan, "Grandmaster Artisan Qi, do you know of any shortcuts to creating works?"
Qi Yishan said, "I'm afraid there are no shortcuts."
Li Chen asked, "Why?"
Qi Yishan said, "Only by transcribing it through the mind-directed application of magic power can you achieve the effect of an original work. Even if you already have inspiration, you can only rest and accumulate what you need as you go."
"Establishing virtue and leaving words for posterity are never accomplished overnight. Compiling classics requires the persistence of dripping water wearing through stone."
Li Chen frowned slightly and thought, Looks like I can only transcribe one sentence every ten days or fortnight.
As for all that talk of dripping water wearing through stone, he simply pretended he had not heard it.
Qi Yishan continued, "Moreover, as your status approaches perfection, the literary qi and magic power required will keep increasing. Your current reserves may not be sufficient."
That was indeed a problem. Li Chen considered it, then asked, "What if I don't use magic power to drive it, but present it through some other means and have you complete it?"
Qi Yishan gave Li Chen a surprised look and said, "That won't work. As the saying goes, literature is naturally formed. Once you have conceived an idea, you have already plucked the fruit of that principle from the Heavenly Dao, binding it to your true spirit and status."
"Besides, such a disparity between inspiration and literary fortune rarely occurs. I