Śakra was one of Buddhism's guardian deities, the leader of the heavenly gods and lord of Trāyastriṃśa Heaven, the Heaven of the Thirty-Three. He lived in Sudarsana City atop Mount Sumeru. Śakra fell in love with Shuli, daughter of the Asura King, and offered a lavish betrothal gift, declaring that he would resort to force if the marriage were refused. The Asura King flew into a rage, and the two hosts fought ceaselessly. They finally made peace: the Asura King gave his daughter to Śakra, and Śakra offered nectar in return-
After hearing Chen Caozhi's explanation, Lady Lu, Zhang Wenwan, smiled. "Do heavenly gods quarrel just as mortals do? Even seeking a bride requires a war. Still, how fortunate that they made peace in the end and became in-laws."
Lady Xie Liu Dan said, "Indeed, even heavenly gods must contend. If he had not, how could Śakra have married the Asura King's daughter?"
How would Gu Kaizhi have noticed that both ladies were speaking from personal feeling? After examining the mural carefully, he said, "Zizhong, the brushwork on Śakra's robes and ornaments is not meticulous enough. When you apply the washes of color, you should embellish them with richer hues."
Chen Caozhi nodded. "You're right, Chang Kang."
Gu Kaizhi studied it a while longer. "There are no other flaws. You've painted it extremely well, Zizhong." He asked, "Which host will you paint next?"
Chen Caozhi said, "The Asura King and his daughter."
Gu Kaizhi murmured assent and stared blankly at the image of Śakra on the west wall. Suddenly, he clapped his hands as though he had remembered something and hurried back to the east wall to continue painting, adding, "My painting is unfinished. I don't like people watching." He drew the blue cloth curtain across, screening the east wall