Chapter 33: Competing in Painting Skills with Jushou

"..."

Ding Ling was speechless.

He was quite confused himself.

Although he was much more formidable than other players,

it was only in the game. No one could know that he had already redeemed all his strength and returned to the real world, so why were these people so fanatical about him?

Especially these women, it was simply baffling.

Just a few days ago, he was still single!

Women in the company couldn’t be bothered to take a second look at him!

Now, suddenly acting like this, the contrast from before was too great, even Ding Ling was a bit bewildered.

Of course, he also speculated that it might be related to him becoming more handsome, ranking first on the combined leaderboard, and his recent good performance.

But wasn’t this a bit much?

"Seeing your expression. Could it be that you don’t know what’s going on either?"

Zhang Hex gave Ding Ling a strange look and said:

"If not, you could personally go and ask those women, or I could ask for you?"

"Forget it."

Ding Ling shook his head.

What the players thought was none of his business.

He just wanted to complete the Path of Glory in the Three Kingdoms World.

The Glory Medal had tremendous benefits and couldn’t be missed.

Of course, the most crucial thing was that he had already rented a house in the countryside! Living at the foot of a mountain, it was practically impossible for anyone to find him.

With safety assured, there was no need to overly focus on player dynamics.

Some time later.

Jizhou Governor’s Mansion.

Hann Fu sat at the head of the table.

He was scrutinizing Ding Ling.

Not just him,

Tian Feng, Jushou, Geng Wu, Min Chun, Xun Chen, and others were all fixated on Ding Ling, examining him closely.

Without exception,

they were all formidable figures renowned in later generations.

Ding Ling knew about them, thanks to Zhang Hex whispering introductions beside him.

"Your major achievements have alarmed Tian Feng, Jushou, Geng Wu, and all of them, hence their presence at this meeting."

Gao Lan quietly added:

"News of your recent defeat of Juyi has also reached their ears. Looks like you’ll face fewer challenges ahead."

And indeed, this was the case.

Initially, many questioned Ding Ling’s martial arts prowess.

Yet, under everyone’s gaze, Ding Ling defeated the valiant Jizhou General Juyi twice in face-to-face combat, proving with undeniable facts that his prowess was not just talk!

"I’ve already seen the heads of Guo Tai and the others."

Hann Fu paused for a moment, then said:

"I also mentioned earlier that I would promote you immediately after you dealt with the bandit leaders. Now it’s time to fulfill my promise."

"My lord."

Jushou couldn’t hold back and stepped out to oppose:

"Ding Ling is an alien, a mere recruit, yet General Pan has already promoted him. If our lord promotes him again, it might not be fair and could breed resentment!"

Ding Ling took a glance at Jushou. This guy wasn’t loyal to Hann Fu, yet he still called him ’lord’?

Compared to Tian Feng, Jushou seemed much more cunning!

But who knew if Jushou had contacted Yuan Shao yet?

If he had, Hann Fu’s tenure as Governor of Jizhou might soon end.

Ding Ling thought: if that’s the case, I’d better find a way out quickly.

Serving as a general under Yuan Shao?

Better to go solo!

Ding Ling just thought going solo was too time-consuming and demanding, and besides, he chose the Path of the War God, making being a general the best fit for him.

If that’s the case, then surely choosing the most capable and charismatic person to serve as a great general was the way to go.

’Cao Mengde...’

This name flashed through Ding Ling’s mind.

While Cao Mengde had his flaws, at least he recognized talent and wouldn’t look down on those from humble beginnings!

Moreover, Ding Ling wasn’t just involved in the Three Kingdoms Plane; once he completed the Path of the War God, it would probably be nearly time for him to leave this plane.

How to unlock other planes?

Ding Ling knew it was related to the Achievement Medal, but he also suspected it was tied to the Path of Glory.

Therefore, choosing a good leader was crucial.

He had no regard for people like Hann Fu or Yuan Shao.

"Captain, that’s going too far."

Pan Feng couldn’t help but stand up and retort angrily:

"Ding Ling’s military exploits are outstanding. The Bandits Bai Bo, who gave many headaches, were handled by him with just 400 troops. Doesn’t that prove his martial prowess? He’s entirely qualified to be a general!

If anyone’s unconvinced, they can step up and challenge Ding Ling. I believe Ding Ling can definitely make you all convinced!"

"..."

Jushou was speechless; how could a scholar like him compete with Ding Ling in martial arts?

He voiced this thought.

Pan Feng asked:

"So what do you want to compete in?"

"Chess, calligraphy, military strategy, governance, astronomy, geography, music, arithmetic, painting—they’re all options."

Jushou was confident, giving Ding Ling a sidelong glance:

"Just beat me in any one of these, and I’ll shut up."

He looked at Ding Ling, eyes bright:

"What does the Military Marquis think?"

"Alright."

Ding Ling smiled lightly:

"Let’s compete in painting then."

"Good."

Jushou didn’t flinch and immediately looked to Hann Fu, indicating his stance.

Hann Fu was also very interested, wanting to see how this match would turn out.

After all, Jushou was a renowned scholar in Jizhou!

Whereas in his eyes, Ding Ling was just an alien with no organization, discipline, or family background!

Just a soldier by birth, with no background to speak of, how could he possibly stand up to Jushou?

He already seemed to see Ding Ling’s embarrassment.

It wasn’t just him.

Many present believed Ding Ling was sure to lose!

After all, Jushou’s fame was widespread, and he was said to be proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—not just an empty boast!

Before long.

Paper and ink were ready.

Perhaps due to players joining the Three Kingdoms game.

The ’paper’ development in the Three Kingdoms suddenly surged to modern craftsmanship standards!

Extremely exquisite!

Especially the paper used by Hann Fu, the Governor of Jizhou, was as smooth and thick as satin.

While secretly marveling at how the Three Kingdoms World had been warped, Ding Ling didn’t hesitate to wield his brush, and in just a moment, a vivid landscape painting emerged before everyone’s eyes.

In terms of painting.

Ding Ling’s skills had already peaked!

Especially after returning to the real world, he, to be prepared for anything, thoroughly honed all various painting skills in the web world.

Now in painting, Ding Ling could truly claim to be at the Grandmaster Level with no exaggeration.

One painting.

Not only completed quickly,

but also with such spirit that if not looked at closely, one might think the mountains and rivers in the painting were real!

"Amazing!"

Tian Feng, Geng Wu, and others, well-versed in knowledge, understood it immediately, astonished and shaken:

"Such painting skill! It’s incredibly strong!! Jushou is sure to lose!"

"To think that a mere martial artist could be so perfect in painting. This skill level is probably already at the superb Painting Saint realm!"

Min Chun, including Hann Fu, couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise, starting to regard Ding Ling with seriousness.

[Achievement Medal earned: Your painting skills have gained high recognition from the scholars present!]

[Note: Tian Feng, Geng Wu, Hann Fu, and others initially thought of you as just a martial artist, often treating you with neglect and disdain...]