Chapter 684: Lanchi Holds the Reins Today (Part 2)

Chapter 684: Lanchi Holds the Reins Today (Part 2)

Even if they wanted to challenge the scores in the first round, they wouldn't have gotten a score that would allow them to pass.

In the Saint Silvervine Arena, Karen sat with her arms wrapped around herself, gazing contentedly at the giant screen outside the artificial shadow world.

In the first two rounds, her scores had been slightly higher than Tata's, an older woman. As long as her score in this round was higher or similar to Tata's, she would win.

However, it was clear that even this examiner wouldn't give Tata an unreasonable score.

Soon, most of the candidates would finish their paintings, and it wouldn't be long before the gray-haired, golden-eyed figure brought her painting forward.

The chief examiner seemed to have been eagerly anticipating this moment.

The moment he laid eyes on the gray-haired young woman, his spirit seemed to lift.

"..."

Countess Rosalinda gave Lanchi a speechless look.

She was the only one who knew about the ambiguous relationship between Lanchi and Tata. Though they appeared to be examiner and examinee, their actual relationship was a bit unclear, like that of a senior and junior disciple.

One could discern from Lanchi's subtle reactions that he and Tata interacted quite frequently.

If one had to describe their relationship, Countess Rosalinda recalled a story the little black cat had told her—once, there was a biologist named Pavlov who conducted a conditioned reflex experiment. Whenever he rang a bell, his dog would salivate, knowing it was mealtime.

The little black cat had heard this story from Lanchi, who used it to vividly describe what he believed to be the nature of his relationship with Tata.

But in reality, Countess Rosalinda discovered that it wasn't just the dog that had been conditioned; Pavlov himself seemed to have been conditioned as well.

"Tata, examinee from the Kingdom of Hutton, unmarried, 25 years old."

The chief examiner picked up a notepad and flipped through the registration information, confirming it with the examiner.

"..."

Talia believed that most candidates wouldn't need to go through this process, but Lanchi insisted on reciting Tata's information, as if emphasizing something.

Talia's eyes gradually turned cold, as if she were eagerly anticipating the moment when she could capture and torment Lanchi.

Lanchi's eyes widened in fear, as if telling her not to lay a hand on the examiner.

And Tata's eyes seemed to be warning him that if he dared to return with her today, there would be consequences.

"Ahem."

Countess Rosalinda coughed softly, attempting to defuse the situation.

In fact, even without their interaction, many spectators in the audience could guess that the two were already acquainted.

It wasn't uncommon for examiners and examinees to know each other in the Platinum-level Card Maker exams, especially since both Lanchi and Tata were from the Kingdom of Hutton. From the first round of the exam, one could tell that Tata treated the examiner well, choosing not to torture him even if it meant sacrificing some of her own points.

Lanchi snapped back to attention, shifting his gaze from Talia to her painting.

To be honest, this was the first time he had seen Talia's painting.

She had chosen a very unique perspective, portraying her back view on the canvas.

In the painting, Talia turned her head slightly, her pale face and sharp cheekbones accentuated by her gray hair cascading down her back. Her golden eyes, partially hidden in the shadows, seemed to scrutinize the world, as if bidding farewell to it.

No one knew what she was looking at—perhaps it was her hometown or a dear friend, perhaps it was her obsession or something she had let go of.

【Portrait: Turning Back】

【Type: Artwork】

【Grade: Sacred】

【Tier: 1】

【Anyone who appreciates this painting will regain a small amount of magic power and may permanently increase their mental attribute limit by a small amount, once.】

"It's as beautiful as ever."

Upon seeing this painting, Lanchi revealed a relieved smile and gave her a score of 97 on the scoring tablet, the same score as Countess Rosalinda.

Outside the arena.

"He actually dared to give such a high score? Isn't he afraid that Loggins will shift all his hatred for Migai Ya onto him?"

"Although it's indeed beautiful, I don't quite understand the difference between these Sacred-grade paintings."

"Maybe he's just giving scores based on his personal preferences? As long as it's not detected as irregular by the artificial shadow world's honesty registration system, it should be fine."

If the chief examiner truly didn't understand art, the system wouldn't be able to detect any issues.

{"That's enough, Chief Examiner. Get out of here, and let someone more professional take over the scoring,"} Loggins said, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Wait, Mr. Loggins..."

Countess Rosalinda tried to smooth things over, but Lanchi raised his hand to stop her.

Talia sighed.

She felt that Lanchi didn't need to give a score higher than 95. A score of 93 would have been enough for her to beat Karen.

However, she was pleased that Lanchi was willing to give her such a high score, even at the risk of offending the Card Makers' Association headquarters. She decided to make him breakfast for a few more days.

"What? Brother, is there a problem with the score I gave?"

Lanchi looked in the direction of Loggins' voice, which was being transmitted from outside the arena.

{"Artistic examinations are not occasions for you to play around and impose your subjective preferences. Someone more professional should take over. From now on, you no longer need to be responsible for the Platinum-level Card Maker examinations, or perhaps, you might even lose your Platinum-level Card Maker status,"} Loggins declared coldly.

"To be honest, I subjectively wanted to give it a perfect score of 100 because she's truly beautiful. But from the perspective of an examiner's absolute objectivity, I only gave it a technical score of 97. Isn't that objective enough?"

Lanchi didn't compromise this time, refusing to adjust the score, and asked Loggins, who was connected via a real-time link.

This blunt praise caused a stir among the audience in the Saint Silvervine Arena.

And Talia turned her head slightly, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

She didn't know if Lanchi was sincerely complimenting her or deliberately embarrassing her in public. It seemed like he was enjoying teasing her.

But when their eyes met, she knew the answer—

It was both.

{"Are you deliberately trying to showcase your ignorance and deception?"} Loggins questioned.

"Then tell me, in your opinion, what is knowledge and authenticity? I can give you face and lie to you, saying that this painting deserves only 90 points compared to your 95-point painting. Or I can be honest and tell you the truth about your actual level.

In the Saint Silvervine Arena, amidst the escalating confrontation between the chief examiner and the reviewer that had the entire audience enthralled, a sudden development caught everyone off guard.

Both the chief examiner, Lanchi, and the deputy examiner, Countess Rosalinda, seemed to have received some news, and the projection screen soon displayed the same information.

An examinee had filed a complaint against the examiner, initiating a challenge.

Even though it was anonymous, Lanchi and Tata knew exactly who it was.

It had to be Karen.

After all, Karen might have passed, but she couldn't accept the fact that she had lost the bet to Tata, and she wouldn't acknowledge her defeat.

Evidently, by filing a complaint against the chief examiner at this juncture, she could lend a hand to Loggins. If he managed to topple the chief examiner and gave Tata a lower score, Karen could turn the tables on her.

At that moment, in one of the resting areas of the Saint Silvervine Arena, Karen sat with a smile on her face as she manipulated the examinee terminal magic conductor to report the chief examiner to the Card Makers' Association.

However, as she walked out, her expression turned gloomy.

"You foolish chief examiner, I thought you were a good person."

She muttered to herself, her lips quivering.

On the one hand, she hadn't expected Tata to be so formidable, and on the other, she was taken aback by the enigmatic chief examiner's familiarity with the gray-haired woman and his willingness to accommodate her.

Nevertheless, it didn't matter.

With Loggins around, whether this gray-haired woman could pass or not was questionable.

The mere thought brought a smile to her face, which gradually faded as she regained her usual pleasant expression and returned to her seat in the audience.

...

Within the simulated Platinum Forest Palace in the artificial shadow world, a procedure was initiated following the complaint against the examiner.

"Very well, in accordance with the rules, Rosalind, you and the chief examiner will swap positions. If his performance fails to surpass the minimum passing score of 87 that he set, then I am authorized to conclude that the chief examiner's practical skills are inadequate, and he is unfit to serve in this position, having disrupted the examination unfairly."

Loggins, the reviewer, had begun the process, his tone stern.

"Additionally, since a reviewer has been engaged, my opinion will supersede that of the temporary chief examiner. Hence, I will determine the final score."

Loggins supplemented, leaving no room for argument.

"But he hasn't even connected to the honesty registration system, and even if he paints a remarkable piece, you can still give him a score as low as 70."

Countess Rosalinda couldn't contain her anxiety and voiced her objection.

Despite Loggins being the reviewer, she feared that he might act irrationally and disregard all decorum.

Based on historical assessments, as long as a Sacred-grade work was intact, the lowest score it would receive was 70. If Loggins went even further and gave a score of 69, he would face the wrath of the public, yet no one could fault him as not everyone could comprehend art.

"Oh? Are you questioning me, Vice President Rosalinda?"

Loggins' expression remained cold and indifferent.

"It's fine, I'll give it a shot."

On the contrary, Lanchi wore a radiant smile as he waved away Rosalinda's concerns.

"Since it's inconvenient for me to paint a self-portrait, I'll change it to painting any examinee of my choice, right?"

Lanchi asked, his tone casual.

This arrangement was agreed upon by the Card Makers' Association headquarters and the Bosen Kingdom Senate due to the sensitive nature of Lanchi's identity in the Southern Continent.

"That's right."

Loggins wasn't concerned about whom Lanchi chose to paint, as it was already stipulated in the Association's charter that in the event of a challenge against an examiner with a confidential identity, the examiner would switch to painting an examinee to facilitate a better comparison of their respective levels.

It didn't matter whom he chose.

"But..."

Countess Rosalinda was flustered, never anticipating that an examinee would file a complaint against Lanchi at this juncture.

Typically, such complaints were rare, as examinees were aware that the examiners could investigate their identities if they so desired, and it was unlikely that the examiners would be at fault.

"I admit that I didn't handle the first round well. Although my assistant's absence due to certain special circumstances affected me, that's not an excuse."

Lanchi acknowledged with a hint of guilt in his voice, but his expression soon brightened as he continued,

"However, it doesn't matter in this third round. I believe the scores I gave are fair, and I won't tolerate any unfairness in this examination. If you still want to give a lower score after seeing my painting, Loggins, then go right ahead."

As long as Loggins could withstand the pressure of public opinion, Lanchi didn't mind.

Lanchi looked up at the screen, his gaze fixed on Loggins, as he said this.

"Who do you think you are?"

Loggins scoffed, his disdain evident.

Even if Bosen produced a second Migai Ya, they wouldn't dare to exude such confidence.

All he wanted now was to witness this chief examiner's downfall and transformation into a laughingstock.

No matter what, he wouldn't give a score higher than 70, and he would thoroughly humiliate this country bumpkin from the East.

Lanchi didn't say another word.

Outside the artificial shadow world.

"Wait, no matter what this guy paints, Reviewer Loggins will just make things up, won't he?"

"How can he agree to Loggins' review now?"

"Well, if he doesn't agree, what can he do?"

"Actually, it would be better if he didn't agree to the review. Then, the headquarters could send a more impartial reviewer to handle the case."

In the Saint Silvervine Arena, under the watchful eyes of the audience, Lanchi began painting in the projected conference room, without any preparation.

"Can you help me?"

Lanchi looked up at Tata, who was still in the conference room, and gestured for her to come closer.

"..."

Tatiana nodded.

It seemed that Lanchi had chosen her as his model.

She didn't mind him painting her.

Moreover, Lanchi had heeded her advice and refrained from secretly painting her this time.

"Hmm."

Lanchi gazed at Tatiana, who sat not far away, and couldn't help but feel amazed, his smile relaxed and natural.

Over a year ago, he never imagined that there would come a day when Tatiana would sit quietly before him, allowing him to paint her.

In the audience seating area of the Saint Silvervine Arena, Cat Boss was already feeling tense.

It was a little afraid when it saw Lanchi holding a paintbrush.

Thinking of Lanchi painting instead of card-making, it realized that it might have been a bit too extreme.

This guy's paintings, at least, wouldn't explode.

Lanchi selected a reddish-colored brush from a row of brushes.

"Paying homage to the legendary painter, the Tenth Ancestor Ulysses."

Lanchi gazed at the brush in his hand, reminiscing about a person from his past.

He was the second most unforgettable enemy after Laosan.

"..."

Talia found Lanchi's habit rather unpleasant.

The fact that he had defeated his opponents would forever be etched in his endless tributes.

On the other hand, Lanchi skillfully composed and began to paint.

His eyes sparkled with joy as he gazed at the distant figure.

Painting Talia brought him great happiness.

Although he had painted her countless times before, this time felt like the most real.

Perhaps, from the very beginning when they met near the temple, they hadn't noticed each other, but from that moment on, their story had begun.

Whenever he recounted the experiences and gains he had made over the past year, as well as the changes he had undergone, he would easily recall the moment he first set his goal.

It was like waking from a dream, or sobering from a drunken stupor; the memory of the main beauty felt more like a dream bestowed upon him by the Goddess of Fate, ethereal and illusory.

On the contrary, his memory as Lanchi was more real and had never changed.

The timer on the wall of the conference room kept ticking.

Outside the Shadow World, the audience, who could only watch the silhouette of the chief examiner and the back of the easel, whispered and discussed in anticipation.

Everyone wondered how this exam, filled with twists and turns, would eventually come to an end, and the answer seemed to be just around the corner.

As the sky outside the Saint Silvervine Arena darkened, signaling the approaching dusk, Lanchi finally finished his painting.

He stood up, turned the easel around, and presented the painting to the audience.

It depicted a woman with gray hair.

A passing pigeon blocked her face.

But if you looked closely, you could still make out her golden eyes.

The more you looked at it, the more curious you became about what she truly looked like.

Only when you stepped closer could you see—

She was also looking at you.

Just this fleeting glance was enough to leave an everlasting impression.

Portrait: Veiled Beauty

Type: Artwork

Grade: Epic

Tier: 1

Any living being who appreciates this painting will feel their mood lighten to a certain extent, and there is a probability that they will gain a small amount of mental magic enhancement within 24 hours.

"?"

At that moment, Tatiana, sitting motionless across from him as his model, couldn't help but show a hint of emotion in her eyes.

Although she had seen Lanchi's Epic paintings before and wasn't too surprised, this particular painting still stirred her heart.

Only she knew that this painting was somewhat similar to the first one he had painted of her.

It was as if their encounter was viewed from two different perspectives, revealing both its hidden and apparent aspects.

And the person standing at the angle of this painting, looking at her, could be no one else but Lanchi.

Upon seeing this painting, Countess Rosalinda heaved a sigh of relief.

"Reviewer, do you dare give him a score beyond 100?" she asked with a smile of relief, looking at Loggins on the live-feed screen.

Finally, Rosalinda understood why Lanchi was so confident!

Rather, since the maximum score was 100, the crude evaluation of his artistic ability could only be limited to that finite score.

However, the Card Makers' Association's assessment of Lanchi's artistry was not entirely accurate; to say that he was a mediocre Compass Warrior would be incorrect, as he was, in fact, an exceptionally outstanding Compass-type contestant.

In the various arenas of the Saint Silvervine Arena,

As soon as the painting was revealed, the entire stadium fell into an eerie silence, as if everyone present had been struck dumbfounded by the spectacle before them, their breaths collectively held.

Finally, a cheer erupted from a corner of the arena, igniting the atmosphere.

Soon, more spectators joined in, standing up and voicing their excitement.

"The concept of this painting and the previous works are on completely different levels, filled with surreal romanticism, challenging the conventional understanding of reality through unusual visual elements."

"The chief examiner might be exploring the theme of concealment and revelation, seen and unseen, as well as delving into the topics of identity, existence, and metaphor."

Many members of the audience couldn't contain their excitement and began discussing animatedly.

"It may also symbolically reflect a contemplation of an individual's role in society and the human tendency to hide their true selves."

"Who is this chief examiner? Could it be that he's disguised as Migai Ya?"

"No, that's impossible. Migai Ya is an all-rounder; his painting skills are not as exaggerated as this!"

Loggins' face darkened, and he remained silent for a moment before abruptly cutting off the live feed.

Meanwhile, Rosalinda smiled and gestured to Lanchi, indicating that his position as the chief examiner was rightfully restored.

Today, the scores he gave were indeed indisputable.

Moreover, today, he was the authority.

On the contrary, Loggins had become the laughingstock, and rumors about him would likely spread throughout the Western Hub Zone in the days to come.

On this Sunday evening, not only did the Platinum-level Card Maker examinations come to a close, but the Saint Silvervine Arena also witnessed an unprecedentedly exuberant atmosphere, with at least ten thousand people cheering, clapping, and exclaiming that the ticket price was well worth it. The enthusiastic atmosphere reverberated throughout the arena.

Witnessing the miracle, the audience couldn't help but express their excitement, and generous praises filled the arena.

...

Several minutes later, on the other side.

In the corridor leading outside the Saint Silvervine Arena, Karen was walking briskly.

Her eyes were filled with bloodshot veins, reflecting her bitterness and anger.

However, her steps soon became hurried, and she turned back, quickening her pace.

Suddenly, she collided with something, as if she had run into a mountain, and fell to the ground.

Unbeknownst to her, a gray-haired woman and a man with a silver mask stood before her.

"Where do you think you're going?

"Tata bent down and stared into Karen's dodging eyes, asking,

"Tata, don't scare her."

The silver-masked man patted Tata on the shoulder, also giving Karen an apologetic look.

"Master, Examiner?"

Karen asked uncertainly.

Compared to Tata's presence here, she was even more perplexed as to why the chief examiner would be brought out by Tata.

Furthermore.

Tata tugged at the examiner's necktie, as if forcing him to heed her every word.

This familiar gesture made Karen's mind race with frightening thoughts, threatening to shatter her perception of reality.

"No, you're not him...you can't be him..."

Karen widened her eyes, her smile quivering as she shook her head in denial.

In an instant, her mind raced through countless clues, and terrifying ideas began to emerge, threatening to collapse her entire belief system.

"No, I'm not him."

The examiner could only comfort her, hoping to ease her distress.

However, this condescending tone only served to push Karen further into despair.

"No, no...!"

Karen began to shake her head vigorously, as if she couldn't accept this truth.

Her face lost its former vivacity, replaced by a look of suspicion as if questioning the authenticity of the world around her.

The memories of every mocking word she had uttered to Lanchi in the past, and the recollection of his gentle responses, now echoed in her ears like an unshakeable curse.

She desperately sought an escape from this reality, but no matter where she turned, she found no reprieve!

"So, do you still remember our bet?"

Tatiana, far from showing any mercy, continued to press the issue.

"W-what are you talking about?"

Karen stared at her, her eyes vacant.

Tatiana nodded, knowing full well that Karen was considering backing out of their wager.

However, Tatiana never expected Karen to honor their verbal agreement in the first place.

To Tatiana, promises were sacrosanct.

Moreover, this promise was made to Tatiana, a member of the Demon King's lineage, and as such, held even greater significance.

"Do you remember the things you said to him? The ridicule you directed at him in the library of the ancient tower of the Sage's Institute, and the fact that you secretly reported him? Do you want all of that to become public knowledge? Do you want to be stripped of your position as the 'Heavenly Empress' of Yoralan Royal College and be reduced to a contemptible clown?"

Tatiana lowered her voice, her enchanting voice whispering into Karen's ear.

Her voice took on a hypnotic quality, causing Karen's eyes to glaze over with tears as she began to tremble.

"No, don't do that."

Karen grabbed onto Tatiana's leg, pleading with her through her tears.

"Alright then, keep your promise."

Tatiana's voice softened even further as she spoke.

Only at this moment, upon seeing those golden eyes, did Karen's body fill with an icy chill, her tears threatening to freeze on her face.

Fear gripped her heart as she sensed the dangerous power this gray-haired, golden-eyed woman possessed, a power that could easily destroy her.

She was like a demon.

But Karen couldn't accept this; having just become a Platinum-level Card Maker, she knew that if she were to go through with such a shameful act, she would never be able to live with herself!

"Out of compassion, I will allow you to wear a mask."

Tatiana crouched down, her eyes fixed on Karen as she spoke gently.

Karen's body trembled uncontrollably, as if she were standing naked in the bitter cold, her entire being pierced by the gaze of this gray-haired, golden-eyed woman. She struggled for a long time, unable to find the strength to resist.

"I agree."

The words escaped Karen's lips in a broken whisper.

"Hmm? What should I call you?"

Tatiana asked.

"Tata...ma'am."

Karen's voice was so weak it was almost inaudible.

"Good, then let's make it on the day of the fireworks festival. Report to the Card Makers' Association in the morning, and I'll arrange your outfit."

Karen nodded, her body racked with sobs as she forced herself to agree, before turning and running away as fast as she could.

Even after Karen had disappeared from view...

"Tata, aren't you being a bit cruel?"

Lanchi asked, perplexed by her actions.

He now saw Tata as a true demon queen.

However, there was one crucial detail that Karen had overlooked.

Tata's concession had inadvertently given Karen a sliver of hope, allowing her to cling to the belief that she could somehow weasel her way out of their bet.

Lanchi sensed Tata's intentions, knowing that she planned to make Karen wear men's swimwear.

By the time the festival arrived, Karen would have no choice but to cling desperately to a sign that read, "Tata, I was wrong," in a futile attempt to preserve the last shred of her dignity.

But he was certain that once Karen had conceded this first step, she would continue to yield to Tata's demands, step by step, until her transformation was complete.

"Hmph, that green tea btch deserves to be broken and turned into a submissive sow."

Tatiana shrugged, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.

"You're so scary, have you been taking lessons from Lanfu?"

Lanchi felt that Tata had somehow absorbed the essence of the Great Poet's abilities, as this sadistic train of thought was characteristic of the Great Poet.

"Don't worry, Lanchi, I won't treat you like that."

Tatiana mimicked the Great Poet's tone, addressing Lanchi with a hint of amusement.

For a moment, Lanchi couldn't tell if it was Loufu standing before him or Tatiana impersonating her.

Speaking of which...

He had never considered the possibility of being overpowered by the Great Poet, a mere first-stage existence.

But now...

Facing an eighth-stage Crazy Demon King, Lanchi felt a shiver of excitement run down his spine.

For the first time, he sensed the very real possibility of being overwhelmed by this force.

Lanchi remained silent, his mind racing.

Outside the artificial shadow world...

"Wait, no matter what this guy paints, Reviewer Loggins will just make things up, won't he?"

"How can he agree to Loggins' review now?"

"Well, if he doesn't agree, what can he do?"

"Actually, it would be better if he didn't agree to the review. Then, the headquarters could send a more impartial reviewer to handle the case."

In the Saint Silvervine Arena, under the watchful eyes of the audience, Lanchi began painting in the projected conference room, without any preparation.

"Can you help me?"

Lanchi looked up at Tata, who was still in the conference room, and gestured for her to come closer.

"..."

Tatiana nodded.

It seemed that Lanchi had chosen her as his model.

She didn't mind him painting her.

Moreover, Lanchi had heeded her advice and refrained from secretly painting her this time.

"Hmm."

Lanchi gazed at Tatiana, who sat not far away, a relaxed and natural smile on his lips.

Over a year ago, he never imagined that there would come a day when Tatiana would sit quietly before him, allowing him to paint her.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end