Master Craftsman of the Elven World

Chapter 442 The Vision of the True Path to the Championship
Kou Sha did not emerge from his studio until the festival's exhibition was nearing its end, completely satisfied.

Although he still looked the same as before, this time Kou Sha was radiant and full of energy!
It was as if the frustration in my chest had been swept away, and I had broken through the bottleneck and entered a new and higher level!

"When it's finished, that will be my greatest masterpiece to date! 'Ode to the Sun'!"

He made a gesture resembling the strange leaves of a sunflower, which looked remarkably similar to the standard gesture of raising both hands diagonally!
Kosa practiced his movements for a while, then noticed that a certain noisy sound seemed to be missing. He looked around.

"Hmm? Where's the strange tree?"

"She's back now. She's finished filming her video and landed a huge business deal! She's got to get busy now." Xinli walked over and said, "You're so slow! I've been waiting for you for ages."

Xinli and Guangtai's discussion has ended.

Qi Shu accepted the business order and rushed back to prepare. After careful analysis, she keenly sensed a hint of "fame"!

When this vegetable becomes a world-renowned brand, its popularity will also soar, allowing it to ride this wave and become a massive cross-regional video platform!

Xinli then told Kou Sha about the assessment, and Kou Sha's expression immediately changed. He then covered his forehead in frustration.

Kou Sha: "Is the annual routine assessment starting again? It's supposed to be the arts festival, but it's all happening so suddenly!"

Xin Li chuckled: "After all, it's the chief's order. Besides, I'm the one conducting the assessment this time. If you weren't the chief, you should be secretly happy."

"I'm really sorry to have disrupted your arts festival."

Kou Sha waved his hand: "It's alright, after all, I've already grasped the new avant-garde art! And you, Lord Guang Tai?"

"Oh, I'm here. Is work finished?" Guangtai walked over with Melok, who had finished his training. Kosha immediately became excited:
"Yes! My work is finished. May I ask for your approval?"

As an artist, it is an unparalleled honor to have one's masterpiece recognized by industry veterans and celebrities!

And Koza's work certainly did not disappoint!

Compared to the other lifeless works in the studio, the new sculpture "Praise the Sun" has a more lively feel!
It truly resembled a small charcoal servant with eyes burning like torches, poised to leap from its pedestal at any moment and illuminate everyone.

The sunflower monsters, in a rather abstract form, surrounded the little knight on the high platform, representing the basic image of sunflowers. Although no lights were used yet, one could almost feel the gentle sunlight falling on everyone.

Merlo stared intently at the artwork, unconsciously uttering a soft murmur of admiration, while Guangtai and Xinli applauded.

Applause is the best praise!

"In my opinion, this work is excellent enough to be submitted to Fei Yun Gallery for exhibition. It is a truly outstanding piece!"

[Learned something: Koza's sculpting style (progress)! Soft curves can convey warmth and joy, while sharp angles can convey tension and pain. Sometimes it's serious, sometimes it's abstract.]

[Emotional expression +50%, beauty +50%, solemnity +50%]

[The artistic style has been documented in Convergence Art!]

The fact that it was recorded by Convergence Art shows that Koza's work has reached the level of a master!
Even if a breakthrough is achieved by chance, it's okay.

The saying goes that a good article is born of nature and a masterpiece is achieved by chance; the same principle applies to works of art.

Its essence is a combination of nature, human emotions, and inspiration!

Guangtai: "Excellent works are often completed unintentionally, requiring the creator to have profound accumulation and keen perception."

“A bottleneck is like a spring; temporary pain cannot confine a true artist. Water overflows when it is full, and this is only natural. Congratulations, Mr. Kouza.”

May the sunshine forever remain in your heart.

Kou Sha tried hard to suppress his excitement, but he still couldn't help but shed tears, which were tears of joy!

"Thank you! Sometimes, a breakthrough in inspiration just requires a change of perspective. I was getting too caught up in the details before."

"The sunshine, yes, those inspirations were like sunshine shining into my heart!"

"When I was sculpting this piece, it suddenly occurred to me."

“Sun worship began almost simultaneously with the early stages of human civilization. Our town of Shenbo is a town of flowers and art, a town that worships the sun.”

"When did this custom and trend begin? I don't know, but I do know that the sunflower monster is synonymous with this city."

"The sun is the symbol of light, which can dispel the darkness brought by death. In mythology, it signifies redemption and victory."

"As I delved deeper into the experience, I gradually came to appreciate the charm of sunlight. I'm clearly an expert at using grass-type attacks, but once I hit a roadblock, I lock myself in my dark, sunless studio."

"call--"

Kou Sha let out a deep breath.

"From now on, when I encounter difficulties, I will also go out and get some sunshine. Under a clear sky, inspiration should keep flowing!"

"I also went through a painful period when I was stuck in a bottleneck. At that time, I was desperate about life and fell into self-abandonment."

"It was Hachisaku, who was also involved in art, who inspired me, which is why I created the great work of art, 'Let It Go: The Sunflower Monster'."

"I am able to accurately identify the current art style, all thanks to Ashuo."

"But that work..."

Although "Let It Go: The Sunflower Monster" was one of Koza's proudest works, in Koza's eyes, whose state of mind had reached a new level and whose artistic insights had been further refined, that work was somewhat...
It's too distorted.

To portray the lovable Sunflower Monster as melancholic and world-weary is a very rebellious work for someone who is usually cheerful and carefree.

"I was thinking that if the work didn't receive good reviews, I would have to withdraw from the festival. At that point, I was already half-dead."

"Moreover, at that time, as a new artist, I not only suffered a serious illness, but also fell into a slump."

"But now I think, thank goodness I persevered! It is because of the accumulated pain and countless struggles in the past that I was able to see the bright sun today after the clouds have parted!"

"I am so, so grateful to you! True art! Although I am still far from achieving that masterpiece, I have seen the direction I can take!"

Regarding art, the only advice that Lightmoy could give Kosa was a single sentence.

However, similarly, this statement is also a case of using someone else's flower to present to Buddha.

"Do you know Professor Vado, and Master Casparcias?"

"Vado?!" Kosa exclaimed in surprise. "I heard he's a famous artist who travels the world."

"Master Casparcias... he's a legendary illusionist! Could it be?!"

Guangtai smiled and said, "I once met Professor Wado. Due to some changes in his life, his beloved Pokémon died, and he lost his dream."

"As a result, he was unable to create any paintings for a time, lost his ability to paint, and suffered day after day in agony."

"At that time, I brought back one of his abandoned Pokémon to him and had a battle with someone while he was by his side."

"The voice of Pokémon and the endless souls awakened him; that passionate voice finally brought him out and allowed him to create incredible paintings."

"To dedicate a passionate soul to a glorious life—this is the true essence of art that Mr. Vado has come to understand. He should be at the Dream Ruins in the Unova region now, the final resting place for those who cherish dreams."

“As for Master Kasparcias, I do not know him personally, but I have several friends who have met him and heard his teachings.”

This is what he said:

"There is something special between color and shape. When you follow that feeling and recombine colors and shapes, a miraculous masterpiece is born."

"No matter what it looks like, it will always leave a beautiful feeling in the hearts of those who appreciate the painting; that is what is called the greatest masterpiece."

"The last place Master Casparcias stayed was the white town in the Johto region. After that, he and the Tutu dogs embarked on a journey in search of new and beautiful works."

"Perhaps you will meet that old man in some corner of the world."

Kou Sha took a deep breath!

"I see. You were fortunate enough to receive instruction from these two artistic masters, which is why you have such a high level of artistic skill at such a young age!"

"I will take these words as my motto and keep them in mind!"

"That person sounds like someone really impressive?" Xinli, unfamiliar with the art world, looked puzzled. Kou Sha laughed and solemnly explained:
"It is understandable that Lady Xinli is unaware of this."

"Mr. Vado is a world-renowned artist, but Master Casparcias is unparalleled!"

"Their status in the art world is equivalent to the four kings and champions among trainers!"

Xin Li was also quite surprised: "Wow! He's such an amazing old man!"

"So, in your opinion, how does the artistic level of Lightmoss compare to theirs?"

"Uh, this is really starting a fight!" Kosha said, rubbing his chin.

“However, if I were to give my opinion, I think that Lord Guangtai’s artistic level is at least comparable to that of Senior Vado, right?” “I, I really dare not make a judgment. Both of them are far more skilled than me! They are both avant-garde artists!”

Seeing Kou Sha's cautious demeanor, Xin Li laughed heartily. She rarely saw Kou Sha so careful, not even when facing the Alliance's chief or during assessments!
So even Koza has things he reveres.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

As the sun gradually sets, its fiery red light dyes the clouds crimson.

The moon quietly climbed to the horizon, and the stars began to rotate in the deep blue sky.

Kou Sha completed his dojo assessment, and Mei Luo asked Kou Sha to come here often to study art in the future.

Mentoring younger generations with artistic talent is something Kou Sha enjoys doing.

After finishing her work here, Xinli will head to the next assessment location and, incidentally, resume her travels in the Padiya region.

"It's been a long time since I've traveled. I'm still a little lost for a moment."

She rubbed her temples, pondering her next destination.

Although it was said that he was going to various places to conduct assessments, in reality, the assessments were just a side thing. That's how Ci's work is; he always "casually" hands things over to others.

The key is to rediscover the feeling you had when you traveled before, and use that to motivate yourself to go further.

Therefore, if we follow the order, I should go there first. To the west is Yuanmo Town, and to the northeast is Niangguang City, but Qishu's assessment is over, so there's no need to go there.

“Young people always love to travel in the wild,” Guangtai suggested to Xinli. “Take a town map and go to those dark caves, steep peaks, quiet forests, and tall grasses that rustle like ocean waves.”

"That's what 'adventure' is all about."

"During their travels, professors in many regions would commission young people to observe the ecology and habits of Pokémon and help them complete the Pokédex."

Xin Li seemed to understand something: "You mean, you want me to do a similar job?"

Guangtai laughed heartily: "This isn't just a simple 'job.' Recording the adventures is a crucial part. It involves documenting important events during the journey, the details of the adventures, and the strange and unusual people and things encountered."

"The unknown world will become the known world in this process."

That's right, one of the core gameplay elements of Pokémon is traveling.

Lightmoy: "Don't the academies in Padia also encourage students to go on treasure hunts?"

Xin Li: "That happens every year, but it's become a perfunctory activity now."

At this point, she frowned slightly.

Yes.

The so-called treasure hunt is the same as traveling in other regions.

Only by venturing into the unknown can one complete exciting adventures. If even this is treated perfunctorily, it means that the academy does not understand what its students need most.

"Travel is a pilgrimage about life and growth."

Lightmoy recalled the core of Pokémon and thought of an important region, so she said to Sinri:

Are you familiar with the Alola Islands Tour?

"Although people in many regions embark on travels from a young age and see all kinds of unknown landscapes and worlds, these are just personal trips, not officially promoted trips, and they do not have any sacred symbolism. They are simply a necessary experience for personal growth."

"However, in the Alola region, there is a solemn ceremony called the Island Tour, a ceremony passed down in the Alola region to help children grow into excellent Pokémon Trainers."

"Children in the Alola region who are 11 years old or older must participate in the Island Tour ceremony; they travel through the Alola region, overcoming the challenges of each of the four important islands, which will test not only their strength, but also their skills and wisdom, and may even lead to encounters with legendary Pokémon."

"That is a sacred ceremony for children to grow into adults."

"In other regions, travelers and trainers, filled with aspirations for the future and their ideals, challenge different gyms and ultimately climb the arduous path to the championship. In that place, they will conduct a final self-examination and test of themselves along the way."

"By the way, after leaving Padia, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will also be embarking on the Champion Road in the Unova region."

Finding oneself and one's ideals through travel has always been a core element of enduring fun across various regions of the Pokémon world.

After thwarting Team Rocket's plot in Kanto, they traversed the dark Mt. Tsukimi and crossed the sea to reach Cinnabar Island and the Seven Islands.
Experience the ancient culture of the Johto region, investigate unknown ruins, meet Ho-Oh at the Bell Tower, meet Lugia in the Sea Cave, and finally head to the Indigo Plateau, climb the snow-covered Mt. Silver, and meet the last Trainer.
In Hoenn, traverse the diverse natural environments of land and sea, witnessing the battle between earth and ocean; in Sinnoh, climb the snow-capped Mt. Coronet and reach the legendary Spear Pillar; in Unova, seek the truth and become a legendary hero; in Kalos, confront the terrifying weapon from three thousand years ago.
Lightmoy: "If you ask me what the Padia alliance is lacking..."

"What I want to say is that what's lacking here isn't challenging facilities."

"It's the real path to becoming a champion."

The Champion's Path in Padiya is just an event, not a fixed location, and it does not carry any sacred significance.

"We need to give our ideals and treasures a concrete shape or location, making them 'real'! And that thing is the Road to the Championship."

"As the treasure-hunting students travel throughout the entire Padia region, encountering different Pokémon and different people, they may also encounter formidable enemies, terrifying villains, or even lives mired in suffering."

"The championship road, which stands atop the mountains, is the place that ultimately witnessed their journey through trials and tribulations and provides them with the answers."

From this perspective, the only person in the Padiya region who meets this standard is neither the protagonist nor Nemo.

It was Pipa.

Having lost the love of his parents in childhood, he relied on his Pokémon for survival. His Pokémon's life was endangered because he entered the Zero Zone without permission.

To save her family, she resolutely embarked on a journey to find the secret treasure. Even Claver said that Piper's ability to act on her thoughts is in line with Dr. Orin/Foto!
For Piper, the process of finally "returning to Zone Zero" is the process of challenging himself on his path to becoming a champion.

Furthermore, despite claiming to be bad at battles, he pulled out a bunch of super high-level Pokémon from his backpack!
These high-level Pokémon are actually telling others how arduous Piper's journey has been, and how many powerful enemies he has defeated in order to save his loved ones, despite not being good at battling.
In Master Pokémon, even the great N-teacher acknowledges the relationship between Piper and Pokémon, and even goes so far as to stalk Piper, giving him quite a fright.

After listening to Guangtai's advice, Xinli suddenly felt enlightened!

Why is there a problem with the school's atmosphere? Why have the students changed like that? Why have the teachers who have been teaching for so many years lost their ideals? The people of Parthia are simple and honest, a good place to live, and everyone lives peacefully and contentedly. But why does it always feel like something is missing?
Xin Li exclaimed, "It's like the sun has finally broken through the clouds!"

"I understand, thank you! You truly are a formidable opponent! I now know the flaws and weaknesses of the Padia Alliance!"

"Give children a real, tangible goal, rather than a broad and superficial treasure hunt."

"Although it is nominally free and open, it actually ignores the problem that their minds are not mature at this age."

"I already have a definite direction on how to reform the school's ethos, but I am not the chairman of the board of directors. The chief executive officer is responsible for this matter, and I need to give her a full report."

"Even if the Pokémon League's location doesn't need to be changed, we still need a place that can attract strong players to train, or a place where students can test themselves—a true Champion's Path. Yes, even Galar has such a place, so why don't we establish one?"

"Because we thought that integrating the path to the championship into the academy's activities, without setting a specific location, would allow children to grow at all times, but now it seems that there was actually a problem."

"Sometimes the path to victory is more than just a test; it also possesses a sacredness and a sense of ritual. Humans are creatures that love ritual. In the midst of rigorous battles, we reflect on ourselves, transcend ourselves, and reach a higher level!"

A relaxed treasure hunt atmosphere is certainly great.

But if you want the league to become strong, this kind of laxity won't work!

Xinli suddenly noticed the important point that Guangtai had made earlier:
"Hmm, you mean you're also going to the Road to Champions? Wait, could it be that you're planning to?"

Guangtai nodded: "That's right, I received an invitation from the Unova Champions. I will challenge the Unova League. If I win, I can probably enter the Hall of Fame. Of course, it's okay if I lose; it's also a way for me to grow."

"Hmm, should Padia create something similar? Although I know that establishing a champion-level system is very innovative, you have to understand..."

“I know.” Xin Li smiled and spoke eloquently: “I am, after all, from the City of Tokyo. How could I not know the significance of the Hall of Fame? The honor belongs to you, and your name, along with that of your companions who enter the Hall of Fame, will accompany the world’s progress and be passed down for generations.”

"It seems that some things are indeed handled better by the established leagues. For trainers, the Hall of Fame is their ultimate answer, but before heading to that hall, they will find the real answers to life during their journey."

As for the new Champions Road, if construction does begin, the location could be chosen in the Frostbite Mountains of the Padiya region, or on a nearby island.

Mountains and sea possess powerful symbolic meaning. The highest mountain, the widest sea!

During the conversation between Guangtai and Xinli.

The Light Stone in the backpack emitted a shimmering light.

This is the power of "authenticity"!

To construct ideals and dreams and transform them into a real world—that kind of world truly exists!

He truly deserves to be the hero I chose!
However, ideals are also indispensable in this process.

The Light Stone pondered.

Let's discuss this again in the next dream.

Perhaps, after a debate that has lasted for thousands of years, there is now a tangible result.

(End of this chapter)