107. A Shameless and Unprincipled Scoundrel

Eyebrow ink has never had a fixed formula. It can be made with oil soot ink or soot from burned willow twigs; naturally, it can also be made using indigo powder, though the method varies slightly depending on the raw materials used.

When it came time to select the ink materials, both Feng Lizhi and Mo Geyi stepped forward as the assistants brought out various substances. Although they were crafting the same type of eyebrow ink, there was no restriction on their choice of ingredients.

Without hesitation, Mo Geyi chose soot ink primarily made from oil soot—no surprise there, as Gu Fei had expected this choice; it was hardly unexpected.

Feng Lizhi, however, hesitated for a moment before the indigo powder and soot from burned willow twigs. In the end, he decisively selected the indigo powder.

Gu Fei sighed silently, knowing full well Feng Lizhi’s intention. Since this was a contest of ink-making, naturally he wouldn’t choose the same raw materials as Mo Geyi. Indigo powder was the most difficult to work with—it required considerable effort just to process the initial powder, and the combination of ingredients for ear ink was different from usual methods. Yet Feng Lizhi deliberately chose the most challenging material, driven by a proud spirit and a desire to showcase the distinctiveness of their techniques.

He approached this ink contest with sincerity, yet he remained completely unaware that Mo Geyi had never taken it seriously from start to finish.

This had long been a contest without any chance of victory or meaning.

Both men began making their ink. Mo Geyi’s attendant neatly tied back his long sleeves and gathered up his loose hair. His handsome face quickly grew focused; an aura of solemnity radiated from him, causing hearts to flutter involuntarily.

In contrast, Feng Lizhi rolled up his sleeves himself, carefully sieving the indigo powder to remove impurities, then placed it in a mortar. He added an appropriate amount of water, grinding and mixing repeatedly before adding more water and gently stirring.

Gu Fei watched his practiced movements, her tension easing slightly. She knew Mo Geyi hadn’t tampered with his materials during this stage. The only chance to interfere would be after the ink cakes were formed, during the one or two days of drying—then she could prepare accordingly.

Both men were outstanding. Though their raw materials, ink-making skills, and hammering methods differed, their unwavering concentration and seriousness were the same.

Watching this, Gu Fei couldn’t help but admire Mo Geyi’s dedication. Despite other matters, when it came to making ink, he gave it his all, never slacking or looking down on an opponent he might consider inferior.

In fact, this was one of the most essential qualities of a master ink-maker: no matter the circumstances, the moment their tools touched the ink, their minds became undistracted.

For a time, the audience fell silent. Only the sound of tools clinking and tapping echoed—irregular but pleasantly melodic.

Gu Fei pondered, her almond-shaped eyes narrowing with calculation. After a moment, she waved to Ku Ma and whispered a few words.

Ku Ma nodded repeatedly, then called over Bailu to relay Gu Fei’s instructions. As for herself, since they were in a crowded place, she could not leave Gu Fei’s side for even a step.

The sun grew fiercer. It was already September here in Yizhou, and near midday, the heat still felt oppressive.

Perhaps due to her constitution, while those around her had fine beads of sweat dampening their temples, Gu Fei remained dry. Her hands, when touched, felt cool like jade—exquisitely comfortable.

“Bang, bang, bang…” A steady rhythm of hammering began.

On the stage, Mo Geyi had reached the stage of pounding the ink cake. Holding a wooden hammer, he began striking with practiced ease and swift movements. Each blow seemed to cast shimmering light and shadow; the simple wooden hammer in his hands seemed to transform into a peerless sword, dazzling all who watched.

The noise startled Feng Lizhi into pausing. He stared unblinkingly at Mo Geyi’s movements, then suddenly turned to Gu Fei with a look of surprise.

He had seen Gu Fei use the Mo family’s Thousand Pound Hammer technique before, but now he realized Mo Geyi was using it in exactly the same way.

Previously, he had been puzzled by Gu Fei’s unique hammering style. Though its name was unknown, any discerning observer could see it was extraordinary and involved personal secrets, so he had never asked her about it.

But today, seeing it mirrored perfectly in Mo Geyi’s hands spoke volumes.

Gu Fei’s face remained expressionless, as if unaware of Feng Lizhi’s gaze, her focus entirely on Mo Geyi. Though both employed the Thousand Pound Hammer technique, the effect was different.

As a man, Mo Geyi had the advantage of strength, so his hammering exuded overwhelming force. Gu Fei, however, emphasized finesse. Lacking brute strength during forging, she compensated with skillfulness, making her version of the technique more graceful and subtle.

The audience below clicked their tongues in admiration, thrilled to witness the direct display of the Mo family’s heir’s signature skill.

Meanwhile, Feng Lizhi had gathered himself to begin his own ink-making. After the complex processing of the indigo powder, he added other ingredients and fragrant flowers for flavoring, then employed the Feng family’s Hundred-Change Willow Whisk Hammer technique.

Unlike the Thousand Pound Hammer, the Hundred-Change Willow Whisk, as its name implies, emphasizes “countless variations.” Its use of force is gentle yet continuous, like a willow branch swaying softly.

Ink cakes made with this method are light and delicate, their color bright and lively, like a young maiden in the prime of youth.

They were perfectly suited for making eyebrow ink.

“Clang clang clang…” The hammering sounded like a steady rain on a drum, precise and solid, pounding firmly on the still-forming ink cake.

Mo Geyi didn’t miss the chance to observe. Having just placed his own ink cake into the mold, he now had time to scrutinize Feng Lizhi’s movements closely.

His eyes sharp and discerning, he quickly deduced various points from Feng Lizhi’s posture, combining them with his own insights before adapting them into his own technique.

It must be said, though Mo Geyi’s sensitivity was not as refined as Gu Fei’s, he was still a genius in ink-making.

Everyone was delighted to witness two extraordinary hammering styles side by side.

Soon, Feng Lizhi’s ink cake was placed into the mold. The moment the mold was sealed, Mo Geyi’s applause rang out—

“The Feng family’s Hundred-Change Willow Whisk technique truly lives up to its reputation!”

Feng Lizhi looked up calmly, washing the black ink off his hands. After drying them casually, he replied without a ripple of emotion, “It cannot compare to the Mo family’s Thousand Pound Hammer technique. You flatter me, young Mo.”

With that, he handed the ink molds to the attendant, who placed them on a tray and brought both Mo Geyi’s and Feng Lizhi’s molds before the five ink judges.

“This contest ends here. After the ink is retrieved tomorrow, a final decision will be made,” the announcer declared loudly, signaling the attendants to deliver the molds to the ink chamber for drying under the watchful eyes of all.

The room was well-ventilated and kept cool by attendants fanning continuously, allowing the ink cakes to dry quickly.

Mo Geyi returned to his seat, smiling with a hint of mischief. His eyes gleamed sharply. “Fei sister, who do you think will win this contest?”

Gu Fei did not wish to answer such a meaningless question. She glanced at him once, then turned her gaze to the open space where a group of elegant maidservants was carrying in rows of tables, neatly arranged for the upcoming ink cake display.

Speaking of which, Gu Fei recalled how she had destroyed over fifty of Mo Geyi’s ink cakes, and shot him a sharp look. “Tell me, big brother, what kind of ink cakes will you dazzle us with this time?”

Mo Geyi winced as if she had struck a sore spot. He knew well it was Gu Fei who had caused the earlier destruction, but lacking concrete evidence, he could only grumble, “Thanks to sister, I won’t join the crowd!”

His words were bitter, as if he wanted to devour her alive.

Gu Fei covered her mouth with her sleeve, laughing softly with a teasing glint in her eyes, her beauty reminiscent of blooming peaches. “Such a pity…”

Mo Geyi laughed along, his noble aura sharpening instantly.

Their exchanges were like a duel of words, each parrying and striking with verbal swords, creating a battlefield of sharp wit.

Had they come to blows, bloodshed would surely have followed.

Meanwhile, a small workshop’s ink master brought his ink cakes to claim a table, soon joined by others. Their ink cakes varied in color—deep black, vermilion, dark blue—and in shape—round, square, flat, or long—each unique and dazzling.

The five ink judges of the Ink Merchants’ Guild immediately rose and examined the rows of ink cakes in order, listening to the masters’ explanations and offering fair evaluations.

Their judgments would determine the third stage—whether these ink cakes would be deemed worthy by influential families, especially with Mo Geyi of the capital’s Mo family present.

If they caught the eye of the Mo family, it would mean instant fame.

After the judges finished, the attendees were free to inspect the ink cakes up close. Gu Fei ignored Mo Geyi, signaling Ku Ma to wheel her forward. Starting from the nearest table, she casually viewed the ink cakes.

During this, Feng Lizhi approached. He glanced at Mo Geyi, who sat motionless with eyes half-closed, then at Gu Fei, hesitating to speak.

Gu Fei already knew what he wanted to ask. As she moved forward, examining the ink cakes, she whispered, “Lizhi, do you trust me?”

Feng Lizhi nodded. “Of course, I do.”

Gu Fei leaned close to a flat, dark blue ink cake. She sniffed it, discerning the blend of ingredients, and her eyes brightened slightly. “I once stayed at the Mo family’s estate in the capital…”

“Ten years…” Feng Lizhi interrupted softly.

Hearing this, Feng Lizhi was momentarily stunned. He studied Gu Fei’s jade-like face, then quickly composed himself, smiling. “Understood.”

Nothing more was said.

Gu Fei’s smile was gentle and different from when she faced Mo Geyi—it reached her eyes, warming them slightly.

The two of them continued examining the ink cakes together. Just as they were debating the makeup of one ink cake, a harsh, discordant voice cut through sharply like a duck’s quack.

“Is that you? Who let you participate in the grand ceremony? Such a shameless thief of others’ formulas is not welcome in the guild!”

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PS: The third update is delayed; Aji will add it later.

Dear friends, just to inform you, tomorrow’s first update will be postponed to 3 p.m. Because I’m exhausted and can’t write more at this time.