Azure Cloud Mountain, Jixia School, Starry Observation Deck.
As Qi Xingwen and Zhu Youji completed their paintings, the intertwined forces of their artistic intent began to dissipate, merging into their respective works. The figures of both scholars reappeared in the students' view under the light of the sky mirror.
"Who will win?"
"Master Qi? Or that mysterious great Confucian?"
"It should be Master Qi! He's used the Northern Dipper, it's hard to imagine him losing."
"Indeed, the Northern Dipper is one of the top star formations in the northern skies."
A few scholars within the academy whispered among themselves, their words filled with confidence in Qi Xingwen.
After all, Qi Xingwen was a teacher at the Jixia School, a renowned scholar with great prestige across the land. His accomplishments in painting, especially in the field of Danqing, ranked among the top three in the entire academy.