The world inside the mirror is very quiet.

So quiet that only the footsteps of two people can be heard.

Perhaps it's because the surroundings are all mirrors, time and space seem to stretch infinitely, becoming longer and larger.

Ethan felt a little lost as to how long he had been walking.

Maybe ten minutes, maybe twenty.

Pupol stopped, then waved his hand as if opening a door.

The next moment, they stepped into another world again.

This place was still surrounded by countless mirrors, but it was different. There were furnishings, tables and chairs, drinks, and food.

Just like in the mirror world, even the tables and chairs seemed to be made of mirrors; as you approached, you saw more reflections of yourself.

"Have a seat, people aren't here yet. Would you like something to drink first?"

Pupol acted very casually, as if he were at home. He casually picked up a bottle of wine, opened it, poured two glasses, and handed one to Ethan.

Ethan took it, took a sip, and nodded slightly. He was in the private liquor business and was quite knowledgeable about alcohol.

The bottle of wine in Pupol's hand would probably fetch an astonishing market price.

"Who are coming today?"

"All good friends."

Hearing Pupol say this, Ethan didn't ask further.

By the time he finished his drink, people finally started arriving.

The first to arrive was a man around fifty years old, with a big beard and a kindly face.

Actually, Ethan had no clear impression of his face; it was the big beard that stood out.

This was a signature beard; Ethan had recently been paying special attention to art magazines and newspapers, and that beard left a strong impression.

This man with the beard was named Andy Pollock, the chairman of the Kingdom Artists Association, and a famous artist known for his experimental paintings, sharing similar ideas with Pupol.

"Hey, Pu Bo, you got here early, oh, is this our new friend? Ethan, hello, Ethan, I'm Andy."

The man with the beard greeted Ethan proactively.

"Hello Andy, I really like your 'Bird that Doesn't Land', a very unique perspective."

Ethan did his homework well. He explored many famous contemporary artists and remembered their masterpieces distinctly.

"Oh, thank you, your surrealism is my love too. We can discuss it in depth later."

Andy seemed very pleased that Ethan mentioned his proud work.

As Andy arrived, others also arrived one after another.

All were key figures of the Kingdom's art scene, well-known and reputable.

Pupol had practically brought half of the Royal Capital's art circle over.

And more importantly, all these people, without exception, were true-name holders.

World Reflectors.

This made Ethan feel a bit out of place.

"Then, shall we admire Pupol's masterpiece?"

After everyone had arrived, Andy spoke with a raised glass.

"Of course, Pu Bo, come on, let's have our eyes opened."

Someone echoed the sentiment.

"It's my honor."

Pupol slightly bowed, then gently twisted his hand, as if inviting an exquisite beauty to appear, reaching towards those revolving mirrors.

The next moment.

All the mirrors displayed an image, a distorted human face.

But on closer inspection, it seemed not to be a human face, but a barren, desolate land, yellowed, parched, exhausted, cracked.

Pupol's work was characteristically imaginative and strange, but this painting gave an immediate impression of life force nearing exhaustion.

Everyone silently appreciated the artwork, and after a while, Andy led the applause.

"Pupol, it seems your trip to the central region was very fruitful. This painting... it has a sense of compassion your previous works didn't have."

Andy remarked with some emotion.

"You hit the nail on the head, it is a sense of compassion. In fact, it's thanks to Ethan. I got the inspiration after seeing his 'Orphans of Saint Kuanti', Ethan, say a few words, what do you think of my painting?"

With Pupol's words, not just him, but everyone turned their gaze to Ethan.

It was an enormous, intangible pressure.

Ethan felt it; this was the reason he had come today.

"Do you really want me to speak?"

"Go ahead, I'm not afraid, even if you criticize me like the newspapers, I'm not afraid."

Pupol seemed to make a joke.

Others laughed too, but the atmosphere was still off.

"Alright then, just like I said in the newspaper, art is not the exclusive property of an individual or certain people. Art can come from anything, the sky, the earth, people, war, pain, famine, poverty. When conditions are ripe, everyone is an artist and everything is art."

Ethan paused, then continued.

"Just like your painting, the truly good part is the person you depicted and this land. They are what give your painting a soul. So it's not that you've painted well; you've recorded well. Just like my painting, it's that child who gave it a soul. Essentially, we are just recording the reality, the suffering." After Ethan finished speaking, applause rang out once more.

"Well said, Ethan, very well said. When I read the newspaper, I already agreed with your views, and now, I agree even more."

These words were spoken by Andy.

From the beginning, they never mentioned the newspaper, but now it seemed that perhaps half of today's gathering stemmed from the newspaper.

Afterward, it was as if these people confirmed something, their eyes turned to Pupol.

Pupol extended his hand to Ethan, saying, "Then, welcome, Ethan, welcome to join us, join... the Mirror Gallery Art Society."

Ethan looked at Pupol; this was the second time.

First came the test, then the invitation.

"Do I... fit in?"

"Of course, why wouldn't you? Your ideas are advanced, your art is astounding, you're perfect for us."

Pupol's hand remained outstretched.

Actually, when Ethan asked if he fit in, there was another reason; all these people were World Reflector true-names.

He was not.

The Mirror Gallery Art Society, this organization...

But at this point, Ethan thought about it; joining them posed no immediate harm and offered huge advantages for his upcoming personal exhibition.

Then... why not?

"Then I shall gladly accept."

Ethan grasped Pupol's hand and stood with them.

"Come, let's raise our glasses and welcome our new member, another outstanding talent."

Andy led everyone to raise their glasses once more.

In the surrounding mirrors, Pupol's painting had already faded away, and the figures of the crowd were reflected inside, as if this moment was being recorded.

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