"This disciple has only just joined the Artisan Hall, and seeing the exquisite craftsmanship of the senior brothers fills me with admiration," Su Zhe said, bowing respectfully toward Sun Tiexin. "I feel like a mayfly glimpsing the vast heavens. My yearning for the path of craftsmanship has only grown stronger."
The disciples of the Artisan Hall, hearing Su Zhe’s heartfelt words, exchanged looks of approval.
This junior brother...
He seems to be a genuine artisan, unwavering in his pursuit of the craft. Such sincerity would make him quite likable within the Artisan Hall, where straightforwardness and dedication to craftsmanship were valued above all. Those with impure intentions found no place here.
“Hmm, not bad. Guo Ju, you’ve done well with this recruitment task.” Sun Tiexin nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Su Zhe. “Though I didn’t meet you yesterday, I was observing. Damn it, you’ve done well!”
Sun Tiexin’s sudden vulgarity contrasted with his stern demeanor, but it earned a laugh from the gathered disciples. Guo Ju, standing beside Su Zhe, received a nod of acknowledgment. He had dutifully reported every detail of Su Zhe’s arrival and conduct—modest, diligent, and kind, even giving out dried fish as gifts.
Despite Su Zhe’s humble beginnings, he was earnest and hardworking. Yet Sun Tiexin sighed inwardly. This boy’s aptitude is somewhat lacking. Although he bore the “Beastly Aspect” physique—a rare talent—Sun Tiexin couldn't help but hope Su Zhe might fulfill his unyielding aspirations.
My first disciple, Guo Ju, is diligent but lacks natural brilliance, his craft weighed down by practicality. My second disciple, Xiao Xunhuan, is talented in both aptitude and comprehension but is a rogue at heart. Now, this third disciple... Sun Tiexin sighed again, his hopes resting heavily on Su Zhe.
"Junior Brother, I apologize for not welcoming you personally yesterday," Xiao Xunhuan’s voice broke the silence. The long-haired youth, holding an enormous block of black iron, looked up with a charming smile. His striking features and effortless grace were in stark contrast to his current predicament—kneeling on the ground as punishment.
"Su Zhe greets Senior Brother Xiao!" Su Zhe quickly returned the gesture, struggling to suppress a chuckle. He had already heard of Xiao Xunhuan's infamous reputation.
"Enough!" Sun Tiexin bellowed, his bull-like eyes glaring fiercely. “Yesterday, you spent the night at the Yuanyang Pavilion and had to be carried back drunk by a servant! If you dare corrupt your junior brother, I’ll break your legs—all three of them!”
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With a thunderous roar, Sun Tiexin crushed a nearby block of black iron into powder with his bare hands. The sheer display of strength left everyone, Su Zhe included, awestruck.
This... this power...
In Su Zhe’s previous life on Blue Star, such a feat would be akin to a superhero’s might. Swallowing his shock, Su Zhe silently vowed to tread carefully under such a master.
“Guo Ju, fetch his stipends from the Hall of Internal Affairs. Everyone else, get back to work! If I catch anyone slacking, there will be consequences.” Sun Tiexin’s voice carried a weight that left no room for disobedience.
"Yes, Master!" the disciples chorused before dispersing.
"Today, I will impart some foundational teachings to my junior brother,” Sun Tiexin declared, glancing meaningfully at Su Zhe. "Pay attention and learn what it means to be a mentor."
With a swift kick, he sent Xiao Xunhuan stumbling forward. Xiao Xunhuan, unperturbed, stood up with a grin. “Master, rest assured. I’ll be the most exemplary senior brother,” he said cheekily, following behind.
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As they walked, Sun Tiexin began to explain the fundamentals of martial cultivation. Su Zhe listened intently, absorbing every word.
“In the martial path, progression is divided into nine grades. The first grade, the Blood Condensation Realm, involves refining vital energy into blood essence. Second-grade Bone Tempering strengthens the body’s 206 bones, forming the foundation for Martial Bones. Third-grade Inner Strength channels energy back into the Dantian, cultivating the seed of inner strength...”
Sun Tiexin’s insights flowed effortlessly, each point illuminating the complex interplay of martial advancement. Su Zhe’s understanding of this new world deepened significantly.
He also learned more about his fellow disciples. Guo Ju had already reached the third grade, while Xiao Xunhuan, despite his wayward nature, was at the peak of the second grade. The Ironwork Guild’s three leaders, including Sun Tiexin, were all at the pinnacle of the third grade, making them forces to be reckoned with.
"Master, with your skill and status, any power in Tang Prefecture would welcome you with open arms. Why stay here, where your talents are underappreciated?" Xiao Xunhuan interjected; his tone indignant.
“Silence!” Sun Tiexin snapped, his glare silencing the outspoken disciple.
But Su Zhe couldn’t ignore the mention of "Treasure Arts." His heart raced. So, it’s true. Treasure Arts are the key to breaking through!
Feigning curiosity, Su Zhe asked, “Master, what are Treasure Arts? How do they differ from ordinary techniques?”
Sun Tiexin didn’t hold back. “Martial techniques are classified into Ordinary, Treasure, and Spirit Arts, each further divided into superior, intermediate, and inferior levels. For a martial artist to break through from the third grade to the fourth, Treasure Arts are essential for opening the meridians. My Bull-Crushing Hammer, despite its power, is merely an advanced Ordinary Art. Without Treasure Arts, my path forward is blocked.”
Hearing this, Su Zhe’s palms grew clammy. The Treasure Art I obtained... it’s a blessing and a curse. If others discover it, my life will be in jeopardy.
"Master, rest assured," Su Zhe said, masking his unease with sincerity. "One day, I will find a Treasure Art to aid your breakthrough."
Sun Tiexin laughed heartily, unaware of the storm brewing in Su Zhe’s heart. The Treasure Art he possessed was no ordinary prize—it was a magnet for chaos.