Chapter 8: Carved Destiny

Shop Manager Xu You squinted, a flash of surprise lighting his gentle eyes.

He examined the rough form of the ‘Four-Armed Bodhisattva Embracing a Child’ as its bold, unrefined lines hinted at an unexpected beauty.

It exuded an air of profound meaning!

Its expression, posture, and aura practically leapt off the piece.

It was as if a kindly, compassionate four-armed Bodhisattva were holding a child with one arm, his eyes half-lidded, one hand performing a passage ritual, the other clutching a pristine jade bottle and a jade ruyi…

Could this truly be the work of a laborer?

Xu You nodded slightly. As manager at Xu Ji’s Wood Carving Shop, he had overseen countless carvings and developed an impeccable taste for the masters’ distinctive styles and techniques.

In Li Che’s Four-Armed Bodhisattva, the carving technique resonates with many of Chen Daba’s signature strokes and flavor!

Astonishing talent indeed!

Li Che never spent a coin on wood carving lessons at the shop, and Chen Daba clearly wouldn’t have taken the time to teach him for free.

In other words, Li Che is entirely self-taught!

By day he hauled wood and finished statues at the shop, and by night he returned home to carve—managing to reach such heights with only his nighttime hours.

“The carving lines and finish have a few flaws, but what truly counts is the depth of meaning! Xiao Li’s rendition of the Four-Armed Bodhisattva brims with life—it’s a natural gift!”

Chen Daba chomped in astonishment, snapping back to attention upon noticing Manager Xu You’s arrival.

“Indeed, the true essence of wood carving lies in capturing its spirit. Without that, no matter how fine the technique, it’s merely a block of wood,” Xu You replied approvingly.

“A promising talent, for sure. Li Che’s technique isn’t bad at all; although he lacks some of the masters’ polish, he’s far ahead of the apprentices…”

“At Xu Ji’s, it seems we’re on the brink of discovering a prodigy.”

Xu You’s smile brightened, his expression radiating genuine delight.

“Xu Ji’s Wood Carving Shop holds its top spot in Feilei City not just thanks to the Xu family but primarily due to our carvings’ soul. They even help the city’s youth refine and extract divine essence…”

“For a talent so naturally gifted in capturing the soul of wood, we will certainly nurture him well!”

Xu You crossed his arms, watching Li Che’s carving in quiet appraisal.

From the meticulous way the carving knife tore into the wood to the deepening spirit that emerged as he worked, Xu You had already reached his conclusion.

Li Che, too, sensed Xu You’s presence and judgment.

His heart skipped a beat. Even after reigning in his technique, his work still towered above that of the regular apprentices…

His first attempt still whispered of inexperience.

Yet judging by the manager’s reaction, his future as a woodcarver was secure!

Four time segments passed quietly amidst the soft, slicing sound of the carving knife cleaving the wood.

Then—

A burst of sound, like a copper gong shattering, exploded in the room!

Second Manager Xu Beihu, who had been seated in an ornate chair sipping tea, suddenly sprang up, his imposing presence releasing a wild surge of energy.

“Time’s up! Everyone, stop your work!”

“Assessment complete!”

“If I catch anyone still carving, your spot is canceled and your score voided!”

His commanding, rough voice carried an air of absolute authority.

All the apprentices froze; many trembled as they glanced at Xu Beihu, whose piercing gaze swept the room like a predator.

Li Che also set down his rubbing tool, ceasing his polishing of the Four-Armed Bodhisattva, and let out a long, regretful sigh.

Just a moment more and the entire statue would have been finished.

Manager Xu You and Second Manager Xu Beihu, accompanied by several master carvers, began critiquing the apprentices’ work.

Their assessments were not harsh but balanced and fair.

Only those who produced a mere, unformed block over four time segments faced scathing reproach.

Chen Daba, eyes narrowed, trailed behind the group until he reached Li Che’s station and looked upon the emerging form of the Four-Armed Bodhisattva rising from a bed of wood shavings.

Many master carvers couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

“Remarkable! A laborer who wields a carving knife with such masterful precision!”

“The apprentices I trained have all fallen short in comparison!”

“A fine talent indeed. Though he never had proper training, his innate skill more than compensates for a late start. I’d even wager his work could be claimed as that of Master San Dao!”

……

Praises flowed from every corner.

Manager Xu You smiled warmly at Li Che, his eyes sparkling as he nodded, “Not bad.”

Li Che cupped his hands in a respectful salute, his face calm and unbowed by the flattery.

The group continued their appraisal and soon completed their evaluations.

“Li Che, Zhao Xuan, and Wang Zhengpin, your carvings have truly stood out. You are hereby granted the title of One-Blade Wood Carver, with a monthly pay of five taels and a 60% share.”

At the mere utterance of the three names, the shop erupted into a buzz of murmurs.

When the final results were announced, many apprentices felt crestfallen; some stood in shock, others shed tears…

Years of rigorous study had ultimately been outdone by a laborer’s talent, leaving many disheartened.

Within the humble confines of the shop, the gamut of human emotions was vividly displayed.

“You three, follow me.”

Manager Xu You and Xu Beihu donned fox capes as their gazes swept over the three successful apprentices.

Li Che and the other two hurriedly followed, stepping into the howling blizzard as they ventured deeper into the courtyard.

They passed through a long corridor into a spacious courtyard that resembled a leveled training ground, dotted with snow-covered stone stools and practice poles among other martial apparatus.

“This area serves as the training ground for the Outer City branch of Xu Ji’s Wood Carving Shop. As certified woodcarvers, you’re one of us. From now on, you may enter with your One-Blade Wood Carver’s ‘Jade Talisman Blade’ to train and strengthen your skills for higher mastery.”

Amid the swirling snow, they stood determined in the courtyard.

After distributing three jade knives, Xu You stood with crossed arms while Second Manager Xu Beihu began to speak.

“I will handle your martial arts training. Each month, I’ll devote two days in the Outer City. If you have any questions about martial arts, you may come to me.”

Xu Beihu’s voice boomed like a bell as he stood robustly in the blizzard, not a speck of snow clinging to him.

Li Che and the others promptly responded in unison.

“Now, let’s talk about the Way of War…”

“Martial cultivation is divided into three branches: Body Refinement Technique, Inner Strength Technique, and… Divine Essence Technique.”

“Divine Essence Technique is beyond your reach. While everyone can practice Body Refinement, Inner Strength Technique relies more on innate talent and time.”

“I’ll teach you Body Refinement now. As for Inner Strength Technique, once your Body Refinement reaches the necessary level, I’ll pass it on for you to try.”

Xu Beihu explained calmly.

He then began detailing Body Refinement—essentially enduring grueling practice and using various tools to polish oneself. Every piece of equipment in this training area served that very purpose.

“Body Refinement involves softening the skin, opening the muscles, tempering bones, and transforming blood into a mercurial substance. Only then can one be considered a true master! Extremely few achieve the advanced state of blood transformation.”

“Once you begin the skin-softening phase, every half month you may collect a bowl of ‘Boiling Skin Powder.’ If that isn’t sufficient, you can purchase extra portions for a tael of silver each to accelerate your progress.”

……

Xu Beihu taught with unwavering focus, and Li Che listened intently.

It was his first encounter with worldly martial arts. He dared not slack off, for the looming threat of the Spirit Infant Cult Leader hung over him like a sword.

Training in martial arts would bolster his ability to confront the Spirit Infant Cult Leader, leaving no room for complacency.

As darkness completely cloaked the sky,

Xu Beihu finally concluded the day’s lessons.

Tomorrow, he would remain in the Outer City for another day, continuing the martial training.

“Disperse now and absorb all the martial teachings I’ve shared today. Tomorrow, we begin the skin-softening training in earnest.”

Xu Beihu said gravely, waving his hand as he turned and departed.

Yet Li Che lingered; he sought out Manager Xu You to inquire about relocation matters.

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