Section 133: Sect Operations

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"The Legend of the Master Craftsman" – No Ads

“Oh, you want to learn this craft from me?” The old master looked at Ye Zhong, feeling a surge of interest. Ye Zhong’s earlier demonstration of his proficiency with the Light Armor had earned the old man’s deep respect. Beside him, Heizi watched Ye Zhong with delight. If Ye Zhong stayed, he would have someone to consult—a rare chance, since he had been exploring on his own, receiving no help from his master in this area.

“Yes!” Ye Zhong replied steadily. He had just discussed with Mu and realized that now was not the right time to take the level-five assessment at the sect. The situation outside was undoubtedly tense! Rashly stepping out would be sheer folly.

Ye Zhong’s intuition was correct. The situation outside was indeed extremely tense. Feng Su’s report to the sect detailed the Light Armor’s capabilities and his own speculations, immediately drawing the sect’s high command’s intense attention. Captured members of the Master Craftsmen’s Association confirmed these findings. The sect’s leadership then decreed that this Light Armor, which could potentially revolutionize the power within the Orbital Circle, must be secured at all costs.

All residents of the Orbital Circle were alarmed, sensing a major event unfolding. The sect’s vast authority in Master Craftsmen affairs was fully revealed for the first time. Even amid the chaos, they conducted thorough searches across the area. No one dared defy them. A few rebellious individuals who refused cooperation met grim fates, chilling the onlookers. Such ruthless measures, wielded by the normally mild-mannered sect, made it clear how resolute they were this time. After those few examples, no one dared challenge the sect’s authority again.

For quite some time after, order in the Orbital Circle was so strict it seemed like paradise.

Ye Zhong was unaware of all this. The sect’s searches hadn’t yet reached his district, and he rarely left his home, so he had no way to know.

The old master’s consent delighted the simple-hearted Heizi, who grinned foolishly, as if he himself had been accepted into the fold. Ye Zhong, however, showed no sign of happiness or disappointment—his expression remained calm as ever, which made the old man nod approvingly inwardly. This apprentice would surely become someone of great success.

Ye Zhong began with basic engraving skills. The old master was pleasantly surprised by how quickly he progressed. Basic engraving hinged on precise control of strength—a training that Mu had always emphasized. In this respect, Ye Zhong was unmatched, which explained his rapid advancement.

A piece of tough Qiu bone rested in Ye Zhong’s left hand, his expression focused. With his right hand holding a carving knife, he cut along and across the bone with absolute precision, while his left hand holding the bone remained perfectly still. The old master’s face showed admiration, while Heizi beside Ye Zhong stared unblinkingly at the knife, not daring to breathe. Little Nannan covered her mouth tightly, watching curiously as Ye Zhong’s Qiu bone gradually took shape. Since Ye Zhong became the old man’s apprentice, he spent every day in the underground workshop, with Nannan trailing behind like a shadow.

The hard Qiu bone posed no resistance to Ye Zhong’s carving knife. Each stroke sent bone dust falling in clusters. Ye Zhong gently set down the knife, calm and composed. His left hand held a vividly lifelike Hundred-Biting Mouse — one of the creatures he was most familiar with. Heizi breathed a sigh of relief beside him and excitedly said, “Ha! Brother, you really are a genius. Just a few days in, and you’re already this good!”

At that moment, Shang interrupted in Ye Zhong’s mind with a disdainful tone: “Big deal! You call this genius? What a joke!” Naturally, Ye Zhong ignored Shang’s remarks.

Little Nannan climbed onto the table and snatched the Hundred-Biting Mouse from Ye Zhong’s hand, holding it lovingly.

The old master was very satisfied but showed little expression. “Hmm, barely passed. You still need a lot of practice. Starting today, you’ll learn mechanical engraving!”

After a pause, seeing Ye Zhong’s attention shift to him, the old man continued, “Hand carving is mostly used for small parts or partial sections of larger components. Most of the time, it’s mechanical engraving. Mechanical engraving isn’t difficult—in fact, quite simple. The real challenge lies in mastering the materials, which requires experience. Your daily task now is to familiarize yourself with every type of bone here until you know them inside out. I will teach you to distinguish their differences. This is the essence of being a bone craftsman…”

Suddenly, the wall communication device rang, interrupting the old man’s words. Heizi rushed over, picked it up, and then spoke loudly to the old master, “Master, it’s Uncle Yan!”

The old man frowned slightly. “Hmm, go bring him in.”

Heizi nodded and hurried out.

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The old master muttered softly to himself, “Strange, why would he come now?”

Shortly after, Heizi returned, leading a tall, sturdy man into the room. The man’s features were sharp, his gaze piercing, and every movement radiated power. Ye Zhong’s heart stirred—this was a formidable expert. With his experience, Ye Zhong could tell from the man’s build and demeanor that he was not to be trifled with. He guessed correctly: the man was Yan Bingxuan, the patrol officer of this district.

Upon entering, Yan’s eyes swept the room and showed mild surprise when they landed on Ye Zhong.

Heizi seemed somewhat displeased with Yan and took Little Nannan off to play elsewhere.

The old master spoke, “Xiao Yan, you must have come for some matter this time.” Then, turning to Ye Zhong, “Ye Zi, this is the nearby sect’s patrol officer. He’s a master! Call him Uncle Yan from now on. You’ll rely on him a lot in the future.” Then, back to Yan Bingxuan, “This is my new apprentice, quite skilled in Light Armor. Please take good care of him.”

Yan Bingxuan humbly replied, “Master Ge, you’re too kind! You are the sect’s designated protected person. It is my duty to protect you. As long as it’s within my ability, it’s no problem.” His tone was respectful and pleasant, though these words were more formalities. If he wished, he could easily evade responsibility by claiming something was beyond his capacity.

Ye Zhong then learned the old master’s surname was Ge.

The old man was certainly shrewd and understood the nuances, but he was just speaking casually.

Yan Bingxuan expressed admiration: “I didn’t expect such a young brother to be so highly praised by Master Ge. Your future is boundless!”

Ye Zhong replied calmly, “Not at all. I have much to learn.”

“Xiao Yan, what exactly brings you here this time?” The old master’s patience wore thin with such formalities.

“Don’t you know? Things outside have turned upside down!” Yan said mysteriously.

The old master frowned. “What happened?”

“I heard two people stole something from the sect. The high command is furious. Bad luck struck right here on our planet. All starships to other planets have been grounded. We’re ordered to search every household. The higher-ups just vent their anger; it’s us below who have to do the work!” Yan grumbled, secretly watching the two.

Ye Zhong’s heart leapt. It had to be referring to him and Mu, though accusing them of theft was utterly shameless. Yet Ye Zhong maintained an extremely calm facade. Shang suddenly popped up, urging, “Ye Zi, don’t look too calm. Show some surprise—it’s better!” Hearing this, Ye Zhong gave a slight look of astonishment, fitting the moment perfectly.

The old master was moved. “Someone actually dared to steal from the sect?”

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Seeing both looking composed, Yan relaxed and smiled wryly. “Indeed. These two are reckless. They escaped in Light Armors, but sect forces caught them. One of the four-armed, double-sided Light Armors was damaged. Master Ge, have you ever seen such a strange Light Armor?”

Ye Zhong’s heart skipped, struggling to keep calm.

“Four-armed, double-sided? Such a strange Light Armor? No! If I had seen such a thing, I’d remember!” The old master shook his head. Ye Zhong quietly felt relieved that Heizi and Little Nannan were absent—they had seen Fish before, and if here, they might have given them away on the spot.

“Ah, yes! In such a vast place, finding two people is like searching for a needle in a haystack,” Yan sighed to the old master.

The old master nodded. “Indeed not easy.”

Yan took out a metallic sphere emitting a green glow and apologized, “Master, forgive me for the formality. This is just a routine.”

The old master waved it off, “No problem, that’s expected.” Seeing Ye Zhong’s curiosity about the sphere, he explained, “This is a Life Scan Sphere given to patrol officers. It detects all living things without fail, helping find hidden people or animals. Understand?”

Ye Zhong suddenly understood. “Got it!”

The sphere projected a light screen with five green dots. Yan counted and said with a smile, “Including myself, that’s five people. No worries now! Sorry for disturbing you, Master Ge.”

“No trouble at all,” the old master said lightly.

Yan said, “Since that’s settled, I’ll take my leave.”

“Hei Zi!” the old master called out loudly. Heizi hurried over.

“Take Uncle Yan out! Xiao Yan, I won’t see you off,” the old man said.

Yan hurriedly replied, “No need, Master Ge, you focus on your work!” Then he followed the steps out.

Suddenly, Yan stopped and exclaimed, “Eh?”

Could something have happened? Just as Ye Zhong’s heart began to relax, it leapt up again in alarm!