Volume One: The Solitary Beta Test Chapter Eighteen: Shearing Away, a Splendid Spring Unfolds

With Lin Feng’s explanation, Lin Zhen’s mouth formed a great, round ‘O’ of astonishment. Not yet forty, he was already showing signs of paralysis. The thunderous events Lin Feng had summoned the night before still played out vividly before Lin Zhen’s eyes—as soon as he closed them, those scenes danced across his mind’s canvas.

Lin Feng’s words had shaken him to his core.

If everyone in the Lin family possessed such supernatural abilities, what need had they to fear bandits, or the Wang family? Even if their enemies multiplied a hundredfold, they would not be a match. And those notorious pirates? Dealing with them would be as simple as a casual meal. If such power were used to form a force, who under heaven could stand against it?

The thought filled Lin Zhen with excitement; his face flushed red, and his eyes sparkled. Though it was midsummer, his body trembled as if it were winter.

His reaction was certainly an overstatement, but it was understandable. People of that era were limited by the knowledge of their time. To someone from a highly advanced technological society, what Lin Feng had performed last night would be nothing more than a rudimentary fireworks show; the gunpowder he had hastily concocted was far less potent than Lin Zhen imagined.

“Uncle... Uncle...” Lin Feng supported Lin Zhen as he called out.

“Ah... I lost my composure!” Lin Zhen roused himself from his shock. “Feng’er, you are truly a rare genius through the ages! Tell me, could you first pass this method on to me? I am eager to deal with those villains at once and rescue my elder brother.”

Lin Feng led Lin Zhen to a chair, and after they were seated, said, “Uncle, though the heavenly thunder has been rendered ordinary, it is not quite as miraculous as you imagine. It still requires certain mundane materials. Once transformed, the thunder becomes tangible, and is extremely dangerous; we’ll need something to contain it. That container must be crafted by skilled artisans.”

“Oh, I was too hasty,” Lin Zhen replied with some embarrassment.

“By the way, Second Uncle, why are there so many carpenters in our town, yet so few blacksmiths?” Lin Feng inquired.

“The people here mostly make their living by fishing, so there are many boats, and repairs are always needed after each trip out to sea. That’s why there are so many carpenters. There are fewer farmers, so there’s less need for farming tools, and thus fewer blacksmiths,” Lin Zhen explained patiently.

Lin Feng nodded thoughtfully. “Second Uncle, did you tell them to come to our house this afternoon?”

“I did. When we parted ways at the temple, I told them to come by after they’d tidied up at home. If they live close by, they might already be here,” Lin Zhen replied.

Hearing that the artisans might have arrived, Lin Feng quickly took a rolled paper from the porcelain jar by the table. “Uncle, let’s go find them and look at this drawing I have,” he said, pulling Lin Zhen along before he could even respond.

“What drawing?” Lin Zhen asked as they walked.

“You’ll see soon enough,” Lin Feng replied, not slowing his pace.

As they stepped out of Lin Feng’s small courtyard, they indeed saw two middle-aged men, both around forty, sitting at a stone table beneath a large tree, chatting. Beside them were two carrying poles, presumably containing their tools. The bearded one was busy fiddling with a bamboo pipe.

Seeing Lin Feng and Lin Zhen approach, both men hurriedly stood and came over, kneeling as they greeted in unison, “We pay our respects to the Immortal, and to Master Lin!”

“Please, there’s no need for such ceremony. Please rise!” Lin Feng quickly helped the two carpenters up. “It is we who have kept you waiting; we ask your forgiveness.”

He clasped his fists in a salute, though he found such ancient gestures cumbersome. Yet, as this was now a part of daily life, he had no choice but to adapt.

The two carpenters, seeing Lin Feng salute them, were flattered and hastily returned the gesture. “Immortal, you honor us too much. To be summoned by you is fortune enough for three lifetimes. How could we possibly complain?”

“This morning, Master Lin notified all the town’s craftsmen to gather here this afternoon. May we ask what the Immortal requires of us?” the bearded carpenter asked respectfully.

“There is indeed an important matter for which I need the town’s craftsmen. Since you two arrived first, let’s have a look at the drawing I’ve brought. Please, follow me.”

Without further explanation, Lin Feng led the curious Lin Zhen and the two carpenters to the stone table. He unrolled his paper on the tabletop and pointed at the drawing. “Gentlemen, do you recognize this object?”

All three bent over to study the drawing, but none replied at once—they did not immediately recognize what Lin Feng had sketched.

The bearded carpenter rotated the paper a few times, tracing the lines with his finger as he pondered. “Immortal, this drawing looks familiar, as though I’ve seen something like it before,” he mused after a while.

“Oh? Then please, tell us what comes to mind,” Lin Feng encouraged with interest.

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The object in the drawing was sketched from images Lin Feng had seen back at “Ferry University.” Whether it would be practical when built remained to be seen, but it was fortunate indeed if someone here had seen its like.

The old carpenter scrutinized the drawing further, eyes suddenly lighting up. “Yes, I remember now! There’s a similar illustration in our family’s ancestral book, the ‘Compendium of Master Lu Ban’.”

“The ‘Compendium of Master Lu Ban’? Are you certain?” Lin Feng’s heart skipped a beat.

The ‘Compendium of Master Lu Ban’ was said to have been written by Gongshu Ban during the Spring and Autumn Period—the first man to conquer the skies with mechanical birds, able to make them fly for three days without falling. He had invented many military devices and was a legend among engineers in the age of cold steel.

Most importantly, he was revered as the patriarch of all Chinese carpenters, and many of the tools he invented were still in use even in Lin Feng’s previous era.

Lin Feng had once met traditional craftsmen in the countryside who spoke of this book, and had even witnessed some masters perform the secret art known as the “Lu Ban Curse.” At first, he thought it was nothing more than a magician’s trick, but after being tricked and also benefiting from it a few times, he came to respect the mysterious skill, which science could not yet explain.

According to the old masters, such secrets were never shared lightly. Yet, after Lin Feng gifted more than a dozen roosters, pleaded and pestered, one master was moved enough to teach him a basic secret art—the Shadow Shears.

But what were the Shadow Shears, and what use were they?

The master did not explain, only smiled mysteriously and told Lin Feng to practice on others. When his skill was sufficient, he would know the effect.

Back at school, Lin Feng would practice on classmates, teachers, and even the security guard. But he never uncovered the secret of the Shadow Shears.

One dull day during self-study, Lin Feng used the Shadow Shears on his cousin, who was drawing a map on the blackboard to show off her expertise—and almost got a nosebleed from the result!

Now, hearing mention of that very book, Lin Feng was understandably excited. If he could obtain it and recreate the marvels within, he could build an ancient army equipped with advanced technology—who in the world would be his match?

More importantly, there might be other secrets inside, like the Shadow Shears—a skill, once acquired by a man, that left him itching to use it daily.

Busy since his arrival in this world, Lin Feng had almost forgotten he possessed such a secret method. Now, remembering the Shadow Shears, he silently recited the incantation and tried it on Lu Dash, the old carpenter.

Suddenly, beneath Lu Dash’s coarse clothes, Lin Feng could clearly see the dense hair on his chest.

“Mama mia! It works here too!” Lin Feng was overjoyed.

Now that he was in the Han Dynasty and possessed the Shadow Shears, his prospects were limitless—a radiant future lay ahead!

At the thought, Lin Feng’s mind began to wander.

“Yes, indeed. Our family has been carpenters for generations, and the book has been passed down as an heirloom. Many things in it aren’t used in daily life, so I haven’t read it in years. It’s currently enshrined on our family altar,” the old carpenter replied earnestly, as if speaking of a priceless treasure.

“May I ask your honorable name, Master?” Lin Zhen asked, seeing Lin Feng lost in thought.

The old carpenter stood and replied, “I dare not. My name is Lu Dash.”

Lin Feng, just finishing his daydream, couldn’t help but smile slyly at the name—Lu Dash, which sounded suspiciously like “Master Stroker” to his modern ear. Could this be the ancestor of all later generations of bachelors and otaku?

After all, many night school students at “Ferry University” adored courses in this particular craft, some so enthralled that nightly classes left them utterly spent.

And our daydreaming Immortal Lin had also taken such electives; vivid memories of those intriguing lessons now floated in his mind.

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Seeing that Master Lu had introduced himself but Lin Feng was still distracted, Lin Zhen picked up the paper from the table, waved it, and raised his voice, “Immortal, would you explain the use of this object?”

“Oh!” Lin Feng came to himself and, after a brief pause, said, “I just noticed that there are some missing details in the drawing and was thinking about how to complete it. Forgive me for the delay. By the way, Master Lu, does your ancestry have any connection to Gongshu Ban?”

He couldn’t understand why he was so easily distracted today.

Lin Zhen’s actions were obvious enough; clearly, all three had noticed Lin Feng’s absentmindedness. Lin Feng could only sweat inwardly.

Upon hearing the name Gongshu Ban, Lu Dash’s face filled with reverence. “The Immortal studies with such devotion—how could we feel slighted? To be honest, Gongshu Ban is my ancestor. Our family is a branch of his line, said to have crossed the sea to this remote land to escape the chaos before the Qin Dynasty. But here, among wild and fierce tribes, we suffered for generations, and now only my bloodline remains.

“Imagine the glory of our ancestors—yet I, a foolish descendant, have wasted our family’s heritage. Now I can only eke out a living repairing fishing boats, bringing shame to those who came before me,” the old carpenter finished, hanging his head low in shame.

“Brother Lu, there’s no need for such regret. It’s those cursed foreign tribes who are to blame. But the heavens have eyes—now the Immortal has come to rescue us. I believe it won’t be long before life improves for all of us,” the other craftsman comforted him.

“Indeed! The Immortal will surely lead us to drive out the barbarians,” Lin Zhen said, helping Lu Dash to his feet.

“Thank you, all of you. I will devote myself to expelling the foreign invaders and restoring peace and safety to our borderlands,” Lin Feng said with righteous conviction.

“Master, do not belittle yourself. I have some skill in reading faces, and I see that though you wasted your youth, your fortunes are changing. If you redouble your efforts and make up for lost time, you are sure to achieve greatness in your later years,” Lin Feng encouraged.

“Immortal, do you truly think so?” Lu Dash asked excitedly.

“I trust that the immortal arts my master taught me will not lead me astray,” Lin Feng replied with certainty.

With a thud, Lu Dash knelt. “Thank you, Immortal, for pointing out the way!” and knocked his head to the ground three times.

“Quickly, please rise. I have only spoken a few words; everything will depend on your own hard work,” Lin Feng said, helping him up.

Little did Lin Feng realize that his casual words had rekindled the passion of this once-disheartened craftsman. From then on, Lu Dash would devote himself to studying the Lu Ban Secrets, becoming the first master craftsman in Lin Feng’s domain.

“No, Immortal, your guidance has given me a new life—this ceremony is only right,” Lu Dash insisted, remaining on his knees.

“Immortal, the object you have drawn is exquisite—a marvel of ingenuity. You must be learned indeed. I... I have an unworthy request; may I...” Lu Dash hesitated, clearly unsure whether to make his request, and looked anxiously at Lin Feng.

“Speak freely, Master,” Lin Feng said.

“I... I wish to take you as my teacher!” Lu Dash declared, bowing his head to the ground.

“Uh...” Lin Feng was taken aback. He had thought Lu Dash would ask for some token of immortality, never expecting he wanted to become his disciple.

Of course, Lin Feng was pleased; at least he would have a devoted follower from now on.

Lin Zhen and the other craftsman were just as surprised by Lu Dash’s gesture.

Seeing Lin Feng hesitate, Lu Dash lifted his head in disappointment. “If the Immortal does not wish to accept me, there is no need to force yourself. I am low-born and dull-witted, unworthy of your regard...”

“Not at all. How could I, such a young man, presume to take on a master as my disciple? If anything, you would be at a loss,” Lin Feng replied.

“Then you are willing to accept me? Master, I pay you my respects!” Lu Dash exclaimed, his movements swift and lively for a man of forty, as if afraid Lin Feng might change his mind.

Before Lin Feng could react, Lin Zhen burst out laughing, “Congratulations to the Immortal for gaining a worthy disciple, and to Master Lu for such a teacher!”

The other craftsman chimed in, inwardly delighted for his brother and envious as well.

“Very well. I accept you as my disciple. Please, rise!” With the bows given and the title of master spoken, what more could Lin Feng ask?

“Yes, Master!” Lu Dash beamed, his face radiant with joy at Lin Feng’s acknowledgment.