A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 142 - 121: Debts of Gratitude Are the Hardest to Repay

Outside the blacksmith shop of the Big Punishment Kiln, a silent crowd was kneeling on the ground.

Nearly a hundred artisans, kiln workers, and those performing miscellaneous tasks were prostrated, not daring to breathe loudly, quietly awaiting the return of their master.

At the forefront were the Cyan Flower Kiln Head, Lu Shiping, and the Cunjing Kiln Head, Chao Sanjing, exchanging glances.

Their faces were filled with bitterness; with their master not back at this hour, it seemed he was likely to be in a bad mood, and they would surely suffer later!

As the time ticked past 3:00 PM, the sky gradually darkened, and they finally heard heavy footsteps.

Thud, thud, thud!

It was as if a powerful drum was beating, making the ground shake and tremble, flinging clumps of mud.

Several splashes landed on Lu Shiping's cheek, but he didn't move, to avoid drawing the master's attention and incurring his wrath.

From within the mountains and forests emerged a powerful figure, with strong broad shoulders, carrying three thick and dark logs.

The simmering Qi Blood surged violently, like an oven's lid being lifted off, spewing hot and fierce flames.

Lu Shiping and Chao Sanjing hastily bowed lower, knowing their master was in a temper.

They exchanged glances, neither daring to utter a word.

Boom!

The three logs, as hard as granite, slammed to the ground, stirring a fierce gust, knocking the crowd about.

Mud splattered as if being ladled out, drenching Lu Shiping and Chao Sanjing, who were kneeling at the front.

Having cut down three century-old trees with his bare hands, Li Yuan, with some of his anger relieved, coldly gazed at his two apprentices:

"Such a major event happened, how long did you plan to hide it from your master? Well! I haven't entered the coffin yet, and everyone thinks they're fully grown with capabilities!

Go on! Take a steel knife and cut off your master's head. Tomorrow, the kiln will bear the surname 'Lu' or 'Chao'!"

These words were too harsh!

Frightened, the two apprentices shivered all over. Lu Shiping's beard quivered like steel needles; he quickly responded:

"My Second Junior Brother and I never had such intentions! Master..."

Chao Sanjing, responsible for the brickwork at the Cunjing Kiln, dealt daily with various clays and was unremarkable in appearance.

He buried his head, picking up where the senior brother left off, speaking methodically:

"Please calm down, Master! Allow your apprentice to explain; the Zhu Family came several months ago.

First, it was Second Miss Zhu who approached, proposing to order a batch of Yuan Blue-and-White porcelain plates for serving water and meals! It was roughly a fifty thousand taels silver deal. Senior Brother thought it was year-end, and upon completing this transaction, everyone could take a break, so he accepted it.

Moreover, the Zhu Family has been a longtime patron of the kiln, with sentiments here, just opening up a large deal.

Later, Zhu Wulang showed up. At first, he wandered around with Second Miss Zhu, visiting both the porcelain and brick kilns.

The young man had a special interest in blacksmithing and forging weapons, often seeking out the junior apprentice to chat, asking about professional topics like folded forging and tempering.

The junior apprentice was simple and honest by nature, answering whatever was asked, which gradually made them familiar, almost becoming friends."

"Friends? Ridiculous! He's from the high-ranking Zhu Family, a firstborn. What is Dog to them? To think he could associate with a Zhu, how brainless!"

Li Yuan, with hands behind his back, his eyes bursting with sharpness, yelled at the dazed blank-minded Li Jun, who had almost knocked himself out, bloodied and fuzzy-headed.

His tone suddenly softened: "Senior Brother, how are you being a senior? Do you really want to see your junior apprentice knock himself dead here? Take him home to recuperate, don't disgrace us here!"

Master still has pity for the junior apprentice!

Lu Shiping, feeling a surge of joy inside, quickly got up, supporting Li Jun, as they swiftly rushed down the mountain.

"Sanjing, you get up! Everyone get up! I'm not an emperor wanting to see people kowtow to me... Scatter! Sanjing, stay and tell me more about the situation!"

Li Yuan, disinterested, waved his hand, slowly walking into the blacksmith shop, gazing at the Wind-listening Saber he forged with his own hands, his eyes reflecting with cold gleams.

Among the three apprentices, only the second, who managed the Cunjing Kiln, in charge of firing "golden bricks" for the Daoist Official, Chao Sanjing, was both capable and careful, the most reassuring for Li Yuan.

The so-called "golden bricks" were treasures, two feet square, with a refined texture, sounding like clashing iron and stone when struck, even swords couldn't leave marks.

They were specifically used for paving the Imperial Path and Divine Way, considered as tribute items.

Relying on this unique craft, Li Yuan could step into the Weapon Craftsman Guild of Grand General Zhao in Celestial Water Prefecture and quickly emerged as a prominent figure.

"Zhu Wulang is very scheming; he carefully investigated the junior apprentice's situation and used despicable means in private, forcing him to speak such outrageous nonsense."

Chao Sanjing's words were vague, evidently aware of some inside information, but fearing it would rekindle the master's recently subdued fiery temper, so glossed over it.

"Speak in detail! I've already cut down three big trees, and now I'm calm and won't get angry again!"

Li Yuan silently worked the bellows, clusters of flames like fingers quickly rose several feet high.

Chao Sanjing well understood his master's irritable nature and didn't believe these words, but could only brace himself:

"Zhu Wulang's initial approach was befriending the junior apprentice, building a connection.

When the time was ripe, he leveraged temptations, like frequently inviting the junior apprentice to feast at restaurants and dragging him to brothels.

The junior apprentice, unable to refuse, would pack many good dishes each time and share them with the shop's craftsmen and kiln workers.

As for the brothel, he only entered once and never went again."