The Four-Armed Bodhisattva Statue

"It seems... there's a resonation!"

This ancient text—its discovery felt serendipitous, as though it were a celestial sign. It might hold the key to cultivating the elusive Dao Fruit of the Immortal Craft!

Suppressing the trembling of his Dao Fruit within, Li Che took a deep, steadying breath. Despite the storm of emotions churning in his chest, he dared not investigate the matter further. His eyes flickered briefly toward the source of the voice, but his composure remained unbroken.

The wooden carving shop was thick with an unspoken tension, a weight that pressed on the air. Outside, the distant sound of a gong echoed through the snow-draped streets. Those within the shop, sensing the gravity of the moment, placed their tools down in unison. The clatter of wood and iron ceased, replaced by an oppressive silence.

Moments later, the heavy gates of the courtyard creaked open, allowing a gust of icy wind and snow to sweep into the shop. Figures entered, their movements swift yet deliberate, their presence commanding attention.

Leading them were two men clad in opulent fox-fur cloaks. Each bore a headband that shimmered faintly under the dim light, and their sharp gazes carried a magnetic, almost oppressive authority. Even a fleeting glance into their eyes seemed enough to capture and dominate one's spirit.

The vitality radiating from the two men was palpable, almost unnaturally so. The biting cold seemed to have no effect on them; not a single snowflake dared cling to their cloaks as they strode through the storm, their steps deliberate and assured. These were the second and third shopkeepers of the Xu Wood Carving Shop.

Typically, the third shopkeeper, Xu You, managed the outer-city branch. The second shopkeeper, Xu Bei Hu, and the first, Xu He Li, were rarely seen outside the inner-city establishment. Yet today, for the annual assessment, Xu Bei Hu had come in person—a rare and momentous occasion.

In Feilei City, the Xu Wood Carving Shop was not merely a business; it was a powerhouse. Its reputation was built not only on the mastery of its carvers but also on the formidable strength of the three shopkeepers, each a master of their craft and their cultivation.

Upon entering, the two shopkeepers removed their fox-fur cloaks and took seats upon grand, intricately carved chairs. Their eyes swept over the gathered apprentices with an air of quiet scrutiny, their expressions inscrutable.

"The assessment for our woodcarving masters is held once a year," announced Xu You, his voice calm and measured. Despite his soft tone, it carried clearly through the room, commanding attention. "Each year, three individuals are selected. Upon becoming a carver, you will earn a monthly wage of five taels of silver. From the profit of each piece you sell, the shop will take a 40% cut; the rest will be yours."

Xu You's warm and fair demeanor gave him an approachable air, his words carrying encouragement even amidst formality.

"With every additional carving technique you master over the years, the shop's share of your profits decreases, and your monthly wage increases accordingly."

The gathered apprentices nodded, listening intently.

Then Xu Bei Hu spoke. His voice was a stark contrast to Xu You's: a booming thunderclap that seemed to vibrate through the walls.

"Becoming an official carver here is not just a title," he declared, his sharp eyes locking onto each apprentice in turn. "It grants you the right to practice martial arts and cultivate inner strength. True mastery in woodcarving cannot be achieved without cultivating your inner power. For over 200 years, the Xu Wood Carving Shop has thrived in Feilei City, enduring countless storms. Without strength, we would not have lasted."

His words carried an unspoken challenge, a weight that pressed heavily on all who listened.

"By choosing to participate in this assessment, you implicitly agree to join the Xu establishment. Betrayal will not be tolerated," Xu Bei Hu thundered, his presence like a blazing furnace. "I despise traitors, and I show no mercy to them!"

The room seemed to shrink under the weight of his proclamation. Even Li Che, who prided himself on his calm demeanor, felt a chill run down his spine.

"Now," Xu Bei Hu barked, his voice still carrying the same thunderous intensity, "those willing to proceed with the assessment, step forward to register and collect your wood."

The room, though heavy with tension, stirred to life. The apprentices moved forward in orderly fashion, their expressions a mix of determination and trepidation.

"Li, go ahead," Old Chen said with a wry grin, taking a casual sip of his wine. His weathered eyes narrowed as he observed the proceedings with quiet amusement.

Li Che clasped his hands in respect, offering a slight bow before stepping forward. As he reached the registration desk, Xu You raised an eyebrow in faint surprise.

"Li Che?" Xu You murmured, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity. In days past, Li Che had broached the subject of participating in the assessment, but Xu You hadn't taken him seriously. Many laborers, lured by the promise of wealth, tried their luck each year, only to falter when faced with the rigors of the craft.

Yet here Li Che stood, his expression calm and resolute. Was he merely deluded, unaware of his limitations? Or could he truly possess the potential to defy expectations?

"There have been laborers who rose to become carvers," Xu You said, his tone gentler now. "Perhaps you'll surprise me. Do your best."

Li Che nodded without a word, selecting a piece of wood before settling at a workstation.

Once all participants had their materials, Xu You stepped forward, his hands clasped behind his back. His expression was steady as he addressed the room.

"The subject for this year's assessment," he announced, "is a Four-Armed Bodhisattva Holding a Child."

With that, Xu You pulled away the red cloth covering a model on the central table. A masterpiece was revealed: the Four-Armed Bodhisattva, its every detail exquisitely carved. One hand formed a mudra, another held a jade bottle, the third gripped a ruyi scepter, and the fourth cradled a laughing child with a high ponytail.

A collective gasp rippled through the room. The apprentices' eyes widened in shock.

This year's test... was a monumental challenge. Even the seasoned masters standing nearby exchanged incredulous glances.

Li Che stared at the model, his heart pounding. The journey ahead was formidable—but his determination burned brighter than ever.

In previous years, the assessment had always involved crafting ordinary Bodhisattva statues. But this year was different—monumentally so. Not only was a child incorporated into the composition, but the Bodhisattva was depicted with four arms.

Each additional arm drastically increased the complexity of the task, pushing the carver's skills to their limits. Balancing the overall structure, maintaining symmetry, and minimizing errors became exponentially more challenging.

Difficult. Difficult. Difficult!

Master Chen clicked his tongue in disapproval, his tone a mix of pity and amusement. "Young Li's luck today is truly abysmal. There's no way to fake it with this kind of test."

Li Che, however, felt a flicker of relief hidden beneath his calm exterior. As he studied the Four-Armed Bodhisattva, his heart settled.

Good luck?

It was a type of carving he had already practiced.

I've got this.

Not long ago, Master Chen had completed a masterpiece titled Nine Children on a Lotus, earning an impressive 150 taels. Li Che had observed the entire process with meticulous attention, learning the nuances of carving lifelike children. Similarly, the techniques from the Six-Eyed Bodhisattva had taught him invaluable lessons about Bodhisattva anatomy and posture.

The only new element was the four arms.

But with his Level 2 Immortal Craft Dao Fruit, Li Che felt a quiet confidence blossom within him.

I can carve this without much trouble.

Still, Li Che knew he had to tread carefully. He couldn't afford to draw undue attention to himself. As a mere laborer, excelling too much in the craft—one that demanded years of rigorous practice—would raise questions he wasn't prepared to answer.

"I'll focus on conveying artistic meaning in the work," he decided, "while holding back on the technical precision. If I aim for expressive intent, no one will suspect me. Artistic meaning is an intangible attribute often attributed to innate talent."

A plan formed in his mind. He would carve with skill but not perfection, letting his artistry speak louder than his craftsmanship.

"The assessment lasts four hours," Second Shopkeeper Xu Bei Hu's thunderous voice boomed across the room, snapping everyone to attention. "When time is up, you must stop carving immediately. Anyone continuing past the deadline will be disqualified. Understood?"

A chorus of affirmations rose from the apprentices. Even Li Che's calm reply carried a hint of determination.

"The Xu Wood Carving Shop Outer City Assessment begins now!" declared Xu Bei Hu, his sweeping gesture igniting a palpable sense of urgency in the room.

Carving the Four-Armed Bodhisattva Holding a Child within four hours was an enormous challenge. There would be no time for second-guessing, no margin for error.

The apprentices sprang into action, grabbing their wood blocks and hastily measuring and marking them with ink. The sound of brushes scratching against wood filled the air.

The materials provided had been pre-dried, a small mercy that saved valuable preparation time.

Li Che placed his block of wood on the workbench, running his fingers along its surface to visualize its internal structure. A faint vibration from his Dao Fruit guided his perception, allowing him to picture the contours of the sculpture as if it already existed within the wood.

He dipped a brush into ink, drawing precise lines on the surface. The image of the Four-Armed Bodhisattva began to take shape in his mind.

Before him lay an array of tools: axes, chisels, saws, and files, each essential for various stages of the process.

The first stage was rough carving—breaking the design into basic geometric forms. This was the foundation, the stage where proportions, balance, and posture were defined. A single misstep here could doom the entire piece.

As Li Che began carving, the rhythmic sound of chisels echoed through the shop. Wood chips scattered across the floor as apprentices shaped their blocks into rudimentary figures.

Li Che's Immortal Craft Dao Fruit stirred again, and he paused for a brief moment. Closing his eyes, he took a steadying breath. When he opened them, his demeanor had completely transformed.

There was a subtle yet undeniable shift in his aura. It was as though he had stepped into another realm of focus, his presence radiating quiet mastery.

Nearby, Master Chen, sipping from his ever-present wine gourd, froze mid-sip. His eyes narrowed, locking onto Li Che. For a fleeting moment, Chen felt as if he were looking at a younger version of himself.

"This kid…" Chen muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with astonishment. "His aura is really something."

As Li Che worked, wood shavings fell steadily from his blade. Each stroke was deliberate, each line precise yet restrained. The rough form of the Four-Armed Bodhisattva began to emerge, its contours hinting at the grace and power of the final piece.

The minutes ticked by, marked only by the rhythmic rasp of chisels and the rustling of wood fragments.

Third Shopkeeper Xu You wandered the room, his hands clasped behind his back, observing the progress of the apprentices. His calm and discerning gaze shifted from one workstation to the next.

As he approached Master Chen, Xu You paused, noticing the older carver standing unusually still. Chen, typically dismissive of laborers, was staring intently, his expression unreadable.

Curiosity flickered across Xu You's face. Following Chen's line of sight, he found himself looking at the laborer Li Che.

"What's so captivating?" Xu You asked softly, his tone more curious than critical.

Chen didn't respond, his focus entirely on the young man at the workbench.

Intrigued, Xu You stepped closer, his gaze shifting from Li Che's face—calm and resolute—to the sculpture taking shape beneath his hands.

For a laborer to catch the attention of a seasoned master like Chen was no small feat. Could this young man truly possess something extraordinary?

Xu You's eyes narrowed slightly, his curiosity deepening as he studied the emerging form of the Four-Armed Bodhisattva.