Chapter 7 Four-Armed Bodhisattva Holding Child Statue

"There seems to be something here!"

"This ancient text... it might be of great help to the Dao Fruit of the Immortal Artisan!"

Suppressing the inner stirrings caused by the Dao Fruit's resonance, Li Che took a deep breath. *Though his emotions surged, he did not delve into them.*

With the sound of the gong being struck, everyone in the wood carving shop put down whatever they were holding. The atmosphere grew tense.

The yard's door opened, and a gust of wind and snow rushed in, as several figures swarmed inside.

Leading the group were two individuals, both draped in fox fur cloaks and wearing tied crowns. Their sharp gazes exuded an aura so overwhelming it seemed to seize one's very soul just by being observed.

The vitality emanating from their bodies was formidable. The snow and wind avoided them entirely; even after walking in from the storm, they remained untouched, not a single flake clinging to them.

These two were the Second and Third Shopkeepers of Xu's Wood Carving Shop.

Usually, the Outer City branch of Xu's Wood Carving Shop was managed by the Third Shopkeeper, Xu You. The First Shopkeeper, Xu Heli, and the Second Shopkeeper, Xu Beihu, oversaw operations within the Inner City. However, for today's assessment, the Second Shopkeeper, Xu Beihu, had personally arrived.

In the Inner City, Xu's Wood Carving Shop was definitely no weak establishment—it could even be called a powerhouse. The main reason for this reputation was the three shopkeepers, each a master-level craftsman of the highest order, their skills unparalleled.

Once inside the shop, the two shed their fox fur cloaks and took dignified seats on the Taishi Chairs, sweeping their gazes calmly over the gathered apprentices.

"The annual assessment for wood carving masters is held once a year," began the Third Shopkeeper, Xu You, in a measured tone. "Each time, only three people are recruited. After becoming a One-cut Wood Carving Master, you can receive a fixed monthly wage of five taels. When completed carvings are sold, the shop takes a forty percent cut, and the rest is yours."

"Of course, after becoming a Wood Carver, there's an annual evaluation. Add one additional cut to your repertoire, and the shop's cut is reduced by ten percent, while your monthly salary increases."

Seated with poise, Xu You's calm gaze scanned the room. He was fair-skinned with a gentle demeanor.

In stark contrast, Second Shopkeeper Xu Beihu lived up to his name. His commanding presence filled the space. Sitting as straight as a bamboo stalk, his broad shoulders and thick waist exuded strength. His vitality roiled within him, like an inferno radiating intense heat.

Once the Third Shopkeeper finished speaking, the Second Shopkeeper also addressed the room. His voice boomed like a thunderclap, filling the space with a turbulent, wave-like energy.

"Becoming an official Wood Carver in the shop qualifies you to train in martial arts and cultivate Inner Strength. If you desire to advance further and reach greater heights in wood carving, Inner Strength is indispensable. For over two centuries, Xu's Wood Carving Shop has endured in Fei Lei City. Without some combat ability, we wouldn't have been able to hold onto this legacy."

"Additionally, choosing to participate in this assessment means you agree to join Xu's Wood Carving Shop and become part of Xu Ji. Betrayers will not be forgiven lightly."

"I, Xu Beihu, despise traitors the most!"

His resounding words, like the roar of a tiger, shook the hearts of every apprentice present.

Li Che also felt a chill run through his heart.

"Now, those willing to proceed with the assessment, step forward and register to receive your carving materials."

As the Second Shopkeeper's intimidating warning concluded, the Third Shopkeeper, Xu You, spoke again. His voice was as gentle as a spring breeze, softening the tension in the air.

The apprentices quickly lined up in an orderly manner to register their names and collect the materials.

"Little Li, go ahead," Old Chen said with a chuckle, taking a sip from his wine gourd and squinting as he spoke.

Li Che clasped his fists in respect and proceeded to register.

"Li Che?" The Third Shopkeeper, Xu You, raised an eyebrow when he saw Li Che stepping up to register. He looked slightly surprised.

A few days prior, when Li Che had sought him out, Xu You hadn't thought much of it. Every year, there were always laborers envious of the high earnings of Wood Carvers who sought to participate in the assessment, but most gave up after a few attempts at carving.

It was quite rare to see someone like Li Che actually show up and register.

*Did this person overestimate himself, or… did he genuinely have some skills?*

"There have been precedents of laborers transitioning into Wood Carvers. I hope you can give me a pleasant surprise. Do your best," Xu You encouraged, maintaining his warm demeanor.

Li Che nodded, picked a piece of wood, and found a workbench to settle at.

After everyone had selected their materials, the Third Shopkeeper, Xu You, stood with his hands clasped behind his back. Surveying the group, he announced calmly, "The subject of this wood carving assessment is… the Four-Armed Bodhisattva holding child statue."

As his words fell, he uncovered a wooden sculpture wrapped in red cloth on the table, revealing the piece underneath.

The unveiled work was a Four-Armed Bodhisattva holding a child. It stood on the table, its four arms gracefully spread in various gestures—one hand forming a sealing technique, another holding a Pure Jade Vase, the third clasping a ceremonial ruyi scepter, while the last cradled a boy with a cheerful grin and hair tied in a high ponytail.

"Hiss—"

Sounds of sharp inhalation echoed from many of the apprentices.

This year's assessment task… was shockingly difficult!

Even the seasoned masters spectating nearby revealed expressions of astonishment.

In previous years, the task had typically involved carving an ordinary Bodhisattva statue. This year's addition of a child, as well as the four-arm requirement, significantly raised the challenge.

Every additional arm on a carving increased the difficulty considerably, demanding meticulous control of the overall structure, error minimization, and refined techniques.

Hard. Hard. Hard!

Master Chen smacked his lips. "Little Li's luck sure is something… unlucky as hell. With this task, there's no way to muddle through."

Li Che gazed at the Four-Armed Bodhisattva statue, but a faint sigh of relief escaped his heart.

*Lucky!*

*It's a subject I've practiced before!*

*I've got this!*

Old Chen's earlier creation of the "Nine Sons Embracing the Lotus," which sold for one hundred and fifty taels, had already been studied by Li Che. From that, he had learned the techniques for carving children. Additionally, the Six-Eyed Bodhisattva Statue had taught him the methods for carving Bodhisattvas…

The only weak point was… mastering the four arms.

But with the Level 2 Dao Fruit Immortal Craftsman ability, Li Che had confidence he could accomplish it!

"The key lies in focusing on the statue's essence and deeper meaning."

Li Che began formulating his plan for this assessment.

*There was no need for him to deliberately hide his skill, but when it came to intangibles like artistic essence, that often boiled down to talent.*

*If a laborer showcased skills matching the shop's veteran masters… it would be difficult to explain.*

"You have four hours. Once time is up, all carving must stop. Those who violate this rule will be disqualified. Do you understand?"

The Second Shopkeeper, Xu Beihu, rose to his feet, his imposing presence adding weight to his warning.

The apprentices, including Li Che, responded in unison.

"The assessment for Xu's Wood Carving Shop in the Outer City begins now!"

Xu Beihu swung his large hand, his booming voice brimming with powerful energy that filled the shop.

Four hours to carve the "Four-Armed Bodhisattva holding child statue" was a tight deadline—not much time at all.

So, none of the apprentices dared waste a moment. Clutching their wood pieces, they began outlining shapes with ink lines using rulers.

The wood provided had already been dried, saving them a few steps.

Li Che placed his wood on the workbench, running his hands over it as he visualized the external and internal contours in his mind. Moments later, he began using a wolf-hair brush to ink the designs onto the wood.

The workbench had been outfitted with tools such as axes, hammers, saws, and chisels for roughing out the basic shape.

The roughing process involved simplifying the design into basic geometric forms, ensuring that aspects like layers, dynamics, proportions, and balance were communicated through the rough draft.

Although roughing was only the first step, it was critically important, as it tested one's innate talent above all else.

After some time, once the apprentices had finished drawing the guidelines, the sounds of chisels and carving filled the shop.

The Dao Fruit of the Immortal Artisan began to stir. Li Che closed his eyes briefly; when he reopened them, his entire demeanor seemed to have undergone a complete transformation.

Old Chen, standing nearby with his wine gourd, froze for a moment. At the instant Li Che picked up the carving knife and his aura shifted, Old Chen stared at him as if seeing… a younger version of himself.

"This kid… he's got the air about him," muttered Chen Dabao under his breath.

However, as Li Che began carving and outlining the rough shape, Chen Dabao squinted his eyes in concentration.

Sawdust and wood shavings fell rhythmically in fine streams as the sharp blade cut into the wood, parting its fibers and etching distinct lines into its surface.

The rough and unrefined strokes already hinted at a clearly recognizable form.

Time slipped away like sand through fingers, each second emphasized by the whisper of the carving sounds.

The Third Shopkeeper, Xu You, paced slowly, his hands clasped behind him. Maintaining an unhurried gait, he walked past each apprentice's workbench, examining their progress and skill levels.

Suddenly.

Xu You's footsteps paused. Glancing at the figure of Chen Dabao, who stood motionless like a statue, Xu You's expression showed a flicker of surprise.

Following Chen Dabao's gaze, Xu You saw the bold yet focused laborer, Li Che.

*What's got him so engrossed?*

Xu You's curiosity piqued. Anyone capable of captivating Chen Dabao, a seasoned four-cut master, enough to hold his attention...

*Could this laborer actually possess some real skill?*

With his hands still behind his back, Xu You strolled unhurriedly closer, his gaze shifting downward to study Li Che's concentration-etched face before finally settling on the wood carving taking shape on the workbench...