Chapter 18: The Apprentice (1/2)

Chapter 18: The Apprentice

Translator: TransnEditor: Transn

It was boring and tiring being an apprentice, for the routine was repetitive and they had to get up at the crack of dawn every morning. First, they would have to practice horse-riding steps for an hour, and then, most of them, had to help out inside the smelting room while the other older apprentices were forging some tools. Apprentices of a young age, such as Junior Leopard, also had to spend the afternoon learning some basic smelting skills, in addition to serving as helpers.

They would have to work until evening, and then they would clean up the mess made from a busy day in the smelting room.

”Just as it is written in the book, an apprentice has no human rights!” In the yard, Junior Leopard silently criticised this evil world as he hammered away on a pile of timber that was about the size of a bowl.

This was the daily routine for every afternoon. In front of the stone table on which there was a pile of bowl-sized timber, they each held a hammer.

That was right, a pile of bowl-sized timber. What they were supposed to do was to knock on it with the hammer. Of course, there was also the requirement that you must knock at precisely the same point. That was to say, you must hit the exact same place over and over.

It was not as easy as you'd think. The timber not only had some elasticity but it was also shaped like a semicircle. As you could imagine, it was extraordinarily difficult to knock on.

”Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat !” This sound spread over the yard like a dull thunder, interplaying with the clunking and chinking of the metals from the smelt.

”Boys, more concentration please. As long as you pound out a hole during the afternoon, I can teach you what you should do next. If you do not complete it in the next six months, you then must go home!”

Old Xing strolled in circles in the yard, keeping his eyes on these apprentices. Finally, he noticed Junior Leopard.

”This kid is young, but his ability to concentrate is impressive. Besides, he had practiced some martial arts before, and thus, has a good build. He's a very suitable for doing this job!”

When compared to the other apprentices, Junior Leopard, who had arrived less than ten days ago, was obviously far superior. The strength of his hammering was not too strong but under his control, so that when he hammered down, the hammer would not spring back. His other hand held the wood firmly, so even after a hit on it, he kept it as still as before.

The only disappointment was that he could not knock it in precisely the same place, although he tried hard to. At last, he had also knocked a bowl-size hole in the piece of wood.

”Little boy, take it easy. When you hammer, your right hand is not stable. So no matter how steady your left hand is, you'll not be able to do it!”

Old Xing suddenly said, after standing by Junior Leopard's side for a long time.

”Thanks, teacher!” Junior Leopard gratefully cast his eyes to Old Xing. At that moment, he began hammering slowly, and gradually he started to appreciate and feel the force of the hammer and the movements of his hand.

”What are you all looking at? If your wits are equal to his, then I'll also guide you. Practice, quickly now!”

While Old Xing talked with Junior Leopard, the other apprentices could not help but stop and look over.

However, before they could have a clear look, Old Xing scolded them and made them all continue their work silently. At times, Junior Leopard could feel the jealous and disgruntled glances they were casting on him, making him feel a little uncomfortable.

”Damn it! Who cares what they think anyway?”

Noticing his own emotional fluctuations, Junior Leopard burst into laughter. He, at about 40 years old, had lived two lives and experienced so much that he was already mature. Still, he was surprised to find such a stirring in his heart just now.

Nobody envied meant that you were a mediocrity!

In his former life, he was indeed mediocre. He had got a doctorate, but this alone was not enough to be enviable. After graduation, he worked in an office, and before he had had the chance to make his fortune, that life was over. So, he had not experienced the feeling of being envied before.

To his surprise, in this life, he would be receiving such envy at only eight years old, and not only that but in a ”steady” career like forging iron.

”I wish that these little boys would not bother me... it's such a pain to deal with!” Junior Leopard smiled bitterly and silently. Then he turned all of his attention back to his work.

There actually is a link between forging iron and my martial arts skills. The key point is of one's strength, that's what Old Xing had said anyway, how could this be the same as the punching skill, which Wang Tianlei had taught me?

While thinking it over, he tried applying what he had learned from the punching skill while hammering at the piece of wood. Slowly, his spirit ascended into a mysterious phase.

”Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat... Bang! Bang! Bang...” There was a subtle change in the sound of the hammering. The change was so subtle that the other apprentices did not catch it, however, Old Xing did.

At that moment, he was standing by the side of an apprentice with a lower aptitude than Junior Leopard, and his back toward him. This apprentice's skill was no match for Junior Leopard, but, to some degree, he had potential. Old Xing was just about to guide him in the same way when an incredible sound rose to his ears.

At first, he thought he must have misheard. When he turned around, he found Junior Leopard focused on hammering down the piece of wood, one blow after another. At first, he was stunned, then next he was wildly joyful and hurried towards Junior Leopard. As he approached he carefully watched him as Junior Leopard kept a straight face and a blank look. Old Xing consciously stepped back. He moved so quietly as if he was afraid of disrupting Junior Leopard.

Old Xing's unusual actions attracted the attention of the other apprentices. They stopped their work and also cast their eyes upon Junior Leopard.

This time, Old Xing did not scold them, even though their attention drifted from their work.

Slowly, they started to realize the secret of Junior Leopard's hammering. They realized that even though his pace was slow and he had little strength, he kept every hit hammering down on the same exact point. After every hit, the point of impact would drop a little more. Above all, Junior Leopard kept every hit at the same frequency and his action became more and more deliberate. His rhythm became smooth and created a harmonious atmosphere.

Junior Leopard hadn't noticed that the others were focused on him. Actually, he was totally unaware. His spirit was completely buried in his state of concentration.