Volume One, Chapter 19: I Wish to Become Your Disciple

Li Chen picked up an arrow and examined it closely, his eyes lighting up. The feathered arrow had no tip; its shaft was made from white birch, straight and highly elastic. It had been thoroughly dried and seasoned over a fire, making the entire arrow feel heavy and of excellent quality in his hand.

The fletching was made from domestic goose feathers, expertly attached to ensure stable flight.

Hou Xiaobai’s father had been a skilled carpenter before being conscripted to the Northern Wild Goose Pass. From a young age, Hou Xiaobai had inherited his father’s dexterity and had been apprenticed to him in woodworking. Over time, he surpassed his master, and a year ago, he began taking on jobs independently.

When Li Chen’s own father was still alive, he often praised Hou Xiaobai, saying that in the village, Hou—nicknamed “Monkey”—was the best carpenter around.

Li Chen was moved and, rather than taking the arrow, he pulled out a bag of iron arrowheads he’d purchased from a city bowyer’s shop and handed it to Hou Xiaobai.

“Monkey, I just bought a bunch of arrowheads from the city and was thinking about getting some shafts made. Since you’re so skilled, why don’t you help me fit these and make some arrows? Consider it a favor I’m asking of you!” Li Chen smiled.

“No problem, Brother Chen!” Hou Xiaobai eagerly accepted the bag of arrowheads, his excitement palpable. He had been racking his brain on how to repay Li Chen’s life-saving kindness.

“Brother Chen, I don’t have much to repay you with either. But here—this knife was forged by my father himself. He worked on it for over half a year and never had the heart to sell it. He said, since you’re a hunter, you deserve a proper knife. Let me give it to you!” Zhao Dashi stepped forward, handing over a blade.

His father was the village’s sole blacksmith, a craftsman by lineage, specializing in trades essential for daily life. Hence, he was not conscripted to the Northern Wild Goose Pass and continued to make a living by blacksmithing in the village.

Li Chen took the knife, drew it lightly from its sheath, and flicked it gently. The blade emitted a short, crisp hum. He felt somewhat disappointed; the quality was mediocre.

But the thoughtfulness behind the gift was enough.

He recalled the daggers he had taken from Zhang Guang and his companions—they were also of average quality, either brittle or too soft, even inferior to this knife.

It seemed the metallurgical technology in this era lagged behind, and military-grade weapons probably wouldn’t fare much better.

If time permitted, he could try forging a blade himself.

“Brother Chen, I don’t have much to thank you with either—just a few family books. Would you like them?” Liu Chenxu stood awkwardly nearby, blushing as he held out several volumes but hesitated to offer them.

His father had been a scholar all his life but never passed the imperial exams, dying in despair. When Li Chen was young, he had learned to read under his tutelage.

Though Liu Chenxu was one of the few literate youths in the village, intelligent and well-read from childhood, his parents died early, leaving only him and his younger sister, Liu Chenyi, to struggle by on a few poor fields.

Such a background made it impossible for him to continue his studies or pursue official examinations.

“There is beauty and treasure in books; having books to read is one of life’s great joys,” Li Chen said with a gentle smile, accepting the books without disdain.

Liu Chenxu looked at Li Chen gratefully, knowing well that his kindness was more about saving face than genuine interest.

“Brother Chen, why is this crossbow so powerful? To think it could pierce the skull of such a massive wild boar with a single shot!” Hou Xiaobai squatted beside the crossbow Li Chen had set aside, running his hands over it and clicking his tongue in admiration.

“I made it myself. It has two pulleys, which not only make drawing and holding the bowstring easier but also greatly increase its power,” Li Chen explained with a smile.

Hou Xiaobai’s eyes gleamed as he caressed the crossbow, longing to possess one just like it.

“Brother Chen, um, could I ask you a favor?” Zhao Dashi nervously rubbed his hands, a mixture of shyness and eagerness in his voice.

Liu Chenxu and Hou Xiaobai gathered nearby, their eyes full of hope as they looked at him.

“What is it? You’re like brothers to me; there’s no need to ask so formally,” Li Chen replied with a smile.

“We… we want to apprentice under you, learn your skills, and join you hunting in the mountains. Is that alright?” Zhao Dashi asked.

“Yes, we both want the same. Brother Chen, please accept us. We swear on the heavens: we will serve you faithfully, tending to your needs and doing all we can as your disciples. If we break this vow, may thunder strike us down!” Hou Xiaobai and Liu Chenxu exclaimed passionately.

Li Chen hesitated for a moment but was touched by their enthusiasm. If he could train a few strong comrades, that would be advantageous. With resources, money, and brothers, there was a future.

After a moment’s thought, he looked up and said, “You really want to learn?”

“Of course! Hunting can help support our families and even attract the attention of the girls… Hehe, Brother Chen, you don’t know—today all the maidens and young wives in the village were singing your praises. Many of them practically have their eyes glued to you and wish they could marry you!” Zhao Dashi chuckled.

They were at the age of idolizing heroes. To them, Li Chen was undoubtedly their hero, a model to follow in word and deed.

They had come to Li Chen’s home that night partly to express their gratitude and also to request to become his apprentices. Especially after witnessing him kill the great leopard, their desire grew even stronger.

“If only such a fierce beast could be slain by Brother Chen, how mighty he must be!” they thought.

“Don’t say such things,” Liu Chenxu glared at Zhao Dashi, then discreetly glanced at the busy Yu Qingwan nearby.

Zhao Dashi stuck out his tongue and smacked himself on the cheek. “Look at my mouth, no filter at all. Brother Chen, please don’t mind.”

“It’s just a joke. I’m not a stickler for old traditions,” Li Chen smiled, waving his hand before making a decision.

“If you truly want to learn, come to my doorstep at dawn tomorrow, when the rooster crows three times. I’ll teach you then.”

“Great! Master, please accept our bow!” The three young men were overjoyed and immediately began to imitate the ancient kneeling salute.

Li Chen stepped aside, refusing the formal gesture.

“Brothers are brothers. No need for master and apprentice titles. Just learn the skills and always remember me as Brother Chen—that’s enough,” he said, waving them off.

Zhao Dashi and Hou Xiaobai were stunned, unsure what to make of it.

Liu Chenxu understood and said excitedly, “Brother Chen, we get it—you’ll always be our Brother Chen!”

“Yes, whatever Brother Chen says goes. Anyone who doesn’t listen is this!” Zhao Dashi and Hou Xiaobai exclaimed, Zhao mimicking a turtle crawling with two fingers.

“It’s getting late; let’s head off. We’ll come back tomorrow morning,” the more composed Liu Chenxu said, glancing around before the three reluctantly departed.

Once everyone left, the world grew peaceful again.

Li Chen looked around carefully. Fortunately, no one had climbed the walls or wandered about the courtyard today; otherwise, the traps might have caused accidents.

He pondered that during the day, he could lay the wooden stakes flat and set them upright again at night as a precaution.

“Master…” The young maid called softly from inside the house.