Chapter 00061: Teacher
# Teacher
Chapter 61
Novel: Above Destiny
Chapter 61: Teacher
In an era four hundred years ago, when neither the Federation nor the Empire had been born, and there was no distinction between the northern, central, and southern lands, there existed a powerful nation that controlled the world and unified everything, known as the Eternal Empire.
It was akin to the golden age depicted in any myth, where the land was fertile like a paradise, the sky was high and vast, and there were no natural disasters, no mutations, and no major upheavals.
Everything thrived under the empire's glory, and from the moment of birth until death, all contributed their insignificant selves to the everlasting Central Empire.
Time seemed endless, and everything felt serene.
However, within this great empire, a shadow loomed—a group named "No Attack."
This organization emerged from the heart of the empire’s internal troubles.
It conducted indiscriminate attacks on all imperial organizations and institutions, aiming for one goal: to completely dismantle the radical resistance against the Eternal Empire.
Its earliest origin came from a group of alchemical craftsmen who had grown weary of the endless rules enforced by the empire.
They were unwilling to keep singing praises within prescribed boundaries; instead, they yearned for the freedom to explore skills and creativity.
They raised a flag that was in stark contrast to the empire's supreme pure white, thus earning the name "墨" (Ink).
From the middle to the end of the empire, and even after its fall, many significant events were linked to this organization, either spurred by them directly or behind the scenes.
Eventually, with the onset of the era of catastrophe, the last trace of the Eternal Empire disappeared alongside the collapse and division of the continent.
The existence of "墨" gradually faded from history, leading some to speculate that the notorious organizations now wanted by both the Empire and the Federation were merely remnants of their dark legacy…
Whether it was fate's irony or the creator’s will, the墨 warriors, who launched a brutal rebellion, inherited two great heavenly arrays named "Universal Love" and "No Attack."
The first combines the essence of transcending and central balance, allowing thousands of hearts to unite, forging an unbreakable bond.
The more people who participate, the more terrifying the array's power becomes.
The second is the culmination of the embers craftsmen’s hard work.
Despite its roots in the path of the embers, it can extend into various other righteous paths based on the user's will and needs, granting a remarkable inclusivity of benefits.
For someone like Ji Jue, who resonated with nine different righteous paths, this was a match made in heaven!
However, a pressing question arose.
With his novice level, would he dare venture into such dangerous zones? Could he ensure his own safety? And why was Professor Ye so certain that the No Attack array existed within?
Though the present world could be considered stable, it was not complete.
Even now, many shards of other worlds drifted about like bubbles on water.
They had broken free to form their own cycles, often revealing rules, conditions, and ecologies vastly different from this world.
They could be hellish realms or paradises, or even retain their original states from when they were torn apart.
These fragments continuously roamed around the present world, often maintaining a distance like satellites.
Occasionally, they would overlap with the present, forming doors or passages.
Most controllable rifts were precious resources managed by various factions.
For instance, the Taiyi Ring monopolized the production of alchemical materials from several rifts, raking in wealth daily, with even a trickle being immense fortune.
Moreover, in these realms, one not only had a clearer perception of the righteous paths, making it easier to obtain blessings, but they also retained materials and treasures that could only appear under special circumstances… or even mutated monsters!
According to observations from the chosen ones on the path of Ether, this particular rift nearing the present world was on the brink of shattering and collapse, already in a state of decay.
It could not withstand any chosen being above the rebirth level entering, and even those at the rebirth level would be repelled.
Only those below the transformation level could pass through smoothly.
In short, the activity limit was for those below level six and set to last less than two weeks.
Whatever they fought for was a gain!
This was a perfect developmental opportunity for novices like Ji Jue!
More importantly, information from an intel merchant suggested that a rift had signs resembling that of the sage "Mercury" from hundreds of years ago, during the waning days of the Eternal Empire.
It was highly likely that this rift was within the territory of that master, and it might even house his workshop!
For any chosen one labeled as a sage, they would undoubtedly exist above ordinary beings.
The title indicated the mastery of an unparalleled craftsman, one who accomplished their destined work and summarized their unique "Theory of Creation."
Receiving this information first, masters like Kong Qingyan rushed eagerly to Cliff City with their students, even risking their reputation to probe Professor Ye secretly.
In fact, she likely achieved her goal right after entering, confirming that Professor Ye had indeed not received any information or made preparations.
Even if news came later, it would ultimately be too late for her… what she hadn’t anticipated was that Professor Ye's ambitions were even narrower than she thought, and her nose for scenting competitors' dark intentions was frighteningly sharp.
Her channels were even wider than hers.
After confirming the news from the Hazardous Collection through her unique means, Professor Ye determined that Mercury’s workshop must exist within that rift, still holding onto his last remains of artifacts.
If unearthed, they would undoubtedly be a rare treasure!
Sadly, Professor Ye had no interest in such matters whatsoever.
"It’s simple; I don’t value it.”
Professor Ye sipped her strong tea with a mocking smile. “Alchemy isn’t magic from a fantasy novel; the older something is doesn’t necessarily make it stronger. Relying on digging up achievements instead of research isn't as good as following the Ether path. If one just blindly depends on others without carving out their own path in alchemy’s history, they can forget about attaining the realm of great masters in this lifetime. This is a lesson for you, Ji Jue—if you want to make a name for yourself and control your life and future, don’t rely on some old man resurrected from the grave to hand you any good fortune. Understand?”
Ji Jue nodded vigorously.
It was unavoidable; there were too many gruesome lessons from the past.
Just browsing through the compendium of various past alchemical products had already dimmed his faith in the moral standards of ancient craftsmen.
Alchemy—goodness had led to true wickedness!
“The situation is likely as such; I can’t guarantee everything within. Still, even the safest rift remains a rift, and whether you wish to go or not is up to you.”
Professor Ye concluded, “Your decision will not affect your benefits and studies. Such arrays are not rare. Even without No Attack, with your talents, you can find better ones.”
Ji Jue fell silent.
Several times, Ye Chun seemed as if she wanted to speak, yet under Professor Ye’s gaze, she ultimately held her tongue.
Until Ji Jue sighed.
“To be honest, I’m a bit afraid, but I want to go more.”
He lifted his head, answering frankly. “I’m curious about things I’ve never encountered or situations I haven’t understood.”
“Good.”
After a brief silence, Professor Ye slightly nodded. “Always shackled in the little land of Cliff City will only limit your perspective and capacity, making you seem petty in your endeavors. This trip will at least broaden your horizons. Don’t worry about what Kong Qingyan might do; as long as I’m alive, she wouldn’t dare to touch you. As for this, take it.”
She produced a round object from her pocket and tossed it over.
Ji Jue hurried to catch it, but his previously joyful expression turned slightly stiff.
It was that cursed craft ball that had leeched countless essences from him.
“Hey, bro, it’s you again?” came a whimsical voice from the craft ball, teasingly. “Wow, you actually managed to last this long! I thought you’d be kicked out in the first week!”
Couldn’t you hope for some better outcomes for me!?
Ji Jue’s eye twitched, while the craft ball continued with the confidence of an expert, “Good, since it's in your hands, we’ll get along well. Bring me more essences later, and I’ll have your back!”
After that, there was no further response.
Ji Jue still wasn’t sure, “Professor, this is…?”
“Consider it a sidekick for now, an assistant I crafted when I was young. With your skills, communicating with it should be no problem. If you encounter anything unclear, just ask it directly. Besides being a mobile workshop that can help with some immediate problems, its more crucial purpose is to help you break through the workshop's outer seals so you won’t reach the door and then be at a loss about how to enter or where to go. In crucial scenarios, it might even save your life. However, when that time comes, don’t even think about exploring the rift anymore. Once it takes control, it will bring you straight back.”
A universal lock pick and a life-saving artifact!
Even if Ji Jue couldn’t feel the weight of being a “mobile workshop,” his eyes gleamed with excitement.
Looking at the craft ball in his hands, he couldn’t help but feel fond; he wanted to clean even the dust that had settled upon it.
What ‘broken ball’? This is my bro!
My bro is great; no need for more words!
Having decided to send the wandering Ji Jue out for a postcard, Professor Ye wasted no more time and got straight to the point.
She swiftly dialed Wen Wen's number.
“Ms. Wen, I have something to ask.” She straightforwardly inquired, “A rift containing sage relics will appear within Haizhou in the coming days, correct?”
“…”
On the other end, amidst the bustling sounds, a resigned sigh seemed to escape from the elder sister, “The Security Bureau is indeed full of holes, it leaks like a sieve… Are you interested, Master Ye?”
“I truly am.”
“Alright, I’ll submit the report by tonight at the latest, to prevent any oblivious individuals from blocking the way.”
“No need to rush,” Professor Ye replied, “And it’s not me who’s joining; it’s my student, Ji Jue.”
“Are you serious?”
After a brief pause, a loud outburst followed, immediately succeeded by Wen Wen’s astonished voice, “That kid has only just become a chosen one! There’s no need for him to seek blessings so soon, is there?”
“He has the competency, so there’s no reason to delay,” Professor Ye responded confidently. “Rest assured, I wouldn’t treat this like a day trip.”
“Since you say so, just hold on a moment—alright, it’s done.”
Wen Wen said, “I have someone here who’s also seeking blessings. They can go together. Just have him arrive at the North Mountain branch by tomorrow afternoon at the latest.”
Now Ji Jue secured not just the entry pass but also a teammate.
Lastly, Professor Ye handed Ji Jue a form awaiting his signature—the Taiyi Ring's workshop member registration form.
The registration site was at the Tide Sound Workshop in Cliff City, managed and recommended by Ye Xian, confirmed with a stamp and her signature.
And the registrant was Ji Jue, listed as an assistant, which was the conventional term for an apprentice.
“I initially thought I’d let you ponder a bit longer, but now it seems expecting you to regret this is impossible. Let’s finish the process now.”
Ye Xian pushed the pen toward Ji Jue’s sight, finally reminding, “However, consider this carefully; once you sign, you will be completely bound to my workshop. The internal Taiyi Ring will handle the registration and management. From this point on, your future will be in my hands. Without my approval and recommendation, you won’t be eligible to qualify as a craftsman. Of course, when outside, your every word and deed will represent the workshop. You’ll be allowed to wear my insignia, and everything you do will be seen as my command and instruction. Should you encounter better opportunities later, I won’t permit a change.”
“That condition seems much more lenient than my student loan,” Ji Jue chuckled softly upon hearing this.
Apprentices and workshops, students and craftsmen, inherently share a bond of mutual growth and downfall.
In the path of embers, this bond is critical for inheritance.
Besides, without Professor Ye’s guidance and recommendation, what rights would he have to try for craftsman qualification? Just a dream!
There was no hesitation.
Even without this paper, nothing would change between them, and what Professor Ye handed over was a crucial lifeline for the newly crowned chosen one, Ji Jue.
From now on, anyone wishing to harm Ji Jue would have to rethink the backing he now possessed.
Without a moment's thought, he picked up the pen, but as he glanced over the form one last time, he was drawn to a line in the ability registration section.
There was no detailed description, nor did it match the Taiyi Ring’s filling standard.
Written by Professor Ye were four simple characters:
—【Mechanical Deity】
He whispered this title softly, momentarily taken aback.
This was the first time his ability had been given an official name.
Mechanical Deity, Deus Ex Machina.
It was a term used by critics to summarize traditional performances and storylines.
Originating before the era of the Eternal Empire, it referred to using cranes or mechanisms to bring actors portraying judges and similar roles onto the stage during theatrical performances.
It represented an abrupt and unexpected plot device used by a writer to resolve conflicts.
When understood literally, it succinctly encapsulated the essence of Ji Jue’s ability—imparting soul and spirit into machines, manifesting virtuous power within lifeless entities.
Yet, further contemplation of its meaning could suggest ‘an unforeseen variable of great magnitude,’ ‘an out-of-the-blue intervention resolving a crisis,’ or ‘a lifeline during perilous times.’
Even the power to intervene and change the course of destiny!
Noticing Ji Jue’s deep thought, Professor Ye sensed something, “Does it not suit you? It’s just a name; feel free to change it if you like.”
“No, it’s quite fitting. I like it very much.”
Ji Jue smiled, sign his name at the bottom of the registration form.
“Thank you, professor, no…”
He solemnly exchanged the form, “Thank you, teacher.”
However, Professor Ye fell silent.
She stared at the form on the table, seemingly lost in thought.
Just like that time, years ago, when she first stepped into a teacher’s workshop, gazing at the brilliant sunlight illuminating the furnace before her.
A gentle yet rough hand had lovingly tousled her hair, treating her delicately.
As if to caress a sprouting seed.
That person had said to her: “From now on, I am your teacher.”
Why did those long-forgotten memories become so vivid once again?
She no longer spoke, only waved her hand, signaling Ji Jue to take his leave.
Under the afternoon sun, she gazed at the dust dancing gently in the light.
Letting the distant sound of the tides and her memories engulf her.
So many years have passed, Ye Xian, have you ever regretted it?
(End of Chapter)