A heavy pressure filled the air as the elder in long robes landed just outside the courtyard, his gaze sharp and piercing. Bai Ling and her maid stiffened, their backs drenched in cold sweat.
Even though he was suppressing his aura, the sheer presence of a Nascent Soul Realm expert was overwhelming.
Shen Mu, however, was completely unfazed.
Not because he was powerful.
But because he had no idea what was going on.
'Who is this old man? And why is he looking at my chair like it's some kind of priceless treasure?'
The elder took a deep breath, his sharp eyes locked onto the wooden chair. A faint golden shimmer still lingered in the air around it, as if the Dao itself recognized its existence.
"F-Forgive this old one's intrusion," the elder stammered. "But I must know… Who crafted this artifact?"
Shen Mu's expression twitched.
'Again with this? It's just a chair!'
Suppressing his confusion, he sighed and scratched his head. "I did."
Silence.
Bai Ling inhaled sharply, her eyes shining with admiration. Such casual acknowledgment! He doesn't even try to explain himself!
The elder's expression turned even more reverent. "Senior… this chair… what profound laws did you embed into it?"
Shen Mu blinked. "Laws?"
The elder pointed at the chair. "I sense an overwhelming balance in its structure. The weight distribution is flawless, the symmetry perfect—no, beyond perfect. It contains a harmony that resonates with the Dao itself! Sitting on it must surely grant enlightenment!"
Shen Mu resisted the urge to slap himself.
'Sitting on it grants enlightenment? Buddy, it's just comfortable!'
But then he remembered Bai Ling's earlier reaction and sighed inwardly.
'Alright, they've already made up their minds. If I say it's normal, they'll just think I'm being humble again. Better just roll with it.'
He coughed lightly and nodded. "Ah… Yes, balance is important in woodworking."
The elder shuddered. Balance is important? That's all he says?
The way Shen Mu said it—so casual, so natural—it could only mean one thing: he had comprehended the very essence of the Dao of Balance!
This was beyond ordinary comprehension! The Dao of Balance was a legendary path that few even dared to touch. To create an artifact like this without spiritual energy…
The elder felt his scalp go numb.
'He's not a mortal at all. He's a terrifying Grandmaster disguising himself as a mortal!'
He dropped to one knee. "Senior, this old one, Elder Zhao of the Emerald Sword Sect, humbly requests your guidance!"
Shen Mu almost dropped his cup of tea.
'HUH?!'
Meanwhile, Bai Ling's admiration grew even stronger.
An Elder from a top sect was kneeling before him?! This was proof!
This wasn't just a hidden expert. This was a transcendent being!
Shen Mu felt a headache forming. He had to put a stop to this before things got even more ridiculous.
Clearing his throat, he put on a serious face. "Elder Zhao, right? Look, I think you're misunderstanding something. I'm just a woodworker. I don't cultivate, and I don't know any profound techniques. I just… make furniture."
Elder Zhao and Bai Ling exchanged glances.
Then they both nodded.
"He's testing us," Bai Ling whispered.
"Indeed," Elder Zhao murmured. "A true master never admits their strength so easily."
Shen Mu's eye twitched.
'I JUST SAID I'M A MORTAL!'
Before he could protest, Elder Zhao suddenly pulled out a sword and placed it gently on the ground.
"This is the Emerald Void Blade, a treasure passed down for generations in my sect. If you can see even a single flaw in it, I shall acknowledge your wisdom!"
Shen Mu stared at the sword.
It was beautiful. The emerald-colored metal gleamed under the sunlight, its edge razor-sharp. The craftsmanship was undeniable.
But…
His woodworker instincts kicked in.
'This is good… but the weight distribution is slightly off. And look at this crossguard—it's a little unbalanced. Oh, and the grip could definitely use some refinement…'
Before he knew it, he had already spoken.
"Hmmm… The blade is good, but the balance could be improved. Also, the grip is slightly misaligned—if you swing too hard, it might slip."
Dead silence.
Elder Zhao trembled.
Then, without warning—
CRACK!
The Emerald Void Blade—a legendary sword refined by generations of cultivators—suddenly shattered into pieces!
Shen Mu: "…"
Bai Ling: "…"
Elder Zhao's face turned pale. Then, suddenly, he slammed his forehead to the ground.
"Senior's wisdom is unparalleled! With just a single glance, you saw the fatal flaw in our most treasured artifact!"
Shen Mu felt like banging his head against the wall.
'BRO, I JUST SAID THE BALANCE WAS OFF!'
Bai Ling's maid nearly fainted on the spot. What kind of monster was this so-called "humble woodworker"?!
Bai Ling took a deep breath, her respect reaching new heights.
"A single critique… and a legendary sword was unable to bear its own flaws. This is the power of a true Grandmaster."
She turned toward Shen Mu with shining eyes.
"Senior… will you accept a disciple?"
Shen Mu choked on his tea.
'WHAT?!'
---
End of Chapter 3