Chapter Nine: Intricate Schemes Within Schemes

The next day, upon waking, the young carpenter got up to wash and groom himself, while Wu Bansian yawned and rose, casually greeting him as if nothing had happened

The person, upon hearing this, expressed some confusion and asked what you wanted him to do

Since direct confrontation is not feasible, what should be done instead

Wu Bansian left, while the mute began to catch the chickens all over the yard. The little carpenter did not leave; instead, he took out the nearly completed wood carving and, with a carving knife, meticulously refined it, his heart filled with sorrow.

As soon as he woke up, someone outside immediately noticed, and they stopped speaking, saying: "What's going on inside? That kid has woken up?"

Moreover, the other party's methods are so ruthless, killing without a blink of an eye, that even his master could not withstand it and fled in disgrace. What difference would it make if he were to stand out

However, even though he was aware of the schemes involved, the young carpenter ultimately found himself unable to forcibly break the deadlock, and he did not even dare to express his knowledge of the matter

The young carpenter finally understood why his master had been so cautious throughout his life, even to the extent of not wanting to show his affection and kindness towards him in front of outsiders

The people in the yard do not engage in much conversation, yet they provide the little carpenter with an abundance of clues

Lu Da treats Gan Shisan as if he were his own son, dedicating himself wholeheartedly, and is not as cold and heartless as outsiders perceive him to be

It turned out that the one who committed the murder was not his master, but rather his master's former junior disciple, who was also his master's uncle.

Wu Bansian finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Alright, your disciple can indeed be of help in this matter"

Hearing him say this, Wu Banjian quickly stopped him and said: "Qiming, my younger brother, you have already mentioned that Lu Da has no feelings for this child at all. What use is it to kill him? It would be better to leave him to me"

This is precisely what made the young carpenter aware of the conspiracy within.

That person chuckled, and then said: "I received news that there are newcomers at Tiezhaipo downstream of Qianzhou River these days. I will go take a look first. My foolish apprentice, Hubi, will stay here. He is at Old Qian's house in the west of the town. If you need any assistance or have any news, just go find him."

Although he studied swordsmanship with the famous Miao knife master Xiong Cao during his childhood, the routines for strengthening the body and the techniques for actual combat cannot be compared at all. Over the years, apart from having encounters with those possessed by evil spirits, he has never experienced a single normal fight. It is truly difficult to imagine the final outcome if he were to engage in a duel with someone.

Moreover, what role does the Liu family play in this context

It turns out it was for the "Luban Classic"

I see now

Wu Bansian expressed some concern: "Your fierce disciple has killed too many people, exuding a fierce aura, too intimidating; I dare not assign him any tasks."

Upon hearing this, the person couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Oh dear, it is often said that 'the most poisonous is a woman's heart.' Wu Laoyao, your intentions are a hundred times more venomous than those of a woman."

The two volumes of the Luban Sutra discuss the "methods of repelling and overcoming." The term "repelling" (y) also known as "pressing victory," means to repel and achieve victory. It refers to an ancient Chinese folk custom of warding off evil and praying for good fortune, utilizing spells, curses, or prayers to defeat those, objects, or monsters that are despised. This practice is first recorded in the "Book of the Later Han: Biography of Emperor Qing of Qinghe," which states, "Due to the words of the shaman, one wishes to create a curse using the method of gu, employing the hare as a technique of repelling and overcoming." This practice has been passed down through the folk tradition. The Luban Sutra records a practice known as "carpenter's repelling and overcoming," which is a type of repelling sorcery originating from ancient shamanism. After the Yuan Dynasty, the legends surrounding it became more prevalent, reflecting the desire of artisans to gain social recognition and better treatment through this belief.

After saying this, he could not suppress his hatred and said: "My senior brother is full of tricks. On the day I ambushed him, he must have had an inkling of what was happening. As soon as he was injured, he immediately fled, ultimately escaping by the river, quite swiftly. In the past few days, I have searched everywhere but found nothing. I had hoped that he would care for his disciple and come back to take him away, but unexpectedly, he is completely indifferent to this kid. Since that is the case, I might as well kill him, at least it would relieve my pent-up anger..."

He clearly harbors a deep hatred for the master carpenter, Lu Da, as evidenced by the tone of his speech, which is somewhat gritted and filled with resentment

In fact, the young carpenter not only learned to use the Lu Ban axe but also studied the second volume of the Lu Ban Classic

It turns out that the incident at the Liu family's new residence was actually a result of someone's scheming

Wu Bansian called out for a while, and upon hearing no response from inside, he finally felt at ease and returned to his room to sleep

The person outside finally stopped and coldly said: "My senior brother has always been cunning. Back in the day, that old fool, just before he died, clearly handed over the entire Lu Ban's Complete Book to him, yet he deceived us, claiming to know nothing about it. I was foolish enough to believe him. If it weren't for my later encounter with the ghost-faced brother Qin Canhua, who deduced from my senior brother's actions that he understood the first volume of Lu Ban and was laying out a scheme here, I might have been fooled by that scoundrel for a lifetime."

It is merely ... ...

The young carpenter nodded and said, "Thank you, sir. I will certainly work hard"

He finally understood his master's painstaking efforts and recognized the caution that his master had consistently upheld, ultimately saving his own life

The little carpenter looked deeply moved and said, "Sir, you have been so kind to me that I hardly know what to say."

Wu Bansian, with a serious expression, said that this matter originated from me. If I had not called you and your master here, how could such a thing have happened? Do not be anxious; did I not tell you last time that some families in the county particularly admire the furniture you make? After you have rested for a few days, I will bring you some work. You can stay here with me, and you can leave whenever your master returns. How does that sound? Do not be anxious; did I not tell you last time that some families in the county particularly admire the furniture you make? After you have rested for a few days, I will bring you some work. You can stay here with me, and you can leave whenever your master returns. How does that sound?

The principle of victory can accumulate blessings, thus the young carpenter is able to learn

Isn't it the same outcome?

That person laughed heartily and said, "As a country bumpkin, it is inevitable that my temper is not very good. However, I have instructed him to listen to you during this period. That little rascal has the utmost faith in me and would not dare to disobey. You can rest assured."

The young carpenter Gan Shisan heard this but did not dare to respond, pretending to be asleep

Wu Bansian smiled and said, "Do not be anxious; you should be aware that my maternal uncle has some connections with the Tang Clan of Kaixian. Consequently, I have also learned some pharmacology and toxicology. When we return, I will poison this fellow's throat to render him mute, and then find a way to sever one of his tendons. This way, he will be trapped in my grasp. At that time, I will devise some means to win him over, and he will obediently fall into my hands for the rest of his life, to be at my service"

Wu Bansian said: "You have already mentioned that your senior brother possesses only two skills in his lifetime. The first is the art of overcoming adversities, and the second is the Lu Ban axe—an implement used by carpenters. It is aptly described as 'divine craftsmanship.' This young man has not learned the teachings of Lu Ban, yet his skill with the Lu Ban axe, which pertains to carpentry, is indeed exceptional. At such a young age, he already exhibits the demeanor of a master craftsman. In a few more years, as he accumulates experience and wisdom, he will undoubtedly become extraordinary. If he were to be killed, it would truly be a great loss."

This person is said to be a formidable character, possessing both power and firearms. If he is able to lend a helping hand, it is possible that he could provide protection for him

Wu Bansian smiled and said, "No, I have given him a specially formulated sedative. He won't wake up until the next morning—let me tell you, he is just a little lackey running errands for Lu Da, with no real skills, only knowing a bit of carpentry. Lu Da told me this kid has a weak fate and cannot withstand the evil influences of the unorthodox. I specifically inquired about his birth chart, and it is indeed the case. In short, you can rest assured..." In short, you can rest assured...

That person said such a wretched offspring should stay, I always feel somewhat unsafe

The spells recorded in the Book of Lu Ban are indeed malicious and contravene natural principles. Therefore, within the teachings of Lu Ban, there is a saying known as "Lacking One Door," which implies that one either has no descendants, suffers from a disability, or experiences misfortune among relatives. Thus, Lu Ban only transmits the methods from the lower volume of Gan Thirteen.

Sheriff Lin Yimin of the county

The little carpenter was very respectful and did not dare to be negligent. After washing his face, Wu Bansian smiled and said to him: "These past few days without meat, your taste buds must have dulled a bit—after all, when you were working at the Liu family, you could still see some meat every other day. I am going to the county today; the new head of the militia has invited me to dinner, but unfortunately, I cannot take you with me. However, do not worry; I have instructed Heiniu to stew a chicken for you. You should give it a try; his other skills are average, but he is quite good at stewing chicken..."

The young carpenter was troubled and in pain, yet he was aware that Wu Bansian had begun to harbor suspicions about him. Just a moment ago, he had softly called out to him, so he could only suppress his anxious emotions and force himself to close his eyes

In the mind of the young carpenter, the first person that came to mind was that man with a scar on his face, who appeared very fierce

The young carpenter, having traveled far and wide with his master, possesses an understanding of the concept of "the malice of human hearts" that far exceeds that of his peers. Naturally, he does not equate the authorities with "justice" and is well aware that Lin Yimin, who relies on the local militia for his livelihood, is not to be underestimated. If he were to uphold justice, that would be one thing; however, if he were to collude with Wu Banshen and that Master Qiming, engaging in underhanded dealings, he would not even know how to write the word "death" when the time comes. He is well aware that Lin Yimin, who relies on the local militia for his livelihood, is not to be underestimated. If he were to uphold justice, that would be one thing; however, if he were to collude with Wu Banshen and that Master Qiming, engaging in underhanded dealings, he would not even know how to write the word "death" when the time comes.

At that moment, someone suddenly shouted from outside the bamboo wall: "Little carpenter, I said I couldn't find you anywhere, turns out you are here."

As for why he inhaled the intoxicating fragrance without falling into a deep sleep, it is because he has had poor health since childhood. Lu Da has always prepared medicinal herbs for Gan Shisan, resulting in the development of resistance in his body, which is why this occurred

The object of the layout is not Liu's family, but rather his master, Lu Da

In the dead of night, the little carpenter opened his eyes

Wu Bansian hurriedly stopped him, shushing softly, and then said: "Speaking of which, I have saved his life, haven't I? The Buddhist scriptures say that saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. If that young man were to find out in the future, he would surely be grateful to me"

The two exchanged a few more words, and then the person outside left. Shortly after, the carpenter's door was knocked on, and he heard Wu Banjian calling him softly at the door: "Little brother, Gan little brother..."

That was merely a test

The first volume of the Lu Ban Book contains methods for cursing, suppressing, and controlling people, referred to as "Yin"; the second volume provides solutions, recording effective laws and blessings, referred to as "Sheng"