Wen Wen said, "I just happen to have someone here who is going to seek a blessing. We can go together; he just needs to show up at the Northern Mountain District branch by tomorrow afternoon at the latest."
Now, not only the tickets but also a teammate was sorted out.
What Ye Xian ultimately handed to Ji Jue was a form waiting for a signature.
The registration form for the workshop members of the Taiyi Ring.
The registration location was at the Cliff City Chao Sheng Workshop, with Ye Xian as both the supervisor and recommender, sealed with a confirmation stamp and a handwritten signature.
And the registrant was Ji Jue.
The position was assistant, which meant the conventional sense of an apprentice.
"I was thinking of giving you more time to consider, but now it seems useless to hope you would regret it, so why not complete the procedure now while we're at it."
Ye Xian pushed the signing pen towards Ji Jue and finally reminded him, "However, think it through; once you sign this, you are fully bound with my workshop.
Inside the Taiyi Ring, registration and record-keeping will be carried out, and I will manage everything from now on. From this point forward, your future will be in my hands. Without my permission and recommendation, you won't even qualify to take the craftsman's exam.
Of course, externally, your every word and action will represent the workshop. You will be allowed to wear my emblem, and whatever you do will also be considered my commands and instructions. Even if you find a better offer in the future, I definitely won't allow you to change paths."
"These terms seem a lot more lenient than my student loans."
After hearing this, Ji Jue chuckled softly.
The relationship between an apprentice and a workshop, a student and a craftsman, inherently involved shared glory and shared loss. In the Path of Embers, this was a vitally important legacy.
Moreover, without Professor Ye's guidance and recommendation, what qualifications could he possibly dream of getting to take the craftsman's test?
There was nothing to hesitate about.
Even without this piece of paper, their relationship wouldn't change, but now what Professor Ye was giving him was a vital lifeline for the newly-initiated Chosen One, Ji Jue.
From this point forward, anyone who wanted to target Ji Jue would have to consider the significant backing behind him.
He picked up the pen without a second thought, but as his gaze swept over to the end of the form, he was drawn to the line in the ability registration section.
It had no detailed description and didn't conform to the Taiyi Ring's standard format.
Written by Professor Ye, were simply four characters.
——[Mechanical Descent]
He whispered this designation lightly, momentarily taken aback.
This was the first time his ability was officially named.
Mechanical Descent, Deus Ex Machina.
This term was used by critics to summarize traditional performances and story plots.
Originating from before the era of the Eternal Empire of Central Earth, it referred to actions in theatrical plays where machines or mechanisms would bring actors playing arbitrators or similar roles onto the stage.
It symbolized abrupt, unprepared strategies and events in the plot that broke the deadlock in a contrived scenario.
If taken literally, it was a precise summary of the essence of Ji Jue's ability—bestowing soul and spirit into machinery, manifesting the Power of Superior within lifeless beings and mortal fetuses.
Yet, if considered further, it could imply 'a sudden enormous variable,' 'an external element breaking the deadlock,' 'a straw that saves in times of peril.'
Even, a divine intervention that could turn the tide!
Noticing Ji Jue's contemplation, Professor Ye seemed to understand, "Does it not suit you? It's just a title; it's fine to change it casually."
"No, it's perfect. I really like it."
Ji Jue smiled, signing his name at the end of the registration form.
"Thank you, Professor, no..."
He solemnly exchanged the form: "Thank you, Teacher."
But Professor Ye was silent.
With her hand resting on the form on the table, it was as if she was lost in thought.
Just like the first time she stepped into her teacher's workshop, under the brilliant sunlight, she gazed at the Melting Furnace in front of her. A gentle yet rough palm gently rubbed her hair, with such care and precision.
As if caressing a seed about to sprout.
The person had said to her, "From now on, I am your teacher."
Why did these memories, which she thought had long been forgotten, suddenly become so clear again?
She spoke no more.
Only waving her hand, she signaled Ji Jue to proceed as he wished.
Under the afternoon sun, she watched the fluttering dust.
Letting the distant Tide Sound and memories engulf her.
After so many years, Ye Xian, have you ever regretted?