Chapter 2616: Equally Infuriating
This process did not last too long before Master Cong declared the hour hand finished; the moment he stopped, the resonance of Time Force also dissipated. Yet, the hour hand in his grasp still carried some special Time Rays. As described on the Collection of Information Terminal, this hour hand had a unique sheen that ordinary clocks wouldn’t exhibit after being polished, distinguishing it from common props at a glance.
The female player stepped forward, received the hour hand from the other apprentices’ hands, and after inspecting it for a moment, returned it to Master Cong. "The hour hand has been polished, and there are four more hands. Once done, they can be embedded onto the dial."
"The dial polished last time looked quite ordinary; has the teacher considered making another one?"
Master Cong glanced at her and simply rejected it, "No need."
Unquestionably, the female player should have noticed the hour hand’s peculiarity; hence she encouraged Master Cong to remake the dial to enhance the probability of the clock becoming a Time-related Item.
Of course, after Master Cong refused, she didn’t say much more, retreating into the apprentice lineup.
Master Cong, unconcerned about other matters, informed those present that today’s class was over.
The expressions of most apprentices remained the same, utterly helpless. Despite not learning anything, it had been like this for a long time; the anger and confusion gradually turned into resignation due to Master Cong’s indifference. What else could they do? Others were crafting clocks right before their eyes, clearly seen by countless pairs of eyes; apart from focusing spiritual power and striving for precision, there were no other techniques.
One by one, the apprentices left the room, leaving Xu Huo last. He approached Master Cong while he was tidying his tools and said, "May I take a look at this hour hand?"
Master Cong gestured for him to go ahead without turning his head.
Xu Huo took out the smooth, rounded hour hand, lightly tapping it with the back of his index finger. It unexpectedly resonated with the surrounding Time Force again through the pointer. What he triggered was very limited Time Force; inherently, it shouldn’t have caused widespread resonance of Time Ray, but it achieved this through the hour hand. This indicates the hour hand already serves as a medium for Time-related Items, though it hasn’t naturally formed into a prop, or undergone human processing for definite use. Generally, players cannot accomplish distinct effects with it.
Facing Master Cong’s gaze, he smiled and said, "A bit uncontrollable, hopefully it wouldn’t damage the hour hand."
"I’m curious, did you feel the Time Force while polishing the hour hand?"
"This hour hand can already be used as a medium to manipulate Time Force; seeing someone fix Time Force into a tool is truly perplexing."
Master Cong finally turned to face him, "You speak directly."
Xu Huo said, "I don’t think it’s a matter worthy of indirect probing."
"The Time Force you mentioned, I don’t comprehend." Master Cong said, "I’m merely a clockmaker."
"To me, every clock I make appears the same; you arbitrarily differentiated them."
"Speaking of time and space, weren’t the materials within time and space before they were crafted into clocks?"
Xu Huo’s hand holding the hour hand paused for a moment. As a Space-Time Evolver, he perceives everything in the world indeed exists within time and space. Every object is permeated with Spatial Power and also traversed by time. But this is a passive state, a result of ubiquitous time and space. Simply put, it’s not these objects connected to time and space but time and space indiscriminately covering them.
Yet now, hearing Master Cong’s words, seemed to imply they could communicate with time and space, as if they were components of space-time themselves.
"That’s true, but usually, no one can make them actively resonate with Space-Time Power." Xu Huo said.
Master Cong shook his head, took the hour hand back from him, and caressed it lovingly, "Objects possess their own soul; they can feel human emotions, transforming into various shapes in people’s hands. Sensing other things isn’t difficult."
"This is unrelated to me."
He doesn’t believe it’s he who bestows the clock with special attributes, but rather the clocks themselves can connect with the Space-Time Power others speak of; they just happened to be discovered at his hand. Others go to great lengths to follow his teachings or hope for him to craft better clocks, which is unnecessary. He also lacks any experience to impart.
Xu Huo slightly nodded and said, "Since it’s like that, existing within space-time too, should have the capability to resonate with it like objects do, how can you say the emergence of special attributes in clocks has nothing to do with you?"
The old man gazed at him and, after a moment, surprisingly laughed, "I’ve spoken these words to many people; only you think humans and objects are alike."
Xu Huo also smiled.
"Pity you’re not here to learn the craft." Master Cong seriously said, "With a proper mindset, there will be gains even lacking good aptitude. If the mindset isn’t right, no matter the talent, it’s unused; those are shortcut seekers, believing a bit of smartness excuses them from hard work."
"Persistence is also a rare and exceptional trait." Xu Huo said, "Not everyone can be as focused as you."
Master Cong pondered for a moment, not refuting this, "It is indeed a talent; I shouldn’t overlook its role in learning crafts."
He gestured for Xu Huo to sit down, saying, "I saw that stubborn old man, planning to craft a prop for you? If looking to polish a clock or such, I can help."
Xu Huo didn’t hold back, openly admitting he gave Mr. Xi the Secondary Stone to create an exquisite Rank A Prop; materials aren’t a concern. If insufficient, he can replenish them at any time. As for what to craft specifically, he hasn’t decided. Mr. Xi is still evaluating the materials to achieve the best effect.
"Expected to be an attack-type prop."
Master Cong nodded, "I can help with polishing. Though Mr. Xi’s craftsmanship is top-notch, he’s too impetuous and inattentive; what he crafts doesn’t look good enough."
"How dare you speak ill of me behind my back!" Mr. Xi suddenly appeared at the door, surprised and angry, "I thought you just had a fuzzy mind, didn’t expect you to be so loose-tongued!"
Mr. Xi’s workmanship is indisputable, but whenever anyone is brought before Master Cong, he can confidently assess, "Impetuous and inattentive."
"I’m just stating the truth." Master Cong remained the same, "You’re aged, don’t get too agitated; be careful not to fall ill. Unlike me, though I haven’t taken on many talented apprentices, I don’t lack apprentices. Yours were either driven away by your scolding or betrayed you; you also have a penchant for reckless spending, falling sick with no one or money to care for you."
Xu Huo realized clearly now, whether talkative or tight-lipped, they both speak so irritably.