Following the Right Master Really Was Crucial! Four Senior Brothers!

"Following the right master... really was too important!"

Lin Xia stroked the leather-textured book cover, gazing at the two enticing "mountains" in his spatial storage as he sighed from the bottom of his heart.

Lou Gao had not only given him resources and protection, but also the key to a broader stage in the future.

He was nothing like Yu Xiaogang, who had wanted him to take him as his master without offering him anything, going on all day about theories.

Knock, knock, knock—

Just then, a somewhat hurried yet fairly restrained knock sounded, breaking the room's silence.

Larvitar immediately raised its little head warily, its red eyes fixed on the door.

Lin Xia came back to his senses as well. He quickly set down the book in his hand, walked to the door, and pulled it open.

Most of the light outside was blocked by four figures standing like iron towers.

The four men were all over six feet tall, like four pieces of Fine Iron tempered in fire. Their knotted muscles stretched their leather aprons, which were stained with grease and scorched by sparks, until they bulged.

Their skin was bronze from years of smoke and furnace heat. Their arms were as thick as both of Lin Xia's thighs combined, their hands covered in thick calluses and tiny burn scars. They carried a strong, masculine scent of sweat, metal, and coal.

The man in front was the oldest, around thirty. He had a Square Face, thick brows, large eyes, and a steady gaze that made him seem dependable.

The one beside him was a little younger, with a sharp Buzz Cut, keen eyes, and a hearty smile at the Corners of the Mouth.

The third seemed somewhat impatient, standing on tiptoe and craning his neck, his face openly brimming with curiosity.

The last was the most burly. He stood silently in the back, like a small mountain.

Four pairs of eyes—eight gazes—focused on Lin Xia as soon as he opened the door, filled with pure curiosity and kindly interest.

After a brief silence that was almost frozen, the four men seemed to move as if rehearsed. Huge, somewhat simple smiles instantly bloomed across their faces, and in voices as thunderous as Heavy Hammers striking iron, they shouted in unison:

"Are you our Junior Brother?"

Their voices echoed through the quiet corridor, making Lin Xia's ears ring.

Seeing the blank expressions on Lin Xia and the strange little beast, the four men suddenly realized how abrupt they had been—and how terrifyingly loud.

The Square Face man in front, with his steady, dependable gaze, immediately put on an apologetic expression. His Fan-like Big Hand awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

"Ah! Listen to those big mouths of ours!"

He hurriedly lowered his voice, sounding somewhat annoyed with himself.

"We scared Junior Brother and this Little Guy, didn't we? Sorry, sorry! We're Master's disciples. Ranked by when we entered his tutelage, I'm Si Long, the First Senior Brother!" He patted his broad chest.

The man beside him with the neat Buzz Cut, sharp eyes, and hearty smile immediately added, "I'm Second Brother, Si Di!" He flashed Lin Xia a friendly grin.

The one who had been standing on tiptoe and seemed the most impatient craned his neck forward, speaking at lightning speed. "Third Brother Si Yu! Hehe, Junior Brother, your Martial Soul is really rare!" His eyes were fixed on Larvitar, filled with amazement.

The burliest man at the back, silent as a mountain, merely nodded. His voice was low and brief. "Fourth Brother, Si Kai."

After the introductions, all four pairs of eyes once again focused on Lin Xia and the Gray-green Little Dinosaur by his feet. Their pure curiosity and goodwill practically overflowed.

Lin Xia steadied himself, suppressing the dizziness from the "sound-wave attack." He immediately brought Larvitar forward, clasped his hands, and gave the four Senior Brothers a deep, proper, respectful bow.

"Lin Xia greets the four Senior Brothers!"

His voice was clear and bright, full of youthful vigor.

Larvitar seemed to sense its Master's solemnity and copied him. It awkwardly pressed its two tiny forepaws together, bowed to the four men, and let out a "Yogi!" Its appearance was both adorable and earnest.

"Oh!"

"My heavens!"

"This Little Guy... knows manners too?!"

"So... so adorable!"

The four rough men, built like iron towers, were instantly struck in the softest part of their Inner Hearts by Larvitar's gesture!

Si Yu's eyes widened round, while Si Di grinned so broadly his eyes disappeared. Even the steady Si Long and the taciturn Si Kai wore rare smiles that were nearly fatherly, their hearts practically melted by cuteness!

"Junior Brother! From now on, in Gengjin City and at the Blacksmith Association, whatever happens, just give them our names!"

Si Long thumped his chest until it boomed, his manner overflowing with boldness.

"Whoever dares bully you, or if you run into any trouble, come find your Senior Brothers! Leave it to us!"

"That's right!" Si Di nodded forcefully. "If you need anything, or want to forge something handy to practice your strength with, don't stand on ceremony!"

"Yeah! Whoever makes you unhappy, Third Brother will stand up for you!" Si Yu promised, patting his chest.

Though Si Kai said nothing, he gave a heavy nod, his gaze firm.

Feeling the sincerity and protective intent pouring from his four Senior Brothers, a Warm Current surged through Lin Xia's heart, and a genuine smile appeared on his face.

"Thank you for looking after me, Senior Brothers!" Lin Xia stepped aside from the doorway. "Would you like to come in and sit for a while?"

"No, no!"

Si Long hurriedly waved his hand, looking a little embarrassed.

"We slipped over while Master was between instructions to meet our Junior Brother. There are still several furnaces of important alloys waiting to be cast in the workshop, so we can't delay! Another day! Another day, we brothers will have a proper chat!"

"Right, right, work comes first!"

Si Di and Si Yu quickly echoed him.

As Si Long spoke, he brushed a hand across an inconspicuous leather storage pouch at his waist. A flash of light appeared, and a pile of brand-new daily necessities materialized in his broad palm.

A thick, soft quilt, clean bedsheets and pillowcases, a washbasin and towels, and even a large bundle of clothes carrying the fresh fragrance of soap pods.

"Junior Brother, you must be short on these things since you just got here."

Si Long smiled and handed the items over.

"They're all new and clean! We Blacksmiths aren't afraid of dirt, but where we live has to be comfortable."

Lin Xia could tell at a glance that both the thickness of the quilt and the quality of the clothes were far superior to the rough cloth outfit he wore. Clearly, his Senior Brothers had thoughtfully prepared them for him.

Moved, Lin Xia hurriedly accepted the weighty gift with both hands.

"You've gone to so much trouble, Senior Brothers! Lin Xia is deeply grateful!"

"Haha, it's nothing!"

Seeing how courteous Lin Xia was, Si Long felt even more pleased. Looking at the handsome, sensible young man before him and the equally "sensible" Little Dinosaur beside him, he could not stop smiling.

He extended his rough hand as if to pat Lin Xia's shoulder, but worried about frightening him. In the end, he merely gave Lin Xia's arm a gentle press.

"Alright, we'll get back to work! Settle in and stay at ease. If anything comes up, come find us anytime!"

"See you later, Junior Brother!"

Si Di and Si Yu smiled and waved as well.

Si Kai silently nodded once more.

It was almost the end of the month. Votes were useless if you kept them—hand them over!!!