Master and apprentice sat on a mound of earth, gazing at the enormous pit.
Xu Feng's mind was clear.
His master said, "Let's hear this scheme of yours."
Xu Feng laid out his reasoning.
At heart, it came down to this: neither Xu Feng nor his master had enough fame or standing.
Being corpse sewers put them at a disadvantage from the start.
Xu Feng said, "Without enough of a reputation, it's hard to find people who share our aims, or even people willing to join us for profit.
"Master, the two of us aren't at the point where we can talk about cultivating prestige. That's far beyond us.
"So whether we offer fame or profit, we can't draw anyone in.
"That's what you mean, isn't it, Master?"
"You haven't let your reputation go to your head, kid. Good. That's exactly it. Your name may be widely known, but in truth, it only qualifies you to be swept up with the others and risk your life."
His master had seen the situation clearly. He rarely spoke of such things, but now he was pointing them out to Xu Feng.
Xu Feng took his words to heart, though he already had an idea.
His master looked at him and continued, "But don't be discouraged. Anyone who made a name for himself at your age would have reason to be proud."
He went on, "When craftsmen work together, they sometimes need rules to bind them, or ties of affection.
"You help me, I help you. That's the only way such a bond lasts.
"So once we're back, I'll think of someone whose connections we can draw on to deal with this place.
"But is this place really so important? You can't stop thinking about it, all for a share of Yin Virtue