The Mechanical Sect does not have a Sect Leader.
Whenever there is something important to discuss, the senior brothers from the three departments of Heavenly Craft, Mechanical Technology, and Thunder Fire will sit together to deliberate.
The senior brother with the most experience holds the most weight when speaking.
Therefore, the senior brothers of each department are considered the most powerful figures in the Mechanical Sect.
When Liang Xin’an led Zhao Ya to the residency of the Mechanical Technology Department and met the senior brother of the department, even though Zhao Ya was somewhat prepared, he couldn’t help but be taken aback.
He saw Cui Guangyue, the senior brother of the Mechanical Technology Department, wearing a shiny, well-worn outfit, with an unkempt appearance, and the grime on his face was even thicker than that of Liang Xin’an.
Moreover, he wore glasses on his nose that were thicker than the bottom of a bottle, concentrating on tinkering with a piece of equipment.
"Senior Brother!"
Despite Liang Xin’an’s arrogant and imposing demeanor outside, he behaved like a well-behaved child around Cui Guangyue, standing respectfully in front of him and calling out.
Cui Guangyue did not lift his head, continuing to carefully assemble the apparatus in his hands.
Liang Xin’an stood quietly.
The others didn’t dare to make a sound and could only wait in silence.
Zhao Ya quietly observed the workshop, noticing the large table cluttered with various components.
Most were oddly shaped, with no discernible purpose.
Only a few could be identified as parts of a Mechanical Crossbow.
Besides the senior brother Cui Guangyue, many others were busy in the workshop.
The sound of grinding metal, turning screws, and quiet discussions and conversations blended into a peculiar symphony.
The air was thick with the smell of lubricant, making Zhao Ya feel momentarily like he had returned to his past life.
At this moment, Cui Guangyue finally finished his task, first glancing at Zhao Ya, Gui Xuanqing, and Jin Fu, then focusing his gaze on Liang Xin’an.
"You rascal, you remember to come back?"
Liang Xin’an awkwardly smiled, "Look at what you’re saying, how could I forget to come back?"
"Bah, leaving without a word and you still have the face to return?" Cui Guangyue suddenly became agitated, pointing at Liang Xin’an and cursing.
Yet Zhao Ya and the three others were dumbfounded.
Because Cui Guangyue was pointing not at Liang Xin’an, but at a large water tank beside him.
Liang Xin’an discreetly shifted his feet in front of the water tank.
But that only made Cui Guangyue more agitated.
"Who told you to move? You think I can’t see you? Get back."
"Alright!"
Liang Xin’an didn’t argue, obediently moved back to his original spot.
Cui Guangyue continued his tirade, focusing on Liang Xin’an’s unannounced departure.
Liang Xin’an raised his hand nervously, "Senior Brother...."
"What?"
"Actually, I didn’t leave without a word; didn’t I leave a note on the table for you...."
"How dare you mention the note, it makes me even more furious. An adult saying something like ’the world is so big, I want to see it,’ bah, aren’t you ashamed?"
Cui Guangyue glared at the water tank, raising his hand as if to strike.
Liang Xin’an quickly stepped forward, offering his shoulder to Cui Guangyue instead, taking the hit.
Then Liang Xin’an chuckled, "Haha, feeling better now? Maybe you want to kick me twice?"
"Hmph, with your thick skin, I can’t even kick you, go away!"
"Alright!" Liang Xin’an responded and stepped aside.
Only then did Cui Guangyue turn his attention to Zhao Ya and Gui Xuanqing and the others.
"They all say Zhao Ya of the Azure Dragon Temple is a rare genius from Beyond the World in recent decades, and now I see it’s true, with three heads no less, how peculiar!"
Gui Xuanqing and Jin Fu were left speechless.
But Zhao Ya was the first to react, stepping forward, bowing respectfully with cupped fists.
"Zhao Ya of the Azure Dragon Temple, greets Senior Brother Cui."
Then Gui Xuanqing and Jin Fu also came forward to pay their respects.
Cui Guangyue then realized his mistake, but wasn’t bothered, merely giving a chuckle and saying.
"I was just thinking, how can a person have three heads, come, come, come closer, let me take a good look at you."
Liang Xin’an grew tense upon hearing this.
After all, Zhao Ya was a new martial prodigy from Beyond the World; although his senior brother had high status within the Mechanical Sect, outside it, he had little reputation.
If Zhao Ya doesn’t show face, it could be awkward.
This wasn’t just Liang Xin’an worrying too much.
Upon first meetings, martial artists are often apprehensive, especially when standing too close, which violates many people’s taboos.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Ya didn’t hesitate, stepping forward to face Cui Guangyue.
Cui Guangyue leaned in, his eyes devoid of focus as he scrutinized Zhao Ya.
So close that his glasses almost touched Zhao Ya’s face.
A moment later, Cui Guangyue pulled back, nodded, and remarked, "Indeed a dragon among men, truly extraordinary."
Liang Xin’an finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, Zhao Ya chuckled, "Senior Brother Cui, you can read faces?"
"I can’t read faces, but judging by your age and the great reputation you’ve earned, it shows you’re exceptional. Moreover, your courage to face me head-on at our first meeting is beyond ordinary."
Saying this, Cui Guangyue glanced toward the position next to Zhao Ya, as if his focus frequently drifted.