Chapter 2145 Rite of Apprenticeship
The birthday gift signified status and dignity. For instance, even though Levi and Heath weren''t on
friendly terms with the Banes, the gifts they presented were dignified. It was the first time they met
someone like Matthew, who bought something from a dark alley and used them as a birthday gift.
Youngd, prepare to suffer the wreath of Old Mr. Bane!
The next second, everyone couldn''t help but look forward to seeing Matthew getting told off by Old Mr.
Bane.
Just then, Matthew slowly stood up amongst the crowd. While everyone watched gleefully, he
straightened his clothes and adjusted his posture before bowing slowly. "Yes, Master."
What?!
After he said that, everyone''s eyes grew as big as golf balls, and some even jerked upright. All of them
had heard him address Old Mr. Bane as ''Master''.
Before they could register what was happening, Old Mr. Bane nodded and said in a serious tone,
"Come forward, Matthew."
When the words left his lips, Matthew''s heart skipped a beat. Judging from the way Old Mr. Bane
carried himself, he reckoned that he wanted to formally ept him as a disciple now. Unfortunately, he
was busy with cultivation and training recently, and the only time he could free up was used to prepare
Marissa''s birthday presents, so he didn''t have time to prepare the customary emolument for the rites.
Now that things hade to this point, he could only bite the bullet and walk forward. "Here I am,
Master," he said, kneeling with one knee on the floor.
"Get the ruler!" Old Mr. Bane said and reached out his hand. Then, someone next to him hurriedly
ced a wooden ruler with the word ''Bane'' carved on it onto his outstretched hand.
"By joining me as myst disciple, it is necessary for you to inherit the martial arts and spirit of the
Banes and bring glory to the name. Herewith, I have three admonitions as your teacher. One, always
ce kindness first, never do evil, and have no evil thoughts," he said and tapped the ruler on
Matthew''s left shoulder heavily. "Two, abstain from pride, refrain fromcency, and stay true to
your heart." The second tapnded on his right shoulder. "Three, respect your teacher and elders, and
love the young." Finally, thest tap fell on his back.
Then, Matthew bowed and saluted. "I have kept your admonitions to my heart, Master."
When martial arts were at the peak of their influence, this rite of apprenticeship was essential, and the
three admonitions reflected the way to be a human, the way of martial art practice, and the way of the
master. Furthermore, this wasn''t merely just a verbal statement because anyone who went against the
rules would be expelled by their master.
The highlights of the rite were over, and now, the disciple would have to present the emolument to his
master, which was also an important part. s, this ced Matthew in a dilemma because he hadn''t
prepared anything at all.
When seconds passed by without anything happening, everyone noticed what was amiss—it seemed
like Matthew hadn''t prepared anything as an emolument!
Matthew was the only one they knew that had the cheeks to acknowledge a master with empty hands.
Although the emoluments were just a token, they reflected the sincerity and attitude of the disciple. At
the same time, it represented the face of the master.
As they waited in anticipation, Old Mr. Bane spoke again. "Let''s forget gifts and such. Didn''t you bring
the liquor and pills with you earlier? We''ll take those as the emoluments."
Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.
Huh? The moment Old Mr. Bane announced his decision, everyone''s jaw dropped in stunned silence.
Is this really happening? Did he really just use his wife''s birthday gifts as emoluments?
Although they all thought that this was unheard of and utterly ridiculous, the meaning behind this
gesture made their hairs stand on its end. Reаd at NovelDrama.Org