Outside the blacksmith shop of the Big Punishment Kiln, a silent crowd was kneeling on the ground.
Nearly a hundred artisans, kiln workers, and those performing miscellaneous tasks were prostrated, not daring to breathe loudly, quietly awaiting the return of their master.
At the forefront were the Cyan Flower Kiln Head, Lu Shiping, and the Cunjing Kiln Head, Chao Sanjing, exchanging glances.
Their faces were filled with bitterness; with their master not back at this hour, it seemed he was likely to be in a bad mood, and they would surely suffer later!
As the time ticked past 3:00 PM, the sky gradually darkened, and they finally heard heavy footsteps.
Thud, thud, thud!
It was as if a powerful drum was beating, making the ground shake and tremble, flinging clumps of mud.
Several splashes landed on Lu Shiping's cheek, but he didn't move, to avoid drawing the master's attention and incurring his wrath.
