An Ning rose and took her seat at the prepared table.
Uncle An presided over the apprenticeship ceremony. The first to be accepted was Li Chengze.
"KNEEL—"
At the drawn-out command, Li Chengze knelt on both knees. An Guoping, standing nearby, handed him a cup of tea. Li Chengze accepted it with both hands, raising it high above his head.
"Master, please drink this tea."
An Ning did not take it immediately, instead offering a few words of instruction.
"Li Chengze, from this day forward, you are my eldest disciple. I hope you will hold fast to your principles, always choose the path of kindness, and use your inventions to improve people's lives."
"Yes, I will take it to heart."
Li Chengze's gaze was resolute. In this solemn atmosphere, he understood for the first time the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders.
"Remember, you are forbidden from committing any crimes. If you break the law, I will be the first one to turn you in."
