“P-p-p-packed up my bags,
And I left my home behind.
From the moment I stepped out, I knew
There was so much more to find…

If you ever see me passing by,
Don’t greet me with a heart of stone.
I may wear my feelings on my sleeve,
But I’m wild and free, wherever I roam…[1]♪”

Inside the once-silent workshop, rows of mercury hands that somehow looked thoroughly fed up with life waved drumsticks around, pounding away at iron barrels. Amid the exuberant beat, the craftsman bobbed his head and sang at the top of his lungs. Then he picked up the chainsaw, and a delightful buzzing filled the air.

Sparks flew, and the evil creature’s single eye spasmed in terror on the operating table, the compound structures within its gaze dilating and contracting wildly. And yet, it could not make a sound.

With a violent convulsion, a piercing screech cut through the air as the chainsaw ground against its carapace. Blood sprayed everywhere, while mercury hands descended and expertly sliced open the abdomen. Its organs were removed, and its bones were separated.

Scarlet blood splattered across the room, only to vanish beneath sweeping currents of mercury. The workshop remained spotless, as even the tiniest scraps were collected into barrels.

Ji Jue’s guiding principle was simple: waste nothing, save wherever he could, and squeeze every bit of value out of it. Seeing how dearly every part of it was being treasured, even the evil creature’s muffled wails and screams seemed to grow almost blissful.

“Don’t be afraid. Soon, you’ll be dedicating the rest of your life to the advancement of great...