Chapter 156: Deadly habits unchanged

While Daoist Qingsong's small stall also offered fortune-telling sticks, most pilgrims visiting the City God Temple preferred to draw lots directly in front of the City God statue, then either ponder the meaning themselves or seek an interpretation from someone else.

Drawing lots at the temple is considered a unique form of divine response. The bamboo sticks, specifically those before the official City God, are quite particular, believed to have some connection to the divine records in the underworld. A sincere seeker might gain a general sense of direction, though clarity remains elusive for most.

In contrast, the fortune-telling sticks offered by diviners operate differently; they are a distinct method of casting lots, a form of prognostication.

Greeted enthusiastically by Daoist Qingsong, the middle-aged pilgrim took a seat on a small stool in front of the stall. Upon hearing that Daoist Qingsong had been observing his facial features, he asked curiously:

"Daoist, you mentioned observing my facial features. Is there anything significant to note?"

Daoist Qingsong shook his head. Before he could speak, the young Daoist Qi Xuan, standing nearby, cleared his throat.

"First, let's interpret the lot. I'd like to cross-reference it with the text. You remember what it said, right?"

The middle-aged man didn't hesitate, relaying the information truthfully.

"I saw the text on the temple lot. It read: 'The strategists fight relentlessly, Bing Jia.'"

Ji Yuan had subtly approached the tree next to Daoist Qingsong's stall. He hadn't used any magical concealment; the others were simply too engrossed in their conversation to notice his presence.

From the middle-aged man's words, Ji Yuan first inferred that the man was likely literate, as he described what he had personally seen, rather than repeating what a temple attendant had told him. As for the interpretation of the lot, that was up to Daoist Qingsong. In any case, Ji Yuan felt a sense of unease upon hearing the lot's wording.

Ji Yuan didn't deliberately scrutinize the man's aura, but merely observed his life-force, noting it was still quite robust. Judging by the pilgrim's demeanor, he didn't appear to be someone who would readily cause trouble.

Upon hearing the lot's inscription, Daoist Qingsong's brow furrowed, and he looked at the pilgrim once more.

"An extremely ill-omened lot..."

At this point, Daoist Qingsong assumed the air of a profound master, his expression clearly reflecting deep contemplation, which made the pilgrim noticeably anxious.

"It appears this pallor of misfortune on your face is not innate!"

Daoist Qingsong added this comment with a very serious expression.

"You!"

The man instantly felt a surge of indignation. Fortunately, his composure held, though his tone became slightly sharper.

"Please, Daoist, interpret the lot!"

Qi Wen, feeling quite embarrassed, quickly explained to the man.

"Uh, please don't misunderstand, sir. My master observed that your facial features have recently deteriorated; he wasn't insulting you..."

Daoist Qingsong seemed to realize he had spoken out of turn, and with an apologetic smile, promptly began to interpret the lot.

"Sir, what was the subject of your petition at the temple? Was it concerning your household, personal safety, or career?"

"All of them."

Daoist Qingsong nodded, then scrutinized the man's face once more.

"Ordinarily, your features are well-defined and upright, indicating a good visage. However, your current state suggests an unusual downturn. According to your lot, you are either entangled in old grievances or a cunning individual is plotting against you. Furthermore, regardless of the situation, you have already vaguely sensed something, haven't you?"

The middle-aged man in dark robes was visibly startled by this, his expression becoming significantly more serious.

"Daoist, please elaborate further. Can you suggest any remedies or countermeasures?"

One minor reason Daoist Qingsong enjoyed fortune-telling was his delight in observing people's expressions and reactions when their fortunes were accurately divined. Seeing the man's response, he adopted an even more serious demeanor.

"Sir, are you aware that 'strategists' (mubin) often refer to military advisors serving under a general, involved in military strategy? A 'strategist's conflict' might sound refined, but it signifies a genuine, brutal military confrontation, one where blood is shed amidst flashing blades!"

The middle-aged man's scalp tingled, and his face paled, but Daoist Qingsong had not yet finished speaking.

"If it were a common lot, it might be manageable, but your lot includes the words 'relentlessly,' indicating extreme peril!"

Even someone uneducated would have understood this clearly, let alone the middle-aged man who possessed some discernment. His complexion grew even more ashen than before.

At this moment, Qi Wen listened with intense focus from the side. Even Ji Yuan, standing a few steps away, also frowned. However, he restrained the urge to closely examine the middle-aged man with his spiritual eye, deciding to wait until Daoist Qingsong had finished interpreting the lot or concluded his divination before observing his aura.

"Does the Daoist imply that this situation has escalated to a point of no return, with no room for negotiation or escape?"

"Alas, nothing in the world is absolute. While the lot indicates an intensified challenge, it doesn't necessarily mean it's without a solution. One must address the specifics of the situation. In any case, it's always wise to harbor fewer malicious thoughts and cultivate virtue through good deeds."

Daoist Qingsong rarely offered such comfort, suggesting he had learned his lesson to some degree. However, the advice he offered, though a profound truth, applied to about ninety percent of all divinations and might have seemed rather unhelpful to others.

"Sir, I perceive you already have some inkling in your heart. Otherwise, the lot wouldn't have begun with 'strategists' but with 'Yu Gong' [the foolish old man who moved mountains, signifying perseverance]. Why don't you provide me with your Eight Characters [birth data], and I can perform a thorough divination for you?"

By the last sentence, Daoist Qingsong's tone clearly indicated considerable interest.

As Ji Yuan understood it, Qi Xuan was likely the kind of person who would internally muse, 'What's the fun in reading ordinary fortunes? The more convoluted, the more exciting, of course!'

It felt akin to the interest some doctors have in rare and challenging ailments.

However, the middle-aged man clearly had his own thoughts. Perhaps he felt Daoist Qingsong's interpretation of the lot was sufficient, or perhaps he had already had his fortune told numerous times and had no inclination to provide his Eight Characters.

"Thank you, Daoist, for interpreting the lot for me..."

The man glanced at the stall's sign, then extracted five copper coins from his purse and placed them on the table.

"This is the fee. I'll take my leave now!"

With that, the man stood up, gave a slight bow, and turned to depart.

This, surprisingly, made Daoist Qingsong somewhat anxious.

"Hey, hey, hey, sir, don't be in such a rush to leave! I see your facial features are clouded now. Let me calculate your destiny and see your fortune and longevity. You deserve to know whether you'll live or die, don't you?"

The man turned to look at Daoist Qingsong, then at Qi Wen, who was nervously tugging at his master's arm. He took a deep breath before walking away without a backward glance.

"Sir... I'm not like other fortune tellers. What they can't discern, I can! Oh, Qi Wen, why are you holding me back...?"

"Master, please stop talking! I, your disciple, beg you; the gentleman does not wish for further divination!"

"Why wouldn't he want it? He's simply afraid. If I just persuade him a bit more, he'll agree, sigh!"

Seeing that the pilgrim had already walked away, Daoist Qingsong deflated, uttering a sigh.

"It's rare for someone to have such a good temper..."

Ji Yuan, watching the middle-aged man walk away in the distance, widened his eyes slightly and found Daoist Qingsong's remark both amusing and exasperating.

"So, Daoist Qi, you are aware of this after all? If that man had a worse temper, would you have been hit again?"

The moment Ji Yuan's clear and resonant voice spoke, it immediately captured the attention of Daoist Qingsong and Qi Wen. Turning around, they saw Ji Yuan standing by the tree.

"It's Mr. Ji! Hahaha, it truly is Mr. Ji! Mr. Ji hasn't changed a bit!"

Qi Wen's joy was evident on his face, and even Daoist Qingsong Qi Xuan was quite excited, though he suddenly felt a touch of awkwardness recalling the recent incident. He quickly rose and bowed respectfully.

Ji Yuan also smiled and returned the gesture, speaking to Qi Wen.

"Young Daoist Qi Wen has certainly grown into an adult. You used to only reach your master's chin, and now you're almost as tall as he is."

"Uh, heh heh, Mr. Ji, when did you arrive?"

Daoist Qingsong felt a little uneasy; this individual was truly no ordinary mortal.

"I've been here for a while. I even stopped by your Cloud Mountain Temple before coming to find you. When do you plan to close your stall, Daoist?"

"Closing, closing, right away! Qi Wen, don't just stand there; we're packing up now."

Daoist Qingsong realized that Mr. Ji had come specifically to see him and his disciple. How could he remain seated? He quickly began packing with Qi Wen. He certainly wouldn't dare make an immortal wait until evening!

The small stall consisted of just two wooden supports with a plank laid across them, covered by a piece of burlap. It was dismantled by the master and disciple in a few swift motions. The divination sticks, geomancy plate, and other items were all placed into a basket, which Qi Wen then carried on his back.

"All packed up, all packed up! Mr. Ji, why don't you join us for a simple meal back at Cloud Mountain Temple?"

"Yes, Mr. Ji, my master's cooking is truly delicious."

"As long as you don't mind me disturbing your peace and quiet."

Ji Yuan made a lighthearted remark, then set off with the master and disciple.

"Not at all! For Mr. Ji to visit our humble little temple, it truly brings us great honor. Today, I shall showcase a few of my culinary skills for you, allowing you to sample how my mortal cooking compares to the nectar of immortals."

His boast was considerable, but Ji Yuan had previously peeked into the Cloud Mountain Temple's kitchen. While rice was plentiful, supplies like oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar were rather meager.

"Then I truly must witness the Daoist's culinary prowess. Eating mist and drinking dew offers no flavor, but I have indeed partaken in a Dragon Palace feast."

Daoist Qingsong immediately became flustered upon hearing this. He had only been speaking politely; Mr. Ji shouldn't take it literally!

Ji Yuan simply led the master and disciple to the county market, where he purchased a few necessary items, not forgetting to acquire some fish and meat.

As they left Dongle County, Ji Yuan glanced back. He would certainly have Qi Xuan drink some dragon's saliva incense, which would likely cause the Daoist to sleep for several days.

For these few days, he naturally wouldn't be setting up his stall again. He just wondered if the pilgrim would return to the Daoist to seek divination and a resolution.