Chapter 946: Head Sign

Inside and outside the grand hall dedicated to Emperor Zhenwu, incense burned profusely.

An elderly Daoist, with a solemn expression, quickly stepped over the threshold. Seeing the tall, white-clad figure from behind, the old man composed himself, slowed his steps, and stood beside them.

The white-clad person, whose stature was more than an inch taller than the average man from Northern Liang, was in fact a young woman. Her face subtly glowed with an ethereal radiance, perhaps what is called "solemn and majestic," as if a Bodhisattva had descended to the mortal realm.

The elderly Daoist had originally come to take over the task of striking the chime. Although he held the highest seniority on Wudang Mountain and had been the Grand Daoist in charge of the mountain's precepts for decades, he still attended to matters personally. As he approached the grand hall, he sensed an unusual aura emanating from her. The old Daoist knew very well, or rather, she had sensed him first and deliberately revealed subtle traces of her presence.

Following her gaze, the old Daoist saw a devout worshipper performing the three bows and nine prostrations on a prayer cushion. Despite being frail and in their seventies, the worshipper’s prostrations were meticulously performed.

The old Daoist was extremely familiar with this sight. He had been brought to the mountain to cultivate by his master, Huang Manshan, when he was young, becoming a fellow disciple with Wang Chonglou and Song Zhiming. Now nearing a hundred years old, the old man had observed people burning incense for almost eighty years.

The old man sighed, "People grow old seeking immortals, for longevity, for relief from worries, for freedom from suffering."

The tall, white-clad woman calmly asked, "Then why does Wudang Mountain wish to sever the hopes of all cultivators in the world?"

The old man was precisely Chen Yao, the Grand Daoist of Wudang's precepts, elder brother to the former sect leader Hong Xixiang, and senior martial uncle to the current sect leader Li Yu-fu. The old man laughed freely, "Sect Master Tantai, this humble Daoist only understands the rules and regulations of this mountain—what should and should not be done, which is clear enough. But if you ask me about the art of immortality, or broader questions, you would truly be asking a blind man for directions. If you had ascended the mountain earlier, my master, my senior martial brother, and my junior martial brother—all three of them could have answered, or even just ten days earlier, the sect leader could have answered."

Tantai Pingjing calmly withdrew her gaze and looked up at the majestic statue of Emperor Zhenwu, high above, overlooking the mortal world. "Is it difficult to comprehend? Or do you choose not to understand? Why did the Spring and Autumn period perish, and why did the Central Plains sink? It was because a small handful of powerful clans blocked the path of advancement for the entire realm.

It's obvious that if the current Liyang Emperor were to exclude the humble scholars in white and only promote aristocratic scions to fill the court, the Zhao dynasty's fortune would likewise not last. 'Flowing water never goes stale, and a door-hinge never gets worm-eaten'—the principle is so simple."

The old Grand Daoist smiled and nodded, saying, "Sect Master Tantai speaks well."

Tantai Pingjing then asked, "Is Wudang Mountain's ambition so great that it seeks to turn the entire mortal world into fragmented vassal states?"

The old Grand Daoist countered, "In Sect Master Tantai's view, are the mortals of the human world inherently inferior to the immortals in heaven?"

Tantai Pingjing impolitely extended a finger and tapped the statue. "Isn't that so? Why else can this statue sit high above, looking down, allowing people to willingly bow and prostrate, enjoying millennia of incense offerings?"

The old Grand Daoist was not angered by the irreverent behavior of this former leader of Southern Qi Cultivators. He shook his head and said, "It goes back to what this humble Daoist said before: people grow old seeking immortals because they have something they desire. Allow me to make an inappropriate analogy: it's like the officialdom or marketplace down the mountain—when you ask a favor of someone, you usually bring a gift, and you speak in a slightly softer tone. This is how things are, and this is how logic dictates, but it doesn't mean that the person being petitioned can act without restraint."

The usually taciturn old Grand Daoist unexpectedly opened up, his words becoming a little heavier. "I've heard that the immortals in heaven are skilled at fishing for human destiny, controlling the lifespan of individuals and the fate of nations. If the Dao of Heaven were merely dispassionate, meaning it doesn't cause early death for evil people or grant longevity for good people, that would be acceptable. But just imagine, putting yourself in their shoes, knowing that even your own marriage, lifespan, fortune, and many other aspects of your fate are entirely controlled by others—how tragic is that? My master once told us six fellow disciples, 'As Heaven maintains vigor through movement, so must a gentleman constantly strive for self-improvement.' He wished for us to strive hard when faced with a difficult fate, not to enjoy success by merely being born fortunate, and not to have everything determined by rigid destiny. Although we Daoists are outsiders on this mountain, we must not forget that we are still people of this world, born in this world, and dying in this world."

From Patriarch Lü to Huang Manshan, and then to Chen Yao's generation—Wang Chonglou, Song Zhiming, Yu Xingrui, Wang Xiaoping, Hong Xixiang, and others...None achieved immortality.Some could not and did not wish to, like Song Zhiming and Chen Yao himself.Some could but were unwilling, like Wang Chonglou and Yu Xingrui.Some disdained it, like Hong Xixiang and Wang Xiaoping.

Chen Yao suddenly burst into laughter, turning to look directly at this legendary terrestrial immortal, who was said to have already reached the Celestial-Human realm, utterly fearless. "In a hundred years of human life, how many can truly ascend? Among those few, who hasn't been a banished immortal descended to the mortal world? Why, Sect Master Tantai, who are you acting as an advocate for? This humble Daoist only knows that the 'person' who caused Sect Master Tantai to act this way is certainly not this statue of Emperor Zhenwu."

Tantai Pingjing frowned.

A strange smile touched her lips as she asked, "Then have you considered whether Xu Fengnian, the King of Northern Liang, and your sect leader Li Yu-fu, are banished immortals? And why, in this life, would they commit such acts of great defiance?!"

Chen Yao wore a look of self-evident righteousness and chuckled, "This humble Daoist only manages Wudang's precepts; why should I concern myself with such matters?"

Tantai Pingjing's expression turned cold. "What a Wudang Mountain! Truly worthy of being Patriarch Lü's Daoist temple!"

Chen Yao still smiled slightly. "You flatter me."

Tantai Pingjing turned to look, her eyes turning stark white.

Yu Xingrui stood outside the grand hall's threshold.

But her gaze went directly beyond Great Lotus Peak to Small Lotus Peak.

The next moment, her figure dissipated.

Yu Xingrui, who had rushed over, let out a sigh of relief. Chen Yao slowly approached his junior martial brother, and the old Grand Daoist, known for his stern demeanor, uncharacteristically quipped, "Junior Brother Yu, quickly wipe away your sweat."

Yu Xingrui asked worriedly, "Just let her leave like that?"

Chen Yao said with magnanimity, "The fact that she was willing to appear at this moment shows that she currently has no murderous intent. Think about it: the King is on the mountain, Deng Tai'a is here, Li Dangxin is here, and so many Grandmasters are present. Who would dare act wildly here? She is not Wang Xianzhis from Wudi City, after all."

Yu Xingrui nodded. "That's true."

Chen Yao suddenly asked, "Are you truly determined?"

Yu Xingrui said in a deep voice, "It's a bit different for me than for you. After all, I, Yu Xingrui, have always been a native of Liangzhou, generation after generation."

Chen Yao, in an unceremonious gesture, patted Yu Xingrui's shoulder. "Then go with peace of mind. Yu-fu, Han Gui, and... that Yu Fu, they are all doing well."

Yu Xingrui said regretfully, "It's a pity I probably won't be able to wait for the day when our junior martial brother gains enlightenment."

Chen Yao nodded. "I, your senior martial brother, am also close to that point."

"Senior Brother, can I tell you something?"

"Speak."

"Our junior martial brother is still just a child, at an age when he loves to sleep in. What kind of elder are you, knocking on his door every day before dawn?"

"Junior Brother, are you the precept-master of our mountain, or am I?"

"Anything else?"

"Yes, our junior martial brother occasionally craves sweets and secretly buys candied hawberries or similar treats when interpreting fortunes for people. Senior Brother, can you please not be so sharp-eyed every time? He's such a tiny child, and he's had to copy scriptures by lamplight several times as punishment. It pains me to see it, and Yu-fu even waits secretly outside every single time."

"Oh. I almost forgot, Senior Brother. Our junior martial brother is now nominally your disciple's disciple. The three of you have quite the strong bond, don't you?"

"Senior Brother, your words sound a bit sour, don't they? Haha, no help for it, no help for it, I, your junior martial brother, have taken a good disciple."

"Junior Brother, weren't you supposed to be on duty in the Scripture Pavilion today? How do you have time to chat with your senior martial brother here? Copy the 'Daoist Doctrine Compendium' once tonight."

"Senior Brother! Well, you should have been striking the chime right now!"

"Haha, no help for it. I, your senior martial brother, am in charge of Wudang Mountain's precepts, after all."

In front of the fortune-telling stall, Su Su and her two companions had already departed. Wei Miao remained in the distance. The alluring Miao woman, who had long been married, sat enthusiastically on the long bench in front of the table, looking at the young feudal prince who had begun packing up his stall. In a clumsy Central Plains accent, she said, "Little Jun-ge, would you also interpret a fortune stick for me?"

Xu Fengnian couldn't help but laugh. "My dear sister, you've been married for several years now; why are you still seeking a love match?"

She said breezily, "There's no other way. My husband fears nothing under heaven or on earth, except me leaving him. I don't have any particular intentions; I just want to see if I made a bad deal when I got married back then."

Wei Miao, who was plain-looking and short, grinned. As a man, and one of the few Grandmasters of Martial Arts in the martial world, his temper was incredibly good.

Xu Fengnian looked at the couple and declared decisively, "No need to look, it's definitely a good stick!"

The Miao woman hesitated, but finally gave up.

As Wei Miao left, he turned and gave Xu Fengnian a deep look.

Xu Fengnian naturally wouldn't take the table and bench with him, nor did he intend to keep the fortune-telling sticks. Of course, not a single one of the mountain of copper coins could be missing!

These were his life-saving coins, earned to atone for past mistakes.

Just then, Xu Fengnian paused slightly.

A young woman, adorned with a wooden hairpin and wearing a simple cloth dress, slowly approached. Even in her humble attire and despite her lack of martial arts knowledge, her unique aura, as if imbued with imperial grandeur, was undeniable.

She carried a cloth bag on her arm, filled with golden persimmons freshly picked from a tree.

Xu Fengnian felt a headache coming on.

She was on Wudang Mountain, and Gu Jiantang had just arrived. In truth, it was inappropriate for any of them to encounter each other.

One was a princess officially recorded in imperial histories as having died of illness in the palace; the other was a Grand Pillar General fiercely loyal to the Zhao royal house of Liyang.

It was Princess Sui Zhu, Zhao Fengya, who gracefully sat on the long bench, which was essentially part of the closed stall, facing him.

Xu Fengnian sat back down in his original spot and said helplessly, "Why are you here too?"

She smiled calmly. "To see if I can shake out that top fortune stick."

Xu Fengnian was about to speak, but she continued, "Where is it hidden? Aren't you going to take it out? Otherwise, how can I possibly shake it out?"

Xu Fengnian, without any embarrassment, shook his sleeve, and a bamboo stick fell out.

She sneered, "You're truly good at business. Even if you can't be the King of Northern Liang in the future, you could hide in the Central Plains and still become incredibly wealthy."

Xu Fengnian chuckled twice. "Should I call you a jinx, or thank you for your auspicious words?"

She said coldly, "The fortune-telling tube!"

Her imperious command was no less than in her earlier days.

Xu Fengnian, prioritizing money over people, asked, "Do you have a hundred coins?"

She took a ripe persimmon from her cloth bag and placed it on the table.

Xu Fengnian's eyes widened.

Not because of the former Liyang princess's arrogance.

But because of the appearance of another princess behind Zhao Fengya.

It was none other than the former princess of Great Chu.

Zhao Fengya turned to glance. "Oh, look, the female sword immortal who loves to fly around and show off is here."

Jiang Ni retorted irritably, "None of your business."

For some reason, Jiang Ni, despite having been Empress of Western Chu and now a female sword immortal, still lacked confidence when facing Zhao Fengya, the culprit who had once destroyed her vegetable patch—a woman who should have been a phoenix in distress, reduced to a common chicken.

In a fight, during their first encounter, Princess Sui Zhu Zhao Fengya, who was proficient in archery and horsemanship, had a slight advantage. Now, Jiang Ni could probably defeat a thousand or eighteen hundred Zhao Fengyas, but the more capable she became, the less she desired to fight.

In a verbal spat, probably in the past, present, and future, Jiang Ni was no match for Zhao Fengya.

Zhao Fengya domineeringly said, "First come, first served. I'll shake the stick first!"

Jiang Ni pouted, but dared not retort.

Xu Fengnian sighed and put down the bamboo tube.

Zhao Fengya looked up and said, "Don't tamper with it when I'm shaking the sticks!"

Xu Fengnian rolled his eyes, waved his hand, and motioned for Zhao Fengya to quickly shake the sticks.

Zhao Fengya picked up the bamboo tube with one hand, casually twirled it a few times, gently shook out a bamboo stick, picked it up nonchalantly, gave it a careless glance, and then her lips curled upward. While turning to look at Jiang Ni, who was visibly much more nervous than her, she slapped the bamboo stick down firmly.

She stood up and left, ungenerously taking the persimmon with her.

Only when Zhao Fengya turned away did Jiang Ni stealthily pick up the bamboo stick.

On her devastatingly beautiful face, shock, grievance, resentment, and sadness appeared one after another.

Finally, she looked on the verge of tears.

A bewildered Xu Fengnian leaned over to glance.

Xu Fengnian now somewhat understood Su Su's feelings.

What goes around comes around!

The stick now held in Jiang Ni's hand was the very same one Zhao Fengya had casually shaken out earlier:"A perfect match? Indeed, a divine couple. What more could one ask for?"

The top stick!

Xu Fengnian pressed his hand hard against his forehead, speechless.

Well, all the copper coins he had painstakingly earned, talking until he was hoarse, were now completely pointless.

Xu Fengnian had to be extremely careful, fearing that this pathetic little 'mud person' in front of him would also do something "casually."

If she just casually raised her hand, the Great Liang Dragon Sparrow sword might fly out from the rosewood sword box by the thatched hut!

Xu Fengnian couldn't help but sigh, feeling a little bittersweet.

As if it were burning her hand, she quickly tossed the marriage stick back into the bamboo tube. Then she turned away to wipe her face, turned back again, looking neither at Xu Fengnian nor the tube of sticks, but instead staring at the mountain of copper coins. She softly asked, "Did you earn all these this afternoon?"

Xu Fengnian, feeling profound sadness, nodded.

Her tone suddenly brightened. "How many are there?"

Xu Fengnian said gently, "Quite a lot. If converted to silver, it would be close to a hundred taels."

Her eyes immediately lit up. Her previously gloomy face now glowed with radiance.

She looked up and tentatively asked, "Are they all mine?"

Xu Fengnian suppressed a smile. "Of course."

Xu Fengnian stood up and, striking while the iron was hot, handed Jiang Ni a large cloth bag he had prepared earlier. "Help me hold the money; it will be a bit heavy."

She nodded vigorously like a chick pecking rice, quickly stood up, walked around the table to stand beside him, and bent down to open the cloth bag with both hands. Her eyes were incredibly serious, and her face was filled with anticipation for the coins to safely fall into the bag!

Xu Fengnian rested his elbow on the table and swept the coins into the bag.

Coins jostled on the table, and coins clinked against each other in the bag, creating a continuous rustling sound.

At first, her smile was somewhat reserved and subtle, but later it became completely uninhibited.

His hands continued their work, but he secretly turned his head to gaze at her profile, at her dimple.

For the one he liked to be happy was the greatest joy in the world.

She kept her eyes fixed on the coins and laughed with emotion, "It's really heavy!"

Xu Fengnian replied, "When we go back later, I'll carry the bag."

She nodded vigorously. "Mm!"