Chapter 10 Ominous Signs in the Hexagram

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaofan stopped chewing and instantly felt that the steamed bun in his hand was no longer appetizing. He had intended to learn more about the clues regarding Huqi Mountain, but Song Daren hastily grabbed a steamed bun and rushed out, summoning his Ten Tigers and disappearing in the blink of an eye.

Wen Min suppressed a smile, her bright eyes shining. She seemed accustomed to her husband's impulsive nature. "Husband, take your time eating. No one is rushing you."

Ignoring whether Song Daren had heard her, Wen Min's voice was ethereal and pleasant, resonating throughout Dazhu Peak like celestial music. Then, she exchanged a few words with Zhang Xiaofan and hurriedly summoned her Immortal Sword to catch up with Song Daren.

Watching the affectionate scene between Song Daren and Wen Min, Zhang Xiaofan couldn't help but smile. He sincerely wished his senior brother had found such a wise wife. Life was short, and how many soulmates could accompany one throughout their life? Marrying according to one's circumstances, Zhang Xiaofan wished that all lovers in the world would eventually become family.

Heyang City

The bustling Heyang City had already opened its doors for business, with numerous shops lining the streets. Various vendors set up their stalls on both sides of the busy streets, their loud calls echoing everywhere. Even in the less crowded alleys, one could hear the barking of dogs.

Compared to usual, there was a significant increase in the number of people in Heyang City, especially since it was closer to Qingyun Mountain, the first orthodox sect. There were more young men and women coming to seek apprenticeships, as well as some wealthy youths who came to enjoy themselves and admire the demeanor of immortals. Heyang City had become a holy city in the hearts of the people of the Central Plains.

In a corner of the temple street, Zhou Yiwen, accompanied by his granddaughter Xiaohuan and Daoist Yegou, set up their stall. Due to Jin Ping'er's poor health, she did not accompany them. On a small, rectangular table, there was a bucket of shiny bamboo sticks for divination. Underneath the bamboo sticks was a worn-out cloth with the patterns of the Eight Trigrams.

Daoist Yegou held up the signboard "Guidance from Immortals," while Xiaohuan stood behind Zhou Yiwen, fanning him gently. Zhou Yiwen, with a protruding belly, sat cross-legged at the main seat of the stall, exuding an air of superiority. Coupled with his somewhat exaggerated silver goat beard, he looked like a true immortal.

Business was good in the morning, and they earned quite a few copper coins and silver ingots. As long as they didn't order too many dishes, they could eat well at Shanhai Garden for several days. Zhou Yiwen didn't need to worry, frown, or scold them, saying, "All the money I earn is to support you all. Treat me well!"

Most of the customers who came for divination were mainly concerned about their love lives and careers, with fewer inquiries about building houses or groundbreaking ceremonies. Since Zhou Yiwen was tactful in his speech, knowing what to say and what not to say, the more satisfied the customers were, the more money they would give.

At present, there were fewer and fewer pedestrians on the temple street, and the sunlight was gradually becoming scorching. Zhou Yiwen was instructing Xiaohuan and Daoist Yegou to prepare to close the stall. Suddenly, a beautiful figure in azure appeared in front of the stall. She wore a light veil, making it difficult to see her appearance clearly, but her bewitching eyes were as captivating as a fairy, even attracting a few extra glances from Xiaohuan. Behind her stood a scar-faced man, exuding a strong aura, dressed in crystal armor, clearly a master.

Zhou Yiwen was not surprised and coughed lightly. "I wonder what you two want to divine."

After a moment of thought, the woman in azure replied, "We're searching for something."

Finding the request quite simple, Zhou Yiwen handed over the bamboo sticks for divination and gave the woman some instructions. With her hands somewhat awkwardly shaking the bamboo sticks, a black bamboo stick fell to the ground with a crisp sound. Zhou Yiwen quickly picked up the bamboo stick, his face lighting up with joy. "Miss, what are you looking for?"

The woman in azure furrowed her brows. She didn't know if the foreign divination method would work, but she could try her luck. "The Soul Capturing Staff."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yiwen, Xiaohuan, and Daoist Yegou were all surprised, exchanging glances with each other and even pausing for a moment. The meticulous woman in azure had already noticed their strange expressions, her eyebrows furrowing in thought. The scar-faced man, who had seen many battles, also sensed something was amiss. He was about to speak but was stopped by the woman in azure, who gestured for him not to startle the snake.

Zhou Yiwen awkwardly burst into laughter, lightening the mood. "Miss, in divination, the Kun hexagram represents the earth, the highest of all hexagrams. If you're searching for something, whether it's far away or right in front of you, destiny will bring you together."

The woman in azure nodded silently, saying nothing, lost in thought.

Zhou Yiwen hurriedly urged, "Miss, do you have any other divinations? I need to close up shop soon. It's almost noon, and I can't stand the scorching sun. Can you settle the payment first?"

At this point, Zhou Yiwen, drenched in sweat, looked far from being an immortal, but nobody cared about his appearance. Xiaohuan was also sweating profusely, fanning harder to help her grandfather cool down.

The woman in azure came to her senses and quickly took out a heavy golden bar from her pocket, stuffing it into Zhou Yiwen's arms. "Old sir, I wasn't intentionally thinking about something else just now."

Zhou Yiwen, who often mingled with the crowd, recognized the authenticity of the gold bar by its color and weight. His impatience from earlier disappeared, and he immediately changed his tone. "Miss, if you have any other divinations, I'm willing to accompany you even until nightfall. Hmph, a woman." Daoist Yegou immediately shot him a disdainful look!

The woman in azure chuckled softly. "Old sir, I'd like to have my fortune read."

Then, she quickly followed the same procedure as before, shaking the bamboo sticks for divination continuously. With a crisp sound, another bamboo stick fell to the ground. However, this time, Zhou Yiwen didn't respond with a smile.

His elderly right hand was wrinkled, seemingly burdened with the weight of age, leaving traces of time. Zhou Yiwen held his breath as he picked up the colorless, ordinary bamboo stick. Xiaohuan, standing beside him, frowned, seemingly guessing the outcome of the divination. She glanced at the woman in azure, feeling a sense of pity for her.

Zhou Yiwen gently stroked his flowing goat beard and said solemnly, "Miss, this divination indicates the Kan hexagram for water, which suggests great misfortune in the lowest position. It's like scooping water with a bamboo basket, but water can also nourish all things, bringing vitality. Strange, indeed, very strange."

Upon hearing this, the scar-faced man's icy gaze was filled with murderous intent. He lifted his sturdy right arm, grabbed Zhou Yiwen's collar, and hoisted him into the air. "Old man, say it again! My master, my young master's divination actually shows great misfortune!"

Zhou Yiwen frantically waved his feeble arms, striking the scar-faced man's powerful arm to no effect.

Seeing this, Daoist Yegou brandished his wolf-tooth treasure, preparing to attack, while Xiaohuan's eyebrows furrowed. "You villain, let go of my grandfather!"

The woman in azure frowned. "Tian Kuang, don't be disrespectful to the old sir."

The scar-faced man finally released Zhou Yiwen and snorted, standing silently behind the woman in azure.

She hurried forward to check on Zhou Yiwen's condition and, finding him unharmed, pulled out another gold bar from her pocket and handed it to him. "I apologize for my subordinate's reckless behavior, which has caused the old sir embarrassment."