After finishing the pot of spiritual tea, Xi Yunqing led Chen Xiao out of the restaurant and took him to Zhishi Hall. The hall had returned to its normal operations, though it felt a little emptier compared to the usual bustling crowds. Many practitioners, still avoiding the recent internal turmoil, hadn't yet returned. It seemed that in a few months, the traces of the previous chaos would be completely gone.
Chen Xiao had visited twice before, but he had only been to the task hall and the exchange hall. This time, Xi Yunqing took him to a smaller hall with more exquisite decorations. Xi Yunqing quietly told Chen Xiao, "In this hall, people can seek potential collaborators and post announcements about the services they offer."
By now, Chen Xiao was familiar with most of the commonly used characters in this world. As long as the characters weren't particularly obscure, he could read and write fluently. So, when he looked at the signs in the hall, he quickly understood what they meant. This was a hall specifically for posting job and service information!
Most of the notices were from cultivators detailing their cultivation levels and the types of training or experiences they were seeking. There were also notices from artifact forgers, alchemists, and talisman masters offering their services. If someone needed to commission such work, they could contact them directly. Although the specialists here might not have as high a level of skill compared to those running shops in the commercial streets, these practitioners were more approachable and would take on custom orders. They were even flexible with pricing and material fees.
Chen Xiao's eyes widened in realization. So, it turned out that beginner alchemists, artifact forgers, and talisman masters would post their job offers here to gain practice. They didn't need to wander around searching for clients like he had, relying on word-of-mouth to slowly build a reputation. Instead, by registering here, anyone looking for their services would naturally contact them.
Excited, Chen Xiao turned to Xi Yunqing and said, "Thank you, big brother. If it weren't for you, I would never have known that Zhishi Hall had such a convenient service!"
Anyone who frequently visited Zhishi Hall would know about this place. Of course, Du Rong knew about it, too. However, he hadn't brought Chen Xiao here earlier because Chen Xiao didn't yet have a cultivation identity. He didn't even have a practitioner's nameplate, so he couldn't post his profession or service range.
Seeing the joyful look on Chen Xiao's face, Xi Yunqing couldn't help but smile and say, "You can post your information now. Leave your contact details, and anyone with needs will get in touch."
Chen Xiao nodded and, with Xi Yunqing's company, went to register his nameplate. He carefully wrote down what he wanted to be displayed on the sign:
Name: Chen Xiao
Cultivation level: Qi Gathering Stage,
Main profession: Assistant, Feng Shui Master.
Service range includes: Dragon Seeking, Qi Harmonization, Feng Shui Enhancements, Marriage and Childbirth, Prosperity, Career Promotion, and Fortune Transformation.
After finishing, Chen Xiao stood up and glanced around. He hesitated for a moment but ultimately decided not to include "assisting sects in selecting talented disciples." He re-read the text, nodded in satisfaction, and was about to hand the paper to a Zhishi Hall employee when he glanced at the sign and remembered that he hadn't listed his fees. He quickly added four more words with his brush: Price Negotiable.
In the days that followed, Chen Xiao eagerly awaited good news from Zhishi Hall. During this waiting period, he didn't waste any time. He visited every person listed on the list he had received from Boss Wang. Since he was now truly working as a Feng Shui practitioner, his aura was stronger, and with Xi Yunqing accompanying him, there was no need for pretentiousness. The wealthy merchants treated him with great respect.
Chen Xiao worked with the intention of establishing himself as a reputable Feng Shui master in the eyes of the public. His attitude was professional, and his services were so meticulous that people couldn't help but praise him. He would first carefully understand the client's situation, then inspect the house and surroundings, and finally arrange the Feng Shui based on the client's needs and the available conditions. Sometimes, simple adjustments were enough, but at other times, major renovations were required. Chen Xiao never left the site, always overseeing the process with great care. Whenever someone had questions, he patiently explained everything in detail. Clients who had their Feng Shui arranged by him were in awe of his thoroughness and demeanor. Not only did they gain a deeper understanding of Feng Shui, but they also became his fans.
Xi Yunqing joined him every afternoon to visit clients' homes. During this time, he gradually learned how Feng Shui was arranged and how effective it could be. Once he saw the results, he no longer viewed it as a minor practice. For cultivators, when Feng Shui was done correctly, the benefits were enormous. Chen Xiao, who was serious about his Feng Shui work, was completely different from the one he had trained with. He was more confident and radiant, filled with a brilliant aura. As a friend, Xi Yunqing naturally enjoyed seeing Chen Xiao shine with such confidence.
Chen Xiao's reputation as a Feng Shui master spread not only among the wealthy merchants of Hanshan City but gradually reached various other industries. Through various channels, the news reached the ears of cultivators as well. As expected, when some cultivators saw the job postings at Zhishi Hall and connected them with the rumors they had heard, they reached out to Chen Xiao, eager to try Feng Shui, a practice they had never encountered before.
This was the process Chen Xiao had planned before arriving in Hanshan City, and thanks to Zhishi Hall's help, it was happening even faster than expected. A whole winter of busy work had caused the energy in his compass to increase at a noticeable rate. This progress confirmed his earlier suspicions: The higher a cultivator's cultivation level, the stronger their luck and aura. After forming karmic ties, the luck Chen Xiao gained from them was greater than that of an average person.
The golden energy flowing through the compass grew stronger every day, and Chen Xiao often closed his eyes to admire it. Since Xi Yunqing had said he would soon be able to advance, Chen Xiao estimated that once the compass had collected enough luck, he could unlock the next layer. So, he held back from activating the compass and refrained from indulging in the urge to learn new paper talismans. Although talismans were powerful, in the end, cultivation itself was the real foundation of strength.
One day in early spring, after finishing his morning movement training, Chief Steward Han appeared at the martial arts field, personally delivering an invitation.
"What's this?" Xi Yunqing didn't open the invitation but directly asked Chief Steward Han.
Chief Steward Han respectfully replied, "This is an invitation to a banquet tomorrow. Please make sure you both attend." He then turned to Chen Xiao and added, "Please let your companions know as well, and tell them not to miss it."
Chen Xiao was somewhat surprised, "Why suddenly a banquet? Is there a special reason?"
Chief Steward Han smiled, "This banquet is to celebrate the complete resolution of the chaos caused by the Zhong family and to honor the various cultivation families and renowned independent cultivators in Hanshan City."
Xi Yunqing paused, then said, "I see. Then I must congratulate the City Lord's Mansion. This is indeed something worth celebrating."
Chen Xiao immediately understood that this banquet was a way for the City Lord's Mansion to solidify its position and showcase its power to the various factions in Hanshan City.
With the fall of the Zhong family, their wealth and resources had fallen into the hands of the victors. After all, the equipment, weapons, and pills seized from Zhishi Hall wouldn't be returned; they were openly distributed among the Han family and their allied forces. The other factions couldn't say anything, they had failed to take sides at the crucial moment.
Xi Yunqing would attend the banquet as the representative of the Chongxuan Sect and sit in the front row, as the Han family had indirectly used the Chongxuan Sect's influence. Thus, Xi Yunqing had earned the right to share in the spoils. Plus, at the beginning, he had provided the Han family with vital information about the Zhong family's movements, and had led the elite forces of the Han family to quickly retake the vortex portal, ensuring the City Lord's return. These contributions had to be acknowledged.
The banquet, held with the full strength of Hanshan City, was grand and sensational. Even Tong Nuonuo, upon hearing about it, emerged from his room, unwilling to miss this opportunity. Du Rong didn't want to attend at first, but Chen Xiao insisted, saying it would be a rare event. If they missed it, Du Rong would surely regret it later.
And indeed, the banquet was not only grand but also made waves throughout the city. Though it's beginning was bloody...
Afterwards, Chen Xiao and the other two, who were companions of Xi Yunqing, were also attacked by the assailants dispatched by the Zhong family. As a result, they received a gift. In such a large-scale occasion of distributing spoils of war, the three of them naturally couldn't say that Chief Steward Han had already made reparations. So, they each thanked him and accepted their small boxes.
When Chief Steward Han stepped aside, Tong Nuonuo quietly opened hers to take a look. Inside the box were neatly arranged spiritual coins. A quick count showed there were about a thousand of them. While this wasn't a large sum for the City Lord's Mansion, it was still a quite sincere gesture.
After the distribution of rewards, the banquet formally began. Cultivators with various talents took to the stage to perform; singing, playing instruments, acting, and more. The scene was lively, with spiritual wine and delicious dishes being served in abundance. This was the first time Chen Xiao had witnessed the performances of the cultivation world, and because of his own cultivation, the performances appeared even more exquisite than those of his past life. The dishes, cooked with spiritual plants and magical ingredients, made Chen Xiao anxious. After today, how could he eat anything else?
As he was lost in his worries, City Lord Han approached their table once again. At this point, the banquet was lively, and the City Lord's arrival was subtle, as everyone was focused on the performances. Almost no one noticed him. Xi Yunqing was the first to spot him. As Chen Xiao was about to rise, City Lord Han quickly walked over, smiling, and lightly pressed his hand down. "Everyone, no need to stand in ceremony. I'm just here to join the fun."
Xi Yunqing, as the highest-ranking person at the table, half rose to welcome him and invited him to sit on his right-hand side. After clinking cups and toasting around the table, City Lord Han finally stated his main purpose for coming over. He looked at Chen Xiao and said, "I've heard rumors that Master Chen practices a method called Feng Shui, which can help people have children. Is that true?"
The banquet table was shaped in a curve, with Xi Yunqing in the center, Chen Xiao on his left, and City Lord Han on the right. There was a small angle between the two men, allowing them not to have to lean over to speak with each other. When Chen Xiao heard the City Lord addressing him, he put down his chopsticks, which had a piece of roasted meat, and wiped the grease off his lips before quickly replying, "Yes. I learned this art from an ancient immortal's relic, and by a stroke of luck, I entered the Dao through it. Since then, I have continued to study it and made it my primary area of focus."
City Lord Han looked at Xi Yunqing and said, "Such a rare skill. I've never heard of it before."
Xi Yunqing lightly said, "It is a secret skill. The world is vast, and many such methods have been lost to time. Feng Shui is likely just one example."
Having received Xi Yunqing's confirmation, City Lord Han seemed to have made up his mind. He turned to Chen Xiao and said, "There is something I would like to ask Master Chen to help with, using this method. I hope you won't laugh at me."
Chen Xiao had a feeling he knew what the City Lord was about to ask. Suppressing his excitement, he forced himself to remain calm and said, "Feng Shui is an auxiliary method, mainly used to help people resolve their troubles. Whether it will work depends on the specific situation. Please tell me more about the matter."
The reason Chen Xiao had worked so hard to establish a reputation for Feng Shui in Hanshan City was to expand his influence, to raise his prestige to the point where it would catch the attention of City Lord Han. As for the highest-level cultivators in the city, they were undoubtedly City Lord Han and his wife, Han Yuanzi. Doing Feng Shui for them would surely bring great fortune. Chen Xiao was currently collecting such fortune, and even if City Lord Han hadn't sought him out, he might have eventually gone to offer his services. Of course, it was better for the City Lord to seek him out first; it gave him the initiative.
Sure enough, City Lord Han soon brought up the matter of wanting to help his younger brother and sister-in-law have a child. Desperate, he had tried everything to find a solution, he sought out doctors, experimented with all kinds of remedies, and even resorted to folk prescriptions and ignorant superstitions.
Chen Xiao and Xi Yunqing had been staying at the City Lord's Mansion. With their daily outings, even if they weren't being actively watched, someone would report their movements to Chief Steward Han. The contact point Chen Xiao left at Zhishi Hall was the City Lord's Mansion, which also helped to convince cultivators of his reputation. When Zhishi Hall sent news, Chief Steward Han, being in charge, paid attention. What he found surprised him.
He sensed that City Lord Han might be interested, so he gathered examples of Chen Xiao's Feng Shui cases. He discovered that while the method was unconventional, it had remarkable effects. Thinking it might help the City Lord, Chief Steward Han presented this information to him. Upon learning that Feng Shui could help with having children, City Lord Han was indeed intrigued and decided to give it a try. Whether it worked or not, it was worth testing. At that time, his thinking was one of hopefulness. If it worked for others, it might work for him too, and that would truly be a stroke of luck.
Filled with hope, City Lord Han turned to Chen Xiao and asked, "Master Chen, do you think Feng Shui can help my brother and sister-in-law have a child?"
Chen Xiao didn't give a definitive answer right away. He only said, "As long as their health is truly fine, it might be worth trying."
City Lord Han's eyes immediately brightened. He quickly replied, "They have been diagnosed by a renowned doctor and are in excellent health. But no matter how many pills they've taken, nothing has worked. If they can have a child, Master Chen will be a great benefactor to the Han family! The City Lord's Mansion will not treat you poorly, and you will be greatly rewarded."
Chen Xiao, however, said only, "I'll need time to think it over and carefully consider the situation. It will take some time before I can give you an answer."
City Lord Han, his impatience suppressed, smiled graciously and said, "Very well. Please take your time. If you need anything, just let me know, and I will make sure it's done."
As the host of the banquet, City Lord Han couldn't stay at Xi Yunqing's table the entire time. After speaking on the matter, he excused himself to socialize with others.
Afterward, Chen Xiao's interest in the performances waned, and he no longer felt like eating. From time to time, Xi Yunqing would glance at him. Finally, just as Chen Xiao almost put an empty pair of chopsticks into his mouth as if they were food, Xi Yunqing couldn't bear it any longer and grabbed his hand. He whispered in Chen Xiao's ear, "Chen Xiao, things will be resolved. Don't let your worries distract you while eating."
Chen Xiao snapped out of his reverie, feeling a little embarrassed. He muttered his thanks. He gently pulled his hand back and softly said, "I understand, but it's hard not to worry. Big Brother, can we go to Changjia Village tomorrow?"
To resolve the Han family's desire for a child, the most reliable method was the Feng Shui treasure spot in Changjia Village. According to the rules, a Feng Shui master only needed to provide a plan. The specifics of how the client would acquire the site and coordinate things were not the responsibility of the Feng Shui master. The master's duty was only to find a suitable place and guide the client on how to build a house or tomb at that location.
However, the Feng Shui treasure spot was located within Changjia Village, and the Han family had a bounty on that village. If the Han family discovered its involvement, they would immediately take action. Chen Xiao didn't want to risk the lives of the villagers of Changjia Village due to his own rashness. Such a grave mistake, once made, would haunt him forever. He didn't want that to happen again.
In his past life, to extend his master's life, he had recklessly severed a village's dragon vein, almost losing his own life. That experience taught him a hard lesson, and his master had given him a deep scolding afterward. He had learned to think carefully when making decisions and always leave a way out, keeping a line in the sand. That experience also showed him that preparing ahead of time was far better than trying to make amends afterward.
This time, Chen Xiao decided to consult with the people of Changjia Village first. Using the Feng Shui treasure site might help the Han family put aside their hatred, but there was also a risk that they might ignore everything and come after him. Although Chen Xiao thought that City Lord Han would likely prioritize his descendants over past grudges, he couldn't ignore the possibility, no matter how small.
If the people of Changjia Village were willing to give it a try, he would try to mediate and protect them. If they were unwilling, he would find another way to help the Han family with their issue.
When they left, it was still summer, but now it was already spring of the following year. The sky was high, the breeze was gentle, and the mountains surrounded the peaceful Changjia Village. It felt like a secluded paradise, and Chen Xiao felt his heart relax as soon as he stepped into the village.
Their return was warmly welcomed by the entire village. In such a setting, the aloof Xi Yunqing was never the focus. It was just as it had been before, although he was the one who had been at the center of the previous selection, now people unconsciously avoided him and gathered around Chen Xiao, asking him all sorts of questions.
The villagers enthusiastically surrounded Chen Xiao, asking about the others who had left. When they heard that nearly thirty of them had received their identification and were now under the management of the Chongxuan Sect, headed for the Luochen Great Heavenly Realm, the crowd cheered in joy. Some even cried tears of happiness.
Chen Xiao had to spend some time comforting them before the village chief rescued him and led him to his home. Those outside were reluctant to leave, still hoping to hear more about the people who had left, but the village chief shooed them away, saying the guests were tired and needed rest.
Once inside, the village chief's family brought them hot tea. While the village chief told them to rest, his curiosity couldn't be contained. He wanted to know more about their trip. With Xi Yunqing's presence and the enhanced stamina and agility from recent training, Chen Xiao didn't feel overly tired. He patiently answered all the village chief's questions.
Aside from asking about the people who had gone out to seek teachers, the village chief was also concerned about Hanshan City. When he learned that there had been a lot of casualties, and that many buildings and commercial areas had been destroyed, his face darkened with worry. But when he later heard that the Han family had regained control of the situation, destroying the traitorous Zhong family, and that Hanshan City had returned to peace, he relaxed and seemed more at ease.
Chen Xiao had a face-to-face conversation with the village chief, observing every change in the chief's emotions. He asked, "It seems like the village chief doesn't really harbor hatred for the Han family? In fact, it seems you care about Hanshan City?" To put it bluntly, if the Han family were overthrown, they wouldn't have to hide anymore. From the chief's perspective, he should be supporting the Zhong family instead.
The village chief paused, then gave a bitter smile and said, "I wouldn't say it's hatred. After all, the mistakes of our ancestors led to this outcome. Though we're far from Hanshan City, we still need to quietly buy necessities from time to time. If Hanshan City falls into chaos, our lives wouldn't be peaceful either. It's better for the city to remain stable."
For practitioners in the Out-of-Body stage with long lifespans, the calamity between the Chang and Han families felt like it happened only yesterday, the memories still fresh. But for this quiet mountain village, it had already been over a hundred years, a matter of the previous generation. Nowadays, even the fifth generation, born early, has already grown up. If no one mentioned it, they wouldn't even know the reason the village relocated here. It felt like a distant past, too far removed from their lives.
Realizing this, Chen Xiao hesitated. If the village was content with the status quo, living a peaceful life, then disturbing the peace to resolve the conflict seemed unnecessary.
However, the situation was pressing, and there was no time to hesitate. Chen Xiao laid it out for the village chief. "The Han family might agree to let the people of Changjia Village go free. However, there's also the risk of them being unable to let go, seeking revenge. We've returned this time to seek the village chief's opinion, whether you're willing to give up this prime land to the Han family to resolve the conflict."
The village chief's expression became serious. "Even without this matter, Changjia Village can't hide for long. Eventually, it will be exposed to Hanshan City. The fact that many of our outstanding young people have gone to the Chongxuan Sect will attract attention. Even without official papers, those of low cultivation can't traverse the beast-infested areas, so it's clear that the village is located in such a zone. This place may be large, but if someone is determined, it can be found." The village chief looked at them with a sigh and continued, "I've thought about this long ago, and the elders know it too. But once our best youth left, we kept the spark alive. Even if the village is discovered and destroyed, we can die with no regrets."
Chen Xiao and Xi Yunqing exchanged glances. They hadn't expected the village chief to have thought this way. They hadn't considered such a situation either. It could only be said that if you weren't in their position, you wouldn't understand. Now that they thought about it, once the vortex portal opened, every family in the Zhishi Hall would know that Chongxuan Sect had taken in a new group of promising disciples. Even if the deeply rooted families didn't care, smaller ones would surely find a way to uncover this place, hoping to capture a few stragglers.
The village chief said, "The departure of those people has sparked the remaining youth's desire to explore. They can no longer live such a dull life; sooner or later, they'll want to venture out. Rather than be discovered by the Han family later, it's better to resolve it now. Master Chen, is that so-called 'favorable land' truly capable of solving the Han family's problem?" The Han family had always been obsessed with descendants, and if this land could allow them to have heirs, perhaps Changjia Village could indeed regain its freedom.
Chen Xiao nodded. "I'm confident in it. But this land is rare, are you truly willing to give it up for the Han family's use?"
The village chief replied with certainty, "It's just a piece of land. If it helps, I'm willing to give it up. Even if that land is valuable, being trapped here with no way out, what's the point? If the City Lord's Mansion is willing to grant us freedom, let us return to Hanshan City, we'll give them the entire area!"
Chen Xiao quickly stopped him, "The village chief cannot say that. It is this place's uniqueness that nurtures the people. Without it, the descendants of Changjia Village may no longer have such fine spiritual roots."
The village chief sighed with a bitter smile. "When you can't even live, what use are fine spiritual roots? Over the past hundred years, countless Chang family members have died at the hands of beasts. Otherwise, our village wouldn't be so small. No one in this village wants to stay here; they all wish they could leave the deep mountains immediately."
After getting the village chief's response, Chen Xiao and Xi Yunqing didn't linger any longer and headed back to Hanshan City. Throughout the journey, Chen Xiao remained quiet, but Xi Yunqing comforted him, saying, "Brother Xiao, don't carry the burden. Even if we can't stop the City Lord from seeking revenge, I won't stand by and watch the people of Changjia Village suffer. If needed, I will ask the Disciplinary Court to mediate and ensure the safety of everyone." At the very least, moving them all out of the Gengsheng Small Heavenly Realm was something Xi Yunqing felt could be done.
Chen Xiao forced a smile, saying, "Thank you, big brother. Hopefully, it won't come to that."
The two arrived back at Hanshan City late at night. The next morning, they requested an audience with the City Lord. Upon meeting, Han Yuanchun immediately asked Chen Xiao if he had a solution.
Chen Xiao affirmed, "Yes. But please, City Lord, listen to me carefully. This matter is complicated."
He then explained the situation about the favorable land and Changjia Village to Han Yuanchun. Throughout the conversation, Xi Yunqing stood by Chen Xiao's side, ensuring Han Yuanchun wouldn't react too emotionally.
When Han Yuanchun heard about the descendants of the Chang family, he fell into a brief silence. Chen Xiao earnestly said to him, "City Lord, the ones responsible for the calamity have already met their end. Most of the Chang family members who fled Hanshan City have died or been injured. Only a few dozen survivors remain, and from them, Changjia Village was formed. I don't dare ask the City Lord to abandon revenge, but my humble opinion is this: the dead cannot be brought back. Isn't the future of the descendants more important than hate?"
Though Han Yuanchun understood this reasoning, he was still troubled and couldn't let go of his resentment. He frowned and paced around the room for a long time before letting out a long sigh. "Master Chen speaks wisely. I should follow his advice. It's settled then. If they give me that land, I'll revoke the wanted notices and restore their identities."
Chen Xiao breathed a sigh of relief and immediately replied, "I am unworthy. City Lord, you truly have a broad mind and extraordinary grace. I deeply admire you."
Xi Yunqing added, "It's better to resolve enmity than to leave it unresolved. Understanding this grudge is also a great merit. The City Lord will surely get what he desires."
Han Yuanchun gave a bitter smile. "Let's hope so. Otherwise, I'll have to kneel before my ancestors' tomb and beg for forgiveness."
After securing the City Lord's approval, Chen Xiao gathered the necessary information about Han Yuanchun's couple and returned to Changjia Village with Xi Yunqing. Soon, the villagers learned that the Han family would come to build houses near the large stone that was off-limits. The villagers were uneasy, but most were hopeful, hoping that Chen Xiao's plan would succeed and the Han family would let go of their grudge, allowing them to walk freely in Hanshan City. They could hardly imagine a larger world, but Hanshan City, which they hadn't even been able to touch before, was now the place they dreamt of.
Chen Xiao took his tools and went up the mountain, starting to plan the construction of the houses and layout according to Han Yuanchun's needs. Without the proper calendar, Chen Xiao couldn't calculate their eight characters, but that didn't matter. He realized that their elemental affinities were more important and could be determined without calculation, as they were based on their spiritual roots.
The architectural style was quite different from both the previous and the present world. Luckily, Chen Xiao had previously looked at feng shui for several families in Hanshan City and had lived in the City Lord's Mansion for some time. He was confident in designing a house that would satisfy Han Yuanchun.
Soon, he produced three house designs with central halls, side courtyards, and a three-in-one structure. Though the structure was inspired by the traditional courtyard houses, the layout was adapted for living. The house included one main room, two guest rooms, several quiet rooms for cultivation, and two martial arts training grounds.
Once the designs were approved, Xi Yunqing quickly delivered them to Han Yuanchun. Han Yuanchun seemed unaccustomed to the structure, finding the repeated halls a bit of a hassle, but the size was enough for his brother and his wife.
Once approved, construction began. At Han Yuanchun's command, teams of workers set off for Changjia Village, bringing materials to start the project.
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