"The old Taoist's astrology is quite different from the divination you two might be familiar with. Astrology is about observing the changes in the seasons, tides, and the earth to predict natural disasters. Divination, on the other hand, is about foreseeing future fortunes and misfortunes. Great practitioners can even defy fate, but altering destiny can have unintended consequences, affecting everything. That's why divination can shorten one's lifespan. I couldn't foresee today's calamity, let alone predict the future. So, you can rest assured!"
"So, it's just about predicting weather?" Lu Xinsen asked quickly.
"It might not even be that accurate," the old Taoist admitted sheepishly.
The old Taoist thought his honesty would dissuade the two boys from being interested in astrology. But to his surprise…
"Well, it's still worth learning. Even if it's not accurate, getting it right once could make me a revered figure at the academy! They'd be begging me for fortunes and riches! Hahaha, how delightful!" Xinsen laughed.
"Fatty, why do you always have to clash with Ning Quhong and his group? We do our thing, and they do theirs. We live in different worlds; no need for interaction!" Shui Shen admonished.
"Shui Shen, you're too kind-hearted! I can't forgive those who bully me, let alone my brothers!"
"Fatty, I appreciate your intentions," Shui Shen acknowledged.
"You two are quite amusing. Since Lu Xinsen wants to learn astrology, who will learn the swordsmanship?" the old Taoist asked.
"I've already taken one. Shui Shen should take the other! Go on, Shui Shen, try the Taoist's sword," Xinsen urged, but Shui Shen hesitated, not seeming interested in learning swordsmanship.
"Shui Shen, if you're not interested, I won't force you. It seems we are not fated," the old Taoist said, visibly saddened.
"You misunderstand. I've never been good at martial arts with a strong killing intent. I'm afraid your swordsmanship is similar. I don't want to waste your sword," Shui Shen explained.
"I see. Shui Shen, you're very considerate! My sword can kill, but it can also cultivate righteousness. The intent of the sword depends on the wielder. The purer the heart, the deeper the understanding. Take the sword," the Taoist said, holding the long sword out for Shui Shen to take.
"Shui Shen, if you accept the Taoist's sword today, you must work diligently to master it," Shui Shen's mother encouraged.
"Yes, mother," Shui Shen agreed, stepping forward to accept the nearly sword.
"Thank you, Master, for the sword!" Shui Shen said respectfully.
Seeing that it was almost time to go to the academy, Xinsen hurriedly bade farewell to Mrs. Chi and the old Taoist, then rushed home to fetch his books. As Xinsen disappeared into the distance, the old Taoist also stood up and began to leave.
"Master, could you stay a few more days so I can learn more from you?" Shui Shen noticed the Taoist's intention to leave.
"I have fulfilled my wish and should now find a place to rest. Our bond as master and disciple lasts only for today. Take care in the future. I left you a letter, sword techniques, astrology, and a talisman. If you ever face life-threatening danger, the talisman will save your life. Keep it with you at all times. Read the letter after I leave; everything is in your room," the Taoist explained.
"Master, when did you write the letter? I didn't notice! And you haven't been in my room since lunch!" Shui Shen looked towards his room, finding the door still closed. When he turned back, the Taoist had vanished. He quickly ran outside but couldn't find him. Defeated, Shui Shen returned to read the letter.
"Shui Shen, our bond lasts but a day. Do not be sad! I hail from the southwest and have traveled the world since I was young. I received this sword, Wuwei, which can teach in dreams and discern good and evil. Its sharpness is unmatched, and it holds many wonders for you to discover. However, Wuwei is not my greatest pride; my astrology is. With it, one can foresee fortune and misfortune, life and death, love and fate, and understand all beings. I foresaw my end and found my successor in the north, numbered three. I passed by your friend's house, collided with Xinsen, and collapsed at your door. Wuwei chose you. Although I favored Xinsen more, Wuwei did not choose wrongly. You're a good child. Tell Xinsen the truth about astrology. Knowing the future isn't always good; it can change a favorable outcome to an unfavorable one. You're kind but appear weak. Although 'he who does not compete is the strongest,' everyone has things they don't want to lose. I'm honored to be called your master. I know your greatest wish will come true. I'm lucky to have met you and Xinsen.
Dusty Tao
On the main road outside Jin County, Dusty Tao walked south.
"May the next spring rain fall. Even if this is my last blessing to the world. With so little time, I've achieved such remarkable feats. If there were true immortals, they should open the heavenly gate and grant me immortality. But alas, there is no such being. It's all an illusion, like flowers in a mirror or the moon in the water," he mused.
"If there are no immortals, then what are you? Your words bring comfort to my life. Dusty Tao has not attained the Tao, but seeing it is enough."
"This trace of life finally shows itself. I know you're not dead but couldn't find where your life was hidden. Someone must be helping you, right?"
"This person indeed follows destiny. But by the time he gets here, he won't be able to pass on his skills. Since the outcome is predetermined, gifting him a sword and a talisman won't change his fate. Isn't that fine?"
"Humph, you're naive. Old Tao, you probably intended to deliver yourself to her. A true genius!"
Dusty Tao had been waiting for three months for these two immortals. In his final moments, he struggled with his craft. It's a pity his skills won't be passed on. Please, leave my body. I need to find a place to pass peacefully. The northern frontier is indeed cold! Thanks to the immortal's help, I've fulfilled my last wish, seeing flowers in a mirror and the moon in the water."