Although the talisman appeared unremarkable, the sudden disappearance of fate left little doubt that it was closely tied to it.
Under normal circumstances, Ji Wushuang wouldn't meddle in such matters. After all, everyone had their own trials and destinies. Yet, this incident unfolded right before her eyes—and to brazenly siphon fate from her Second Master's descendant? That was simply too audacious.
After a moment of contemplation, Ji Wushuang formed a sacred seal with one hand. Suddenly, a deafening thunderclap echoed from the heavens—
"BOOM!"
The thunder shook the entire mountain peak, accompanied by a dense, lingering aura of lightning.
Ji Wushuang: "?"
How shameless! When that person was secretly stealing fate, why didn't you intervene? And now that I'm merely trying to retaliate, you're threatening to strike me with lightning? Do you have no shame?
"RUMBLE!"
It seemed the heavens had heard her silent complaint, as the thunder roared again, this time in clear irritation.
After all, it hadn't detected anyone stealing fate! It suspected this "anomaly" was deceiving it.
Ji Wushuang: "..."
She rolled her eyes at the heavens, resigning herself to abandoning the sacred seal.
Though her soul was powerful, her body remained weak—a fragile vessel. If struck by lightning, she'd likely perish instantly.
No matter. She had other methods at her disposal.
Moments ago, the only person those two children had interacted with was Mo Lanyi. The secret behind the stolen fate was undoubtedly linked to her.
Ji Wushuang stood, stuffed a spiritual fruit into her mouth, secured her "masters" on her back, and leapt from the heights to swiftly approach the trio.
Mo Lanyi's expression stiffened, uncertain why Ji Wushuang had come over. Could it be to compete for disciples?
From a distance, Lu Xingzhou and Lian Yuan also noticed Ji Wushuang. Lu Xingzhou, a steadfast cultivator, neither pitied nor looked down upon those of humble origins. Lian Yuan, however, exclaimed, "Junior Sister, are you injured? Is it serious?"
Ji Wushuang's disheveled appearance led Lian Yuan to believe she'd encountered misfortune on her path of self-reflection. He immediately reached for his medicinal pills.
Ji Wushuang: "..."
As expected of Lian Xing's kin, ever the naïve and kind-hearted fool.
"No need."
"Then do you require assistance?"
"Yes." Ji Wushuang raised her gaze, adopting the air of a mystic. "I see dark shadows looming over your foreheads. Bloodshed may follow. If you wish to remain unharmed, do not leave the sect for the next five years."
The theft of fate wasn't an all-or-nothing act. If they stayed safe for the next five years, their fate would naturally recover.
Ji Wushuang's warning was well-meaning, but both Lian Yuan and Lu Xingzhou were amused, even slightly displeased.
"Junior Sister, as cultivators, we defy the natural order. How can we cower for five years just because of a supposed bloodshed?"
"Indeed. If we were to do so, wouldn't it invite inner demons?"
Neither noticed the growing unease on Mo Lanyi's face.
"Immortal Grandfather, could this little beggar have discovered something?" Mo Lanyi asked nervously.
"Rest assured, she lacks such capability. It's likely a coincidence," the spirit in her pendant replied.
Reassured, Mo Lanyi chuckled, "Junior Sister, you cannot cultivate yourself, yet you seek to hinder Senior Brother Lu and Senior Brother Lian? That's rather unkind."
Her remark drew the two men's attention to Ji Wushuang's lack of spiritual energy.
Unable to cultivate?
The realization made them glance at each other, silently criticizing the little beggar who seemingly couldn't stand others' success. Still, their broad minds kept them from voicing harsh words. Instead, they walked away, distancing themselves from Ji Wushuang.
At that moment, the next group of testers arrived, giving the two men an excuse to keep their distance.
Ji Wushuang blinked, feeling she had fulfilled her duty. If they chose not to listen, so be it.
Just as she decided to "stand aside," a searing heat emanated from her pack. Alarmed, she opened it to find her Second Master's glowing, fiery "toe."
Its radiant, scorching presence was clearly a tantrum, demanding Ji Wushuang's intervention.
Ji Wushuang: "?"
Was Lian Yuan someone significant to Second Master?
The "toe" flashed again. Ji Wushuang sighed, "Alright, alright, I understand."
If Lian Yuan held such importance, then she had no choice but to act.
Fortunately, Ji Wushuang possessed an admirable trait—"If I refuse to feel awkward, then the awkwardness will belong to others!"
She strapped her pack firmly to her back and confidently approached Lian Yuan and Lu Xingzhou, blocking their path.
Even the most patient person would grow annoyed at this point. The little girl had cursed them with misfortune, told them to hide for five years, and now dared to block their way?
Ji Wushuang smiled faintly, extending her hand. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Ji Wushuang. I apologize for my earlier words. If you're willing to forgive me, shake my hand."
This "handshake" was a custom Ji Wushuang had observed during her wandering days in myriad mortal worlds. Though alien to this realm, she found it surprisingly effective.
Lian Yuan initially wanted to scold her, but her thin cheeks and glistening, pitiful eyes softened his heart. He relented and shook her hand.
"Pleased to meet you, I'm Lian Yuan. I won't dwell on this matter, but Junior Sister, be mindful of your words in the future."
Ji Wushuang nodded, discreetly drawing a wisp of soul energy to activate the Heavenly Divination Diagram and overlay it upon Lian Yuan.
This treasure, one of the supreme relics of the Dao, was beyond ordinary comprehension. Formless and boundless, it defied logic and transcended the sacred.
It was also the very artifact Ji Wushuang had seized from the Fallen God Emperor—a tyrant who met his end because no matter how he manipulated fate, every path led to his demise.
Once the Heavenly Divination Diagram unfurled, Ji Wushuang glimpsed Lian Yuan's entwined futures.
One life.
Lian Yuan's path was straightforward, his journey filled with challenges but culminating in greatness.
Another life.
Lian Yuan fell in love with an unattainable woman. While adventuring together, he was grievously injured protecting her, his meridians shattered, his body poisoned.
From then on, his cultivation stagnated. The woman, however, declared her feelings were fraternal, not romantic.
As brilliant suitors surrounded her, Lian Yuan grew bitter, twisted, and desperate, even resorting to coercion through his family's influence.
Ultimately, both Lian Yuan and his clan were annihilated by her admirers. Even Lian Xing, the Yunlan Sect leader, fell victim. They became stepping stones for her rise.
Ji Wushuang: [???]
What kind of melodramatic nonsense is this? Heavenly Diagram, are you joking?
The diagram bristled, nearly breaking into gibberish: [#$%&*!]
Woman! Watch your words! This is his future.
Your junior master is nothing but a foolish, soft-hearted simp. Understand?
The saying "A simp gets nothing in the end" was practically written for him!