Shushan Earthly Immortal

Chapter 392 Do your best in everything and act at the right time

"How about we consult the oracle?"

Everyone in the hall was looking at Cheng Xinzhan, but Cheng Xinzhan looked at Fa Wujiu and asked with a smile.

"Snapped!"

Fa Wujiu suddenly slapped his thigh, a broad smile spreading across his face.

"Good, good! If it weren't for my own unpredictable fate and shortened lifespan, I would have used astrology to see what my fortune and misfortune might be."

Cheng Xinzhan smiled and then said,

"It is indeed inappropriate to divine for oneself. I do not know if the Lord of Fashan can trust me. If he can, I will perform a divination for him."

Cheng Xinzhan felt no pressure in performing the divination for the Master of Fashan. Although the Master of Fashan was on the verge of achieving Nascent Soul, he had not yet formed his Nascent Soul. The two were still considered to be at the same level, and the content of the divination was not taboo. So, he might as well perform the divination.

Fa Wujiu rubbed his hands together and answered.

"Trustworthy, of course trustworthy."

However, after saying that, Fa Wujiu realized something, glanced at Ji Hehe's expression, and added,
"I just don't know if it's suitable."

Ji Hehe nodded at this point and said,

"After all these years, Wujiu's habits haven't changed. Fine, let's do the divination then. Xinzhan, if you're going to do the divination, then we'll use a bird?"

Cheng Xinzhan nodded; he only knew this one divination technique.

"it is good."

Ji Hehe said,

"Then let's do this: we'll both use our magic. You'll use bird divination, and I'll use divination sticks. Let's see together whether it's suitable for Wujiu to break free from the outside world."

Cheng Xinzhan nodded and agreed.

Then, he didn't move, but just turned his head to look outside the hall.

The mountain breeze in Sanqing Mountain is always blowing gently, calm and cool, making it very convenient to use a wind bird divination device.

The question in the mind of the person seeking divination is the key to divination, directly affecting the difficulty of the divination and the depth of the divine secrets involved. Generally speaking, there is a basic principle in divination: "Divide the shallow, not the deep; divide the small, not the big."

For example, if Fa Wujiu were to ask Sanqing Mountain whether to help Doumu Pavilion overcome its difficulties, it would be asking a question that is too broad and profound, involving the lineages of the two major sects, especially since Sanqing Mountain is a leading immortal sect in Taoism, with a very heavy karmic burden. However, if the question is whether Fa Wujiu should break through to the fourth level of cultivation now, then the divination at the sect level is reduced to the individual level, making the divination much easier, the results clearer, and less harmful to the person divining.

However, asking whether someone is suitable to enter the Four Realms is actually a rather complicated question. It concerns the future of a great cultivator and can easily create a causal connection between the diviner and the divined person, so he does not intend to ask in this way.

Cheng Xinzhan recalled that Master Fashan had mentioned he and the Left Sect Leader of Doumu Pavilion were close old friends, and also remembered that Master Fashan usually cultivated in seclusion on Yaoguang Mountain and rarely left the mountain. Therefore, as he intently gazed at the mountain wind, he wondered:

Is it advisable for Master Fashan to go out and meet old friends recently?
Choosing the right answer to this question tests a person's spirituality, and this can directly indicate whether a person is good at divination.

The essence of divination lies in seeing the big picture in small details and hearing thunder in silence.

At this moment, Cheng Xinzhan looked at the mountain breeze, colorless and formless yet carrying a hint of the sweet scent of spring, in which a shape was slowly being outlined.

That was a wagtail.

The wagtail, also known as the jiling in ancient times, is shaped like a sparrow but slender, with a particularly long and sharp tail. Its back feathers are bluish-gray, its belly is as white as snow, its wings are mottled with black and white, and its beak is conical with slender feet.

At this moment, the pheasant flapped its wings in the wind and flew westward, wagging its tail and nodding its head as if bowing, while calling out loudly.

The bird sang three times, then returned to its windy form and disappeared.

However, at this moment, Cheng Xinzhan already had a clear idea in his mind; the divine revelation was quite obvious.

This bird's appearance is easy to interpret. The robin is a gregarious bird and dislikes being alone. Yet, the image in the wind shows a lone robin flying westward, calling out loudly. This means there is another lone robin in the west, and the bird in the wind is rushing to see him and help him.

Cheng Xinzhan performed divination for Fa Wujiu, and the ridgeline in the wind naturally referred to him. The celestial revelation indicated that Fa Wujiu should set off westward, and even revealed the reason for his departure: a lone friend was waiting for him in the west. The lone bird in the west was also easy to understand; it clearly referred to the isolated star vein in the southwest—Doumu Pavilion, the Left Master.

Having obtained what he had, he withdrew his gaze and turned his head away.

While Cheng Xinzhan was observing the wind, Ji Hehe took out a bamboo tube filled with many bamboo sticks, adjusted his sitting posture, faced the statue of the Three Pure Ones, and began to shake the bamboo tube. After a while, a bamboo stick fell out of the tube and he picked it up.

Ji Hehe looked at the inscription on the bamboo stick and understood what was going on. At that moment, he saw Cheng Xinzhan turn around and smiled.

"It seems that Xinzhan has also gained some insights. Why don't you tell me first, Xinzhan?"

Cheng Xinzhan nodded, then looked at Fa Wujiu and said,
"The ridge is in the plains, brothers are in dire straits. The Heavenly Secrets and the Laws of the Mountain Lord are to travel west to reunite with old friends."

Both Fa Wujiu and Ji Hehe were delighted to hear this.

The former was delighted because Cheng Xinzhan's interpretation of the heavenly secrets matched his own thoughts. The latter was delighted because Cheng Xinzhan's angle in calculating the heavenly secrets was excellent, and the results were so clear and distinct, which made him extremely gratified.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master."

Fa Wujiu bowed to Cheng Xinzhan, then went to look at Ji Hehe.

"Sect Leader, may I ask what this is?"

Ji Hehe raised the bamboo skewer in his hand and said,

The oracle reads: "A kind heart is like a deep pool, skillful actions are virtuous, and timely movements are opportune." My question is whether your thoughts should be put into action.

Fa Wujiu understood. Chao Jihe bowed, his face beaming with even greater joy, and said,

"It seems that this is the will of Heaven. I will then prepare to go into seclusion and cultivate my divine insight!"

However, upon seeing Fa Wujiu's reaction, Ji Hehe offered a warning.

"Heaven has no favorites, but it always favors the virtuous. If you are as careful at the end as at the beginning, you will not fail. When doing things, you should follow the will of Heaven, but the will of Heaven is unpredictable. Just because you follow the will of Heaven does not mean you can rest easy. Success still depends on human effort."

Upon hearing this, Fa Wujiu's expression softened, and he replied...
"I will follow the teachings of the Master."

There's no need to repeat the sound of the drum; Ji Hehe simply made a remark and said nothing more.

Just then, Marshal Kui stood up, flicked his sleeves, and prepared to leave, saying,
"The three of you are all good at divination. If you had just taken a look, this matter would have been settled. Why did you have to drag me into this? Do you think I'm not busy enough?"

"Marshal, wait!"

Fa Wujiu tugged at the marshal's sleeve, gesturing for him to sit down first, and said...
"Marshal, please wait a moment. There are still matters that require your and the Sect Leader's decision. If I am to go to the southwest to govern, Yaoguang Mountain will need to choose a successor. Let's settle this matter together today!"

Upon hearing this, Marshal Kui frowned. He was not only the Marshal Protecting the Altar, but also the Vice Master in charge of the Blessed Land. The succession of the Mountain Master of Yaoguang Mountain was indeed under his jurisdiction, so he had no choice but to sit down again.

Immediately, Fa Wujiu proposed three names: two of them were the current deputy mountain masters of Yaoguang Mountain, one was in charge of the Imperial Observatory, and the other was in charge of the Zhuoxing Pool; the third was the chief steward of Yaoguang Mountain, each with their own achievements. Fa Wujiu also clearly explained the strengths, weaknesses, and main experiences of the three men, and then handed the decision over to Marshal Kui and Ji Hehe.

"I propose that talks be made in name only. The situation in the world is changing rapidly, and the Imperial Observatory should play a greater role."

Marshal Kui was straightforward and quick-witted. After listening to Fa Wujiu's introduction, he immediately expressed his opinion.

The "talk" he mentioned is actually the deputy head of Yaoguang Mountain who is currently in charge of the Imperial Observatory.

After hearing Marshal Kui's opinion, Ji Hehe considered it carefully, but in no more than ten breaths, he said...
"I agree, let's do it that way." Then, he turned to Cheng Xinzhan and asked,

"Does Xinzhan have any opinions?"

Cheng Xinzhan shook his head upon hearing this. He didn't even know those people well, so what opinions could they possibly have? Besides, he wasn't even the vice leader yet, so why would they ask for his opinion? The sect leader's request was too intimidating.

However, he did not expect that such a major event as the change of the leader of Yaoguang Mountain could be decided in just a few words in the Sanqing Palace.

Ji Hehe then looked at Fa Wujiu and said,
"Then you should first go to the mountains to cultivate your life force and form a fetus. After the fetus is formed and you confirm that there are no problems, go to Doumu Pavilion and sit quietly there to recuperate. Nurturing the fetus into an infant should not be a problem. However, there are a few things to do before you go into seclusion."

"Please give your orders, Master."

"First, contact Fellow Daoist Zhongzheng of Sanyuan Mountain and tell him that we are willing to send someone. If he hasn't made up his mind yet, tell him not to move to avoid unnecessary trouble. However, if he has also decided to go, then I will discuss with Fellow Daoist Baoyuan to see who is more suitable. But even if you don't go to Doumu Pavilion, there's no need to change your decision to step down as the head of Yaoguang Mountain. It's a good opportunity to let a younger person take over. Originally, Tongxuan and Shouren had both gone out, leaving fewer people at home. You entering the Fourth Realm is just right to become the deputy leader."

Upon hearing this, Marshal Kui, who had remained expressionless, curled the corner of his lips into a smile.

"Secondly, if Fellow Daoist Zhongzheng is unavailable and it is indeed you who should go, then quickly contact the Left Sect Leader of Doumu Pavilion and agree to the matter to put his mind at ease as soon as possible. In addition, you must also ask him to hold on a little longer and delay for a month or two. Well, let's say two months at most, at least until you have conceived and the pregnancy is stable before you can go. You can't rush things."

"Third, before you go into seclusion, go and talk to Tan Weixu to explain the affairs in the mountains. Also, convey what the Marshal just said: in times of turmoil, the Imperial Observatory should take the initiative to play its role. Any unusual celestial phenomena, no matter how small, must be reported. In addition, you should also talk to the two who were not selected. Talk to them seriously. Whether they want to be the mountain lord or not, you must still be in the right place. It is the worst thing to cause trouble among yourselves."

Fa Wujiu, with a solemn expression, clasped his hands in agreement.

Cheng Xinzhan listened intently to the sect leader's instructions to the Master of Fashan, studying them carefully and pondering them deeply.

"Oh, right, there's one more thing. When you're in seclusion and your divine light is forming, call out to Xinzhan and ask him to protect you."

Ji Hehe suddenly pointed to Cheng Xinzhan

Cheng Xinzhan was taken aback upon hearing this.

"Yes."

Fa Wujiu readily agreed.

Cheng Xinzhan immediately realized that the Master of Fashan was in seclusion in the mountain gate to break through to the next realm, so he didn't need any protectors. The sect leader knew that he was in the embryonic stage and was not far from entering the fourth realm, so he specially gave him an opportunity to observe the "Primordial Spirit Illumination".

"Thank you, Master Xie. Thank you, Lord Fashan."

Cheng Xinzhan expressed his gratitude.

Although Cheng Xinzhan had already devised the method of the Three Lights Divine Illumination, the process of divine illumination was the key process for the embryo to transform into a spiritual embryo, and there were many details involved. If he could have another opportunity to observe it, Cheng Xinzhan would naturally be eager to do so.

The matter of Master Fashan was settled, and Cheng Xinzhan began to add some of his own thoughts.

"In fact, leaving the town of Doumu Pavilion is not only to save the Star Vein, but also to benefit my Sanqing Mountain and the general trend of the righteous path."

After Cheng Xinzhan finished speaking, both Marshal Kui and Master Fashan looked over curiously, while Ji Hehe seemed to understand.

"I have planted spies in Wuliang Mountain, intending to transform it from a demonic sect into a heretical sect. I've been secretly working on this for six or seven years now, and it's achieved some success. However, this matter has never been openly discussed, so outsiders don't know and still think that Wuliang Mountain is a demonic sect, still belonging to the Southern School."

"I think we can take this opportunity to solidify the reputation of the Wuliang Mountain side sect and announce it to the world together with the Fashan Master's entry into the Doumu Pavilion. In this way, both of them will be in Yunnan, echoing each other, so that they can support each other and prevent one of them from becoming the target of public criticism."

Cheng Xinzhan said.

Marshal Kui and Fa Wujiu frowned upon hearing this, somewhat puzzled. Weren't they discussing how to prevent Doumu Pavilion from changing its path to Xuan? Why the sudden shift to Wuliang Mountain wanting to change its path from Demon to Side? There were clues to Emei's approach to Doumu Pavilion before, but what was going on with Wuliang Mountain?

"What kind of hidden traps did you plant?"

Marshal Kui asked.

Cheng Xinzhan then answered,
"I personally killed the Five Poisons King. Before that, I went to Wuliang Mountain and used some methods. Now, the Third Elder Wan Gaoming, who is in charge of Wuliang Mountain, is directly under my control. In addition, the Vice Leader, the First Elder, and the Second Elder are also under Wan Gaoming's control. Then, I control them from top to bottom. Now, six or seven years have passed, and almost everyone who has a voice has been controlled. Now, there should be no resistance to switching to the side sect."

Marshal Kui raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, while Fa Wujiu was speechless with shock.

"Xinzhan told me about this."

Ji Hehe took over the conversation and said,
“Xinzhan told me about this a few years ago after he returned from the Southwest. I secretly contacted Baihu Mountain and Shuji Mountain and sent some disciples there in batches. Now we have basically taken control of the Wuliang Mountain’s affairs. Tongxuan knew about this before, but I forgot to tell him when the Marshal took over Tongxuan. Xinzhan’s suggestion is good. Now we can indeed make this public.”

Marshal Kui quickly accepted and processed the news, then asked,
"The Five Poisons King is dead. Have the Scripture Master's pawns reached the Fourth Realm yet?"

Cheng Xinzhan shook his head.

"Wan Gaoming obtained the Four Realms Method passed down through generations in Wuliang Mountain, but he is still some distance away from achieving the embryonic stage."

Upon hearing this, Marshal Kui said,

"Wuliang Mountain has no Four Realms and is close to Ailao Mountain. If it changes from Demon to Side, will it attract Ailao Mountain to attack and kill it? The Five Poison Heavenly King was sealed by Changmei back then, and all his belongings were taken away. With the current weaklings of Wuliang Mountain, I'm afraid a single mountain-protecting formation won't be enough to stop Venerable Poison Dragon. Could it be that the sect will send a Four Realms expert to oversee it?"

Since Cheng Xinzhan dared to bring it up, he had clearly thought of a solution. Upon hearing Marshal Kui's question, he replied,
"Once Master Fashan is fully formed and enters Doumu Pavilion, I plan to accompany him to Yunnan and personally oversee Wuliang Mountain. I am not yet a member of the Fourth Rank, so if I were to encounter Venerable Poison Dragon on the road, I dare not say I would defeat him. However, Venerable Poison Dragon has only been a member of the Fourth Rank for a short time, and his fame mainly comes from the power of the Wood Dragon. If I wait in the mountains in comfort and he comes to attack me, I will not be afraid of him."

Upon hearing this, Marshal Kui slowly nodded. If another cultivator at the Third Realm had dared to say such a thing, he would have laughed his head off. But the one before him was the Mountain Master who had killed the Five Poison Heavenly King and banished the Crimson Corpse Wu Lao. His words were naturally trustworthy.

"Is it appropriate for a scripture master to enter the Demon-Suppressing Cave when she has only just become pregnant?"

Fa Wujiu asked with concern.

Cheng Xinzhan smiled and shook his head.

"It's not that precious. The Mountain Lord is also planning to rest and recuperate in Doumu Pavilion, so it's fine. Besides, once Doumu Pavilion and Wuliang Mountain are stable, I won't be afraid of Venerable Poison Dragon coming to attack me. I'll even go and cause trouble for his Ailao Mountain!"

"well said!"

Marshal Kui looked at Cheng Xinzhan with admiration in his eyes.

"Then it's settled."

Ji Hehe once again made the final decision.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Two days later.

The abbot of Yaoguang Mountain, Fa Wujiu, resigned and went into seclusion. The former deputy abbot, Tan Wei, was promoted to the position of abbot without real power.

Five more days passed.

Mount Yaoguang shone brightly with starlight, and the sound of the zither was like a tide, shaking the heavens.

Thirty-two days later.

As the music faded, night suddenly fell over Yaoguang Mountain, and countless stars appeared, their shadows swaying—a divine gift known as "Mayfly Starry Sea Gang."

The entire Sanqing Mountain sect rejoiced, and everyone knew that the sect had gained another master of the Four Realms.

Three more days.

A streak of blue light and a streak of starlight flew side by side out of Sanqing Mountain and headed west.

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(End of this chapter)