Someone Destined

If it were the past, with such intense cultivation of the Dao body, upgrading and breaking through, his Divine Sense would probably have been exhausted to the point of being in a deep sleep for several years. But now, when Li Fan opened his eyes, he checked the note left by Gu Panpan at the entrance of the barrier and found that only three days had passed.

This little girl is really quite obsequious; she actually arranged activities for him that very night. But she never expected that her godfather would actually come to a place like the Qingtang Sect to cultivate in seclusion. As a result, the senior monks who had gone to great lengths to invite him, having witnessed the great monk's abilities, had no choice but to leave disappointed.

Gu Panpan also complained a little, saying that her godfather was too hasty. Why did he have to go into seclusion alone? Wouldn't it be better if the elders cultivated and practiced together, even going to Wushan together? Was her godfather just shy? No way, no way!

Then she added a bunch of flattery, saying that from her adoptive father's dedication to his cultivation, his lack of attachment to worldly desires and lust for human beauty, she felt the steadfast heart of a true cultivator, and that she would take him as her role model, diligently cultivating and never slacking off, and so on... Finally, she mentioned the matter of the Hu Barbarians, saying that someone from Wangwu Mountain had been arranged to deal with them, and that after waiting for two days, she guessed that her adoptive father was in deep meditation and would be in seclusion for several years, so she went to cultivate herself first, and would come to visit her again when her adoptive father came out of seclusion, and so on.

Oh dear, what a pity! I missed the chance to learn the true skills from the Hehuan Sect! Of course, Li Fan was referring to Purple Micro Astrology and Heavenly Union Calculation, so please don't get the wrong idea.

Although Li Fan didn't seriously study the secrets Gu Panpan gave him, he was able to memorize them and read them several times, making them second nature.

The <Azure Mist Purple Micro Heavenly Garment True Art> is fairly straightforward; it's the Qi cultivation technique of the ancient Bi Xia Dao sect, Azure Cloud Path. First, one cultivates Purple Star True Qi, then upgrades it to Celestial Robe True Qi, similar to Penglai Lotus True Qi and Hengshan Shangqing True Qi—all top-tier protective true qi. Moreover, the Celestial Robe's special effect is that it allows one to 'wear' the true qi like a celestial robe. It possesses unique advantages in both defense and transformation.

Furthermore, some of the spells in the book, including the technique of using Heavenly Garment True Qi to attach to silk ribbon-like magical artifacts, are precisely Gu Panpan's refined Red Ribbon Dance. In the early stages, it can be used in conjunction with magical artifacts to supplement attack power, and once you reach the Nascent Soul Realm, you can basically transform the Heavenly Garment into a protective immortal garment on your own, with boundless power. The book even claims it to be a unique secret technique with countless variations, seamless and flawless.

Whether it is truly flawless or not, Li Fan has not seen it closely enough to say, but Gu Panpan actually revealed it during their conversation. This Heavenly Garment True Technique is indeed suitable for female cultivators, making them stable even at the Transformation Stage. However, the biggest problem is that no one has been able to comprehend the Dao using this method.

Although the Heavenly Garment True Technique claims to be Cultivation Method passed down from the Profound Maiden, Li Fan suspects that the Profound Maiden probably just used her true energy to conjure clothes for casual wear, and that its potential was probably not very high.

Of course, the "not high ceiling" is based on his standards. In this place, Nascent Soul Nascent Soul Stage are already patriarchs, and Divine Transformation cultivators are already sect leaders. No matter how good the Heavenly Garment True Technique is, if you make a mistake while refining it, at most you'll just be naked, not go berserk or insane. What more could you ask for?

In short, this "Heavenly Garment True Technique" is quite interesting and not difficult. Li Fan thinks it's worth studying and modifying it into a protective true qi that suits him. If he learns it, he'll have another protective true qi, and he won't need to spend money on clothes anymore.

However, Purple Micro Astrology and Heavenly Union Calculation are not so simple. Li Fan's current arithmetic level is at the beginner level of Four Elements Calculation Classic. Now, the <Ten Books of Arithmetic> contain the mathematical foundations of Ink Bamboo Mountain Lou Guan Dao and Nine Truth Sect of Penglai Mountain. In addition, he can use the system to assist him, so to be honest, his calculation ability is not bad.

These two books are no longer simply exercise books, but rather advanced methods of application. * Purple Micro Astrology * is a feng shui calculation book similar to * Thirty-Six Dragons *, but it no longer focuses on mountains and rivers, geography, or the Eight Trigrams; it elevates the understanding to the levels of destiny, celestial phenomena, and the stars in one's destiny palace. * Heavenly Union Calculation * is an even more profound divination manual from the Xuanmen school, ranking alongside the *Cun Inch of Heart Calculation * of the Divine Sect as a supreme arithmetic art. Given Li Fan's progress in studying the Calculation Manual, although he recognized every single word, understanding their combined meaning was a bit of a struggle.

Honestly, it's a bit difficult to study on your own. It's best to watch someone demonstrate it to refresh your memory. As for Gu Panpan, her arithmetic skills are probably not even as good as Li Fan's, so asking her wouldn't help. But you can't just take someone else's secret teachings and ask them for help in person...

Li Fan thought about it and figured it might not be too difficult. Gu Panpan had mentioned that the Qingtang Sect specialized in fortune-telling, so he might as well just find someone to ask about his marriage and see how they calculated it. It was a small matter, and there was no need to bother Gu Panpan again; he could just ask any Qingtang Sect disciple.

So Li Fan walked out of the hermitage and saw that not far away, through a forest, there were fluttering banners and melodious chimes. He guessed that it was the dormitory of the Qingtang Sect disciples, so he got up and went there. After passing through the forest, he indeed saw a large temple.

In front of the courtyard gate stood a dozen or so weeping willows. The gate, facing the sun, was wide open and deserted. Above it hung a plaque with the three characters "Forget-Worry Hermitage." Further inside, a winding stream flowed, and rows of elms and willows lined the path, creating a tranquil atmosphere. After walking a short distance, one came to a carved gatehouse. In the hall, three sticks of incense burned in an ancient bronze incense burner. In the center stood a white-line drawing of the Profound Maiden, with a futon placed beneath her. To the left and right were two clean rooms, each emitting a faint fragrance, all exquisitely furnished.

Li Fan didn't want to go into someone else's house, so he just bowed to the statue of the Profound Maiden outside and was about to leave when he suddenly heard the sound of a zither from the east. So Li Fan went around the pavilion and followed the sound of the zither. He walked over several bamboo stalks into the courtyard and saw a flower garden with hundreds of flowers in full bloom, reflecting each other beautifully. In the middle was a pavilion with screens on all four sides. White gauze surrounded the pavilion, and he could vaguely see a graceful figure playing the zither.

Wow, finally it has a bit of a fantasy/martial arts vibe!

The woman on the other side of the screen was at the Nascent Soul Realm, likely an Inner Sect disciple of the Qingtang Sect. Her zither music also contained magical power, and it seemed that the surrounding flowers bloomed in response to the music, probably due to some kind of Daoist technique.

To be honest, Li Fan preferred listening to pop music, especially the kind with a strong rhythm. This kind of highbrow music was too damn sophisticated for him to understand at all. But saying it would be too tacky and would probably ruin the classy atmosphere he was trying to maintain, so he just pretended to understand and stood silently in the woods.

Finally, the person inside finished playing a piece. Li Fan, worried that she might encounter an audience and play another song in high spirits, quickly clapped, "Great! Great! Fantastic! Truly moving!"

The woman inside chuckled softly, "Sir, you've been waiting long. What brings you here?"

Li Fan breathed a sigh of relief and then launched into a more literary manner, "This humble monk is Fake. I have long admired the esteemed Qingtang Sect. It is my good fortune to pay you this visit. I have mistakenly entered your esteemed place and disturbed your virtuous conduct. I hope you will forgive me."

The female cultivator behind the screen also thanked her, saying, "I dare not accept such praise. I am a humble nun named Jing Yao, living in a remote mountain village. I am neither virtuous nor capable, yet I am honored by your visit, Master. Please have a seat in the pavilion and wait for tea."

Then she waved her hand, and one of the screens opened, inviting Li Fan in to meet her.

Sigh, no wonder they were so polite. The thing that displeased Li Fan the most about this improvement in cultivation was that he could no longer hide his Nascent Soul cultivation.

Previously, Li Fan's Gui Xu Nascent Soul was completely invisible, allowing him to perfectly conceal his identity and feign weakness. However, now that all Five Mountain Gods Bodies have broken through and upgraded, the aura of his Nascent Soul Realm stage is no longer concealed. Not only is he now adorned with the Five Elements Gathering at the Origin, and auspicious clouds above his head, but his condition is also particularly severe. Even with normal breathing, five-colored light—purple, white, gold, blue, and red—flows and blooms behind his head, making his bald head appear like a neon light bulb...

Li Fan was also helpless. He couldn't possibly waste his True Essence of Returning to Emptiness and become invisible for such a trivial matter. So he stepped into the pavilion and looked up at the nun Jing Yao, who was playing the zither behind the screen.

This is a nun who practices Buddhism while still keeping her hair. As expected of a disciple carefully selected by the Qingtang Sect, she looks to be around twenty-five or twenty-six years old. Her face is as white as jade, naturally beautiful, with extraordinary charm and graceful appearance. Although she is older than Panpan, her charm far surpasses hers.

She wore no outlandish clothing, nor did she need any extra makeup. She simply concealed herself with a moon-shaped Zen robe formed from the true energy of the Heavenly Garments. It seemed to be transformed from the true energy of the Dark Underworld Garments. Perhaps, having cultivated the Heavenly Garment True Technique to a high level, one could use the nine energies to transform and change into several different colors?

Inside the pavilion sat a seven-stringed zither, made of paulownia wood and strummed with silk. Its body was covered in ice-like patterns, and at a glance, it appeared to be a magical artifact at the Nascent Soul Stage level. The Xuanmen sect was indeed wealthy; everyone possessed such treasures.

Jing Yao arrived with tea, presenting a cup with both hands, and also taking one for herself to keep her company.

Li Fan took a sip, the fragrance filling his nostrils, and upon closer inspection, he could detect a subtle, delicate aroma. Suppressing his restlessness, he said solemnly, "I've heard that the Qingtang Sect is most skilled at predicting marriages, and this humble monk would like to witness it firsthand. I humbly request your guidance, fellow Daoist."

Jing Yao was taken aback, not expecting the monk to ask about marriage so soon. She hesitated for a moment and asked, "Master, you are a monk. Now that you have attained enlightenment, isn't it a bit late to ask about marriage?"

Li Fan explained, "No, no, this humble monk is merely curious about the divination techniques of the Xuanmen School and wishes to witness them firsthand."

"I see, Master wants to discuss the Dao," Jing Yao nodded, not hiding anything. "Our Qingtang Sect is indeed skilled at calculating predestined relationships. There are usually two methods. One is that male and female cultivators who intend to marry can come to our sect to see if their destinies are compatible. Of course, those who can cultivate together are already destined. It's just for the sake of celebration. If their destinies are compatible, that's fine. If there are some clashes, it doesn't matter. They will just go through some hardships together, which may actually be an opportunity. They can also ask for a protective talisman or some guidance. There is always a solution."

Another method involves using only one person's birth date and time to deduce where the connection lies. However, this method can only be used to calculate the connection between those who have met before and formed a bond. If you have never met them, or are far apart, or have only passed by them without knowing their names, then you cannot find them through this method.

"If we have the birth date and time (eight characters), and find a destined person, how far can we calculate their karma, background, and origins? Ah, this tea is excellent; please give me another cup."

Li Fan was afraid she wouldn't tell him, so he took out a few Spirit Coins from his sleeve and offered them to her.

Jing Yao smiled and took the teacup, saying, "Master, there's no need for that. It's just some simple tea. The calculations of my Qingtang Sect are based on the Ziwei Doushu (Purple Star Astrology). This method involves observing the stars and constellations, and in the past, it could indeed be used to predict the talents of the world. However, in recent years, the False Moon has greatly affected the calculations. Our sect has been studying this method for a long time, so we can still predict some marriages and see if the destinies of Dao Companion are compatible. As for other things, we can't see them clearly anymore."

"I see..."

Is that really the case? Just look at Gu Panpan; these Green Tea Sect disciples are all cunning and scheming. Nine out of ten are lying, and one is true. They might still be hiding something.

"I wonder if this humble monk will have the opportunity to witness this method of divination?"

Jing Yao offered another teacup and explained, "It's not impossible. If you insist, Master, you can write down your birth date and time for me. I'll just give you a small Spirit Coins. I'm free anyway, so I might as well help you with your calculations."

But matters of fate are best left unsaid. If one were to truly calculate the truth, one would be bound by cause and effect, and whether it is a karmic connection or a karmic entanglement, it must be resolved. Otherwise, it might create emotional entanglements that hinder one's spiritual practice. Master, are you sure you want it calculated?"

Li Fan, of course, refused. He had a whole host of hidden identities and enemies all over the world. What he feared most was having his background revealed. How could he possibly expose his birth chart and give away his secrets to others?

But as he said, it's enough to see how things unfold.

So Li Fan reached into his sleeve, pulled Wang Hong out, and removed the seal from his head.

Li Fan explained to Jing Yao, who was somewhat startled, "My brother has gone mad with cultivation, his body has changed shape, and he often tries to commit suicide. I had no choice but to tie him up. Please don't be shy, fellow Daoist."

He then turned to the dwarf and said, "Brother Wang, you see, life always has its ups and downs. It's just a temporary setback, why be so upset? I brought you to the Qingtang Sect this time to have your marriage fortune told. Maybe somewhere, someone is waiting for you, isn't that right? A fine young man, be strong! Learn from the Divine Lord!"

Wang Hong glared at Li Fan, clearly annoyed.

Li Fan smiled and then whispered, "Fellow Daoist, I know you're in a pretty bad situation. I'm also very busy, and keeping you tied up all the time won't do much good. How about this: you cooperate honestly and ask a fellow Daoist from the Qingtang Sect to tell your fortune about your marriage. Then I'll let you go. A promise is a promise."

Wang Hong continued to sneer. Sigh, this guy really is impervious to reason.

"If you don't agree, I'll tell everyone you're still a virgin..."

Wang Hong bowed sharply to Jing Yao, "Please, Master, tell my fortune!!"

"Oh, oh, of course, it's nothing. It's just a divination. Fellow Daoist, there's no need for such a grand gesture."

So the nun Jing Yao began her calculations, asking for Wang Hong's birth date and time. She then took out counting rods and began performing hand seals while stepping around the pavilion to make inferences. She was clearly unaware that the secret Purple Micro Astrology had been completely leaked by a good disciple of the Qingtang Sect; otherwise, she wouldn't have been so arrogant.

Having succeeded in his scheme, Li Fan brazenly observed and secretly memorized his opponent's actions.

Hmm, when I have some free time I'll calculate it myself and then I'll know exactly how many numbers are around me. Damn, I'm a genius!

After Jing Yao finished her deduction, she looked at Li Fan and said, "Master, only Fellow Daoist Wang himself knows the result."

"Oh, personal privacy, right? Of course."

Li Fan had already memorized the other party's operational procedures using Zi Wei Dou Shu (Purple Star Astrology), so he voluntarily left the pavilion to avoid them.

Wang Hong looked surprised, probably not expecting that he actually had someone destined for him. After talking with Jing Yao for a while, he walked out with a dazed expression and looked at Li Fan, "You really want me to leave?"

"Go on, what would I keep you around for... By the way," Li Fan asked curiously, "How many people do you have? Cough cough, I mean, how many people are destined for you?"

"How many more people are destined to be together? Just one?"

Oh, there's still one left... That's a bit tragic...

Seeing that Li Fan was no longer trying to catch him, Wang Hong immediately disappeared underground.

Well... But then again, although this guy is miserable, he is actually in the realm of Yuanying, and he can also escape from the earth with one hand... I don't know how his Yuanshen cultivated, I should use the blood infant to take a look...

"Master Fak, is it really alright to just let that fellow Daoist go like this? Wasn't he trying to commit suicide?"

"Don't worry about him. Oh, I mean, everyone has their own destiny; you can't force it."

Li Fan thought for a moment and then asked, "Master, how many of the destined people are considered normal? If they are in good health, is it alright to accept them all?"

Jing Yao glanced at him and warned, "Master, a destined person is not just Dual Cultivation Dao companion, but someone whose fate is intertwined with yours, someone who will share tribulations. The more destined people you have, the more your luck will benefit each other, but the more tribulations you will attract. Fellow Daoist, please act according to your abilities, lest you be drawn into someone else's tribulations and perish."

Oh, I see...

Wouldn't that mean they'd charge even more?

"But I have a friend who said that there are limited seats available, and people have to fight for them..."

Jing Yao looked doubtful. "If one lingers in the world of prostitution, then everyone in this life can be destined to meet someone. What is there to limit?"

Oh, could it be that the master is referring to destiny and predestined fate?

There is a saying that there is a predestined love that lasts three lifetimes, a bond that lasts three lifetimes, a love that is inseparable and unbreakable. This is a great cause and effect, a great blessing. To be able to form a marriage bond across three lifetimes is a great destiny. If you have this kind of good fortune, it is indeed worth actively seeking it out.

But in such a situation, it's rare to find even one destined pair, so why fight over it... unless..."

Jing Yao suddenly realized something, and with an expression that said "I understand," she bowed to Li Fan.

"Unless your friend is a vassal lord of Twelve Countries, whose destiny would indeed outweigh such a romantic relationship."

A king can have one empress and two consorts to assist him. But if he were the emperor of the Immortal Palace, he could have four empresses and eight consorts, a marriage ordained by fate. In that case, the positions around him would be limited, and everyone would be envious and compete for them.

However, the destiny of an emperor, the supreme status of the ninth and fifth rank, is beyond the comprehension of a little nun's mere tricks.

If the master is asking on behalf of that friend, please forgive me for not daring to interfere in the family affairs of Ziwei Yuan."