It seemed as though he was asking Lu Qing, yet also like a brief, wistful sigh.
He was not seeking an answer.
Tea fragrance curled upward, and a faint mist rose with the heat.
Lu Qing poured two cups of tea. Hearing this, he said, "Old sir, what is meant by destiny?"
The old man across from him, clad in a cloth robe, smiled and spoke slowly. "Destiny is the story of his life from the moment he is born, written into a tale book. From the beginning of the tale book to its end—that is destiny."
Lu Qing smiled without disputing it, merely chuckling softly. "Forgive Lu Sheng's dullness, but I think that if the tale books differ, then there may be differences as well?"
"In one person's tale book, he may enjoy high office and generous emoluments, yet be plagued by illness. But perhaps in another tale book, he is free of illness and worry. Besides, the ancients spoke of the Heavenly Secrets being four parts revealed and one part hidden. If the Heavenly Secrets are four parts revealed, then surely the countless destinies cannot be considered a final verdict."
He spoke in the same measured manner, his voice neither hurried nor slow.
It was not the tone of debating the Dao. It was simply that he had recalled certain discussions from texts he had read, and casually voiced them.
He had no intention of arguing over superiority or inferiority. He merely spoke of whatever came to mind.
Old Mister Nan's gaze paused slightly.
His expression had always been kindly, but now it seemed to carry an even deeper air of warmth.
"Excellent. I never expected you, Lu Sheng, to have studied cultivation texts so deeply. If you do not become a teacher, it would truly be a