A Fortune Reading

"Master, you truly are a living immortal! I was rude before. Please, come inside and take the seat of honor!" Seeing that the fire in the rear courtyard was under control, he breathed a sigh of relief, then hurriedly ushered the old Daoist in white through the door with the utmost respect.

"Venerable immortal, your powers are truly extraordinary! I would like to invite you to my home to inspect its feng shui!"

"Master, my son will soon be taking the imperial examinations. Could you tell his fortune and see what prospects await him?"

"Master, my daughter is already twenty-three this year and still unmarried. Could you divine where she might find her ideal husband?"

The other onlookers also surged toward the old Daoist in white with reverent expressions, forming a large circle around him.

Shen Luo came downstairs, placed a small piece of silver on the counter, and strode out without so much as glancing at the old Daoist in white.

The fire in the rear courtyard had not started by itself. While the old Daoist in white was divining with copper coins, a furtive figure outside the courtyard had tossed in a bundle of kindling, setting the pile of firewood ablaze.

Shen Luo had business to attend to and no interest in anything else. He could not be bothered to expose a swindler like this.

After leaving the Red Fragrance Restaurant, Shen Luo went straight to a nearby inn and took a room.

People bustled through every part of the county town during the day, making it a poor time to search for the Millennium Spiritual Milk. He planned to begin his search at night.

Shen Luo booked a superior room and told the attendant not to disturb him without good reason. Then he sat beside the bed,