A True Master?

"Throughout a person's life, from birth and aging to sickness and death, tribulations come one after another. Benefactor, though you survived your calamity back then, your future still holds many disasters. Without a wondrous method to resolve them, I fear..." The old monk shook his head and sighed.

"What tribulations await me? Please speak plainly," Shen Luo said.

"In this tumultuous mortal world, tribulations abound. As long as one remains within it, even gods and buddhas cannot escape them, let alone ordinary mortals like us. Young friend, your face is rosy and your vital energy abundant, yet the space between your brows is pale. You appear strong on the outside but are weak within. Thus, I conclude that your tribulation concerns your lifespan. Am I right?" The old monk chuckled.

"Weak within? A tribulation concerning my lifespan? I don't believe any of that. If your divination is so impressive, why don't you tell me why I'm here?" Shen Luo was startled inwardly, but his expression remained unchanged as he snorted.

"That is easily done. However, when I completed my apprenticeship, I established a rule that I must charge for every reading. So, you see..." A faint smile appeared on the old monk's face.

"Heh, then you'd better get it right. My silver isn't so easily earned." Shen Luo raised an eyebrow and took out another piece of silver.

"Rest assured, honored guest. My master's arts are extraordinary. He'll certainly be able to ease your troubles," the young novice beside him said with a smile, deftly collecting both pieces of silver.

"I hope so," Shen Luo said, glancing at the novice.

The old monk took a capped bamboo tube from his robes, then produced six copper coins with his other hand and placed them inside. Holding the tube against his chest,