His pause drew the Blind-Eyed Daoist's attention. Rolling his sightless eyes upward, the Daoist intoned, "Boundless longevity and blessings! This humble Daoist greets you! Young benefactor, I see darkness between your brows, yet your cheekbones are full and your nose is broad. Would you like me to tell your fortune?"
Xu Qingtong looked at the Blind-Eyed Daoist's upturned eyes and thought, How can you see darkness between my brows, full cheekbones, and a broad nose? He walked up to the Daoist and asked with a smile, "Daoist, are your readings accurate? Is your fee expensive?"
"Heh heh, young benefactor, your fate is fraught with hardship, and many misfortunes lie ahead. If you can survive a great calamity, you will step straight into the azure clouds and soar skyward! Am I right?" the Daoist said. "As for the fee, it can be large or small. It is entirely up to you!"
Xu Qingtong considered his words. They seemed accurate, but they also seemed to fit anyone!
He smiled and shook his head, took out a middle-grade spirit stone, and tossed it into the Daoist's pouch before turning toward a distant establishment called the Tianya Inn.
"Retreat when you encounter yang; proceed when you meet yin!" Seeing Xu Qingtong walk away, the Daoist murmured this behind him.
Xu Qingtong froze at those words. When he turned to look, the Daoist had shouldered the Peaceful Crossing Banner and was ambling away.
"Daoist, please wait!" Xu Qingtong called.
But the Daoist seemed not to hear him and continued forward at the same unhurried pace.
Xu Qingtong wanted to catch up and question him further, but ultimately did not. He had clearly called out, and the Daoist should have heard him, yet he had not stopped. His meaning was obvious: *I don't want to talk