Chapter 03: The Divination by the Immortal, with Iron Mouth and Steel Teeth

Once again, a series of hand gestures were performed, while reciting: "In the month of Yimao, there is often a loss of wealth, whereas in the time of Weichou, there is often an accumulation of wealth. Those born in the time of Sichou tend to be able to preserve their wealth. Young Master Xu, your life palace is elevated, indicating a prosperous and noble appearance. However, you happen to be born amidst the cycles of accumulation, loss, and preservation, which is why I say your fortunes are often turbulent. To put it in modern terms, your financial trajectory resembles... it resembles the fluctuations of stock indices and market trends."

Hmm... The old man pondered, his right hand forming gestures as if he were calculating something. His five fingers moved swiftly, and the celestial communication technique reappeared. Then, his eyes widened, and he remarked: "The fate is deeply rooted, while the palm is scattered like branches, presenting the momentum of 'the three sworn brothers of the Peach Garden, with one branch of plum standing out'... Do you agree?"

Speaking and gesturing, the slender index finger traced curves in front of Xu Fatty's eyes, which followed the movement of that finger. Listening to this batch of divination, it was unclear whether it touched a hidden concern or struck a chord, as he cleared his throat several times, his jaw trembled a few times, and his lips quivered. Just as the old man's finger finished its tracing, he suddenly changed his tone and sighed deeply: "Ah... Xu, my young friend, you are out of luck; wealth should gather but instead disperses. Your financial fortune resembles a stream converging into a river, and it comes with such force, tsk tsk tsk. ... Your eyes are turning green, which indicates a loss of wealth, and this time it is quite significant."

I send you a phrase. The old man turned back and smiled, his voice fading with his departure, but the words he left behind were clear: "A warrior cuts his wrist"

As Bian Debo spoke, he recalled the old man who had floated away. Xu Pangzi hurriedly fished out his wallet and casually handed a few banknotes to Lao Rou, instructing him to chase after the old man to deliver the offering. The three of them moved in a staggered formation, the stout figure gradually disappearing behind the shadows of the artificial hill and trees, heading towards the park's exit, completely forgetting to remind the young man who was cutting the meat.

This time, the onlooking young people were astonished, their minds filled with doubts, becoming increasingly bewildered. Countless facts have proven that most who are accustomed to putting on airs are indeed foolish. However, among those pretending to be celestial beings, could it be that there are really one or two who can fly like birds

The immortal was too unfamiliar, and Fat Xu immediately changed his address to "Old Master," which made it sound much more intimate. At this moment, the young onlookers and the scholars also noticed that regardless of how these two initial divinations were calculated, it should be fine to intimidate these three people.

The equally astonished Chui Pao and the chubby man known as Lao Rou nodded slightly, exchanging glances, realizing that their tension had indeed been guessed by the old man. The three of them looked at the old man with squinting eyes and a smile, increasingly captivated by his ethereal demeanor, as if it were only natural for a celestial being to exhibit such peculiar behavior.

In front of him, he saw from a distance that the old meat had caught up with the fortune-telling old man, respectfully bowing to him, presumably to pay homage with some divination money

What does it mean? Xu Panzai stared blankly, glancing left and right at his three companions. It seemed that like attracts like; they were all a group of fellows who valued money more than words. They looked at each other, shook their heads, and were utterly bewildered, truly unable to comprehend the old immortal's wit

Oh? Is it really correct? So this fat guy's mother is truly gone! Is this still something that can be figured out?

No, no... Old Liu quickly waved his hand to explain: "What I mean is, the Oath of the Peach Garden refers to you three brothers, and the phrase 'a single branch of plum blossoms' is talking about your sister, right? Three plus one, doesn't that make four? It's a perfect calculation... Didn't the old man just gesture? One is three, and one is one, just right for your family.

Impressive ... Impressive ... ...

Unknowingly, "you" has already been replaced by "you" (formal), which indicates that suspicion has diminished significantly. Moreover, when inquiring about matters at home, the young person secretly finds it intriguing. It seems that this chubby individual is not merely foolish and has not been easily deceived by a single remark. By asking about private family matters, it is likely that there is an intention to test the old man.

Behind him, the young man was pondering the extraordinary divination performed by the three stout men and the old man. He first furrowed his brow, feeling somewhat bewildered. On one hand, one might say they are true immortals, which is indeed hard to believe; on the other hand, if one were to label them as con artists, they had accurately divined two hexagrams. The ability to discern the parents and siblings of strangers is enough to be impressive.

Yo, this was typed out by Jifeng, but he encountered someone who has a lot of money but little culture. Fat Xu was completely baffled and felt too embarrassed to ask the old man after a long pause. He turned his head to inquire with Chui Pao, who widened his small eyes and couldn't hold back, exclaiming: "He - Tu - Shu Xu Ge, are you three brothers?"

Oh? Is everything alright? Is there no fight?

The young man, who was not inclined to join the lively crowd, faced the direction of the lake, his mind conjuring the scene of the old man in disguise being brutally beaten. It was certain that at least a few resounding slaps had been exchanged. Just as he turned around, in a matter of seconds, there was a loud "bang" that startled him; a fight had indeed broken out! He quickly turned back in shock... and again, there was a loud "bang" that startled him; a fight had indeed broken out! He quickly turned back in shock...

"How do we solve this?" Fatty Xu was momentarily taken aback. The old man smiled without speaking, nodding to indicate: "It's up to you to ask. The secret lies within the words."

"What the hell, how are you speaking?" Fatty Xu rolled his eyes at these two words, as 'you sister' already carries a special meaning.

Old meat, with a big palm, counts; this three plus one can still be calculated. One explanation is even more vivid than the old man's sharp wit.

Yes!

While speaking, he raised three fingers, then changed to a gesture with one finger, extending it directly in front of Fatty Xu, his finger shifting between two positions

These few sentences are quite dramatic, and the old man's expression conveys them very authentically. When he mentioned that he could not help, Xu Fatty showed a hint of disappointment, indicating that he had already placed great trust in this seemingly wise old man. Upon hearing that within ten years, he would surely become wealthy, he felt a bit more reassured. Not only Xu Fatty, but also the others present seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. The final statement made Xu Fatty feel somewhat proud, and with the encouragement from his companions, they insisted that this matter was nothing for Brother Xu. The atmosphere, which had initially been somewhat tense, gradually relaxed.

"Is that really possible? Then... could you calculate how many siblings I have?" Xu Fatty, somewhat incredulous, asked with a stern expression.

A single remark awakened the dreamer. The four individuals suddenly turned to look at the unremarkable young man. Fat Xu realized something and slapped his forehead: "Yes, yes, yes... cut losses, right... sell off quickly, and by the time the market opens, sell everything. We can't hesitate any longer; if we hit a few more limit downs, I'll have to come to the park to set up a stall... Hey, wait a minute... Hurry, Old Meat, take it to the old man. This old fellow is no ordinary person... sell off quickly, and by the time the market opens, sell everything. We can't hesitate any longer; if we hit a few more limit downs, I'll have to come to the park to set up a stall... Hey, wait a minute... Hurry, Old Meat, take it to the old man. This old fellow is no ordinary person... I've been contemplating cutting losses for several days now; it's time to make a firm decision. The old man has long seen through my intentions regarding this matter."

As he spoke, he suddenly fell silent; it was the old man who withdrew his hand, slowly rising to his feet. He regarded the incessantly chattering Fatty Xu with an attitude of helplessness, yet seemed reluctant to meet the gaze filled with expectation. He stood up but hesitated to take a step forward. The three fat men and a follower looked on in confusion as the old man, who had been deeply engaged in conversation, stood up, thinking he was putting on airs and quickly tried to stop him. However, the old man merely sighed sympathetically, patted Fatty Xu's broad shoulder, and offered words of comfort.

The young man, who had witnessed numerous street performances, grew increasingly perplexed as he pondered. He took a few slow steps, reflecting that in all the various tricks of deception in this world, there must be a sleight of hand that runs through the process. Where, then, lies the secret to today's divination? If the predictions made were truly credible, why not use such skills to predict stock prices or lottery numbers, which would surely yield more than just a few small coins from these three portly men? ... Indeed, there was one thing he was certain of: the old man had undoubtedly predicted that the three portly men would definitely pay, and they hadn't strayed far at all ...

Indeed, indeed, a line apart is like a mountain apart. Trust me on this, young man, in the stock market, there are only ordinary people who lose money, and no deities who consistently profit. I cannot assist with this matter...

Oh... Is that so...? No way? This can actually make money...? ...

Indeed, you are quite accurate. The fortune-seeker, Fatty Xu, firmly grasped the old man's hand, showing a degree of belief. However, he remarked, "Old Immortal, you even predicted that my mother has passed away; do you also know what is happening in my family?"

With a loud "pop," the old meat guy couldn't hold back any longer, as if he had discovered a new continent, shouting: "I know, your sister, Xu Ge"

"Yes, but isn't there also a younger sister?" Xu Fatty was puzzled.

Is it recognition? Impossible, this should be a chance encounter

"Don't worry... we aren't short on money. The cattle are gone, so why should we care about the value of the cowbell?" Fatty Xu, being quite loyal, upon hearing that money is not an issue, and that the cattle have been lost, became emotionally stirred, slapping his thigh with a sound like thunder, and grasping the fortune teller's hand, he lamented: "Old man, as soon as I entered the park today, I felt a sense of foreboding; everything was green, just like the color on the trading hall screen, all green across the board, a sharp decline... I would rather wear a green hat than have to look at this green every day... Old man, please give me some advice; I have most of my fortune tied up in this. Is there any way out? I can see it, old man, with your skills, it's fine, you pick a stock, and I'll raise the funds... You won't miss out on your share."

Just as he was thinking, Qiao Pao hurriedly stepped forward to pull the lost in thought Xu Panzai, signaling the old man to leave. Xu Panzai, still unwilling to give up, loudly asked, "Old man, what do you suggest I do now?"

The old man who practiced divination smiled as he spoke, waved his hand, and walked away with his hands clasped behind his back. The young onlookers were puzzled that the old man did not even accept the divination fee. The more they observed, the more they felt that the old man's demeanor was somewhat untainted by worldly concerns. However, are there still such people in this day and age? The young man felt a sense of admiration; look at how the old man did not even care for money. This style is likely a virtue possessed only by those reclusive individuals, and if that is truly the case, he might indeed be a person of extraordinary wisdom.

The old man spoke with such rich expressions that, in such a short time, he had convinced the originally skeptical Xu Punzi to believe wholeheartedly. Moreover, it seemed that he had touched upon some hidden concern, as a look of deep sorrow suddenly appeared on Xu Punzi's face when the old man mentioned this place. He clapped his hands and pulled the old man, exclaiming: "Oh my... that's absolutely right. Incredible, old man, you even predicted that I, Xu Dagui, would stumble in the stock market."

This ... ... '' was yet another surprise. Fat Xu seemed to have hit the nail on the head, glancing back at his two companions, who were even more astonished. However, this time they reacted quickly, simply nodding in agreement with the old man's words, and nervously asked: `` So ... old immortal, old sir, what do you say about my fortune ... ... ''

Accidents are everywhere. Xu Dagui indeed did not hit anyone; he heavily struck the back of the bench instead. With a stern expression, he gave a thumbs-up to the old man who was fortune-telling, his thick lips curling as he said: "Impressive, impressive. If it weren't for my brothers searching for you for several days, we wouldn't have met at all. I truly wouldn't have believed it."

After a while, still unable to react, the person by the lake could no longer hold back and, suppressing a laugh, finally exclaimed: "Brother, the old man is asking you to cut some meat."

Ah, never mind, never mind. Brother Xu, you have encountered a celestial misfortune around the time of the Spring Festival, disrupting your fortune. Today, I will waive the fee for this divination. I hope to open a new path for you. This loss of wealth to avert disaster may not necessarily be a bad thing..." The old man comforted Xu with great grace, holding his hand.

Time is irreversible, who can change fate... I cannot assist you with that, but your destiny is auspicious, destined to be wealthy and prosperous. Once you overcome this hurdle, the path ahead will be much smoother... Within ten years, you will surely attain great wealth. So, how about it, Brother Xu? Let us conclude our discussion here today. I, Gu Qingzhi, rarely share so much with others; today, I spoke more because I sensed a connection. However, some matters can only be hinted at. With your prosperous fate, minor setbacks can be navigated... How about it, Brother Xu? Let us conclude our discussion here today. I, Gu Qingzhi, rarely share so much with others; today, I spoke more because I sensed a connection. However, some matters can only be hinted at. With your prosperous fate, minor setbacks can be navigated... Others may only speak of good fortune in their divinations, but I can discern your past. It is clear that you are a person of unique destiny, born to fulfill a purpose. To put it plainly, you have endured hardships in childhood, worked hard in youth, and achieved success in adulthood, building your fortune from scratch. After so many ups and downs over the years, at this age, you seek neither gods nor immortals, yet you manage to get by...

Fatty Xu scratched his cheek, and after a moment of realization, he turned back, only to meet the inscrutable gaze of the old man Gu Chen, who was smiling. Just as he was about to offer a few compliments, the old man remained unfazed, simply waving his hand dismissively and seizing the topic: "No need, no need. I cannot bear to be called an old immortal. I am merely a few years older than you and have studied the Book of Changes for a few years... Just call me Old Man Gu. I can see that you all still have doubts and are hesitant to ask for divination. How about this, let’s save some time. I will ask directly: Xu Xiaoge, are you here to inquire about your financial fortune?"

I will give you some feedback

Is there a surrogate? That doesn't seem right either, as the old man is single

After taking a few steps, as if struck by a sudden inspiration, the young man first appeared to have an epiphany, followed by a look of astonishment. Then, he happened to see the four stout men exiting the park side by side. For some unknown reason, he suddenly burst into laughter, laughing heartily, ... with great joy, leaning against the weeping willows by the lakeside, one hand covering his face, laughing more and more intensely ...

The stout man inquired with great enthusiasm, and the old man, unfazed, chuckled and said: "Everyone has different fortunes and distinct fates. For more detailed insights, one must consult a person based on facial features, hand lines, and birth dates. However, for simpler matters, it is not a problem. For instance, I can determine how many siblings you have."