The fifth session conceals the secrets of heaven, as creation intricately weaves into the minutiae of dust

To be honest, I have been quite naive since childhood and am rather slow in observing people. I stared across the street for a long time but did not notice any hidden dragons or crouching tigers. In my confusion, I suddenly recalled my earlier experience at the stadium. Right, why not use the Qingming Mirror? I took out the Qingming Mirror and shone it for a long time again, but strangely, I still found nothing.

Upon being reminded by the gentleman, I also noticed: the boss lady's skin is so tender that it seems one could pinch water from it, including her hands, which should be accustomed to hard work. This does seem a bit beyond common sense. However, it can be understood; for instance, the sister-in-law of the Shi family in our village, like other wives, does farm work and household chores, yet she is fairer than the others and does not tan in the sun. Some things are perhaps innate? At least, that is how I see it. With this in mind, I asked the gentleman: "Did you bring me here just to see this boss lady? What do you want me to learn from her? How to make wontons?"

Seeing that my gaze was fixed on that person, the Wind Gentleman said, "You have finally realized it. With sufficient spirit and strong sinews, abundant essence that is impervious to heat and cold, this is not an ordinary skill. If you can cultivate to his level, I could teach you many things."

It was almost noon when we left Phoenix Bridge. Feng Junzi and I returned to the west gate of the school. He treated me to lunch again; students do not have much pocket money. Although Feng Junzi's family is much better off than mine, he is not extravagant. For breakfast, we had roasted sweet potatoes, and for lunch, he invited me to a noodle shop for wontons. The noodle shop is small, run solely by the owner’s wife, and the customers are mainly students. However, as a student from a rural mountainous area, I had only ever eaten in the school cafeteria, so this was my first time at this stall at the school gate.

When the sun set, Feng Junzi and I returned to the classroom. Having just finished dinner, there was still plenty of time for self-study, and the classroom was empty. As I approached the door, I noticed someone had written a large character "Dream" in chalk on the door, exactly as I had seen in my dream last night! Could it be that what I saw in my dream yesterday was actually a real scene in reality? What kind of dream is this? I felt a bit dazed as I looked at the character on the door. Could it be that what I saw in my dream yesterday was actually a real scene in reality? What kind of dream is this? I felt a bit dazed as I looked at the character on the door

I finally understood that Yi Yi had been taken into the Qingming Mirror by the Wind Gentleman. I carefully held the Qingming Mirror and placed it into my backpack. Then I asked the Wind Gentleman, "Now that everything is resolved, what should we do next"

I have no expertise in clothing and have never visited the large shopping malls in Wucheng. However, after hearing Feng Junzi's remarks, I also believe that the person's glasses are indeed very beautiful and should be quite expensive. As for the leather shoes, I cannot discern their quality, but I suppose Feng Junzi is correct. Listening to him, I have gained some insight: "Are you saying that this person's previous possessions were all valuable, but now they are on a decline?"

To the east of Phoenix Bridge lies Wucheng Agricultural Trade Market. Since it is the weekend, there are many people coming and going, and quite a few are visiting the stalls for fortune-telling. Feng Junzi stopped with me across the street and pointed at this row of fortune-telling stalls, saying: "Let's test your observation skills again. Among these people, do you notice anyone who stands out... Don't ask me first, look for yourself."

I put away the Qingming Mirror and said, somewhat awkwardly, "I don't know him either. If I just go to him as a disciple, will he be able to teach me?"

I shook my head again: "I am not a fortune teller, how would I know!"

"Adjusting the mind to tranquility? You haven't taught me that, have you?"

The gentleman raised his nose in amusement, appearing quite comical. He spoke in a mysterious tone to the * book * : "Don't you find it strange? This noodle shop has six tables and twenty-four seats, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, yet she is the only one here. She handles everything—buying vegetables, washing them, kneading the dough, chopping the filling, wrapping the dumplings, cooking the dumplings, serving customers, and collecting payments—all by herself, and there is not a trace of disorder. Just look at how clean and tidy this noodle shop is; how does such a woman manage it? There must be something amiss!"

You also haven't figured it out, so why did you ask me to come and see it

I indeed do not have much experience in understanding women, and I have little familiarity with the term "sexy." However, the words of Feng Junzi felt strange to me, so I quietly retorted, "Feng Junzi, are you perhaps too precocious? Remember, you will only turn fifteen next month."

I find it a bit strange: "Gentleman of the Wind, how did you know? Do you know him?"

The Wind Gentleman saw me take out the Qingming Mirror and could no longer hold back his laughter: "Shiye, why are you so stubborn? It's not always necessary to use magical tools; it's better to use the Qingming Mirror sparingly. Observing people is an art. Let me ask you, look at that person—yes, the one walking over to have his fortune told. Can you guess why he wants to have his fortune told? What do you think his background is?" The Wind Gentleman pointed to a man in his thirties who was just sitting down at a fortune-telling booth.

I walked over and handed the Qingming Mirror to Feng Junzi. Feng Junzi raised the Qingming Mirror with his right hand, aiming it in the direction of Yiyi, while holding my right hand with his left. He chanted softly, "Borrowing the divine power for a moment, collect!"

"You handed it over to me? You've known her for three years and still haven't figured it out. What can I do?"

The gentleman Feng observed my expression with skepticism and emphasized, "Do not take this lightly. No matter how capable a person is, there are limits. Exceeding those limits is abnormal. Just look at her hands; the skin is so delicate, how could it possibly resemble someone who endures hardship?"

"Very attractive, isn't she? She is quite famous as the wonton beauty in this area." The gentleman beside me noticed that I was a bit dazed and quietly said, "You don't really know how to appreciate women. When looking at a woman, you should start from the bottom up: first the legs, then the waist, followed by the chest, and finally the face."

After being reminded by Feng Junzi, I finally began to understand. Upon further observation, I indeed discovered someone who stood out from the crowd. I couldn't help but laugh at myself; how foolish I was not to notice such an obvious detail—this person was truly eye-catching! It was already early November, and the weather had turned chilly, with most people donning thick sweaters and coats. On that day, there was wind, and it felt quite cold by the riverside. However, among the row of fortune-telling booths, there was a fortune teller who was surprisingly only wearing a thin silk shirt. The shirt was of good quality, thin and wrinkle-free, and as the wind blew, the long sleeves fluttered, revealing the person's bare arms. Such an outfit might seem refreshing in summer, but in this late autumn season, it was likely quite inappropriate.

The Wind Gentleman, with a serious expression, said: "You are already aware of these three individuals. It is up to you to find a way to approach them and learn what you wish to learn. I am merely pointing you towards a path; the outcome depends on you. I do not expect you to master everything, but if even one of them is willing to impart a bit of their knowledge to you, you will be saved. Do not take this lightly; this matter is crucial to your life."

(Prologue: Is the creation of the universe truly profound and inscrutable? https://m.hetushu.com Not necessarily! Some people point their telescopes at distant planets in search of the unknown, yet overlook the wonders that are readily accessible around them)

The Wind Gentleman is somewhat displeased: "Being precocious is not a certainty; I am merely wise beyond my years. I am not just fifteen; after the New Year, I will be seventeen in terms of my nominal age."

The Wind Gentleman threw a book to me, and as I watched it fly towards me from the air, I felt a surge of tension and a hint of excitement. Does it contain spells that lead to a magical door? When I caught the book, my hands trembled slightly. However, upon looking closely, my heart sank—holding it in my hands, the book was not thick, and on its light blue cover were two large characters: "Zhuangzi." Below that, there was a line of smaller text: "Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House." When I opened the first page, it bore a stamp, and I recognized the four characters on the stamp: "Xinhua Bookstore." But looking closely again, my heart sank—holding it in my hands, the book was not thick, and on its light blue cover were two large characters: "Zhuangzi." Below that, there was a line of smaller text: "Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House." When I opened the first page, it bore a stamp, and I recognized the four characters on the stamp: "Xinhua Bookstore." Damn! Is this the legendary secret treasure?

The Wind Gentleman also smiled at my appearance: "Shiye, stop staring at others. If you keep looking, you might end up with a nosebleed. I don't expect you to discern anything right now. I have been observing this woman for a long time, and even now, I still cannot figure out what abilities she possesses."

The Wind Gentleman: "Common things are mixed yet orderly, enduring hardships without losing their luster. Is this not something worth learning? If you can achieve what she has, you will have a solid foundation. The principles of the Dao do not necessarily have to be sought in secret arts. I tell you, I have known her for three years, and she remains the same as she was three years ago; that alone is quite strange. Today, I have introduced you to three remarkable individuals, and this proprietress is one of them. I tell you, I have known her for three years, and she remains the same as she was three years ago; that alone is quite strange. Today, I have introduced you to three remarkable individuals, and this proprietress is one of them. The other two have discerned the way, but this woman is extraordinary; even I have not figured her out. The remaining task is yours: help me understand what her secret is."

"You didn't expect this, did you? Among this group of people, there is actually someone practicing innate vital energy!" Feng Junzi's words broke the silence, "What you are currently weakest in is innate vital energy. This old gentleman possesses the very skills you need to learn. Unfortunately, I do not understand Tai Chi, nor do I know how he practices it. You should find a way to seek him as your master."

Feng Junzi: "I do not know him. Look at the pair of leather shoes on his feet; they are quite worn, aren't they? But pay attention to the brand of these shoes; this brand's shoes cost at least over 3,000 yuan, and the more expensive ones can exceed 10,000. Also, notice the belt around his waist; it is the same brand as the shoes and does not appear too old. The glasses he is wearing are also high-end; a pair would cost around 3,000 to 5,000. However, look at the pants and shirt he is wearing; they are just cheap street market items costing only a few dozen yuan. What does this mean?"

Who said everything has been resolved? The tasks you need to undertake are just beginning. I still cannot discern what techniques those three individuals possess. Even if they are willing to teach you, given your current foundation, you are unlikely to gain entry. Therefore, starting today, you must learn the path of tranquility. There are countless techniques, but calming the mind and entering tranquility is the first hurdle. If you cannot reach this level of understanding, any further learning will be in vain.

Upon my first visit to this noodle shop, I was taken aback. The reason for my astonishment was none other than the proprietress of the establishment. I am unsure whether it is appropriate to refer to her as "proprietress," as there is no "boss" in this shop at all. As soon as Feng Junzi sat down, he called out, "Proprietress, bring two bowls of wontons, two pieces of marinated tofu, and four tea eggs." I followed the sound and saw her.

... ...

Gentleman Feng: "Do I need to teach you this? A little hint would suffice. In the morning, go to the playground and practice Tai Chi with the old man at mhetushu.com. After practicing Tai Chi, go to the bridge to watch people fortune-telling. In the evening, come here to eat wontons after school. Do this every day, and first get familiar with the place before anything else."

At the age of twenty-five or twenty-six, a woman is in her prime, exuding an aura of maturity and at the peak of her charm. At that time, I lacked the adequate vocabulary to describe a woman full of allure. I could only sense that her eyebrows were slightly arched, with the slender tips carrying a teasing elegance. Her lips were pink, with a hint of fullness in the rosy outline that exuded a touch of seduction. Her oval face had a slightly pointed chin, combining beauty with a hint of playfulness. Most importantly, it was her eyes; sometimes, a woman with single eyelids possesses even more charm, her lively gaze shimmering like rippling waves, causing my heart to race uncontrollably when I met her gaze. I could only sense that her eyebrows were slightly arched, with the slender tips carrying a teasing elegance. Her lips were pink, with a hint of fullness in the rosy outline that exuded a touch of seduction. Her oval face had a slightly pointed chin, combining beauty with a hint of playfulness. Most importantly, it was her eyes; sometimes, a woman with single eyelids possesses even more charm, her lively gaze shimmering like rippling waves, causing my heart to race uncontrollably when I met her gaze.

Once again, this phrase! Why does the Wind Gentleman always seem to "borrow supernatural powers"? I only feel a wave of weakness throughout my body, and I see the beloved figure suddenly becoming blurred, as if it is about to disperse in a gust of wind. Just as it is about to scatter, it transforms into a mass of black mist. This mist first disperses and then gathers, and with a whoosh, it flies into the Azure Mirror.

The Wind Gentleman smiled again: "I did not bring you here today to demonstrate any supernatural abilities, but rather to test your discernment in observing people in the marketplace. There are two professions in the world that require keen insight: one is that of an antique dealer, and the other is a fortune teller. Just now, I pointed out this person to give you a line of thought; if you follow this line of thought and look at those people across from you, do you not notice anyone particularly special?"

What is so special? Nonsense! Isn't beauty itself special enough? But the words of the gentleman suddenly reminded me of my experiences today: the elderly man practicing Tai Chi, the fortune teller by the bridge, all of whom are extraordinary individuals with remarkable abilities. Could this delicate proprietress also be a hidden master? I looked left, right, up, and down, yet I still couldn't discern any clues. My way of observing people seemed rather impolite, but the proprietress was probably used to it; upon noticing me staring at her, she even smiled at me. That smile nearly made me drop my chopsticks, and to my embarrassment—my body actually reacted. I looked left, right, up, and down again, yet I still couldn't discern any clues. My way of observing people seemed rather impolite, but the proprietress was probably used to it; upon noticing me staring at her, she even smiled at me. That smile nearly made me drop my chopsticks, and to my embarrassment—my body actually reacted.

The gentleman Feng shook his head: "Your discernment truly needs some exercise. I tell you, this person came for fortune-telling because of a decline in family fortune or significant losses in business; in short, there has been a financial setback, and it has occurred within the past year."

The Azure Mirror has boundless uses; you should take your time to study it in the future. I will now place her into the Azure Mirror, but you must be cautious. During this period, do not tamper with this mirror; if you accidentally refine her ethereal spirit, it would be troublesome. Never mind, with your limited abilities, you won't be able to utilize the refining spells of the Azure Mirror. " As he spoke, the gentleman of the wind released my hand and handed me the Azure Mirror. Never mind, with your limited abilities, you won't be able to utilize the refining spells of the Azure Mirror. " As he spoke, the gentleman of the wind released my hand and handed me the Azure Mirror.

On the west side of Phoenix Bridge, there is an open space that has unknowingly become a gathering place for fortune-tellers and soothsayers in Wucheng. Along the roadside, numerous fortune-telling stalls are lined up. Most of these stalls have a square piece of paper or cloth laid out in front, adorned with images of the Eight Trigrams and palmistry diagrams, along with a variety of advertisements such as "Divine Calculation, Magical Predictions, Plum Blossom Numerology, Scientific Forecasting," and so on. The fortune-tellers sit behind their signs, waiting for people to come and seek their divinations.

"Why are you in such a hurry? I am just about to teach you! Here is a book for you to read. I have marked three places with lines; those are the key points. Take your time to study them yourself." As he spoke, the gentleman walked to his desk, took a book from the drawer, and tossed it to me.

The Wind Gentleman seemed to have discerned my thoughts, muttering to himself: "A bowl of wontons costs fifty cents, and two pancakes cost thirty cents, so a meal is about one yuan." (Do you think that's cheap? This is the price level in November 1989!) As he spoke, he took out several banknotes from his pocket: "I guess I'm unlucky, meddling in others' affairs and even losing money. Here are twenty yuan; this is all I have left, so be frugal. Let's start with a month of wontons and see how it goes."

Feng Junzi: "Haven't you ever done this before? Can't you see? Pay attention to that person's leather shoes; although they are worn, they are polished very cleanly. The clothes may be of low quality, but they are very tidy. This indicates that although this person is currently in a difficult situation, he has not given up hope and effort. The reason he seeks a fortune teller is due to a lack of confidence; he may have faced some setbacks and doubts his own abilities, coming to the fortune teller for comfort and encouragement. ... If I were the fortune teller, I would first state his current situation to shock him, making him believe in me, and then provide him with more encouragement to help him regain his confidence. This so-called street art is also a kind of routine ... The reason he seeks a fortune teller is due to a lack of confidence; he may have faced some setbacks and doubts his own abilities, coming to the fortune teller for comfort and encouragement. ... If I were the fortune teller, I would first state his current situation to shock him, making him believe in me, and then provide him with more encouragement to help him regain his confidence. This so-called street art is also a kind of routine ..."

I shook my head: "How would I know? I don't know him."

This character was written by me! The gentleman of the wind paid no attention to my daze, reached out to wipe away the writing, and walked into the room. When the door opened, that little girl, Yi Yi, was still sitting in the classroom. She looked somewhat different from what I had seen in my dream; in reality, she had regained a blank expression, not noticing me or realizing that the gentleman of the wind had entered the classroom. Seeing that I was still standing outside the door, the gentleman of the wind waved to me and said: "What are you still doing there? Come over and give me the Qingming Mirror."

This is a middle-aged man in his forties, with a gentle complexion and a composed demeanor. No one approaches him for fortune-telling, nor does he initiate any conversation. The reason I failed to notice his distinctiveness earlier was entirely due to his expression; there is not a hint of coldness in it. If you were to separate him from those around him, you would hardly believe that the weather is already deep into autumn. While everyone else is in the midst of autumn, he sits alone in the summer, yet there is not the slightest sense of incongruity. It is precisely this feeling that made me overlook his uniqueness.

Is this really happening? Feng Junzi actually gave me 20 yuan! He looked quite reluctant but still handed it over to me. I felt embarrassed to take his money, so I naturally declined for quite a while. However, Feng Junzi insisted that I accept it, stating that it was money for gathering information, and it came with conditions. Specifically, whatever I learned from those three masters in the future, I must report back to him in full detail. With this condition in mind, I ultimately accepted the money.

I took a stroll around the stadium with Feng Junzi, and then we headed east out of the city. On the way, he bought two roasted sweet potatoes, and by the time we finished eating, the sun was already high in the sky, and we had reached the Phoenix Bridge. The Phoenix Bridge has a history of a thousand years, with records dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It has been destroyed multiple times by war, with the most recent reconstruction occurring in 1987, which is the bridge we see today. In contrast, the Wangchuan Bridge, located not far downstream from the Jushui River, has miraculously been preserved since the Tang Dynasty.

"Gentleman Feng, what have you done to Yiyi?"

Seeing me lost in thought again, Feng Junzi couldn't help but poke me with his hand: "What are you staring at? Have you figured out any problems? What is so special about this boss lady?"

The Wind Gentleman smiled: "I did not ask you to go find him to learn right now; such things require finding opportunities. Do not rush with the books either; we have looked here, let us explore other places."

So that's how it is! I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly; it seems that Feng Junzi has misjudged the situation this time. After all, he is just a child who has not yet reached the age of fifteen, raised in the city with all the comforts, and has not seen anyone who can endure hardship and be capable like this. I, on the other hand, come from a mountain village where there are plenty of hardworking wives. Not to mention managing a noodle shop, taking care of children, honoring the elderly, working in the fields, going to the market to sell goods, and cooking and delivering meals for a large family are all daily tasks. It appears that although Feng Junzi has some knowledge of 'Dao Fa,' he is still not very familiar with 'worldly affairs,' as he actually regards the diligence of the shopkeeper's wife as some remarkable skill! Although I wanted to laugh in my heart, I did not expose it verbally; why should I embarrass him?

I see! It seems that fortune-telling at a stall is also a form of knowledge. I couldn't help but ask again: "I remember you told me one night about fortune tellers. You said that if their predictions are inaccurate, they are deceivers, and if they are accurate, they are insightful. How did it end up being related to leather shoes today?"

What exactly should I do? Could you please provide a hint?

In the azure mirror, everyone else appeared as usual, but this old gentleman was surrounded by a faint golden light. After noticing the golden light around the old gentleman, I also observed that others were enveloped in various luminous orbs, differing in color, with most predominantly white, resembling a thin mist that was barely perceptible unless closely examined. However, this was not my most astonishing discovery; the most remarkable aspect was between the old gentleman's hands. As he performed the pushing hands movement, there was indeed a sphere resembling a white cloud between his hands, which was integrated with the golden light surrounding him. As his hands moved, the cloud sphere expanded and contracted, faintly revealing a Taiji pattern.

While we were talking, the proprietress had already brought everything over, and she smiled as she greeted Feng Junzi, who seemed to be a regular here. Feng Junzi had just mentioned that one should observe women from the bottom up, and I couldn't help but try to do so. I must admit that this woman is quite pleasing to the eye; the more I look, the more intriguing she becomes, and there is some truth to what Feng Junzi said. She gives off a vibrant and alluring aura, just like—just like a ripe cherry! I cannot deny that this woman is very attractive; the more I look, the more captivating she appears, and Feng Junzi's words do hold some merit. She exudes a luscious charm, akin to—akin to a fully ripened cherry! Seeing her reminds me of other beauties I know, such as our class's flower, Tian Wei, and Ji Xiaoyu. Compared to her, they resemble slightly immature tangerines, still lacking a bit of ripeness. Why do I always think of fruits? Ever since I started high school and lived on campus, my meager allowance has only been enough for the simplest meals in the cafeteria, and I haven't tasted fruit in months; it seems I am craving it! Suddenly, I thought of our homeroom teacher, Teacher Liu. What kind of fruit would she be?

I subconsciously touched my pocket: "Practicing Tai Chi and watching the excitement are both fine, but eating out every day..." I was speaking the truth. My parents are in the countryside, trying to support me, their high school son, while also taking care of my younger sister who is in middle school; they are barely making ends meet. My meager living allowance is only enough for the simplest meals in the school cafeteria, and I have no spare money to eat wontons. To many city dwellers, this is already the cheapest form of consumption, yet I still cannot afford it. My meager living allowance is only enough for the simplest meals in the school cafeteria, and I have no spare money to eat wontons. To many city dwellers, this is already the cheapest form of consumption, yet I still cannot afford it.

... ...

The Wind Gentleman nodded slightly: "Not bad. The belt looks relatively new, as that item is quite durable, but the leather shoes are already worn out. His situation has deteriorated only in this past year. Why do you think this person seeks out a fortune teller? If you were the fortune teller, what would you say to him?"