Chapter 01: Divination in the Central Plains, an Encounter in the Park
It is merely a slight surprise; individuals like this will soon be overlooked by onlookers, as such dressed young people are ubiquitous on the streets and even on morning buses. They are either recent graduates or still unemployed, perhaps even already jobless. Otherwise, they would not maintain a serious expression that does not quite match their age while reading the newspaper. The only plausible explanation for their intense focus is that they are looking at job advertisements
Oh, are you looking for someone? The young man immediately thought that the term "chui pao" referred to the short and stout person. He pondered to himself that this nickname was quite fitting. He then heard this "chui pao" advising the overweight individual beside him, saying: "Xu Ge, don't be anxious. Sincerity brings results; this matter requires a fortunate coincidence. Gu Tiegua is somewhat of a minor immortal figure. Many people in our circle have consulted him, and he is quite accurate."
What a scene of tranquility and harmony; if one were to find themselves here, what thoughts might it evoke
There was no... first subjected to double regulation and then double dismissal, he was imprisoned for embezzlement and corruption, along with keeping several mistresses, all of which was fully exposed, and it was hardly better than death... Later, when this matter came to light, everyone understood that "there was no thoroughfare ahead and no turning back behind" meant that he was already at a dead end... Indeed, many people knew about this matter, and it spread like wildfire. "Xiao Pao" also vividly described it... Indeed, many people knew about this matter, and it spread like wildfire. "Xiao Pao" also vividly described it...
On the Taihang Mountains at Taihang Pass, after exiting the pass, one cannot see the mountains for a hundred miles
Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Fat Xu Ge could no longer sit still. He stood up abruptly and shouted, "Then forget it, damn it! One is considered dead, and the other is considered in. I can barely afford to keep my pants up now. Are you all trying to drive me crazy?"
The folk saying is very vivid; the majestic Taihang Mountains stretch here to their end. Descending from the southern foothills past Taihang Pass, one arrives at the vast plains. The first stop along the way is the heart of the Central Plains: Zhongzhou City
However, in some matters, the more one feels that they are sinister, the more they tend to develop in a sinister direction. The young people only think that these three fat men are likely to be misled by hearsay and are bound to end up empty-handed. Yet, unexpectedly, within the time it takes to smoke a cigarette, another out-of-breath guy comes running this way in a jacket, seemingly following the three fat men, running while joyfully pointing behind him and shouting:
No, no, Xu Ge, we were just saying that the old man is quite accurate in his calculations
This city, ranked among the eight ancient capitals, is known as the "Thoroughfare of the Nine Provinces" and the "Heartland of China." Its long history has left enduring marks, and as one traverses its natural and cultural landscapes, whether it be the incense of the Zhongyue Temple or the memorial at Xuanyuan Hill; whether it be the dawn at the Shaolin Temple or the dusk at Songyang Academy; whether it be the towering Zhongyue Songshan or the mighty Yellow River winding through its courses, one can distinctly feel the vicissitudes of a millennium in an instant. In this city, where historical accumulation and modern elements are fused, what attracts the world even more is its modern atmosphere, with a railway hub featuring three horizontal and three vertical lines, highways connecting east, west, south, and north, and an aviation transport network radiating across the nation. The most advanced international exhibition center in Central China, the largest international small commodity city, and large shopping centers leading commercial models all draw visitors from afar, and the immense convenience of transportation has brought about extreme commercial prosperity.
"What nonsense, who do you think you are? Can the district chief's engagement in feudal superstition be known?" Xu Feige was questioning the source of the information, his eyes wide open, exuding a boss-like demeanor
"Didn’t he die last month? The person has already been cremated. Why bring him up?"
Upon being startled by the plump Xu Ge, he blurted out: "Is it really dead?!"
"You see, you said... the district chief doesn't know me, but his driver is my childhood friend. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known that there is such a remarkable person with a library number in Zhongzhou... After inquiring, I found out that he is even more extraordinary than I knew." Chui Pao was trying hard to clarify, while the man beside him, Lao Rou, echoed his sentiments. It seems that both of them are holding this Brother Xu in high regard.
Three hefty individuals were walking towards me, their footsteps heavy and their voices loud as they conversed. Upon reaching a bench a few steps away, the one on the far left plopped down onto the seat, calling to the other two. The trio was panting heavily, their breaths sounding like the wheezing of a leaky bellows, echoing audibly, clearly exhausted.
The stout old man spoke vividly, with both form and spirit, his tone rising and falling. It seemed to shock the overweight Xu Ge, who widened his eyes and turned to Chui Pao, asking, "Really!? Is it just that simple to be considered dead?"
Two overweight men forcibly pulled the third overweight man back to the bench, and the three of them continued their meeting. It was evident that Xu Ge was preoccupied, as he smoked nervously. The young man sitting nearby overheard terms like "Iron Divination," "Half Immortal," and "Spirit of Sincerity," and deduced that these three overweight men had come to the park early in the morning to consult a half immortal for divination. Listening to them muttering about how to inquire if they found an ancient iron divination tool, how to test its authenticity, and to be cautious not to be deceived, the young man was increasingly astonished. The more he listened, the more absurd it seemed, yet the more absurd it sounded, the more animated they became. Not only were they enthusiastic, but they also treated the matter with utmost seriousness. It was said that this ancient iron divination could predict fortunes and misfortunes for men, assess whether women would marry into wealth or poverty, and even determine the gender of unborn children, claiming it was more effective than an ultrasound. Upon hearing this, the young man covered his mouth and chuckled, half believing and half doubting, glancing around. Aside from the elderly, there were only old men and women. In a city filled with poor farmers, who would believe that there was a half immortal here?
Regarding hetushucomcom, Brother Xu, if we encounter each other, let's ask a few questions; if we don't, let's consider it a chance to exercise. Staying at home all the time is not a good thing
While secretly peeking, the one who appeared to be the leader, who was quite overweight, began to complain about the person on his left. He turned his head and asked, "Cannon, is the information reliable? It's been three days now, and I've been getting up early every day. I've never been this diligent even when dating. Where is the person?"
Come, have a smoke
The young man sitting beside me was taken aback and also looked in the direction indicated. Unable to suppress his curiosity, he thought to himself that although the Central Plains were vast and filled with all kinds of people, he had never seen anyone with wings. Could it be that someone really came flying today...
Of course, it's not that he is doomed to die; it's just that the old man calculated that he wouldn't live long, and the person felt embarrassed to say otherwise. There are even more mysterious things, Xu Ge, do you know that the district chief of Jinhhe District also came seeking divination out of curiosity? The old man really gave him a lesson in fortune-telling, simply saying, "There is no thoroughfare ahead, and no turning back behind," and then turned to leave. He didn't even know what it meant, yet that single phrase sent the district chief away. Not long after, guess what happened. There are even more mysterious things, Xu Ge, do you know that the district chief of Jinhhe District also came seeking divination out of curiosity? The old man really gave him a lesson in fortune-telling, simply saying, "There is no thoroughfare ahead, and no turning back behind," and then turned to leave. He didn't even know what it meant, yet that single phrase sent the district chief away. Not long after, guess what happened... That guy from the cannon also spoke in a similarly mysterious manner...
Sit down, Xu Ge, just wait a moment...
The three overweight men at the meeting were truly a gathering of excess flesh The young onlooker bit his lip and squinted his eyes, unable to suppress his laughter, secretly thinking to himself, as if afraid that these three gentlemen would notice him, he turned his face to one side, yet still couldn't help but steal glances at this rare sight In the city, beautiful women are evolving into something otherworldly, while men are transitioning into obesity This type of overweight man is not surprising, but these three individuals are rather peculiar The short and stout man on the left has a stocky build; the burly man on the right occupies the space of two people; and the one in the middle is simply obese, with a protruding belly leaning against the bench, gasping for breath, complaining about how far he has walked, when in fact, they are only a few hundred meters from the park entrance
Yes, that's him... His Toyota Land Cruiser was arranged by us. I heard that a few months ago, this guy went to Gu Tiegua to have his fortune told regarding his financial luck. Upon meeting, the old man looked at his face and then examined his palm, sighed in disappointment, and left. This incident left everyone bewildered. Not long after, Liu felt unwell and went to the hospital for a check-up. Oh dear, pancreatic cancer. After the surgery, it was less than three months, and he was gone... Later, it was revealed that the old man had already seen that his life was short and didn't even bother to tell him.
Indeed, I was looking at job advertisements, and as usual, there were no results. For high-paying positions, I felt unqualified; for low-paying ones, I had no desire to apply. As for those with suitable salaries, even if I went, no one would want me. This young man let out a sigh of being out of sync with the times, and just as he was about to fold the newspaper and put it away, he inadvertently caught the attention of a few unexpected visitors nearby.
The story takes place in this bustling metropolis... The protagonist is an ordinary member of this city with a population of over 7 million...
The camera returns to the edge of the artificial lake, where the gradually rising sun glimmers on the surface of the water, casting shimmering reflections. The green trees, green water, and green lawns imbue the environment with a hint of spring. If one were to glance over casually, they might be slightly surprised by a young man seated on a bench by the lake, dressed in a suit and tie, sitting upright and engrossed in reading a newspaper. A shoulder bag rests beside him, and his serious expression stands in stark contrast to the leisurely atmosphere surrounding him.
The story began in such a tranquil environment
This early in the morning, one would certainly not encounter the vulgar tales of romantic encounters between talented scholars and beautiful women by the lakeside, nor should one expect any melodramatic plots of heroes rescuing damsels in distress. In fact, in the fast-paced urban life, those who have the leisure to come here for morning exercises are predominantly middle-aged and elderly individuals. Just look at the lawn not far away, where a group of elderly men and women are leisurely wielding their Tai Chi swords. Behind the rockery, soft yet cheerful music can be heard; that is the elderly folk dance troupe, dressed in vibrant red and green outfits, their silver hair creating a strikingly unique beauty. The silk scarves and flowing sleeves they wave add to the festive atmosphere. Even those who occasionally stroll among the flowers and trees are mostly middle-aged and elderly people, often in groups of three or five, or pairs. For the urban citizens, perhaps it is only at this age that they have the time and leisure to come here and make up for the health they have overdrawn.
The story begins in a park, yes, it is in the People's Park located in the middle section of Zhongzhou Avenue in Zhongzhou City
"Is that true or not? Old Meat, have you ever calculated it?" The overweight person asked the chubby one, estimating that 'Old Meat' is also a nickname, which is quite fitting. Just the two chunks of flesh on his cheeks weigh about a pound, and one side of his face is a full, fleshy visage. He shook his head in denial, but then mysteriously steered the conversation towards hearsay: "I haven't calculated it, but I've heard about it. Xu Ge, do you remember Liu from the Island Coffee?"
... ... has come ... ... has come, it has truly come, the divination immortal has truly come ... ...
The time is a spring morning, when the gentle breeze still carries a hint of coolness. It brushes past the weeping willows by the artificial lake, where the vibrant green branches sway gracefully, casting irregular reflections on the rippling surface of the water. The deep green lake appears bottomless, yet one can see the mist rising in the morning air. Around the lake, several early risers are scattered on the numerous benches, engaging in laughter, taking a short rest, reading their newspapers, or listening to the resonant segments of Henan opera on their radios, humming along as they stroll along the lakeside in the fresh air. The deep green lake appears bottomless, yet one can see the mist rising in the morning air. Around the lake, several early risers are scattered on the numerous benches, engaging in laughter, taking a short rest, reading their newspapers, or listening to the resonant segments of Henan opera on their radios, humming along as they stroll along the lakeside in the fresh air.