The 8th Ten-Day Observation of Impurity, a night of reciting the opening of the chrysanthemum

... ...

It is rather strange; the nauseating feeling in my internal organs has largely dissipated along with this fire, and the acid in my stomach has finally ceased its turmoil. At this moment, I recalled that today is already December 2nd. Although Wucheng is located in the humid region of Jiangnan, how could there be so many flies in the wild? Could it be the doing of Mr. Zhang? I glanced at Mr. Zhang, but he paid me no mind and instead said, "This matter here is concluded; come with me."

The gentleman pointed to the mat and said to me: "This place is very quiet, and there are no disturbances. You may meditate here at noon."

That night, I did not sleep well, and during meditation, my mind was restless and I could not enter a state of tranquility. The next morning, I woke up early and walked across the campus, preparing to practice the Five Animal Frolics at the sports field. As I passed by the flowerbed, I instinctively turned to look back, and that glance made me stop in my tracks: I saw that the entire garden of chrysanthemums was shyly closed, yet two blossoms were boldly blooming in the wind. One was the flower that the gentleman of the wind had pointed out yesterday, and the other was surprisingly the one that I had focused on for over an hour yesterday, yet it had shown no signs of opening! Could it be that these chrysanthemums truly bloom in response to my thoughts? Yet, it was only after a night had passed!

"Wait a moment, what do you mean by 'golden words'? Isn't that the way the emperor speaks? What does it have to do with fortune-telling?"

Mr. Zhang's mysterious smile: "Wrong! It is neither foresight nor unyielding resolve, but rather the legendary golden words of wisdom. In this world, there are three kinds of supernatural powers: Dao, Fa, and Shu. Although sorcerers are of a lower order, if they cultivate to the highest realm, they too can possess remarkable supernatural abilities"

I feel a sense of frustration; it seems that my ten days of cultivation have not yielded the "mind power" that Feng Junzi spoke of. Feng Junzi mentioned that if one cannot achieve it within ten days, it would be of no use to cultivate for another hundred years. This mind power can assist Yi Yi in the Qingming Mirror. It does not matter whether I possess divine abilities; what will happen to Yi Yi? As I pondered this, I suddenly felt a bit confused: during his demonstration, Feng Junzi clearly possessed this mind power, so why did he not directly help Yi Yi out of her predicament, instead of asking me to cultivate? Furthermore, why does he always need to "borrow divine abilities for a moment"?

During the period of Zi (from 11 PM to 1 AM), the practice is to observe the impurity of fire. The specific method involves sitting in the Vajra posture, visualizing oneself seated atop a mountain of firewood, surrounded by filth and impurity, unbearable in its corruption. As the mind delves deeper, the sense of unendurable becomes increasingly apparent. At the peak of this unbearable state, visualize flames igniting beneath, incinerating all impurities into ash. As the ash disperses, the original state re-emerges in a red light. This light, like a torch, dispels all defilement and darkness. At the peak of this unbearable state, visualize flames igniting beneath, incinerating all impurities into ash. As the ash disperses, the original state re-emerges in a red light. This light, like a torch, dispels all defilement and darkness

Feng Junzi suddenly mentioned Liu Yiyi, and I quickly asked, "What is the power of thought? How is it related to Yiyi?"

After the Wind Gentleman left, I stared at that chrysanthemum for a long time before I accepted the fact of "the flower blooms with a snap of the fingers." No matter how incredible it was, it indeed happened right before my eyes! I imitated the Wind Gentleman's gesture and pointed at a chrysanthemum bud, using my mind to will it to bloom. However, after a long while, the chrysanthemum remained completely still, and the sky gradually darkened. Looking at the time, I realized I had been standing here foolishly for over an hour!

Mr. Zhang led me across the Phoenix Bridge, walking north along the riverbank of the Jushui River, during which he made a few phone calls. After about half an hour, there were gradually no other people in sight. At this moment, Mr. Zhang suddenly stopped, pointed to a dark mass on the riverbank in the distance, and said to me: "We have arrived. You walk over there, stand next to it, and keep your eyes open to watch it. You are not allowed to close your eyes or move for ten minutes"

Mr. Zhang was just lifting his teacup to take a sip when he heard my words and nearly choked, laughing while he said to me, "Young man, you are truly amusing! As for what happened, you need not ask. Don't you want to learn the ways of the Dao from me? My school teaches techniques and calculations, and due to the rules of the sect, I cannot teach you... However, do not be disappointed. Considering you have accompanied me for so many days, I can teach you another set of skills. This set of techniques is not what my master taught from books, so it is fine for me to pass it on to you. We will not set up a stall today; come with me."

What intentions could I possibly have? What does this have to do with Wang Laohu? I do not know him. Who do you think sent me? Are you suggesting that it was our classmate Feng Junzi? ... What purpose could there be? It was he who wanted me to learn the way from you, yet I am completely unaware of what is happening ... At that moment, I was a bit dazed by what Mr. Zhang had done, and I involuntarily revealed everything I knew. It was he who wanted me to learn the way from you, yet I am completely unaware of what is happening ... At that moment, I was a bit dazed by what Mr. Zhang had done, and I involuntarily revealed everything I knew.

Mr. Zhang taught me two sets of practices, which are to be performed through meditation at the times of Zi and Wu each day

Mr. Zhang kept pressing for answers, so I finally spoke up: "If possible, I hope he will no longer be so arrogant. I wonder what he would look like without money. In any case, the world would be rid of one less menace. That would be a good thing!"

Mr. Zhang, what kind of joke is this? I do not have such ability

I felt perplexed, yet I still obediently walked over as Mr. Zhang instructed. Before I could get close, that dark mass suddenly buzzed and rose like a black cloud. Goodness! It was all green-headed flies! Looking down, there lay the carcass of an animal, so decomposed that it was unrecognizable. Clusters of maggots wriggled among the white bones and the rotting flesh oozing with putrid fluid. The scene was utterly revolting; my stomach tightened, and a wave of bile surged up, making me feel like I was about to vomit. However, I had to endure, for Mr. Zhang had said not to move, not to close my eyes, and to hold on for ten minutes.

So that's how it is! In terms of this algorithm, I am indeed much wealthier than that person. However, it seems that I have several tens of millions more than him, yet I still consider myself a poor wretch, while he drives a Mercedes and exudes confidence on the streets. Seeing my dejected expression, Mr. Zhang couldn't help but laugh: "Kid, are you feeling a bit disheartened? It seems you still don't understand the concept of wealth and poverty in this world. A person's wealth is not determined by how much money they nominally possess, but rather by how much assets and resources they control in society. Take that Wang Laohu for example; although his net worth is calculated to be negative several tens of millions, he still runs a large construction company, has projects to undertake, and banks are willing to lend him money. He can still live his good life, while you continue to live your poor life."

These ten minutes were perhaps the most excruciating of my life, swarmed by green-headed flies. Although I managed to suppress the urge to vomit, keeping my eyes open felt like a nerve-wracking ordeal. After what felt like ten minutes, or perhaps ten hours—time seemed to stretch endlessly—Mr. Zhang finally approached me and patted my shoulder. I nearly collapsed, my legs feeling weak. Mr. Zhang supported me and said, "The time is up. Did you see clearly? Is it all etched in your mind?" I nearly collapsed again, my legs feeling weak. Mr. Zhang supported me and said, "The time is up. Did you see clearly? Is it all etched in your mind?"

This is indeed a problem. The dormitory lights go out at 10:30 PM, and by the time of the midnight hour, most people are already asleep. I can meditate in bed without much issue. However, noon is precisely the time for lunch and a nap. During lunch, the dormitory is bustling with the sounds of pots and bowls, with people coming and going. After lunch, most people do not take a nap; instead, they play football on the playground not far from the dormitory, which is also quite noisy. I am aware that my level of concentration is not yet high enough to emulate the late Chairman Mao reading in a bustling market, let alone to achieve a state of deep meditation.

I did not speak, but nodded with a pale face. Mr. Zhang continued, "You must keep your eyes wide open for the next scene, not missing a single detail; concentrate and imprint it in your mind." As he spoke, Mr. Zhang struck a match and tossed it onto the corpse. With a loud "bang," flames immediately shot up high, as if the corpse were soaked in fuel. The fierce flames burned brightly, and the swarming flies seemed enchanted, all rushing toward the fire, only to be scorched and fall. With another loud "bang," the flames shot up high again, as if the corpse were soaked in fuel. The fierce flames burned brightly, and the swarming flies seemed enchanted, all rushing toward the fire, only to be scorched and fall. The fire was exceptionally intense, without smoke, and the flames were so pure that they contained almost no impurities. Before long, the roaring flames had extinguished, leaving only a thin layer of pure white ash on the ground. A gust of wind blew, scattering the ashes into the air, revealing the already dry riverbank, leaving nothing behind. Before long, the roaring flames had extinguished, leaving only a thin layer of pure white ash on the ground. A gust of wind blew, scattering the ashes into the air, revealing the already dry riverbank, leaving nothing behind.

After I finished asking Yunfei, I went to find Feng Junzi. Feng Junzi provided me with an explanation that was somewhat different from Yunfei's: "Impurity contemplation? I have heard of it. In fact, even before Shakyamuni, there were ascetic monks in India practicing impurity contemplation. There was once a group of bhikkhus who practiced impurity contemplation and became extremely averse to the filth of the physical body, leading them to commit suicide. Shiye, what do you want to do? Do you want to become an ascetic? Be careful not to fall into madness and end up committing suicide! Tell me in detail the techniques that that fortune teller taught you." There was once a group of bhikkhus who practiced impurity contemplation and became extremely averse to the filth of the physical body, leading them to commit suicide. Shiye, what do you want to do? Do you want to become an ascetic? Be careful not to fall into madness and end up committing suicide! Tell me in detail the techniques that that fortune teller taught you.

What is the highest realm of fate calculation? Is it the ability to predict events with divine insight?

Zhuangyuan Bridge is a three-arch white stone bridge. Due to centuries of neglect, the long green vines hanging from the bridge have nearly obscured the archways. Pushing aside the vines and entering under the southernmost arch, one finds that there is not much standing water here, and most of the pond's bottom is exposed, appearing relatively dry. In the middle of the archway lies a large white stone, its surface very flat, seemingly made of the same material as the bridge itself. On top of the white stone rests a rattan mat wrapped in red cloth, and on the red cloth are four prominent yellow characters: "Jiulin Zen Monastery". In the middle of the archway lies a large white stone, its surface very flat, seemingly made of the same material as the bridge itself. On top of the white stone rests a rattan mat wrapped in red cloth, and on the red cloth are four prominent yellow characters: "Jiulin Zen Monastery"

Mr. Zhang, do you mean that you have reached the highest realm of fate calculation

At noon (from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM), the practice focuses on the contemplation of the impurity of water. The visualization is slightly different; after entering a state of meditation, one continues to contemplate the impurity of the body. However, when it becomes unbearable, one visualizes oneself sitting beneath the pure stream of the Nine Heavens, receiving the cleansing of the purest spring water in the world. All impurities are washed away with the clear flow, leaving the entire body pure and untainted. A white light appears, within which joy and happiness arise according to one's heart, and the seated body is supremely tranquil, with thoughts being exceptionally pure.

The Wind Gentleman waved his hand and said: "Once you have it, you will understand. Asking now is of no use. However, I must tell you that this technique only requires ten days of cultivation. If there are no results within those ten days, then practicing for another hundred years will be futile. So, there is no need for you to rush; results will naturally manifest after ten days"

Hearing Mr. Zhang's question, I could only tell him: that day, I went to the Phoenix Bridge with my classmates, and it was only after being reminded that I noticed Mr. Zhang was different from others, which piqued my curiosity. After listening, Mr. Zhang let out a long sigh: "So that's how it is, it seems I was overthinking it, my apologies. Alas! I thought I was hiding well in the marketplace, but unexpectedly, I still revealed some traces inadvertently. Thank you for your reminder; I need to pay more attention to my attire in the future. It's really amusing; that Wang Laohu is truly wronged, not even knowing how he got so unlucky. Such is fate!" I thought I was hiding well in the marketplace, but unexpectedly, I still revealed some traces inadvertently. Thank you for your reminder; I need to pay more attention to my attire in the future. It's really amusing; that Wang Laohu is truly wronged, not even knowing how he got so unlucky. Such is fate!

A rain had just fallen, and the road at the bridgehead was uneven with many puddles. A sedan sped by, splashing water everywhere. Many people by the roadside tried to dodge but were drenched. Not far from there, Mr. Zhang and I also had a few splashes of mud on our clothes. Just as Mr. Zhang frowned, a piercing screech of brakes came from the bridge. It turned out that a farmer woman, who had set up a stall in the road, accidentally slipped while trying to avoid the oncoming vehicle, and her basket of vegetables was overturned, blocking the path of the speeding car.

It was not until Mr. Zhang came over to call me that I regained my senses; this small place actually held another world, and the scenery was truly extraordinary! A gentle breeze blew, carrying a sweet fragrance that dispelled all my discomfort. I took a comfortable deep breath when I heard Mr. Zhang say: "What you just saw with your eyes is the heart method I am going to teach you. The key lies in the word 'Observation', and it is called 'Impurity Observation'! ... ... "

Mr. Zhang's expression was still one of a half-smile as he said, "I am certainly not talking nonsense; you are indeed wealthier than he is. To my knowledge, your wealth is at least several tens of millions more than his!"

Mr. Zhang hung up the phone and said to me with a relaxed expression: "Alright, in a few months, Wang Laohu's company will be finished. Young man, no matter who sent you or what your purpose is, I have received your kindness in the past, and according to the rules of my school, I must help you fulfill a wish. The necessary tasks have already been completed, and I advise you not to have any further ambitions... Young man, no matter who sent you or what your purpose is, I have received your kindness in the past, and according to the rules of my school, I must help you fulfill a wish. The necessary tasks have already been completed, and I advise you not to have any further ambitions..."

"Hmph! Is being rich really that impressive? Acting so arrogantly!" I muttered quietly while sitting there. Mr. Zhang, who was beside me, heard my words and turned to look at me with a half-smile, saying, "Rich? Kid, you’ve got it all wrong. If you do the math, you’re actually much richer than that person."

Once again, this trick! However, this time my body only felt a slight numbness, unlike the previous times when I felt sore and uncomfortable. I saw the flower disc at the fingertips of the Wind Gentleman miraculously opening at an almost imperceptibly slow speed. The long petals unfurled one by one in the morning breeze, revealing pale yellow flower buds. Perhaps it was one minute, or maybe three minutes; in any case, it was not long before it completely bloomed

Mr. Zhang: "The emperor's decree is known as the golden words from a jade mouth, but this can also represent the highest realm of fate calculation. In other words, whatever you say will come to pass, regardless of whether his original fate was good or bad. Have you heard this saying: 'If you say you can, then you can; even if you can't, you can; if you say you can't, then you can't; even if you can, you can't; defiance is not allowed!' This is the highest realm of fate calculation. Today, I am giving you an opportunity; speak up and tell me how you wish that Wang Laohu should be.'"

However, such a person is truly unreasonable

Shang Yunfei said that the meditation method of the unclean observation requires at least ten days to gain some insight. However, Feng Junzi stated that this method can only be practiced for a maximum of ten days; if nothing is achieved by then, there is no need to continue practicing. This technique is called "mind power." This mind power can assist Yiyi, and it seems that regardless of whether it succeeds or not, I must give it a try. With this in mind, I recalled another matter and hurriedly asked Feng Junzi: "Mr. Zhang wants me to meditate at noon. It's manageable at night, but what should I do at noon?"

After listening to my explanation of this set of techniques, Feng Junzi let out a long sigh: "Shiye, it seems this is fate! You have just verified the initial state of meditation, and now someone has imparted to you the Buddhist method of contemplation. For the time being, do not pursue alchemy; focus on cultivating this contemplation of impurity first. This technique of yours possesses its own wonders; it seems not to be a purely orthodox contemplation of impurity, but rather resembles Buddhism while approaching the Dao, akin to the practice of muscle and marrow cleansing. According to my analysis, it has the miraculous power of mental focus, and whether you can achieve this mental focus depends on your fortune. If indeed the mental focus is accomplished, then Liu Yiyi could emerge from the Qingming Mirror."

Mr. Zhang led me away from the riverbank, heading towards the wilderness to the east. This area was already on the outskirts of the city, and not far away was a patch of woods. We walked through the woods and arrived at the foot of a small hill. Mr. Zhang stopped in front of the hill and said to me, "You should walk around this hill, then stop at the place where you feel most comfortable. Do not move, and do not close your eyes; hold this position for half an hour"

... ...

Mr. Zhang: "There haven't been many people coming for fortune-telling this morning, so how could I be tired! The one who just drove in a Mercedes, I know him; his name is Wang Yongwu, nicknamed 'Old Tiger Wang.' He is the owner of Wucheng Guotou Jian'an Company. This company is a shell entity, unclear whether it belongs to an individual or the state, but it is certainly owned by the boss. Currently, Guotou Jian'an Company has net liabilities of several tens of millions, and although you only have a few dozen yuan in your pocket, isn't that still a few tens of millions more than he has?"

Fortunately, no one was hit! Just as I let out a sigh of relief, I saw the window of a Mercedes roll down, and a man in his forties leaned out, cursing at the farmer woman. The farmer woman dared not say a word, shrinking back as she gathered her scattered belongings and moved aside. The man's face and eyes were somewhat flushed, indicating he had been drinking. After he finished his tirade, he started the car and drove off, splashing mud everywhere.

This is indeed a good place, almost like a "cave dwelling" prepared for practitioners. It seems that Feng Junzi has put a lot of thought into finding such a location. No wonder he once said that finding the Qingming Mirror under the Zhuangyuan Bridge was pure luck; he had visited many times without discovering this treasure. I looked at the cushion with some confusion. I have heard of the four characters "Jiulin Zen Institute"; the largest temple in Wucheng District is Jiulin Temple in the north of the city, just like Guangjiao Temple, which is ten miles outside the city, is one of the most important Buddhist centers in Wucheng. I pointed at the cushion and asked Feng Junzi: "Isn't this something from Jiulin Temple? How did you get it?"

"Tens of millions? I don't even have a few dozen yuan! Mr. Zhang, are you okay today? Have you been doing too much fortune-telling? Is your mind a bit tired?"

It seems that Mr. Zhang is indeed a remarkable individual. However, what is unexpected is that this extraordinary person also possesses a rather peculiar demeanor. Not only is he well-versed in various "arts and sciences" and "Taoist practices," but with just a phone call (surprisingly, it was a large mobile phone), he completely brought the arrogant Wang Laohu to ruin. Although I am filled with curiosity about Mr. Zhang's background, since he is unwilling to share, I shall not inquire further. The temperament of extraordinary individuals is often unique, and their actions cannot be judged by common reasoning. I realized this after getting to know Feng Junzi and Monk Yunfei. Although I am filled with curiosity about Mr. Zhang's background, since he is unwilling to share, I shall not inquire further. The temperament of extraordinary individuals is often unique, and their actions cannot be judged by common reasoning. I realized this after getting to know Feng Junzi and Monk Yunfei.

Ten days later, outside the flowerbed opposite the principal's office, I was quietly observing a cluster of chrysanthemums about to bloom, pondering why Feng Junzi had invited me to this place. Just as I was in doubt, I heard Feng Junzi's voice behind me: "It is already the tenth month of the lunar calendar, yet fortunately, the weather in Jiangnan is warm, and there are still places to appreciate chrysanthemums. Shiye, do you find these chrysanthemums beautiful?"

"Young man, what nonsense are you talking about? Speak clearly to me." I did not expect that my words would leave Mr. Zhang equally perplexed. He pressed on, asking, "What did you just say about classmates, and what is this method you mentioned? What is going on?"

... ...

As he spoke, the Wind Gentleman had already approached me, pointing at the chrysanthemum and asking, "Do you want to see the flower bloom? This is easy to arrange; now I need to test the results of your ten days of practicing the impure observation. Have you experienced what it means to have mental power? ... No experience? That's alright, let me demonstrate for you—" As he spoke, he extended his left hand to grasp my right hand, while with his other hand, he pointed at a chrysanthemum that had yet to bloom, murmuring, "Borrowing a bit of divine power, bloom!"

The gentleman Feng scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed as he said: "Last time I visited Jiulin Temple, I saw a young monk dozing off in the Great Hero Hall. No one paid attention to me, so I casually ... ... "

The Buddha taught his disciples the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, which are: contemplation of the body as impure, contemplation of feelings as suffering, contemplation of the mind as impermanent, and contemplation of phenomena as non-self. In practicing the contemplation of the body as impure, one observes corpses to gain a clear understanding of the truth of the world. This truth is that our bodies are composed of skin, hair, nails, flesh, bones, and the five internal organs, none of which are clean; ultimately, they will decay and are not worthy of our attachment and clinging. We must abandon self-pity and self-love, and not regard the physical body as an object of desire; we must cultivate a desire to transcend the physical body. The truth is that our bodies are composed of skin, hair, nails, flesh, bones, and the five internal organs, none of which are clean; ultimately, they will decay and are not worthy of our attachment and clinging. We must abandon self-pity and self-love, and not regard the physical body as an object of desire; we must cultivate a desire to transcend the physical body. The Buddhist verse states: "When the mind is disturbed, illusions arise, leading to the body of delusion; pus and blood constantly mingle, and foul odors are ever-present. Paper adheres to the flesh, vines entangle the bones and muscles; hair covers the dense grass, and insects dwell nearby. The internal organs are merely foul and filthy, while the external appearance is but clothing and cloth; the four great elements are fundamentally insubstantial, and do the sense faculties possess any truth? The language is but a sound of wind, and movement follows the cycle of air; forcefully labeled as male and female, false names establish subject and object. The internal organs are merely foul and filthy, while the external appearance is but clothing and cloth; the four great elements are fundamentally insubstantial, and do the sense faculties possess any truth? The language is but a sound of wind, and movement follows the cycle of air; forcefully labeled as male and female, false names establish subject and object. A hundred years of three feet of earth, a myriad of ages as a pile of dust; wealth and poverty are but empty reflections, the wise and foolish share the same sorrow. Life and death are merely cycles, who recognizes the original person?

This is the explanation given to me by Shang Yunfei after I expressed my doubts about the "Impure Observation." After finishing his explanation, he reminded me: "The study of Impure Observation must be based on meditation, which is the dual cultivation of cessation and contemplation. Only in a state of concentration can one achieve results. Fortunately, you now have a basic foundation in meditation, so practicing observation is not a problem. However, this method requires continuous persistence to yield results. In the beginning, it will be quite challenging, and you will only start to gain insights after at least ten days."

Mr. Zhang, what kind of joke is this? I am wealthier than him? He drives a Mercedes!

"What’s the matter, do you find him displeasing? Then I’ll give you a chance to make him unfortunate, will you do it?" Mr. Zhang gazed at me thoughtfully.

Stealing? Don't put it so harshly. The matters of a practitioner cannot be considered theft. I even placed five yuan in the merit box at Jiulin Temple. I swear to the heavens, at that time I only had five yuan in my pocket, and I gave it all to them. Isn't it acceptable to rent a cushion? ... Never mind that, let's meditate here with the books at noon. It seems you won't be able to have lunch for these ten days, but missing one meal is not a big deal.

This method of observation is primarily focused on two key points. The first is that one must attain a deep state of concentration in order to effectively visualize. The second is that one must delve deeply into their thoughts to truly perceive the realm. Regarding the state of concentration, I already have a certain foundation, so it is not too difficult. However, I initially had no experience with the realm of visualization. Yet, the experience I had during my outing with Mr. Zhang has been deeply etched in my mind, making visualization not very challenging.

Mr. Zhang smiled enigmatically again: "I never said that; a golden word is not necessarily fate, it can also be about worldly affairs and human emotions. A practitioner may have some abilities after a century of hard work, but in this world, such abilities are not necessarily derived from the Daoist arts. Today, I will give you a lesson; quickly tell me, what do you hope for him?"

What! Is this what you stole? Why did you choose to steal from here of all places, and you even dared to steal from a temple!

... ...

"Good! This is exactly what I was waiting for," Mr. Zhang said as he magically pulled out a black brick— a mobile phone! Nowadays, this device is called a smartphone, colorful and compact, and not expensive, allowing for frequent upgrades. However, in that era, mobile phones were still quite rare, mostly available in just one model, resembling a black brick with a long antenna, operating on analog signals. Purchasing one would cost around 20,000 to 30,000 yuan, and the usage fees were also very high, making it an item not accessible to the average person. Mr. Zhang paid no attention to my wide-eyed astonishment; instead, he picked up the mobile phone and dialed a number, saying: "Xiao Li... Yes, it's me... We will not be providing the credit guarantee for Guotou Jian'an Company... Also, this time, we have kicked Wang Laohu out of the project bidding... Alright, that's all."

At the foot of the mountain, there are still woods, but at the edge of the forest, two large stones stand tall. Between these stones, a clear spring flows down, forming a shallow pool of water at the mountain's base. The fine stones in the pool and the rocks at the foot of the mountain are all pure milky white, and as this stream cascades into the pool, it creates transparent ripples, exceptionally clear. Standing beneath this mountain spring, one feels as if all the impurities surrounding them have been thoroughly washed away by the clear water, resulting in an indescribable sense of tranquility. The fine stones in the pool and the rocks at the foot of the mountain are all pure milky white, and as this stream cascades into the pool, it creates transparent ripples, exceptionally clear. Standing beneath this mountain spring, one feels as if all the impurities surrounding them have been thoroughly washed away by the clear water, resulting in an indescribable sense of tranquility.

A sedan came roaring in, showing no signs of slowing down as it approached the Phoenix Bridge; it was identified as a Mercedes-Benz 300. At that time, many high-end sedans had yet to be introduced, and those seen domestically were even rarer. This compact Mercedes was already considered top-tier in Wucheng. The streets were filled with Ladas, Volgas, and Polonaises, and owning an ordinary Santana was already quite impressive, but driving a Mercedes was truly remarkable.

The Wind Gentleman released his hand and, looking at me with a face full of surprise, said with a smile: "This is the power of thought, there are no mantras, you just need to use your mind in a state of concentration, which is what is famously known as 'thoughts become reality.' I have finished my demonstration, now it's your turn, give it a try..." After saying this, he no longer paid attention to me and turned to leave.

The Wind Gentleman furrowed his brow and pondered for a moment, then raised his head and said, "Indeed, it is a problem. I shall do my best to help, so follow me." I followed the Wind Gentleman to the Zhuangyuan Bridge outside the south gate of the school. This ancient site, which had been desolate for hundreds of years, was very quiet. The Wind Gentleman descended to the bottom of the bridge under the camphor tree along the bank of the pond, and I climbed down after him. This was the place where I had inadvertently obtained the Qingming Mirror. It seemed that the Wind Gentleman had been here many times; he walked along the exposed bottom of the pond beside the bank and reached a spot under the arch of the bridge, beckoning me to come over. The Wind Gentleman descended to the bottom of the bridge under the camphor tree along the bank of the pond, and I climbed down after him. This was the place where I had inadvertently obtained the Qingming Mirror. It seemed that the Wind Gentleman had been here many times; he walked along the exposed bottom of the pond beside the bank and reached a spot under the arch of the bridge, beckoning me to come over.

Mr. Zhang smiled and said, "You originally did not possess this ability, but having encountered me, you now do. I am a fortune teller who sets up a stall, and you have been with me for quite some time. So, do you know what the highest realm of fortune telling is?"

It hasn't started yet, how can I know if it's good or not

Mr. Zhang, why are you being so suspicious? I don't understand what you're saying. What is the matter with your mobile phone? Are you suspecting that I want to steal your mobile phone? I didn't even know you had this device; you are being overly cautious...

(Prologue: Do you know what the highest realm of fate calculation is? Do you know what it means for thoughts to become reality?)