Chapter 006: The Harmful Diviner
Fu Mingyu was honest and straightforward, but where had he seen such a scene? Overwhelmed by the stench of blood and entrails, he could no longer hold back and squatted down to retch. In contrast, Fu Shuo managed to hold it together, beads of cold sweat forming at his temples, and he gritted his teeth to smile, saying, "Well done!" He dared only to utter these three words, then tightly closed his mouth, fearing that if he opened it again, he would vomit as well.
Fu was moved in his heart upon hearing this and asked, "What exactly is the nature of magic? How is it cultivated?"
Isn't the gentleman interested in magic? How about I perform some magic for him today
***
Upon hearing Fu's words, it was clear to Huangfu Ming that he was about to demonstrate his Daoist techniques, which naturally filled him with both astonishment and envy. In the original world, Daoist practices were not prevalent; all supernatural powers and spells were only heard of and seen in stories and legends. It was unexpected to have the opportunity to witness them today
Just as the monk was about to get angry, he felt that the burden under his feet was unusual. When he picked it up, he found it surprisingly heavy. Upon further inspection... The monk was instantly overjoyed; the burden was filled with cold, hard silver. He immediately turned his anger into joy, wishing that the Fu family father and son had collapsed a few more houses last night. After all, those houses in Hetushu were uninhabited and had fallen into disrepair over the years. Wouldn't it be better to exchange them for shiny silver?
Fu merely smiled and did not speak further, as he has always been somewhat inept with words. The term "old gentleman" is generally used to refer to those who have held official positions, while "old lady" is also a title conferred by the court. Fu Mingyu does not even qualify as a minor official, so the titles of "old gentleman" and "old lady" are merely polite expressions
I will tidy this place up first to avoid startling anyone tomorrow. Sir, why don't you and the elder return first?" Huangfu Ming glanced deeply at Fu and said.
The moonlight was like water, draping over the shoulders of the father and son. Fu Mingyu tightly held onto his son's arm, remaining silent. Their figures stretched long under the moonlight, and apart from the occasional barking of dogs, there was not a sound to be heard along the way
Huangfu Ming, full of youthful vigor, said: "Alright, this time he definitely won't escape. Close your eyes, and I will take you there!"
Early the next morning, the monks from Putuo Temple came to the door. They claimed that as practitioners of the Buddhist faith, they were compassionate and had lent their house to the Fu family for residence. However, the entire house collapsed overnight, and the Fu family was required to provide an explanation
There is nothing more to it, just exercising the body. I must thank Young Master Huangfu for yesterday's events, otherwise my father and I would have met our demise!
The one who threw the burden was Huangfu Ming, who ignored the monk entirely and leaned directly towards Fu Mingyu's ear to say, "It was found in that fortune teller's package last night!"
Fu Mingyu's cry seemed to startle the fleeing diviner, who momentarily lost his composure and vanished without a trace. The moonlight tonight is exceptionally bright, and the three of them could clearly see every move of the fleeing man; yet, he disappeared right before their eyes.
Huangfu Ming was quite surprised and had to regard Fu as a person of higher caliber after tonight's performance. The display of this gentleman today truly exceeded his expectations. Initially, he was already astonished that Fu possessed such profound texts as "Xiaoyao You". He did not anticipate that this gentleman would tonight present himself in a manner that seemed far from that of an ordinary scholar who could not even tie up a chicken.
"It is this scoundrel; he must be captured and brought to justice tomorrow!" Fu Mingyu exclaimed loudly
My son went to study early in the morning! Speaking of this son, Fu Mingyu revealed a satisfied smile, with a son like this, what more could one ask for?
Where is the gentleman? Huangfu Ming asked
"Let's go, it's time to return to class!" Fu Shuo said with a faint smile. Huangfu Ming was not willing to truly go back to class. He was used to being wild, and even if he sought Fu Shuo as a teacher, it was merely out of interest in the articles that Fu Shuo read aloud every day. It should be noted that the texts Fu Shuo read every morning were the most classic scriptures of the Daoist school in that world.
Hello, Mr. !" Huangfu Ming's voice came from afar, echoing behind Fu Shuo.
Fu set out early in the morning, walking along the city gate, a habit he had cultivated for a long time. To maintain the dignity of a scholar, he could not engage in daily morning runs, so he opted to walk a circle around the city each day, which also served as a form of exercise. Those who practice the immortal way value life greatly and cherish their bodies above all.
Fu Shuo opened his eyes and indeed had arrived at South Street, where a figure was hurriedly running away with a bundle on their back.
The Daoist technique is indeed extraordinary. It is unknown which type of Daoist method Huangfu Ming is using. Fu Shuo only felt a momentary sense of weightlessness, akin to the sensation of a sudden drop in an elevator. In that fleeting moment, he heard Huangfu Ming whisper in his ear: "We have arrived"
Fu Shuo knew that Huangfu Ming certainly had other matters to attend to, so he directly supported his elderly father and slowly walked back home. Fortunately, this Dongjun city was not very large, and Fu Shuo's home was located at the southern city gate, so they would be able to return quickly
Fu said that was exactly the intention. Fu Mingyu then remarked: "I know where that diviner resides; he is located on South Avenue, operating a fortune-telling establishment that has just opened a few days ago"
Last night, Fu Mingyu had already thought about this matter, but he did not mention it to his son, naturally worrying all night. At this moment, as he approached with a smile, before he could say a few kind words, he suddenly heard a loud "thud" as a heavy bundle fell to the ground in front of the monk: "You, monk, do not speak too much, just pick it up and get lost!"
This is merely a trick of invisibility, a minor skill!" Huangfu Ming let out a cold laugh: "Originally, I killed a dog to make fragrant meat, and now this blood has all been given to you!" As he spoke, he waved his sleeve, and a strong smell of blood filled the air. It appeared that a spray of liquid, like celestial maidens scattering flowers, fell down; according to Huangfu Ming, it should be dog blood.
"Why go through all this trouble? For scoundrels like this, it is only natural to kill them cleanly with a single stroke." Huangfu Ming was indeed a person with a great propensity for killing. As he spoke, he waved his hand, unleashing a sharp force. The fortune teller, drenched in dog blood and unable to move, did not even have time to scream before being shattered into five or six pieces, with blood and entrails spilling all over the ground
***
Huangfu Ming smiled and said: "I see that you do not seem to be such a formal person, sir. The old gentleman and the old lady have already expressed their gratitude to me a thousand times, so why must you be so polite?"
With a single statement, Fu Mingyu felt a sense of relief in his heart, as he had been somewhat anxious before. Even if it was his son's student, it would not be appropriate to ask someone to spend so much money. However, if it was something from that fortune teller, then Fu Mingyu felt reassured. Although he still felt grateful to Huangfu Ming, the sense of unease had completely vanished. Human emotions are indeed peculiar
It is him, it is this monster!" Fu Mingyu pointed at the person fleeing in the distance and shouted, "Do not let him escape!
The dog blood indeed had an extraordinary effect; once it was splashed out, the fortune teller immediately revealed his true form, standing still in place, yet a look of panic flashed in his eyes
"Magic, of course, is the power to communicate with the divine," said Huangfu Ming, and he refused to elaborate further on the matter, fearing it might reveal secrets of the heavens