After bidding farewell to Liu Yiyi, Xiao Yefeng returned to his room. Upon arriving at the hotel, he first went to Liu Yiyi's room. After explaining everything, he noticed a slight blush on Liu Yiyi's face, a sign that, according to Feng Shui Techniques and Feng Shui Classics, indicated the presence of Peach Blossom energy.
This blush had not been there when he left that morning; it suddenly appeared, clearly indicating that Liu Yiyi's Peach Blossom Star was active. While it is often said that only men attract such energy, women are human too and can also be affected by it. Although Xiao Yefeng did not know who Liu Yiyi's Peach Blossom Star was, he sensed that this was not just a simple attraction but rather a Peach Blossom Calamity!
As Xiao Yefeng spent more time with Liu Yiyi, their connection deepened. Unlike others who could easily see through Fate, Xiao Yefeng had known from the very first moment he met Liu Yiyi that she was one of the four unpredictable Fates described in Feng Shui Techniques.
A Geomancer may seem like someone who merely reads Feng Shui or exorcises spirits, but the term Feng Shui is also synonymous with fortune-teller. A good fortune-teller may not necessarily be skilled in Feng Shui, but a true Geomancer must be an excellent fortune-teller. The memories in Xiao Yefeng's mind were those of many generations of his ancestors from the Xiao Family, where both Geomancers and fortune-tellers had excelled.
One particularly outstanding fortune-teller summarized countless human Fates and identified four types of Fates that should never be interfered with: the Ultimate Fate, Cultivation Fate, Ascend to the Hall Fate, and Next of Kin Fate.
The Next of Kin Fate is the easiest to understand; it refers to individuals with blood relations to oneself—parents and children cannot be read for their fortunes. This is because as a Geomancer or fortune-teller, every decision made can alter the destinies of those around you. Thus, attempting to read the fate of relatives introduces too many variables and risks leading to inaccurate predictions at a great cost.
Those who Ascend to the Hall are also not to be read. Historically, Geomancers and fortune-tellers have lived as carefree individuals. Those who have entered the Hall are either high-ranking officials or powerful figures; assisting them means offending all their enemies. As the saying goes, while one can dodge an open attack, it is difficult to guard against hidden arrows. For one's own safety, it is best to stay away from those who have Ascended to the Hall.
Cultivators—whether monks or Taoists—are also excluded from being read. They are individuals who seek enlightenment and self-improvement; both are virtuous people whose fates are seen as trials for transcendence. Therefore, there is no need to read their fortunes. As for fellow practitioners in the same field, since they too are obscured by Fate, one cannot read their fates either.
The most critical aspect concerns Ultimate Fates, which include two prominent types: Extreme Yin and Extreme Yang. Extreme Yin refers to a pure Yin birth chart while Extreme Yang refers to a pure Yang birth chart; both are considered Ultimate Fates that Geomancers and fortune-tellers avoid discussing.
In general, most clients of fortune-tellers are living individuals while Geomancers typically deal with issues related to deceased persons' burial sites. However, once it is known that a client has an Ultimate Fate, 99% of practitioners will choose to avoid them altogether. Reading their fates or selecting burial sites is seen as an ominous sign and is extremely difficult to succeed at; moreover, the Geomancer or fortune-teller themselves may suffer from Causality.
Individuals with Extreme Yin or Extreme Yang fates often face short and tumultuous lives; they fall under what is collectively referred to as Child's Fate. Very few reach adulthood; however, with modern medical advancements, extending their lifespan into their twenties is feasible. Nonetheless, their maximum lifespan rarely exceeds thirty years.
Interestingly enough, Liu Yiyi has a pure Yin birth chart and possesses the Transcendence Yin Jue Vein. Individuals with this constitution maintain body temperatures significantly lower than normal regardless of season—normal body temperature hovers around thirty-six or thirty-seven degrees Celsius—while Liu Yiyi's temperature remains around thirty-three or thirty-four degrees Celsius at all times. This condition contributes to her frail health.
The Yin Jue Vein is a lamentable fate; those who possess this constitution are almost always women, each one a paragon of beauty, their allure surpassing even the most renowned beauties of history. In ancient times, there were figures like Bao Si and Yu Ji, both epitomes of stunning beauty. Yet, the saying "beauty brings misfortune" rings true for these women, who possess captivating looks but pay the price with a lifespan as fleeting as a shooting star in the night sky.
For those with the Yin Jue Vein, falling in love is a perilous endeavor. It is not that they cannot have someone they like, but even if they do, they cannot marry. No matter what kind of man it is—be it an emperor or a noble—once he claims the essence of such a woman, all his fortune will be swept away by the Yin Jue Vein. Often, when a woman first experiences love, her lifespan reaches its end.
Liu Qing likely understands this well, which is why she remains unaware that Jin Liu Yiyi has someone she likes. However, Xiao Yefeng, perceptive as he is, has noticed this issue. Coupled with the Peach Blossom Calamity evident on Jin Liu Yiyi's face, it is clear that Liu Yiyi's tribulations are approaching—if not immediately, then certainly soon.
After returning to his own room from Liu Yiyi's, Xiao Yefeng lay in bed tossing and turning, unable to find rest. He had even set aside his nightly training. The Peach Blossom Calamity on Liu Yiyi's face indicated that someone special would soon arrive for her. Yet Liu Yiyi was oblivious to the fact that her Yin Jue Vein constitution forbade her from falling in love. What could he do? If Liu Yiyi remained unattached, she could safely live to twenty-four years old; however, the outcome after falling in love was uncertain for Xiao Yefeng—though it would undoubtedly shorten her lifespan.
Tossing and turning through sleepless nights while replaying memories in his mind, Xiao Yefeng finally drifted into a deep sleep. Meanwhile, in a building in Beijing North, countless people were bustling about as another night passed.
The next morning during breakfast, Liu Yiyi was taken away by members of the Liu Family. The true origins of the Liu Family lie in the north; Beijing North serves as their headquarters. There were many matters requiring Liu Yiyi's attention as a talented individual, so she left first. Shortly after, Xiao Yefeng was also taken away by Mo Fei.
This time they drove away in Xiao Yefeng's new car. On the way, Mo Fei shared everything he knew with Xiao Yefeng. Xiao Yefeng came to understand that where there are people, there will be conflict; this holds true in the world of ordinary individuals and even more so among extraordinary talents.
“Creak!”
Under Mo Fei's guidance, Xiao Yefeng drove to the base of a Moda Building in Beijing North. Looking up at the name on the building, Xiao Yefeng was taken aback: Huaxia Film and Television Base!
“What’s going on? The headquarters of the Metaphysics Society is here?” Xiao Yefeng pointed at the bustling crowd around the oddly dressed Moda Building.
“Why? Don’t you think this place is quite fitting?” Mo Fei grinned after getting out of the car.
“This is too hidden in plain sight!” Xiao Yefeng remarked after glancing around in amazement.
"Ding ding ding!" A series of sounds rang from Mo Fei's waist. Hearing the noise, Mo Fei said, "Let's go! They're already urging us."
With that, Mo Fei led Xiao Yefeng into the most powerful Film and Television Base in Huaxia and even the world. The towering buildings were incredibly imposing, and various themed scenes were abundant here. All kinds of monsters, deities, and people in bizarre costumes felt perfectly normal in this place.
As they walked through, Xiao Yefeng realized that this location was indeed very suitable as the headquarters for the Metaphysics Society. No matter how one dressed, it would fit right in. The traditional robes, monk's garments, tight-fitting outfits, and long gowns that should have seemed out of place in today's society were all present here. Even primitive fur skirts were running around in the corridors. Xiao Yefeng couldn't help but admire the person who chose this location; it was impressive that someone could think of such a strong place.
Taking the elevator to the top floor, they arrived at a long office desk right outside the elevator. Above it hung a large plaque inscribed with the character "Xuan." There was no one at the desk, and a large door had a fingerprint lock. After Mo Fei opened it, Xiao Yefeng followed inside. Once they entered, Xiao Yefeng discovered that the illusion here was quite simple—several strange high-tech doors. After they stepped in, a red light on their left suddenly turned green, and with a click, the door opened.
After entering with Mo Fei, Xiao Yefeng noticed that there were already many people inside—a large circular conference room where the personnel on either side were evenly divided. Facing the entrance sat an elderly man.
The old man had white hair and a snow-white beard about an inch long, giving him a fluffy appearance reminiscent of a teddy bear. His long eyebrows drooped on either side. Upon seeing the two enter, he said, "Alright, the last person has arrived. Let's begin this year's Metaphysics Society membership test!"
After both took their seats in the last two available spots, a young man standing behind the White-Haired Elder spoke up: "Let me introduce everyone here. Most of you are familiar with each other as new members; after self-introductions, you can complete them yourselves! Now I will introduce the benefits of being part of the Metaphysics Society."
The young man then went on to explain the generous benefits of the Metaphysics Society. Hearing about these perks made Xiao Yefeng shudder with excitement; not only would every member receive a spirit stone each month, but joining also granted access to the library once—something Xiao Yefeng found very appealing. He lacked any means of learning but craved understanding of this circle.
Members of the Metaphysics Society did not receive salaries; everything depended on what problems they could solve for the Society. Although Xiao Yefeng wasn't entirely sure what these problems entailed, he learned that completing tasks for the Society would earn points that could be exchanged for spirit stones. Hearing about spirit stones made Xiao Yefeng's eyes light up, and he noticed that several other newcomers shared his enthusiasm; clearly, everyone was drawn by the allure of spirit stones.
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