Chapter 20: Reaching the Depths

When Zhang Kai saw where the old fortune teller lived, he couldn’t help but be surprised. It turned out to be a humble side courtyard on the back slope of Wudang—a yard enclosed by clay walls and an old timber house with a tiled roof. Not only did the place look ancient, but it was also poorly maintained, appearing quite shabby—only marginally better than the crumbling Baiyun Monastery they’d seen before.

This was entirely unbefitting the status of a Wudang elder!

“What’s wrong? You look down on my little courtyard?” The old fortune teller seemed to see right through Zhang Kai’s thoughts, his tone half amused, half mocking.

Zhang Kai didn’t bother to hide his feelings. “It’s not that I look down on it, but honestly, it’s hardly impressive. Is this truly the status you hold here on Wudang?”

“Heh, it’s clear you haven’t had much orthodox training, young man. Your horizons are still rather limited,” the old fortune teller suddenly remarked, and Zhang Kai felt a jolt in his heart.

This old fox—has he realized I’m a cultivator?

“I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you mean, sir.” Zhang Kai looked at the old fortune teller with an inscrutable expression.

The old man smirked. “Still pretending? Did you think an old man like me lives by trickery alone? Since we walk the same path, I’ll be honest with you: I’m a true heir to Wudang’s secret arts. The traces of true energy on you are as glaring to me as a spotlight in the dark. Tell me, what’s your real purpose in coming to Wudang?”

Zhang Kai gazed deeply at the old fortune teller.

So, as expected, this old man had also taken advantage of the recent spiritual resurgence to set foot on the path of cultivation. Yet the true energy in him was pitifully weak. Earlier, he must have used some secret technique to see through Zhang Kai’s cultivation, but now even that faint true energy had dissipated. So, while he could tell Zhang Kai was a cultivator, he couldn’t discern his level.

Understanding all this, Zhang Kai smiled. “You hid it well, old man. I hadn’t realized you were a fellow practitioner.”

The old fortune teller simply smiled, inscrutable.

Zhang Kai continued, “Since we’re being honest, I won’t hide my intentions. I did come to Wudang with a purpose. Have you noticed that recently, spiritual energy has begun to reappear in the world?”

As he spoke the last sentence, Zhang Kai deliberately adopted a mysterious air, his face alight with excitement—the very image of a desperate cultivator chasing after spiritual energy in these waning days.

The old fortune teller paused.

How could he not have noticed? If not for the resurgence of spiritual energy, he would never have been able to take this step and complete his foundation.

“Tell me, those two miraculous phenomena that appeared on Wudang Mountain lately—were they related to you?” the old man probed.

“I was about to ask you the same,” Zhang Kai replied. “I came to Wudang precisely for the spiritual energy. When those phenomena appeared, I tried to investigate, but found nothing. Still, those signs convinced me that Wudang Mountain is one of the most privileged places for the spiritual resurgence—no other site has exhibited such omens.”

The old fortune teller stared intently at Zhang Kai, trying to gauge how much truth there was in his words.

Zhang Kai met his gaze with calm composure.

After a while, the old man smiled. “Come, let’s have some tea. In these dark times, it’s rare to meet a fellow practitioner. Such meetings are a matter of fate—let’s sit and talk.”

“The honor is mine,” Zhang Kai replied with a smile.

Soon, the two entered the courtyard.

As soon as he stepped inside, Zhang Kai felt something strange. The atmosphere within was more comfortable than outside; there was a sense of peace and harmony, a feeling of well-being. Moreover, he sensed spiritual energy.

He couldn’t help but pause mid-step.

It was astonishing—outside the courtyard, not a trace of spiritual energy could be felt, but once inside, it was present, not much stronger than what he’d sensed in the cave on Niutou Mountain, but steady and unceasing.

The old fortune teller stopped as well, beaming. “You feel it, don’t you?”

“What is this?” Zhang Kai looked at him.

The old man replied proudly, “A Wudang secret—an arcane formation. This little courtyard was designed and built by the last grandmaster of formations from our sect, three hundred years ago. It’s perfectly attuned to nature, positioned atop one of Wudang’s spiritual nodes, drawing together the energies of the land. Even when there’s no spiritual energy, living here keeps one healthy and grants a long life. Now that spiritual energy is returning, this place is destined to become a sacred ground for cultivation.”

Zhang Kai feigned envy and admiration. “Truly, the great sects start at a far higher level than ordinary cultivators.”

“Heh, if you can give me three or five hundred million, I’ll let you stay here for a month,” the old fortune teller said, eyes gleaming.

Zhang Kai’s face darkened.

Even if he didn’t care much about money, this was sheer extortion. Three or five hundred million for a month! Others might ask for a king’s ransom, but you’re asking for a dragon’s hoard—aren’t you afraid of bursting from greed?

“I can’t afford it. I’ll just have some tea,” Zhang Kai declined calmly.

The old man looked disappointed. “You’re missing out on a great opportunity—what a pity.”

Inside the house, the old fortune teller took out some tea leaves and brewed the tea himself. His movements were smooth and elegant, carrying a hint of the tea ceremony’s grace. Soon the fragrance of the tea filled the air, clearing the mind and refreshing the spirit—it was indeed fine tea.

Zhang Kai made no pretense of courtesy. He sat across from the old man, picked up the cup, and took a sip. After the initial hint of bitterness came a sweet, smooth taste, soothing and lingering, leaving the mouth fragrant and the mind invigorated.

“Excellent tea!” Zhang Kai praised, then looked at the old fortune teller. “Sir, let’s speak plainly. You didn’t invite me here just to show off, did you?”

“How is this showing off? I even invited you to stay—it’s your own choice not to,” the old man replied, entirely at ease.

Zhang Kai smiled wordlessly.

Keep boasting. Let’s see if, in the future, you don’t end up needing my help. When the time comes... heh.

“But there is indeed something I wanted to discuss,” the old fortune teller continued. “Cultivation is no easy path—one needs resources, companions, methods, and a place. Especially in these times, with so many traditions lost, it’s essential to support each other if we hope to advance with the returning spiritual energy.”

Zhang Kai nodded in agreement. “You’re right, sir. When I was alone, there was no one to answer my questions. Now that I’ve met you, I’m truly pleased—two minds are always better than one.”

“Well then, let’s get to the point. What stage have you reached in your cultivation?” the old man asked directly.

“Just completed foundation building—my energy is still lacking. And you, sir?”

“About the same, about the same. Which tradition do you follow?” the old fortune teller replied vaguely, then pressed further.

“Maoshan tradition. And you, sir? Wudang’s secret arts must also have branches, surely?”

“I practice Qimen Bagua—the art of divination. At its simplest, it can foresee fortune and misfortune; at its greatest, it can predict the will of heaven. But this field is vast, and I’ve only scratched the surface. And you? The Maoshan tradition has many paths—which one is yours?”

“Talismans,” Zhang Kai answered without hesitation.

This was a mutual probing. Whether true or not, whether they concealed anything, each replied directly and decisively, sticking to what they could back up.

Baiyun Monastery’s Maoshan tradition included talismanic arts—healing, exorcism, and protection. Zhang Kai hadn’t studied them yet, but he remembered the basics and would certainly learn in the future. Claiming it now helped establish a suitable identity for himself.

And so, in back-and-forth conversation, each probing the other, they soon felt they had a good grasp—at least on the surface.

At this point, the old fortune teller looked at Zhang Kai. “The resurgence of spiritual energy has reopened the path of cultivation, but resources are still scarce. If we don’t prepare, we’ll soon fall behind. Are you interested in teaming up for a venture?”