Chapter 21: The Forbidden Land, Shedding the Mundane, Severing the Celestial Realm

Make a fortune? Could it be that this old man has some special connections? Zhang Kai looked at the fortune teller with a peculiar expression. “What do you mean by making a fortune?”

The fortune teller smiled mysteriously. “The Forbidden Zones.”

Seeing Zhang Kai’s bewildered face, the old man asked in surprise, “You don’t know about the Forbidden Zones?”

Zhang Kai nodded, admitting frankly, “To be honest, I stumbled into the Maoshan inheritance by pure chance, then happened upon a place filled with spiritual energy, which set me on this path. Later, I thought Wudang Mountain, being a sacred Daoist site, would be the place to find what I sought, so I came here. As for the Forbidden Zones, I know nothing at all.”

This time, it was the fortune teller’s turn to stare with wide eyes, looking utterly incredulous.

If what this kid says is true, then he must be the very embodiment of fortune itself.

Before the spiritual resurgence, he happened to inherit the legacy, and then encountered the resurgence, stepping onto the path of cultivation as if it were all arranged for him—as if he were Heaven’s favored child.

Though he himself had a complete inheritance and the blessings of many predecessors, compared to treatment like this, the difference was stark.

Envy and jealousy welled up in his heart, but the fortune teller also began to feel excited.

Good luck is what matters most. If luck is on their side, the chances of success are much higher. This time, things might just work out.

“The so-called Forbidden Zones are related to the legends of demons, immortals, and deities,” the fortune teller explained. “You may not believe it, but although the world appears peaceful, and humanity sees no trace of monsters or spirits, they still exist—just hidden away, evading calamity in some mysterious fashion.”

Zhang Kai said in amazement, “I don’t buy it. I’ve traveled to many places with strange legends, and I’ve never seen a single demon or spirit.”

The fortune teller laughed. “If you could find them so easily, how could they possibly avoid calamity? According to the secret records of Wudang, the calamity began long ago. But unlike before, this time it was a Yin Calamity—a slow, grinding disaster. Spiritual energy waned, the Heavenly Dao withdrew, and any who met the calamity perished. No one knows the true cause. But after it began, all the gods and demons, the immortals and spirits of the Three Realms, began to save themselves. According to the records left by Wudang’s ancestors, there are three ways for immortals and demons to escape calamity: first, by entering a Forbidden Zone; second, by blending into the mortal world; third, by severing their connection to their own realms.”

“Forbidden Zones are similar to tombs—they bury themselves, strip away their cultivation, and enter a state of suspended animation. In that state, these self-buried immortals and demons are extremely weak and unable to move, easily slain if discovered. That’s why the Forbidden Zones are filled with traps and wards set by these beings to protect themselves.”

“To blend into the mortal world is to merge with humanity—becoming an object, hiding amidst the human world’s vitality, drifting along through the centuries like floating duckweed, entirely at the mercy of fate.”

“To sever their own realms is even more extreme—they transform everything they are into a pocket world, a separate dimension loosely tied to the main one, thus avoiding the calamity altogether.”

“These three methods are each mysterious in their own way. Even the ancients could not fully comprehend them. Very few managed it; without great cultivation, it’s almost impossible. Even if they succeed, revival is extremely difficult.”

Hearing this, Zhang Kai suddenly understood.

So that’s how it is. No wonder a world once teeming with cultivators, gods, and demons suddenly became silent. They all went into hiding.

He wondered to himself whether, as the holder of the Investiture of the Gods, his actions in resealing the gods would have any effect on those beings.

Turning to the fortune teller, Zhang Kai asked, “I understand a bit more now, but what does any of this have to do with us making a fortune?”

The fortune teller gave him a look of exasperation. “How could it not be related? All those immortals and demons—who among them didn’t possess treasures in life? Even if they went into hiding, do you think they’d just abandon those treasures? Of course they took them with them, so that when they emerge again, they’ll still have their tools. So, although the Forbidden Zones are dangerous, if we’re lucky, we might find all sorts of treasures that no longer exist in this world. Even if we only get one or two, we’ll be ahead of all other cultivators, and in this era of renewed spiritual energy, we could become leaders.”

Zhang Kai laughed. “That makes sense, but as you said, the Forbidden Zones are filled with traps and wards. The risks are enormous. One wrong step, and we’re dead, not even leaving a trace behind.”

“We cultivators go against the will of Heaven. There’s no such thing as a safe, easy path to immortality. If you don’t take the initiative, others will reap the rewards. But I understand—you’re a man of means, and you value your life. If that’s the case, let’s forget I ever mentioned it,” the fortune teller said meaningfully, sipping his tea with an air of nonchalance.

Zhang Kai replied, “Come on, old man, don’t be so hasty. I’m just being cautious—I never said no. Since you’ve got the connections and I’m interested, we can talk it over. How much do you actually know about the Forbidden Zones?”

The fortune teller’s face brightened. “Now that’s the spirit. Cultivation is about daring to risk your life. Here on Wudang Mountain, we have knowledge of three or five Forbidden Zones, along with some details, all gathered by our predecessors at great risk. Most are extremely dangerous, but there’s one with relatively low risk and decent rewards. On top of that, I’ve partnered with a wealthy patron—he provides the equipment and manpower, I handle the geomancy and divination, and with your Maoshan talisman skills, our chances are even better.”

Zhang Kai was stunned. “A wealthy patron? He wants to plunder the treasures of immortals too?”

The fortune teller replied, “Think about it: if a billionaire in the final stages of cancer hears there’s a chance to prolong his life, wouldn’t he want to try? The Forbidden Zone we’re targeting was created by a Mountain God. There are sure to be rare herbs and medicines inside. If he can obtain them, he might survive. Risky and perhaps a bit superstitious, but it’s still a chance at life.”

Zhang Kai grinned. “You really do leave no stone unturned—always finding someone to rope in. Truly worthy of your reputation. Fine, since everything is prepared, I’ll join in. What do you need me to do?”

The fortune teller replied, “Since your expertise is in Maoshan talismans, you’ll need to craft some genuine articles. Many things inside can’t be handled by ordinary weapons. We’ve set the date for the end of the month—there’s still half a month left. Do you have enough time?”

Zhang Kai nodded. “It’s not too difficult. I’ve already made some progress. Just provide me with yellow paper, rooster’s blood or black dog’s blood, cinnabar, and the other materials, and I’ll make as many as I can.”

“Excellent! That settles it. Come, my friend, have some tea,” the fortune teller said warmly, refilling Zhang Kai’s cup.

Zhang Kai smiled and sipped his tea, but his mind was already at work.

Whatever the fortune teller’s ulterior motives, this was truly a rare opportunity.

Perhaps the others sought magical treasures or spiritual medicines, but for Zhang Kai, the only thing of true value was a divine title.

He also recalled the words left behind by the skeleton in the back of Wudang Mountain—it had mentioned several perilous Forbidden Zones. Perhaps those, too, were sanctuaries where gods, immortals, or demons were hiding from calamity. For now, he would use this opportunity to test the waters and, if it proved fruitful, quietly investigate the others on his own.