Fate, Schemes, and Secret Arts
Lately, Fang Jin Yu had been devoting every spare moment to the arduous study of the pill-refinement techniques—an indispensable skill in the pursuit of immortality. His days were filled with the endless rituals and detailed incantations required for alchemy, but there was another art he had long mastered: the art of concealing one's true nature and abilities. In the world of cultivators, it was never enough merely to be talented; one had to know how to hide one's power until the proper moment revealed it, for subtlety was as vital as strength.
Yet, on this day, Fang Jin Yu harbored no thought of further concealing his inner self. His mind was clear, his motivations set; for while most might hide behind a gentle façade or feign oblivion in times of trouble, he understood all too well that sometimes one must reveal a sliver of one's true might in order to navigate the treacherous paths of the cultivation realm. Even the proverbial "playing dumb" strategy had its time and place—but in his current situation, there was not even a whisper of hubris about him. In fact, he was determined to leave no hints or secret schemes hidden away. His true nature would soon show, not through modesty but through calculated revelation.
It was common in this rough-and-tumble world that to openly display one's cultivation prowess could ward off many unnecessary troubles. Within this setting, where rival cultivators and scheming merchants lurked at every corner, a hint of power was often the best shield. And of course, another reason for his nonchalant display was the exquisite beauty that walked by his side—a woman whose radiance and allure captured attention even in the most unremarkable of places. Although once a blossoming maiden, her transformation into a refined young married woman had in no way dulled her charm. In fact, her matured beauty carried with it an enticing aura, one that struck at a man's heart like the gentle but persistent scratch of a feline's paw. Just one glance was enough to stir hidden feelings deep within, inviting admiration and secret longing in those who dared to look.
Fang Jin Yu was well aware of the paradox that lay before him. Many a cultivator, even those in the early realms—from the Qi Condensation stage to the foundational establishment—the earliest steps in the arduous journey of cultivation, were all too human in their desires and appetites. Despite their supernatural abilities, these practitioners often burned with passions and cravings far beyond what ordinary mortals experienced. With desires for majestic palaces, sumptuous attire, and a life bathed in luxury, they pursued the finer things with the intensity of a man possessed. More than just surviving, they wanted to thrive in every possible sense.
At a weathered stall set up along the bustling side street of a marketplace, a vendor of cultivated goods had frozen mid-deal as Fang Jin Yu approached. With a measured tone laced in casual confidence, he declared, "I'll buy it all, then—let's tally up the cost!" His voice carried not only the authority of his skill level but also the subtle audacity of a man who knew the value of both power and investment.
The stall owner, trembling at the prospect of offending such a respected figure, quickly replied, "Yes, Senior—your total comes to thirty spirit stones." There was an evident mix of reluctance and admiration in his tone as he handed the wrapped goods over to a young attendant named Du Man'er. In the vendor's mind, it was natural for a woman of lower cultivation—especially one so striking—to be seen as little more than the attendant for a senior cultivator. Such transactions were routine in the cultivation world: using beauty as a means of exchange, a sort of currency in which favors and protection were the true goods traded.
Fang Jin Yu retrieved the thirty spirit stones from his pouch, and without pausing a moment longer, he turned on his heel and departed. The click of his boots on the stone pathway echoed his silent satisfaction—this was commerce as much as it was the beginning of a long-term strategy.
Only a short while later, as he traversed a secluded alley far from the immediate hustle of the market, Du Man'er's voice, soft yet inquisitive, broke the quiet. "Senior, might it be that there's something extraordinary hidden within this bundle?" Her tone held both genuine curiosity and the cautious hope of someone who had already witnessed a deception or two in the labyrinthine alleys of the dark markets.
Fang Jin Yu offered a subtle smile, his eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and calculated benevolence. "Well, I won't reveal all my secrets, but later, take a close look. And if you happen to find something special, then I promise to share half of it with you."
Du Man'er's eyes widened with gratitude and excitement. "Thank you, Senior!" she whispered, almost as an incantation of hope. Although she doubted whether she possessed the keen insight to detect anything truly remarkable, the opportunity to broaden her understanding—and thus become less vulnerable to deception—was too enticing to pass up. After all, every setback taught her something valuable; even the sting of a small defeat was a lesson learned, a new chapter in the long journey of cultivation.
It was well known that after her recent misadventure in the notorious dark bazaar—a place rife with unsuspected traps and charlatan tricksters—Du Man'er had acquired a newly cautious outlook. The trials of that day had imparted a heightened sense of vigilance, a new armor forged from the knowledge and experience that came with being deceived. And as fate would have it, that very caution was best tempered by exposure and experience. The more one saw of the world's guile, the less likely one was to fall prey to it. In witnessing the complexities and hidden agendas behind every transaction, a cultivator's eyes grew sharper for both danger and the unexpected charms that lay beneath the surface.
What Du Man'er did not know, however, was that her revered "Senior" was more than just a reticent, honest man. The very image he projected—a man of integrity and steadfastness—was a meticulously maintained facade. With an outward appearance of sincerity, Fang Jin Yu cleverly masked his true intentions. For beneath that calm exterior lay a mind that was always calculating, always plotting. He had mastered not only the techniques of cultivation but also the art of human relations. True, he sometimes allowed an honest person's air to radiate from him, yet that honesty was deeply interwoven with a cunning purpose: to fatten up his protégés, to nurture potential that would eventually become useful in his own grand designs.
The two eventually found a secluded spot away from prying eyes. In the privacy of this quiet place, away from the distractions of the marketplace, they began to unwrap the precious bundle. Fang Jin Yu, as was his custom, took the lead in examining the contents. He lifted one item after another—each seemingly ordinary, each conforming perfectly to its outward form. With each inspection he muttered softly, "Not this… not that…" as his discerning eyes searched for the one hidden gem that he believed must be present.
After several items had been rejected as nothing more than commonplace wares, it was Du Man'er's turn. Hesitantly, with a mixture of enthusiasm and trepidation, she reached for a scroll—a bamboo slip that appeared dirty and unremarkable at first glance. With careful, almost ritualistic, strokes she wiped away the grime. In doing so, she unwittingly activated a hidden magical restriction inherent within the slip's ancient design. In that miraculous moment, the slip's true nature was unveiled: what had once appeared as an unassuming bamboo scroll transformed before their eyes into a resplendent jade slip, its surface imbued with the patina of antiquity and an air of mystique that resonated with timeless secrets.
Beside her, Fang Jin Yu exhaled a soft laugh—a sound that mingled both amusement and the satisfaction of a plan unfolding as expected. "Ha…" he murmured, a quiet acknowledgment that his hunch had been right all along. For he had always suspected that the so-called "clue arrow" had vanished the moment it touched the stall, leaving him uncertain which of the items held true destiny. Yet, in his quiet confidence, he had believed that it was only a matter of time before the one destined to reveal itself would do so. And indeed, though Du Man'er knew nothing of the inner workings of hidden arrays, fate had indeed conspired in the way prescribed by ancient routines. This was the old, time-worn pattern—one that had passed through the generations of cultivators.
Du Man'er, now holding the luminous jade slip, could scarcely contain her wonder. Rather than keep the discovery to herself, she quickly passed it to Fang Jin Yu, as if acknowledging that its significance was far beyond her own humble grasp. For this was no mere talisman or decorative artifact—it bore the weight of one of cultivation's most mysterious and coveted arts: the Fate Calculation Technique.
In the world of cultivators, the Fate Calculation Technique was not simply the art of reading fortunes or divining one's future through trinkets and vague omens. Rather, it was a profound method rooted in one's own spiritual luck and internal qi, capable not only of predicting auspicious or adverse events in one's life but also of cloaking one's very fate in shadows. The practitioner who mastered this arcane art could, in effect, sense looming danger through an acute awareness of his own qi fluctuations, or conversely, experience an almost preternatural sense of boon when fortune smiled upon him. Even more intriguingly, the technique could be used to obfuscate the very art of fate calculation against adversaries—so that even when standing face-to-face with an opponent, one might remain inscrutable, concealed behind layers of destiny unknown.
Fang Jin Yu regarded the jade slip with an expression that betrayed both admiration and pragmatic calculation. "The Fate Calculation Technique is indeed elusive, almost intangible," he intoned in a measured tone, "but once it is imprinted on the mind, consider it complete. You must memorize it thoroughly and then destroy the slip. If you can master its secrets, learn from it; if not, do not force the matter." His words, though delivered in an air of casual detachment, carried the weight of conviction. Here was a technique that even he—whose mind was as sharp as the finest blade honed over years of cultivation—had only partly unraveled. He had committed its essence to memory, yet the true depths of its mystery still eluded him. It was, after all, one of the most enigmatic arts within the vast tapestry of the cultivation world.
Du Man'er, still trembling with a mix of astonishment and reverence, repeated softly, "Thank you, Senior…" Her voice was laden with gratitude that bordered on disbelief. Up until that very moment, she had viewed her mentor as nothing more than a kindly, if somewhat aloof, figure. But now, seeing him genuinely offer her half of this miraculous discovery as a token of trust—or perhaps as a calculated maneuver to foster her growth—her heart brimmed with both admiration and a newfound faith in his sincerity. In her eyes, there was not even a trace of base desire or ulterior motive, just the pure expression of generosity that she had painfully come to associate with the honorable traditions of cultivation.
Yet, hidden behind that apparent benevolence, Fang Jin Yu harbored a secret plan. In his mind, Du Man'er was an investment—a promising seed fated to grow into something of tremendous value. At merely the first level of Qi cultivation, she had already received a rare opportunity, one akin to the fabled "Life-Extending Pill," an opportunity that came once in a lifetime. And as if that were not enough, as she advanced further to the second level of cultivation, the powerful Fate Calculation Technique would reveal itself, something so rare that typically only the grand patriarchs of the Yuan-Nian realm ever possessed such a gift. In the natural progression of cultivation—from the early Qi Condensation stage to the later, more exalted levels of Foundation Establishment and beyond—the benefits that awaited her were beyond ordinary imagination. With this secret art in her arsenal, her chances of outmaneuvering both fate and her enemies would increase exponentially.
Fang Jin Yu's mind worked with cold precision as he envisioned the future. With two promising "children of fate" under his subtle dominion—one burgeoning quietly in his own powers and the other poised to wrestle fate on equal terms—the prospect of pitting these adversaries against one another promised him benefits that were immeasurable in the chaotic realm of cultivation. He mused darkly that, in the end, there was perhaps no more profitable investment than nurturing a destiny that could be manipulated and exploited in his favor.
Eventually, the two parted ways for the moment. Du Man'er, her heart still alight with hope and reverence, returned to her family home to meet her parents, while Fang Jin Yu sought out a secluded retreat away from prying eyes. Under the cover of solitude, he planned to continue his meditation and contemplation on the Fate Calculation Technique. In his mind, even if he never managed to master it in its entirety, he could at least devise a rudimentary "Fate Calculation 1" move—a modest offering that could buy him precious time, if nothing else.
Sitting cross-legged in a quiet, dim corner under the light of a waning moon, Fang Jin Yu allowed his thoughts to wander along the intricate paths of fate and technique. In his reflection, the technique seemed as ephemeral as mist—promising vast, unpredictable power if only one's internal qi and karmic fortune were sufficiently strong. He recalled, with a tinge of melancholy and calculated determination, that he had once believed he completely understood the technique. Yet, the more he delved into its core secrets, the more he realized that it was a mystery even the most cunning cultivators could scarcely claim to have unraveled fully. This hidden art, shrouded in mystery and specially tailored for those who dared to gamble their fate, was indeed one of the cultivation world's most profound enigmas.
As he continued to brood on its intricacies, Fang Jin Yu's mind already began to draw connections to the future. Imagine—a future where Du Man'er, nurtured under his guidance, blossomed through the early levels of Qi Condensation, gradually ascending toward the rarified heights of the Foundation Establishment stage, and eventually transcending into realms that only whisper of legend. There, at each pivotal moment, the Fate Calculation Technique would not only safeguard her but also enhance her intuitive capabilities. In a world where danger and opportunity were two sides of the same coin, the ability to sense imminent peril was as priceless as any cultivated treasure. And with both of them—master and protégé—bound by fate yet separated by hidden agendas, the complex interplay of destiny and ambition might one day spark an unforeseen conflict. After all, even as one grows dear to a mentor, the inevitable clash of rising talents can yield benefits to those lurking in the shadows.
At that moment, in the solitude of his retreat, Fang Jin Yu smiled inwardly. "If I ever cannot grasp the full profundity of this art, I will simply conjure a basic 'Fate Calculation 1' move, and that might just be enough to skirt the edge of danger." His tone was half-musing, half-resolute—the sound of a man who had tucked away potential failure behind a veil of ingenuity. To him, every bit of the future—even the secret misfortunes of enemies—was a piece on the grand chessboard of destiny, a board upon which he intended to maneuver with unerring precision.
Thus, with the silent promise of future intrigues swirling in his mind, Fang Jin Yu resumed his practice, his eyes reflecting the flickering light of determination and cunning. The jade slip—now a potent symbol of the mysterious Fate Calculation Technique—had been entrusted to Du Man'er, an act that, on the surface, appeared benign yet was steeped in calculated generosity. It was his way of ensuring that her progress would eventually serve his long-term designs. Even as her heart brimmed with admiration for a mentor who seemed so honest and upright, little did she know that his true schemes ran deeper than the ancient arts he studied.
Over the course of many nights and in the quiet hours when the world around was hushed by slumber, Fang Jin Yu's mind revisited the intricate formulas and ethereal principles embedded within the Fate Calculation Technique. He recalled legends of old cultivators who once wielded such forbidden arts, using them to both divine their imminent fortunes and obscure the workings of their hidden adversaries. Those ancient masters had understood that controlling one's own fate—and the fate of those around them—could turn the tides of destiny itself. It was, in essence, the ultimate gambit in a world where power was measured not only by brute strength but by insight and foresight.
In his private meditation, Fang Jin Yu visualized a series of delicate, interwoven patterns of light and shadow—a metaphysical tapestry where each strand was a pathway of destiny waiting to be unraveled. Every time he closed his eyes, he could almost hear the quiet whispers of fate stirring in the darkness. The ancient jade slip had, for a moment, served as a bridge between the visible and the invisible realms. Though its secrets were manifold, its core principle was simple: the alignment of one's inner qi with the currents of destiny could reveal hidden dangers before they struck—and even more tantalizingly, could signal when fortune was smiling upon the one who mastered it.
As he delved ever deeper into contemplation, Fang Jin Yu's thoughts turned not only to the technique itself but also to the implications of having nurtured a promising, fate-laden protégé. He envisioned future rivalries, alliances forged and broken, and a turbulent interplay between power and destiny that would ultimately reshape the very foundations of the cultivation world. In his mind's eye, the seeds he had sown in Du Man'er would one day blossom into influences far beyond her modest beginnings. And in this grand design, both mentor and disciple would find themselves drawn inexorably into a vortex of ambition, betrayal, and sublime transformation.
In the days that followed, the memory of that fateful encounter in the secluded alley lingered for Du Man'er like a delicate fragrance—both mysterious and bittersweet. Returning to her family, she recounted nothing of the jade slip or the whispered promise of shared destiny. Instead, she kept its secret close, cherishing it as a symbol of hope and discovery. At home, she devoted herself to her cultivation with renewed zest, quietly revisiting the events of the day and pondering their hidden significance. Every time she closed her eyes in meditation, images of luminous jade and cryptic symbols danced before her inner vision. Was this secret technique a blessing? A potential burden? Deep within, the question echoed: Would mastering this elusive art bring her strength, or would it forewarn her of dangers yet unseen?
In the busy hours of the marketplace and on quiet, starlit nights alike, Du Man'er's thoughts often returned to the day's events. The vivid image of Fang Jin Yu's impassive yet calculating gaze, the delicate sound of his soft laughter upon discovering the jade slip's secret, and the whispered promise of an equally shared destiny—all of these intertwined to create an internal tapestry that was both thrilling and anxiety-inducing. She realized that her journey in cultivation was not merely about accumulating power or refining skills for the sake of longevity—it was also about navigating the intricate webs of fate, alliances, and betrayals that defined the realm of immortals.
For Fang Jin Yu, every step of his strategy was preciously calculated. His benevolence was simply a means to an end—a necessary artifice to ensure that those around him, even those he considered his protégés, would eventually serve his broader ambitions. In his inner monologue, he often mused that the cultivation world was governed not by brute force alone, but by the subtler arts of persuasion, deception, and timing. To invest in a "child of fate" was not merely an act of kindness; it was a calculated, almost cold investment in the future. The seeds of power, once planted and nurtured, would one day yield fruits far more valuable than mere spirit stones.
Even as Du Man'er embraced the newfound responsibility of the jade slip's secret, the world around them continued its relentless churn. Rival cultivators hustled between stalls and shadowed alleyways, each with their own hidden ambitions and secret techniques. The marketplace was an ever-shifting stage where fortunes rose and fell with the cadence of qi, and every encounter was a lesson in survival. Within this intricate dance, displaying one's cultivation openly—when done judiciously—could serve as both shield and sword, disarming latent enemies before they had a chance to act.
In time, every practice session in the solitude of his retreat, every quiet moment spent poring over ancient texts and meditating on the unseen forces of fate, further deepened Fang Jin Yu's understanding of his own limitations and potential. He was well aware that, for all his expertise, the Fate Calculation Technique was an enigma that had confounded even the most revered masters in the past. But perhaps, with time and further refinement of his inner qi, he might unlock its full potential. And if that were the case, he mused, then he would not only secure his own position in the turbulent hierarchy of cultivators but also wield an influence that could tip the scales in any conflict that fate might decree.
As days melted into nights and seasons passed with the slow inevitability of destiny itself, the seeds planted in that moment of clandestine transaction gradually began to unfurl. Du Man'er, now more determined than ever, committed herself to the arduous path of cultivation with an almost desperate fervor. Each time she sat down in seclusion to meditate, the image of that ancient jade slip flickered like a beacon in her mind—a silent reminder of both the challenge and the promise that had been entrusted to her. With each incremental gain, her understanding of her own latent potential deepened, and her connection to the mysterious art of fate calculation began to hum with untapped energy.
In those quiet moments, the mentor and protégé might have seemed worlds apart, yet an undercurrent of destiny subtly bound their fates together. Fang Jin Yu's earlier act of "generosity" was not born of spontaneous goodwill but of a long-term strategy that was as dark as it was intricate. He calculated that in time, as Du Man'er advanced from a mere practitioner of Qi Condensation to a formidable force on the foundational path, his own fortunes—and those of his carefully nurtured progeny—would soar. And should fate ever bring the two "children of fortune" into direct confrontation, the results would be as detrimental to his rivals as they were advantageous to his own carefully woven plans.
For now, however, the stage was set: Du Man'er had her secret jade slip, an arcane instrument of the Fate Calculation Technique, and the corridors of destiny beckoned her forward with both promise and peril. Fang Jin Yu, meanwhile, returned once more to the solitude of his meditation chamber, his mind afire with thoughts of what the future might hold. His eyes, deep and intent as they followed the swirling patterns of qi in the moonlit dark, betrayed nothing of the schemes swirling beneath his calm exterior. Yet within that silent resolve was the knowledge that every decision made, every lesson learned in those precious moments of seclusion, would eventually pave the way to a destiny of unimaginable power and influence.
In sum, the events of that day in the bustling marketplace and the hushed retreat that followed were more than a mere transaction—they were a microcosm of the intricate, often treacherous, world of cultivation. A realm where even a seemingly simple act of purchasing goods could be laden with hidden meanings, where beauty and power intermingled in delicate balance, and where each action, no matter how trivial it might seem, had far-reaching implications in the grand tapestry of fate.
As the night deepened and the gentle murmur of the nocturnal winds carried whispers of distant realms, both Fang Jin Yu and Du Man'er moved inexorably toward their respective destinies. One sought to refine and control an ancient art that could alter the very fabric of fate itself, while the other, her heart filled with earnest hope and quiet determination, embarked on a journey where every step would test her resolve and shape her future in ways unimaginable.
The marketplace, the secluded alley, the dusty bamboo scroll now transmuted into a luminous jade slip—each element was a symbol of the forces at play in the cultivation world. Here, power was rarely measured by physical strength alone; instead, it was the hidden currents of destiny, the delicate interplay of spiritual energy and fate's design, that determined the true marks of a cultivator. And for Fang Jin Yu, whose mind was as calculating as it was brilliant, every encounter was an opportunity—a chance to plant a seed that would eventually grow into a towering edifice of influence.
Over time, the delicate threads of fate would weave themselves into a story of ambition, rivalry, and the eternal dance between mentors and their disciples. In that grand narrative, the secret artistry of fate calculation might not only serve as a personal shield but also as a weapon to tip the balance of power in a world where destiny was both a boon and a curse. And as the night gave way to the silent promise of a new dawn, the intricate plot laid by Fang Jin Yu and the silent aspirations of Du Man'er merged into a single, compelling saga—one that would be told in hushed tones among cultivators for generations to come.
Thus, amid the ceaseless march of time and the ever-shifting fortunes of the cultivation realm, one truth remained clear: fate favored not the merely strong, but those who dared to master the unseen arts of survival, who could read the subtle signals of destiny and bend them to their will. In that vast, mysterious expanse of cosmic design, every small gesture—from a simple transaction in a crowded marketplace to the confidential sharing of an ancient jade slip—held the potential to change everything. And in this twilight zone, where both ambition and compassion mingled with cunning and deceit, the journey toward immortality was as much a battle of wits as it was of raw power.
In closing, the saga of Fang Jin Yu and Du Man'er was not just about accumulating power or perfecting one's cultivation—it was a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between trust and treachery, between the desire to protect and the ambition to conquer. For within every act of apparent kindness lay the seeds of a future confrontation, and within every secret shared, a hidden opportunity to reshape destiny itself.
As the moon sailed high in the star-spangled sky, casting its pale glow over the ancient paths of the immortal realm, both mentor and protégé continued their solitary journeys. Each, in his or her own way, was destined to face challenges that would test the limits of their understanding and force them to confront the eternal question: how much of one's fate is predetermined, and how much can be remolded by sheer will and acumen?
And so, on that night, as the echo of whispered promises mingled with the soft murmur of the wind and the distant sound of transformative meditation, the fate of countless lives—woven intricately through secret arts, whispered alliances, and the silent, steady march toward enlightenment—was set into motion. The ancient jade slip, now a beacon of untapped potential, shone as a reminder that within every seemingly insignificant moment, destiny awaited its cue to unfold in spectacular, unrehearsed ways.