The old blind Taoist was packing his stall, glancing at the last fortune stick.
Two lines of prediction: Blooming of otherworldly flowers reflects dood love; Drying waters of oblivion brings eternal rest; Stars sinking in erald seas shatter realms of affection; Jade shattering at Kunlun turns dreams into dust.
The old Taoist shook his head and sighed, "Alas, a whole day of divination, and the last one turns out to be the worst possible..."
As he was muttering, a shadow suddenly lood over him. He raised his head in confusion, greeted by an overwhelmingly beautiful face filled with hostility—a clear sign of trouble.
The old Taoist shrank back in fear, "Do you wish to know your fortune, good sir? I’m done for the day..."
Before he could finish, Declan Pierce grabbed him impatiently by the collar.
"That girl who just sought her fortune, what did it say? Lie to and I’ll make sure both your eyes go blind."
The old Taoist answered timidly and truthfully, "The lady wanted to know her romantic fate... She spoke of soone she really likes, uncertain of their future together."
Declan’s expression shifted slightly, "And then?"
The old Taoist found the stick and handed it over, his face innocent, "It’s heaven’s will that she received the worst sign, I could only interpret it for her... Ouch!"
Before the old Taoist could finish, Declan pulled him closer.
"Go find her, and have her draw a new fortune stick. Whatever she wishes for, I want her to receive the best sign."
The old Taoist looked troubled, "Sir, that defies fate; there will be consequences!"
At this, Declan chuckled coldly, his dark eyes narrowing arrogantly.
"I’m not sure what consequence there is for offending the heavens, but if you offend , you’ll find out imdiately."
The old Taoist: "..."
On the other side, Tanya Sinclair was gazing at the towering pagoda, her mood subdued as she sighed quietly and prayed with closed eyes. Suddenly, soone tapped her shoulder from behind.
Tanya turned to see the smiling face of the old Taoist.
Old Taoist: "Miss, as I was closing my stall, I suddenly rembered today is a special day, so the stick you drew earlier doesn’t count. You should draw another."
Tanya, half-skeptical, "Really?"
"Of course. I’ve been interpreting sticks here for twenty years; would I lie to a young girl? That previous one doesn’t count. Draw again, since I’ve accepted your paynt, I’m responsible to the end."
Tanya closed her eyes reverently and drew another fortune stick.
[Beneath the Bodhi boat where old causes resolve, upon the path of reincarnation, certifying this heart. At the naless river where one turns back, wind and water clear from this life forward.]
The old Taoist took a look and congratulated, "Ah, this is the best sign. After great adversity, you and your wished-for person will find true freedom and light."
Tanya visibly relaxed, smiling, "Thank you. This fortune is very important to ."
"Tanya." A familiar voice sounded from behind.
Tanya turned and saw Declan Pierce walking with his hands in his pockets. She thus missed the old Taoist flinching when he saw Declan.
"Declan!" Tanya greeted him happily, showing him her fortune stick, "I drew the best fortune for us."
Declan gazed deeply at her, pulling at the corners of his mouth.
"That’s good."
Tanya: "The previous stick I drew wasn’t great, but the old sage said it didn’t count, and I should draw again. Thank you, old sage."
Declan glanced at the old man before them.
"Thank you, old sage."
The old Taoist hurriedly waved his hand, "It’s all heaven’s will; fate acts, and I follow along. Wishing you both a blissful union. I shall take my leave now."
With that said, the old Taoist promptly slipped away.
Declan held Tanya’s slightly cool hand, slipping it into his pocket, accompanying her on a leisurely tour before they descended the mountain.
On the way, Tanya curiously asked, "By the way, what did Master Arion talk to you about privately?"
Declan replied coolly, "He invited for tea, recited so scriptures. Quite dull."
Tanya: "This is a sacred place of Bodham, we should show respect."
Suddenly, she held an air of reverence.
Declan glanced at her, chuckling, "Ms. Sinclair, the materialist, starting to believe in mysticism?"
Tanya was about to speak when Declan said, "Hold on."
He stepped forward and naturally bent to tie her untied shoelaces.
Tanya gazed at the figure before her, smiling slightly, yet a naless bitterness surged within her heart.
The closer one approaches happiness, the more cautious they beco.
"Declan."
"Hm?"
"I made a pact with The Buddha; from now on, I will continuously believe."
If The Buddha is willing to keep protecting you...
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