Tales of Folk Feng Shui Mysteries

Wang Yi once told me about Yuan Beitang—said he was a true eccentric. As for what kind, he was probably the closest living person to becoming a Di Xian (earth-bound immortal). The deeper a cultivator's path, the more cautious their existence. They struggle for survival on the road to immortality, terrified of interfering with karma. That's why even if they see someone heading toward death, all they'll do is give a reminder—never more, never less.

Yuan Beitang wasn't bad-looking either. With his charisma and presence, even Shiyu's parents were convinced by him. I knew, though, that his words were like a straw thrown to a drowning man—whether it worked or not, at least it was something to cling to.

We left Shisheng Temple together. Shiyu's father brought me to a black Mercedes van. He told the driver to take the car while he hailed a cab home. The rest of us got in. I don't know if Shiyu was deliberately avoiding me or just didn't care—but the moment she got in, she took the passenger seat up front. I sat in the back next to Yuan Beitang.

He sighed and said, "Don't force it. If you hadn't said those righteous things to that bald monk, I wouldn't have wanted to get involved. After all, this is fate."

"Fate?" I asked, confused.

"Your fate. You'll understand when the time comes. For now, just learn to go with the flow," he replied.

Go with the flow? That's something only enlightened monks could do. I wasn't someone who could detach from the world, nor was I ready to become a monk. How could I possibly "go with the flow"? Watching Shiyu's back, my heart felt heavy. I hadn't even told her I loved her. And now—she didn't even remember me.

Master Miaoyin said she had less than three days left. In that time, the underworld would send someone to take her away.

The van stopped in front of a luxury residential complex. Yuan Beitang turned to me and said, "Dabao, go take a walk with that girl. I've got business to handle."

"Take me with you!" I was excited. I knew formations, secret yin-yang methods, and feng shui rites. Maybe I could help.

"Just do what I say. Do you want to live or die?" he frowned.

Of course I wanted to live.

Shiyu, clearly annoyed, said, "What's there to walk for? I don't even know him!" She turned to Yuan Beitang. "Who even are you? Why do you get to tell me what to do?"

Her father snapped, scolding her, and told her to go with me. Shiyu pouted, "Fine! You all just believe their nonsense. I'm perfectly healthy! I'm not dying! Dad, don't let these people fool you!"

Her dad's face turned red with anger. Everyone knew he had high blood pressure. Shiyu finally quieted down, afraid of triggering something serious.

Once they'd entered the building, I was left alone with Shiyu. We looked at each other awkwardly. I took a breath and said, "Shiyu…"

"Hold up. Who are you? Don't call me like we're close. I don't know you," she said quickly.

"…Okay, okay." My head started throbbing.

Shiyu crossed her arms and sighed, "I don't know how you all tricked my parents, or how even Master Miaoyin got involved, but if my dad didn't have high blood pressure, I'd have called the cops already."

I chuckled sheepishly. Just days ago, I thought I'd never see her again. Now, she was here—alive, complaining, and even arguing with me. The emotional whiplash was overwhelming. Life and death… nothing tests the heart more.

"What are you laughing at? I'm talking to you!" she snapped.

"I'm done laughing," I said, pulling my smile back. Maybe my face looked so silly that it made her giggle. The two dimples in her cheeks were like spring sunshine, and for a moment, I was completely dazed.

Shiyu glared again, "You big perv." Then walked past me quickly, saying, "I'm going to get my nails done."

Like a little sidekick, I hurried to catch up. At first, she kept pushing me away, but no matter what she said, I just smiled and followed along. After an hour or two, she stopped resisting so much. She even started tolerating my presence.

Right now, all I wanted was to stay by her side. Even just watching her was enough to make me happy.

After her manicure, we headed to Taiyuan Street. As soon as we entered the underground shopping area, I realized why people always said China was crowded—everywhere I looked, it was just a sea of people. The moment you tried to stop walking, you'd be pushed forward by the crowd.

As we wandered through the bustling marketplace, I understood—Shiyu wasn't really shopping. She just liked the feeling of being surrounded by people.

We didn't talk much. But gradually, she wasn't so cold toward me anymore.

Still, I couldn't shake the weight on my chest. The thought of the underworld coming for her was like a mountain crushing my heart.

But I swore to myself—Even if I'm damned, even if longing turns to bone, even if you no longer remember me… I will still love you, as I always have.Time may pass, but my heart will not change.