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by 陈年奶泡"Let's commence swiftly, my master still needs to attend to a distinguished gentleman regarding the feng shui of his ancestral home."
Yu Jiqing, urged relentlessly, was drenched in sweat. The contact list didn't include Master Chu's landline number either. Glancing at the time again, he struggled to explain, "Masters, it truly isn't time yet. According to protocol, we must wait until the designated time before we can proceed."
It was at this very moment –
A faint voice echoed.
"I've arrived."
All eyes turned again, and there before them stepped down from the bus a young woman. She carried a red plastic bag, distinct from the other masters in their Taoist robes; her attire was simple, and she moved gracefully in a pair of retro rubber sneakers.
Has arrived?
She... She is Master Chu Da?
All present were in disbelief.
In the blink of an eye.
Chu Yuening arrived at the scene.
Yu Jiqing stared at the young girl in amazement, his eyes widening as he fumbled hastily for the name card, nearly dropping it in the process.
"Master... Master Chu?"
Having worked on two seasons of MetaPhysics Unveiled, he had never before come across such a young master!
Chu Yuening's brows softened, and she offered a gentle smile. "I am."
The crowd exchanged glances, an atmosphere of silence settling upon them.
"Master? Surely a pretense!"
Is there anyone present who is not over forty? And who among you has not earned the title of master only after surpassing that age?
Mu Rongshan sniffed coldly, "To dare call oneself a master at merely twenty-something, how truly overestimating one's abilities."
Chu Yuening turned to look, her gaze meeting Mu Rongshan's rebellious one. Instead of being angered, she laughed, "Well, surely you weren't called a master when you were in your twenties? No worries, reincarnate early and you might have a chance too."
Mu Rongshan's temper suddenly flared up.
Isn't this tantamount to cursing him to an early death right to his face?!
His anger turned into a mocking laugh. "Impudent child, you truly have the audacity of a cur!"
Chu Yuening smiled again, "Those who curse shall perish prematurely."
Mu Rongshan trembled with anger as he pointed at her, "Y-you..."
Chu Yuening ceased to engage him further, turning to Yu Jiqing with an air of helplessness as she remarked, "For some unknown reason today, I've been trying for a while but haven't managed to flag down a taxi."
In fact, she had descended the building early on to hail a taxi, only to discover that none were passing by the apartment entrance. Fearing tardiness, she was forced to opt for the bus instead.
"No problem." Qiqing glanced at the time and smiled. "We still have ten minutes until the agreed-upon time, Chu..."
He hesitated for a moment.
It was truly because Chu Yuening appeared much too young and exceedingly radiant, making him momentarily unable to utter the venerable, aged term "Master."
Master Chu Da was not late.
"That's good, then." Chu Yuening offered a faint smile.
The recording of the show officially commenced.
When all the guests had arrived, Ji Qing held up her card and greeted the camera with a warm smile. "Hi everyone, after half a year, Meta Mysteries is back in the spotlight for our audience once again!"
As he spoke, he moved forward.
"Does mysticism truly exist in this world? In the realm of feng shui, can one's life be accurately foretold through fortune-telling?"
"For this season's exploration into mysticism, we have once again invited four esteemed masters to reveal the authentic world of the unknown."
"The main focus of today's program revolves around the essence of life itself — that is, the art of fortune-telling."
"As the show begins, four cameras will follow one master as they set up their fortune-telling stall in the bustling street. We will document the entire process, allowing viewers to assess the accuracy of the master's predictions."
The camera pans across, showing four consecutive fortune-telling stalls set up along the lively Bell Tower Street.
After understanding what needed to be done, Chu Yuening felt relatively at ease, as fortune-telling is fortune-telling no matter where it takes place.
However, there was one thing that piqued her curiosity. "May I ask, who collects the payment for the fortune-telling?"
Qing Ji replied, "The production team is aware that the masters all have their own challenges and shortcomings. Hence, they'll be the ones receiving the payment for their fortune-telling services, and they're free to set their own prices."
Chu Yuening gave an acknowledging sound and found herself a table by the edge to sit down at.
Upon the platform stood a small, upright plaque, accompanied by a cup of tea.
Beside them stood Zhang Shikai, Mu Rongshan, and Guang Deye.
All three of them held a disdain for the young Chu Yuening.
"So young? Are your skills well-honed enough to dare appear on this show?"
Guang Deye sneered even more, "In today's feng shui circle, it seems anyone can be found. A mere young upstart dares to make esteemed elders like us wait?"
Mu Rongshan sneered coldly, "Young lady, I advise you to be more mindful later on. Don't make mistakes during the recording and embarrass your master."
In their perspective,
Chu Yuening, barely in her twenties, would be considered merely a child in the feng shui realm where seniority holds great weight. What true skills could she possibly possess?
They were merely seeking television exposure and fame, using their connections to land a spot on the show. Such individuals, they had encountered countless in previous episodes.
It was expected that this call would anger Chu Yuening to the point of losing her temper.
While the photographer was setting up to record a few masters, Jiqing asked them to introduce themselves.
School of Xuan Kong Flying Stars, Zhang Shikai.
"Mu Rongshan of the Vacant Truth Sect."
Guang Deye cupped his hands and replied, "Maoshan Sect."
The camera focused on the girl as she scribbled prices on a small sign with a marker, seemingly oblivious to the activities around her, until Yu Jiqing gently reminded her in a low voice.
Chu Yuening capped her pen and cast a casual glance towards the camera, "Taoist Master's descendant, Chu Yuening."
In a single sentence, astonishment gripped everyone present.
Even Yu Jiqing was taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise.
There is nothing more to it.
The Celestial Master's Sect, as the pioneering force of Taoism, holds a superior position above all other sects. The title of Celestial Master is passed down through hereditary succession, strictly adhering to the principle that "only my kin can inherit." The lineage must be kept within the family; without the bloodline of a Celestial Master, one is not eligible for the succession, thus forming the lineage of the Celestial Masters. ①
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