Chapter 270 - 107: Red Jade Peach
’The Red Jade Peach Tree is a mutation caused by the influence of the Dragon Pearl. Even though I let the girls eat them, it’s unlikely the secret will get out. Even if word of the Red Jade Peaches spreads, no one is likely to connect them to the Dragon Pearl. But still... isn’t it better to be cautious?’
After eating the Red Jade Peaches, the two little girls, Fang Ling and Nannan, recovered their energy. They bounced and skipped about, singing songs and reciting poems, positively hopping with joy.
One moment it was "The cicadas’ chirps call out the summer," the next it was "The Peach Blossom Immortal plants a peach tree, then plucks the blossoms to trade for wine..."
Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family and Third Lady chatted idly in the pavilion.
Fang Rui held a fishing rod, sitting at the edge of the pavilion and fishing in the pond.
Until—
The head maid, Qing Yun, suddenly rushed over in a flurry and told Fang Rui, "Master, there are two people outside who flew here on firebirds! They want to see you!"
...
Fang Rui went out and immediately saw the firebirds Qing Yun had mentioned.
They were two large birds with fiery red feathers. Their bellies and beaks were gold, and when the sunlight hit them, they looked like flowing flames.
They really did look just like two firebirds!
’Red feathers, golden beak, shimmering like fire in the light... This is an Exotic Beast—the Red-Feathered Golden Eagle!’
After half a year of discussions with Ge Changgeng, Fang Rui was no longer the ignorant man he once was. He could recognize almost all the creatures in the Exotic Beast Catalogue, and upon seeing these two great birds, the information surfaced in his mind subconsciously.
’Exotic Beasts are extraordinary. Anyone who can use them as mounts must be even more so!’
Fang Rui turned his gaze to the two visitors.
The one in front was a young man in his twenties, dressed in white. He had the refined air of polished jade, but his eyes held a devil-may-care cynicism, as if he looked down on everything. There was also a domineering, scornful quality to him, and he had a powerful aura.
The other man was in his forties or fifties, with graying temples and an unremarkable face, but his eyes were exceptionally bright. Moreover, he seemed to possess a kind of... immortal aura.
Yes, an immortal aura!
The feeling he gave off was quite similar to that of a Second Grade Pure Martial Artist unleashing their full presence, yet it was also different.
If a Second Grade Pure Martial Artist gave off a feeling that emphasized cleanness and flawlessness, then this man’s presence was more prominent in its ethereal, otherworldly quality.
An ordinary person, upon seeing him, would most likely prostrate themselves in worship, mistaking him for an Immortal.
’These two are no ordinary men.’
Fang Rui thought to himself, but his expression remained completely placid. Neither servile nor overbearing, he asked, "And you two are?"
"My name is Zhen Daoji, and this is my second uncle..." the young man in white began.
"I am Zhen Yi," the other, middle-aged man said, cupping his fists in salute.
’Their surname is Zhen?!’
Fang Rui’s heart skipped a beat. He instantly thought of what Zhou Changfa had said about the new Director of the Divine Capture Bureau. However, a Second Grade Martial Artist’s control over his expression was impeccable, and he revealed nothing.
"What brings you two here?"
"We were passing by high above and saw that this garden has excellent feng shui, as if designed by a master. As we flew closer, we heard a woman’s voice reciting poetry and came to pay our respects to the Peach Blossom Immortal in this Peach Blossom Garden!"
As Zhen Daoji spoke, he looked Fang Rui up and down.
Evidently, as they drew near, they had happened to hear the two little girls, Fang Ling and Nannan, reciting the "Peach Blossom Poem."
"Truly a person of refinement. You have your own unique bearing, and your Qi Fortune is deeply hidden," Zhen Yi added with a nod.
"Qi Fortune?!" Fang Rui subconsciously murmured aloud.
"The Emperor defined the Qi Fortune of the world, and since then, people have been born into different classes. The lowest have gray-white Qi Fortune, while the highest have blue-purple."
Zhen Daoji said casually, "However, this is a minor art. Qi Fortune can be changed after birth. Human effort can defy the will of heaven."
To speak of such secrets so casually, as if listing family heirlooms, was enough to leave one deeply shaken.
’This man’s breadth of knowledge might even surpass that of Daoist Ge.’
Fang Rui mused to himself, then shook his head with a laugh. In a joking tone, he said, "Since you put it that way, why don’t you two take a look at my Qi Fortune?"
"Second Uncle?" Zhen Daoji looked at Zhen Yi.
"I cannot see it."
Zhen Yi shook his head frankly. "Those with special Destiny Charts, formidable strength, high positions, or rare treasures in their possession... people like that have their Qi Fortune deeply hidden and difficult to perceive. Like a Flood Dragon, which even a Demi-Immortal cannot see!"
"However, based on your facial features, it seems you had an Innate deficiency, which has now been remedied. Furthermore, you faced a fatal calamity, which it appears you have also overcome."
"If you can remain cautious and kind to others, you should enjoy a long and blessed life."
’This Zhen Yi... he’s really something else!’
Fang Rui was slightly alarmed, but he said, "Daoist, you must be pulling my leg. That’s just a stock phrase."
"If I really do have a ’long and blessed life,’ it’s because I was ’cautious and kind.’ If not, it’s because I wasn’t. Either way, you’re right."
He shook his head with a smile. "I prefer to believe that man’s will can conquer the heavens."
"’Man’s will can conquer the heavens!’ A fine saying!"
Zhen Daoji laughed. "You’re right. Observing qi and reading faces are but minor arts; they mostly reveal superficial phenomena. The world’s fascination lies in its infinite variables. How can anyone possibly see everything?"
"Putting aside other things, the malice of a powerful figure or a sudden disaster, be it natural or man-made, can change a person’s Qi Fortune in an instant."
"Power, Qi Fortune—in the end, they are all external things. The only thing you can truly rely on is your own strength. Let a thousand obstacles and ten thousand calamities come; I will smash them all with a single punch!"
His name was Dao Ji, meaning "the ultimate of Martial Arts," so it was no surprise he held such a belief.
"Haha, there’s a saying: ’Within ten paces, you’re sure to find fragrant herbs.’ I never thought I’d meet a kindred spirit today. You two must be weary from your journey. If you don’t mind, please come in and have a couple of peaches to quench your thirst."
"Haha, wonderful!"
"Our thanks to the host."
Zhen Daoji and Zhen Yi ate a few peaches, made small talk for a moment, then rose and announced their departure.
"We have eaten five of your peaches. As courtesy demands reciprocity, we will give you five Jade Talismans in return."
Just as they were leaving, Zhen Yi smiled and flicked his sleeve, sending five Jade Talismans flying out.
The five Jade Talismans—two green, two gold, and one red—were revealed to be: two Light Body Jade Talismans, two Golden Bell Jade Talismans, and one Fireball Jade Talisman.