Mountains rose and fell, deep within the dense forest, a camp was set up.
A group of horse bandits were stationed there, living alongside snakes, rats, scorpions, and centipedes, an eerie sight.
“Who is it?!”
“Who killed my brother?!”
In the center of the camp, a shrill, venomous female voice pierced the air.
A woman with a sallow face and black teeth wiped away the black blood from the corner of her mouth, her eyes flashing with fury.
“The magic energy signature is the same, this was done by one person…”
“First you severed the divine consciousness on my soul-fixing nail, and then broke through the protective divine art I cast upon myself. I remember you, and once I recover, I will avenge this!”
…
Dawn sliced through the darkness.
Morning dew shimmered under the morning glow as a carriage rolled into Renjia Town.
At the Ren Mansion, Mu Chen met Ren Fa. There was no occurrence of the hackneyed plot points found in ordinary novels, where he would be belittled only to later overturn the situation with a dramatic reveal.
Upon seeing him, Ren Fa greeted him with such fervor that Mu Chen was flustered and a bit awkward.
When he learned that Mu Chen was from Longhu Mountain, a disciple of the Celestial Master, a contemporary Sky Walker, Ren Fa went on to praise and care for him endlessly.
Even with all this, Ren Ting Ting was still not satisfied, grumbling, “Dad, Master Mu saved me last night, you have to treat him well, don't neglect him.”
Ren Fa twitched his lips. His enthusiasm towards Mu Chen stemmed from noticing the shortage of guards and their injuries.
Coupled with Mu Chen's extraordinary aura, and his accompanying his daughter, he speculated that his daughter had encountered danger on her way home and was saved by Mu Chen…
He was already showing so much hospitality, and she still wasn't satisfied?!!!
Looking at his daughter who was shamelessly siding with the outsider, Ren Fa felt a mix of emotions. One thought dominated his mind: it’s over, my cabbage has fallen in love!
Thankfully, Mu Chen was a Taoist priest. He didn’t have to worry about his cabbage being eaten.
Mu Chen explained his purpose: “Master Ren, I've come at the request of Master Tan Bai Wan…”
He presented Ren Fa with a letter.
Ren Fa opened it and read Tan Bai Wan's account of how his family got involved with the evil and Mu Chen's extraordinary abilities.
The words were filled with admiration and heartfelt respect.
There was also a sigh about having no daughters in the letter.
For a moment, Ren Fa felt like he was witnessing a man who had found a good son-in-law, but alas, had no daughters. He was lamenting, stamping his feet and urging him to introduce the son-in-law to his friend who did have daughters.
Looking up at Mu Chen's sword-like brows and star-like eyes, a face that rivaled Pan An's, he felt the extraordinary aura surrounding Mu Chen. Ren Fa sighed. Such a son-in-law would be excellent, but… he’s a Taoist priest!
“Master Ren, I observe that Ren Mansion sits on a site that brings prosperity, with a view of a Feng Shui cave, clearly built on an excellent Feng Shui location, yet…”
“I perceive a surging Earth energy within Ren Mansion, faintly tinged with a trace of evil energy…”
“Master Ren, I presume things haven’t been easy for the Ren family all these years?”
Mu Chen steered the conversation towards the main topic. He didn't want to wait a year to deal with Ren Wei Yong, as the original plot dictated.
“Master is saying the decline of my Ren family over these nineteen years is due to Feng Shui?”
Ren Fa's expression grew serious.
The decline of the Ren family over the past years was eerily rapid!
They would always suffer major losses in unforeseen ways!
In less than twenty years, the foundation built by nine generations of hard work had been reduced by nearly half!
This was only possible due to his diligent efforts as the head of the family. If it were anyone else, the Ren family would likely be begging on the streets by now.
“Favorable Feng Shui leads to smooth sailing, peace and prosperity for all living things, while unfavorable Feng Shui leads to the decline of the home, and ruin for all.”
“As the saying goes, when times are good, even the heavens will support you, but when times are bad, even heroes struggle, and Feng Shui is the embodiment of heavenly power.”
“Currently, even the heavens are frowning upon the Ren family, how could the Ren family’s business possibly prosper?”
“If this trend continues, I believe the Ren family is not far from extinction.”
Mu Chen’s voice was calm and mellow as ever, but it sounded like the wind whistling in Ren Fa’s ears, as if he was falling into an ice cave.
His entire heart could not help but clench.
Whether it was Longhu Mountain’s reputation or his old friend’s recommendation, Ren Fa had no doubt about the truth of Mu Chen’s words.
He urged, “Please have mercy, Master, and save my Ren family. Whatever you need, I, Ren Fa, will do everything in my power to satisfy you.”
“Since I’m here, naturally, I’m willing to help you resolve this predicament.”
Mu Chen looked at Ren Fa, his eyes deep and calm: “The Earth energy originates from your ancestors buried beneath the earth. If it were to be mixed with pure energy, it would bless future generations. However, it’s mixed with evil energy, surely this is due to your ancestors being troubled. I observe that you are a man of filial piety, wouldn’t you feel conflicted about disturbing your ancestors’ eternal slumber?”
“I’m conflicted! I’m conflicted!”
“Master, just point your finger and I, Ren Fa, will excavate wherever you indicate!”
“It’s time for our ancestors to come up and bask in the sun!”
Ren Fa nodded repeatedly. In the face of the survival of his family and the continuation of the family lineage, even his ancestors would have to give way.
Mu Chen’s eyes twitched slightly. He was right, Master Ren was truly filial!
Meanwhile.
Witnessing her father, who used to be so domineering, become so submissive in front of Mu Chen, Ren Ting Ting not only didn’t feel displeased, she found it quite amusing.
She couldn't help but think the person she liked was truly amazing. That old fool of a father of hers needed to be properly disciplined!
This truly was a case of like father, like daughter