Chapter 27: Former Ties

"Qiyue, you must understand that in our line of work, the most terrifying things are not the demons and ghosts, but the human heart itself!"

"Qiyue, you know why your grandfather, despite his heaven-defying skills, was forced to retreat into seclusion in the mountains. It was because he offended people he could not afford to provoke."

Uncle Hu lit a cigarette and continued, "Back in the day, your grandfather was the most formidable Feng Shui master in the entire Northeast. His abilities were truly extraordinary, enough to command the heavens and the earth. Yet, even so, he offended powerful figures—people he simply could not cross."

"You are the successor to Old Master Chen’s physiognomy arts. You must never let the Feng Shui world know that you possess the potential to reach the heavens; otherwise, it will surely bring you a fatal disaster. This is my advice: you must learn to hide yourself now."

"As long as you lack the strength to protect yourself, you must never be too conspicuous."

A tree that stands above the forest will be broken by the wind.

When my grandfather was alive, he often told me that I must learn to conceal my true strength. At the very least, until my Profound Yang Energy reaches the state of 'Heaven’s Mandate,' I must not reveal my true capabilities.

Grandfather taught me to be patient and endure. Only then, one day, would I be able to return like a tiger to the mountains, or a python turning into a dragon.

"Don't worry, Uncle Hu, I know what I'm doing."

After saying this, I went into my room and locked the door.

I don't know if it was because I had drained my vitality using the Yin-Yang Tracking Secret Technique today, or if my consciousness had been damaged by that woman in red, but I fell into a very deep sleep.

When I opened my eyes again, it was already the afternoon of the next day.

Just as I woke up and was preparing to go out for a bite to eat, a violent knocking sounded at the door. It made me instantly tense up. Could it be that the Hu family had attracted new enemies?

Fearing that something had happened to Hu Jun, I hurriedly opened the door. To my surprise, the first person I saw was Liu Qingqing.

I don't know how she found this place, but looking at her, it seemed as if she had just been crying. Could it be that some evil entity was still causing trouble at her home? That shouldn't be possible. Before I left their house, I had clearly purged all the witchcraft and evil energy from them.

Could it be that the witch doctor from Miao had returned to cause trouble for the Liu family?

"Qingqing, what is going on? Didn't I already deal with the evil energy in your house?"

I ushered her into the room and poured her a glass of water. Fearing someone might disturb us, I closed the door.

"Qiyue, I regret it. I shouldn't have broken off our engagement. Are you willing to give me another chance? Just one chance is all I ask."

Liu Qingqing sobbed softly, tears streaming down her cheeks. Although I was usually carefree and fearless, seeing her weep in my arms left me at a loss. I wanted to pat her shoulder to comfort her, but I didn't know how to begin.

After about two minutes of awkward silence, she gradually regained her composure. She looked up at me and said earnestly, "Qiyue, I didn't believe in ghosts or gods before. But after what happened these past few days, I believe they are real. Can we still be together? I promise I will listen to you from now on."

I wanted to refuse her, but seeing her aggrieved expression, the words died in my throat.

"Qingqing, once the bond of marriage between us is severed, it is very difficult to mend."

I didn't reject her outright, but my tone carried a trace of helplessness. I wanted her to realize the difficulty and give up; after all, there was no going back for us.

"I'm not afraid, Brother Qiyue. I will prove myself. I will make you fall in love with me all over again."

Liu Qingqing said with a flushed face, her voice trembling. I smiled helplessly. How could a kite with a broken string ever return to one's hand?

Seeming to sense the change in my expression, she forced a faint, self-deprecating smile and said in a dejected voice, "Brother Qiyue, no matter what you think, I want to get to know you again. I hope you can accept me once more."

After saying this, she covered her face and ran out of the room. However, just as she reached the gate of the Hu courtyard, she turned back and said, "Brother Qiyue, my father wants me to be with Chen Feng. He says it's the only way to save our family. But I don't want to be with him."

"I don't like him, and I don't want to marry him. But if I don't go with him, our family is doomed. Brother Qiyue, what should I do?"

She spoke with a sense of hopelessness. From my reaction earlier, she had clearly guessed that there was no chance for us anymore.

"Brother Qiyue, I want you to help me. But if you are unwilling, I won't blame you. After all, I am the one who failed you!"

She left with a look of longing on her face. She was still hoping I would save her from this fiery pit.

"Brother Qiyue, I know this is difficult for you. The Chen family is a top-tier Feng Shui clan in the provincial capital; offending them leads only to a dead end. But I still hope to be with you."

"I will wait for you at home until twelve tomorrow. If you don't come, I will commit suicide. Even in death, I will not be with Chen Feng."

With that, she walked away, her figure looking desolate. My heart ached as I watched her go, and I decided to visit the Liu house tomorrow.

Saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. After all, she and I were once betrothed, and I couldn't bear to watch her fall into such a trap. At the very least, she shouldn't lose her life over her family's affairs.

Just as I was wondering how to intervene, Uncle Hu walked over from his room. It turned out he was the one who had told Liu Qingqing everything. I didn't know why he had done this, but I saw a flicker of certainty in his eyes. He must have had his own plan. I decided to trust him, as I knew Uncle Hu would never deceive me.

"Qiyue, you're awake? You slept for a long time. It's almost dinner time."

Uncle Hu teased me with a smile, his demeanor relaxing significantly.

"Uncle Hu, how is Hu Jun? Is he recovering? His mind should be fine, right?"

"He's much better; his body has returned to normal. I sent him back to his hometown today. With the elders there to look after him, he shouldn't be in any danger."

Uncle Hu gave me a brief update, and I could tell he was feeling much relieved.

"You must know about the Liu family situation by now, right, Qiyue?"

Uncle Hu’s expression turned serious as he spoke to me slowly.