Chapter 402: Chapter 402
A Request for Constellation Reading Lesson
Shi Min straightened, the fire of determination igniting his expressive eyes. "Still, my gratitude remains. Most importantly, seven-great-grandpa, I yearn to learn the art of constellation reading from you." An electrifying hush enveloped the room, anticipation weaving itself into the very fabric of the moment.
Li Shenwu’s eyes sparkled, flecks of surprise and delight dancing in their depths. He stroked his beard slowly, the gesture a silent deliberation, filled with a wisdom that had withstood the test of centuries. "Very well," he replied, his voice low but resonating like the gentle ringing of a temple bell. "You have earned the stars’ secrets. Let me guide you in their reading."
Shi Min bowed again, deeper this time, a heartfelt gratitude emanating from his presence. "Thank you, Seven-great-grandpa."
Ling Li: A Mother’s Quiet Storm
At the periphery of the gathering, Ling Li sat with her hands neatly folded, her fingers interlaced tightly as if trying to hold together the storm of emotions swirling within her. Her eyes, swelling with unshed tears, watched her son with a blend of awe and aching maternal pride.
Finally, her voice broke free, soft yet imbued with undeniable strength. "Shi Min, the ’Eye’ will open in two days. You must remain here with great-grandpa while I return to bring your sisters and everyone else tomorrow. I left abruptly today without a word." Each syllable trembled with guilt, yet her gaze held steadfast.
El Padre and El Capitan: Guardians of the Moment
El Padre, seated beside her, leaned in closer, concern etched into the lines of his brow. His voice was gentle but carried an unwavering authority. "Leave that to us. You need to be here. Take a breath. Your anxiety has been palpable; it’s not good for the little ones."
El Capitan nodded, the usual bravado in his demeanor softened by genuine sincerity. "Exactly! We can take care of everything while you relax here. I’m sure many will be eager to seek you out after Shi Min’s ascension," he said with a reassuring grin.
Ling Li hesitated, her fingers tightening around the edge of her sleeve, wrestling with the tumult of her emotions. Finally, she nodded slowly, a flicker of relief in her eyes. "Thank you... and I’m sorry for the trouble."
El Capitan waved her off with an easy smile. "What trouble? We’re off then! Where will we head when we arrive? Should we come here or to the Li Clan Mansion?"
Ling Li turned to Li Tianyuan, a solid pillar of calm amidst the swirling dynamics. He spoke without hesitation, his deliberation echoing with the wisdom of a seasoned strategist. "I suggest you come here first. Move to the Li Clan Mansion the day after."
Ling Li nodded, gratitude flooding her heart. "We will follow Grandpa’s arrangement."
El Capitan clapped his hands together, laughter bubbling forth. "Alright, then! Off we go!"
The Gathering Disperses
As the group began to rise, the atmosphere shifted, morphing into a dance of motion rather than chaos. Servants quietly moved with practiced efficiency, preparing travel packs as the wind stirred the bamboo leaves, whispering secrets of what fate had in store.
Shi Min remained standing, his gaze fixed upward, drawn towards the starlit canvas above. Beside him, Li Shenwu bore a faint smile, already calculating the constellations that would chart the course of the young boy destined to become a legend.
Li Shenwu’s Scrutiny: A Meeting of Bloodlines and Fate
"And who is this young lad?" A hush fell over the crowd as Li Shenwu’s deep, resonant voice broke the tension in the air, rich and textured like an ancient tapestry. His silvery-white beard cascaded down his chest, each strand shimmering as he stroked it with deliberate elegance. His piercing gaze, sharp as a dagger, fixed upon the quiet figure standing beside Ling Li with the intensity of a hawk eyeing its prey.
Four Eyes — known in more formal circles as Chu Yan — rose with a poise that defied his youth. He exuded a tranquil dignity, each movement executed with absolute precision. As he bowed deeply, his voice carried a calmness that resonated with certainty. "Family Elder, Great-great-grandfather, I am Chu Yan, Ling Ling’s husband."
A ripple of surprise coursed through the gathering. Eyes widened, and whispers threaded through the disciples like wind through the trees. Even the younger members leaned forward, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding drama.
Li Shenwu’s gaze sharpened to a razor’s edge. "Hmm... Come sit with me."
His tone was deceptively neutral, yet an undeniable weight hung in the air — a command unvoiced but deeply felt.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Four Eyes stepped forward, settling next to the ancient patriarch. He seated himself with an upright posture, his hands resting on his knees like a still lake reflecting the moonlight, ready to absorb whatever came next.
Li Shenwu continued his examination, eyes narrowing further, as if he were peeling back layers of time and fate, seeking the hidden truths etched into the very marrow of Chu Yan’s being. "Let me see both your palms."
With a quiet resolve, Four Eyes extended his hands, an offering of trust.
The Revelation: A Dangerous Balance
As soon as Li Shenwu’s fingers brushed against the palms, a faint shimmer of dark qi pulsed from Four Eyes’ meridians — a sensation akin to shadows dancing beneath the surface of water. It was neither aggressive nor violent; instead, it was dense, ancient, and coiled, like a serpent poised to strike at any misstep.
The elder’s brows knit together in a frown of contemplation. "Hm... You are indeed a good match for Ling Ling." His voice held a thoughtful, almost reluctant tone. "However, your dark aura is perilously strong. A single slip in handling it could lead to dire consequences."
An uneasy silence settled over the room, tension thick enough to cut with a knife.
Li Tianyuan, seated nearby, leaned forward, his voice a sharp knife against the stillness. "Old man, what do you mean by that?"
Li Shenwu remained unfazed, like an old oak standing firm against a storm. "It simply means if he cannot manage it, he will be consumed by his dark aura. It will control him instead of the other way around."
The air grew heavy with trepidation; even the wind outside seemed to be still in reverence.