On the broad official road outside the County City, Qiu Changtian rode a donkey, moving slowly.

At this time, the ice and snow had just melted, the soil was moist, and the continuous passing of carriages and donkey carts left prominent tracks.

Merchant caravans carrying various banners went back and forth, and occasionally, a few lone travelers, each with a knife or sword at their side, passed by.

Backed by the Nu Yun River, Yihai Prefecture under the Celestial Water Prefecture was a prime location that attracted people from all around and gathered numerous talents.

It was almost never quiet.

"The business of Pai Bang is booming."

Qiu Changtian glanced at the caravan cars passing by, each bearing the Long Whale Banner of Pai Bang.

This was like a protective talisman, safeguarding against the bandits of Xiangma Mountain.

"What business can't the Chief of Green Forest Dao in this prefecture do?

Even while lying at home, there's someone eager to bring silver!"

The donkey grumbled.

"Why don't you ask if I agreed to give Prince Yong a reading?"

Qiu Changtian sat sideways, gazing at the Nu Yun River, where mist rose from the swirling water.

"I don't care to know."

The donkey snorted, stepping in a coquettish manner, quite noticeable.

"Since ancient times, those who meddled in the fight for the throne rarely met a good end.

Master, if you truly board Zhao Pijiang's pirate ship, remember to tell me so I can flee first.

In the future, every Qingming, I'll burn incense for you, not forgetting our master-servant relationship."

Qiu Changtian was greatly annoyed, grumbling angrily:

"Bah! Stop cursing your master! Just because you studied for a few years? Don't I know what nasty scheme Zhao Pijiang is plotting!

So I quickly arranged the 'Eight Calamities and Three Disasters Grand Sacrifice' to make bad luck soar, forcing him to reluctantly let me go in the end."

He was smug, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up.

What of the Divine Power Giant, still afraid of bad luck clinging to them!

After all, for a Grand General in charge of Celestial Water Prefecture, stepping in dog poop and it getting out is truly shameful.

"Prince Yong used to be the Crown Prince, with so many Daoist Officials in Dragon Court, it's not hard to find someone for a reading. So why choose you, master?"

The donkey was somewhat puzzled, showing confusion in its eyes.

"From palm readings to examining life aspects, even those slightly versed in Feng Shui and mysticism can do it.

But truly powerful masters need to understand how to interpret and read destinies, to glimpse a hint of fate's flow from the intricate lines and patterns.

Your master was born in the Daoist Star-Gazing Tower, almost becoming the Daoist of this generation. Hmph, in terms of experience and insight, how many in this world can compare?"

Qiu Changtian proudly boasted a bit, then his expression turned slightly gloomy as he shook his head:

"However, Zhao Pijiang secretly sought me out for Prince Yong because of another matter.

I once, on behalf of my master, gave the Holy Emperor a reading.

He wants to know the words of that reading."

The donkey was surprised:

"His Highness Prince Sui?"

Qiu Changtian corrected:

"Having already entered the Eastern Palace and ascended to the throne, you should address him as 'Your Majesty'.

The donkey turned its head, seemingly disdainful:

"Looking at your hesitant and pondering appearance, I guess the words of that reading weren't anything flattering."

Qiu Changtian sighed:

"I'm flawed in this part of my life, the more crucial the reading, the harder it is to get a good result."

In his early years, because of a spur of the moment dispute, he conducted the Fifth-Class Golden Talisman Grand Sacrifice through the Holy Wisdom Pearl, calculating an unspeakable forbidden celestial secret, and thereafter was plagued by bad luck.

Later, he gave His Highness Prince Sui, who was then still the Crown Prince, a reading, and it didn't lead to a good end.

Ten years ago, during the calamity of the collapsing heavens, Qi Yan of the Meridian Sword Sect personally visited.

What he sought was also a prophecy doomed to ultimately come true.

Qiu Changtian remained silent.

Could it be that he was really too unlucky and unsuitable for giving others readings?

"The mysteries of heaven can't be revealed, hence disaster befalls me."

He smiled wryly and then shook off these miscellaneous thoughts:

"I haven't seen that fellow Ninghai Zen in a long time, might as well drop by, see what kind of disciple he's taken."

...

...

"Where's the water leaking?"

Bai Qi put on his boots and wrapped himself in an outer robe.

The meditation in a quiet room requires one to relax both body and mind, often in a barefoot and leisurely state.

"The barn storing hay caught fire, but the flames weren't large and have just been extinguished."

Old Xu reported truthfully, bending over to lead Bai Qi through the corridor and into the courtyard on the other side.

"It just ignited out of nowhere. I specifically searched but found nothing that could start a fire."

Bai Qi stroked the neck of the restless Wind Chasing Horse, comforting it while asking:

"How much hay was burnt?"

Old Xu scratched his head:

"I happened to be cutting hay when I smelled smoke and discovered it in time, so no losses were incurred. But I'm worried someone might be setting fires secretly, which is why I called the boss over."

Bai Qi frowned slightly; he had just dealt with Tao Rong from Zhechong Prefecture, demonstrating the ability of the boss at Bai's Fish Stall to cover the sky with one hand.

At this critical moment, who would dare provoke the wrath of the gods?

Bai Qi scanned around without noticing anything unusual, walked along the wind and rain corridor to the main hall, and saw Xiaotou and Ah Xie hastily crossing the threshold.

"Ah Qi, there's a fire in the outer city! The slum where disaster victims are sheltered is burning fiercely, with thick smoke billowing!"

"At Tin Street area? How did a fire start there?"

Bai Qi's eyebrows knitted tightly.

What's going on today with fire hazards everywhere?

Is the Kitchen God angry?

Or has the Fire Virtue Star Monarch descended to the world?

"Not sure, many young men from the militia have gone to fight the fire. Elder Liang sent us over to ask if you want to lend a hand?"

Xiaotou rubbed his fists eagerly, ready to build a great reputation like Ah Qi.

He had already chosen his nickname; Ah Qi was known as "The Heroic First Head of Bai's."

So with his outstanding intellect, he should naturally be called "The Wise One."

As for Ah Xie, looking as black as coal, they couldn't even beat a fart out of him, so he would be "Black Whirlwind!"

"Our fellow townsfolk are hit by the fire, we can't sit idly by."

Bai Qi nodded decisively, then paused and spoke methodically:

"Simply putting out fires, the militia has enough manpower. Let's do this, ask your father if the fish stall needs hands, prioritize hiring those severely affected by the fire for work.

Then discuss with the wealthy families in the Inner City to set up some long tents and provide porridge to help get through the difficult times.

You two will be responsible for this matter."

Xiaotou and Ah Xie once killed a Hidden Pavilion Assassin using a Golden Spear Strength Pill and have several martial arts manuals, their skills rivaling even Yangquan, the former East Market tyrant.

With the nourishing aid of the Red Blood Qilin Horse, both have refined power, about to break through the First Tendon Training Barrier.

In Black River County, they could handle a side all on their own!

"Alright!"

Xiaotou nodded with joy.

"The cause of the fire is quite strange..."

Bai Qi followed with the other Shrimp Soldiers and Crabs out, thankful that Tin Street was near a water source, and with the timely efforts of the young militia, the slum avoided a tragic fate.

"Could it be Celestial Fiend Day?"

He looked up at the blazing sun, speculating, and saw Qi Yan and Lv Nan, a pair of brothers, on his way back.

"Brother Bai, you came just in time; I almost forgot to tell you, the Celestial Fiend Day is approaching. According to the order, the four elements will rotate in imbalance. I just sensed the Bing Fire growing strong, so be very careful with fires today."

Qi Yan held a green lotus with broad and long leaves, its pods containing plump seeds inside.

"Thanks for the reminder, Brother Qi. What is this?"

Bai Qi asked curiously.

"Just picked this Jade Dewy Lotus from Mihun Bay, it's cool and astringent in nature, with a clear fragrance and a taste of harvest, it's the fruit of the spleen.

Consuming the seeds generates bodily fluids, revitalizes the spirit, enhances eyesight, and is a treasure among plants.

Seeing it means having a share; please take some later, Brother Bai."

Qi Yan spoke generously, then sighed:

"With the rise of the Turbid Tide, the Celestial Fiend Day brings disasters while also making many treasure plants and medicines reveal their brilliance, allowing cultivators with some knowledge of Qi Observation Skill to discover them, a sort of opportunity indeed."

Bai Qi understood, clearly realizing his barn catching fire and the fire at Tin Street were signs of the approaching Celestial Fiend Day.

The four elements lose order, Bing Fire flourishes!

"Brother Qi, this Qi Observation Skill..."

Bai Qi rubbed his hands together, having invested so many days of goodwill, eagerly wanting to reap the benefits from these descendents of Wild Grass Mountain.

"This skill is quite commonplace, not a secret of the sect, so it's no problem to teach you, Brother Bai.

I just so happen to have a favor to ask. I heard, Brother Bai, your swimming skills are the best in Black River County! My brother and I practice the Fire Element Technique and plan to gather a wisp of anomalous flame's aura during the peak of Bing Fire to increase our cultivation."

Qi Yan said frankly.

"Collecting anomalous fire, why do you need swimming skills?"

Bai Qi wondered aloud.