Lin Feng was stunned on the spot after listening to Geomancer Qianjue’s words. He had never thought that such karma would be upon him. However, trusting his instincts, he knew that Geomancer Qianjue was not speaking frivolously. Back on Earth, his master had once told him that truly skilled geomancers never have good outcomes because they’ve revealed too many secrets of fate. That’s why his master abandoned the path of divination.

"Senior, what virtues do I, Lin Feng, possess to bear such a heavy burden?" Lin Feng voiced his inner thoughts. He genuinely didn’t understand; he had just ascended and already encountered something like this. How could this be possible? He had never considered having such responsibilities.

"Destiny has ordained it; you shouldn’t evade it. Moreover, it’s not just about you; there are also two demon beasts, nine women tied to you by fate. If you don’t rise quickly, not only you but they will suffer as well. Don’t you agree?" Upon hearing Lin Feng’s question, Geomancer Qianjue smiled and countered.

How could this be!

Upon hearing Geomancer Qianjue’s words, Lin Feng was struck as if by lightning, instantly dumbfounded. Geomancer Qianjue was definitely meeting him for the first time, and the matter regarding the Cave Heaven Mansion that he possessed was unknown to anyone, including the two Demon Kings and Ding Wan’er and the group of women. Yet Geomancer Qianjue spoke freely, leaving no doubt about what it meant—it’s self-evident!

Looking at Geomancer Qianjue, he finally believed his words. His face grew solemn as he felt an unprecedented pressure. Finally, looking at Geomancer Qianjue, Lin Feng respectfully asked, "Senior, I want to know, if I fail to achieve what you’ve said, what are the consequences?"

"Simple death—not just yours alone, but everyone connected to you will perish. Many more will die because of you. This is your destiny. As for anything else, I can’t tell you any more." Geomancer Qianjue looked at Lin Feng, smiling as he replied. He understood why Lin Feng voiced these concerns, but these matters were beyond his control. All he could do now was inform Lin Feng, urging him to strengthen himself as quickly as possible.

Lin Feng fell silent upon hearing Geomancer Qianjue’s words; the old man’s words brought him immense pressure, to the point of despair. This was not like his time on Earth at all; nearly every ascender’s fate was in his hands. This overwhelming feeling made Lin Feng feel as if he couldn’t breathe.

Tangyuan’s eyes bulged, and its little head began shaking frantically, wondering if this was real or fake. It randomly encountered a master with such significance—this was terrifying enough. It wasn’t sure if the old man was telling the truth or lies, and the matter of two demon beasts and nine women was completely baffling. It knew nothing at all, and now it felt its head was about to explode from the sheer amount of information!

"Grandpa, don’t leave me alone, Tao Tao doesn’t want you to die. Tao Tao doesn’t want you to die..." Tao Tao cried even more loudly upon hearing her grandfather speak. She cared nothing for other matters; she cared about her grandfather’s life and death. She truly didn’t want him to die...

"Silly child, Grandfather should have left long ago. If not for telling Lin Feng these words, Grandfather would have departed already. Don’t be sad." Geomancer Qianjue stroked Tao Tao’s head affectionately, speaking tenderly. He didn’t want things to be this way either, but fate had played him cruelly. To meet Lin Feng, he had stolen fate’s decree, knowing that seeing Lin Feng marked his own end—something no one could help.

After speaking, Geomancer Qianjue turned his face to Lin Feng, saying, "Friend, I have a request, one that you might have guessed. After I leave, I hope you can take care of Tao Tao. This child has had a hard life, enduring much suffering with me. She’s but an ordinary girl; I’ve never even taught her any geomancy."

"Senior, you know I..." Lin Feng immediately responded to Geomancer Qianjue’s words. His pressure was already overwhelming, surrounded by nine women. If he had to take Tao Tao along, how could he manage?

"I certainly know, but one day you’ll understand that Tao Tao is not as simple as she appears." Geomancer Qianjue interrupted Lin Feng; his granddaughter might seem ordinary but could never be a mere mortal. He had foretold future events long ago, or he wouldn’t have rashly entrusted Tao Tao to Lin Feng.

"Boss, Miss Tao Tao is so adorable, please agree!" At this moment, Tangyuan burst into tears, speaking to Lin Feng. It increasingly felt sorry for Miss Tao Tao, wanting to keep her if it could.

Lin Feng comprehended Geomancer Qianjue’s implicit point, pondered briefly, and nodded. "I can let Tao Tao stay with me, but my current situation is extremely poor. I fear that keeping Tao Tao by my side might lead to danger."

"I have entrusted Tao Tao to you, so naturally, there will be arrangements. You’ll understand when the time comes." Geomancer Qianjue smiled while answering, then shifted the topic. "I don’t want to discuss it further; can I drink a few cups with you, old man?"

Upon hearing the elder’s desire to eat and drink, Lin Feng immediately complied, opening Tao Tao’s meal box. Then he casually pulled over a chair from the house, seating himself before the old man, carefully pouring him a glass of wine.

"Senior, please!" Lin Feng smiled, answering Geomancer Qianjue, but his heart was filled with grievance. He knew that after finishing this meal, Geomancer Qianjue was likely to pass away. He never expected his first encounter with an ascender after ascending would end this way.

"Good, good!" Geomancer Qianjue laughed upon hearing Lin Feng’s words, then raised his glass to say to Lin Feng, "I have waited long for this day—seeing you, my life’s mission fulfilled. Everything needed has been conveyed. I can now die in peace."

Geomancer Qianjue smiled joyfully, feeling completely contented in death and devoid of worries. At this moment, he released all his burdens, feeling incredibly light. Like skeletal hands, he raised his glass and drained it, exclaiming, "Excellent wine, excellent!"

"Grandpa... eat some meat..." Tao Tao watched from the side, eyes swollen with tears, barely maintaining her spirit as she offered Geomancer Qianjue a roasted spiral beast, forcing a smile on her face while her heart remained shattered. She sensed her grandfather’s days were few, and to cheer him up, she feigned happiness.

"Good, good granddaughter!" Geomancer Qianjue said happily, but his voice carried no strength.

Seeing this, Lin Feng poured another cup of wine for Geomancer Qianjue. He wanted to speak but couldn’t utter a word, and finally, in frustration, he downed his cup’s contents himself. After drinking, he asked, "Senior, I’d like to know one last thing: how much time do I have?"

"Less than a century! If you do not achieve Divine King within that time, all paths will lead to death!" As Geomancer Qianjue faced imminent death, he spoke candidly to Lin Feng, disregarding the repercussions of revealing secrets, for someone on the brink of death spurns such concerns.

"Thank you, Senior!" Lin Feng felt relieved upon hearing Geomancer Qianjue’s words—a century seemed adequate for his growth. As to what follows, he neither knew nor cared; only when reaching that level would it matter. For now, such thoughts were akin to castles in the air.

Lin Feng hadn’t anticipated that just after receiving this answer, Geomancer Qianjue finished his second glass, and the wine glass fell to the ground...

"Grandfather... sob... Grandfather... wake up... What will Tao Tao do..." Tao Tao crumbled, crying out loud, shaking Geomancer Qianjue’s body, trying to rouse him...

Watching from the side, Lin Feng’s eyes misted over, but he did not interfere. He knew Tao Tao had to release her pent-up emotions; otherwise, Tao Tao might face difficulties. Meanwhile, little Tangyuan’s eyes were spilling tears like fountains, inexplicably plentiful.

For the duration of a tea time, Tao Tao endured, eventually crying herself unconscious.

"Boss, this is too tragic..." Tangyuan turned to Lin Feng, eyes thoroughly reddened, choking up as it spoke, deeply saddened within.

"It’s rather tragic." Lin Feng echoed emotionally. Though he felt sorrowful, sorting out certain things, he felt less grief. His mind now focused on Tao Tao’s arrangements. Despite promising Geomancer Qianjue, carrying Tao Tao around permanently wasn’t feasible; he had too much to accomplish to maintain her.

Afterward, Lin Feng remained silent, standing and waiting for Tao Tao to awaken.

More than two hours passed before Tao Tao finally revived. Under Lin Feng’s suggestion, Lin Feng carried Geomancer Qianjue’s skeletal corpse from the impoverished area, reaching a pleasant spot outside Ning City for burial.

Lin Feng then crafted a stele by hand, discovering Geomancer Qianjue’s original name from Tao Tao as Ling Qianyu, and erected the stele before the geomancer’s tomb.

"Grandfather, Tao Tao will visit whenever she can!" Facing the grand tomb, Tao Tao sorrowfully spoke, cheeks wet with tears as memories of moments with him played in her mind. Though life was harsh, it was joyful for Tao Tao; now, that happiness vanished, leaving her directionless...