Liang Qu felt a chill run down his spine.
What was going on? Why the sudden bad omen?
The primary fate sign being an ape wasn't surprising; it was to be expected.
But why was the secondary fate sign a dragon?
Xu Zishuai quickly asked, "Master, what's happening? Why does our junior brother's fate pattern spell disaster?"
"The longest of scaly creatures, able to fade and reveal, ascends to the heavens at the Spring Equinox, and dives to the depths at the Autumn Equinox. The great river surges, and the heavenly dragon bends and arcs. This secondary fate sign is the Great Serpent traversing the river!"
"The Great Serpent traversing the river?"
"Indeed. This secondary fate sign can be interpreted in two ways. One, this serpent represents your junior brother, indicating that he will one day transcend, becoming a dragon beyond the river! Two, this serpent is someone else, more perilous, and they clash with your junior brother! Only then does the secondary sign fit!"
Legend has it that after five hundred years, a serpent becomes a serpent-dragon, or "jiao."
After a thousand years, it transforms into a dragon.
A serpent cultivates for five hundred years, turning into a "jiao," hiding in lakes, deep pools, reservoirs, river branches, and underground caves.
A "jiao" cultivates for a thousand years, traveling along great rivers to the sea where it becomes a dragon.
The saying "traversing the river" refers to a "jiao" making its way along major river streams to the sea, accompanied by fierce winds and torrential rains, causing rivers to overflow and submerging everything in its path.
Whether Liang Qu is "traversing the river" or "being traversed," it's a perilous journey, as dangerous as a predator robbing prey.
"What an extraordinary fate pattern!"
The rest of the senior and junior brothers gaped in shock.
Ordinary people swept away by the traversing serpent would hardly manifest the secondary sign of the Great Serpent traversing but would suffer a terrible calamity.
Hence, even if Liang Qu is “being traversed,” it would be enough to prove that his future is extraordinary, at least making him a contender for the “dragon seed.”
That’s why having a secondary sign at all is considered a good thing, at least indicating one won’t live a life of mediocrity.
The youngest junior brother having such a fate was entirely unexpected; even if it's just a possibility, however minuscule, it’s still remarkable.
Even Yang Dongxiong was caught off guard.
At his age, he cares most about a disciple's character, talent is secondary.
At worst, the disciple would become a Galloping Horse Martial Master, always having food monthly, far surpassing an ordinary person.
Who would have thought that this disciple taken in by a mere good impression would be such a treasure?
Senior Brother Xiang Changsong, regaining his composure, asked, "And what about Junior Brother's primary fate sign?"
"The primary fate sign is even stranger; I couldn't find a match. It aligns with a water ape, a fierce entity, but I don’t understand why such a fierce entity resides within the primary fate sign. One might say it’s a malicious god, residing in the primary domain, with both the primary and secondary signs being ominous, hence why I say it's a great danger!"
Liang Qu understood.
Wuzhi Qi, who once controlled an entire river’s Water Monkeys, proved difficult even for several celestial beings, enough proof of its fierceness.
Even Xiangliu lost nine heads, yet Wuzhi Qi continued defying Great Yu and survived as a malicious god.
As for crossing the river?
Only fierce dragons dare not cross waters lightly, only fierce tigers refuse to step down!
A great thing, a truly great thing!
He chuckled, "Senior brothers need not worry excessively; my fate pattern suggests I have the potential to transform into a dragon, which is undoubtedly a good thing."
Seeing the person in question so optimistic, the others' worries eased somewhat.
Indeed, having a dragon in one’s fate, such a grand fate, although perilous, isn’t it something many long for but never achieve?
Moreover, to believe in fate but not be bound by it.
Fate patterns are not absolute; cautiousness will suffice, and there need not be undue anxiety.
Xu Zishuai teased, "Our junior brother may achieve great accomplishments in the future, so don’t forget to help your senior brothers when you make it big. At least get me a spiritual artifact."
Liang Qu replied solemnly, "I shall undoubtedly do so."
Yang Dongxiong nodded, "While your fate pattern is impressive, do not aim too high too soon. It merely indicates a potential future and should never be treated as unalterable destiny. Your primary sign is water, and practicing in water-rich areas will likely benefit you, aligning with the five elements. However, your secondary sign is also water, making water-rich areas potentially dangerous due to fierce spirits. Whether to stay close or steer clear, the decision rests with you."
Liang Qu nodded earnestly, bowing deeply, "Thank you, Master, for the guidance on my fate. I will always keep it in mind."
"Good, it’s getting late, everyone should return."
The moonlight broke through clouds, casting a silver glow.
A Great Serpent traversing the river, huh?
Liang Qu pondered inwardly.
The others believed the serpent-dragon in his fate was a metaphor for a heroic figure, but he thought of the legendary jiao dragon whispered among fishermen in Jianghuai's waterlands.
It's said a jiao dragon lies dormant in Jianghuai Marshlands, once waking every sixty years, stirring storms and waves.
And beneath the South Stone Bridge, the small river was said to be formed by the awakened jiao dragon.
As Liang Qu's horizons broadened, he increasingly believed that jiao dragon was real and no mere myth.
Perhaps the Great Serpent traversing the river wasn't a metaphor after all, but a very real "jiao dragon."
"Senior Brother Hu, shall we spar a bit more?"
Inside the Martial Hall, Liang Qu wasn't resting, instead volunteering.
Hu Qi blinked, then nodded, "Of course."
Liang Qu took off his outer garment, placing it on a nearby rack, grabbing a two-meter long staff, circulating his qi with the Bow Force Technique, and charged towards Hu Qi.
"Shopkeeper Chen!"
"Young Master Liang! A distinguished guest arrives, forgive me for not welcoming you sooner."
Inside the Evergreen Medical Hall, Shopkeeper Chen hastily stepped out from behind the counter, bowing with folded arms.
Several patients seeking treatment looked over, curious about who warranted such respect from Shopkeeper Chen.
Though taken as a direct disciple, Liang Qu seldom appeared in public, leaving outsiders unfamiliar with him.
His purpose for coming to the medical hall was following Hu Qi's suggestion: to learn about identifying herbs and basic bone-setting techniques.
These skills could be learned anywhere—there was no need to trouble senior brothers when an experienced elder physician could teach just as well.
The medical hall also occasionally had patients as practice opportunities, enhancing the learning experience.
Moreover, with funds on hand, he could conveniently acquire some quality medicine to boost his flesh refinement process.
After some conversation, Shopkeeper Chen nodded, calling a servant to gather the medicine.
"If Young Master Liang wishes to study medicine, you are most welcome. Several of your senior brothers have also been here, even learned to diagnose patients. Just let us know when you’re free."
"Aside from the hour between the seventh and ninth period of the day when I need to attend the academy, I’m mostly available. Shopkeeper, please arrange a time when the physicians aren’t too busy."
Shopkeeper Chen thought for a moment before replying, "Then let’s have you come from the start of the first hour of the Rooster period to the end of the second. It will be quieter as fewer people visit after afternoon, which fits neatly after you finish at the academy. It's all in the northeast corner, so you won’t have to go back and forth."
"That’s convenient."
Liang Qu nodded.
"I'll start after the Spring Festival."
"We’ll be honored to have you."
Shopkeeper Chen bowed deeply, but Liang Qu helped him up.
"It’s I who am troubling you, Shopkeeper Chen. I’m quite new to this subject, and rather dull. I can only make up for it with diligence. Please be patient with me."
"Young Master Liang is too modest," Shopkeeper Chen flattered.
"Shopkeeper, the medicine."
The young boy returned, carrying the bundled herbs tied securely with string.
Shopkeeper Chen accepted them, passing them to Liang Qu.
Liang Qu counted the bundles, ensuring they were correct, before producing silver coins.
Shopkeeper Chen picked up a scale, casting a glance around, while quietly asking, "Young Master Liang, do you know what has come about at the Zhao Manor in recent days? People in town have been on edge. How could such a large establishment become ruins? Of course, I'm just curious. Should it be inconvenient for you to disclose, then please, don’t feel pressured. If possible, could you give us old folks some assurance, to ease our worry?"
"There's not much I can say, but I can assure the Shopkeeper that the matter is resolved, so there’s no need to worry excessively."
Shopkeeper Chen understood, nodding without asking more, accompanying Liang Qu out of the medical hall.