Chapter 84: The Geomancer Lü Yizhi

“How many people came this time? And what are they here for?” Chen Yushu asked curiously, his thoughts inexplicably drifting to the recent influx of martial artists and cultivators in Jianghuan Town.

Could it be that they too were drawn by the rumored tomb of the mighty Martial Master, the resting place of the Prince of Peace?

“They all came with the Third Miss, quite a few actually—seven or eight, I’d say. Besides Old Master Liu Hexuan and his companions, there are several others in the backyard. The Third Miss herself is upstairs with your master, so best not go up just yet, lest you interrupt their conversation,” Steward Zhou replied.

“As for their purpose,” he hesitated briefly, considering Chen Yushu’s status as the apprentice of the shopkeeper, effectively one of their own. Without further concealment, he spoke softly, “It doesn’t really concern you; it’s something to do with searching for a rare medicinal herb.”

“A rare herb?” Chen Yushu echoed in puzzlement.

“Just know about it—don’t spread it around. The Old Master is gravely ill and lacks a principal ingredient for his medicine. That main herb is said to have once grown here in Jianghuan Town,” Steward Zhou responded quietly.

Chen Yushu was taken aback. The Old Master mentioned—was it the one from the Liu family pharmacy? Surprised, he refrained from pressing further; after all, this matter truly had nothing to do with him, nor could he be of any help.

Just then, a group descended the staircase from the second floor. Leading them was a striking young woman, in her twenties, her features delicate and handsome, with a trace of heroic spirit in her brow, yet her gaze held a certain allure, an exotic charm.

Behind her followed a mature-looking young man, keeping pace by her side with an air of confidence and composure. Last came his master, Su Ming.

Seeing this, he and Steward Zhou hurried forward.

“Third Miss, allow me to introduce my apprentice, Chen Yushu. Yushu, this is Third Miss Liu Qingyan and Mr. Lu Yizhi,” Su Ming said with a light laugh, lest Chen Yushu forget the proper etiquette, beckoning him over for introductions.

“Yes, Master. Greetings, Third Miss, greetings, Mr. Lu,” Chen Yushu promptly offered a respectful salute.

“Well, this is rare. Who would’ve thought Uncle Su would take on an apprentice? I recall my second brother clamoring to be your student, but you slipped away, only returning after he’d found another master. I wonder, what’s so special about this apprentice of yours that you care for him so much?” Liu Qingyan mused, casting an appraising glance at Chen Yushu.

From appearance alone, nothing seemed extraordinary—though he was handsome, martial talent wasn’t tied to looks.

“He simply caught my eye. And as I’m getting old, it’s time I pass on my skills. Nothing particularly special about him,” Su Ming waved his hand, his manner calm.

“Well, since he’s your apprentice, I shouldn’t come empty-handed. This jade pendant has been with me for years; let me give it to you,” Liu Qingyan decided, unfastening a jade pendant from her waist and handing it over.

“This… it’s too valuable…” Chen Yushu glanced at the pendant—smooth and white, carved with a fire phoenix, ancient yet exquisite, clearly of great worth. More importantly, he sensed a unique aura from it; it was an old artifact, able to ward off evil and protect from harm.

“Take it, it isn’t so precious,” Liu Qingyan insisted, handing it over, and seeing his master nod, Chen Yushu accepted it.

Liu Qingyan smiled and turned to Su Ming. “I hope you’ll pay special attention to this matter, Uncle Su. You know the area best.”

“Rest assured, Third Miss. Everything will be arranged within three days,” Su Ming replied promptly.

“Good,” Liu Qingyan nodded and continued out of the pharmacy.

Meanwhile, Lu Yizhi had been watching Chen Yushu throughout the exchange, suddenly smiling, but saying nothing more before following Liu Qingyan as she left.

Seeing this, Chen Yushu’s brows furrowed slightly. From this young man, he sensed a peculiar aura, quite different from ordinary martial artists—similar to those who traverse the spirit world, yet distinct.

“Could he be one of the practitioners? He kept watching me—did he see something?” Chen Yushu frowned, watching him leave, and couldn’t help but use his Spirit Sight. But as he looked, his expression changed.

Around Lu Yizhi, mist swirled—nothing could be seen, a first for Chen Yushu. In contrast, the Third Miss beside him was vigorous as a blazing beacon, her energy surging—clearly a martial artist who had cultivated internal strength.

Aura Observation +2

Confirming the increase in Aura Observation experience, Chen Yushu grew more uneasy. This was the first time he’d encountered such a situation. Even Master Ma, with three incense sticks’ worth of cultivation, had been easily read by his Aura Observation.

“Could his cultivation be higher than Master Ma’s?” Chen Yushu frowned.

“Master, who exactly is Mr. Lu?” he quickly asked Su Ming as the group departed.

“A Geomancer,” Su Ming responded slowly.

“A Geomancer?” Chen Yushu was surprised.

“Yes, he’s a practitioner, though different from Master Ma and Old Wu. Geomancers are skilled at reading landscapes and manipulating earth energies. His abilities are considerable. Most of what I need to prepare this time relates to him,” Su Ming explained, then began organizing matters in the pharmacy, summoning staff to purchase various materials and items.

Seeing his master had no instructions for him, Chen Yushu went upstairs, still hesitant. He’d never heard of the profession of Geomancer, though his master’s description was reminiscent of a Feng Shui expert.

Elsewhere.

After Liu Qingyan and Lu Yizhi left the pharmacy, Lu Yizhi suddenly spoke, “The apprentice of Shopkeeper Su is indeed somewhat unusual.”

“Oh? In what way?” Liu Qingyan asked, a bit surprised. She was preoccupied with the current affairs and hadn’t paid much attention to Su Ming’s apprentice—her gift of the jade pendant was merely a gesture to win Su Ming’s favor.

With the Old Master gravely ill, the rivalry among the Third Branch had come to the fore. Su Ming, entrusted with managing the pharmacy, had always been favored by the Old Master, making his position suddenly prominent.

Though he was close to their Third Branch, essentially a family ally, the sudden news that he’d taken an apprentice meant she had to acknowledge him, whether for advantage or propriety.

“I hadn’t noticed him at first,” Lu Yizhi continued, “but as I approached, I sensed a trace of yin energy about him. I wanted to warn him, but when I took a closer look, guess what I found?”

“What did you find?” Liu Qingyan played along.

“He has cultivation. Incense-cultivation, at least at the level of one stick. He’s like me—a practitioner,” Lu Yizhi said, a hint of interest on his face. “You mentioned that Shopkeeper Su is a martial arts expert?”

“Yes, he made quite a name for himself years ago. Otherwise, my second brother wouldn’t have sought him as a master. I suspect he’s reached deep into the internal strength stage, perhaps not far from the next realm. But as you say, his apprentice has learned the arts and already possesses cultivation… it doesn’t quite make sense.”

Liu Qingyan frowned, then her eyes brightened. “Could his apprentice actually be his…”

“Whatever the case, he’s worth watching. This trip up the mountain to find the Sunflower won’t be easy. We may need to venture deep and stay two or three days. Ordinary wild beasts are manageable—Adong and the others are quite capable—but come nightfall, more than just beasts wander. My skills can ward off some spirits, but our geomancer tradition isn’t as specialized as those who traverse the spirit world; there may be gaps. So, I think having one more person wouldn’t hurt,” Lu Yizhi said quickly.

“You’re suggesting we invite him up the mountain as well?” Liu Qingyan mused.

“Exactly. And I think, rather than win over Shopkeeper Su directly, it might be wiser to work through his apprentice. Su Ming seems to value him highly,” Lu Yizhi smiled.

“That’s true. Uncle Su, though close to our Third Branch, rarely gets involved in our disputes. If we can bring his apprentice to our side, perhaps Su Ming will follow,” Liu Qingyan’s eyes lit up, nodding promptly. “I’ll mention it to Uncle Su later. If he’s unwilling, then so be it.”

…

“With a master’s guidance, the difference is truly vast. In just a few days, my Eighteen Linked Blades are already at the minor achievement stage,” Chen Yushu mused as he swung his blade—eighteen strokes flowing like a river, and with the final strike, it seemed as if three blades merged into one, powerful and sharp, a faint blade aura bursting forth with a piercing sound.

Three blades becoming one—a sign of minor mastery in the Eighteen Linked Blades.

During this period, Su Ming made time each day to instruct him. Every lesson saved him the effort of four or five practice sessions, making his progress tangible.

“My Eight-Step Cicada, though occasionally guided by Master, isn’t his specialty. Most of my progress comes from self-practice, so things are slower. I’m only at proficient (145/200)—not high, but not low. I’ll need two more days of practice to reach minor mastery,” Chen Yushu thought silently, yet felt no disappointment.

Truthfully, his pace was already swift. Many linger at the entry stage for months, while he’d only been at it for a short time.