Chapter 57: How do you see him? But the demon star?“The words ‘if given the chance’ are crucial. Lan Chi narrowed his eyes and asked Bai Yu, “Bai Yu, can you tell me why my father called you a few days ago?”
“A few days ago… His Majesty called me?” Bai Yu replied.
The Second Prince has not reviewed his test paper. With a playful look, Bai Yu said, “Your Highness, the Emperor found me handsome and wanted to appoint me as a son-in-law, offering a princess to me! But I believe in the freedom of love, so I declined.”
Lan Chi, unimpressed, commented, “When it comes to talking nonsense, Bai Yu is a pro.”
Lan Chi suggested, “Even if you make up stories, at least make them believable! If someone believes it, they’ll be a joke for life.”
Little did he know that Lansu had indeed considered such thoughts in the past few days. Marriage is always a reliable means.
Bai Yu humorously responded, “Your Highness, Bai Yu has no specific admiration! I like them all, and each beauty has merits – as long as they look good!”
Lan Chi teased, “You’re not polite at all!”
The conversation continued with Bai Yu, who mentioned potential romantic interests like Hu Yue’er and Li Wanying. Lan Chi was left speechless. The Second Prince and the other successful scholar chatted with no apparent estrangement.
Bai Yu, not bothered by social hierarchies, found the Second Prince’s impression around 90 out of 100. As they chatted about the military, Lan Chi found Bai Yu’s words enlightening. The two enjoyed their conversation.
“Your Highness, it’s getting late!” Bai Yu said, signalling his departure.
“The minister resigned!” Bai Yu added, “There will be a palace examination in half a month; I must prepare well.”
The conversation ended with Bai Yu leaving and the Second Prince showing a rare kind smile.
The wooden door closed, and the room returned to calm. Lan Chi asked his guard, “Old ghost, what do you think of him?”
“Is he the one you mentioned… the demon star?”
“After a while, he asked lightly. At the same time, a hidden door on the room’s wall moved, and an old man in a black robe emerged. His face was wrinkled, one eye blind, and his visage terrifying.
“Extraordinary spirit, outstanding ingenuity, be a lifetime talent,” the old man commented. “I can only perceive their brilliant destinies and enduring fortunes; the rest remains elusive.”
The old man’s lone eye seemed exceptionally bright, as if capable of seeing through hearts. He said calmly, “I’ve studied for eighty years, but I can’t see through people’s destinies.” S~ᴇaʀᴄh the NʘvᴇlFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.
Lan Chi, frowning, questioned, “You’ve learned stargazing and facial recognition for eighty years; can’t you see through it?”
The old man, speaking frankly, replied, “I can’t see through many people, Your Highness. I can’t see through you, His Majesty, or the eldest princess. Stargazing and facial recognition are not foolproof; they calculate the maximum possibilities – this is numerology.”
He shook his head, saying, “My experience is limited. I would have become immortal long ago if I knew everything and could see through destinies.”
“Left-handed techniques only assist; they can never achieve the Tao,” he emphasised. “Instead of pondering these heresies, Your Highness, focus on practical planning, using power and weapons to achieve your goals.”
Lan Chi snorted and criticised, “When you first saw me, you claimed I had the destiny of the overbearing and supreme, and you came to help me. Now you’re spouting all this nonsense! Truly a useless alchemist!”
Unfazed by the disdain, the old man hinted to Lan Chi, “But Your Highness… I remind you, this person has extraordinary protection on him. Don’t push too hard or plan for his life! Otherwise, you cannot bear the consequences.”