Chapter 214 is finally on the right track now.

"It’s my turn, it’s my turn," another plump young man said excitedly as he stepped forward and extended his hand.

Qu Shanling followed the old routine, grasping the boy’s hand and subtly signaling him. Unfortunately, the boy’s curiosity about the Star Divination Skill was too strong; he didn’t notice the gesture and showed no response.

"Hmm, ’Fate aligns with Wall Water’s Rise, Through wind and rain, one remains at ease’, indeed a good life of peace. At the age of thirty-eight, there may be minor calamities; westward journeys are inadvisable," Qu Shanling said disinterestedly.

"What does ’Fate aligns with Wall Water’s Rise’ mean?" The boy felt that Master Qu’s divination was too hasty and, still unsatisfied, he asked excitedly.

"Do not be disrespectful; this is the Heavenly Secret. Can Heavenly Secrets be so easily divulged?" the Third Elder scolded.

Qu Shanling was not interested in wasting words either. Clearly, he had already divulged a Heavenly Secret, and even after several gestures, the fat boy remained clueless, which was truly disappointing.

Subsequent boys came forward one by one, yet none could understand Qu Shanling’s hints.

Although Qu Shanling was disappointed, he was not without hope. His idea of extortion had not materialized, but wasn’t Mu Huaidong still left? Not knowing the others’ reactions, he could still extort a good amount from him.

Finally, it was Mu Huaidong’s turn.

Just as Qu Shanling thought, a few movements of his fingers were all it took for Mu Huaidong to respond. Indeed, he was a sensible child.

3,000 taels, too little! Qu Shanling curled his index finger and waggled it a few times.

Mu Huaidong hooked his finger, raising the stakes.

5,000 taels? Can’t this youngster’s worth be higher? Compared to the family wealth of the Third Elder’s branch, 5,000 taels should be nothing. Qu Shanling waggled his fingers again.

8,000 taels! Mu Huaidong seemed hesitant, but it likely wasn’t his limit yet.

Qu Shanling continued to demand a steep price.

10,000 taels! That should be about right. Though he’s the eldest grandson, he hasn’t inherited the family business; 10,000 taels were probably his limit. Qu Shanling decided it was time to stop while ahead.

"This life reading, good, very good..." Qu Shanling nodded and shook his head as though filled with emotion, as if Mu Huaidong’s fate were exceptionally favorable, when in reality it was the ten thousand taels that were exceptional.

Mu Huaidong’s face lit up with joy, his ears perked up.

As long as Qu Shanling spoke such favorable words, his status in his grandfather’s eyes would soar, and no brother or sister could compete with him for position anymore.

"Eh, where’s Lao Liu?" Third Elder suddenly said with confusion. It was only then that he noticed Mu Nan was absent.

"Such a self-degrading person would only embarrass himself by coming; I didn’t call him here," Mu Huaidong said.

His words were tinged with resentment; he saw himself as the rightful eldest grandson, with commendable talents. If his grandfather had been willing to prioritize the family’s Cultivation resources for him, his cultivation might well surpass Mu Feng’s. But the grandfather favored Mu Nan the most—always thinking of him for any benefit—resulting in his cultivation progress being significantly behind Mu Feng’s.

He didn’t voice it, but he harbored some resentment towards his grandfather, and he loathed and envied Mu Nan even more.

Over the years, he had been secretly building his own power base, unwilling to relinquish the authority over this branch of the family. Many servants had been bought, so he was also aware that Mu Nan had fallen out of their grandfather’s favor due to his closeness with Mu Hanyan, prompting disappointment and disenchantment.

Therefore, for today’s important occasion, he followed his grandfather’s wishes and did not instruct the servants to inform Mu Nan to come.