Chapter 74: The Mountain Eroded by Wind Breeds Venomous Insects

In the downstairs room, Zhang Manman was chatting with Li Zhi.

"Young Master Zhi, I’ve been thinking about starting a business. What do you think would be a good venture? I heard you, Lu Shu, and a few others started a company, secured significant investments, and even took a stake in an autonomous driving enterprise," Zhang Manman observed the androgynous-looking rich second-generation heir.

"Just small-scale experiments," Li Zhi replied, already aware that this young woman had substantial influence behind her. "Business ventures can be big or small—it depends on your initial capital. How much are you planning to invest?"

"Not too much," Zhang Manman smiled.

"How about we exchange contacts and discuss the details later?" Li Zhi suddenly asked, "Do you know Su Jie? I noticed Master Ma holds him in extremely high regard. Does he have some exceptional talent?"

"Of course I know him," Zhang Manman nodded. "We’re classmates. As for his talents, Master Ma must have his reasons for valuing him so much. In fact, I’ve invited him to be my business partner. We’ll have plenty of chances to meet in the future."

The two engaged in casual conversation, neither revealing their true intentions, but to an outsider, they appeared to be getting along splendidly.

About an hour later, Li Rihui’s voice came from upstairs: "Master Ma, I truly appreciate your help. This is just a small token of my gratitude—please do accept it."

Li Zhi stood up, realizing his father’s treatment session had concluded.

After shaking hands with Zhang Manman, he saw Li Rihui descend the stairs and shoot him a meaningful glance.

"Niece, when is your father returning to the country? I’d love to host him properly," Li Rihui spoke to Zhang Manman with utmost courtesy, exchanging pleasantries before finally leaving the courtyard and driving off.

Inside the car, Li Zhi studied his father’s complexion. "Dad, you look much better. Is Master Ma really that miraculous? You seem ten years younger."

"He’s the real deal—no charlatan. He’s the psychological trainer for national combat champion Liu Long," Li Rihui said abruptly. "Once we get back, immediately sell off all our real estate and hotel projects, along with the factories, mines, and other assets. Liquidate everything for cash."

"Dad! What’s going on?" Li Zhi was stunned. "Did Master Ma say something to make you sell everything? What are we supposed to do after that? Other industries aren’t doing well either. If we pour in a huge amount of cash now, we’ll just be easy prey. It’s fine to observe these so-called masters, but they don’t understand business. You can’t take their words too seriously!"

"I have my reasons," Li Rihui said. "You’re still young and don’t grasp the deeper principles. Old Li from HK consults a master before every major decision. That’s how he’s remained steady through every storm. Small fortunes come from hard work, but great wealth depends on fate and luck. Read more history—you’ll find plenty of examples. Don’t spend too much time with Lu Shu and his crowd, thinking you’re invincible. You’ll regret it later."

"Understood," Li Zhi said. "I’ll start preparing as soon as we get back. Oh, and about Su Jie—there’s something I should mention."

He then recounted the entire incident to Li Rihui.

"So, Su Jie has no significant background?" Li Rihui fell into thought. "In that case, Master Ma must genuinely value his abilities. Even Zhang Hongqing’s daughter wants him as a partner. That young man shouldn’t be underestimated."

"Who’s Zhang Hongqing?" Li Zhi asked.

"The true godfather of overseas syndicates," Li Rihui explained. "A formidable figure, though he’s getting old now and plans to retire. He gave his daughter some seed money to explore opportunities in China. Master Ma owes him a favor, as does Fu Tongshan—Zhang Hongqing saved his life once. His connections here run deep."

"The domestic market is very different from overseas. I doubt a young girl like her will find it easy to navigate," Li Zhi said dismissively. "Honestly, most profitable internet ventures are already monopolized by Haoyu. Feng Shoucheng’s vision is razor-sharp. I heard he also has a master advising him. Do you know who it is, Dad? How does he compare to Master Ma?"

"I’ve only heard rumors," Li Rihui said. "Everyone’s been trying to uncover the identity of Feng Shoucheng’s advisor. Master Ma isn’t really involved in business—he’s more academic. But Feng’s advisor is different. Every piece of guidance has allowed Haoyu Group to time the market perfectly, staying one step ahead. Master Ma probably knows who it is, but he won’t say. I’ve tried hinting, but he sees right through me. You really shouldn’t underestimate these masters. I suspect some of them can read minds."

"Mind-reading? I don’t buy it," Li Zhi shook his head. "It’s just psychological trickery."

"Exactly—it’s advanced psychology. A wise man can discern people’s thoughts, and I believe that. Once you’ve lived long enough, you realize nothing in this world is truly new," Li Rihui said. "I originally wanted you to learn qigong and psychology from Master Ma. In business, the most important skill is judging character. Recognizing talent is more valuable than anything else. Master Ma’s physiognomy can truly predict fortunes and destinies. It’s ancient wisdom—you’ll understand when you’re older. Also, try to get closer to Su Jie and Zhang Manman. Master Ma’s judgment is never wrong, especially regarding Su Jie. From what you’ve said, his sister Su Muchen is a key figure. If possible, recruit her team. As for Lu Shu, don’t worry about him. Your little alliance might counterbalance Haoyu, but be careful—they might sell you out. Feng Shoucheng’s sons are no saints either."

"I get it, Dad," Li Zhi said after a pause. "Honestly, as long as you stay healthy, you’ll keep everything under control."

"That’s the key—health is everything," Li Rihui said. "You need to start paying attention now. Feng’s sons are all martial arts experts."

"I’ll start training harder as soon as I get back," Li Zhi promised.

*****

Upstairs in the farmhouse.

"Su Jie, why don’t you stay here for a few days?" Master Ma invited after finishing Li Rihui’s treatment. "Old Chen and I are researching how to integrate Taijiquan’s techniques and principles into psychotherapy. Since you’re skilled in martial arts, why not help us?"

"Sure!" Su Jie agreed immediately. Though he had studies to attend to, learning from Master Ma was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. "But I’m no expert—I’ve only trained for four months. There’s still so much to learn. Oh, if you’re conducting research, I can introduce you to Uncle Mang. He’s also interested in this field."

"That blind man from Minglun Martial Arts Academy?" Master Ma recognized him instantly. "He and I don’t see eye to eye. Besides, Haoyu has invested in Minglun now, so his research belongs to Liu Guanglie and Feng Shoucheng. I’m not particularly fond of either, though Liu is tolerable. Feng, on the other hand, is a wicked man with the bearing of a calamitous dragon—stirring storms and blotting out the sky. He has ten more years of great fortune, but after that, his end won’t be peaceful. His three sons are equally vicious, embodying greed, gluttony, and vengeance. He’s trying to alter his fate, but without virtue, retribution is inevitable. If the universe seems indifferent, justice will still find its way."

"Old Ma, your true expertise lies in your family’s secret art—physiognomy. Your predictions are godlike!" Old Chen praised. "Why not analyze Su Jie’s fate? Give him a free reading."

"Appearance reflects the heart, and temperament shifts with time," Master Ma said. "Physiognomy can only assess the present, not the future. Even the worst fate can be changed through effort. All forms of divination boil down to two principles from the Book of Changes: ‘Heaven moves with vigor; the nobleman strives unceasingly. Earth is vast and receptive; the nobleman embraces virtue.' Adhere to these, and no adversity can break you. Even in the deepest hell, enlightenment is possible. When I first saw Su Jie in the park, he was indeed plagued by misfortune, destined for calamity. But his inner spirit was dignified, suggesting he could overcome it. Now, he seems to be breaking free, though caution is still necessary. He must remain vigilant, think deeply, and constantly improve—accumulating resources and alliances."

"Accumulating resources and alliances…" Su Jie found the words striking.

"After all this, give us a summary. I want to hear your final assessment. I know you’re harsh in your judgments. According to physiognomy, how much ‘weight' does Su Jie’s fate carry?" Old Chen asked.

In the art of fate-reading, a person’s destiny is measured in "jin, liang, and qian" (a traditional Chinese weight system)—the greater the figure, the more significant their life. The lesser, the more insignificant.

"Originally, his fate was average—studious and hardworking, destined for a stable, peaceful life," Master Ma slipped into his "mystic" tone. "But familial ties dragged him into misfortune. This year, he should’ve faced severe injury. Yet somehow, a noble intervened. Now, his resolve is firm, his mind calm, his actions swift yet humble—a sign of rising fortune. But dragons ascend amidst storms. You’ve cultivated the beginnings of a mountain’s virtue, yet mountains fear erosion. The Book of Changes speaks of wind beneath the mountain—the hexagram Gu, symbolizing venomous insects and ill omens. Your future calamities will come like the wind. But there’s another hexagram—mountain beneath wind, Jian, representing steady growth. If you remain grounded, the wind won’t erode you. Instead, it will bring rain and nourishment. It all depends on how solid your foundation is."