《A Feng Shui Master’s Guide to Cultivation (BL)》


 A Bachelor in His Past Life

    He was too ill to travel. The caravan left him in the care of a local family, paying them a commission to look after him.


    Since the caravan passed through the county city several times a year, the family didn¡¯t dare mistreat Hanwa. They brought him water and medicine on time, though their care was far from meticulous.


    The martial instructor who had once taught Hanwa in the caravan, fearing the family might harm him for his money, had issued a harsh threat. This ensured the family wouldn¡¯t dare use Hanwa¡¯s money to hire a renowned physician without his consent. Unwilling to pay out of pocket themselves, they let him endure his illness as best as he could.


    Hanwa had been physically robust, but repeated high fevers, compounded by a persistent cough and bouts of blood, sapped his strength. Eventually, Hanwa passed away. And when he did, Chen Xiao arrived.


    In his previous life, Chen Xiao had thought he would close his eyes and never wake again. Yet when he opened them, he was met with excruciating pain throughout his body. He was burning up, unable even to sit up in bed. Raising a hand felt like a monumental effort.


    As Chen Xiao struggled through the dizziness and splitting headache, his survival instincts kicked in. He realized that if things continued like this, this inexplicable second chance at life would end before it began.


    Seizing a moment of clarity, he begged the family to summon a physician from a reputable medical hall. Using most of the money left behind by Hanwa, he persuaded the physician to treat him.


    The physician, motivated by the generous payment, spared no effort. After some effort, he procured a medicinal pill for Chen Xiao. Consuming it immediately eased his symptoms, and within days, his body had regained much of its strength.


    After another half month of recuperation, Chen Xiao had fully recovered. Expressing his gratitude to the family, he left their home and checked into an inn.


    Though the remaining funds seemed substantial, in this bustling county city, they were only enough to afford comfortable meals and lodging for three months.


    Chen Xiao had no intention of returning to the caravan Hanwa had worked with. For one, he feared someone might notice his ¡°change.¡± For another, he lacked Hanwa¡¯s memories and skills. Though he knew how to brawl, he wasn¡¯t proficient enough in combat to work as a caravan guard.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    In the end, he took a gamble. Using the rest of his money, he found a reputable broker and entrusted the man to arrange a position for him in his current workplace.


    Looking back, Chen Xiao was grateful for that decision. His job gave him indirect access to upper-class society, allowing him to quickly learn the basics about this new world.


    It was a fascinating place, a blend of ancient traditions and fledgling ingenuity. It had the backwardness of a feudal era, yet showcased the creativity and invention of an industrial awakening. This coexistence of old and new was magical, drawing Chen Xiao¡¯s curiosity and helping him acclimate despite his initial confusion.


    At first, Chen Xiao thought he had transmigrated to a parallel world resembling ancient China, transitioning from feudalism to capitalism.


    But as he learned more about this country called Dai, he realized he was wrong. This world had no coal or oil. Without such resources, there could be no steam age and no hope of progressing into a modern society.


    However, this world had something unique: a precious mineral called spiritual stone. Rich in energy, these stones could replace coal and oil to power various devices.


    Chen Xiao had once seen a marble-sized spiritual stone placed into a stove with three burners. It burned continuously for three hours, consuming only a tiny fraction of the stone.


    That incident left him awestruck. The stove¡¯s owner, fond of showing off, revealed that the stone had come from a cultivator. Only then did Chen Xiao realize that this world revolved not around agriculture, commerce, or craftsmanship but the pursuit of cultivation and immortality.


    Unfortunately, after some discreet probing, he confirmed that Hanwa¡¯s body lacked the spiritual roots necessary for cultivation. Without any innate talent, Chen Xiao was disheartened but soon rallied his spirits.


    After all, being reincarnated was a bonus. Even if he lived an ordinary life, it wouldn¡¯t be a loss.


    Thus, Chen Xiao set his sights on enjoying life, saving money, and traveling the world. Marriage? In his last life, he had been a bachelor accustomed to freedom. He had no intention of burdening himself with attachments now.


    Wiping the corner of his mouth, he said, ¡°I¡¯m not thinking that far ahead yet. For now, my priority is regaining my strength.¡±


    No one knew how much his health had improved. After his severe illness, others thought it natural for him to splurge on food to recover. While some felt his spending was excessive, they couldn¡¯t argue with his justification.


    Zhao Erhu, a coworker, shook his head at Chen Xiao¡¯s reasoning but didn¡¯t press further. They were merely colleagues, not close friends. Having voiced his opinion, Zhao Erhu left it at that.


    Still, Zhao Erhu couldn¡¯t help but think to himself:Hanwa¡¯s not good at managing money. He¡¯s reckless and won¡¯t save a dime.


    Chen Xiao chuckled to himself. He could see Zhao Erhu¡¯s disapproval but had no intention of explaining. Their values were too different, and saying too much would only complicate things. It was better to keep their relationship casual.


    I¡¯ve given myself a year to adapt and learn,Chen Xiao thought.After that, I¡¯ll move on. Why stir up unnecessary conflict now?

 A Genuine Personality

    The wages at Taxue Xunxian Pavilion were quite generous. A regular worker earned sixty copper coins per day, while senior workers like Zhao Erhu earned only twenty coins more. In contrast, many other jobs in the area paid fifty copper coins a day at most.


    Chen Xiao also worked the night shift at the store, which brought him an additional income. Altogether, he earned a hundred copper coins a day. This high wage meant that even in a bustling city like the county capital, supporting a family of three wouldn''t be a problem.


    When Zhao Erhu said he spent money recklessly, Chen Xiao admitted it was partly true¡ªbut he also felt misunderstood.


    Back in his previous life, Chen Xiao had achieved great success at a young age. He wasn''t accustomed to luxurious feasts, but he''d certainly moved far beyond plain meals. Now, in this world, what he ate wasn''t just simple; it was downright unbearable.


    The staple food for common folks here was coarsely processed millet. The rough texture was like sandpaper to Chen Xiao''s throat, and after just two days, he couldn''t take it anymore. Though health shows back in his old life always promoted whole grains, there was a limit to how coarse they could be.


    From then on, he only ate finely processed grains. Of course, this type of food cost two or three times more than regular staples. And Chen Xiao didn''t just indulge once in a while¡ªhe followed the habits of wealthy families and ate refined meals every day, every meal.


    On top of that, Chen Xiao ate a lot. Likely due to recovering from a serious illness and being in a phase of physical growth, his appetite was insatiable. Three full meals weren''t enough¡ªhe also needed an afternoon snack and a late-night supper. If he didn''t eat on time, his stomach would growl loudly. Even the rarely-seen owner of the shop had heard of the worker with a voracious appetite.


    As a result, more than half of Chen Xiao''s monthly wages went toward food.


    When it came to his other expenses, people accused him of being picky.


    But Chen Xiao wasn''t intentionally extravagant. He could endure hardship when he had no choice, but why should he now, when he earned his money fair and square?


    Moreover, this second chance at life was a gift he didn''t understand. For all he knew, it could be taken away at any moment. Why save money for someone else to benefit from after he was gone?


    For instance, he insisted on wearing undergarments made of fine cotton rather than coarse hemp. His winter coat wasn''t just padded with cotton but also lined with soft lamb wool. While others managed with one warming pot, he purchased two more. Unlike his colleagues who washed their faces with cold water in the morning, Chen Xiao went out of his way to craft a cover for his copper kettle to keep water warm.


    These habits made him seem less like an ordinary worker and more like a pampered young lady.


    Still, Chen Xiao felt he had valid reasons. He wasn''t picky by choice. Except for coarse hemp, which he genuinely couldn''t wear, his other "luxuries" were simply a matter of adapting to the northern climate. As someone originally from the south, he found the county capital''s winters unbearably cold.


    Even more strangely, Hanwa, the body''s original owner, had spent over a decade in this place and had no trouble enduring the cold. But after Chen Xiao took over, his sensitivity to the cold matched what he''d experienced in his previous life. This puzzled him, and he wasn''t sure whether it was a blessing or a curse.


    After finishing his meal and tidying up, Chen Xiao went to the area he was responsible for to organize the shelves.


    The store''s name, Taxue Xunxian Pavilion, was so pretentious that it immediately suggested the owner was an overzealous fan of immortals. Otherwise, why hang such an overly poetic name on a signboard? Of course, this was just Chen Xiao''s internal critique¡ªmaybe this was the aesthetic standard of the Dai Kingdom.


    Judging by its popularity, the shop was one of the most successful antique stores on the street.


    The street where Taxue Xunxian Pavilion was located was a bustling hub, wide and long, lined with shops showcasing a dazzling array of goods. There were even street vendors with carts on the roadside. When Chen Xiao first arrived, he felt like he had stepped into an ancient market street back in his home country.


    The street wasn''t overly crowded on regular days, but during special occasions, it became lively. For instance, when an immortal sect opened its gates to recruit disciples, the locals would swarm to the shops, buying anything they could. They believed it brought good luck and a touch of immortality.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    The scene reminded Chen Xiao of parents back home praying at temples before their children''s exams. It wasn''t about actual results¡ªjust peace of mind.


    Stepping into the shop revealed even more differences from the antique stores of his past life.


    Here, the stores didn''t just sell historical artifacts from the country''s history but also relics believed to have been used by ancient immortals.


    Much like the antique market of his previous life, where real treasures were rare among fakes, the so-called immortal relics here were likely no different¡ªten out of ten were probably frauds.


    Still, the locals pursued these items with unrelenting fervor.


    They wanted anything connected to the immortals¡ªanything. Chen Xiao had even seen items like bamboo chopsticks and soup spoons displayed as relics.


    Among the shop''s cluttered and overwhelming inventory, Chen Xiao''s gaze settled on something truly unusual.


    The item was a jade pendant, its luster dulled by the passage of time, but adorned with intricate carvings. Due to its lackluster appearance, it was placed among a pile of other unremarkable trinkets.


    Chen Xiao noticed it because he could perceive faint, concealed fluctuations emanating from it¡ªan aura he was all too familiar with. It was Qi!


    The ability to see Qi was Chen Xiao''s unique talent, the cornerstone of his success as a Feng Shui master at a young age. The rigorous training it took to develop this skill wasn''t worth recounting now, but discovering an object imbued with Feng Shui Qi in this unfamiliar world left him utterly astonished.


    However, the shop''s staff, emboldened by its prestigious reputation, looked down on Chen Xiao''s plain attire and dismissed him outright. When he inquired about the pendant, he was met with sneers and mockery before being unceremoniously shown the door.


    Chen Xiao wasn''t one to dwell on insults. He memorized the shop''s name and continued exploring other stores. Yet, objects with discernible Qi were exceedingly rare. After scouring the entire street, he found only a handful of such items, most of which were in Taxue Xunxian Pavilion, the very shop where he eventually sought employment.


    At the time, Chen Xiao had little understanding of the world''s cultural and spiritual norms. The shop''s poetic name didn''t immediately strike him as significant. After securing the job, he diligently worked while subtly gathering information. Yet, despite his best efforts, the experienced shopkeepers revealed nothing of real value.


    It wasn''t until a stove owner casually mentioned the origins of a particular object that Chen Xiao pieced things together¡ªthe items with Qi were remnants of the immortals.


    The realization hit him like a thunderclap.


    In his previous world, items carried by accomplished monks or Taoists over long periods would acquire a distinct aura. Here, it seemed natural that objects linked to immortals would exhibit a similar phenomenon.


    No wonder the shopkeepers were so secretive. The ability to discern authentic immortal artifacts amidst countless mundane items was an invaluable skill, one they had no intention of sharing with a lowly assistant like him.


    When the truth dawned on him, Chen Xiao was exhilarated. His unique talent meant he could easily identify such items. Selling just one genuine immortal relic each year could provide him with a comfortable livelihood.


    Better yet, as a Feng Shui practitioner, tools imbued with Qi were vital components of his craft. The thought of finding such items effortlessly in this world filled him with excitement.


    But his joy was short-lived.


    The first time Chen Xiao stepped out of his temporary residence after recovering from his illness, he looked up at the night sky and froze. It felt like he had been struck by lightning.


    The constellations were completely alien.


    He soon discovered that even the celestial terminology in this world was different. What he had known as the Sun was referred to here as the Solar Star.


    A sense of disorientation and dread consumed him.


    In Feng Shui, the alignment of the stars is crucial for determining directions. Without familiar constellations, how could he be sure that north, south, east, and west were even accurate here?


    Feng Shui, after all, is an art where a single miscalculation can lead to disastrous consequences¡ªnot just rendering a setup ineffective but potentially wreaking havoc on the environment and the fates of future generations.


    The collapse of his meticulously studied knowledge system left him bitter and lost.


    But Chen Xiao was resilient. He accepted his new reality, bid farewell to the family that had cared for him, and set out to find a way to survive in this strange new world.


    When he realized that immortal artifacts carried Qi and could serve as Feng Shui tools, his excitement returned briefly¡ªonly to fade again when the practical challenges dawned on him.


    He couldn''t risk experimenting recklessly. A mistake would not only damage the Feng Shui of a place but also harm his own karma, potentially cutting his second life short.


    He had once been arrogant and paid dearly for a misstep in his previous life. He wasn''t about to gamble with his hard-won second chance.


    Now, in Taxue Xunxian Pavilion, Chen Xiao carefully polished the items on display using a soft cloth. The shelves he was responsible for were filled with miscellaneous objects¡ªpen racks, seals, bamboo carvings, wooden sculptures, and ivory pieces.


    He moved systematically from one item to the next until he paused at a particular ivory plaque. Among the shop''s stock, it was one of the rare immortal artifacts.


    Over the months he''d worked there, not a single customer had shown interest in the plaque.


    Because it was in his designated area, Chen Xiao had secretly resolved to recommend it to a discerning collector just before leaving the job. The commission he''d earn from the sale could serve as travel funds for his next journey.


    Every time he cleaned the ivory plaque, he treated it with meticulous care, as if it were his lifeline.


    While he spent freely, Chen Xiao was just as adept at making money.

 Stealing Master鈥檚 Skills Openly

    By midmorning, around ten o''clock, the shop began to see some activity. A few regular customers trickled in, familiar faces who knew the shop''s inventory well. They headed straight for the porcelain and jade counters overseen by the senior shopkeepers, asking about any newly acquired items.


    Chen Xiao, with little to do, sauntered over, his posture deferential, hands at his sides, wearing an eager-to-serve expression. In truth, he was eavesdropping, keen to pick up anything he could from the shopkeepers'' exchanges with customers.


    The shopkeepers, noticing his intent, cast him annoyed glances but refrained from chasing him off in front of the patrons. Instead, they took their frustrations out on him by ordering him around¡ªto fetch tea or bring snacks¡ªat every opportunity.


    Although thin, Chen Xiao was swift and nimble. He darted back and forth, not spilling a drop of tea or losing a crumb of the snacks. His competence left the shopkeepers no grounds to rebuke him, forcing them to tolerate his silent observation.


    The regulars, too, noticed Chen Xiao''s attentive behavior but found his earnest demeanor and almond-shaped eyes rather endearing. This made them more inclined to overlook his antics and less inclined to intercede on behalf of the irritated shopkeepers.


    The regulars were there to either browse for themselves or select gifts, and they didn''t linger long. By noon, they had all departed with their chosen items. The shopkeepers didn''t prepare lunch unless a big client visited, as sealing a significant deal would warrant rewards for everyone at Taxue Xunxian Pavilion.


    On such occasions, even the shop owner would appear, hiring a renowned chef from the county to prepare an exceptional banquet. Chen Xiao had been fortunate enough to attend one such feast, an experience that had left an indelible impression on him. That was also the first time he encountered the owner of the unique, spirit-bead-powered stove that had brought out the full potential of the chef''s culinary artistry.


    Today, however, was business as usual. With no major clients, the senior shopkeepers took a break, leaving only a few assistants to mind the store. The assistants rotated their lunch breaks, with Chen Xiao heading out in the second shift alongside Zhao Erhu. The two parted ways, with Zhao heading west while Chen Xiao went east.


    Watching Chen Xiao walk off, Zhao Erhu shook his head. The eateries in the east were known for their delicious food, but they were also notoriously expensive.


    Chen Xiao couldn''t care less about what others thought. He stepped into a small but tastefully decorated restaurant and ordered a bowl of chicken noodle soup, a steamer of juicy buns, and a small plate of sweet pickled melon. The meal cost him twenty copper coins, a sum that explained Zhao''s disapproval. It was true¡ªsuch indulgence made saving money nearly impossible.


    But Chen Xiao had his principles. He could endure hardship in other areas, but he refused to compromise when it came to food. If he could eat well, he would.


    After enjoying his satisfying lunch, Chen Xiao strolled back to the shop through the antique street. When he returned, Zhao Erhu pointed to the rear of the store and said, "Your uncle came to see you. I let him wait in your room."


    Chen Xiao paused, surprised. During his months here, the trade caravan had visited the city once, during which one of the martial artists who had trained Hanwa sought him out. It had to be Master Zhou. Zhao had been present at the time, and Chen Xiao had indeed addressed the man as Uncle Zhou.


    Thanking Zhao, Chen Xiao grabbed a pot of hot tea and two cups from the shop before heading to the rear courtyard. When he opened the door to his modest room, he saw a robust man sitting boldly at the table.


    Chen Xiao''s room, situated in a corner of the courtyard, was poorly positioned and perpetually cold. During the day, he preferred staying in the shop, where at least there were brazier-warmed rooms.


    "Uncle Zhou," Chen Xiao greeted him with a smile. "It''s so cold back here¡ªwhy didn''t you wait in the shop?"


    He placed the cups on the table and poured a steaming cup of tea for Master Zhou.


    Master Zhou took the cup and chuckled. "The shop''s full of important customers. What place does a coarse martial artist like me have among them?" He sipped the tea, his large frame still visibly affected by the room''s chill.


    Seeing this, Chen Xiao fetched the brazier, grabbed a few pieces of charcoal from a corner basket, and prepared to light it.


    Master Zhou hurried over to stop him. "Don''t waste it. Charcoal is expensive this time of year. Save it for later."


    Chen Xiao smiled. "Consider it a favor to me. Ever since I recovered, I''ve been particularly sensitive to the cold."


    Hearing this, Master Zhou relented, sitting back down while watching Chen Xiao light the brazier. "You''re still not fully recovered?" he asked with concern, his eyes scanning Chen Xiao''s thin frame. "You''re still so frail. It must have left a lasting weakness. How will I ever explain this to your uncle?"This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Master Zhou was someone Hanwa''s uncle had entrusted with his care, having met him twice through connections. Despite sending Hanwa away due to financial hardship, Hanwa''s uncle still worried deeply for his nephew and had earnestly asked Master Zhou to look out for him.


    Chen Xiao sat down and offered a faint smile. "I''m lucky to have survived at all. Uncle won''t blame you for that."


    Master Zhou sighed. "You were fortunate indeed. Spending so much to buy life-saving medicine was worth it¡ªwhat use is money if you lose your life? Still, you mentioned last time that your illness affected your memory. Has it improved in the past three months?"


    Chen Xiao''s expression darkened with regret. "No, I still can''t recall much of anything."


    Master Zhou patted him on the shoulder with a hand like a fan, his grip firm yet reassuring. "If you can''t remember, then don''t worry about it. I''ve heard of others losing all sense from fever. Compared to that, you''ve come out much better. Anything you don''t know, just ask us. We''ll remind you when needed."


    "Thank you, Uncle Zhou," Chen Xiao murmured softly.


    Master Zhou frowned, gripping Chen Xiao''s bony shoulder. "You''re too thin. You need to eat more."


    Chen Xiao offered a wry smile. Despite eating well and choosing the best food, his body remained stubbornly lean.


    He said with a troubled expression, "I''ve been eating quite a bit lately, but I''m just not putting on any weight. It''s strange."


    Master Zhou dismissed his concerns. "You were so ill you were nearly dead. Recovering so quickly must have taken a toll on your body, so it''s no surprise you''d need to replenish. Besides, you''re still growing for a few more years. Eating a lot isn''t unusual¡ªif anything, it means you''re not eating enough."


    Chen Xiao only smiled without responding.


    It wasn''t like he hadn''t experienced growth spurts before, but no matter how much his body was developing, his appetite shouldn''t be this insatiable.


    As for the idea that rapid recovery had drained his body, he didn''t buy it either. The doctor who had treated him had assured him that the pills he''d taken were extremely effective, allowing him to heal quickly without leaving any lingering effects.


    Four months ago, he even revisited the clinic for a follow-up. The physician confirmed that his body was fully healed and, apart from being slightly frail, he was no different from an average person.


    But if an average person ate the way he did, they''d have blown up like a balloon by now. Chen Xiao suspected this might have something to do with his transmigration. If that were the case, it wasn''t something he could explain to anyone. He could only bury his confusion deep in his heart.


    Seeing Chen Xiao''s silence, Master Zhou assumed he was feeling down. He reached into his robes, pulled out a small bundle, and placed it on the table, pushing it toward him.


    "This is the money you entrusted to me before. Keep it for yourself and buy whatever supplements you need. Don''t skimp," Master Zhou said.


    Chen Xiao was startled. "Uncle Zhou? How come you never mentioned this before? You''re not just using your own money to cover for me, are you?"


    Master Zhou couldn''t help but laugh and gave Chen Xiao a light knock on the forehead. "What nonsense are you thinking? This is the money you saved for building a house and getting married!"


    The sharp sting of the tap convinced Chen Xiao of the truth in his words. Only then did he untie the bundle, revealing a small pile of silver coins, glinting brightly.


    In this world, the common currency was still based on precious metals like gold, silver, and copper.


    The smallest denomination was the copper coin, resembling the ancient coins from his past life but with a round hole in the center instead of a square one. The mid-tier currency was the silver coin, referred to as silver money, and served as the primary high-value currency among the populace, akin to a hundred-yuan bill. All forms of currency were collectively called "money," just like in his previous life. The highest-value coin was gold, which Chen Xiao guessed was made from a gold alloy.


    The exchange rate was simple: one gold coin equaled one hundred silver coins, which equaled ten thousand copper coins.


    Chen Xiao earned a fair amount but also spent a lot. After working at the Stepping Snow Immortal Pavilion for five months, he''d only managed to save fifty coins¡ªthe silver coins roughly the size of one-yuan coins in his past life. Yet, the bundle before him held at least a hundred and fifty coins.


    Master Zhou explained, "After you were promoted to guard, your pay naturally increased. Aside from your expenses, you managed to save quite a bit. Since you were living with the caravan and didn''t have your own place, you left the money with me. You probably planned to save up, return to your uncle''s village, build a house, and get married someday. But then disaster struck, leaving you weak and unable to continue with the caravan."


    Chen Xiao didn''t tell Master Zhou that he now earned more each month than he did as a guard. Naturally, Master Zhou assumed he''d suffered a great loss. In his view, being a martial guard was tough and dangerous, but it paid well.


    "Keep the money safe. I have something else to discuss with you," Master Zhou said.


    Chen Xiao carefully rewrapped the bundle and placed it in his wardrobe. After sitting back down, he asked, "What is it? Please go ahead."


    Master Zhou frowned. "I came here to tell you that your uncle wants you to return home as soon as possible."


    Chen Xiao was surprised. "You mean... my uncle wants me to go back? Did something happen?"


    Master Zhou spoke in a tone of mild disapproval. "I heard that the village where you used to live now has a sect recruiting disciples. Your uncle likely wants you to go back and give him some advice."


    Chen Xiao''s uncle''s family consisted of three sons and one daughter. The eldest, like Chen Xiao''s parents, had passed away during their flight. The second child, a daughter, was already engaged. The third was only eleven, and the youngest, born after they settled here, was just five.


    Before fleeing, the family had been farmers. After arriving in this region, they worked as long-term laborers for the wealthiest household in the village. They were simple folk with little experience and panicked when faced with something as significant as sect recruitment. They wanted Chen Xiao to return and help them navigate the situation.


    To them, Chen Xiao had seen more of the world, having traveled south and north. Now that he was working at a reputable shop in the county city, they believed he was well-connected and knowledgeable.


    Master Zhou, however, didn''t think Chen Xiao could be of much help with something like sect recruitment. Without the right destiny, what could he do? Going back would only waste time and cause unnecessary heartache if others were selected while he wasn''t.


    But to his surprise, Chen Xiao''s eyes lit up at the mention of his uncle''s request. Without a moment''s hesitation, he declared that he would return!