Feng Shui Chapter 124: The First Disciple

Although Shen Yanxing hadn't fought on the front lines during the founding of the new dynasty, he had exhausted himself offering strategies and counsel from the rear. But as more and more cultivators pledged allegiance, even a role as a strategist like his was gradually replaced by immortal masters with cultivation.

When the new king rewarded merit after stabilizing the kingdom, Shen Yanxing’s brothers all received noble titles and fiefdoms. Only he, lacking spiritual cultivation, was left behind in the palace. Without cultivation, there was no future. He didn’t even have the opportunity to govern a region and build his own power like his brothers.

To outsiders, it appeared the new king favored him most, yet the truth was he had essentially been sidelined, left to idle away his days, eating and drinking in quiet isolation.

Shen Yanxing had once fallen into despair. But in the end, he came to terms with it. Everyone had their own path to follow. There was no need to lose heart. He chose instead to live with purpose, even developing a refined hobby of collecting antiques and jade. So long as he posed no threat to the royal family, no one interfered with what he did. It was less of a grand tour than it was a quiet escape from a stifling life.

After recounting his past, Shen Yanxing spoke sincerely:

"I don't want to waste my life like this. I once hoped to dedicate myself to a scholarly pursuit, to write something worthy of history, so that my brief time in this world wouldn't be meaningless. I started with antiques, but after encountering Feng Shui, I found myself truly captivated."

He paused, a hopeful look rising on his face.

"Master Chen, I know I’m not the brightest student, but I still ask, please teach me the art of Feng Shui."

Feng Shui, though auxiliary in nature, still had ties to the cultivation world. Shen Yanxing couldn't let go of his yearning for the Dao. Since he couldn't seek immortality directly, he was willing to walk this adjacent path.

Chen Xiao hesitated.

"I've only studied Feng Shui for a few years myself, I haven’t fully grasped its depths. How could I possibly become your master?"

His response dimmed the light in Shen Yanxing's eyes. Yet the prince kept his composure and gently tried to persuade him:

"True wisdom makes a teacher. Master Chen, your knowledge is already far beyond mine. I know my lack of spiritual roots is a flaw, I won’t be able to inherit your lineage or carry on your Dao. But if you allow me to serve under you and learn even a little, I would be content."

The quiet plea in Shen Yanxing’s gaze reminded Chen Xiao of his own past, when he once believed there was no path forward for someone without cultivation. In the end, it was Feng Shui that gave him a new way forward.

Shen Yanxing was no different. All he lacked was a compass in place of spiritual roots.

Chen Xiao was moved by a sudden compassion. Sometimes, just one choice, one decision, could change a person’s fate entirely.

After some thought, Chen Xiao finally said,

"You are so sincere. If I keep turning you away, it would seem too cold-hearted. But you must understand, my knowledge is still shallow. If I were to formally take you as a disciple, I don't know how long it would take before you could truly stand on your own."

Shen Yanxing’s eyes lit up with joy.

"Master Chen, you’re being too modest. Your mastery of Feng Shui will one day lead you to the Great Dao, you will ascend and become immortal. I don't ask to complete the training, only for the chance to learn under your guidance."

Chen Xiao gave a faint smile.

"Then I’ll accept your good wishes. But at present, I’m only in the Body Refinement. You are a prince, formally apprenticing under someone like me would damage your reputation. Let’s do this instead: for now, I’ll teach you informally. When my cultivation is higher, we’ll formalize the arrangement. You don’t need to call me 'Master', just call me 'Teacher.'"

Overjoyed, Shen Yanxing immediately offered a respectful bow.

"Disciple greets the Teacher."

The event had come so suddenly that Brother Chen Xiao don't have any lessons ready. He simply told Shen Yanxing to return in five days.

Once the prince had left, Chen Xiao let out a long sigh and slumped back into his chair. Not long after, Xi Yunqing arrived in his courtyard.

"Brother Xiao." he said, "I heard you’ve taken Shen Yanxing as a disciple, is it true?"

Chen Xiao jumped to his feet and invited him to sit. He nodded.
"Shen Yanxing is very sincere in wanting to learn Feng Shui. Since I’ve chosen this path, I can’t let the art die out. Passing it on and founding a sect is only natural. Still, I had always imagined doing it later, after I’d gained more strength and reputation. At the very least, I wanted to be considered a master before starting a sect. Doing it now… I fear people will think I’m arrogant and reckless. Brother, am I overestimating myself?"

But Xi Yunqing shook his head.

"Brother Xiao, you’re thinking about this the wrong way. Founding a sect and passing on knowledge aren’t mutually exclusive."

Seeing Chen Xiao’s confusion, he patiently explained,

"The cultivation world has many rogue cultivators. Most sects begin with a single master passing on their knowledge alone. They may not have an official sect, but they still accept disciples. A sect isn’t just about a handful of people, it needs reputation, inheritance, a mountain base, assets, and many disciples."

"I see." Chen Xiao said, absorbing the lesson.

Xi Yunqing continued,

"A sect’s strength and longevity depend on the quality of its disciples. Since you intend to start your own sect, it’s not too early to begin. From now on, you should be looking for suitable students to train with."

Chen Xiao let out a breath of relief and smiled. “So, it looks like you’re in favor of me taking Shen Yanxing as my student, big brother?”

Xi Yunqing nodded firmly. “That’s right. And accepting Shen Yanxing will greatly benefit you as well.”

Somewhat surprised, Chen Xiao asked, “How so?”

Xi Yunqing explained, “Though he holds no noble title, his status as a prince gives him considerable influence. That influence could elevate the standing and visibility of feng shui masters within the Gengsheng Minor Heaven. If Shen Yanxing becomes accomplished in his studies, more common-born youths from the aristocratic families may start considering feng shui as a legitimate path. The more feng shui masters there are, the more stable your own position will become, and the more favorable it will be for founding your sect.”

Hearing this, Chen Xiao had a moment of clarity. In his previous life, he and his master alone had been able to hold up an entire sect. The Dongyu Sect had always passed down through a single line, generation by generation. So when he thought about establishing a feng shui sect in this world, he had imagined it would be as simple as taking on a few disciples like before. Only now, with Xi Yunqing’s guidance, did he realize the proper way to establish a sect in the cultivation world.

Chen Xiao couldn’t help but smile at Xi Yunqing and say, “It’s a good thing I have you around. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know how many detours I’d take. Forget founding a sect, without you, I’d probably be seen as just some rogue cultivator with no lineage. You really are both a mentor and a friend.”

Xi Yunqing looked at him with uncharacteristically soft eyes. “I wouldn’t dare call myself a mentor, but if I can help you as a friend and older brother, then I’ve fulfilled my duty.”

Chen Xiao actually felt a bit shy under his gaze and scratched his nose awkwardly. “To be honest, I thought you didn’t like Shen Yanxing and would be against me taking him as a student.”

Every time Shen Yanxing came over, Xi Yunqing’s expression was cold. Chen Xiao wasn’t blind, he could clearly tell that Xi Yunqing didn’t welcome him. At first, Xi Yunqing had at least accompanied him to receive the guest, but over the past few days, he had avoided the boy entirely. Chen Xiao had been puzzled, unable to figure out the reason for Xi Yunqing’s dislike.

But now, when Xi Yunqing mentioned Shen Yanxing, there was none of that previous chill in his tone. His attitude wasn’t exactly warm, but it was at least neutral.

Xi Yunqing paused noticeably before he spoke. “It’s not that I dislike him. I’ve just never been good with socializing. Now that Shen Yanxing is officially your first disciple, that makes him your junior. And since you and I are sworn brothers, that makes me his elder uncle. As a senior, I naturally have a duty to look after him.”

Chen Xiao suddenly understood. Shen Yanxing had been an outsider before, but now that he had formally become Chen Xiao’s disciple, he was considered part of the family, a junior member. With that change, Xi Yunqing’s aloof demeanor had softened as well.

If the other elders of the Chongxuan Sect had heard this, their jaws would’ve dropped. None of them had ever felt even a hint of this spring-like warmth from Xi Yunqing. In fact, being around him was always like braving a cold wind. Clearly, he was playing favorites!

In his previous life, Chen Xiao had taken disciples too, but because of his poor health, he had never seriously taught them. Those students had sought him out either out of curiosity about feng shui or with other motives; none of them had considered making it a career.

Chen Xiao hadn’t minded their lack of sincerity. He had chosen them mostly in hopes that, after his death, someone would still be around to take care of his master, Fang Gu, someone who could be summoned with just a phone call, if needed.

But Shen Yanxing was different. He was, in the truest sense, Chen Xiao’s first true inheriting disciple. Taking on the responsibility of a first disciple meant he had to teach him with real dedication, at the very least, ensuring he had a solid foundation. Thinking back to how much effort his master Fang Gu had once put into teaching him, Chen Xiao decided to follow that example to the letter.

He shut himself in his room and worked tirelessly for five days and nights without coming out. Drawing from everything he had learned in his past life and adapting it to this world, he compiled a volume titled A New Introduction to Feng Shui. The book included the main terminology of feng shui, fundamental theories, and a comprehensive collection of all the case studies he had personally handled.

He had poured his heart and soul into this book. When he finally handed the freshly inked volume to Shen Yanxing, his face was pale with exhaustion. Shen Yanxing received the thick tome reverently and bowed deeply, his expression solemn. He had never expected Chen Xiao to go so far as to personally compile a textbook for him. His eyes reddened with emotion.

“I will study diligently and never let down your kindness, Master." Shen Yanxing said with conviction.

Chen Xiao smiled. “Mastering this book isn’t enough. You have to learn how to apply it. If you have the time and energy, go out and see things for yourself. First hand experience is what deepens your understanding.”

Shen Yanxing lowered his head. “I will follow your guidance.”

Reading alone wouldn’t cut it, without someone to explain things, progress would be limited. So Shen Yanxing simply moved into the rental residence Chen Xiao shared, coming to him for help whenever he didn’t understand something.

One day, Tang Ru suddenly appeared, looking unusually serious. It was the first time Shen Yanxing had seen someone from the short-statured minority group, and he couldn’t help but glance at him curiously.

Tang Ru, clearly preoccupied, ignored Shen Yanxing entirely and went straight to Chen Xiao. “Chen Xiao, I need your help. Tong Nuonuo and I have discovered a lead on that demon cultivator. But the two of us alone aren’t enough.”