Chapter 3040

"I think I’ve been tricked by the Heavenly Dao. No wonder it asked me to find the Child of Fortune. If there really are these 'Fortune Thieves' around, that child is in grave danger."

Ouyang Tianyun looked speechless. He had wondered why the Heavenly Dao had made such simple terms with him. He had originally thought it was just a matter of time, but now he realized that by agreeing, he was stepping into a conflict with those Fortune Thieves.

Seeing Ouyang Tianyun’s aggrieved expression, Yan Xiwan couldn’t help but laugh. "Enough with the complaints. Since things have come to this and you’ve already agreed, we have no choice but to continue."

Ouyang Tianyun frowned, looking troubled. "I just feel like we’re getting a raw deal."

Yan Xiwan looked at him with a sigh. "It’s fine. We came here for training anyway. More trouble just means more experience. Besides, I’m quite curious about these Fortune Thieves. How do they even steal fortune?"

Stealing fortune sounds simple, but it involves complex rules. Without understanding the underlying principles, it is impossible to steal someone’s luck.

Those blessed with fortune are favored by Heaven. That is why they are called lucky stars or koi fish. This fortune is a natural gift from Heaven, not something added later. Unless one possesses special rules, it is impossible to steal another person’s innate luck.

"I’m also curious," Ouyang Tianyun said. "Who could possibly do this, and how?"

Yan Xiwan smiled. "Then stop feeling wronged. Let’s observe carefully and find this Fortune Thief."

Ouyang Tianyun thought about it and nodded. "You’re right. Let’s do as you say."

They spent the night in silence. The next morning, when Zhang Tian and Gu Cheng woke up and climbed down from the trees, they found the two elders eating breakfast below. The aroma wafting from the food made their mouths water.

"Good morning, Senior Elders," Zhang Tian and Gu Cheng greeted them as they approached.

Ouyang Tianyun glanced at them coldly and pointed to a can of porridge nearby. "If you want to eat, help yourselves."

Zhang Tian and Gu Cheng didn’t hesitate. They were starving, so they ignored any other concerns and started eating immediately.

They ate so enthusiastically that they didn’t notice Ouyang Tianyun and Yan Xiwan leisurely strolling nearby. Yan Xiwan seemed to be digging for something occasionally.

"Senior Elders," Gu Cheng and Zhang Tian called out after finishing their meal.

Yan Xiwan continued digging for herbs. Ouyang Tianyun spoke up. "Since you’ve finished eating, clean up. Extinguish the fire so we don’t burn down the forest. Wash the dishes. Don’t just eat and leave a mess."

"Oh." The two didn’t argue. They followed Ouyang Tianyun’s instructions, extinguished the fire, washed the dishes in the nearby stream, and then returned.

Seeing they had completed the tasks, Ouyang Tianyun didn’t express satisfaction or dissatisfaction. He simply said, "Follow us."

Zhang Tian and Gu Cheng were confused about what Ouyang Tianyun wanted to do, but since they had always wanted to build a relationship with him, they naturally followed.

As they walked, they found Ouyang Tianyun even more mysterious. Yan Xiwan seemed particularly interested in the forest plants, rarely asking about other matters. The prey for their meals was caught directly by Ouyang Tianyun and cooked on the spot.

"I’ll cook today," Ouyang Tianyun said, looking at the two young men. "Starting tonight, you will cook. You will also catch your own prey."

"Yes." Although they didn’t understand why Ouyang Tianyun was doing this, they obeyed the elder’s orders.

Yan Xiwan discovered a type of herb and her face lit up with joy. "I’ve found many herbs in this forest. This one is also an herb, but it’s poisonous."

Ouyang Tianyun hurried over. "Since it’s a poisonous herb, let me help you pick it."

"No need," Yan Xiwan smiled lightly. "It’s not a big deal. Besides, I’ve studied medicine for so long. Have you ever seen me get hurt while picking herbs?"

"Those who can swim are the ones who drown," Ouyang Tianyun glared at her. "Be careful in everything. Carefulness ensures a long journey."

"Yes, yes, you’re absolutely right," Yan Xiwan could only say.

Although the couple seemed to be bickering, there was an intimacy that others couldn’t intrude upon. Their tacit understanding was obvious; anyone with eyes could see they were a perfect match.

"Senior Elders, may we ask your names?" Zhang Tian asked cautiously after some thought.

Ouyang Tianyun looked at Zhang Tian. "My surname is Ouyang. This is my wife, surnamed Yan."

"Senior Ouyang, Madam Ouyang," Zhang Tian said quickly.

Ouyang Tianyun looked at Zhang Tian. "Do you have something to say?"

"Um, Senior Elders, could we invite you to our home?" Zhang Tian was bold; not everyone would dare to say this.

Yan Xiwan looked at Zhang Tian. "Are you two from the same family?"

"Our families have different surnames, but our ancestors were sworn brothers, so we have always treated each other like real brothers," Zhang Tian explained.

"Is your family in trouble?" Yan Xiwan knew the situation with just a glance.

"How did you know, Madam?" Zhang Tian was surprised that Ouyang Tianyun could see through it.

Yan Xiwan said, "It’s very simple. I can see it at a glance. Your fortune likely comes from great karmic merit done by your ancestors. As descendants, you share in some of that fortune, which helps you avoid disaster. But now, your fortune has turned dark, clearly indicating your family is in trouble."

"To be honest, Senior Elders, it’s the fault of our younger generation. We have disgraced our ancestors’ names," Gu Cheng said.

"Tell him," Yan Xiwan said, acting as a hands-off manager and passing the matter to Ouyang Tianyun. "If you tell the truth, he might help you."

Ouyang Tianyun helplessly rubbed Yan Xiwan’s head and then said, "Since my wife says so, tell us."

Gu Cheng said, "Although the Zhang and Gu families aren’t famous noble clans, we are well-known in our area. Our Honghe Town has always been harmonious. But half a year ago, a group of people suddenly came and established a sect called the Heavenly Dao Sect."

"Bold of them to use the Heavenly Dao as a gimmick. They must be seeking death," Yan Xiwan shook her head in disbelief.

Ouyang Tianyun agreed silently. "Continue."

"Our Honghe Town isn’t large, but there are seven or eight small sects. Some close down every year, and new ones appear. At first, we didn’t take the Heavenly Dao Sect seriously."