Uncle Du’s complexion changed abruptly, and his expression suddenly shifted.
Observing the change in his expression, Xun Tianhai and Bai Changfeng exchanged glances.
Judging by the change in Uncle Du’s expression, it seemed likely that the Abbot had spoken correctly.
Uncle Du’s countenance darkened as he bowed and said, "Indeed, there has been such an incident..."
"Xuanmen has its rules; one must not divine for one’s own relatives. You have violated the natural order and leaked the secrets of Heaven, altering your own fate and destiny," Jiangli inquired, "In the past few days, were you diagnosed with an illness?"
Uncle Du’s face paled further, and his voice grew hoarse, "Yes..."
Jiangli said, "That’s right, the diagnosis was minor at first, wasn’t it? However, since you broke the rules of Xuanmen, what was a minor ailment has now become a severe one. Now you have only sixty days left to live. As a member of Xuanmen, since you have leaked the secrets of Heaven, you should be clear about this in your heart. Why then do you come to ask me?"
Uncle Du was speechless.
His ancestors had some merit to their name, and the situation had arisen suddenly, concerning the life of his descendants.
He couldn’t possibly ignore it.
He had also considered that there might be some kind of mistake.
His ancestors’ merits were profound, and he himself had been practicing medicine for many years, having done numerous good deeds.
After divining, he had not noticed anything wrong with his health.
He had thought he could escape this calamity.
"If you don’t believe it, you can check again when you go back."
Seeing that he remained silent, Jiangli said no more and reminded him with these final words before turning to leave.
Uncle Du suffered retribution from the Heavenly Dao for calculating fortunes for his descendants and trying to change their fate; no one could save him.
Xia Xin, only partly understanding, saw Jiangli leaving and had nothing to say. He could only nod courteously to everyone before meekly following Jiangli out.
Xun Tianhai and Bai Changfeng, however, did not immediately follow.
Both of them looked at Uncle Du with heavy expressions.
"Uncle Du, did you really divine for a member of your own family?" Xun Tianhai quietly asked.
Uncle Du nodded stiffly.
Bai Changfeng frowned and said, "Uncle Du, you should know that we in Xuanmen have three ’do not divine’ rules. How could you still do such a foolish thing?"
The three ’do not divine’ rules of Xuanmen are: do not divine for elders whose end is near, do not divine for children whose fortunes have yet to turn, and do not divine for oneself and relatives.
These are things every beginner in Xuanmen knows.
Bai Changfeng and Xun Tianhai did not believe that Uncle Du didn’t know this.
It was merely a gamble on a slim chance.
Leaning on his cane, Uncle Du’s posture seemed even more stooped, and he appeared suddenly much older. He gave a bitter smile and said, "I was too naive. But there was no other way, I had to save the life of my only grandson."
Hearing this, Xun Tianhai and Bai Changfeng did not know what to say.
They knew that Uncle Du had incurred one of the five great defects and three deficiencies: widowhood. His wife had passed away early, his children also departed this world prematurely, leaving only a grandson with promising talent, who was the only one capable of carrying on the Du Family legacy.
For Uncle Du, regardless of whether there was a chance of luck, he was certain to save his grandson.
Otherwise, the Du Family would be completely annihilated, left with nothing.
Xun Tianhai and Bai Changfeng both understood Uncle Du’s thoughts.
They feared that, given another chance to do it over, he would still choose to save his grandson.
Xun Tianhai and Bai Changfeng could say no more, only advising Uncle Du to have another check-up.
Whether it would help or not, it was worth trying.
Uncle Du nodded and hoarsely agreed with an okay.
Xun Tianhai and Bai Changfeng left with a sigh.
As soon as they left, Uncle Du’s form swayed and he nearly fell.
Fortunately, people from other Xuanmen noble families supported him, preventing his fall.
Looking at Uncle Du, their feelings were also very complicated.
A few people supported Uncle Du to go for a check-up.