Chapter 439: Yue Lao’s Red Thread

Chapter 439: Yue Lao’s Red Thread

In the distant North, there stands a mountain of celestial spirits, far from the dust of the mortal world. Atop the mountain, there’s a celestial palace with a plaque that reads: Hall of Heavenly Fate.

Residing in the Hall of Heavenly Fate are several immortals who oversee all romantic destinies in the world, with the highest-ranking member being Yue Lao, the main manager of these affairs.

A saying circulating among the people goes: “Those with fate will meet even from a thousand miles away.” People believe that the bonds of fate between individuals are preordained.

Thus, another saying is often shared: “What is meant to be will come in time; what isn’t meant to be should not be forced.”

A light sadness, a full sense of helplessness and sorrow.

In fact, matters of fate are indeed innate, but they can be changed. Sometimes, through the efforts of ordinary people, or at other times, the red thread pulled by Yue Lao directly leads to marriage.

Of course, it can both succeed or fail. While fate is determined by heaven, it is also influenced by human actions.

In the backyard of the Hall of Heavenly Fate, there exists a tranquil and secluded spot like a utopia. Celestial stones surge with clear streams, and the water is crystal clear.

In this serene place stands a multitude of small mud figures, each connected by red threads, forming pairs.

These mud figures represent all living beings in the world, while the red threads symbolize their romantic ties.

The red thread is firm and represents profound connections; if broken, so too is the bond.

The mud figures and red threads come into being naturally, representing the destiny of heaven—each bond is preordained.

Yet nothing remains unchanged; Yue Lao has the ability to alter the red threads.

However, he usually refrains from doing so, allowing things to unfold naturally without interference.

After all, romantic ties are a part of fate; changing them is tantamount to altering destiny.

Changing fate doesn’t just affect love, but also wealth, career, and spiritual paths. A person who was kind might turn to evil, and vice versa.

It cannot be altered carelessly; that would lead to chaos.

This was his initial intention, yet as the fame of the Hall of Heavenly Fate grew, it became known among various immortal practitioners as a place to seek romantic ties.

Countless celestial beings came to visit, eager to gain romantic bonds, bringing lavish gifts to Yue Lao.

Of course, Yue Lao mostly declined them.

But there are exceptions, especially when powerful immortals come seeking favors, leaving him with no choice but to comply.

Another scenario occurs when the gifts given are simply too extravagant.

The initial guiding principle of the Hall of Heavenly Fate: to adhere strictly to heavenly romantic fates.

Yet after making an exception, it swiftly turns into: “To help others in love, how delightful!”

Yue Lao’s modifications to the red threads for romantic ties are typically done sparingly—he wouldn’t modify an entire family or neighborhood. That would throw the world into disarray!

Today, an immortal visited the Hall of Heavenly Fate, a celestial being who often observed the heavens, examined fortunes, performed divination, and calculated destinies. They could be considered colleagues of Yue Lao.

“Greetings, Yue Lao. It has been a while.”

“It is my humble honor to receive the visit of the Heavenly Master. As per the rules of my Hall, we follow the heavenly romantic fates and do not alter them. You, being one who observes the heavens, surely understand this.”

“Yue Lao, your words seem to carry deeper meaning.”

“Just let fate take its course with the Celestial Maiden Li Yao. Do not think of trying any tricks. I won’t change your romantic fate. If there’s nothing else, you may leave.”

Yue Lao offered respect before getting to the point, making it clear: “You want me to connect you with her? Not a chance.”

“…What are you saying? The Celestial Maiden Li Yao and I share a deep bond, as solid as gold, a match made in heaven. You’re being petty, Yue Lao,” the Heavenly Master replied earnestly.

“Perhaps I was worrying unnecessarily. My apologies.”

“Sigh, you and I are close friends, no need for formalities. Well…”

The Heavenly Master leaned closer to Yue Lao, presenting a fine celestial artifact, and continued in a hushed tone:

“Could you bend the rules for us, help us find love?”

“Heavenly Master, please take your leave.”

Yue Lao declined once more, not just because of the principle but because the Celestial Maiden Li Yao showed no interest in the Heavenly Master, who had considerable backing and numerous suitors. If he connected this red thread, would the Hall of Heavenly Fate even survive? Would it be torn apart?

Such an endeavor would yield no reward.

“Heavenly Master, I have things to attend to. Please leave.”

“Wait, wait!”

The Heavenly Master hurriedly stopped Yue Lao, his expression turning serious.

“This matter is secondary; I have more pressing issues to discuss with you.”

Yue Lao recognized the gravity of the situation as he saw the Heavenly Master’s demeanor shift so drastically.

“Please, go ahead,” Yue Lao said earnestly.

The Heavenly Master spoke of his recent observations:

“I’ve been studying the celestial phenomena and have done some calculations. The changes are vast; you oversee romantic fates, so you ought to know that everything follows the way of Heaven and is predetermined. I have already calculated the course of the world. But recently, it has changed, and its direction is becoming unpredictable.”

“Hmm?”

Yue Lao furrowed his brows; he too felt something was amiss.

He replied, “If what you say is true, I’ve sensed some changes recently as well. Many romantic red threads have shifted. The omens surrounding love are altering—there seems to be a problem somewhere.”

“Exactly! It’s like a game of chess, where the pieces had a clear path, but suddenly, one piece moves, leading to a collapse,” the Heavenly Master said solemnly.

Yue Lao pondered a moment before addressing the Heavenly Master:

“Follow me.”

With that, Yue Lao led the Heavenly Master and several disciples to the site of the mud figures in the palace.

Only a couple of his disciples were absent, having gone out and not yet returned.

Upon arriving, they observed numerous mud figures, all connected by red threads of varying colors and sizes.

“Can you detect the problem here?” the Heavenly Master asked.

“There are many issues, but after my inspection, the problem seems to stem from this place.”

Yue Lao waved his hand slightly, revealing a spot radiating with spiritual light, where a male mud figure stood.

Yue Lao stated, “This gentleman, based on the heavenly romantic fates, is destined to be an unwelcome and lonely individual. As for romance, a bleak lifetime awaits him. However, recently, his situation has drastically changed.”

As he spoke, he waved his hand again, and seven female mud figures began to glow, their red threads with the male mud figure flickering in and out.

“Look! These seven female mud figures are strangely connected to him, but it’s unstable. I can’t determine if there’s a romantic fate among them.”

“Those seven…”

The Heavenly Master pondered for a moment and suddenly had an idea:

“Perhaps this is where the heavenly alteration lies.”

“Yes, I feel the same,” Yue Lao nodded in agreement.

“These seven individuals might influence the direction of the world. I believe this male figure has somehow created these romantic connections with them, linking together several significant figures and causing a disruption in the heavenly order. He’s altering destiny in some unknown way, changing the fate of this world.”

“Heavenly Master, if these seven red threads connect completely, what does that imply?” Yue Lao asked.

“It would signal a convergence of earth and sky, a promising omen that could herald a prosperous era. However…”

Yue Lao paused, his tone shifting,

“If not all are connected, it signifies ominous signs. For a prosperous era to arrive, all seven threads must intertwine; otherwise, it’s an omen of calamity.”

The Heavenly Master fell silent, contemplating the profound implications…

…

“Ah-choo!”

Lin Nuo sneezed several times in a row.

“Who’s cursing me…”