Outside Of Time

1784  Liu Xuanji

The ancient divination text states: "Heaven reveals its signs, and the sage follows them."

Great Yin Dynasty, Tianqi Year, Spring. Imperial Capital, Zhongyu.

The slanting rain of early spring swept across the bluestone alley in the southwestern corner of the imperial city.

Beneath a black oil-paper umbrella, a middle-aged man in a blue robe—Liu Xuanji—traced his gaunt fingers over the bronze divination plate before him.

"Master Liu, what do you see?"

The speaker was a young man in brocade robes, standing under the umbrella as he watched the blue-robed diviner. Behind him, barely visible through the rain, stood a retinue of sturdy attendants.

Liu Xuanji did not look up. His gaze remained fixed on the divination plate, where the needle trembled incessantly over the Kan trigram. His eyes narrowed in contemplation.

This was his third reading today.

The first had been for a commoner inquiring about farmland. The second, an old woman searching for her lost grandson. Now, this noble youth—adorned with a dragon-patterned jade pendant—had sought him out, undoubtedly to ask about his official prospects.

After a long silence, Liu Xuanji finally raised his head and spoke hoarsely:

"Young Master's fate palace is graced by the purple star entering its temple. This indicates…"

Before he could finish, the needle abruptly leaped to the Li trigram.

The sudden shift made Liu Xuanji frown.