Zhang Enpu nodded. “That’s right. The prosperity or decline of a residence depends on the orientation of its main gate. There shouldn’t be a large tree in front of the entrance, or else it will absorb yin energy. No big ditches either, or else the family will have few descendants. Avoid valleys directly in front, or else disputes will arise. A straight road directly facing the gate will bring the Cold Blade Curse, causing bloodshed. Likewise, a straight stream flowing directly toward the gate will bring the Rushing Water Curse, also leading to bloodshed. A road curving away like a bow will bring the Sickle Curse, reducing the population. Strange-shaped objects in front of the door will lead to disobedient offspring. Look at that big stone in front of the Wang family’s house—it’s so grotesque. Aren’t their descendants all weirdos too?”
“Wow, this Feng Shui business is seriously complicated. So many rules!” Liu Dashao was completely confused again.
Zhang Enpu laughed. “What’s wrong? Getting cold feet again?”
“Not really,” Liu replied. “I’m just expressing my amazement. Hey old man, if the Wang family’s wastrels are such bad people, should we really be selecting the best feng shui site for them? Isn’t that helping evil?”
Zhang said, “Well, in theory, yes. But don’t forget—we’re just trying to make a living. They’re our bread and butter. Hunger is the real enemy.”
“But I think for people like this, we should rather starve than serve them,” Liu argued.
“What? You’re willing to let a meal slip through your fingers?”
Liu shrugged. “I’m just afraid you’re too opportunistic.”
Zhang shot him a sideways glance. “What kind of talk is that? Do I look like the kind of person who chases profit?”
“Yes.”
Zhang gave him a sharp stare. “You little brat, are you asking for another tap on the head?”
Liu flattered him deliberately. “I always knew my master was a noble hero. I definitely didn’t follow the wrong person.”
Zhang felt flattered but suspicious. “Oh come on, you’re just trying to flatter me, aren’t you?”
Liu grinned sheepishly. “Heh, old man, you’re actually pretty clever. I knew you’d see through me.”
Zhang nodded. “You’re right. I actually fell for your trick. People like them—how could I ever help them? We should find a way to make them lose money and live in poverty their whole lives, as a punishment from heaven through us.”
Liu asked curiously, “So how should we do it?”
Zhang explained, “We must find a burial site that brings no harm to the deceased, yet casts a curse on their descendants.”
Liu added, “Right. The deceased is an innocent victim. First, we must find a favorable location for them, then consider its negative effects on their descendants.”
Zhang took out his compass. The needle pointed directly ahead. “We’re facing due south. Look, this mountain stretches majestically from the east of Xiushancun village.”
Liu looked behind them at the dragon vein—the towering ridge behind, flanked by smaller hills. His eyes lit up. “This dragon has guardian mountains on both sides. This place looks promising. And the approaching dragon in front is graceful and gentle. Seems like a great spot.”
Zhang smiled. “Indeed, there’s a good feng shui point here. Let’s head downhill.”
But Liu suddenly grabbed his arm. “Wait, old man, weren’t we supposed to find a bad spot? Why are you changing your mind?”
Zhang replied, “It’s a professional habit. Feng shui masters get excited when we find a good site—we can’t help but examine it closely. We’ll just keep it to ourselves later. Don’t worry, you dummy.”
Liu nodded. “That makes sense.”
Zhang continued, “Apprentice, remember—good feng shui points usually have strange rocks or rare herbs, hidden streams, facing mountains, and spiritual protection.”
Liu didn’t understand. “What does that even mean?”
Zhang simplified, “Just look for a ‘half-enclosed’ shape.”
“A half-enclosed shape?”
“Exactly,” Zhang said. “A proper feng shui point should be embraced by the Azure Dragon on the left and the White Tiger on the right. This half-enclosed shape is essential. And such a site is always guarded by mystical stones or objects. Like the tomb of Zhao Bang’s wife’s grandfather. According to the famous master Yuan Tiangang, there was a stone shaped like a pigeon near the burial site. Hence, the location was known as ‘Pigeon Ground.'”
“Ah, I see.”
Zhang added, “The nearby mountain in front of the tomb—the ‘case mountain’—also plays a crucial role. It’s different from the ‘court mountain’ behind. The case mountain is the closest hill in front of the grave, while the court mountain is further back, part of the dragon vein. The case mountain represents the starting point, the preparation. The court mountain symbolizes the future. So the appearance of the court mountain reflects the fate of the descendants.”
Liu nodded thoughtfully. “That explains why so many graves in rural areas are arranged this way.”
Zhang continued, “For example, the imperial tomb of Emperor Taizong of Tang, located beneath the main peak of Liangshan in northwest Shaanxi. The court mountains in front are shaped like two breasts—something unique to women. It symbolized that a woman might rule the empire. And sure enough, a few years later, Wu Zetian seized power, becoming China’s first female emperor. Amazing, right?”
“You’re kidding, right? That sounds like folklore!” Liu doubted such a mystical tale.
Zhang replied, “That’s what my father told me. Whether it’s true or not—I don’t know. I’ve never been there.”
As they chatted, they continued through the forest, scanning the surroundings for that elusive ‘half-enclosed’ shape.
The forest was full of thorns, tearing their clothes. Even their thick skin was scratched. But Liu was enjoying himself. Being younger, he jumped around energetically, making Zhang envious.
“You lucky dog,” Zhang panted. “If I were five years younger, you wouldn’t dare show off in front of me!”
Liu teased, “Yeah, too bad time doesn’t go backward.”
Zhang took a breath. “No wonder Emperor Qin Shi Huang went all the way to Japan desperately searching for the elixir of immortality. Now I finally understand his anxiety. Life may be tough, but it’s still better than being buried underground.”
Liu pretended to sympathize. “Deep words, deep words. You could be a philosopher.”
Zhang gave him a glare and continued struggling against the effects of aging.
Finally, they emerged from the forest. Zhang collapsed on a pile of dry leaves in a slightly open area. “Finally… finally got out of that boss’s jungle.”
Liu urged, “No time to rest. Wang Xiaoqiang is coming back soon. We need to find the feng shui point quickly.”
Zhang said, “You go ahead.”
“But I don’t know how.”
Zhang instructed, “Search along the hillside here. Use what I’ve told you about the characteristics of a good feng shui point. Once you find something, call me.”
“Alright, I’ll take a look.” Liu headed toward the right hillside. There were no large trees below, just uneven grassy fields. Without the silent agility of a tiger, he startled many birds and animals—crows, wild boars, rabbits, and eagles—as he passed.
At first, their sudden appearances startled Liu so much he nearly wet his pants. But after a while, he got used to the wild environment and even began to enjoy the excitement.
But just as he was getting carried away, he suddenly realized he had been distracted by illusions. Because ahead of him was a snake!
A five-step snake with a checkered pattern coiled across his path. Luckily, it seemed to be asleep.
Liu, however, was terrified. He feared snakes more than anything—even more than smelly feet or his uncle’s pet snake. Perhaps, like Tian Guoqiang, he was secretly born in the Year of the Rat. Snakes were rats’ natural enemies, explaining his deep fear.
He immediately ran back, shouting, “Old man! Snake! There’s a snake!”
“Snake?” Zhang shot up from the ground and ran toward him. “Where?”
Liu panted, “In the grass ahead. A five-step snake. Very poisonous.”
Zhang exclaimed, “Wow, a real treasure! Perfect for medicinal wine. Let’s go check it out.”
Liu was alarmed. “Old man, are you sure you can handle this? If it bites you, you’ll die within five steps.”
Zhang replied proudly, “Let me tell you, I’m not just a master of feng shui—I’m also a master snake catcher. A snake like this is nothing. We often run into them in the wild. It’s a survival skill we must have.”
Liu still doubted. “You’re serious?”
“Of course. Let’s go.” Half-believing, Liu led Zhang to the snake and pointed at the coiled mass. “There it is.”
Zhang looked at it excitedly. “What a beauty! At least five or six jin. This will make a great bottle of wine.”
He picked up a branch and slowly approached the sleeping snake. Liu grew anxious, fearing the snake might wake up suddenly and strike.
“Be careful,” Liu whispered. “Don’t step on the dry leaves. Too much noise might wake it. That’s where the phrase ‘stirring the grass and scaring the snake’ comes from. Don’t prove that idiom right!”
Zhang reassured him, “Don’t worry. Five-step snakes love to nap at noon. Locals call it ‘piglet snake’ because it snores like a pig. It won’t react unless you step on it. These snakes usually only bite in self-defense. If you don’t touch them, they’ll just run away. Unlike cobras, they’re not aggressive.”
Liu asked, “Are you sure about that?”
Zhang replied, “This is from personal experience—more reliable than historical records. Stay still, I’m going in.”
Liu watched silently as Zhang suddenly lunged. With a grunt, he pinned the snake behind the head with the forked stick.
The snake probably never expected this to be its last day. It writhed in pain, its fangs chattering in protest.
Zhang grabbed it barehanded, gripping it firmly behind the head. The snake twisted and turned, trying to bite him back but unable to reach.
Zhang brought it to a large rock and took out his small knife. With a swift chop, he severed the snake’s head. It was over. The snake’s life, destined for bloodshed, had ended. Perhaps its own feng shui was flawed.
Even after being cut in two, the snake’s body still twitched, its head still opening its mouth. The sight was horrifying.
Zhang picked up the body and began peeling the skin. Soon, a complete snake skin lay before Liu.
“Old man, this is too cruel. Look, the meat is still moving,” Liu turned away, unable to watch.
Zhang laughed. “That’s how snakes are killed. You’ve never seen it before?”
“Never.”
Zhang said, “You’ll get used to it. You’ll see many things like this.”
Liu muttered, “The snake didn’t do anything to us. Why did it have to die like this?”
Zhang replied, “It’s nature’s way—survival of the fittest. What’s the difference between a snake and a pig? Both are living beings. Why do you have no mercy when you eat pork?”
“I… I…”
Zhang handed him two small, cherry-sized objects. “Here, eat this.”
“What is this?” Liu asked in horror.
“Snake gallbladder,” Zhang said. “Eat it. It clears the eyes and strengthens the body. It’s a powerful tonic.”
Liu backed away. “No way! That’s disgusting. You eat it yourself!”
Zhang popped them into his mouth and swallowed. “Ah, delicious! I almost didn’t want to share.”
Liu glared at him. “Ugh, typical. Weren’t you just saying you’d make medicinal wine from it?”
“Oh, look at my memory, I forgot. Never mind. Come on, let’s go find that feng shui spot.” Zhang Enpu tidied up the snake skin on the ground, folded it, and stuffed it into his satchel. Then he stepped in front of Liu Dashao and led the way into the thick grass.
Liu Dashao followed behind, saying, “Do you really think there could be a good feng shui spot here? I still doubt it.”
Zhang Enpu replied, “I’ve checked it out. There must be a genuine dragon’s lair beneath this mountain. We can’t be far now.”
“What kind of dragon’s lair could it be?”
Zhang shook his head. “Hard to say. We’ll have to locate it first to know for sure.”
Boom!—Suddenly, just as they had walked about ten steps further, a tremendous noise erupted from the grass nearby. Then came a storm of flying sand and stones. Liu Dashao was caught completely off guard, hearing the sound of debris crashing all around the fields, and striking near him and Zhang Enpu. “Oh no!”—some they dodged, but others mercilessly slammed into them, as decisively as when Zhang had chopped off the five-step snake’s head moments earlier.
“Quick! Hide behind that rock! There’s a ‘true energy eruption’ happening!”
Zhang Enpu dragged Liu Dashao behind a large boulder nearby. Trembling with fear, Liu asked, “Old man, what’s going on? It sounds like fireworks! Oh man, my leg just got hit by a rock. I bet it’s torn open. It hurts so bad.”
Zhang extended his arm. “Am I any better? It’s all bloody and torn up.”
Liu looked at Zhang’s arm, noticing a large chunk of flesh ripped open and bleeding. He said, “Hey old man, are you okay? At least it hit your arm instead of your head.”
Zhang shot Liu a glare and gritted his teeth, “You heartless bastard! So you’re enjoying this, huh? Your dog leg must be fine if you’re this cheerful. It doesn’t matter where it hits—it hurts!”
Liu laughed. “Who said I’m fine? My leg’s still numb. Just look!”
He bent down and pulled up his pants, expecting to see blood and torn flesh—but instead, there was only a bruise. “Oh wow, I really am better off than you.”
Zhang replied, “It hurts a bit, but these are just flesh wounds. Nothing serious. I’ll be fine after a while. The explosion has stopped now. Let’s go check out what happened.”
Liu said, “Didn’t you just say it was a ‘true energy eruption’?”
Zhang frowned. “I originally thought it was a natural rock explosion caused by concentrated energy. But now I don’t think so, because I saw black smoke rising into the air just now.”
Liu nodded. “Yes, I saw it too. I was wondering, since there’s no fire, where would the smoke come from?”
Zhang explained, “It’s not about fire or no fire. Natural energy eruptions are colorless. If there’s black smoke following, it means either a demon has formed nearby, or a spiritual node has been destroyed.”
“Damn, could it really be a demon forming?”
Liu covered his mouth in shock.
Zhang said, “Not sure. We’ll have to go check to find out.”
“Don’t tell me—” Liu grabbed Zhang’s arm. “If it is a demon, you’re still going? What if it turns on us? Do you think we can handle it?”
Zhang replied, “Even if we can’t defeat it, we must go. Haven’t you heard that evil cannot overcome righteousness?”
Liu gave a bitter, grimacing smile. “Old man, that’s just a saying for show. You’re treating it like a practical philosophy?”
Zhang said, “Don’t worry. I’m here. What are you afraid of? If the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you.”
“What if you can’t hold it up?”
Zhang shook his head. “That’s impossible.”
“Tch!” Liu gave him a disdainful look. “Lying doesn’t break any laws. You’re just talking nonsense to the heavens.”
Then Zhang pulled out a piece of black cloth from his bag and handed it to Liu. “Here, help me bandage my wound.”
Seeing the cloth, Liu almost wanted to kill him. “Damn, you’re using a piece of cloth that looks like it’s been buried for eighteen years as a bandage? I’d rather swing from a tree bare-chested than use this! What if it causes an infection?”
Zhang glared at Liu. “Are you going to help or not?”
Seeing Zhang’s firm tone, Liu had no choice but to take the smelly cloth, wrap it around Zhang’s wound, and pull it tight. Zhang cried out, “Ah! You bastard, go easy! Are you slaughtering a pig?”
Liu ignored him with a glare.
“Alright,” Zhang said, “Let’s go check it out.” He stood up and walked toward where the explosion had occurred. Liu followed five meters behind, too scared to get close. Since he mentioned the possibility of a demon, Liu figured if there really was one, he could quickly retreat. In a situation like this, he had to be ready for both offense and defense. Heh, he thought to himself, I’m so sneaky.
“Old man, be careful!”
“Don’t worry, just follow me.”
The explosion site was about twenty meters from where they had taken cover. Zhang quickly strode over. Upon arrival, he waved frantically. “Dashao, come quickly! There’s something really interesting here!”
Looks like there’s no demon after all. Curious, Liu asked, “What is it?”
Zhang said, “Come see for yourself. I promise it won’t disappoint your eyes.”
Liu ran over and saw… Goodness! A rat! A stone rat exactly like a real one. This stone rat was about the size of an ordinary chair, like it had been sculpted centuries ago and placed here, then weathered over centuries until its surface looked just like ordinary stone, with all carving traces erased.
He exclaimed, “Damn! Could this be some buried ancient site? Maybe even the greatest archaeological discovery in socialist history. If so, we might both go down in history.”
Zhang said, “This is far more interesting than an ancient site. Ancient sites are man-made, but this was created by nature itself.”
Liu asked, “You mean it’s naturally formed?”
Zhang nodded. “Exactly. I told you earlier we were approaching a real dragon node. I didn’t expect it to be a ‘rat and snake battle’ node.”
“A ‘rat and snake battle’?”
Zhang nodded. “Exactly, a ‘rat and snake battle.'”
Then he picked up a long, thin piece of broken stone from the grass and showed it to Liu. “What do you think this looks like?”
“What could it look like? Just a long, thin stone.”
Zhang said, “No! This is a snake’s tail.”
“A snake’s tail?” At the word ‘snake,’ Liu shivered involuntarily. But when he looked closely at the object in Zhang’s hand, it really did resemble a snake’s tail. Liu asked, “What does this mean?”
Zhang explained, “Think about it. Wherever there’s a rat, there must be a snake. They’re natural enemies. It’s the same with natural dragon nodes. So around this stone rat, there must naturally be a stone snake.”
Liu nodded. “So that’s how it is. Too bad the stone snake exploded just now. Now only the tail remains. From now on, this rat can guard this place day and night without worry.”
Zhang sighed. “Actually, the explosion just now was that stone snake.”
Liu was shocked. “Really? Why would it suddenly explode?”
Zhang looked helpless. “Because we just stripped its skin, of course!”
“Hey, over here!” Liu shouted to Wang Xiaoqiang.
Hearing Liu’s call, Wang Xiaoqiang came running down from the mountain, shaking his head as he went. Being a local, he was more skilled at moving through the woods than the other two. Within less than five minutes, he arrived in front of them. He was carrying a bag, from which came a “gobble-gobble” sound—sure enough, a rooster was inside.
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