Zhang Enpu nodded: "Precisely. The rise and fall of a Yang residence is judged entirely by the orientation of the main gate. There should be no large trees blocking the entrance, lest it attract Yin energy. There must be no large ditches before the gate, or descendants will be few. There must be no mountain depression facing the gate, or it invites argument and strife. There must be no straight main road directly confronting the gate, or it will surely suffer the 'Cold Blade Sha' and bring bloodshed. There must be no straight flow of water confronting the gate, or it will suffer the 'Urgent Flow Sha' and bring bloodshed. The entrance must not face a concave, outward-curving road, or it invites the 'Sickle Sha' and fewer offspring. There must be no oddly shaped objects near the gate, or the descendants will be numerous and rebellious. Look at that large, strange-looking rock at the Wang family's gate—have their descendants not produced oddities themselves?"

"Jeez, Feng Shui is truly too complicated, so many rules and stipulations." Young Master Liu was completely thrown for a loop.

Zhang Enpu chuckled: "What, already thinking of retreating?"

"Not exactly, just sighing over the complexity. Hey old man, if the Wang family's wastrels are so morally bankrupt, must we Yin-Yang masters still select the best resting place for them? Wouldn't that be aiding and abetting evil?"

Zhang Enpu mused: "In principle, yes. But don't forget, we are merely making a living; they are our rice bowls. Survival always takes precedence."

"But I feel that for people like them, we should rather starve than serve them."

"What, are you willing to let the duck slip through your fingers?"

Young Master Liu shrugged: "I just worry you're too mercenary."

Zhang Enpu scoffed: "What kind of talk is that? Do I look like a mercenary man?"

"You do!"

Zhang Enpu’s eyes sharpened: "You little brat, are you asking for another thump on the head?"

Young Master Liu deliberately flattered him: "I knew Master was a hero of righteousness and integrity. I won't follow the wrong person." Zhang Enpu looked bewildered: "Are you deliberately provoking me?" He was quite cunning, Young Master Liu gave an embarrassed smile, "Hehe, old man, you're quite experienced after all. I knew you’d fall for that one."

Zhang Enpu nodded: "Yes, you spoke truly; I did fall for your trap. Why would I help people like that? We need to find a way to bleed them financially, so they live in poverty their whole lives, showing our punishment on their behalf from Heaven."

Young Master Liu asked curiously: "Then how should we start?"

Zhang Enpu replied: "We need to find an auspicious spot—a nexus point—that carries no malice toward the deceased, yet possesses a curse intended to punish the descendants."

Young Master Liu stated: "Agreed. The deceased is an innocent victim. We must first find a nexus beneficial to their resting place, and only then discuss the curse this nexus inflicts upon the progeny."

Zhang Enpu took out his compass. The needle pointed directly before them. He said, "We are facing due South. Look, this mountain range flows elegantly from the East side of Xiushan Village; its momentum is considerable." Hearing this, Liu Da Shao turned to observe the incoming dragon vein behind them, seeing a towering, massive ridge standing abruptly beside him, flanked by smaller ridges. His eyes immediately lit up: "This dragon has guardians on both sides! This spot should be excellent. Moreover, the incoming vein in front is quite refined and gentle—it looks like a very good location."

He smiled: "Not bad. This ridge holds a fine nexus point. Let's hurry down the mountain."

But at that moment, Young Master Liu grabbed him from behind: "Hold on, old man. Didn't you say we were looking for a bad spot? Why the sudden reversal?"

Zhang Enpu explained: "It's occupational hazard. Whenever a Feng Shui master encounters good terrain, there’s an uncontrollable urge to examine it closely. Once we understand it ourselves, we simply won't tell them, simpleton."

Young Master Liu nodded: "That makes sense."

Zhang Enpu advised: "Disciple, you must pay attention. The formation point of a true nexus usually has rare stones and exotic herbs, hidden trickling water, mountains coming to pay homage, and spiritual creatures standing guard." Young Master Liu didn't grasp the esoteric language and asked: "What does that mean?"

"To put it plainly, just look for a place with a 'Half-Embrace Formation.'"

"'Half-Embrace Formation'?"

Zhang Enpu affirmed: "Exactly. The nexus point, like the surrounding guardian mountains, values the encircling posture of the Azure Dragon on the left and the White Tiger on the right. Therefore, a true dragon, true nexus, will invariably manifest this Half-Embrace Formation. Furthermore, such a formation will invariably have a spiritual stone or strange object protecting it nearby. Like the grave of Zhao Bang's wife's grandfather; according to the great Feng Shui master Yuan Tiangang back then, there was a stone resembling a dove next to the nexus. That’s why his grandfather’s treasure land is also called 'Dove Ground'."

"I see."

Zhang Enpu continued: "The quality of a nexus is also critically determined by the Anshan (Proximity Altar Mountain) in front. The Anshan differs from the Chaoshān (Saluting Mountain). The Anshan is the nearest mountain before the tomb, whereas the Chaoshān is the incoming dragon vein, the distant mountain behind the Anshan. The Anshan is the starting point, serving as preparation. The Chaoshān is the prospect—the future. Therefore, how the Chaoshān appears reveals how the descendants will fare."

Young Master Liu seemed enlightened: "Oh, no wonder I've seen so many common graves buried in a similar fashion; so that's the principle behind it."

Zhang Enpu confirmed: "Indeed. Take the imperial tomb of Emperor Taizong, buried beneath the main peak of Liang Mountain in the northwest of Shaanxi. The Chaoshān facing it featured two peaks shaped like breasts. Breasts are female attributes, symbolizing that the Tang Dynasty might eventually be ruled by a woman. Sure enough, less than ten years later, Wu Zetian seized the throne, becoming China’s first female emperor. Surprising, isn't it?"

"Is that true? Just historical gossip!" Young Master Liu didn't believe such mystical things.

Zhang Enpu admitted: "My father told me that story. Since I haven't been there, I don't know if it’s true or false."

The two exchanged idle chatter while traversing through the dense woods below, their eyes constantly searching, lest that "Half-Embrace Formation" slip past them unnoticed.

The woods were filled with thorns, tearing holes in their clothes. Even their skin, thicker than their faces, was scratched. Despite this, Young Master Liu still found it amusing. Being younger than Zhang Enpu, he bounded around, making the passage of time seem cruel to the old man, who was exhausted following him. Zhang Enpu grumbled enviously, "You rascal, if I were five years younger, you wouldn't be showing off ahead of me!"

Young Master Liu replied, "Indeed, but time won't wait."

Zhang Enpu paused for breath: "Ah, no wonder Qin Shi Huang exhausted himself searching the Japanese islands for the elixir of immortality. Now I finally understand his anxiety! No matter how bitter life gets, it's better than being buried in the dirt."

Young Master Liu feigned sympathy: "The honest truth, the honest truth. You could be a philosopher." Zhang Enpu shot him a look, said no more, and continued his shaky battle against aging.

Finally emerging from the thicket, Zhang Enpu, gasping for air, reached a slightly clearer area and sat down on a pile of withered leaves. "Ah, that’s comfortable. Finally, blast it, we're out."

Young Master Liu urged him: "No resting! Wang Xiaoqiang will be back soon. We need to find the nexus quickly."

Zhang Enpu commanded: "You go first."

"But I don't know how."

Zhang Enpu instructed: "Search along this hillside. Look for the characteristics of the nexus points I described. Once you find something, call me."

"Alright, I’ll take a look first." Leaving Zhang Enpu, Young Master Liu headed toward the hillside on the right. The lower slopes had no large trees, only uneven wild ground covered in tall weeds. Since he lacked the soft paws of a tiger, his movements made no sound, so whenever he passed through deeper patches of grass, he startled numerous birds and wild animals—crows, wild boars, rabbits, and even eagles.

Initially, caught unprepared, their rude awakening tactics nearly made the uninitiated visitor, Liu Da Shao, wet his pants. But after some time, Young Master Liu grew accustomed to this primal environment and even began to enjoy the thrill.

However, just as he was getting carried away with himself, he realized he had been fooled by mere appearances. Because he saw—a snake! He spotted a five-step viper with seven coils of diamond-shaped markings blocking his path. For the moment, it seemed not to have noticed Young Master Liu, as it was actually snoring loudly in its sleep. Young Master Liu was unafraid of dogs, sheep, flies depositing droppings, or even the mighty pig-stinking Empress Wu Zetian. But he was deathly afraid of snakes. Once his uncle caught a snake, and Young Master Liu dared not even touch it. Perhaps, like Tian Guoqiang, his zodiac sign was the Rat. Since the snake is the natural enemy of the rat, his fear must be innate.

Immediately, Young Master Liu turned and ran back, shouting, "Old man, snake! There's a snake!"

"A snake?" Hearing Young Master Liu’s cry, Zhang Enpu jumped to his feet and ran toward him. "Where is the snake?"

Young Master Liu reported: "In the middle of the path in the tall grass ahead. It’s a five-step viper. The really poisonous kind."

Zhang Enpu exclaimed: "Wow, what a treasure! If we catch it and soak it in wine, it’s highly tonic. Come on, let’s go look."

Young Master Liu was startled: "Old man, are you sure? What if it bites you? If it's five steps, you're finished!"

Zhang Enpu boasted: "Let me tell you, your master is not only a highly knowledgeable Feng Shui master but also an expert snake catcher. What’s one snake? We’re always running around in the wilderness for this job; we can’t avoid encountering them. It’s a necessary survival skill for us."

Young Master Liu remained skeptical: "Are you really capable?"

Zhang Enpu confirmed: "Of course. Follow me." Young Master Liu, half-believing, led Zhang Enpu to the snake, pointing to the coiled mass on the ground: "Look, it’s right there."

Upon seeing it, Zhang Enpu exclaimed with delight: "A fine specimen indeed, weighing at least five or six jin. We can certainly make a good jar of wine now!"

He then picked up a sturdy branch from the nearby grass and began slowly approaching the five-step viper. Young Master Liu’s anxiety intensified, terrified that the snake might abruptly wake from its pleasant dream and strike Zhang Enpu unexpectedly. So he whispered a warning: "Be careful, don't touch the dead grass nearby. Too much noise might wake it. The idiom 'Disturbing the grass startles the snake' comes from this; don't you go proving that saying is accurate!"

Zhang Enpu reassured him: "Don't worry. This five-step viper loves sleeping around noon. Folk call it the 'Piglet Snake' because it snores like a pig. If you wake it now, it won't pay you any mind unless you step on it. Generally, these vipers only strike in self-defense; meaning, as long as you don't touch it, it will try to flee when it spots you, unlike the cobra, which has a strong offensive instinct."

Young Master Liu asked: "Is your information accurate?"

Zhang Enpu replied: "The results of practice are more reliable than historical records. Hold still; I’m making my move." Young Master Liu stopped bothering him, fixing his eyes intently on the pronged end of the stick in Zhang Enpu’s hand. Suddenly, Zhang Enpu grunted softly, and the prongs on the stick locked precisely onto the snake’s vulnerable spot—the seven-inch point.

The five-step viper surely never imagined that this day would mark its end. It thrashed violently on the ground, its fangs clamped tightly, expressing utter dissatisfaction with its fate.

Zhang Enpu performed a move like disarming a blade barehanded, snatching the snake at its critical point with blinding speed, holding it tightly in his grip. The snake writhed in Zhang Enpu's hand, trying to twist its head back for revenge, but it couldn't bend its neck far enough. Zhang Enpu carried the snake over to a large rock, then brought the small knife he carried down sharply onto the snake's head. Crack—the snake was severed in two, ending its journey of a life threatened by bloodshed. One wonders if this bloodshed was caused by some flaw in its own Feng Shui.

Even after being cut in two, the snake’s body continued to move, the head gaping wide—the sight was truly horrifying. Young Master Liu had never expected killing a snake to be like this. Zhang Enpu picked up the body, grabbed the skin, and peeled it off. In a short time, the skin lay flat before Young Master Liu.

"Old man, this is too cruel! Look, the flesh is still twitching." Young Master Liu couldn't bear to watch and turned away to the other side.

Zhang Enpu laughed: "This is how all snakes are killed. Haven't you ever seen it?"

"Never have."

Zhang Enpu remarked: "It’s nothing; you’ll get used to it. You’ll likely encounter many similar scenes later on."

Young Master Liu protested: "The snake didn't provoke us; why did it meet such an end?"

Zhang Enpu retorted: "It's the law of the jungle, the way of natural survival. Is a snake any different from a pig? They are both creatures. Why do you show such heavenly compassion when eating pork? Don't be hypocritical."

"I... I..." Young Master Liu wanted to say something but found himself speechless.

"Here, take this, quickly swallow it." Zhang Enpu dug out two cherry-sized organs from the snake’s body and offered them to Young Master Liu. Young Master Liu was shocked: "What in the world is this?"

Zhang Enpu explained: "Snake gall. Eat it quickly; it sharpens the eyes and strengthens the body. It's a very useful tonic."

Young Master Liu immediately scrambled away: "That's disgusting; I'm not eating it. You eat it yourself."

Zhang Enpu popped one gall into his own mouth and swallowed it with a gulp. "Ah, delicious! I almost didn't want to share it with you." Young Master Liu shot him a look of disdain: "Hmph, typical. Didn't you just say you were going to soak it for wine? Why did you just gulp it down?"

"Oh, look at my memory; I forgot. Forget it. Come on, let's go find the nexus." Zhang Enpu gathered the snake skin, folded it, and tucked it into his personal pouch, then stepped ahead of Young Master Liu, leading the way into the grass thicket.

Young Master Liu followed five meters behind, murmuring, "Will there really be a good nexus here? I still have my doubts."

Zhang Enpu assured him: "I’ve observed. Beneath this mountain foot, there must be a true spirit dragon nexus. I believe it’s not far now."

"What kind of true spirit dragon nexus could it be?"

Zhang Enpu shook his head: "I don't know that yet. We can only judge once we reach the exact location."

BOOM—Unexpectedly, a massive sound erupted from the thicket beside them just as they had walked ten paces. This was immediately followed by an overwhelming torrent of flying sand and shattered rock. Young Master Liu hadn't anticipated this; he felt debris raining down everywhere in the nearby fields, striking both him and Zhang Enpu with sharp impacts. Alas—some they managed to dodge, but some slammed into them mercilessly, as decisively as Zhang Enpu had struck the viper's head earlier.

"Quick, hide behind that rock! It’s a 'True Qi Blast Eruption'!"

Young Master Liu was pulled by Zhang Enpu to crouch behind a large boulder nearby. Still shaken, he asked: "Old man, what in the world is happening? It sounds like firecrackers! Ah, a rock just hit my leg; I think it pierced a hole. It really hurts."

Zhang Enpu held up his arm: "It's the same for me; the flesh is mangled." Young Master Liu glanced at Zhang Enpu's bicep and saw a large patch of torn, bloody flesh.

"Old man, how are you? Can you stand it? Getting hit on the arm is better than the head." Zhang Enpu glared at Young Master Liu, gritting his teeth: "You heartless thing, it seems your dog legs are fine. Gloating, are you? Getting hit anywhere wouldn't be good!"

Young Master Liu laughed: "Who says I'm fine? My leg is completely numb! Look if you don't believe me."

He bent down and pulled up his trouser leg. Expecting it to be torn and bloody like the other, he found it was far less injured than Zhang Enpu’s; it was only bruised. "Oh, it really is better than yours."

Zhang Enpu conceded: "Though it stings a bit, it's just superficial damage. It will heal in a while. The explosion has stopped; let’s go see what caused it."

Young Master Liu inquired: "Didn't you just say it was a 'True Qi Blast Eruption'?"

Zhang Enpu frowned: "I thought it was a rock fissure caused by the condensation of natural true qi, but it seems not, because I saw black smoke drifting toward the sky just then."

Young Master Liu nodded repeatedly: "Yes, I saw that too! I was just wondering, since there was no fire, where did the black smoke come from?"

Zhang Enpu clarified: "It’s not about fire or no fire; natural true qi eruptions are colorless. But if black miasma follows, it means either a demon has taken form, or a spiritual nexus has been breached."

"Crap, you don't think a demon has formed, do you?" Young Master Liu clamped his hand over his mouth.

Zhang Enpu responded: "I don't know. We have to go see."

"Don't..." Young Master Liu grabbed Zhang Enpu’s arm: "If there’s a demon, you’re going? What if it turns against us? Can we fight it?"

Zhang Enpu insisted: "If we can’t fight it, we still must. Haven't you heard that evil cannot triumph over righteousness?"

Young Master Liu offered a smile uglier than a grimace: "Old man, that’s just talk for show. Are you taking that as practical philosophy?"

Zhang Enpu reassured him: "Relax, I'm here; what do you have to fear? If the sky falls, I’ll catch it for you."

"What if you can’t catch it?"

Zhang Enpu shook his head: "That’s impossible."

"Pah," Young Master Liu looked at him with contempt: "Boasting is free; you can talk nonsense until Judgment Day."

Then, Zhang Enpu took a piece of soot-black cloth from his bag and handed it to Young Master Liu. "Here, bandage my wound."

Seeing this ancient rag, Young Master Liu felt murderous intent: "Damn it! You're using this eighteen-year-old scrap as a bandage? I think it would be better to swing naked! What if it gets infected?"

Zhang Enpu glared at him: "Are you going to help or not?"

Faced with Zhang Enpu’s firm tone, Young Master Liu felt helpless. He picked up the stinking cloth and wrapped it around Zhang Enpu’s wound, then pulled tightly. Zhang Enpu cried out, "Hey! Easy, are you slaughtering a pig?" Young Master Liu shot him another look and ignored him.

Zhang Enpu stood up: "Let’s go take a look." He walked toward the blast site. Young Master Liu followed about five meters behind, daring not to get closer. Since Zhang Enpu mentioned the possibility of a monster, Young Master Liu reasoned that if one appeared, he could quickly retreat. Under these circumstances, he needed to be prepared for both offense and defense. He chuckled internally, realizing how devious he sounded.

"Be careful, old man!"

"It’s fine, follow me confidently."

The explosion site was about twenty meters from their hiding spot. Zhang Enpu covered the distance in a few strides. Reaching the scene, he waved vigorously at him: "Da Shao, hurry over here! There’s something extremely interesting!"

It seemed the demon hadn't materialized. Young Master Liu asked curiously: "What is it?"

Zhang Enpu replied: "Come see for yourself; I guarantee your eyes won't be disappointed."

Young Master Liu rushed over and gasped: He saw a stone rat! A stone rat identical in appearance to a real one. This stone rat was about the size of an ordinary stool, as if a sculptor had placed it there centuries ago, and centuries of wind and rain had weathered its surface until it looked like ordinary rock, with no visible signs of carving.

He exclaimed in amazement: "Heck, could this be a buried ancient ruin? Maybe this will become the greatest archaeological discovery for socialism, and both of us could be recorded in history!"

Zhang Enpu countered: "This is far more interesting than an ancient ruin. Ruins are man-made; this thing was created by nature!"

"So you're saying this is congenital?" Young Master Liu asked.

Zhang Enpu nodded. "Precisely. I said from the start that the lineage we are pursuing would lead to a spot where the true dragon nests, but I never expected it to be a 'Contest of the Rat and the Serpent.'"

"The Contest of the Rat and the Serpent?"

Zhang Enpu affirmed, "Indeed, the Contest of the Rat and the Serpent."

Having spoken, he picked up a stone fragment from the undergrowth—a piece that had been blasted and split. It was slender and long, and he asked me, "What does this look like to you?"

"What could it look like? It's just a very thin, long stone, isn't it?"

Zhang Enpu countered, "Who says? This is a serpent's tail."

"What? A serpent's tail?" The mere mention of 'serpent' made Young Master Liu shudder again. However, when I looked closely at the object Zhang Enpu held, it truly did resemble the tail of a snake. I asked, "What's the story behind this?"

Zhang Enpu explained, "Think about it. Where there are rats, there will naturally be snakes; they are natural predators. The same applies when nature chooses a true dragon's nesting site. Therefore, naturally, accompanying the stone rat, there must also be a stone serpent."

Young Master Liu nodded in understanding. "So that's how it is. It's a pity the stone serpent was destroyed by that explosion just now; only the tail remains. This rat can now guard this spot day and night without fear."

Zhang Enpu sighed, "Actually, what exploded just now was that stone serpent."

Young Master Liu was startled. "Is that so? Why would it suddenly explode?"

Zhang Enpu gave an expression of helplessness. "Why else? Because we just skinned it!"

"Hey! Over here! Get down here!" Young Master Liu shouted toward Wang Xiaoqiang.

Hearing the call, Wang Xiaoqiang scrambled down from the hillside, shaking his head slightly. Being familiar with the area, he seemed much more adept at navigating the thicket than the two of them. In less than five minutes, he was standing before them. He carried a bag that made clucking sounds—presumably containing a large rooster.