27: Chapter 27 The Form-Drinking School
Although Han Jingyang had a cheat code, he still lacked confidence in things like Feng Shui.
He always believed that this Feng Shui stuff was unreliable.
The fact that his dharma instruments were so powerful had nothing to do with Feng Shui; it was the effect of the System.
However, upon deeper reflection, his System could not create something out of nothing; it must follow certain rules to exist and directly influence people and objects in the real world.
Therefore, he was also feeling lost.
But this did not stop him from continuing to play the role of a metaphysical expert.
Following Old Hu into that grove of locust trees, he circled around once and nodded. "This grove of locust trees is planted wonderfully. Without this little grove, even the best Feng Shui could not be hidden or retained; it would just blow past like a gust of wind, no different from the land over there. Yet now, it cleverly creates a 'Net Opened on One Side' formation."
"A 'Net Opened on One Side'?" Sun Fuchang asked curiously from the side. "Is there such a formation?"
Before Han Jingyang could speak, Old Hu helped explain, "This is called Calling-the-Shape. Depending on the terrain, there are many different names. The Calling-the-Shape School is a major school of Feng Shui, though there are many imposters. Of course, Mr. Han definitely has real skills."
Sun Fuchang nodded. "Then how do you explain this 'Net Opened on One Side'? It sounds like it has nothing to do with Feng Shui."
Han Jingyang did not expect Old Hu to say that.
In reality, this was something he had come up with at the last minute. While studying Feng Shui over the past two days, he had discovered this school and felt it was suitable for him to bluff with. He hadn't expected it to actually come in handy.
However, he still explained calmly, "Calling-the-Shape emphasizes the form; as long as the form is correct, it is good."
Old Hu nodded. "Right. The Dragon Qi stretches in from over there and encounters this small net woven by the locust grove. With the 'net opened on one side,' the Dragon Qi naturally slips through the mesh to settle nearby, forming a Feng Shui formation. If it were a small hill or a building instead of a grove, it would force the Dragon Qi to change course. Therefore, Mr. Han's choice of words is very accurate."
Sun Fuchang was confused. "How do you spot Dragon Qi?"
Old Hu shook his head. "That's hard to say. Different schools have different methods, but it mainly involves observing the terrain and topography. Some combine it with the sun, moon, and stars. I don't know much more than that."
Han Jingyang also shook his head. "Don't look at me. Our school follows the external Qi flow and specializes in the Consecration of dharma instruments. We aren't very skilled at water intake, sand removal, or Dragon-Seeking and Point-Hitting."
Old Hu cupped his hands. "Mr. Han is too modest. Your level is extremely high; even if you aren't very skilled at Dragon-Seeking and Point-Hitting, you are still at a first-class level. Over the years, I have hired many Feng Shui Masters, but very few could pass the first test. Only one other person was able to discover the wonders of this locust grove, and even that person couldn't explain the underlying reasons."
Sun Fuchang asked eagerly, "Then what about the burial point? Where is the most suitable spot?"
Old Hu also stared at Han Jingyang with anticipation.
Han Jingyang could have directly located the position where the golden aura was most concentrated to set the point, but seeing the needle trembling slightly within the Heavenly Pool of the compass, he decided to take this opportunity to properly study the compass.
So, he didn't answer, but instead held the compass and slowly walked around the area.
As he walked, he observed the connections between the needle, the compass, the terrain, and the golden aura, noting the needle's different reactions and directions when in different positions.
Finally, following the direction of the needle, he actually found the convergence point of the golden aura.
Amazing!
Han Jingyang waved to Old Hu.
Old Hu immediately handed him a wooden stake tied with a red cloth.
Han Jingyang grabbed the wooden stake and slammed it into the ground.
At that moment, the surrounding golden aura seemed to freeze, but it quickly returned to its original state.
However, he could clearly see that the golden aura was flowing more slowly.
Is this the legendary suppression of Earth Qi?
It really is amazing.
Han Jingyang observed the changes in the golden aura and said to Old Hu, "It's here. As long as the surrounding environment doesn't change significantly, this burial point will definitely be the best. You must guard it well and don't let anyone destroy it."
"That won't happen. I'll discuss with the others and exchange for the surrounding land, connecting this entire area into one piece. No one will be able to touch it."
"The key is that grove of locust trees."
"The land and the trees are all under my name."
"That's good." Han Jingyang put away the compass. "Old Hu, we are square now."
Old Hu nodded. "We are square, we are square. I'll talk to Little Chen, and I'll pay the agency fee."
"Given your situation... I feel so embarrassed."
"I'm not short on money. My son and daughter give me plenty of money every year, more than I can spend. If I didn't have to guard this land, I would have gone to the Capital to enjoy life long ago."
Sun Fuchang's eyes widened. "A son and a daughter?"
Old Hu countered, "What else? If I didn't have children, why would I bother with this stuff? Isn't it to secure long-term fortune for my descendants?"
Han Jingyang was also a bit surprised.
But upon careful reflection, what Old Hu said truly made sense. If one were a lonely old man, matters after death would be meaningless; no matter how well the grave was built, it could not be preserved.
Only with children do things like ancestral halls and family graves have any meaning.
Perhaps this is the most authentic, simple, and deeply rooted belief on this land.
Han Jingyang drove Old Hu home.
Old Hu enthusiastically invited Han Jingyang and his companion to come inside and sit for a while.
But neither Han Jingyang nor Sun Fuchang was interested; the smell inside the house was truly unpleasant.
Old Hu didn't force the issue. Instead, he went back inside, took out a box, and handed it to Han Jingyang through the car window. "This was also passed down by my ancestors and is part of the set with the compass. It's useless in my hands, so I'm giving it to you."
Before Han Jingyang could refuse, he added, "I don't plan on living in this house anymore; I'm returning to the countryside. If you ever pass by, you must stop by for a cup of water."
On the way back.
Sun Fuchang kept sighing.
Although he didn't say anything, Han Jingyang guessed that the old guy must be envious of Old Hu having both a son and a daughter, and from the sounds of it, they were both quite successful.
By comparison, Sun Fuchang's son, Sun Xiaoliang, was simply not worth mentioning.
Upon arriving in the city, Han Jingyang asked Old Sun, "Where shall I drop you off?"
Old Sun sighed again. "The urban village in the north. I rented a small courtyard there."
"Do you need any help? I can't promise much else, but I do have a hundred thousand or so in cash."
"If I need it, I'll definitely let you know."
"What are your plans for the future?"
"Starting from scratch, making a comeback. I'm going to set up a street stall tomorrow."
"Come to my storefront. I'll save you a spot, and we can drink tea and chat."
"It's a deal."
After dropping Sun Fuchang off and seeing that dilapidated little courtyard, Han Jingyang felt quite emotional.
Three days ago, Sun Fuchang was still a wealthy man with apartment buildings, villas, a wife, shops, and savings; his life was quite prosperous.
But now, he could only take shelter in such a humble dwelling.
But is this considered unfortunate?
Definitely not. This was Sun Fuchang's own choice, and he was happy. Although he had nothing, being able to shed that bizarre mother-son pair of Sun Xiaoliang was true freedom.
Lost in thought, he returned to Jiguang Zhai, only to see a young girl standing on a ladder, clumsily scrubbing the ink off the plaque.
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