{"id":13328,"date":"2020-12-23T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-23T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/?p=13328"},"modified":"2021-01-20T12:52:02","modified_gmt":"2021-01-20T17:52:02","slug":"pttp029","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/pttp029\/","title":{"rendered":"Part-Time Taoist Priest 29"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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<< Chapter 28<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Project Page<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Chapter 30 >><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Mountain and Water Nourish the Lotus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Tang Qi went to pick up Xie Lingya and Shi Changxuan the next day. With his help, they brought along all the tools they needed for the ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi was a swift and decisive person, handling affairs with the force of thunder and the speed of the wind. It was easy to tell that he viewed the project with great importance since he had come personally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the drive, he worked remotely on a laptop. He even inquired about Baoyang Temple in between his work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya suspected that he was interested in acquiring Baoyang Temple. However, because of its small size and the high price of the land surrounding it, he wouldn\u2019t be able to develop it into an integrated tourist attraction like the holiday retreat. Even with the relative popularity of Baoyang recently, it was not a good investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After Tang Qi left yesterday, Shi Changxuan had spoken to Xie Lingya. According to Chen Sansheng, Tang Qi had intended to acquire Taihe Temple, but Chen Sansheng had rejected his offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taihe Temple had done well in conducting and planning their own business operations. In this aspect, Taihe Temple stood out from the many other temples operated by private enterprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was Taihe Temple\u2019s popularity that had caught Tang Qi\u2019s interest. Now that he was developing a new tourist destination, he had chosen to build a Buddhist temple and invited an eminent monk as abbot. Not only were Buddhist temples easier to run, but there wasn\u2019t much demand for new Taoist temples in the area either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ride from Baoyang Temple to Tang Qi\u2019s newly acquired land took about an hour. When they got there, the site was still covered with yellow mud and some two-story prefabricated housing was built on the side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They put away their belongings and rested for a moment. Tang Qi personally served them tea. With some pride in his voice, Tang Qi asked, \u201cShi Daozhang<\/em>, what do you think of this mountain of mine?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan expressed his appreciation with a nod. \u201cMagnificent rise and fall.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In feng shui<\/em>, the topography of mountain ranges was described by likening them to dragons. The shape and features of mountain ranges were like the ever-changing postures of a dragon. To inspect the mountains meant to search for the \u2018dragon vein\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dragon veins originated from the sanzu<\/em>\u2014the \u2018ancestor of the mountains\u2019. Geomancers regarded Kunlun Mountain as the sanzu<\/em> from which three main dragon veins extended, and each had many more offshoots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other than the three main dragons, there were also three main watercourses\u2014the Changjiang,1<\/a><\/sup>“Long River”, the modern Chinese name for the lower 2,884 km (1,792 mi) of the Yangtze<\/a> from its confluence with the Min River at Yibin in Sichuan to the river mouth at Shanghai<\/span> the Yellow River, and the Yalu River, each running parallel to the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A feng shui<\/em> practitioner appeared to only observe the mountain features of the site, but in actuality, they needed an understanding of all the dragon veins under heaven to make a better assessment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the mountains in Queshan Province belonged to branches of the middle dragon. The land which Tang Qi bought sat on a \u2018Forward Dragon\u2019.2<\/a><\/sup>‘Forward Dragon’ has the peaks of the mountains extending from the lair in a low to high manner. Image at the end of the chapter.<\/span> The rise and fall of the peaks were prominent and full of energy, a structure that brings wealth and prosperity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi had mentioned yesterday that he would be building a hot spring villa here. Shi Changxuan glanced around and asked, \u201cWhere is the source of the hot spring?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The source of the hot spring was probably hard to access because Tang Qi took out a map. He pointed at a spot: \u201cWe are here now, the hot spring is over there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The old saying went, A lake with water that does not dry out is like a house with wealth that does not diminish<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In feng shui<\/em>, water oversees wealth. The hot spring at the front of the site could invite wealth and preserve vitality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan nodded, \u201cIf you build the villa here, where the water gathers in the celestial core, it\u2019s an auspicious arrangement. For a Buddhist temple, there needs to be life energy. Let\u2019s walk around and see where life energy gathers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOk, haha.\u201d Tang Qi was elated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a brief break, they put on rubber boots and headed up to survey the mountain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few of Tang Qi\u2019s employees followed along with surprise in their hearts. They had worked with Tang Qi for many years and knew Tang Qi\u2019s habits well. Previously, he had always invited famous priests and monks, and most of them were at least 40-50 years old. This time, the two masters hired were wearing plain casual clothes, and not only did they not look like priests, but they were also as young as students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, later they learned that one of them was indeed a student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya didn\u2019t need to follow along but was embarrassed to stay behind by himself. Besides, he could learn something by tagging along with Shi Changxuan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vegetation and trees around the site were already cleared, but there were photos and videos from before that could provide information. <\/strong>Normally, places with dried and withered vegetation were not favorable. Tang Qi had excluded those places from development at the very beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The temple was to be built on the mountain, so the first step was to ascertain the topography. Shi Changxuan had done this by observing the mountain\u2019s features on his way there and referencing the map provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, he needed to <\/strong>survey the terrain, ascertain the flow of qi, and determine the location of the dragon\u2019s lair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan held an antique luopan<\/a> in his hands. Xie Lingya guessed that the luopan was passed down from his family since the Shi family had generations of Taoist priests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The assets handed down in Baoyang Temple did not include a luopan. Although there was knowledge pertaining to feng shui <\/em>in the Baoyang notes, feng shui <\/em>wasn\u2019t the main focus of their practice, so the information was scarce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The luopan\u2019s function was to determine the direction and orientation. Shi Changxuan took a few glances at it for reference, then focused his sight on the mountain ranges to observe the life energy in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya also gazed at the mountain but did not discern anything. There wasn\u2019t even a hint of a breeze in the air. He had no idea how one could observe life energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan scanned around for some time, then pointed to a spot and said, \u201cMr. Tang, can you see the light halo over there? That should be the true lair.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only Tang Qi, everyone present stretched their necks out to look at where he pointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi scratched his head, \u201cIs it over there? Looks like some faint light halo\u2026 Isn\u2019t it water vapor?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The light halo was very faint, fading in and out of sight, but its shape was distinct. Had Shi Changxuan not pointed it out so they would take a closer look, they wouldn\u2019t have spotted it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the Taiji Halo, a manifestation of built-up life vitality,\u201d Shi Changxuan explained. \u201cBecause it is indiscernible up close but visible from afar, it is known as Taiji Halo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou mean we should build the temple there?\u201d Tang Qi sweated. \u201cThat is the highest point.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan continued, \u201cTherefore, the location needs to be flattened a little to be able to form the lair. We also need to invite water.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi nodded earnestly. He had long known of the Shi family\u2019s reputation and heard of Shi Changxuan\u2019s temperament from Chen Sansheng. Shi Changxuan\u2019s advice in these feng shui<\/em> matters sounded simple, but the results were guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was impatient and liked to multi-task. The design was almost complete after he successfully won the bid for the land. Now, they just needed to make some modifications according to Shi Changxuan\u2019s suggestions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan instructed them on how to invite water to the temple. From his memory of the map, he advised them on some precautions to take, such as in which direction the temple\u2019s bell tower should be built or which location was unsuitable for the main hall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All these were to ensure that the activities in the temple, like sounding the bell, offering incense, and reciting scriptures could be conducted smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that they had ascertained the flow of qi, the next step was to determine the structure around the lair, the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi only wanted a brief account but Xie Lingya was curious and followed up with his own questions. \u201cInviting water? Is it to accumulate wealth?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan shook his head, \u201cThat is just one aspect. The water gathering at the celestial core down south is already enough to accumulate wealth. Inviting water from the north and south is because a Buddhist temple is being constructed here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They were choosing the site for a Buddhist temple, so they had to take into account its unique characteristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lotus flower is in full bloom when one is enlightened. <\/em>Buddhism likened the lotus flower to a person\u2019s stages of enlightenment and self-awareness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lotus flower was a common motif in Buddhist temples. Buddha and Bodhisattva were also often depicted sitting or standing on lotus pedestals. Legend had it that Gautama Buddha was born standing on a lotus, and a lotus appeared with every step he took.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eminent monk that Tang Qi had invited to be the abbot was from the Pure Land Buddhism Sect. Pure Land Sect was also known as Lotus Sect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lotus required water. In addition to considering the preservation and gathering of life energy, Shi Changxuan\u2019s design also considered the ways to guide the watercourse to nourish the symbolic \u2018lotus flower\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This arrangement had not existed previously, so it had no name. After all, to Buddhist disciples \u2018Where I am is where feng shui<\/em> is\u2019. Besides, the practice of feng shui<\/em> was against Buddhist rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an imported religion, Buddhism had no deep connection to the principles of feng shui,<\/em> and Taoist feng shui <\/em>masters had no reason to contemplate the construction of Buddhist temples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This arrangement was invented by Shi Changxuan according to the requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From his detailed explanations on the topic, Xie Lingya nearly suspected Shi Changxuan of previously practicing feng shui <\/em>for Buddhist temples. However, when Shi Changxuan further elaborated on how the design made use of the existing terrain features, it became obvious that it was a custom design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya was impressed. This was astounding!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan didn\u2019t speak much but his service was excellent. The effort he put into choosing the location for the Buddhist temple exceeded expectations, from inventing this arrangement of \u2018Mountain and Water Nourish the Lotus\u2019, to the placement of the bell tower and halls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although Tang Qi was the one who came up with the unusual idea of getting a Taoist priest to choose the site for the Buddhist temple, he was similarly astounded after listening to Shi Changxuan, \u201cThank you for your hard work. Shi Daozhang<\/em> knows a lot about Buddhism, it seems.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To come up with such a creative arrangement, aside from being willing to go the extra mile to provide the best service, he also needed to have some understanding of Buddhism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan explained plainly, \u201cI major in Religious Studies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although his main focus was Taoism, he also dabbled in the study of other religions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi laughed. \u201cI see. That makes sense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His staff sweated profusely in embarrassment. They didn\u2019t expect him to actually be a student. But he majored in Religious Studies, which seemed apt for the job?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another guy turned to speak to Xie Lingya, \u201cLil\u2019 Daozhang<\/em>, are you in Religious Studies too?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am in finance.\u201d Xie Lingya smiled. \u201cAnd I am not a priest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The guy: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi laughed heartily, \u201cTeacher Xie, don\u2019t joke. Ole\u2019 Wang, let me tell you, Teacher Xie might not be a priest but he is also an expert!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ole\u2019 Wang laughed in spite of himself, \u201cAnd here I thought Shi Daozhang<\/em> brings his accountant everywhere he goes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, Tang Qi said, \u201cI heard Director Gao say that Teacher Xie is good at divination too. Why don\u2019t you show Ole\u2019 Wang?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was either bored or wanted to show off Xie Lingya\u2019s skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya had nothing to fear. \u201cGive me your hand then.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ole\u2019 Wang extended his arm and said, \u201cAre you palm reading?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To his surprise, Xie Lingya\u2019s fingers pressed on his wrist instead and with another hand supported the wrist to maintain the balance while they walked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apart from Shi Changxuan, everyone else was puzzled. They had met many masters, but had not seen such a divination method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ole\u2019 Wang said unconsciously, \u201cWhy\u2026 this looks a lot like pulse-taking…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is indeed pulse-taking.\u201d Xie Lingya laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi said, \u201cOh no, Teacher Xie. I meant to let you read his fate, not his health. We have only done the employee medical check-up last month.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo no, this is called the Taisu <\/em>Pulse Technique. A brother taught me this technique which could deduce a person\u2019s fate by checking their pulse,\u201d Xie Lingya explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi: \u201c???\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were many methods of divination. Tang Qi had seen much in his days, but he had never heard of divination by reading the pulse. It sounded unbelievable but Xie Lingya seemed serious enough, so Tang Qi was almost convinced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was already autumn. The Taisu <\/em>Pulse Technique took into account the time and season in its diagnosis. Xie Lingya had trained for a period of time and had made much progress in his skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Taisu <\/em>Pulse Technique deduced one\u2019s fate by reading the clarity or turbidity of the person\u2019s pulse. Generally speaking, a light, clear pulse signified wealth and prosperity while a heavy, turbid pulse was the opposite. Further interpretation depended on specific parts of the body, for example, a man\u2019s liver represented their career achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the reading, Ole\u2019 Wang\u2019s liver was light and continuous but his lung was more turbid. This implied that his intelligence and ability were limited. This was evident, if he was more shrewd, then he would\u2019ve been Tang Qi\u2019s boss instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya did not mention any of this. He took the pulse for another minute then said, \u201cYour medical examination last month went well. Just some minor issues, nothing serious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ole\u2019 Wang nodded, \u201cYes, just some small issues like chronic pharyngitis and trachoma.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These illnesses could be easily diagnosed by traditional Chinese medicine physicians. It wasn\u2019t even necessary to take the pulse. Just observing the complexion was enough. So, no one was surprised at Xie Lingya\u2019s words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya said again, \u201cYou can rest assured for your daughter\u2014you have a daughter, right? Her college entrance examinations will go well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ole\u2019 Wang nearly tripped in surprise. He turned to stare at Tang Qi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi: \u201c…I didn\u2019t say that you have a daughter.\u201d He went to look for Shi Changxuan yesterday and had only met Xie Lingya then. He had not told Xie Lingya who would be here today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Taisu <\/em>Pulse could not only read a person\u2019s fate but also the situation with their descendants. Ole\u2019 Wang did not have much to worry about himself, however, the pulse representing his descendant was smooth like jade but the beat was a little erratic. Evidently, this descendant was at an important juncture. Further deducing this descendant\u2019s age, it could be concluded that they were at the age where they would be taking the college entrance examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was seven parts pulse diagnosis, three parts guesswork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya didn\u2019t know what it would be like for people who had more mastery of the Taisu <\/em>Pulse Technique, but he could only tell so much. For example, he wouldn\u2019t be able to tell from the pulse if a person would be eating meat tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even so, Ole\u2019 Wang was very impressed. His child was born when he was older, so it was very unlikely that Xie Lingya guessed it from his age alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTeacher Xie, amazing!\u201d Ole\u2019 Wang praised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot at all, I\u2019m only a beginner,\u201c Xie Lingya replied honestly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At night, they would be performing a ceremony similar to the one they performed to venerate the lone spirits. This time, an additional ritual would be added to the ceremony, known as \u2018intimidation\u2019. The ritual was to ensure that the area would not be disturbed by wandering spirits in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These types of ceremonies were required when working in the mountain regions. When it was time for the construction, they even needed to bury a few talismans in the soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya prepared all the talismans they would require later in the night. For any other Taoist priest, it would take them at least a few weeks to draw so many talismans. Xie Lingya, however, just casually drew them after dinner and set them aside to dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dinner was from a hotel in the city and was delivered to the mountain site. After the meal, Tang Qi eagerly invited them to \u2018soak in the hot spring\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this day and age, many so-called hot springs in bathhouses were nothing more than regular boiled water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hot spring here was underground and was not developed yet, but the workers had already set up construction to pump water out of the spring. The water they used for bathing every day was authentic hot spring water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi planned to stay in the mountain tonight. On a whim, he even asked someone to send a bathtub over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The temperature in the mountains was low at night, so Xie Lingya was tempted by the idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After he was done with the talismans, Xie Lingya dragged Shi Changxuan along to the first floor. Tang Qi had placed the bathtubs on the first floor as he was worried that the second floor of the housing unit wasn\u2019t sturdy enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before leaving, Shi Changxuan pondered for a moment, then removed Pokeweed from his clothes and left it in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAAAHHHHHH!\u201d Pokeweed howled in protest but Shi Changxuan left without looking back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi watched the staff fill the tub and saw Xie Lingya coming over with a towel. He joked, \u201cTeacher Xie is really fair, does your skin not tan?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, I don\u2019t tan.\u201d Xie Lingya smiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c……\u201d Shi Changxuan was reminded of what the broken whispering sprite once said. He was somewhat speechless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though Pokeweed was not here, its presence still lingered. Shi Changxuan could almost hear Pokeweed\u2019s tiny voice screaming in its off-key voice, \u201cXie Lingya is really fair!\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suddenly, Ole\u2019 Wang came running past the room window. Seeing Tang Qi inside, he stopped and said, \u201cDirector Tang, that, that\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His face was pale and there was visible fear in his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Tang Qi walked over to the partially opened window and pushed it wide open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ole\u2019 Wang swallowed hard and peeked at the two behind Tang Qi before saying, \u201cI told someone to organize the bones we\u2019d previously found for the upcoming ceremony and we found out that the cranial bones are missing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya knew about the bones that were excavated at the site. They had planned to properly inter them after the ceremony. It was for this reason that Ole\u2019 Wang went to collect the bones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Human remains were frightening for many people, hence they were not kept in the housing units, but placed in a corner of the construction site instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi felt goosebumps prick his skin. With a gloomy expression, he asked, \u201cAll of them are gone? Did you check the surrounding area? How were they kept previously?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ole\u2019 Wang replied weakly, \u201cThere were five skulls originally. Three of them are missing the cranial bones. I\u2019ve asked, they were kept in a basket and covered with tarpaulin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho would steal such a thing?!\u201d Tang Qi was frightened and angered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ole\u2019 Wang suggested shakily, \u201cCould it be that \u2018they\u2019 don\u2019t want to leave, so…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo they took away their own cranial bones?\u201d Tang Qi thought that was ridiculous. \u201cHow could that be!? Go ask around\u2014 see if any children from nearby villages came over in the last two days and snatched them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He knew well that children were the timidest and yet the most audacious. When they were mischievous, they could do just anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOk\u2026\u201d With a heavy heart, Ole\u2019 Wang left to make the inquiries. If they couldn\u2019t find the bones, then the ceremony tonight had to be canceled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bathtub was finally filled, but Tang Qi was not in the mood to soak anymore. He was an impatient man. He paced around a few times and broke down to ask, \u201cTeacher Xie, it isn\u2019t really \u2018them\u2019 not wanting to leave, is it? When we were clearing the land, \u2018they\u2019 didn\u2019t show any objections.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s unlikely.\u201d Xie Lingya felt it was strange too. \u201cAs you said, even if they don\u2019t want to leave, they didn\u2019t need to take away their own bones.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, yes. I think it is some person\u2019s handiwork.\u201d Tang Qi paused to think. \u201cNo, let me go ask around. I hope you won\u2019t mind. Please have fun first, if there are any delays I will compensate you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As he finished speaking, he rushed out of the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEverything seems fine, right? I didn\u2019t feel any strong grievances at this place,\u201d Xie Lingya said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From his experience of heading down the mines with Shi Changxuan previously, he knew that one must not assume that everything was caused by supernatural forces, otherwise, it was easy to lose face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan thought so too. Even though some bones were excavated, the feng shui <\/em>in this area was not bad. The area wasn\u2019t a mass burial spot either, ferocious spirits wouldn\u2019t form in such a place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be bothered by it then. I was sweating when we went hiking during the day. Let me soak for a moment first,\u201d Xie Lingya said. He had showered in the room before, his hair was still wet and he was all set for the soak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya took off his clothes quickly and sat in the bathtub. He was so fast that he was in the tub before Shi Changxuan could react.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were two more tubs, which were obviously for Shi Changxuan and Tang Qi. Tang Qi had left, while Shi Changxuan was standing idly in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDamn, it is really hot. Hurry, get in!\u201d Xie Lingya teared up from the heat. He was not willing to be the only one who got scalded, so he urged Shi Changxuan to get in too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He leaned over the side of the tub with his shoulders and arms exposed. In the white mist of water vapor, his fair skin was blushing from the heat, and water droplets left trails as they slid off him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan\u2019s mind went fuzzy. He thought it was lucky that he didn\u2019t bring Pokeweed along, otherwise its voice would crack from screaming again…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCough.\u201d Shi Changxuan\u2019s throat itched. He turned away to undress, then without a word got into the bathtub. His cheeks reddened from the steaming heat, appearing less cool than his usual persona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But he was a person who normally didn\u2019t speak much anyway, so Xie Lingya didn\u2019t notice anything off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt- it is still quite comfortable. It was just a bit too hot when I first got in.\u201d Xie Lingya wiped off some tears that formed due to the heat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, he said, \u201cWhen they finish building this place, I\u2019m going to bring everyone from the temple to come for a soak\u2026 Hey, do you think they would mind that there is a Buddhist temple here? I think it should be fine, it just happens to be in the same scenic area.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan was just a meter away from him. Staring at his watery eyes for a moment, Shi Changxuan averted his gaze unnaturally. It was as if the heat from the water had seeped into his heart, almost boiling it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI\u2019m back.\u201d Tang Qi trotted in. He took off his clothes in a flurry and entered his bathtub. \u201cOh damn, the water is still so hot. It\u2019s burning my pecker!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi glanced at them and said awkwardly, \u201cYou youngsters are really healthy to be able to bear the heat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya replied with similar awkwardness, \u201cMaybe everyone\u2019s tolerance towards heat is different\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was just too embarrassing discussing such matters with strangers. Tang Qi was at ease, but Xie Lingya couldn\u2019t continue on the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan awoke from the somewhat amorous atmosphere from before when he saw Tang Qi. He asked with an indifferent tone, \u201cHow are things?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, it seems that some children from the nearby village came to play. I have arranged someone to ask in the village and make sure that they return the bones,\u201d Tang Qi said unhappily. He hated it when his plans were disrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was quite warm in the room, so Tang Qi moved his face closer to the open window. There were only men on the site, so it was not an issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya nodded, \u201cIt is best if we can have them back tonight so as to not delay the ceremony.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the plan. Otherwise, we will need to wait again.\u201d Tang Qi shook his head. \u201cAi<\/em>, such is fate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi sulked and looked outside the window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThose children are too daring, aren\u2019t they? Even more so than me when I was a kid,\u201d Xie Lingya said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi was silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya then asked, \u201cHey, Mr. Tang, do you want some water?\u201d Bottled water was placed on the side. Xie Lingya was reaching for a bottle and asked if the other wanted any.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi was still silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya felt something amiss. He glanced over at Tang Qi, whose eyes were fixated on a spot. Tang Qi was sitting in the scorching spring water, but his face was pale green and his jaw was clenched tightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMr. Tang?\u201d Xie Lingya wrapped himself with a towel and stood up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tang Qi didn\u2019t dare to turn his head. His breathing was light and his lips parted slightly to speak in a trembling whisper, \u201cC-come and see, are those… That\u2026 that\u2026 \u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That? Maybe not a ghost?<\/em> Xie Lingya got out of the bathtub and peered out the window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Behind the housing units was a dense patch of vegetation. The land was elevated, forming a low cliff. Moonlight shone upon the terrain, letting Xie Lingya see the strange scene amidst the bushes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three ochre-colored wild foxes were squatting on the rocks with their front paws clasped in front of their chests, facing the moon. Each of them had a palm-sized, white, and slightly curvy shard on its head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even from this distance, judging by the size of the objects, they were obviously the pieces of crania they were searching for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the dark of the night, the scene in front of them was eerily frightening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standing next to him, Xie Lingya could clearly hear the sound of Tang Qi\u2019s teeth clattering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
An example of feng shui structure \u2191<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Translator: <\/em>Velvet
TL checker:<\/em> Darkchocolatesan
Editor: <\/em>Miiya
Proofreader:<\/em> Taalia
QC:<\/em> Eques<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chapter 30 >><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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