Chapter 1

Team Leader Wang's tone became much gentler as he smiled and said, "Hehe, this is something that our project group's leader, Professor Dongfang, will tell you. The professor will be here shortly. Allow me to introduce him in advance, Professor Dongfang Xiaming is a renowned archaeologist and historian in our country..."

"A hundred thousand troops have mysteriously vanished! How is that possible?" Mu Linfeng seemed to be speaking to himself, "They must have taken a ship and gone out to sea."

After the off-road vehicle started, the four people inside fell into silence, with not a single word spoken. Mu Linfeng's eyes were fixed on the road ahead through the windshield, as he wondered where he was being taken. To be honest, he felt a vague sense of being kidnapped.

Professor Dong seemed to be well aware of what Mu Linfeng was referring to, and he calmly said: "Your father went missing when you were very young, and I believe this might be the reason why the family heirloom technique of tomb sealing was not passed down to you"

All the questions in Mu Linfeng's mind were completely resolved at this point. He finally understood why the research group was established in a military camp and why the security work was entirely managed by personnel from the National Security Bureau. Suddenly, Mu Linfeng felt an unprecedented sense of pride; contributing his efforts to such an important research project was both a fortune and a responsibility for him

Professor Dong gently waved his hand at Mu Linfeng and said, "Don't be anxious, let me finish speaking. We have conducted a thorough investigation and understanding of your situation. Indeed, as you mentioned, you have had no contact with the items passed down from your family. However, as the sole heir of the Mu family, I believe you have a greater chance than others of finding the 'Map of the Imperial Burial Mountain.' There is also an element of opportunity involved. What I want to convey to you is that your subsequent task is not only to search for the 'Map of the Imperial Burial Mountain,' but also to find a way to master the Mu family's burial techniques. Because if you do not master the Mu family's burial skills, even if you obtain the 'Map of the Imperial Burial Mountain,' it will likely be very difficult to discover the entrance to the tomb."

The Zhu family and Gao Hongjin repeatedly urged Mu Linfeng to join them for dinner, which is also a local custom. After the deceased is buried, relatives, friends, and those who have helped must gather together for a meal

Ah! Mu Linfeng could not help but exclaim, questioning with some doubt, "Is the tomb of Youhouxi really that important?"

It is not too much, just a little over 2,000 yuan, but the reputation of absenteeism is not good, and it will also affect the year-end bonus

Mu Linfeng was preparing to go to the kitchen to cook a bowl of noodles when suddenly the doorbell rang. Who could it be at this late hour? Could it be Gao Hongjin who got drunk and ended up here? It was not uncommon for him to get drunk at a funeral banquet, and Gao Hongjin had a penchant for drinking. As Mu Linfeng muttered to himself, he went to open the door

At this moment, Wang Zhao, who had not spoken for a while, spoke up: "Comrade Lin Feng, you have misunderstood. Our purpose in seeking you out is not to have you search for the ancient tomb."

This family genealogy is not a comprehensive record, but rather pertains to a specific branch of their family, beginning in the early Ming Dynasty. The first generation ancestor is identified as the Mu surname who relocated to Mujiaying, and it has now reached the twenty-first generation with Mu Linfeng. Since the lineage has been passed down through a single line from the great-grandfather, this genealogy has come into the possession of Mu Linfeng. The transmission of the genealogy is also governed by strict regulations, whereby only the eldest son of the main line is qualified to maintain it

After the middle-aged man finished speaking, without waiting for Mu Linfeng to respond, he signaled to a young man sitting beside him to hand him the folder

Professor Dong did not rush to answer Mu Linfeng's question; he continued, "As Team Leader Wang has just mentioned, oracle bones and bronze vessels, which are symbols of Huaxia civilization, all appeared during the Xia and Shang dynasties. Therefore, we must seek out physical artifacts left from the Xia and Shang periods to validate our research findings, and the most likely places to find relics from that era are ancient tombs..."

Li Jianping was momentarily taken aback, perhaps not expecting Mu Linfeng to say such a thing, and then calmly replied: "Hehe, I believe Mr. Mu will not refuse"

The person standing in front exuded competence and politely asked, "May I ask if you are Mr. Mu Linfeng?"

Hearing Wang Zhao's words, Mu Linfeng, with a puzzled expression, asked: "Everything you mentioned seems to be a matter for archaeologists; it doesn't appear to have any connection to me as a chef, does it?"

Mu Linfeng nodded affirmatively and said, "When I was young, I heard my mother mention 'The Imperial Burial Mountain Painting.' I only knew it was an ancient painting, but I have never seen it, and I am not clear about its specific content."

Mu Linfeng stood up to take the folder handed over from across the table. He opened it and glanced at the contents; there was a sheet of paper printed with several items. Having studied confidentiality regulations during his time in the military, he was well aware of these contents. He did not examine them in detail, but picked up a pen and signed his name at the bottom, thinking that since he was already here, there was nothing much to say. Additionally, his curiosity urged him to quickly find out the purpose of his presence here

Wang Zhao took over the conversation and said to Mu Linfeng very seriously: "It is not just a simple matter of someone searching for the 'Imperial Burial Mountain Map'; the actual situation is even more severe than you imagine. According to reliable sources, there are organizations within the country that are also paying attention to our topic. They are trying every possible means, resorting to any tactics to find the 'Imperial Burial Mountain Map' and the Floating Bridge Island of Heaven. Whoever discovers the tomb of You Houxi first and finds the accompanying burial items will cause a sensation throughout the world, and history may be rewritten as a result..."

Therefore, in the local custom of tomb-sweeping, it is considered a very serious matter if there are no descendants to offer sacrifices and add soil to the graves. This signifies the severing of ancestral lineage, causing the ancestors to transform into vengeful spirits that snatch offerings from others. This not only reflects the unfilial behavior of the descendants but also instills fear in the ancestors. Hence, there is a saying: "Of the three forms of unfilial conduct, having no descendants is the most severe"

Upon seeing Wang Zhao's gesture, Ling Xiao immediately understood his intention. He promptly walked to a corner of the conference room, where there was a corner cabinet. He opened the projector stored in the cabinet, and an image of oracle bone script appeared on the screen of the front wall of the conference room

The original purpose of coming to find oneself was for the "Imperial Burial Mountain Map." Mu Linfeng finally let out a long sigh of relief and then said: "Although the 'Imperial Burial Mountain Map' is a treasured heirloom of the Mu family, I do not know where it is hidden, nor have I ever heard the elders mention it... I... I have no idea how to find the 'Imperial Burial Mountain Map'..."

"I am sorry, but I really cannot answer this question," Li Jianping said honestly

Professor Dong looked at Mu Linfeng with an appreciative gaze, indicating that the professor was increasingly fond of this young man: "Lin Feng, you are very intelligent and love to think. You are correct; the army of one hundred thousand indeed crossed the sea under the leadership of You Houxi, which triggered the debate among countless scholars known as the 'Yin People’s Eastward Migration' event. After extensive verification, the 'Yin People’s Eastward Migration' did indeed exist in history. There is a question that needs clarification: during the same period when the one hundred thousand Yin troops disappeared, the Olmec civilization, which exhibited strong characteristics of Yin Shang civilization, suddenly emerged in Central America. Therefore, some scholars suggest that the early civilizations of the Americas may have originated from Chinese civilization, even claiming that the ancestors of the Native Americans were Chinese, which is somewhat exaggerated. In fact, less than one percent of the Yin people who embarked on the eastward journey actually reached the Americas. One can imagine that even today, it is nearly impossible for ordinary vessels to cross the Pacific Ocean, let alone three thousand years ago. Thus, only a very small number of people successfully arrived in the Americas, while the majority perished at sea or died of old age on the islands along the way. It is now confirmed that there is a group of Indian people in Mexico, the Yin Fubu tribe, who are of Chinese descent; they are descendants of the Yin people... One can imagine that even today, it is nearly impossible for ordinary vessels to cross the Pacific Ocean, let alone three thousand years ago. Thus, only a very small number of people successfully arrived in the Americas, while the majority perished at sea or died of old age on the islands along the way. It is now confirmed that there is a group of Indian people in Mexico, the Yin Fubu tribe, who are of Chinese descent; they are descendants of the Yin people..."

Mu Linfeng's demeanor did not escape the professor's notice; Professor Dong was well aware of what Mu Linfeng was thinking. Thus, he smiled and said, "Hehe, young man, do not be anxious; you will soon know the reason for your invitation."

Mu Linfeng did not expect that even this matter was known to the professor. It seems that the other party has indeed conducted a thorough investigation into him. Since they know that he would not use the ultimate skill of the grave, why did they still seek him out? Mu Linfeng felt somewhat puzzled

Hearing Professor Dong's words, Mu Linfeng seemed to understand the purpose of the other party's visit. He spoke softly: "I understand now, are you looking to use our family's ancestral skill of grave divination to help you search for the ancient tombs of the Shang Dynasty?"

Li Jianping waved his hand and said, "Rest assured, we will not put Mr. Mu in a difficult position. Someone will inform your leader when the time comes. Hurry up, we still have a two-hour journey ahead."

From the professor's words, Mu Linfeng affirmed his judgment. He looked at the professor earnestly and said: "Professor, you may not know that the ancestral skill of tomb divination in my family ended with my father's generation. I do not possess any knowledge of tomb divination, and therefore, I am unable to assist you in locating the ancient tomb."

Haha... Professor Dongfang chuckled knowingly, yet he did not express agreement with Mu Linfeng's words. Instead, he continued in a relaxed tone, "The 'Yi? Xici Xia' mentions: In ancient times, tombs were neither sealed nor marked with trees. This means that in ancient times, tombs had neither mounds nor trees planted. In the 'Han Shu? Liu Xiang Zhuan,' it states: Yin Tang had no burial place, and Wenwu was buried at Bi, all without mounds or ridges... This indicates that the tombs of emperors during the Shang and Zhou dynasties had no markers whatsoever. The book 'Zheng Lun' also states: In ancient times, tombs were unmarked, the signs of Wenwu were level with the ground. In the 'Liu Xiang Zhuan,' it mentions: Yin Tang had no burial place, and Wenwu was buried at Bi, all without mounds or ridges... This indicates that the tombs of emperors during the Shang and Zhou dynasties had no markers whatsoever. The book 'Zheng Lun' also states: In ancient times, tombs were unmarked, the signs of Wenwu were level with the ground. 'Zhao' refers to the boundaries of a grave. Modern archaeology has also discovered that many ancient tombs, including those of many nobles, show no signs of mounds. Precisely because many ancient tombs had no markers, only those skilled in the art of tomb divination could find them; ordinary people could not discover truly valuable ancient tombs.

The emergence of bronze vessels is also an important symbol of Huaxia civilization, and the bronze vessels that we take pride in suddenly appeared during the Shang Dynasty. In our previous archaeological excavations, no exploration period for bronze vessels has been discovered to date, which means that the bronze vessels we currently know of are already very mature products. Additionally, the appearance of chariots, as evidenced by the chariot and horse pits unearthed at the Yin Ruins, indicates that these advanced tools suddenly appeared on the Central Plains. In earlier archaeological excavations, no early products of these advanced tools, including bronze vessels, have been found, leading archaeologists to infer that the likelihood of these items being introduced from outside is very high

The journey takes two hours, so it is certain that he will not be back tomorrow morning. Mu Linfeng thought that his performance bonus for this month might be in jeopardy. He said nothing further and left home together with the two individuals.

Mu Linfeng did not examine the police officer's badge in detail before returning it to the person. At the same time, he curiously asked, "May I ask what matters the two officers have in seeking me?"

We are sorry, but we do not have any information regarding the content of the meeting, as it is outside the scope of our work

Why?" Mu Linfeng asked curiously

"Haha, how much is Mr. Mu's performance salary for a month?" Li Jianping asked in a joking tone

At this point, Wang Zhao gestured to the young man standing at the door. After Professor Dong entered, Mu Linfeng's attention was entirely focused on the professor, so he did not notice that the young man who had gone to invite the professor also followed him in. However, he did not take a seat but instead stood by the door of the conference room.

As soon as Wang Zhao finished speaking, Ling Xiao projected the second image onto the large screen, which depicted a bronze ding.

After the three individuals exited the community, they did not stop their pace. Li Jianping walked in the front, and as he walked, he took out his phone and made a call

"Do you need my help?" The professor's words surprised Mu Linfeng, who then asked in confusion, "What assistance can I provide you?"

Mu Linfeng gently opened the family genealogy and found his name. The characters in the genealogy were written in regular script with a fine brush, each stroke meticulously crafted.

Mu Linfeng, not waiting for Wang Zhao to finish speaking, anxiously asked: "Team Leader Wang, could you please tell me the purpose of my summons?"

The emergence of oracle bone script and bronze vessels, which are symbols of Huaxia civilization, occurred during the Shang Dynasty, and the origin of the Shang Dynasty is the Shandong Peninsula where we are currently located. This is also the reason why our research group is here

The middle-aged man glanced at Mu Linfeng's signature, then nodded to the young man beside him. The young man said nothing and stood up to leave the conference room

Upon returning home, Mu Linfeng finally felt a sense of fatigue. He reclined on the sofa in the living room, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, quietly reminiscing about the events of the day.

At this point, Wang Zhao turned to Mu Linfeng and asked, "Comrade Linfeng, do you understand what I mean?"

Indeed, within less than two hours after exiting the expressway in Qingdao, the off-road vehicle entered the newly constructed ring road expressway, which was built for the Olympic sailing competition, allowing direct access from the Jiqing Expressway to the "Olympic Sailing" base

Oh, this 'Qinwang' refers to the situation in a monarchy where the monarch is in distress, and the subjects rise up to rescue their sovereign. During the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, the rulers were all referred to as kings. 'Weiguo' is quite easy to understand, meaning it refers to not having succeeded

Hehe, you just mentioned that you have not acquired the ancestral skill of locating tombs, so even if you reach the island, you will not be able to find the tomb of You Houxi. Furthermore, we do not know the exact location of the Floating Bridge Island in the Pacific where You Houxi is buried, thus we cannot search for the tomb.

Both outward-facing windows are fitted with blackout curtains, and there is a projection screen on one wall, while the other walls remain bare. Typically, a conference room features one or two slogans or mottos, or perhaps a mural, yet this room has nothing, giving it a somewhat mysterious atmosphere

It seems that this is yet another case of being forced into a situation. There is no way to avoid it. Moreover, Li Jianping's words truly resonated with him. Mu Linfeng nodded and said, "Alright, shall we leave now?"

Half an hour later, the off-road vehicle stopped in front of an unmarked gate. A soldier emerged from the guard booth beside the gate, and after checking the pass, he opened the automatic gate, allowing the vehicle to proceed.

Mu Linfeng smiled and said, "People strive for higher places, and water flows to lower grounds. Everyone wishes to achieve better development. However, as a chef, what else can I do besides cooking?"

The professor's words left Mu Linfeng feeling as if he were engulfed in a fog, and he asked in confusion, "I do not understand what the professor means?"

Mu Linfeng has extensive knowledge about cars and knows that this is a Toyota Land Cruiser, now referred to as "Lanzhe Kuluzhe". Aside from this name, there are no flaws to be found in this off-road vehicle, which can be considered a true off-roader. The original Land Cruiser had such a resounding name, and it has been changed to "Lanzhe Kuluzhe"; what a ridiculous name, only someone with a serious lack of judgment could come up with such a name

Professor Dong looked calmly at Mu Linfeng and asked, "Have you ever heard your family mention 'The Imperial Burial Mountain Painting'?"

Mu Linfeng conducted a tour of the conference room. The interior furnishings were quite simple, featuring an oval conference table in the center, surrounded by more than ten leather chairs. In one corner, there was also a cabinet, and apart from that, there was nothing else.

The off-road vehicle drove north out of the urban area, quickly getting onto the Jiqing Expressway, and then sped eastward. Mu Linfeng secretly calculated in his mind that, according to what Li Jianping had just said about the two-hour journey, the destination was clearly Qingdao

"Is there anything wrong with being a chef?" Mu Linfeng retorted without a moment's hesitation

Mu Linfeng nodded and said: "Who are you?"

At this point, the professor paused slightly, took a gentle breath, and then continued: "China is the only ancient country among the world's ancient civilizations that has not interrupted its cultural transmission. Our recorded continuous civilization history spans over 5,000 years, which means that the Huaxia civilization is the only civilization in the world that has not suffered destruction or annihilation. Therefore, studying the origins of Huaxia civilization and understanding and mastering the development process of Huaxia civilization holds particularly significant importance for the future development of human civilization. This is also why the state pays special attention to this topic."

As Wang Zhao spoke, he made a gesture towards Ling Xiao, and soon the screen changed to another image. This time, an ancient map appeared, and Mu Linfeng immediately recognized that the outline of the land on the map was that of the Shandong Peninsula

Mu Linfeng sat in the leather chair by the table. After waiting for a few minutes, the door to the conference room opened, and two individuals entered. Both were dressed in plain clothes and held folders in their hands. After greeting Mu Linfeng, they took a seat opposite him.

It seems that the other party is right; to avoid drawing attention, the car did not drive in. Mu Linfeng said nothing further, walked into the bedroom, and put on his outer garment. Just as he was about to go outside, he suddenly remembered a question: "Officer Li, when can I come back?"

Wang Zhao gently cleared his throat and then slowly said: "The research topic of our research group is 'The Origins of Chinese Civilization.' This is one of the most important research projects in our country in the field of archaeology. The state places great importance on the research of this topic. I will not elaborate on the significant implications of this topic, but will only mention a few substantive points..."

Mu Linfeng shook his head and said seriously, "I haven't discovered any special skills or talents in myself. To be honest, I enjoy the profession of a chef. Looking at the dishes I have prepared gives me a sense of satisfaction"

On the highway at night, there are significantly fewer vehicles, and the SUV is speeding along at 110 miles per hour. The Land Cruiser truly lives up to its reputation as the king of SUVs; at such a speed, one feels no bumps inside the vehicle, almost as if sitting in the living room at home

Professor Dong and Wang Zhao both smiled and nodded, clearly satisfied with Mu Linfeng's comprehension ability. Wang Zhao then said: "The birth of our Huaxia civilization is evidently later than that of certain civilizations in other parts of the world, so it is not without possibility that we were influenced and propelled by other civilizations. However, this requires evidence to prove..."

Later, Mu Linfeng learned that this young man was Professor Dongfang's assistant, named Ling Xiao, and also a favored student of the professor

After the two individuals sat down and opened the folder, one of the middle-aged men looked at Mu Linfeng and said seriously: "Comrade Mu Linfeng, before the responsible person of our research group talks with you, we need you to sign a confidentiality agreement. You must keep the contents of tonight's conversation, as well as everything you see and hear, a secret and not disclose it to anyone. Do you understand clearly?"

Mu Linfeng suddenly said coldly: "What if I don't want to go with you?"

Mu Linfeng could not decipher the meaning of the words that Li Jianping said to him.

As he reached the door, Mu Linfeng extended his hand to open it but suddenly paused, thinking to himself that he should first see who it was; if it really was Gao Hongjin drunk, he would pretend not to be home. This guy gets excited when he drinks too much and can chat with someone all night long. He had to get up early for work the next morning, and if he let him in, he could forget about getting any sleep tonight.

Thinking of this, Mu Linfeng pressed one eye close to the peephole. With the help of the corridor's lighting, he saw two unfamiliar men standing outside the door. The man in front was in his thirties, dressed very formally in a dark suit and white shirt, though he was not wearing a tie. The person behind him was obscured and could not be seen clearly

Professor Dong smiled and nodded: "You are right, and yet you are not."

Because those who have served in the military have deeply engraved in their consciousness the imprint of serving the country, not to mention that Mr. Mu has also served as a special forces soldier for six years... To be honest, I also come from a military background, so I can deeply understand this... Li Jianping is very clear about what kind of language can touch the hearts of others

At this moment, Ling Xiao switched the projector's display to a map of the Pacific Ocean, as he was well aware of what the professor was about to discuss

Subsequently, an off-road vehicle sped over from the intersection ahead and silently came to a stop beside them. Li Jianping gestured slightly to Mu Linfeng, and then the two of them got into the back seat of the car, while the young Cao took the front passenger seat.

Mu Linfeng was taken to a small conference room on the second floor. Li Jianping informed him that someone would come to speak with him shortly and asked him to wait for a moment before leaving.

Mu Linfeng brought his thoughts back to reality; he suddenly felt a bit hungry. It was at this moment that he remembered he had not yet had dinner. He looked up at the quartz clock on the opposite wall and realized that it was already 10 PM without him even noticing. This is what living alone is like, often lacking in routine

After listening to Officer Li's words, Mu Linfeng felt even more bewildered, as if he were lost in a fog. He thought to himself, what on earth is happening today? The events of the morning were already bizarre enough, and now this matter sounds even more absurd. A chef suddenly seems to be connected to a national key research project; it sounds like a tale from the Arabian Nights.

After leaving Zhu Fugui's home, the funeral process at the crematorium became much simpler. A brief memorial service was held, followed by the cremation of the body, and finally, the ashes were placed in the columbarium built by the county for unified storage. This type of funeral eliminated many cumbersome rituals and procedures, and soon the entire "official business" was concluded.

Wang Zhao pointed to the ancient map on the projection screen and said: "On this land of the Shandong Peninsula, there are many unresolved secrets that need our verification regarding the origins of the Huaxia civilization, which are also significantly connected to this place. This is not only the birthplace of the Shang Dynasty but also its political and economic center. Additionally, a major event occurred here at the end of the Shang Dynasty. Over 1,000 years ago, during the time of King Wu's campaign against Zhou, when the Shang Dynasty was on the verge of collapse, the 100,000 troops led by You Houxi, who were sent to support the king, mysteriously disappeared. From the location where You Houxi's army and civilians were stationed in the Dongyi 'Renfang' area, it is evident that they were situated on what is now the Shandong Peninsula, meaning that 100,000 Shang troops mysteriously vanished from this land..."

However, Mu Linfeng firmly declined, as he had been experiencing a peculiar feeling within himself, one that he could not articulate. It was an odd sensation, as if something was about to happen, prompting him to hurry home, wanting to reflect quietly by himself.

Professor Dong smiled as he explained and nodded towards Mu Linfeng, clearly pleased with Mu Linfeng's inquisitive attitude. The professor continued, "The Yin and Shang dynasties were still in the era of slavery. Captured enemies and subjects of fallen states were treated as slaves to be slaughtered by the victorious nation, which is why the term 'slaves of a fallen state' still exists today. King Wu of Zhou attacked from the west, leaving the Yin army with no retreat, forcing them to cross eastward. Then the professor continued, 'The Yin and Shang dynasties were still in the era of slavery. Captured enemies and subjects of fallen states were treated as slaves to be slaughtered by the victorious nation, which is why the term 'slaves of a fallen state' still exists today. King Wu of Zhou attacked from the west, leaving the Yin army with no retreat, forcing them to cross eastward. The leader of the expedition, You Houxi, became the leader of the Yin people in their eastward crossing. They took all valuable items aboard their ships, and these items and materials could confirm the origins of our Huaxia civilization. After investigation, it was found that You Houxi did not reach the Americas; he fell ill and passed away on an island in the Pacific Ocean, which is referred to as 'Island of the Floating Bridge of Heaven' by the North American Yin Fubuz people. The accompanying Yin army built a tomb for You Houxi on the Island of the Floating Bridge of Heaven and buried a large amount of treasures and valuable items as burial goods in his tomb... After investigation, it was found that You Houxi did not reach the Americas; he fell ill and passed away on an island in the Pacific Ocean, which is referred to as 'Island of the Floating Bridge of Heaven' by the North American Yin Fubuz people. The accompanying Yin army built a tomb for You Houxi on the Island of the Floating Bridge of Heaven and buried a large amount of treasures and valuable items as burial goods in his tomb... "

Professor Dong and Wang Zhao were both amused by Mu Linfeng's words. The two exchanged glances, and then Wang Zhao said to Mu Linfeng: "Comrade Linfeng, I will now tell you the purpose of inviting you here. If there is anything unclear, the professor will explain it to you..."

At this point, Li Jianping paused, seemingly contemplating something, and then continued: "Mr. Mu, to be honest, we conducted an investigation on you before coming here. You were once an outstanding soldier, and some matters should be clear without my elaboration. The reason why our National Security Bureau is responsible for the security work of this research project is that we have learned that certain foreign institutions are very interested in this topic. More specifically, we have obtained information indicating that they have already begun to take action. This is why we came to invite you at night, to prevent anyone from becoming aware of the situation... The reason why our National Security Bureau is responsible for the security work of this research project is that we have learned that certain foreign institutions are very interested in this topic. More specifically, we have obtained information indicating that they have already begun to take action. This is why we came to invite you at night, to prevent anyone from becoming aware of the situation..."

You will know once you arrive said Li Jianping, and then he closed his mouth and said nothing more

Seeing this situation, Mu Linfeng could only remain silent, quietly pondering and speculating about the purpose of the visit.

The deceased ancestors receiving offerings from their descendants are referred to as "blood food" or "xīn xiǎng". The ancients particularly emphasized during the worship of ancestors: "Deities do not enjoy offerings from non-kindred, and the people do not partake in sacrifices from non-clansmen; deities do not accept offerings from those outside their lineage." This means that when worshipping deceased ancestors, it is essential that the offerings come from their true bloodline; otherwise, the ancestors will not accept them.

The funeral was delayed for several hours due to some strange occurrences. By the time a simple ceremony was held at the memorial hall and the ashes were properly placed, it had already grown dark.

Thinking of this, Mu Linfeng excitedly said to Professor Dongfang: "Professor, I will do my utmost in anything I can accomplish; you just need to tell me how to do it."

Wang Zhao turned sideways to look at the image on the screen and then said: "A primary sign of the emergence of a civilization is the existence of writing, and the Huaxia civilization is no exception, so let us begin with writing. Our Chinese characters have evolved from oracle bone script, which is beyond doubt. However, there is a fact we must confront: oracle bone script appeared suddenly in ancient China. Currently, the evidence available to the archaeological community indicates that oracle bone script emerged around 3,300 years ago during the Shang Dynasty, and to this day, the origin of oracle bone script has not been found by archaeologists. Next, please look at the second illustration..."

Haha... Professor Dongfang was once again amused by Mu Linfeng's words. He continued Wang Zhao's statement, "After extensive and in-depth research, we have unraveled the mystery of the origins of Huaxia civilization. However, the answer remains confidential, as we still require convincing evidence to substantiate our conclusions, and this necessitates your assistance..."

The professor did not directly answer Mu Linfeng's question, but instead smiled and asked him: "As far as I know, you are a young man who excels in many aspects, why do you want to become a chef?"

This should be a military camp of the North Sea Fleet, as the guards at the entrance are dressed in naval uniforms. After the car entered the camp, Mu Linfeng felt his anxious heart relax slightly. The military camp was the place he was most familiar with, the one that left the deepest impression on him, and it was also an unforgettable place. The familiar environment allowed his tense emotions to ease; although this was a naval camp, the atmosphere within the camp was the same.

Mu Linfeng nodded repeatedly: "The professor's explanation is absolutely correct. Could you tell me why you need to know so much about me?"

A joke from Professor Dong immediately narrowed the distance between the two, making Mu Linfeng feel a special sense of intimacy. He asked in surprise, "Does Professor Dong know about my situation?"

Haha... Professor Dong laughed, "I am not saying that being a chef is bad; what I mean is that a person should leverage their strengths. If one can engage in work that better showcases their talents, it would benefit both the country and themselves. Some jobs can be done by most people, while others require individuals with special skills to accomplish them..." Because some jobs can be done by most people, while others require individuals with special skills to accomplish them...

The police speak directly; if one has not done anything wrong, there is no fear of ghosts knocking at the door. Mu Linfeng waved his hand and said, "Oh, I'm not worried about that, I'm just curious about what I can contribute to the country's key research projects..."

After signing, Mu Linfeng said nothing, closed the folder, leaned forward, and handed the folder to the middle-aged man across the conference table

Professor Dong slowly nodded and, with a solemn expression, said: "The true value of our research topic lies not only in rewriting history but, more importantly, in its significant implications for the future development of humanity. Throughout the development of human civilization, there exists a remarkably astonishing and peculiar pattern: nations and regions that have once exhibited highly advanced civilizations ultimately find it difficult to escape the fate of destruction. Examples include Mohenjo-Daro in India, the Aztecs and Maya civilizations in the New World, and Atlantis, among others. In the course of human civilization's development, there exists a remarkably astonishing and peculiar pattern: nations and regions that have once exhibited highly advanced civilizations ultimately find it difficult to escape the fate of destruction. Examples include Mohenjo-Daro in India, the Aztecs and Maya civilizations in the New World, and Atlantis, among others. Among these mysteriously vanished ancient civilizations, the more advanced their state of development, the more severe the extent of their destruction, even to the point of being completely obliterated..."

Subsequently, Wang Zhao began to explain in detail to Mu Linfeng the purpose of his invitation.

"Then what do you want me to do?" Mu Linfeng asked curiously

Gold only shines when it is excavated from the earth; similarly, a person's advantages and talents also require opportunities to be realized and displayed. There is now an opportunity for you to showcase your talents, but I wonder if you are willing to seize it?" As he spoke, Professor Dong looked at Mu Linfeng with an expectant gaze

Seeing the puzzled expression on Mu Linfeng's face, Li Jianping smiled and said: "Mr. Mu, please do not overthink it. We will not cause you any harm, and besides, you know yourself that you have done nothing wrong"

As Mu Linfeng listened to the professor's lecture, he shook his head vigorously. Suddenly inundated with such a large amount of information, he felt as if his head had grown larger, and he even experienced a bit of dizziness. The key issue was that, up to this point, he still did not understand the purpose for which the professor had summoned him, so his mind was constantly racing, hoping to glean some insight from the professor's words.

Hearing the words "National Security Bureau," Mu Linfeng was momentarily taken aback, as the National Security Bureau always gave off a mysterious aura, seeming very distant from him. He glanced at the silver national emblem on the black cover of the police badge, quickly shifted his body to the side, and said, "Alright, please come in."

After the two guests entered, Mu Linfeng reached out to close the security door. He felt puzzled; what could the people from the National Security Bureau want with him? He was just a chef, seemingly unrelated to matters of national security.

Professor Dong nodded and said, "Alright, as long as you aspire for greater development, are you willing to join our research group?"

Thinking of this, Mu Linfeng immediately stood up and walked into the study, where he offered a stick of incense before the ancestral tablet. This is a tradition of the old Mu family, which has always honored the tablet of their ancestors. Since he is the only child in the family and his father went missing, the ancestral tablet has been passed down to him.

"Not bad, our car is just outside the community," Li Jianping replied immediately

Before Officer Li could finish speaking, Mu Linfeng, with a look of surprise, asked: "You must be mistaken, right? I am a chef, not a researcher. What would the head of the research team want with me?"

In fact, what Mencius referred to as "having no descendants is a great concern" is also a consideration of the ancients regarding the rituals performed after death

The professor's words stirred Mu Linfeng's heart, and he hurriedly asked, "Professor, it seems that someone is still searching for the 'Imperial Burial Mountain Map' according to what you said?"

This family genealogy has a history of several hundred years. The name Mu Linfeng existed many years before his birth, and he does not know which ancestor bestowed this name. In any case, it has already been recorded in the genealogy. If this person did not exist, the name would remain blank; as long as there is someone, this name will be used. Moreover, beneath Mu Linfeng's name, the names of his sons and even grandsons have already been listed, and there are several of them.

Mu Linfeng hurriedly said: "I only took a day off from work, and I have to go back to the morning shift before 6 o'clock tomorrow to cook for the guests. If I miss work, my performance bonus for this month will be ruined. Who am I supposed to ask for it then?"

Seeing that the visitor was not Gao Hongjin, Mu Linfeng casually opened the door and then glanced at the two people standing outside. At that moment, he also clearly saw the person behind, who was in his twenties, wearing jeans and a jacket, dressed very casually, and sporting a neat crew cut that made him look quite spirited

The middle-aged man then looked at Mu Linfeng and said: "Let me introduce myself, my surname is Wang, with the single character Zhao. I am the deputy leader of our research group, responsible for all logistical matters of the group. In simple terms, aside from the research topics, everything else falls under my purview..."

To speak frankly, today's experience felt like a dream. Mu Linfeng himself found it quite strange; making "dumplings" seemed as familiar as an old routine, as if the spirit of his ancestors was attached to him, subtly reminding and guiding him. Perhaps it was the genetic legacy left by his forebears that had been awakened within him

Haha ... ... Mr. Mu will know after he goes.

Before Professor Dong finished speaking, Mu Linfeng anxiously asked, "Why was I called here?"

Mu Linfeng thought to himself that you haven't mentioned what you want me to do, how can I agree? So he jokingly said: "Is it that you are short of a chef here, and you want me to cook for everyone?"

The man in the suit smiled and said, "Let me introduce myself first. My surname is Li, Li Jianping. This is my assistant, Xiao Cao. The two of us are currently responsible for the security work of a national key research group. The purpose of our visit is to ask you to accompany us; the person in charge of this research group would like to meet you..."

Although his mood has relaxed considerably, a greater question has arisen in Mu Linfeng's mind: what is this important research project that the research team has set up in a military camp? Just now, Li Jianping mentioned that they are temporarily borrowing this place, but military territory is not something that just anyone can borrow, unless it is required by the state

Suddenly, Mu Linfeng felt a voice within reminding him that he should inherit the family business. In that instant, Mu Linfeng realized that perhaps becoming a "nugget" was ultimately his choice.

Are you suggesting that the birth of our Huaxia civilization likely evolved on the foundation of other civilizations

The Land Cruiser stopped in front of a gray building. After getting out of the car, Mu Linfeng observed the surrounding environment; the building was only three stories high and appeared to be an office building from the outside. A guard stood straight at the entrance of the building, and upon seeing Li Jianping approaching, the guard saluted, clearly recognizing Li Jianping and his companions

Upon seeing this, Mu Linfeng couldn't help but smile, thinking to himself that the ancestors certainly did not anticipate the implementation of family planning today. It is one thing to have three or four sons; having even one would be commendable, and it is likely to be a daughter at that. However, women do not appear in the family tree. This is perhaps also the reason behind what Mencius referred to as "there are three forms of unfilial behavior, and the greatest is to have no descendants"

Mu Linfeng, who has just turned 28 this year, has served as a special forces soldier for six years. Your family, the Mu family, has been engaged in the funeral service profession for generations, referred to in your local dialect as 'geda'. Moreover, your ancestors were skilled in the art of grave selection, and they are quite renowned in the central Shandong region. Am I correct in saying this

At this moment, Li Jianping, who was sitting next to Mu Linfeng, spoke up and said, "The research group is temporarily borrowing a place from the military"

Upon hearing this, Mu Linfeng finally understood, and with a look of sudden realization on his face, he asked: "Does the professor mean for me to go search for the tomb of You Houxi?"

The silence in the car was so unsettling that Mu Linfeng could no longer hold back and quietly asked Li Jianping beside him, "Officer Li, what is the research focus of the project group I am being sent to? It wouldn't be related to food, would it?"

Upon seeing Professor Dongfang enter, Mu Linfeng involuntarily stood up. The professor naturally exuded an aura that commanded respect. Mu Linfeng suddenly found himself at a loss for how to address the professor, especially since he could not be certain that it was indeed Professor Dongfang who had entered. He could only smile at the elderly man.

Subsequently, Mu Linfeng took out a glossy black wooden box from the drawer beneath the desk, which contained the family genealogy of the Mu family

Professor Dong smiled and said to Mu Linfeng: "I have reviewed your profile, and you are even more handsome and dashing in person than in your photo..." As he spoke, the professor gestured for Mu Linfeng to take a seat.

Mu Linfeng gently opened the box lid, revealing a folded book of octavo size that had already yellowed with age. The book was bound with coarse hemp thread, and the edges were also frayed, reflecting its long history.

Professor Dong continued, "Let me first explain about Youhouxi. 'You' is a place name; 'Hou' is a title of nobility; 'Xi' is the personal name. Youhouxi's fiefdom is located in the present-day Huaiyi region of Jiangsu, and he was an important feudal lord during the late Shang Dynasty. According to research, during the late Shang Dynasty, King Zhou of Shang was dedicated to expanding territories such as Renfang, Linfang, and Hufang. Around 1045 BC, during the first month of the Shang calendar, King Zhou returned to the capital, Chaoge, from the Shandong region to celebrate the New Year. On the day of Jiazi, King Wu of Zhou led his army across the Mengjin River, and King Zhou hastily sent 700,000 slave soldiers to confront them at Muye. The slave soldiers turned against him, leading to King Zhou's defeat and the self-immolation of Lutai. The main reason for the Shang king's failure was that his elite troops were left in the Dongyi region, which is now the Shandong Peninsula, due to the campaign against Linfang, leaving Chaoge vulnerable to King Wu's attack. The more than 100,000 elite soldiers stationed in Dongyi were commanded by the battle-hardened general Youhouxi. Youhouxi led an army of 100,000 to aid the king but was forced to retreat by sea to the east..."

The man in the suit opened the zipper of a black handbag and took out a police officer's badge, handing it to Mu Linfeng: "We are from the National Security Bureau, may we speak inside the house?"

"Professor, what does 'the attempt to restore the monarchy was unsuccessful' mean?" Mu Linfeng suddenly asked, as he did not understand what Wang Zhao meant when he mentioned the unsuccessful attempt to restore the monarchy.

As soon as Team Leader Wang finished speaking, the door of the conference room opened from the outside, and an elderly man with white hair and a youthful appearance walked in. He appeared to be in his seventies, yet he walked steadily and was in high spirits. It was needless to say that this elderly man must be Professor Dongfang Xiaming. Wang Zhao quickly stood up, helped Professor Dongfang pull out the leather chair, and invited the professor to take a seat.

Let me tell you what kind of ancient painting "The Map of Imperial Tombs" is. "The Map of Imperial Tombs" records ten of the most secretive ancient royal tombs, including the tomb of Marquis Youhou Xi that was just mentioned. Therefore, as long as we find "The Map of Imperial Tombs", we will be able to know the exact location of Marquis Youhou Xi's tomb, and the burial items within it can unravel the mystery of the origins of our Huaxia civilization. Now you should understand the purpose of your invitation.