Chapter 8

Old Master Tan also nodded and said: "I really hadn't noticed before, but now that you mention it, it does resemble a tiger."

Mu Linfeng pointed to two other mountains and said to Tan Laoda: "To speak frankly, the location of your Tanfang Village is quite advantageous, but you simply have not realized it. As the saying goes, there are four forces in the land: Qinglong, Baihu, Zhuque, and Xuanwu, and all of them are present here. The mountain on the right is Baihu, the one on the left resembles Qinglong, the mountain behind the village is Xuanwu, and the winding stream that flows down from the back mountain is Zhuque. The land has four forces, and the energy comes from all directions; there are indeed not many villages with such terrain... The mountain on the right is Baihu, the one on the left resembles Qinglong, the mountain behind the village is Xuanwu, and the winding stream that flows down from the back mountain is Zhuque. The land has four forces, and the energy comes from all directions; there are indeed not many villages with such terrain..."

From the moment of passing to the burial, the entire funeral process is generally divided into four stages: initial end, minor preparation, major preparation, and funeral procession. Death marks the end of a journey in life, as well as the beginning of the initial end

Speaking of this, Mu Linfeng pointed to the mountain behind the village and continued, "This mountain is a typical child mountain. The child mountain is coarse and stubborn, the soil is dry and withered, and there is no vitality of conflict and harmony, therefore it is not suitable for burial..."

Mu Linfeng walked over to Tan Laoda, reached out to pull him up from the ground, handed him his coat, and then gently tugged at his arm to lead him out of the door to the steps outside, positioning him to face the southwest direction, and called out loudly for his father to return

Mu Linfeng smiled faintly and said to Boss Tan: "Regarding this matter, Mr. Tan, please do not take it too much to heart. Such situations are not unusual; it is indeed possible for such circumstances to arise during the funeral rites. The interpretations of auspiciousness and inauspiciousness may vary from one person to another..."

When six people hurriedly arrived at the Tan family's old residence, there were already quite a number of people standing in the courtyard. Relatives, friends, and neighbors had all come over, which also reflected the Tan family's reputation and standing in the village

The concern is not without reason; on the very night of Old Master Tan's passing, a transformation of the corpse truly occurred

A wide cement bed occupied nearly half of the room, where a frail old man lay on his back. Beside him sat an elderly woman with silver hair, her legs crossed, and one hand holding the old man's hand

At this moment, Mu Linfeng noticed that the cotton fibers at the old man's nostrils had stopped moving... After about ten seconds, Mu Linfeng waved to the person next to him, and someone immediately handed over a coat that the old man had worn. Everyone of older age in the room knew what was to come next...

Oh, why? Master Tan also asked with great interest

Everyone, including Tan Laoda, looked at Mu Linfeng with wide eyes, filled with curiosity. No one expected that the red thread would be torn in the middle, and they couldn't help but marvel inwardly, while also being impressed by the Mu family's unique acupoint striking technique

Before Mu Linfeng's words had finished, Master Tan readily replied, "I understand, thank you Master Mu for your candid advice. So what should be done to proceed appropriately"

At this stage, the purpose is not to verify whether the person still has breath, but rather it has evolved into a procedure, marking the beginning of the entire funeral rites. At this moment, all the relatives of the Tan family are waiting by the elder's side according to their generational rank and degree of kinship

Mu Linfeng surveyed his surroundings, seeking a suitable container to hold the weasel. Since he was temporarily residing here, the house contained only a bed and a desk, and he could not find an appropriate vessel at that moment

"So, are you saying that the cemetery in the southwest of the village is the one chosen by that person?" Mu Linfeng asked thoughtfully

The reason for first dressing the elderly in three pieces of funeral clothing is that there is a subsequent ceremony called "small interment," which involves dressing the deceased in the funeral clothing for the coffin. Generally, the three pieces of funeral clothing worn at this time are single-layer garments, while during the small interment, it is necessary to wear layered clothing and cotton garments

The villagers who came to help assisted the grieving relatives of the Tan family in getting up from the ground and took them outside to change their clothes. Everyone was required to remove their bright garments and don plain attire. Women had to take off all the jewelry they were wearing, and then they began to observe the mourning period

In the local context, when an elderly person passes away naturally, from the moment their breath begins to weaken until the conclusion of the funeral, there are very intricate ceremonial procedures that must not be taken lightly. This is the final moment of a person's life and is regarded as the most mysterious time. Moreover, this process often requires the hiring of experienced "gēda" to oversee each step, which is one of the reasons why Master Tan sought out Mu Linfeng early on.

Old Master Tan turned to Mu Linfeng and said: "I truly lack insight and failed to discern the hidden meaning, please, Master Mu, speak plainly and inform me."

It seems that Master Tan was frightened by the last words of Mu Linfeng, his expression changing as he urgently said: "Since Master Mu believes there is no suitable place around our Tan Fang Village, please point out a feng shui treasure site. There is no need to consider the issue of money; as long as Master Mu thinks it is feasible, that is sufficient"

As they reached the center of the village, Tan Laor Er quickened his pace to catch up with Mu Linfeng and Tan Laoda, then quietly asked: "Master Mu, may I ask what kind of burial site is considered good? As long as you have chosen a suitable location, I have discussed it with my elder brother, and we are prepared to allocate several million to build a luxurious tomb for the elder..."

Old Master Tan nodded and said, "Although Master Mu's words are profound, they are the best answer."

Building a house is often based on the principle of facing south while sitting north, as it is believed that such houses have good feng shui. In fact, this is true, because houses that face south receive the most abundant sunlight. This is why people living in north-facing houses tend to be healthier, while those in south-facing houses are more prone to illness. South-facing houses receive less sunlight, making them dark and damp, which can easily lead to the growth of bacteria, adversely affecting health. Over time, this naturally results in illness. This is the simplest form of feng shui, and it is a principle understood by everyone.

Mu Linfeng shook his head again and said, "Although the cemetery located in the southwest of the village is not on the mountain, it is even less suitable as a burial site"

After Old Master Tan was moved to the spirit bed in the bright room, his nostrils ceased to flutter. Mu Linfeng quickly instructed the Mu family members to bring over a prepared strand of new cotton, tore off a small piece, and placed it in front of the old master's nostrils.

"Mr. Tan, is there something wrong?" Seeing Mr. Tan suddenly change his expression dramatically, Mu Linfeng also felt a bit strange, unable to guess why he would have such a look on his face

Ah! Why? Master Tan asked with wide eyes

As soon as Mu Linfeng finished speaking, Master Tan immediately said eagerly: "We will do whatever Master Mu says. Whatever you decide, we will follow it, brother."

A favorable terrain does not necessarily mean it is suitable for a burial site; everything has both positive and negative aspects, and terrain is no exception. The Xuanwu bows its head, the Zhuque dances in the sky, the Qinglong winds its way, and the Baihu descends gracefully. Such a terrain is suitable for a burial site; if the situation is contrary, it is unfavorable. Please, Mr. Tan, observe what the situation of the three peaks surrounding your village is like

At this moment, Mu Linfeng does not have the time to discuss these matters with Gao Hongjin; he must instinctively rely on his first impression to sense the five elements' energy in this place. Therefore, Mu Linfeng focuses his attention on observing the entire valley and the surrounding mountains, which is a customary method mentioned in the ancestral "Tomb Inspection Notes".

Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng were renowned experts in the ancient art of grave divination, each employing distinct methods for acupoint sealing. Yuan Tiangang utilized copper coins for acupoint sealing, while Li Chunfeng employed silver needles. Both served as officials during the same dynasty, and the joint burial site of Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi and Empress Wu Zetian, known as "Qianling," was selected by the two of them

After more than ten minutes, Mu Linfeng deduced that this place was indeed an excellent choice. He then pointed to the stream flowing down from the mountain and said to the Tan brothers: "It is precisely because of this stream that this place has become a superior location. The water serves as the Vermilion Bird; its prosperity and decline are contingent upon its form. The clarity and purity of the water are commendable; you can see that this stream is crystal clear. The Vermilion Bird originates from vitality, and vitality is the mother of water; where there is vitality, there is water. It is in its early stage of prosperity, moving towards great abundance. The water serves as the Vermilion Bird; its prosperity and decline are contingent upon its form. The clarity and purity of the water are commendable; you can see that this stream is crystal clear. The Vermilion Bird originates from vitality, and vitality is the mother of water; where there is vitality, there is water. It is in its early stage of prosperity, moving towards great abundance. The division of water is the differentiation, and the gathering of water is the union. The small streams converge into the larger streams, gradually increasing in volume until they merge into a great flow; this is the great abundance of water... This place, as a burial site, is not only beneficial for your esteemed father but also advantageous for future generations."

Everything must conform to the principles of Yin and Yang

One day during the Western Han Dynasty, the large bell in the Weiyang Palace suddenly rang by itself for no apparent reason. Dongfang Shuo remarked, "It must be that the mountain producing copper has collapsed." A few days later, a report arrived from Western Shu stating that the mountain producing copper had indeed collapsed, and the timing coincided precisely with when the bell in the Weiyang Palace had rung by itself

Hmm, not bad. I didn't notice it just now, but after hearing what the little cripple said and taking a closer look, it really is the case. It indeed resembles a lying tiger, " Gao Hongjin continued.

He then pointed to the mountains on both sides of the village and said: "You see, these two mountains have cliffs, which is what I just referred to as the broken mountains. Once the mountains are severed, their vitality is isolated and they do not connect with each other, hence they are unsuitable for burial. Therefore, these three mountains surrounding the village are not suitable as a cemetery."

Before their car arrived at the village entrance, they saw Tan Laoda hurrying out from the village, followed by two individuals, one of whom Mu Linfeng recognized as Tan Laoda's secretary, who had accompanied him to meet Tan Laoda the day before

After exchanging a few simple pleasantries with the Tan brothers, Mu Linfeng directly asked: "Where is the cemetery located in your village?"

How could you believe what he said

After observing for a while, Mu Linfeng had a general understanding in his heart, so he called the two to get in the car

Mu Linfeng explained as he walked: "There are three auspicious aspects of a burial site and six inauspicious ones. The 'Book of Burial' states: 'An auspicious site with an inauspicious burial is akin to discarding the corpse.' This means that no matter how good the chosen burial site is, if the manner of the burial is flawed, it is equivalent to abandoning the deceased's body. As for what constitutes an 'auspicious site,' I will explain it to you after we reach the village. First, let me discuss the 'six inauspicious aspects of burial.' The first inauspicious aspect is 'the error of yin and yang,' the second is 'the discord of the seasons,' the third is 'the ambition of the weak,' the fourth is 'relying on fortune,' the fifth is 'overstepping one's bounds,' and the sixth is 'strange transformations.' The first and second inauspicious aspects refer to the burial date not aligning with the favorable directions of the year and month. The third inauspicious aspect refers to living individuals with shallow fortunes desiring the lands of nobility, which is an overestimation of their own capabilities and virtues. As for the fourth inauspicious aspect, I believe both of you are already aware of it, so I will not elaborate further. Excessive display of wealth and status is of no benefit to the deceased and brings misfortune to the living..."

I must speak frankly, this approach is truly the act of a fool; the fortune or misfortune of a tomb has no relation to its grandeur, and may even produce the opposite effect

This passage of classical literature describes the relationship between deceased parents and their descendants as mentioned in the "Funeral Classic". It is clear to everyone at a glance, requiring no further explanation. The final sentence, "The collapse of Tongshan in the west, the response of the spirit bell in the east," refers to a true historical story

Only the cotton fibers at the old man's nostrils remained completely still, confirming that he had truly departed. The final rites had concluded, and the next phase would be the mourning period.

This segment is commonly referred to in folk traditions as "calling the soul back," which means to summon the departed spirit. In ancient times, this ritual was known as "revival." "Revival is the path of utmost love," signifies the final effort to save the deceased.

There are strict regulations regarding the wearing of funeral garments. Firstly, they must be in odd numbers, typically five, seven, or nine pieces, and absolutely cannot be in even numbers; if they are in even numbers, it implies that the calamity of death will visit the family again. Additionally, the fabric used for the funeral garments should not be satin, as the word "satin" sounds similar to "断子" (duàn zǐ), which suggests that the descendants of the deceased will suffer the retribution of being cut off from progeny.

Mu Linfeng looked at Tan Laoer and said, "This question is the simplest; just ask your own heart, and your intuition will provide you with the best answer"

Emperor Wu of Han asked Dongfang Shuo how he knew about this matter, to which Dongfang Shuo replied: Copper comes from the mountains, and its essence resonates; it is akin to how a person receives their form from their parents

Suddenly, Mu Linfeng's gaze fell upon the handbag held by the third party. Inside the bag were only the compass left by his great-grandfather and a few small items. He then took the handbag from the third party, unzipped it, and placed the compass wrapped in red silk into the compartment. He then said to the weasel: "You can make do and hide in here, but please do not urinate inside..."

Every individual is composed of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, and the universe itself is also made up of these five elements, forming a grand five-element system. A person's destiny is constantly influenced by the dynamics of yin and yang and the five elements. The factors affecting the strength and weakness of the five elements are primarily the timing and geographical advantages. Timing refers to the state of the weather when the five elements reach a certain point in their cycle. The impact of weather on the strength and weakness of the five elements is the most significant, especially the weather at the time of a person's birth, or the state of the five elements that one inherits at birth, which determines that person's destiny throughout their life. For instance, if an individual requires fire the most among the five elements, and they are born on a day with clear skies and blazing sun, with abundant fire energy from heaven to earth, then this person will inherit a strong fire energy. One can hardly imagine anything more potent than the sun's fiery energy. Those who benefit from favorable timing are undoubtedly exceptional talents. Therefore, the quality of feng shui in any location is determined by the individual, and it is absolutely incorrect to generalize that a beautiful landscape equates to a land of good feng shui.

Mu Linfeng said to the weasel: "Brother Huang, we have matters to attend to. Please stay at home honestly, and we will be back soon..."

The current economic conditions have improved, and the village no longer has those stone-built houses. Most of the structures are flat-roofed buildings made of reinforced concrete, with doors and windows made of aluminum alloy or plastic steel, and both the front and back are adorned with beautiful wall tiles. The housing situation is a strong reflection of a village's economic strength. Under the leadership of the Tan family brothers, Tan Fang Village has developed rapidly, and it is evident that it is much better than Mujiaying.

After "seeking the dragon," "locating the acupoint" is a crucial step, which also embodies the essence of adding the finishing touch. However, locating the acupoint is indeed the most critical part of the burial process, and it most clearly demonstrates the skill of the practitioner. Therefore, those proficient in the art of burial often say: "Three years to seek the dragon, ten years to locate the acupoint." This is the meaning behind it

This is a typical siheyuan in a mountain village, where close relatives are gathered in the main room to the north. On the floor of the main room, a door panel has been set up as a makeshift spirit bed, indicating that the family is already making preparations for the "initial and final" rites.

At this moment, Tan Lao Er, along with his wife and sister-in-law, began to wipe the old man's body with towels, while Mu Linfeng instructed Tan Lao Da to first dress the old man in his funeral garments

All the eyes of the people in the room were fixed on a wisp of cotton fluff in front of the old man's nostrils. At this moment, the faces of the relatives did not show sadness; they merely revealed a solemn expression. Inside and outside the room, there was complete silence, and no one dared to breathe, as if they were afraid of disturbing the old man's soul that was about to depart.

Funerals are the only occasion to showcase all members of a family, and the concept of "mourning attire" serves to express the closeness of familial relationships. In fact, it is distinguished by the mourning garments worn by each individual at the funeral, typically categorized within the "five degrees of mourning." Exceeding the "five degrees" signifies the absence of direct blood relations, and attendees are not required to wear mourning clothes. This will not be elaborated further here, as the details of the "five degrees of mourning" will be discussed in depth later. Generally speaking, being within the "five degrees of mourning" indicates a direct blood relationship, while exceeding it signifies the lack thereof, and attendees at the funeral are not obligated to wear mourning attire. This will not be elaborated further here, as the details of the "five degrees of mourning" will be discussed in depth later.

The variations of the five elements' energies throughout the day are significant. Only at dawn, when the sun has not yet risen, is the interference minimal, making it the most accurate time to observe the five elements' energies in a particular location. Therefore, this time is considered the best for ancestral worship.

Old Master Tan's home is located in Tanfang Village, approximately sixty li away from Mujiaying. There is a rugged mountain road in between, and it takes about over an hour to drive there.

Subsequently, Mu Linfeng instructed the third party to take out the compass wrapped in red silk, and then he pulled out a piece of white paper, on which were written the birth dates and times of Tan Laoda's father and the two brothers. Mu Linfeng intended to first use the compass to deduce the strength of the five elements' energy in this location, and then calculate whether it was compatible with the five elements of the three individuals. This was a complex calculation process

"Dianxue" is also a complex process, involving a series of steps such as understanding the characteristics of the site, observing the terrain, examining the shape of the site, and determining the exact location. The tools used for dianxue are varied; most geomancers prefer to use a walking stick, as they typically carry one while searching for dragons and climbing mountains, thus conveniently using it for dianxue. Additionally, some use copper coins, silver needles, and even fingernails for the practice.

The next morning, around 4 o'clock, Mu Linfeng got up and called Xiao San and Gao Hong to rise as well; they had to reach Tan Fang Village before sunrise

This is called "Shu Kuang Yi Si Jue Qi", where "Kuang" refers to silk cotton. There is an idiom "Shu Kuang Zhi Ji" that originates from this, meaning that in a moment of crisis, silk cotton is used to verify whether a person on the verge of death still has breath. Only when the cotton silk remains still does it indicate that the elderly person has passed away

Before Mu Linfeng could finish speaking, Gao Hongjin interrupted him impatiently: "Linfeng, it is just an animal and cannot understand your words. Why waste your breath on it? Let's hurry and not delay important matters..."

Gazing at the beautiful scenery ahead, Gao Hongjin exclaimed, "This Tanfang Village is truly a wonderful place, with towering peaks and clear waters surrounding it. It is evidently a place of exceptional feng shui, no wonder it has produced a talent like Master Tan."

Before Mu Linfeng could finish speaking, Tan Laoer anxiously asked: "So whose words should we heed? Is the grave we built for our father a treasure land or a cursed burial?"

Mu Linfeng continued, saying: "The 'Burial Classic' states: 'Burial means to conceal, to harness the vital energy of life. The energies of yin and yang manifest as wind when they exhale, as clouds when they ascend, as rain when they descend, and when they move within the earth, they are referred to as the vital energy of life. There are five types of mountains that are unsuitable for burial: the 'Child Mountain' cannot be used for burial because its energy harmonizes with life. The 'Broken Mountain' cannot be used for burial because its energy comes from the force of the terrain. The 'Stone Mountain' cannot be used for burial because its energy ascends. The 'Over Mountain' cannot be used for burial because its energy is halted by the terrain. The 'Solitary Mountain' cannot be used for burial because its energy converges like a dragon. Therefore, the five types of mountains: Child, Broken, Stone, Over, and Solitary, are not suitable as burial sites; otherwise, new misfortunes will arise, and existing blessings will be diminished..."

Unexpectedly, as Gao Hongjin's words fell, the weasel bared its sharp teeth and let out a few screams at him, even arching its back as if it were about to charge at him, which startled Gao Hongjin into hurriedly stepping back two paces

When discussing Feng Shui, some people always believe that good Feng Shui is characterized by mountains and water, surrounded by mountains and embracing water, with a landscape of dragons and tigers. It seems that beautiful scenery equates to good Feng Shui; however, these notions are merely ignorant claims. There is an example that can illustrate this simple principle

Old Master Tan stated emphatically: "I absolutely do not know him, and I have never met him."

Before Mu Linfeng could finish speaking, the little sprite nimbly jumped into the handbag. This handbag, made of cowhide, was sturdy enough to conceal a weasel.

Tan Laoda was just about to speak when his phone in his pocket suddenly rang. He glanced at the screen and hurriedly answered the call. Instantly, his expression turned grim, and he quickly said to Mu Linfeng, "Master Mu, my father has suddenly become weak in breath. Should we return together?"

Mu Linfeng waved his hand and continued, "Do not be hasty; the key is to observe the color of the soil below. As I mentioned earlier, 'there are three auspicious signs in the pit.' The gathering of spirits aligns with the new moon, allowing the divine to escape and the ghosts to avoid, which is one auspicious sign. The harmony of yin and yang, with five types of soil and four preparations, constitutes the second auspicious sign. The skill of vision and the skill of craftsmanship, striving for completeness and avoiding deficiencies, enhancing the upper and benefiting the lower, represent the third auspicious sign. Among these, the second auspicious sign refers to the color of the soil. As long as the soil below is not black, this place can be selected as a burial site, and we can 'request the soil' at noon today."

Mu Linfeng gently shook his head and said in a measured tone: "Forgive my frankness, but the three mountains surrounding your village and your family's burial site are not suitable as your father's final resting place"

At this time, the degree of weeping varies among different individuals. Men of the same generation as the deceased can only sob, while the younger generation cries out loudly, and the women are expected to beat their chests and wail. The duration of crying is approximately five minutes, after which they must cease their weeping and prepare for other matters

Human psychology tends to have a habit of preconceived notions; once someone is told that something resembles another thing, it will increasingly appear to be so. After Mu Linfeng made this remark, several individuals nodded in agreement and expressed their admiration.

Mu Linfeng carefully observed the surrounding environment, then took out a small deer skin pouch from his bosom. From the compartment of the pouch, he pulled out a white, needle-like object over an inch long, with a red thread about a foot long threaded through the eye of one end. This was the unique tool of the Mu family known as the "Dragon Bone Needle" used for the specialized practice of "seeking dragons and locating veins".

This is a special way to dress the deceased elder in a burial garment. In accordance with local customs, the eldest son must first put on each piece of the burial garment one by one, and then remove them all at once before dressing the elder in them.

Indeed, that person is very familiar with both me and the situation in Tanfang Village. I remember when that person handed me the sketch, they specifically emphasized that the grave must be located in the southwest, and they particularly instructed me not to choose the position that Master Mu just mentioned behind the village. Therefore, I felt somewhat surprised upon hearing Master Mu's words

The "Book of Burial" explicitly states that there are four types of terrain that should not be chosen as burial sites: the crouching tiger, the coiled dragon, the black tortoise not descending, and the vermilion bird not soaring. This is because the crouching tiger is said to devour the corpse, the coiled dragon is said to resent the master, the black tortoise not descending is to reject the corpse, and the vermilion bird not soaring is to take flight

The three individuals hurriedly washed up, having no time to eat before preparing to leave. Just as they were about to step out, a yellow weasel suddenly appeared from somewhere, jumping onto the back of a chair and chattering at Mu Linfeng, seemingly wanting to accompany them.

Mu Linfeng felt quite surprised by Tan Laoda's astonished expression, as Tan Laoda had left him with the impression of a man as solid as a mountain. Such a person would not even furrow his brow under the weight of a mountain, so how could he be so taken aback by what Mu Linfeng had said

"Hehe, in fact, you have already made your choice in your hearts..." Mu Linfeng said while waving to everyone, "Let us hurry and go to the back of the village to see if my judgment is correct."

It is evident that this little sprite not only understands their words but also knows each person's attitude towards it. A thought suddenly flashed through Mu Linfeng's mind; perhaps bringing it along would be beneficial to him

The act of burial is to conceal, and it is also to harness the vital energy. This vital energy flows through the earth, giving rise to all things. Humans receive their form from their parents, obtaining their essence and inheriting the protection of their ancestors. Thus, the living are a gathering of vital energy. When this energy condenses, it forms bones, which remain after death. Therefore, the act of burial is to return the vital energy and accept the bones, in order to provide shade to the path of life. When the vital energy is abundant, it resonates, bringing blessings to both the spirits and the living. Hence, when the western side of Tong Mountain collapses, the spiritual bell responds from the east.

On the surface, this is indeed a nice mountain village, often referred to as a land of good feng shui. However, in the eyes of Mu Linfeng, it is not so. Regarding the issue of feng shui, Mu Linfeng has a different understanding compared to others.

Gao Hongjin noticed that Mu Linfeng and the third party were ignoring him, so he walked aside and took out his phone to make a call. Hearing him address Mr. Tan, Mu Linfeng speculated that he was on the phone with Boss Tan

Crying at a funeral is also subject to strict regulations. There is a saying: "Crying on the day of the funeral brings further misfortune." This means that crying at inappropriate times can often lead to additional misfortunes for the family, potentially resulting in more deaths. Additionally, it is also a consideration for the deceased, as there is a fear that excessive lamentation may disturb the body and cause it to decay.

The mistress, carrying a bag containing a weasel, followed closely beside Mu Linfeng. The little creature inside the bag sensed that the vehicle had stopped and made an effort to poke its head out from one end of the zipper, staring with its two round eyes at the unfamiliar surroundings

The words of Mu Linfeng clearly surprised the Tan brothers. Tan Er, in astonishment, said: "Master Mu, could you explain more clearly why there would be an opposite effect"

Subsequently, a small square table is placed at the head of the deceased, with food and wine arranged neatly; this is referred to as "head meal." After the head meal is set up, the relatives must cease their weeping, lest they disturb the deceased while eating

Emperor Wu of Han sighed: "If things are thus, how much more so for people!" In the past, Zengzi was extremely filial to his mother. When he went out, his mother wished for his return, and she expressed this with her mouth and gestures, which caused Zengzi great pain in his heart. When parents are uneasy and their children are away, it also brings pain to the heart; however, ordinary people often have a thin sense of filial piety and are unaware of it. Thus, it is understood that when a mountain collapses, the bell tolls in response, which is also in accordance with this principle.

Seeing that Mu Linfeng was very calm, Tan Laoda did not ask him anything and immediately felt a sense of regret, so he could only speak frankly: "Mr. Mu, I will tell you the truth, please forgive me."

Old Master Tan pointed to the surrounding hills and said: "To speak frankly, the burial grounds of the people in the mountains are quite scattered, with each family's graves distributed throughout their contracted forested areas. There are graves on all three of these surrounding mountains. Our branch of the family has a relatively large number of members. The graves of our ancestors are concentrated at the foot of the mountain in the southwest corner of the village. What does Mr. Mu think of that location?"

Mu Linfeng pointed to the mountain behind the village while speaking, saying: "Do you see how the peak of this mountain stands tall? The main mountain rises high, its head does not droop, as if it refuses to accept a burial. This is what is referred to in the burial texts as 'the Xuanwu that does not droop rejects the corpse.' Therefore, one cannot build a tomb on this mountain, as it would be detrimental to the deceased."

In the midst of their conversation, a group of people arrived at the foot of the mountain behind the village

Ah, this is what the saying goes, when one is ill, one seeks treatment everywhere. I know that my father's illness cannot be cured, yet I still hope for a miracle to occur, so I did not think much about it. Moreover, that person left a very deep impression on me; his demeanor and speech exuded an air of elegance, which made me believe in him without doubt... A few days ago, after my father returned home from the hospital, I suddenly realized that this matter was very strange. The more I thought about it, the more I felt something was off. Just then, Master Gao came to see my father and recommended Master Mu to me, which is why I went to invite Master Mu over.

Mu Linfeng turned around and pointed at the dragon bone inserted into the ground, saying to Old Master Tan: "This is the burial site we have chosen."

The relatives of the Tan family suddenly knelt down on the ground, as everyone knew that the elder had already passed away. However, they could not cry just yet; they still had to wait to summon the elder's spirit.

Mu Linfeng hurriedly waved his hand to stop Tan Laoer from speaking, and then said while walking: "Indeed, there are some people who spend hundreds of thousands or even millions to build luxurious graves, and this practice is not advisable"

This dragon bone acupuncture needle was specially gifted by an old master who imparted the ancestral skills of the Mu family in locating tombs. It is said to be meticulously crafted from a fossilized dragon bone that is ten thousand years old, and it is the only one of its kind in the world. Any tomb that is punctured with this needle will not exhibit any deviation.

Old Master Tan continued, "Six months ago, a stranger in his thirties approached me. This person was refined in appearance, exuding an air of scholarly demeanor. He spoke directly to me, saying that six months later would be my father's 'critical juncture,' and that my father might not be able to pass this test. He handed me a map depicting the topography of our Tan Fang village and urged me to quickly prepare a burial site for my father, suggesting that it might help him overcome this 'critical juncture.' He also mentioned that as long as my father could get through this phase, he would have no problem living for another ten years... As a child, I naturally hoped that my elders could live longer, so I followed the instructions on the map and, in just over ten days, constructed a tomb for my father..."

Returning to the main topic, Mu Linfeng took out the millennia-old dragon bone needle, pinching the red thread that secured the needle between his thumb and index finger, allowing the dragon bone needle to naturally hang down towards the ground. He then began to walk slowly within the area he had defined, following a curved path. After taking a dozen steps, the red thread securing the dragon bone needle suddenly snapped in the middle, causing the needle to plunge into the ground.

After dressing the elderly in the burial clothes, everyone lifted the elderly onto a simple coffin made of bed boards in the main room outside, beginning the final farewell. This is the time spent under the guardianship of relatives during the last moments of life, which is also referred to as "Ting Sang".

Oh! Where is it?" Master Tan asked anxiously

Upon hearing Mu Linfeng speak, Master Tan's expression suddenly changed dramatically, and he stammered, "I... I... Mr. Mu... could you please explain a bit more clearly... why is that place considered a treasure land?"

Although the yard was filled with people, it was eerily silent. Each person's face bore an expression of solemnity and tension, as if they were awaiting the arrival of a momentous occasion

There is a well-known great man who was born in a place surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, which is indeed a beautiful location with picturesque scenery. His residence is situated on the hillside facing southeast, and many people say it is an area with excellent feng shui, which produced a great man. However, have we ever considered that the quality of feng shui is relative to specific individuals? Among three brothers born in the same house and on the same bed, one became a great man, while the other two tragically fell victim to enemies and died young. Therefore, for his brothers, this place was certainly not a land of good feng shui.

Old Master Tan's feelings are understandable; what people fear most is the misfortune that befalls future generations, especially for someone like him who is wealthy and powerful.

Old Master Tan looked at Mu Linfeng with a puzzled expression: "Master Mu, according to your statement, our village has such a favorable terrain, so why can't we establish a cemetery?"

"Oh! Please clarify, Mr. Mu," said Master Tan in surprise.

The most mysterious aspect of the art of burial is known as "finding the dragon and locating the穴". The term "finding the dragon" refers to observing the shape and terrain of the mountains in the wild; "locating the穴" means determining the specific location of the tomb. This terminology arises partly from some individuals' desire to create an air of mystery, and partly because the mountain range, when viewed from a high point, indeed resembles a winding, crawling dragon

As it was still early, there were not many people on the streets of the village, and a group of six quietly passed through. The small alleys of the mountain village were all paved with cement, appearing very neat and clean, all thanks to the efforts of the Tan brothers. The Tan brothers, having become wealthy, did not forget their fellow villagers and enjoyed a good reputation locally, which was also the reason Mu Linfeng was determined to carry out this task.

After Master Tan put on the three sets of funeral garments, he took them off all at once. The second brother and the others had already cleaned the old man's body, so the group together dressed the old man in the funeral garments

Old Master Tan did not respond, but instead turned to look at Mu Linfeng. He was now in complete admiration of Mu Linfeng, thus he respected Mu Linfeng's wishes in all matters

In the "Book of Rites: Great Record of Mourning Attire," it states, "For minor funerals, the ruler, nobles, and gentlemen wear garments with linings." In ancient times, clothing with linings was referred to as "fu," while clothing without linings was called "dan." The funeral garments placed in the coffin must be lined garments

Searching for dragons requires traversing mountains and valleys, which is quite laborious and physically demanding. However, locating energy points is a more complex intellectual endeavor. Those with a superficial understanding of dragon searching generally know what to do, but "locating energy points" is not something just anyone can accomplish; it is a core secret within the art of grave assessment.

Listening to Mu Linfeng's eloquent explanation, regardless of whether they understood it or not, several people repeatedly expressed their agreement. Master Tan hurriedly asked, "Master Mu, is the cemetery located in the southwest of the village suitable? It should not be on the mountain."

Without question, this elderly woman must be the paternal aunt of the Tan family, for at this moment, only she has the authority to sit here. In rural areas where the concept of kinship is deeply ingrained, the paternal aunt, as the sister of the father, holds the highest status among all relatives. When significant family events such as weddings or funerals occur, her words cannot be contradicted.

Mu Linfeng noticed the elderly man lying in bed, his chest rising only after several seconds, and the intervals were becoming longer. It was evident that the old man was nearing the end of his life, and this condition would not last long; he would soon stop breathing. Mu Linfeng hurriedly called for those in the room to prepare the burial clothes for the elderly man, emphasizing that a person must wear clean, new clothes when departing this world

The people in the bedroom saw several of Tan's men enter and all came out, making way for the cramped space inside. Mu Linfeng followed behind the Tan brothers and walked into the inner room.

Everyone was too preoccupied to say much and ran together towards the village

The three individuals got out of the vehicle, and at this moment, the sky had already brightened, allowing the surrounding scenery to be clearly visible. Three peaks arranged in a triangular formation surrounded the village, and a layer of moisture gathered above the village located in the valley, as if a thin veil of white gauze was floating, with the mist swirling in a dreamlike and ethereal manner

"Does Mr. Tan not know the person who gave you the picture?" Mu Linfeng asked curiously

The burial garments worn at this time are prepared for the departure of the elderly, so typically, the inner layer consists of a single garment, while the outer layer is a padded garment, which is a clothing item with a lining. Additionally, during the interment, when the body is placed in the coffin, cotton clothing and cotton pants must also be worn.

Tan Laoda's words did not raise Mu Linfeng's alertness, nor did he delve deeply into Tan Laoda's remarks. This is because the practice of grave assessment is very similar to the analysis of a person's Ba Zi, with methods that are almost identical. Those who understand Ba Zi prediction know that the key to analyzing Ba Zi lies in selecting a 'Yong Shen' from the 'Ten Gods' that is most beneficial to the Day Master. If the 'Yong Shen' is chosen incorrectly, the results of the prediction will be exactly the opposite; great fortune may be interpreted as great misfortune, and ominous signs may be seen as auspicious. Therefore, a location that appears perilous to one person may be considered a treasure by another, and such records can be found in the ancestral text 'Xiang Mu Shou Shu'.

The reason for placing a door panel on the ground of the main house is to move the person who is about to pass away out of the bedroom to lie on it. An elderly person should not die in their own bed, as this is considered very inauspicious; moreover, they must pass away in the main room or the bright room of the house on a spirit bed, which distinguishes it from dying away from home, referred to as a good end, commonly known as "dying a natural death in one's own bed"

Not long after, Li Chunfeng followed the dragon's trace to this place and discovered that the two peaks of Liangshan were situated opposite each other, resembling a pair of beautiful breasts from a distance, while the entire mountain range appeared like a noblewoman in deep slumber, indescribably exquisite and as precious as a celestial deity. ... Li Chunfeng immediately took his position at the meridian, arranged stones to form the Bagua, and inserted a silver needle at the calculated spot to mark it, only to find that the needle had precisely pierced the copper coin buried by Yuan Tiangang.

Mu Linfeng smiled without saying a word, then opened the car door and got out

During this period, Xiao San has become quite familiar with this yellow weasel, and they have become good friends. Seeing the weasel stick its head out, Xiao San gently stroked its head and whispered, "Ah Huang, be good, quickly hide away, otherwise I won't take you out anymore"

There is approximately a few acres of land here, and it is rare to find such flat terrain on the mountain. Moreover, a continuous stream flows through it, with the water making a bend in the middle of this land, forming a semi-circle. From a distance, it resembles the shape of the yin-yang fish in the center of the Tai Chi symbol, truly a remarkable place

Speaking, Mu Linfeng gazed at the mountain on the right and said: "The mountain on the right appears to be a tiger crouching there, raising its head to look into the cave, as if it desires to seize and devour the corpse in the grave. This is what is referred to in the 'Burial Book' as 'the tiger crouching signifies seizing the corpse.' Therefore, the choice of the cemetery in the southwest of the village is quite poor. On the left, the mountain takes on a posture of sitting, resembling a green dragon unwilling to submit, turning its head to glance askance, as if harboring jealousy. This is known as 'the dragon sitting signifies jealousy towards the master.' Digging a longevity grave on such a mountain is equally detrimental to the deceased, and it also brings misfortune to future generations..."

At the mountain pass, Mu Linfeng instructed Gao Hongjin to stop the car; the terrain here is much higher than that inside, providing a perfect vantage point to view the entire layout of Tanfang Village

Mu Linfeng was not surprised by what Master Tan said. In the local customs, there is a practice of building living tombs, and some graves have even been constructed for decades without being used. For a wealthy person like Master Tan, it would be puzzling if he had not prepared a burial site for the elderly in advance. However, Mu Linfeng did not understand the purpose of being invited by him again.

Mu Linfeng pointed towards the direction behind the village and said: "Just now at the mountain pass, I saw a stream flowing down from the back mountain, and it turned a corner at the foot of the mountain behind the village. There should be a treasure spot there."

"Father... come back..." Tan Laoda called out twice, dragging out the sounds.

Mu Linfeng made a kneeling gesture towards Old Man Tan, and immediately the room was filled with cries. This marked the beginning of the mourning, and the entire funeral process officially commenced from this moment.

According to custom, relatives within the "three degrees of kinship" should all be present at this time, with immediate family members inside the house and others outside. When it comes time for the funeral, relatives within the "five degrees of kinship" must all participate

Mu Linfeng nodded in agreement and said, "Alright, let's hurry up and go"

Old Master Tan paused for a moment and then hurriedly said: "The main purpose of inviting Mr. Mu is not merely for the tomb, but primarily to ask you to preside over my father's funeral"

"Mr. Tan, shall we drive over?" Gao Hongjin inquired solicitously, seeking the opinion of Boss Tan.

At this moment, several women could not contain their inner sorrow and began to weep, simultaneously emitting low sobs. According to custom, it is absolutely forbidden to cry at this time. Mu Linfeng hurriedly waved his hand and said in a low voice: "Everyone, pay attention, no one can cry now, otherwise it will disturb the soul of the elder"

The mistress surprisingly gave the weasel a name, and the name "Ah Huang" is quite fitting and vivid. This little sprite seems to accept the name well, obediently retracting its head.

The weasel immediately let out two more chirps, which clearly conveyed a sense of joy.

Gao Hongjin hurriedly stopped the car and said to Mu Linfeng: "The person following Boss Tan is his younger brother. The two brothers came out together to greet you; you really have quite a reputation."

After calling out, Mu Linfeng took Tan Laoda's arm and returned to the room. Upon reaching the side of the spirit bed, Tan Laoda covered the old man with the coat in his hand, while murmuring softly: "Father, please come back soon, Father, open your eyes and take a look at us..."

A few people looked up for a while, but none of them said anything. Suddenly, Zhang Xiaosan said: "This mountain looks like a tiger lying there"

The elderly man lying on the door panel had a calm expression; it could be said that all those who depart normally do so with great tranquility. Mu Linfeng gazed at the old man's face, believing that a person comes into this world after enduring painful struggles, and when departing, it must be in peace and comfort, which also aligns with the yin-yang balance of nature

Airflow creates wind, and the water in nature corresponds to the water in feng shui. Changes in environmental temperature lead to different fortunes for individuals, and wind and water are the primary factors influencing temperature variations. Thus, the technique of determining people's fortunes based on temperature changes is referred to as "feng shui".

Hearing Mu Linfeng's words, several people began to examine the three surrounding peaks again. After a while, they all shook their heads, clearly indicating that they could not discern anything.

When Master Tan heard Mu Linfeng mention a suitable place for a grave behind the village, he suddenly exhibited unusual behavior. For someone like him, who has weathered many storms, ordinary matters would not provoke such a reaction. Mu Linfeng sensed that there must be some hidden circumstances behind this.

This is a small mountain village with fewer than one hundred households, and it takes just a few minutes to walk through the village. Mu Linfeng then said to Tan Laoda: "Let us walk over; it will be a good opportunity to observe the situation within the village."

"Alright, let's go this way," said Master Tan readily, while leading the way ahead.

Mu Linfeng nodded without saying much, as he felt somewhat displeased inside, especially regarding such matters, which absolutely should not be taken lightly. How could one lie to oneself?

What Mu Linfeng just said was not intended to intimidate him; there are indeed such records in the "Xiangmu Shouzhang" left by his ancestors. He merely recited it verbatim. To make everyone more convinced, Mu Linfeng deliberately included terms like "burial book" and "burial scripture." In the minds of the common people, things found in scriptures, or those passed down from predecessors, are considered true. This is why some people always like to promote things as "ancestral secret recipes" and the like.

Although Mu Linfeng's statement was quite cryptic, a few people understood its meaning in their hearts, and thus did not inquire further

Seeing the anxious expression on Master Tan's face, Mu Linfeng gently waved his hand and said, "There is no need to search outside; there is an excellent place right here, it just hasn't been discovered yet"

If it were not for this weasel, Mu Linfeng would not have been able to find the items left behind by his great-grandfather. He knew that this little sprite was exceptionally clever, so he said to the weasel: "Alright, I can take you along, but you must behave and not scare others."

As the relatives of the Tan family began to mourn, neighbors and fellow villagers promptly entered the house to offer their assistance. Under the direction of Mu Linfeng, they first covered the deceased's face with a piece of yellow paper, signifying that from this moment on, the deceased should no longer witness the affairs of the living.

In the family, all relatives are arranged in order of closeness, including aunts, uncles, maternal aunts, uncles by marriage, and so on. This order, especially during funerals, must not be disrupted; otherwise, one may be criticized, and in severe cases, the funeral may not proceed.

In the hearts of the local people, the weasel is regarded as a spirit beast that embodies both righteousness and wickedness, and keeping it nearby can prevent disturbances. Subsequent events proved that Mu Linfeng's decision was indeed very correct, as the weasel had greatly assisted him. Gao Hongjin drove the Toyota Land Cruiser left by Boss Tan and arrived at Tanfang Village in less than an hour. This village is situated in a small basin among several mountains, surrounded by three mountain peaks, making it arguably the highest village within a hundred miles in terms of elevation. Gao Hongjin drove the Toyota Land Cruiser left by Boss Tan and arrived at Tanfang Village in less than an hour. This village is situated in a small basin among several mountains, surrounded by three mountain peaks, making it arguably the highest village within a hundred miles in terms of elevation

Mu Linfeng did not rush to answer Tan Laoda's question, but instead pointed to the mountain peak on the right side of the village and asked several people: "What does this mountain look like to you?"

The old man's complexion was not unpleasant; the wrinkles on his forehead had smoothed out. This is a sign that a person is about to depart

It is said that in order to select the right burial site, the two of them traversed the Guanzhong Plain without any success. One night, Yuan Tiangang observed the celestial phenomena and discovered a cluster of purple qi rising from the northern mountains, directly reaching the Big Dipper. The appearance of purple qi is an auspicious sign. Following this cluster of purple qi, Yuan Tiangang found a location, accurately selected the burial spot, and buried a copper coin in the ground as a marker

Tan Laoda pondered for a few seconds, seemingly having made a significant decision, and then said to Mu Linfeng: "Master Mu, I will speak frankly with you. My father's grave has been constructed several months ago, located in that burial site to the southwest."