Prologue

What people commonly refer to as funerals should, strictly speaking, be divided into two parts: the mourning ceremony and the burial ceremony. The mourning ceremony refers to the rituals of mourning the deceased, while the burial ceremony pertains to the methods of handling the remains of the deceased. Nowadays, people living in cities, due to various constraints, have simplified many of the procedures.

Mu Linfeng reluctantly got out of bed, grumbling as he went to open the door. He thought to himself that it must be one of his buddies who had drunk too much, coming to invite him for tea or to play cards

Gao Hongjin hurriedly approached Mu Linfeng and lowered his voice, saying: "Linfeng, for the sake of the monk, please help Fugui get through this difficult time."

Mu Linfeng said to Zhu Fugui's cousin: "Arrange for someone to buy a black-clawed rooster as quickly as possible. Remember, it must be the kind with long spurs on its feet. Once it is bought, have Zhu Fugui's son hold it while standing outside the door. Once this matter is taken care of, we can begin."

Mu Linfeng's stance, known as the Yubu, is said to have originated from the legendary figure Yu the Great. The term "gang" refers to the celestial gang, while "dou" refers to the Northern Dipper. The hand gesture known as Linguan Jue is formed by pressing the fingers in a specific manner, and the process of creating this shape is called "qia jue". This technique can connect with the true and subdue the evil. Just by observing Mu Linfeng's posture, it is indeed quite intimidating

To be honest, I am not quite clear about the specific situation, but it does not seem like a coincidence. How could one possibly fall three times in a row? This matter is indeed a bit strange; otherwise, why would the previous three 'hurdles' not dare to proceed...

Having completed all of this, Mu Linfeng said to Zhu Fugui's cousin: "Alright, we can go to the funeral home now. Quickly call a few people to help support the couple down the stairs."

Seeing this scene, Mu Linfeng hurriedly stepped out and extended his hands to assist Zhu Fugui: "Several brothers, what are you doing? Quickly get up..."

No problem. Gao Hongjin did not ask what it was for, he simply agreed and ran out.

Understood, I will have someone take care of it right away. After saying this, Zhu Fugui's cousin turned around and went out to arrange for someone to buy a black-clawed rooster

A considerable number of people stood in the yard, each displaying unusual expressions on their faces. Groups of three or five were whispering to one another, clearly discussing the matters concerning the Zhu family. As the saying goes, good news travels slowly, while bad news spreads like wildfire. With such strange and sensational events occurring in the Zhu family, how could it possibly be kept from the neighbors? It is likely that within two days, the entire county will be abuzz with the news.

Gao Hongjin is the head chef of the hotel, and his culinary skills are among the best in the area. Mu Linfeng has just started working at the hotel and has followed him for a period of time. Although Gao Hongjin is only three to four years older than Mu Linfeng, he has taught him how to cook hands-on, so Mu Linfeng has always regarded Gao Hongjin as his mentor, listening to him and showing him great respect.

There were quite a few people standing on the stairs, most of whom were relatives and friends of the Zhu family. Each person's expression varied, but all bore a hint of panic. Upon seeing the invited "Geda," they all looked at Mu Linfeng with expectant eyes

The county town is a small place, where everyone sees each other frequently and most people know one another, no wonder Zhu Fugui was extremely anxious... This also confirms the old saying, "What goes around comes around; as long as one commits wrongdoing, retribution will come sooner or later"

Zhu Fugui repeatedly said: "How could it be possible to blame Master Mu? I would be immensely grateful if you could agree to my request..."

Mu Linfeng suddenly had a thought in his mind, considering taking the opportunity to discipline a family that lacked filial piety

Brother, I understand that you have never done this before, but you know more about the ins and outs than those who often deal with 'knotty' matters. Don't you often talk about the stories of our ancestors? You are more familiar with the procedures for funerals than anyone else. Even if it's just following the example, please help me this once.

When someone in a household passes away, the process of conducting the funeral is referred to as "doing public affairs." The origin of this term has never been verified, which is not only due to taboos but also relates to the local simple and honest customs. "Public affairs" refers to matters that concern everyone. When a family member dies, it is a significant event for ordinary people. Not only friends and relatives, but also neighbors and fellow villagers will actively come to help, as they all consider it a communal matter, hence the term "public affairs."

The three individuals returned to the activity room where the spirit tablets were placed, and they saw that Zhu Fugui and his wife were sweating profusely, their faces contorted in pain, and their bodies trembling slightly, clearly enduring great suffering.

Upon hearing these words, Zhu Fugui was so frightened that he fell to his knees with a thud, pleading with tears and snot: "Master Mu, please tell my father to rest in peace, I will definitely burn more paper money for him..."

Now, disregarding the unpleasant odor, Mu Linfeng followed Gao Hongjin into the room. This is the kind of old-fashioned apartment with a simple layout, consisting of a very small living area, two modest bedrooms, as well as a kitchen and a bathroom, with a total area of only about fifty to sixty square meters.

Upon opening the door, Mu Linfeng was instantly taken aback

Zhu Fugui and his wife, covered in blood, were helped out by someone. The onlookers were startled and quickly retreated, as if they had encountered a terrifying ghost.

Strangely enough, this time the Zhu family was able to come downstairs safely and quickly boarded the van to head to the crematorium outside the city. Perhaps by a twist of fate, the peculiar tricks devised by Mu Linfeng just happened to dispel the potential soul transformation that might have occurred

In his childhood, Mu Linfeng often listened to his mother tell stories about the "gēda" profession, and he felt a deep sense of reverence for it. Especially when he saw a family conducting a funeral, the "gēda" calmly arranged everything for the body lying on the door plank, making him feel that the "gēda" was so mysterious, as if there was some incredible power emanating from them.

At this moment, Mu Linfeng noticed that the middle-aged man was wearing a small black heart-shaped tag on his arm, which had a white character "filial piety" on it. ... He suddenly realized that there must have been an elderly person who had passed away in this man's family. ... However, he did not understand why this person was bowing to him, as he did not know him.

After a moment of mumbling, Mu Linfeng also had an idea in his mind. He thought to himself that regardless of the circumstances, he would first deal with the couple who had abused the elderly. If the deceased elder had any grievances, it would certainly be directed at this couple.

"Master Gao, what exactly has happened?" Mu Linfeng asked in surprise

"No problem, there is a shop downstairs that specializes in pickled vegetables. I will go and get a bowl from there," Gao Hongjin said as he was about to walk out the door. "Wait a moment," Mu Linfeng hurriedly called out to him, "I also need to find a few larger hairy crabs."

The spirit tablet used during a funeral is typically made from white paper, folded into a rectangular pocket measuring approximately 6 to 7 centimeters in width and over 20 centimeters in length, with the deceased's name inscribed on it. This inscribed white paper pocket is supported by two chopsticks, which are then inserted into a large steamed bun, thus forming the spirit tablet of the deceased, symbolizing the spirit of the departed, referred to as "Shezhong". During the funeral procession, this spirit tablet is to be placed in the grave to be buried alongside the body, signifying the burial of the deceased's spirit together with the physical remains.

A slightly older man behind Zhu Fugui continued, "Master Mu, I am Fugui's cousin. My uncle is still lying in the crematorium waiting to handle his 'official business.' We have truly reached the end of our rope and have come to seek your help. You must assist us."

Upon receiving the command, Zhu Fugui's cousin took the fur skin that Gao Hongjin handed him, walked up to Zhu Fugui, and forcefully drew it across his forehead. Instantly, a stream of fresh blood flowed down his cheek, and Zhu Fugui hurriedly bent down to let the blood drip into the wine bowl in front of him

Gao Hongjin quickly gestured again and said: "Let me finish speaking. Zhu Fugui's father lives on the third floor. After he went out, he had just reached the stairway when he fell again. This fall was even more severe, rolling down to the corner in the middle of the stairs. Not only did he knock over his father's memorial tablet, but he also fell quite hard himself, as you saw, with his face scraped..."

Although his profession is nothing more than an ordinary chef, Mu Linfeng feels quite good about it, as he works as the head chef in the only three-star hotel in the county, which makes him a relatively high-income "blue-collar" worker in the area. His life, though calm, is also quite fulfilling.

Seeing Mu Linfeng organizing everything in an orderly manner, Zhu Fugui and his wife were already pale with fear, their bodies trembling incessantly, clearly indicating that both were feeling guilty and anxious

At this thought, Mu Linfeng suddenly turned around and said to Zhu Fugui in a serious tone, "The old man has just manifested, and he told me that during his lifetime he was frail and sickly, and that the journey to the underworld was fraught with many difficulties, making it hard to reach the other world, so he does not wish to leave here..."

Seeing the expressions of the two, Mu Linfeng felt secretly pleased, thinking to himself that soon enough they would have enough to endure. He waved his hand to Gao Hongjin and said softly, "Let us go to the inner room, so as not to disturb the couple as they seek forgiveness from the elder."

Gao Hongjin nodded slightly and said, "Yes, so after encountering this incident, relatives and friends privately said that he got what he deserved, and there was a bit of a desire to see him make a fool of himself. However, regardless of the circumstances, we must first ensure that the elderly are buried properly. Do you understand what I mean?"

As the white wine in the large bowl turned a bright red color, Mu Linfeng bent down to pick up the wine bowl, murmuring incantations. He then circled the square table, sprinkling the blood-red wine around it, and finally dripped the remaining small amount of blood wine from the bowl onto the steamed bun placed at the spirit tablet.

In the military, Mu Linfeng is a model trainee, proficient in various skills such as hand-to-hand combat, camouflage reconnaissance, shooting, and driving. As a result, many esteemed organizations in the county are eager to recruit him. The county police department and several banks are among these organizations, which many people strive to enter. However, this individual, akin to a dog riding in a sedan chair, fails to recognize his good fortune, choosing instead to forgo the opportunities that many dream of, and becoming a chef at a star-rated hotel.

Although he is also a chef, Gao Hongjin has a particular talent, which is his proficiency in socializing. There is no one in the county, from all walks of life, whom he does not know, and he can strike up a conversation with anyone. Mu Linfeng greatly admires this quality of Lao Gao, as it is precisely his own weakness; Mu Linfeng finds dealing with strangers to be the most troublesome.

"No need, let me finish speaking first," Gao Hongjin hurriedly interrupted Mu Linfeng, then continued, "Relatives and friends all feel that this matter is somewhat strange, but they haven't thought much about it. Everyone quickly returned to the house and wrote another spirit tablet. Unexpectedly, when Zhu Fugui went out again, he hadn't even reached the corridor before he tripped and fell... causing his father's spirit tablet to fall on the stairs... This time, the invited 'Geda' was frightened, saying that Zhu Fugui's father's soul was unwilling to leave the house, and he could not handle this funeral, then he quickly slipped away. Everyone hurried back to the house and wrote another spirit tablet. Unexpectedly, when Zhu Fugui went out again, he hadn't even reached the corridor before he tripped and fell... causing his father's spirit tablet to fall on the stairs... This time, the invited 'Geda' was frightened, saying that Zhu Fugui's father's soul was unwilling to leave the house, and he could not handle this funeral, then he quickly slipped away.

The毛蛤 is a type of shellfish that grows on beaches. Unlike other shells, the毛蛤 has a layer of short brown fur on its shell, and along the edge of the毛蛤 shell, there is a row of fine teeth resembling saw teeth, making it easy to cut the skin.

3

"Brother Mu ... ... Master Mu ... ..." Zhu Fugui, kneeling on the ground, stammered, unsure of how to address him, "If you do not agree, I will not get up."

The person outside can only hear the sounds from within the room, yet cannot see the scene inside. The more they cannot see, the more curious they feel; this is human psychology. After Mu Linfeng's deliberate creation of atmosphere, the entire ambiance of the room suddenly became tense and turned eerie and terrifying

Gao Hongjin turned around and sat down by the bed, wearing a strange expression, and lowered his voice to say: "The family of Zhu Fugui outside has encountered a bizarre incident today. His father passed away two days ago, and after his death, the body was sent to the funeral home for storage, and a mourning hall was set up at home. According to the current customs in the city, the cremation and funeral should be held together today, but no one expected that something utterly unimaginable would happen..."

Brother, even if it is my request to you... if there were any other way, I would not bring anyone to ask you to do this thing...

Mu Linfeng felt as if he had been driven into a dead end. It seemed that refusing would not be a viable option, so he could only grit his teeth and nod in agreement: "Alright, please, everyone, get up first. Let's discuss whatever matters we have at hand."

Upon hearing the words "blood sacrifice," the others in the room were momentarily stunned, their faces revealing expressions of fear. It was the first time everyone had heard of a blood sacrifice, and they all stood up, eager to witness this unusual event.

Everyone believes that Mu Linfeng's "magic" played a role; in fact, it was a stroke of luck, and he never expected that this incident would suddenly make Mu Linfeng famous throughout the entire county, thus changing the course of his destiny

The type of rooster referred to by Mu Linfeng, which has long and sharp spurs on its feet, specifically denotes a completely free-range native chicken. This type of chicken requires foraging in the soil for food, which is why it possesses long and sharp spurs on its feet. In contrast, chickens that are raised in pens or cages do not have this feature, making it an important criterion for distinguishing between free-range and caged chickens

As soon as Mulinfeng's words fell, the others hurriedly retreated, fearing to be caught up in it. The room instantly took on a chilling atmosphere, as if some ghost were truly wandering about.

Because the spirit tablet is made of white paper, it will surely be torn if it falls to the ground

"No need for that, no need for that..." Mu Linfeng said as he helped the middle-aged man, who was bowing, to his feet.

Zhu Fugui's cousin hurriedly called the relatives in the bedroom and those outside the door to come in, specifically bringing Zhu Fugui's wife and son to the front, while the other younger relatives followed behind. The already narrow room was packed to the brim, as everyone was eager to see how Mu Linfeng, this "expert," would "perform his magic"

As we spoke, the van in front turned into a dilapidated residential compound, which at first glance resembled a junkyard. It was not only in a state of disrepair but also cluttered with piles of firewood and miscellaneous items.

Oh, does Zhu Fugui not live with his father?" Mu Linfeng asked with some surprise

Fate is indeed a very strange thing; at times, it can change in an instant, leaving no room for people to think or grasp it. Although Mu Linfeng is not yet thirty years old, he has already encountered such situations several times.

Upon hearing this, the couple hurried over and knelt down on the grains of salt with a thud. It was evident that both of them couldn't help but grimace, as the salt grains beneath their knees were quite painful. This tactic was indeed quite cruel.

The role of a "funeral master" differs from that of a wedding host. Individuals engaged in this profession must not only be familiar with local customs and traditions but also have a comprehensive understanding of the entire funeral and burial procedures. They must be well-versed in the various taboos to observe during the mourning period, as well as the methods for handling unexpected situations that may arise during the funeral process. Of course, the most important aspect is to understand "xiang mu," also known as "xiang yin zhai."

As soon as the black-clawed rooster is bought, have the car downstairs ready

As Gao Hongjin's words fell, the door was suddenly pushed open from the outside. In an instant, several people in the living room all knelt down. Five or six big men knelt in unison towards the bedroom, and the one leading them was Zhu Fugui, whose face was covered in bruises. It was evident that they had overheard the conversation between Mu Linfeng and Gao Hongjin.

At this moment, Mu Linfeng finally realized why Zhu Fugui had bowed to him as soon as he entered; it turned out that he wanted to ask him to preside over the funeral of the elderly.

After entering the bedroom, Gao Hongjin first turned around and carefully closed the door. Seeing his mysterious demeanor, Mu Linfeng felt even more puzzled. Usually a carefree person, what could be the matter with him today

Brother, I dare to call you brother, I ask you to help me... I... " Before he could finish speaking, Zhu Fugui choked up and could not continue.

"Alright... alright, thank you for your trouble, Master Mu." Several people responded in unison

Before Gao Hongjin could finish speaking, Mu Linfeng hurriedly interrupted him, asking in confusion: "Then what are you looking for me for? Besides, I don't know anyone who makes 'dumplings'."

Master Gao, you should know that I have never done 'gouda' before. How could you suddenly think of me? Isn't this a joke!" Mu Linfeng hurriedly declined.

Who is that little brat disturbing my sleep! Stop knocking, if you break down the door, you will have to pay for a new one

After entering the room, Mu Linfeng first lit three incense sticks at the altar of the deceased, then bowed three times. After completing these actions, he stood in the middle of the room and pretended to survey his surroundings. To be honest, Mu Linfeng was utterly clueless at that moment; it seemed as if he was inspecting something, but in reality, he was secretly contemplating his strategy.

Seeing Gao Hongjin's hesitance to speak, Mu Linfeng urged, "Quickly tell me what strange thing has happened, why are you being so evasive? It seems as if you've encountered a ghost..."

At this point, Gao Hongjin paused for a moment and licked his cracked lips with his tongue. Noticing his tense expression, Mu Linfeng quickly stood up and said, "I will go pour you a glass of water."

His daughter-in-law found the elderly dirty, so she made him live alone in this old apartment building. Zhu Fugui bought a new apartment outside, and he didn't come back often. The elderly was found already lifeless...

It is said that there will also be a "dissection funeral," which startled both Zhu Fugui and his wife greatly. The two could not fathom what further suffering they would have to endure, but regardless, they could only bear it.

As he prepared to make his first "dumpling," Mu Linfeng couldn't help but feel a bit anxious, as if he were juggling fifteen buckets of water, experiencing a sense of unease. However, upon entering the dimly lit corridor, Mu Linfeng suddenly calmed himself. He reminded himself internally that since he had taken on this task, he must do it well and absolutely cannot tarnish the reputation of the Mu family.

Upon receiving Mu Linfeng's consent, several individuals bowed deeply before standing up. Zhu Fugui, filled with excitement, said: "Master Mu, once the elder's 'official business' is completed, I will definitely express my gratitude to you properly"

After the blood dripped into the wine bowl, Zhu Fugui was about to raise his hand to wipe the bloodstains from his face, but Mu Linfeng hurriedly stopped him: "You must not wipe it off; the bloodstains on your face must remain until after the 'official business' is completed. There will also be a 'dissection funeral' later, and it is essential to have the bloodstains."

The few people standing around, including Gao Hongjin, Zhu Fugui, and several of his relatives, also witnessed the sudden change. Everyone's faces instantly turned pale with fear, as if they had seen something terrifying. The group involuntarily stepped back, afraid that a ghost might pounce on them.

The reason for providing such a detailed introduction to the ancient city of Qingzhou is that beneath its profound historical layers lie many unknown secrets. Many stories in this book take place here, and the protagonist's family is intertwined with some of these secrets.

Mu Linfeng has a principle when it comes to making friends: he absolutely does not associate with those who are unkind to their parents. If a person cannot treat their own parents well, how can they possibly be good to their friends? Therefore, befriending such individuals will inevitably lead to losses in the long run, so it is better to avoid them altogether to prevent future troubles

According to legend, after Dayu controlled the floods, he divided the entire country into nine provinces—Qing, Xu, Yang, Jing, Yu, Ji, Yan, Yong, and Liang—based on the directions of mountains and rivers, with Qingzhou being one of them. One of China's oldest texts, the "Shangshu: Yugong," records that "Haidai is Qingzhou." Here, Hai refers to the Bohai Sea, and Dai refers to Mount Tai, which indicates the long history of Qingzhou

"Master Mu... please... you must send my father's soul away..." Zhu Fugui pleaded while bowing his head.

Seeing Zhu Fugui's bear-like appearance, Mu Linfeng secretly felt amused in his heart, yet maintained a serious expression on his face, slowly saying: "Had I known today, I would not have acted as I did in the past. You should have treated the elderly better; it is too late to seek help now..."

After Zhu Fugui and his wife were helped up, Mu Linfeng noticed the bloodstains seeping through the fabric at their knees. Looking at the salt grains on the floor, some had also melted. They must have endured quite a bit of suffering, which could be considered a small punishment for them

Zhu Fugui's wife is nearly fifty years old, with permed big waves and dyed blonde hair, exuding a certain flamboyance. Today, as they hold the funeral for the elder, she even wore light makeup, which is a significant taboo. Although Mu Linfeng cannot read faces, he can tell at a glance that Zhu Fugui is a man who fears his wife; otherwise, he would not allow her to dress this way. Seeing such a person infuriates him.

Mu Linfeng is a person who enjoys tranquility. Although he is not yet married, he has already purchased a three-bedroom, two-living-room apartment early on. Fortunately, this is a county town where housing prices are relatively low, costing just a little over 300,000. Living alone is quite convenient.

Gao Hongjin fixed his gaze on Mu Linfeng and said, "How could you forget what your ancestors did?"

As soon as Mu Linfeng climbed to the third floor, he was greeted by a strong smell of urine, mixed with an unpleasant stench. This odor is often present in homes with bedridden patients, and from this alone, it is evident that this family does not take good care of their elderly.

Outside the door stood five or six people. Apart from Master Gao Hongjin, I did not recognize the others. The faces of the strangers displayed strange expressions. In particular, the middle-aged man standing at the front had several abrasions on his face, as if he had scraped it against something, with fresh red scabs forming, making him look quite frightening

At this point, Mu Linfeng said to Zhu Fugui's cousin: "You use a hair crab shell to cut their foreheads, allowing their blood to drip into the wine bowl."

"Oh, what's the big deal about falling down! Look how scared you are..." Mu Linfeng said nonchalantly.

The situation described by Gao Hongjin is quite common in county towns, as everyone lives in apartment buildings. After the passing of an elderly person, it is no longer possible to keep vigil at home as before, so the body is sent to the funeral home for temporary storage. A memorial hall is then set up at home, with a spirit tablet or a photo of the deceased placed facing the direction of the funeral home, in order to observe a three-day vigil. Once the necessary funeral rites are completed, all relatives and friends gather to go to the funeral home for a simple burial ceremony. A memorial hall is then set up at home, with a spirit tablet or a photo of the deceased placed facing the direction of the funeral home, in order to observe a three-day vigil. Once the necessary funeral rites are completed, all relatives and friends gather to go to the funeral home for a simple burial ceremony.

Then Mu Linfeng said to Gao Hongjin: "Go find a bowl of large-grained salt right away, preferably with unevenly sized grains, the sooner the better"

Upon entering, there is a narrow activity room of only four to five square meters. Against the east wall stands a square table, on which offerings and a spirit tablet are placed. It is evident that this spirit tablet has just been rewritten, as the original one was clearly broken.

This coarse salt is raw salt harvested from seaside salt fields, unprocessed and consisting entirely of square grains with sharp edges. To be frank, Mu Linfeng intends to use this to deal with Zhu Fugui and his wife.

Before Mu Linfeng worked in the city, he had spent several years in the military. Although he was a soldier, he was regarded as a mysterious special forces operative. On the very day before he was to be promoted to a military academy, an unexpected incident occurred, shattering his dreams, and he had no choice but to return to his hometown with the rank of non-commissioned officer

"What can a mere cook like me accomplish!" Mu Linfeng said in a self-deprecating tone

After waiting for nearly half an hour, Fugui's cousin returned, sweating profusely, and said to Mu Linfeng: "Master Mu, the black-clawed rooster has been bought and is already being held by the child standing outside the door"

Seeing Mu Linfeng's puzzled expression, Gao Hongjin, who had just entered, hurriedly said to him: "This friend’s surname is Zhu, and his name is Zhu Fugui. He is from the same village as me and has come to seek your assistance today"

Mu Linfeng once again lit three incense sticks before the elder's spirit tablet, then turned to the people in the room and said: "In order for the 'official matters' to proceed smoothly, a blood sacrifice must be performed. This is to ensure that you maintain a blood connection with the elder, and the elder must receive your blood support to navigate the road to the underworld smoothly and gain the strength to reach another world. Furthermore, this is also a way for you to express your remorse to the elder."

Upon witnessing this scene, Mu Linfeng immediately adopted an inscrutable demeanor and said to Gao Hongjin and Zhu Fugui's cousin: "Only the two of you and the Zhu couple may remain here; all others must withdraw. Otherwise, it may disturb the elder's spirit, and if any unforeseen circumstances arise, it will be difficult to manage..."

The couple has been kneeling for more than half an hour, and at this point, their legs have gone numb, making it impossible for them to stand up, let alone go downstairs, which is why Mu Linfeng called someone to assist them.

Since the Xia and Shang dynasties, Qingzhou has established local government offices. In the fifth year of the Yuanfeng era of Emperor Wu of the Western Han, the Qingzhou Inspectorate was set up. In the third year of the Long'an era of Emperor An of the Eastern Jin, Qingzhou was designated as the capital of the Southern Yan Kingdom. During the Northern Song period, Qingzhou was a large prefecture that governed seven states and thirty-eight counties, and it was home to thirteen virtuous officials, including Kou Zhun, Fan Zhongyan, and Ouyang Xiu, who all served and governed here.

Mu Linfeng was at a loss, looking at the several big men kneeling on the ground, feeling quite helpless. He anxiously said: "Brothers, it's not that I don't want to help with this matter, I have never done a 'knot' before. If it were anything else, it would be fine, but... but... a funeral is a significant event, and it cannot be taken lightly..." Mu Linfeng was tongue-tied and didn't know what else to say.

Mu Linfeng feigned a contemplative expression. After pondering for a moment, he said to several people: "Alright, I will do my utmost to give it a try. If I can summon the old man's spirit out of this house, the subsequent matters will be easier to handle. If not, you will have to seek someone more capable."

"A good person has asked you to do it, but how am I supposed to manage? Big brother, to be honest, I really have no idea..." Mu Linfeng said with a bitter smile

Gao Hongjin smiled apologetically and said: "Even if your elder brother owes you, and regardless of how wrong Zhu Fugui has been, at this moment, I must lend him a hand, out of respect for the deceased elder."

Gao Hongjin came out of the bedroom and patted Mu Linfeng on the shoulder, saying: "Lin Feng, to speak frankly, it is because I trust you that I brought them to find you. If you lend a hand in this matter, everyone will remember your kindness for a lifetime"

Mu Linfeng knew that this was the family compound of that unit. This enterprise was originally a public institution in the county, but later underwent corporate restructuring, unexpectedly becoming the worst in the entire county. The head of the enterprise, whose surname is Ma, is a notorious rogue who embezzled over 50 million in state assets during the restructuring. He was recently sentenced to a suspended death penalty. A well-functioning enterprise was destroyed by such a person, but the most unfortunate ones are still the employees.

After speaking, Mu Linfeng picked up the spirit tablet from the square table and handed it to Zhu Fugui. At that moment, several friends who had come to help emerged from another room, each taking one of the couple and lifting them off the ground.

Before becoming a "knot", Mu Linfeng lived in an ancient county town called Qingzhou, located in the central part of the Shandong Peninsula. Although Qingzhou is merely a small county town, it boasts a long history and a profound cultural heritage.

So it is like this

Ah, it's almost like encountering a ghost!

2

After getting off the car, Gao Hongjin led Mu Linfeng towards a dilapidated apartment building. The people standing at the entrance of the hallway made way, and under the curious gazes of the crowd, the group entered the dimly lit corridor

Here, it is explained that due to taboos, the local people have a unique way of referring to funerals. They never use terms such as "death," "burial," or "funeral procession," but generally use the term "public affairs" or "posthumous matters." This is similar to how coffins are referred to as "longevity coffins," clothing as "longevity garments," and mortuaries as "peaceful chambers"

Mu Linfeng was seen holding a large bowl of seawater in his left hand, while with his right hand he grabbed a handful of salt and evenly sprinkled it in front of the offering table. After sprinkling several handfuls, feeling it was about right, he then handed the bowl of seawater to Gao Hongjin

Due to a prolonged lack of management, the hallway is both dirty and chaotic, with the walls having turned black, covered in a haphazard array of small advertisements, including those for locksmith services, drainage solutions, and even for illicit substances, truly a bewildering assortment

Before Gao Hongjin could finish speaking, Mu Linfeng shook his head vigorously like a rattle drum: "What kind of joke is this? No way... this definitely won't work... I can help with other matters, but this kind of thing is not to be taken lightly..."

Mu Linfeng did not know what had happened; he was simply a person who was naturally bold and had never known fear. He took a step forward, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, then began to mutter incantations, though even he himself did not know what he was saying

The elders in the village often say that those who make "geda" are not trained; they are born to do this work. In that moment, Mu Linfeng felt that he was naturally destined to make "geda," for the blood of his ancestors flowed through his veins, and the gene for "geda" was embedded in his DNA... It seemed as if he was born to do this kind of work...

The middle-aged man stepped in first, saying nothing, and with a thud, he knelt before Mu Linfeng, immediately bowing his head in a deep salute. ... Mu Linfeng was startled by the man's unexpected action, unsure of what had happened, and hurriedly reached out to grasp his arm ...

Isn't it a bit disrespectful to one's parents?" Mu Linfeng immediately asked, feeling a stir in his heart

Zhu Fugui's cousin also approached, speaking with great trepidation: "Yes, yes, Master Mu, please think of a way to help us complete the 'official business' first. We will definitely send more money to the elderly in the future, so that they can live comfortably over there..."

1

Facing Zhu Fugui and his wife, Mu Linfeng slowly said: "You two should kneel on the grains of salt right now, and then silently recite in your hearts how you have treated the elderly, sincerely express it once, and then ask the elderly for your forgiveness. Whether the subsequent 'official business' can proceed depends on whether the elderly are willing to forgive you..."

Looking at the two people's ghostly appearances, Mu Linfeng couldn't help but chuckle to himself, greatly appreciating his little prank. He thought that if people outside saw the way these two looked, they would surely be taken aback. This couple had truly embarrassed themselves to the fullest.

Before Gao Hongjin could finish speaking, Mu Linfeng glared at him and said somewhat angrily: "You come to me for a task that even the three 'difficulties' dare not take on, isn't this like forcing a duck onto a perch!"

In the eyes of outsiders, Mu Linfeng is such an eccentric person, which is why, nearing thirty, no girl is willing to marry him, and he remains a bachelor to this day. His father has been missing since he can remember, and his mother passed away several years ago, leaving him without anyone to care for him. He is quite content to live freely, as he believes that if he is well-fed, the whole family is not hungry.

At this point, Gao Hongjin waved his hand, wearing a look of panic, as if he dared not continue speaking

At this moment, Gao Hongjin leaned closer to Mu Linfeng's ear and whispered: "Zhu Fugui's mother passed away early, and his father lives here alone"

Mulin Feng's hometown is located in a mountain village more than twenty kilometers southwest of the ancient city. Most of the villagers have the surname Mu. It is said that Mu Ying, a general under Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, once camped here with his troops. The surrounding ten villages are named Zhangjiaying, Lijiaying, Gaojiaying, and so on, with these village names derived from the surnames of Mu Ying's trusted soldiers.

In less than a minute, Gao Hongjin returned holding a large bowl filled with coarse salt. Mu Linfeng reached out to take it, noticing that the larger grains were about the size of peanuts, while the smaller ones were roughly the size of yellow soybeans, perfectly suitable.

Mu Linfeng had Gao Hongjin prepare a clean large white bowl, poured half a bowl of white liquor into it, and then placed it in front of Zhu Fugui and his wife.

However, in order to invite the old man's soul to leave, the Zhu family must cooperate..." Mu Linfeng said pretentiously

Just a few minutes ago, I was still lying in bed asleep, and I never expected to be begged to come and make "dumplings" now. Fate truly plays tricks on people, and Mu Linfeng's destiny began to change from the moment he agreed to it

After sitting down, Gao Hongjin asked Mu Linfeng: "Linfeng, when can we start? I have asked the people downstairs to prepare the vehicle for the crematorium in advance."

Gao Hongjin steadied his mind and continued, "After this incident, relatives and friends were very anxious, and they did not dare to speak out. The most feared thing in such matters is letting outsiders know. You know that time waits for no one; the funeral must be held today. Everyone discussed and quickly went their separate ways to invite 'gudda' from https://www.hetushu.com. We successively invited two more 'gudda'. When they arrived and heard the situation, without saying a word, they immediately turned around and left. Not a single 'gudda' dared to take on this task..."

Gao Hongjin and Mu Linfeng got into the van at the back, while the others squeezed into the front vehicle. After the car started moving, Gao Hongjin leaned close to Mu Linfeng's ear and whispered, "I want to give you a heads-up; my fellow villager does not have a good reputation among his relatives."

At this moment, Mu Linfeng felt truly at ease; he was not concerned about whether the subsequent "official business" would proceed smoothly, as he had already prepared an escape route for himself. Successfully completing the funeral would naturally be credited to his efforts; if any unforeseen circumstances arose, he would simply deflect responsibility by saying that Zhu Fugui and his wife had not sufficiently repented before the elder, causing the elder's spirit to refuse to leave the home, and suggesting that they seek someone more capable.

Mujia Ying, the hometown of Mu Linfeng, is the most famous village in the area, primarily because his ancestors were once the most renowned "gourd" within a hundred miles.

Mu Linfeng hurriedly waved his hand and said: "Let's not talk about thanks for now. Master Gao is aware of my situation. Although my ancestors were involved in making 'dumplings', I have never been in contact with this and have never handled 'official business' for anyone. The little I know comes from listening to the elders during meals and tea time. If things do not go well, please do not place the blame on me."

Mu Linfeng stood up and said, "Alright, I would appreciate it if you could assist me, Brother, and help me out. Let us begin the blood sacrifice now."

Mu Linfeng knew that at this time, whatever he said, they would agree. There is a local custom that if the funeral of an elderly person in a family is not conducted properly, the family members will soon encounter misfortune. This is also the reason why "geda" is in high demand, which has led many people who do not understand anything to take advantage of the situation and engage in "geda".

Two Wuling vans are parked downstairs, indicating that they are well-prepared. They are determined to invite Mu Linfeng to go with them, which somewhat resembles a forced invitation.

Not long ago, one afternoon, without any warning, Mu Linfeng's fate was suddenly altered by a bizarre incident. Perhaps it was a predestined arrangement; from that moment on, he resumed his ancestral profession, engaging in dealings with the dead, and embarked on a thrilling, exhilarating, and enigmatic journey.

Today happened to be a day when Mu Linfeng was resting at home. The chef had a habit of taking a nap, and after finishing lunch, he was just about to go to bed for a while when suddenly there came a loud knocking at the door. The sound was thunderous and urgent, as if the Japanese invaders had entered the village.

The strange occurrence in the Zhu family is referred to as "hunbei" in the jargon of "geda", which is a type of soul transformation. The only method to counter hunbei is to perform a "blood sacrifice" using the fresh blood of the deceased's descendants. Additionally, during the funeral procession, a large black rooster is followed to prevent any subsequent soul transformations.

Subsequently, Zhu Fugui's wife's forehead was also cut, and blood dripped into the wine bowl.

Gao Hongjin quickly waved his hand, signaling Mu Linfeng to stop talking, his eyes revealing a look of fear, and he whispered: "Because we are from the same village and everyone works in the city, I have been helping at Zhu Fugui's house since his father passed away. At 10 o'clock this morning, we were preparing to carry the spirit to the crematorium for the funeral, but who would have thought that Zhu Fugui, while holding his father's spirit tablet, tripped and fell before even stepping out the door..."

Gao Hongjin, who is usually eloquent, surprisingly stuttered while saying these words, revealing his lingering fear. Mu Linfeng was also astonished by this mysterious occurrence and couldn't help but exclaim, "Incredible, such strange things actually happen!"

Gao Hongjin accompanied Mu Linfeng into another room, which contained a set of worn leather sofas, a writing desk, and a coffee table. It appeared to be a place for receiving guests at home. There were several helpers in the room, who, upon seeing the two enter, promptly stood up to offer them their seats.

Gao Hongjin pulled Mu Linfeng's arm while dragging him towards the bedroom, whispering, "Come, come into the room, let me tell you again..."

Gao Hongjin patted Mu Linfeng's knee and said: "No matter how you do it, as long as you take care of the old man's 'official business', I will be immensely grateful. Even if my brother owes you one, do as you please."

Not only in ancient China, but also in various parts of the world, there are such funeral customs. In certain ethnic groups in countries like Japan, the United States, and Australia, the children of the deceased cut their foreheads with shells during the funeral. Some also cut their wrists, thighs, and chests, leaving themselves bloodied, as a sign of mourning for the deceased. This form of self-harm can alleviate the inner sorrow of the living while also reducing their fear of the dead. Additionally, some cut their wrists, thighs, and chests, leaving themselves bloodied, as a sign of mourning for the deceased. This form of self-harm can alleviate the inner sorrow of the living while also reducing their fear of the dead

As soon as Zhu Fugui finished speaking, Gao Hongjin quickly called out to everyone: "Let us not engage in pleasantries, time waits for no one, let us hurry and leave."

The most ridiculous thing is Zhu Fugui's wife, with blood flowing from her forehead down the sides of her nose, as if blood tears were streaming from her eyes. At first glance, she looks like a malevolent spirit, appearing both terrifying and amusing.

Suddenly, Mu Linfeng felt an involuntary shiver run through him, and a cold sensation surged within his heart. He noticed that the three incense sticks he had just lit had suddenly turned very red, and the smoke from the incense rose rapidly, shooting straight up to the ceiling.

In fact, this practice of body mutilation during funerals is not something that Mu Linfeng imagined; it has been a custom in many regions of ancient China. The relatives of the deceased would harm their own bodies as a means to honor the dead, not only to express their mourning but also to convey a sense of "sacrifice".

Although the ancient city is small, it is rich in natural beauty and talented individuals. The famous female poet Li Qingzhao and her husband resided in Qingzhou for over ten years, leaving behind timeless masterpieces of poetry. Scientists such as Jia Sixie, Yan Su, and Yang Miaozhen, as well as national heroes and uprising leaders like Tang Saier, have also left their marks here

In fact, the few moves devised by Mu Linfeng are not entirely baseless, as he had previously heard his mother recount similar stories

Mu Linfeng truly wishes he could slap himself twice, all because of his foul mouth, which tends to boast about his ancestors' trivial matters when he is drunk. Therefore, friends who are familiar with Mu Linfeng know that his ancestors were very famous "Geda" in the area, yet he has never done it even once.

Mu Linfeng couldn't help but laugh: "What era is it that people still believe in ghosts and monsters..."

Isn't this a bit of a coincidence? It's just that he fell three times! Mu Linfeng still has some doubts about this matter