Chapter 2

Hearing the professor's words, Ling Xiao walked to the window and pulled open the blackout curtains. The dazzling light immediately flooded in, causing those in the conference room to feel somewhat uncomfortable

Mu Linfeng's mind was filled with images from his childhood, and before he knew it, he had climbed along the winding path to the edge of the village. Since he had come from the small road, he arrived directly at the center of the village. At the entrance of the village, there was a wide road suitable for vehicles, but Mu Linfeng rarely took that route. Every time he returned, he would come along the small path, as walking the small road would evoke many memories from the past

The Yu Rite is a sacrificial ceremony that has been passed down since the pre-Qin period, representing an important ritual activity conducted after the burial of the deceased. The Yu Rite is still preserved in the rural areas of Shandong and is an essential sacrificial component that must be performed following the funeral

Since the time Mu Linfeng began to take notes, a statue of Confucius has been enshrined in his grandfather's small room. Although he no longer made "gēda," he continued this custom by keeping a statue of the ancestral master in his own study.

Mu Linfeng's great-grandfather led a group of Japanese soldiers into the mountains to excavate the Hengwang Tomb. Shockingly, neither his great-grandfather nor the soldiers ever emerged from the mountains; they all vanished without a trace. No one knows what happened to the more than ten Japanese soldiers, but everyone understands that Mu Linfeng's great-grandfather must have sacrificed himself to protect the Hengwang Tomb, ensuring that he and the Japanese soldiers perished together. This story is still passed down in the local area to this day. No one knows what happened to the more than ten Japanese soldiers, but everyone understands that Mu Linfeng's great-grandfather must have sacrificed himself to protect the Hengwang Tomb, ensuring that he and the Japanese soldiers perished together. This story is still passed down in the local area to this day

After Ling Xiao left, Mu Linfeng lay in bed tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep. The things the professor had mentioned kept surfacing in his mind. He never would have imagined that the family heirloom, the "Map of the Imperial Burial Mountain," was connected to so many stories. However, he truly felt uncertain about whether he would be able to find the "Map of the Imperial Burial Mountain."

Thinking of this, Mu Linfeng decided to return to his hometown after dawn, perhaps he could find the "Imperial Burial Mountain Map" from his great-grandfather's grave

In a state of daydreaming, Mu Linfeng dozed off in a daze, unaware of how long he had been asleep. In his dream, he felt someone calling him, and he suddenly sat up. He saw Ling Xiao standing at the foot of the bed, smiling at him.

Mu Linfeng first thought of his great-grandfather's grave, as the location of the grave was quite peculiar; it was not situated together with the other graves of the family, but rather stood alone in a locust tree grove not far from the old residence

He felt somewhat strange; it was not a tomb-sweeping festival, so who would come to clean his great-grandfather's grave? Moreover, there were no offerings on the stone altar in front of the tombstone, nor any traces of burned paper money, indicating that no one had come to pay their respects.

Reflecting on his task, Mu Linfeng quickly pulled his thoughts back to reality and began to consider how to search for the "Imperial Burial Mountain Map." Although the "Imperial Burial Mountain Map" is a treasured heirloom of the Mu family, Mu Linfeng had a vague feeling that finding the "Imperial Burial Mountain Map" would not be an easy task. Regarding the tomb raiders mentioned by Li Jianping who came from abroad, Mu Linfeng did not take it to heart, as he knew that his ancestors often dealt with tomb raiders, and none of them had ever obtained anything from the Mu family.

The light indoors was somewhat dim, and he had no idea what time it was. Mu Linfeng blankly asked, "What time is it?"

In the past, the villagers said that the skin fairy only possessed women and never men, so Mu Linfeng did not feel afraid. He raised his hand and waved at the weasel while shouting loudly, hoping to scare it away

In earlier years, there was only one mountain road connecting this place to the outside world. The mountain is not particularly high, but its steep and perilous terrain makes it no wonder that General Mu Ying chose this location to set up camp.

Strangely, after Mu Linfeng finished speaking, the weasel suddenly stopped making any noise and simply stared at him quietly with a peculiar expression in its eyes

By the time of Mu Linfeng's great-grandfather, a group of experts specializing in tomb raiding came from Nanjing, said to be from a very formidable sect. They also sought to obtain the "Imperial Burial Mountain Map" from the Mu family, but knowing that they could not sway the Mu family with gold and silver, they resorted to the use of beauty as a strategy

The National Security Bureau primarily focuses on espionage cases. Could it be that foreign espionage organizations are really targeting the research achievements of the project team? Mu Linfeng asked with some disbelief, as it seems to the average person that espionage is something far removed from their own lives

Mu Linfeng's great-grandmother passed away from tuberculosis in her thirties. Before taking her last breath, she revealed the truth to his great-grandfather, hoping for his forgiveness. To her surprise, Mu Linfeng's great-grandfather told her that he had known the truth all along but had chosen not to confront it. In the end, the woman left in astonishment, feeling a sense of satisfaction.

Mu Linfeng heard from his mother that their ancestors made a fortune by producing "geda" and amassed a vast wealth, owning hundreds of acres of forest land. The family had more than ten fine horses and kept seven or eight guard dogs. They were considered a prominent household within a hundred-mile radius, but ultimately, everything was squandered by his great-grandfather due to opium addiction

Although it is not far from the county town, Mu Linfeng can only return a few times a year. There are no direct relatives left in the village, only uncles and brothers beyond the fifth degree of kinship, so he only comes back during festivals and for ancestral worship.

Upon thinking of this, Mu Linfeng suddenly stood up and began to pace back and forth in the study. He had a habit of walking silently while contemplating, as he felt that when his body was in motion, his mind also became more active.

Brewing a pot of strong Tieguanyin tea, a faint and delicate fragrance wafts into the nostrils, instantly refreshing the spirit and invigorating the mind

If the ancestors wanted to pass down the secret techniques of the tomb to future generations, where would they hide them? Mu Linfeng pondered as he walked.

Li Jianping and Wang Zhao exchanged glances, their eyes conveying a mutual understanding. It seemed that both agreed with Mu Linfeng's idea of seeking the "Imperial Burial Mountain Map" under the guise of funeral attendants, which would certainly not raise any suspicions among the people

When Mu Linfeng's grandfather was sent away, he was not yet ten years old. It was only after the Japanese surrendered that he returned to the village, by which time the family was in disarray. A year later, when his grandfather was sixteen, he married his grandmother. At that time, the family was so poor that they could barely make ends meet. Mu Linfeng's grandmother gave birth to six or seven children, most of whom died young, leaving only his father alive in the end. A year later, when his grandfather was sixteen, he married his grandmother. At that time, the family was so poor that they could barely make ends meet. Mu Linfeng's grandmother gave birth to six or seven children, most of whom died young, leaving only his father alive in the end

The trees in this forest are the rarely seen locust trees from the mountains, and the entire forest is filled with old locust trees, many of which are too large for a single person to embrace. Because the locust trees grow in a crooked manner and cannot be used for timber, and due to the fact that the grave of the great-grandfather is located here, this forest has been preserved; otherwise, it would have been completely cut down in previous years. This also reflects the esteemed position of Mu Linfeng's great-grandfather in the hearts of the villagers, as he has always been regarded as the hero of Mujia Camp.

Mu Linfeng was immediately filled with excitement, as his ancestors were all skilled in the unique techniques of the "Geda" related to tombs. Naturally, the place they were most familiar with was the grave, so if there were treasures, they would certainly be hidden within the tombs

The yellow weasel is regarded as a formidable spiritual creature in the local area, and people commonly refer to it as "the Fur Immortal" because the yellow weasel is believed to possess individuals. Lin Feng has personally witnessed the scene of someone being "possessed" by the Fur Immortal.

One day, two years after the Japanese invaders occupied Qingzhou, Mu Linfeng's great-grandfather received news that a Japanese officer stationed in the city had sent someone to inquire about his situation. It seemed that the great-grandfather had already guessed the purpose for which the Japanese were seeking him, and secretly arranged for Mu Linfeng's grandfather to leave, while also hastily making arrangements for his own affairs.

Mu Linfeng thought to himself that his ancestors were engaged in the craft of "gēdā" and were well-versed in all the sacrificial rites, so it was impossible that they had not left instructions for their descendants. According to the ancient principle of "a gentleman embraces his grandchildren, not his children," even if his great-grandfather did not pass on the skills of burial and the "Diagram of Imperial Burials" to his grandfather, he would certainly find a way to pass them on to his father or himself

Since the time of Mu Linfeng's great-grandfather, misfortune seems to have accompanied the Mu family. The three generations above his father have all disappeared without a trace, and both Mu Linfeng's grandfather and father have also gone missing one after another. Therefore, by the time it reached Mu Linfeng, there were no more "difficulties" to contend with, and the ancestral skill of mutual burial that had been passed down for a full twenty generations has also seemingly vanished without a trace.

Misfortune often leans on fortune. The Mu family greatly benefited from their great-grandfather's opium smoking; otherwise, the ancestors of Mu Linfeng would have faced misfortune. After the liberation, the village was divided into landlords, rich peasants, and poor lower-middle peasants. This classification was based on whether the family owned land and their economic situation. By the time it reached his grandfather, their family was already destitute, so they were classified as poor lower-middle peasants. In that era where poverty was glorified, the title of poor lower-middle peasant was quite significant. This classification was based on whether the family owned land and their economic situation. By the time it reached his grandfather, their family was already destitute, so they were classified as poor lower-middle peasants. In that era where poverty was glorified, the title of poor lower-middle peasant was quite significant

Therefore, the vast majority of burial techniques are deceptive, and the true art of burial has no relation to landscape or geomancy; there are still very good positive sites on the plains. The ancestral burial techniques of the Mu family have no connection whatsoever with feng shui or dragon veins, and are entirely determined by the yin and yang and the five elements of the deceased and the region.

Mu Linfeng heard from his mother that not only did their ancestors possess the unique skill of burial divination, but they also had an ancient map, which is the "Map of Imperial Burial Mountains" mentioned by Professor Dongfang. The contents of the map are known only to the legitimate eldest son who has inherited the true teachings of burial divination; no one else is permitted to know.

The tomb raider, having failed in one scheme, resorted to an even more vicious tactic. After the passing of Mu Linfeng's great-grandmother, coinciding with the time when his great-grandfather was in a state of deep sorrow, he was lured into smoking opium, resulting in the depletion of the vast family fortune that had been passed down through generations.

Haha... those who have served in the military all have this feeling when they return to the barracks" Li Jianping said with a smile

The secret techniques of the Mu family's tomb and this ancient map are treasures that tomb raiders dream of. Obtaining either one would be extraordinary, allowing them to plunder ancient tombs at will, which naturally makes tomb raiders flock to them.

Mu Linfeng sat down, gazing at the names of his ancestors on the family tree. His soul seemed to traverse the river of time, returning to several hundred years ago, as various marvelous legends about his ancestors emerged in his mind

Not long after, Mu Linfeng's great-grandfather was captured by the Japanese invaders, who aimed to seize him for the famous Heng Wang Tomb in the area, as the Japanese sought to excavate the treasures within the tomb

First, each household individually visits the graves of their ancestors, typically with relatives within the "five degrees of kinship" gathering together. This can involve a dozen or even several dozen people coming together at the ancestral grave to present offerings. They then begin to set off firecrackers; the more firecrackers a family sets off and the louder they are, the more it signifies that the family is prosperous and thriving. Therefore, every household competes to set off firecrackers, and the firecrackers at the grave site are set off for one to two hours, creating a lively atmosphere

Ling Xiao nodded and said, "Director Li will introduce the specific situation to you. Let's go have a meal first"

One can imagine that the yard is overgrown with weeds, making it difficult to walk through without even stepping inside. Mu Linfeng took a path around the wall and headed into the forest behind. His great-grandfather's grave is located in this forest behind the old house, less than 100 meters away from it.

A few years ago, a very strange incident occurred in the neighboring village. A young man responsible for watching over the forest saw a weasel and raised his shotgun to take aim at it. Unexpectedly, the shot hit his father's leg, who was working in a vegetable field several kilometers away at the time. This young man was a classmate of Mu Linfeng in middle school, albeit in a different class, and he knew this person well, which made him firmly believe in the incident.

Because my mother's grave is also on the mountain behind the village, it is necessary to return several times a year for tomb-sweeping. At this moment, Mu Linfeng suddenly realized that the invisible thread connecting him to this place is the worship of his ancestors. The Qingming Festival, the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, the first day of the tenth lunar month, and New Year's Eve are the festivals during which it is essential to pay respects at the graves of the deceased elders, among which Qingming and New Year's Eve are the two most important festivals of the year

After a while of fidgeting, Aunt Er suddenly became still, her eyes fixed ahead, and she kept speaking in a sharp and piercing voice.

Mu Linfeng stood dazed at the top of the grave, surveying the surroundings in search of the weasel he had just seen, but found nothing at all. Just as he was feeling puzzled, he suddenly felt his feet give way, as if he had stepped into thin air, and the ground beneath him suddenly collapsed. ... Before he could react to what was happening, his entire body fell into the dark cave below ...

The Mu family is particularly renowned within a radius of one hundred miles due to their unique expertise in grave selection. If a family has an elderly member who passes away, it is considered a great honor to have an ancestor from the Mu family serve as the officiant for the funeral. Furthermore, having an ancestor from the Mu family select the burial site for the deceased is an opportunity that is exceedingly rare and highly sought after.

When Mu Linfeng returned home, it was already 12 o'clock. Having slept all day, he felt no drowsiness at all and even felt quite energetic.

For centuries, many tomb raiders have offered substantial sums of money in hopes of learning the ancestral techniques of the Mu family for grave excavation, or to purchase the "Diagram of Imperial Burials". Ultimately, not a single tomb raider has been able to achieve their desires

Upon entering the grave, Mu Linfeng suddenly noticed that the area around the grave seemed to have been tidied up by someone, as the stone pedestal was very clean, without a single dead branch or fallen leaf.

The burial rituals prior to the Shang Dynasty are no longer verifiable. According to historical records, a complete set of burial rituals, known as "funeral rites," emerged during the Zhou Dynasty. This is one of the five rites of Zhou Li and has played a normative role in Chinese funerals for thousands of years. Since the Zhou Dynasty, there has been a specialized profession for ceremonial rites, referred to as "Ru".

Walking along the cobblestone path in the village, there is a sense of comfort and tranquility in my heart, as the matters of the outside world are temporarily cast aside, allowing my spirit to experience a moment of relaxation. Every time I return, I, Mu Linfeng, relish this feeling.

Just a few years after the death of Mu Linfeng's great-grandmother, in early 1938, the Japanese army's Itagaki Division landed in Qingdao and then advanced westward along the Jiaozhi Railway. They quickly occupied the areas along the railway, and the ancient city of Qingzhou was also trampled under the iron hooves of the Japanese invaders

Li Jianping was the first to speak: "According to the information we have, there is a research institution controlled by a certain Western country that has joined forces with a notorious international artifact smuggling group, preparing to find the tomb of You Houxi before us. This smuggling group includes several of the world's top tomb raiders, one of whom is of Chinese descent. We only know that this person has the surname Ma, hailing from a family of tomb raiders, and moved abroad before the liberation. According to intelligence, this person has already infiltrated the country, and the target is your Mu family's 'Imperial Burial Mountain Map'... This smuggling group includes several of the world's top tomb raiders, one of whom is of Chinese descent. We only know that this person has the surname Ma, hailing from a family of tomb raiders, and moved abroad before the liberation. According to intelligence, this person has already infiltrated the country, and the target is your Mu family's 'Imperial Burial Mountain Map'..."

Seeing this little creature chirping incessantly at him, Mu Linfeng suddenly realized that it might be trying to communicate something to him. Thus, he curiously looked at this magical little being known as the Pi Xian and softly asked, "Brother Huang, what do you want to tell me?"

The peaks rise majestically, surrounded by numerous waters, with layers of mountains presenting wonders in the background. The dragon veins embrace and protect, while sand and water converge, forming a landscape that embodies the spirit and elegance of the mountains and rivers... These elements are all based on the principles of feng shui and dragon veins in burial practices. However, the ancestral burial techniques of the Mu family are entirely different from these.

A flock of gray magpies cawed loudly atop the trees, imparting a somewhat eerie feeling to the originally tranquil forest. When Mu Linfeng was a child, he never dared to come here alone, particularly because there was his great-grandfather's grave. Especially in the evening, he did not even dare to approach the edge of the woods, always feeling as if ghostly shadows were drifting about in the forest, and the chilling cries of the owls only heightened his fear.

At that time, my second aunt was only in her thirties. Usually very tidy, she lay in the yard with her hair disheveled, rolling around as if she had suddenly become a different person. Her mouth foamed white, and she kept making strange noises, looking extremely frightening. Two or three people could not hold her down, and the young Mu Linfeng was so scared that he hid behind a tree, not daring to move, only watching secretly.

Mu Linfeng smiled and said, "It feels just like being at home; I feel particularly close in the military camp, so I sleep very soundly"

Mu Linfeng lowered his head and scanned the surroundings, hoping to find a small stone or something similar, but the clean ground revealed nothing. At that moment, Mu Linfeng suddenly recalled the warning from the village elder, that one must never harm the skin fairy when encountered, for it would retaliate against your family in the same manner.

Each profession has its own code of ethics, and this is especially true for the most mysterious "knot"; no amount of money can tempt it to betray its professional integrity, particularly in our nation that reveres its ancestors

This is Li Jianping who came to pick you up. He is the director of a certain department in the National Security Bureau, specifically responsible for the security of the project team

Mu Linfeng felt that the weasel standing on his great-grandfather's grave was somewhat disrespectful to his ancestor. However, he was surprised that this little creature completely ignored his intimidation, displaying an air of calmness. It continued to gaze at him with its round, glistening eyes, occasionally emitting a series of squeaks, which did not sound like expressions of anger.

Subsequently, Li Jianping discussed the matters that required attention, and the three of them together deliberated on the possible situations they might encounter later

Wang Zhao then said to Mu Linfeng: "We have already reported your situation to the higher authorities regarding how to search for the 'Imperial Burial Mountain Map'. The decision on how to proceed is up to you. The organization will take care of matters concerning your identity, salary, and other related issues, so please rest assured. Your task is not only to search for the 'Imperial Burial Mountain Map', but you will also need to participate in the search for the tomb of You Houxi. The research team will require your involvement in many future projects. Lastly, if you have any personal requests, feel free to bring them up, and we will certainly report them to the higher authorities to meet your needs to the greatest extent possible... because your task is not only to search for the 'Imperial Burial Mountain Map', but you will also need to participate in the search for the tomb of You Houxi. The research team will require your involvement in many future projects. Lastly, if you have any personal requests, feel free to bring them up, and we will certainly report them to the higher authorities to meet your needs to the greatest extent possible..."

Since ancient times, the Chinese have placed great importance on the investment in their descendants. The "Book of Rites - Qu Li" states: "A gentleman embraces his grandchildren, not his children." This mindset is directly related to the rituals in funerals. In the "Yu Sacrifice" segment that follows the funeral, grandchildren can serve as the "corpse" of the deceased.

Chinese people often build their tombs, prepare coffins, and make burial clothes while they are still alive. Even in modern society, some people continue to do this, not out of a hurry to die, but rather to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made while they are still alive. In fact, it is not only the common people; ancient emperors would immediately begin constructing their imperial tombs upon ascending the throne. From the perspective of funeral culture, lavish burials and long-lasting memorials are the most significant characteristics of Chinese funeral rites. In fact, it is not only the common people; ancient emperors would immediately begin constructing their imperial tombs upon ascending the throne. From the perspective of funeral culture, lavish burials and long-lasting memorials are the most significant characteristics of Chinese funeral rites

The Chinese regard their ancestors and ancestral graves as extremely important, and the act of excavating someone else's ancestral grave is considered a profoundly immoral and heinous act. Sima Qian once stated: "To dig into a family grave is an act of treachery."

The scene of this sacrificial event is extremely grand and lively, with nearly all the men and women of the village participating. Under the leadership of the elders of the clan, hundreds of people bow in worship together, creating a truly magnificent spectacle. It can be said that this is the largest collective activity in every village.

This yellow weasel is significantly larger than the usual size, with a round, plump body and bright yellow fur that shines. Its two front paws are raised, and it has a black mouth; its two round eyes are fixed on Mu Linfeng, seemingly unafraid at all. From its fur color and black mouth, it is evident that this is an old yellow weasel

Mu Linfeng believed that the most crucial aspect was to learn how to create a "knot" and the ancestral art of burial, for in the Mu family, only by making a "knot" could one access the "Map of Imperial Burials." With this thought in mind, Mu Linfeng rose and walked into the study, where the family genealogy he had taken out the previous night was neatly arranged on the desk.

The term "shang shen" is a local colloquialism, meaning that a certain spirit has possessed someone. Not only can "pi xian" possess individuals, but other ghosts and deities can also do so. There is currently no convincing explanation for this phenomenon, yet it frequently occurs in rural areas. Those who are possessed are often women, particularly honest and simple-minded peasant women. Upon close observation, it becomes evident that they are not merely pretending; once possessed, their speech and behavior transform completely, resembling another person, as they dance and sing.

Adding soil to the graves of ancestors is the most important part of the Qingming Festival rituals. The reason why the act of visiting graves is referred to as "shangfen" in folk customs also stems from this practice. To prevent graves from being damaged by rainwater and to maintain a certain height, the process of leveling the grave mound and adding new soil is called "shangfen baitu"

Wang Zhao continued, "Comrade Lin Feng, I will still need to take you back tonight. Let us not engage in idle chatter; instead, let us focus on discussing the upcoming work. What do you think?"

Living in the military is quite good, as both accommodation and meals are very convenient. After having dinner in the cafeteria, Ling Xiao took Mu Linfeng to the small conference room where they had talked the night before

Mu Linfeng nodded without speaking; he wanted to hear how the research group would arrange his work

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Mu Linfeng's mind: the ancestral grave!

For the reasons mentioned above, tomb raiders in China are an extremely secretive group of individuals who dare not reveal their identities. They conceal themselves deeply, and some tomb raiders do not even let their wives and children know about their activities. To be frank, those engaged in the profession of tomb raiding are even less honorable than bandits.

After the passing of his great-grandmother, Mu Linfeng's great-grandfather, although only in his thirties, never remarried, clearly demonstrating his deep love for his late wife

Mu Linfeng sipped his tea while reflecting on the events that had transpired. To be honest, the experiences of the past two days felt as if they were a dream. Even now, he still felt somewhat surprised and found it hard to believe that all of this was real

Mu Linfeng's words made Professor Dongfang and Wang Zhao laugh again. The two of them exchanged glances simultaneously, and Mu Linfeng's honesty made them feel very reassured

The other ancestral graves of the Mu family are located on a hillside one mile away from the village, where most of the graves in the village are also situated. Mu Linfeng has always been puzzled as to why his great-grandfather chose to have his own grave here, which appears both desolate and solitary. Upon returning this time, Mu Linfeng suddenly realized that perhaps his great-grandfather had a deeper intention in selecting this location for his grave. He felt a premonition that he would surely discover something from this place. Upon returning this time, Mu Linfeng suddenly realized that perhaps his great-grandfather had a deeper intention in selecting this location for his grave. He felt a premonition that he would surely discover something from this place

Mu Linfeng circled around his great-grandfather's tall grave. Apart from being cleaned very thoroughly, there were no other changes. He wondered if the wind had blown away all the leaves here. However, why had he never noticed this before?

"Oh, who is Director Li?" Mu Linfeng asked while putting on his coat

Mulin Feng's great-grandfather, grandfather, and father have all gone missing one after another. The villagers say that the members of the Mu family have attained immortality, which is why they left home. Of course, there are also unkind remarks made about this. The disappearance of his great-grandfather is widely known in the village and even in Qingzhou City, and to this day, people often recount stories about him. His great-grandfather disappeared along with a group of Japanese soldiers, and the common folk regard him as a hero. The disappearance of his great-grandfather is widely known in the village and even in Qingzhou City, and to this day, people often recount stories about him. His great-grandfather disappeared along with a group of Japanese soldiers, and the common folk regard him as a hero.

My great-grandfather was aware of the ways of others, yet he could not quit opium. He turned a prosperous household into one with empty walls, but he never sold the art of grave divination or the "Diagram of Imperial Burial Mountain". My great-grandfather understood very well that if he violated the ancestral teachings and passed on the art of grave divination to tomb raiders, he would be unable to face his ancestors in the afterlife

The key to measuring a good "gudda" lies not in whether it can preside over a funeral, but rather in its ability to find a suitable resting place for the deceased, which is referred to as "xiangmu".

Mu Linfeng waved his hand and said softly, "I have no particular demands; I will follow the arrangements of the organization. Regarding how to search for the 'Imperial Burial Mountain Map,' I have already considered this issue. Just yesterday morning, I encountered a rather strange situation where a colleague pulled me to attend the funeral of his fellow townsman. Upon returning, I thought about inheriting my family's business to become a 'nobody.' While I was contemplating this matter, Director Li came to find me. I believe that as long as I inherit the family business, no one will doubt my actions." Yesterday morning, I encountered a rather strange situation where a colleague pulled me to attend the funeral of his fellow townsman. Upon returning, I thought about inheriting my family's business to become a 'nobody.' While I was contemplating this matter, Director Li came to find me. I believe that as long as I inherit the family business, no one will doubt my actions.

Seeing the familiar low walls and small houses built with stones of various sizes in the village, Mu Linfeng felt an indescribable sense of warmth in his heart. Every time he returned, he would take a walk in the village, looking around. The grass and trees, the bricks and tiles, and even the unique scent of the village all captivated him.

The transmission of the Mu family's burial divination skills is extremely strict, not only being passed down from male to male, but also only to the eldest son. This means that within a generation, only one person masters the art of burial divination and the "Diagram of Imperial Burial Mountain." From the great-grandfather to Mu Linfeng, there have been four generations of single inheritance, with only one male descendant in the family, and mysteriously, the previous three generations have all disappeared.

The two stone lions on either side of the entrance are still there. They were toppled during the campaign to eliminate the "Four Olds," but were later restored. One of the lions has had half of its head smashed off.

Since the first generation of the Mu family relocated to Qingzhou Mujiaying, they have been engaged in the profession of "gēda". This occupation was highly respected and revered in the past, and it also provided substantial income, which is why families involved in "gēda" were generally quite affluent

The grove they referred to is the one where my great-grandfather's grave is located. Ever since this incident occurred, the grove behind the old house has taken on an even more mysterious aura, and Mu Linfeng no longer dares to enter this grove alone. Now, seeing the yellow weasel on the grave, which also has a black mouth, Mu Linfeng suddenly recalled that the weasel caught by his second aunt's husband also had a black mouth, wondering if it could be the same one. If it truly is the same one, then this weasel must have transformed into a spirit known as the 'Skin Fairy'.

Walking along the small path in the forest for several dozen meters, a tall tomb came into view at a distance; this is the tomb of Mu Linfeng's great-grandfather

After a few people had breakfast in the cafeteria, Ling Xiao took Mu Linfeng to a guest room on the third floor to rest. The two were only a few years apart in age and quickly became familiar with each other. Mu Linfeng also inquired with Ling Xiao about some details regarding this research group.

According to relevant information, in the past, various generations believed that the ideal burial site for "Feng Shui" was one that was "backed by mountains and facing plains," meaning that graves should be located on the slopes embraced by two mountains, overlooking an open plain. Additionally, texts on burial site selection state that having a pond in front, hills behind, flowing water to the east, and a long path to the west is referred to as a "proper site," which is considered the best location for a grave. However, it is difficult to find ponds in high mountains and steep ridges, and it is challenging to find hills near water. Even if both mountains and water are present, it is rare to have all four elements together; in fact, such a "proper site" is almost nonexistent.

Just as Mu Linfeng was puzzled and confused, he suddenly heard a series of squeaking sounds coming from the top of the grave. He quickly looked up and saw a yellow weasel sitting on his great-grandfather's grave.

My great-grandfather was a master of grave selection. He personally chose his tomb in his twenties, and it was completed in his thirties. After my great-grandfather went missing with the Japanese invaders, the completed tomb became his final resting place. If my great-grandfather wanted to leave behind something important, it would surely be hidden in his tomb

Wang Zhao immediately said to Mu Linfeng: "It is reasonable for you to inherit the family business and become a 'gouda'. This identity serves as an excellent cover for searching for the 'Imperial Burial Mountain Map'. Additionally, you must remember the phone numbers of Director Li and me, and keep in touch with us at all times. Report any matters promptly. From now on, you are a member of our team."

Before long, two men returned, stating that they had indeed caught a yellow weasel in the locust grove, and it was an old yellow weasel with a black mouth. Later, upon inquiry, it turned out that the traps in the forest had been set by the husband of Second Aunt, which explained why the fur fairy sought her out

Mulin Feng's hometown, Mujia Ying, is located more than twenty kilometers southwest of the county town, nestled in the mountains. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides, with various trees growing on the slopes. The river valley below has a constant flow of water throughout the year. Although it may not be considered picturesque, it possesses both mountains and water, exuding a sense of vitality.

In order to make Mu Linfeng aware of the seriousness of the situation, Li Jianping paused for a moment before continuing: "This is precisely why we brought you here in secret. We have studied this beforehand; it is crucial that the other party does not realize that we have already been in contact with you. This will facilitate your subsequent work and is also a consideration for your safety. Our recommendation is that it is best to conduct the search secretly in the initial stage, so that you are in the open while we operate in the shadows, which will also help us understand the situation around you."

Seeing that the sky was already bright, Mu Linfeng hurriedly took out his phone and anxiously exclaimed: "Oh no, oh no, I have to report for the early shift before 6 o'clock. I need to quickly request a leave of absence, otherwise it will be considered an absence without leave, and I will lose my performance bonus for this month..."

Mu Linfeng has not been here for more than six months. This tomb is considered the largest and most imposing in the village, built on a square base with sides measuring seven to eight meters. The base is entirely constructed from blue stone slabs, and the tomb itself stands over three meters high, surrounded by a circle of rectangular stone blocks. In front of the tomb, there is a gravestone that is more than two meters tall.

The old residence of the Mu family is located at the far end of the village, positioned at the highest point and surrounded by woods on three sides. In the words of some people, it is the place with the best feng shui in the entire village. However, Mu Linfeng does not agree with the notion of "feng shui"; he believes it is mostly a deceptive concept.

Due to the strictness of the Mu family's ancestors in imparting their unique skills, not only is the transmission limited to males, but it is also exclusively passed down to the eldest son and grandson. Even among the Mu family members, only the legitimate direct descendants have the opportunity to inherit. As a result, very few individuals truly master this unique skill, and Mu Linfeng has only heard about its contents.

In that instant, Mu Linfeng seemed to be under a spell, suddenly becoming dazed. In a state of unconsciousness, he slowly crawled up the mound before him using both his hands and feet. However, after he reached the top of the mound, the weasel suddenly vanished.

Confucius, in his youth, made the study of "Confucianism" his profession. He was well-versed in the rites of the Zhou Dynasty and the various ceremonies related to life and death. Consequently, those engaged in the profession of "gēdá" also revered Confucius as their ancestral master. This is a common practice among the Chinese; every profession seeks to identify a founding figure, and if none exists, they will go to great lengths to associate themselves with a renowned figure from ancient times, as if this is the only way to legitimize their own field.

Providing for the elderly, adding soil to graves, and honoring ancestors—these are the values associated with childbearing in ancient China. The absence of descendants implies that all forms of funeral rites would be rendered meaningless, ancestors would turn into malevolent spirits, and graves would become uninhabited. This would lead to a tragic scene of foxes and rabbits burrowing, broken tombstones collapsing, and trees dying with withered branches. This is what the ancestors least wish to see

According to historical research, the earliest officiants of funerals were shamans from the tribes. Later, funeral rites developed into a highly standardized and strict system of rituals, and the role of funeral officiants gradually evolved into a specialized profession

During the Yu sacrifice, it is necessary to welcome the "corpse" into the home, which means inviting the buried "person" back home. This "corpse" represents the living person who serves as a proxy for the deceased, typically the grandson of the deceased. Since the spirits are silent and invisible, a living person is used as a substitute. "Seating the corpse and feeding it, the corpse is full as the spirit is full, the corpse is drunk as the spirit is drunk." If the deceased has no legitimate grandson, a temporary grandson is adopted for the deceased, usually a child of collateral relatives. Since the spirits are silent and invisible, a living person is used as a substitute. "Seating the corpse and feeding it, the corpse is full as the spirit is full, the corpse is drunk as the spirit is drunk." If the deceased has no legitimate grandson, a temporary grandson is adopted for the deceased, usually a child of collateral relatives.

In Mu Linfeng's childhood memories, the rituals on New Year's Eve were the most anticipated events, as all the family members gathered together. This was the only opportunity in the year for the men in the family to come together, and there would be many firecrackers set off.

The first thing to do upon entering the house is to quickly plug in the kettle to boil water. Mu Linfeng has a fondness for tea, with a steadfast habit of consuming three pots a day, come rain or shine. Today, he has not had a single sip of tea, leaving his mouth dry and his heart feeling restless and uncomfortable.

From time to time, I encounter the uncles and elders of the village, who all greet Mu Linfeng warmly. The people in the mountains are always so simple and genuine. Now that everyone is living a prosperous life and no longer has to toil for their livelihood, the elderly gather in groups of three or five, sitting on small stools under the old persimmon tree, drinking tea and chatting leisurely, creating a scene of peace and tranquility

Zhu Youji, the seventh son of Emperor Xianzong of the Ming Dynasty, was granted the title of Prince Henggong. In the twelfth year of the Hongzhi era, he was enfeoffed in Qingzhou, and he passed away in the seventeenth year of the Jiajing era. It is said that he was buried at the foot of Sanyang Mountain, which is why the town of Wangfen in Qingzhou is named as such

Currently, there is a provincial road that passes through the foot of the mountain below the village. The villages that were originally located halfway up the mountain have gradually relocated downwards, and the vast majority of households have built new homes on both sides of the road. The villages on the mountain consist of old and dilapidated houses, with only a few elderly individuals unwilling to move down, still residing above.

At 10 o'clock in the evening, Li Jianping and Xiao Cao sent Mu Linfeng back to Qingzhou again

The unique art of grave divination not only allows for the selection of auspicious burial sites for the deceased but also enables one to discern at a glance where important tombs may be hidden. Whether in vast plains or hilly mountains, as long as there are ancient tombs beneath, the five elements' energy emanating from the surface will differ from that of the surrounding area. By utilizing the Mu family's grave divination techniques, one can also determine the size and scale of the tombs below, and even the shape of the tombs.

Two large men turned and ran out of the yard. After a short while, the second aunt suddenly regained consciousness, stood up from the ground as if nothing had happened, and curiously looked at the people in the yard, unaware of what had happened to her.

Due to fear, Mu Linfeng did not dare to approach and could not clearly hear what she was saying. An elderly woman seemed to understand and quickly told the two strong men who were helping: "Tiger's mother has been possessed by the skin spirit. She said she was trapped in the locust tree grove behind the village. You must hurry to check. If you find her, quickly release the skin spirit, and remember, do not injure the skin spirit..." If you find her, quickly release the skin spirit, and remember, do not injure the skin spirit...

When Mu Linfeng was in elementary school, he encountered an incident like this. Not far from the old residence of the Mu family lived a second aunt of the family. One day, she suddenly became possessed by a weasel. It was just after school, and Mu Linfeng was preparing to go home for dinner when he suddenly saw several people running towards his second aunt's house. Curious, he followed them into the house.

Ancient epigraphers were aware that tombs contained a large number of metal and stone artifacts, yet no epigrapher dared to excavate, nor even dared to contemplate such an action. As a result, the study of epigraphy in ancient China was slow to develop in the direction of field archaeology.

The originator of the art of grave divination is Guo Pu from the Two Jin Dynasties, who authored the "Book of Burial." Grave divination mainly includes schools such as physiognomy, feng shui, and dragon veins. However, the ancestral technique of grave divination passed down in the Mu family differs from other schools, integrating the essence of several schools into a unique system.

Fate is truly difficult to fathom; just yesterday, he was a chef, and now he has unexpectedly become a public servant entrusted with a secret mission. Such extraordinary events are only seen in movies, yet it has indeed happened to Mu Linfeng.

The detailed circumstances remain unknown. It is said that the woman arranged by the tomb raider to be beside Mu Linfeng's great-grandfather was instead attracted to him, genuinely living her life with him, and later became his great-grandmother, giving birth to Mu Linfeng's grandfather

Mu Linfeng waited alone in the conference room for just a few minutes when Wang Zhao and Li Jianping walked in together. Wang Zhao greeted Mu Linfeng with a smile, asking, "How was your break?"

The last sentence gave Mu Linfeng a particularly strong feeling; humans are social animals, and it is only by gathering together that they feel a sense of security. Therefore, in everyone's subconscious, there is a desire to join an organization. This is the reason why most people prefer not to venture into entrepreneurship alone. Being part of a team provides a sense of assurance and makes it easier to achieve results

The Qingzhou region has historically witnessed several peasant uprisings, including the self-proclaimed "Yellow Turbans" led by Sun Gupu, as well as the renowned female rebel leader Tang Saier, both of whom took advantage of the region's strategic terrain

Mu Linfeng's decisive answer brought great comfort to Professor Dongfang, who knew he had not misjudged the person, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face

The research team consists of fewer than ten individuals, who have been traveling across the country. It was only six months ago that the research results were released, and they have since arrived in Qingdao. Ling Xiao also informed Mu Linfeng that the research findings of the team are still under confidentiality, as they have discovered that strangers are following the team with the intent to steal their research results. Therefore, they have moved into a military camp of the Navy, and personnel from the National Security Bureau have been assigned to ensure the safety of the research team

However, the most lively tomb-sweeping ceremony in the local rural area takes place on the afternoon of the thirtieth day of the lunar year. This tomb-sweeping ceremony is exclusively attended by men and is the most solemn ritual of the year, representing the most important aspect of all the activities during the New Year celebrations

Mu Linfeng quietly gazed at the family tree placed on the desk, and a thought suddenly flashed through his mind: his ancestors specialized in making "dumplings," which gave them a deeper understanding of the values associated with raising children among the Chinese than others. Therefore, the older generation would never easily allow the family’s inherited skills to be lost.

This old residence is not only the best located in the village, but also the largest, covering an area of over 1 mu, with three courtyards. It was considered a prominent household within a radius of 100 li. However, it now stands in ruins, with only the remnants of walls left and the roof having collapsed. Only the wide five-tiered stone steps at the entrance still bear witness to the former glory of this old residence

Mu Linfeng's grandfather had a paternal uncle, who was classified as a wealthy peasant due to the few acres of land in the family. In the more than ten years that followed, as everyone knows, he faced criticism and was subjected to struggle sessions frequently, enduring great hardships. Therefore, Mu Linfeng's mother often joked, saying: "There are benefits to smoking opium; at least for our old Mu family, it spared our descendants from suffering"

Upon seeing the stone lion, Mu Linfeng was reminded of his childhood. At that time, he often played by riding on it, and sometimes, in the competition to ride the lion, he would frequently fight with his friends. In most cases, he was always the victor, not only because of his strong physique but also due to the advantages of time and place.

Professor Dong glanced at his watch and realized it was already past six in the morning. Unconsciously, they had talked through the night. He then said to Mu Linfeng: "All personnel-related work will be handled by Director Wang. Your specific tasks will be arranged in detail by Director Wang. It is already bright outside, everyone is tired, and it is time to take a break. Let's go have breakfast first, and then get some sleep."

After the tomb-sweeping activities of each family are concluded, the most grand event of the entire New Year begins, referred to in the local dialect as "Welcoming the Grandfather and Grandmother." This is an important ancestral worship activity. It is organized by the prominent family clan, typically involving hundreds of participants, who go to the public cemetery outside the village to bring back the ancestral tablets of their forebears to the ancestral hall in the village, celebrating the New Year together. After the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, the tablets are returned.

Mu Linfeng hurriedly got out of bed, went to the bathroom to wash his face and take care of personal matters. After he came out, Ling Xiao said to him: "I will accompany you for a meal first, then Director Wang and Section Chief Li will discuss work matters with you, and additionally, I will take you back to Qingzhou tonight"

In the 20th year of the Kaiyuan era under Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang dynasty, an official decree was issued: "During the Cold Food Festival, it is appropriate to conduct the five rites for tomb-sweeping, to be established as a permanent practice." This marked the first time in the nation that the time for tomb-sweeping was formally designated as the "Cold Food Festival," which is also known as the Qingming Festival.

Mu Linfeng knew that his great-grandfather's tomb had been built before he started smoking opium; otherwise, he certainly would not have had the money to construct such an imposing tomb after he began.

It is time for dinner, you have slept for nearly a day, and seeing that you are sleeping so soundly, I did not wake you up