“Senior Shen, you must make your decision. Will you continue to be subservient to the Yu family, always a step below, or will you seize this opportunity for a leap to prominence?”
Yan Shouyi had limited time and needed Shen Chun to decide quickly.
Shen Chun contemplated for nearly the time it takes to steep a cup of tea. Finally, a flicker of life appeared in his clouded, aged eyes. He sighed,
“If those two old scoundrels from the Yu family knew they were up against you, the current situation would likely be far more significant.”
“So, you’ve decided to act?”
“Very well. My Shen family and the Yu family have an irreconcilable feud. By taking action now, I’ll be aiding you and avenging myself. By any measure, it’s not a loss!”
Shen Chun ultimately hardened his heart and made his decision.
Shen Feng hurried, “Old Ancestor…”
“Silence! My mind is made up!” Shen Chun said coldly. “Gather all the available manpower in the household!”
Shen Feng had no choice but to comply.
In fact, when Shen Shuzhen had brought back those female ghosts to the Shen family, Shen Chun had a moment of impulse to directly attack the Yu family.
However, reason brought him back to his senses. He even had to comfort those female ghosts, telling them that it was all in the past, that the Shen and Yu families were on good terms now, and it wasn’t appropriate to settle old scores.
At that time, those female ghosts looked crestfallen, their expressions more despairing than before their deaths.
They had endured such pain back then, and then lived in darkness for decades. How could such a debt, such a hatred, be so easily dismissed?
Shen Chun also felt guilty. Therefore, after making his decision, he was all the more resolute.
“Yan Shouyi, my men are already assembling. Once you’ve rectified the feng shui causing this illness, I will lead my people to attack the crematorium,” Shen Chun said calmly. “That is, of course, if you truly possess the ability to alter feng shui.”
Yan Shouyi smiled confidently, “Don’t worry, Elder. The reputation of my Lu Ban lineage isn’t for nothing.”
…
“This Shen family, backed by the Grand Canal, is different from the Yu family. The Yu family thrives on the Kun Dragon Vein, on a feng shui formation of a spirit turtle collecting pearls. The Shen family, however, enjoys a portion of the dragon’s energy from China’s main dragon vein. Merely from the dragon’s energy seeping from Yanjing, they have amassed such wealth.”
Yan Shouyi led Liu Ying to the highest rooftop of the Shen family’s tallest building, overlooking the entire layout of the Shen estate.
Liu Ying asked, puzzled, “This feng shui formation should be good, and they even receive dragon energy. How is it that the Shen family members are afflicted with this strange illness?”
“One must also have the fortune to enjoy a good feng shui formation. Is dragon energy something just anyone can withstand?” Yan Shouyi asked and answered himself. “The Shen family ancestors were not officials or nobles, merely merchants. This dragon energy bestows nobility. Ordinary people cannot bear it. Coupled with the polluted waters of the Grand Canal and its swift currents, some foul and damp miasma blows into the Shen estate, causing the Shen family members to fall ill with this peculiar ailment.”
“So, that means if the Shen family members move out, they won’t get that strange illness?” Liu Ying asked.
“One gain leads to another loss. If they move out, they will no longer enjoy the benefits brought by the dragon energy.”
Liu Ying spread her hands in exasperation, “If that’s the case, without changing the feng shui, this Shen estate has instead become a predicament for the Shen family.”
“That’s why Shen Chun could make such a significant concession. He understands that my intervention this time will have a major impact on the Shen family.”
Yan Shouyi stared at the Shen family’s layout, his eyes seeming to gleam. The numerous houses, large and small, appeared as tiny blocks in Yan Shouyi’s vision, forming a simulation in his mind.
Each small block had subtle connections with others. Moving one block would cause changes in the others.
This powerful simulation ability was the gift of a Lu Ban descendant. They could easily see beyond the surface to the essence of things, perceiving what others could not.
This was also why others could only master one discipline in their lifetime, while Lu Ban descendants could learn from countless schools.
Seeing Yan Shouyi’s brow furrowed, Liu Ying asked with concern, “Time is pressing. Will you be able to manage?”
A drop of sweat trickled down Yan Shouyi’s forehead. He replied in a low voice, “I can only do my best and race against time.”
Below the building, Shen Chun observed Yan Shouyi from a distance.
Shen Feng, having gathered the personnel, returned to Shen Chun’s side. He glanced at Yan Shouyi standing on the rooftop and whispered,
“Old Ancestor, do you truly believe that kid can fix our Shen family’s feng shui?”
Shen Chun sighed and replied, “The Grand Canal connects to China’s main dragon vein. Ordinary feng shui masters avoid it, fearing backlash from the dragon energy, or they simply pretend not to see it. Otherwise, our Shen family wouldn’t have suffered from this stubborn ailment for so many years. As for whether that kid has the ability, I’m not entirely convinced.”
After all, Yan Shouyi was still too young.
Shen Feng asked, “Then do we still need to gather our men?”
“Yes,” Shen Chun murmured. “In case he succeeds.”
…
Crematorium.
“Is there any news from Mr. Yan? It’s getting dark soon!”
“Not yet, but Liu Ying said there’s a chance, and asked us to keep waiting for news!”
“Alas, there’s no more time. If we don’t leave now, we won’t be able to leave when it gets dark…”
“I believe in Mr. Yan, he’ll definitely make it!”
The sun was about to set, yet Yan Shouyi had not sent any news. The people at the crematorium on the mountain began to grow anxious.
After dark, the Ghost King of the Yu family would appear, and the subordinate ghosts from the various families would surround the crematorium.
By then, there would be no chance for anyone to escape.
Xu Qian positioned himself at the entrance of the crematorium, a gong and a Zhanmadao beside him, his gaze fixed resolutely in the direction of the gate.
He shouted loudly,
“Yan Shouyi will definitely not abandon us! If we can’t get down the mountain, we’ll hold on until the end! We’ll wait one second longer, and then another, until he comes with reinforcements!”
Long Feicheng also drew his Caiwei Sword and shouted,
“My brother Yan would absolutely not abandon me, so he will definitely come back, he will definitely come back!”
Hearing the commotion outside, Cui Yu couldn’t help but glance at Shen Shuzhen, who was still bedridden.
Shen Shuzhen’s condition was very poor. Her complexion was pale, and her forehead was beaded with sweat, as if she were trapped in a terrifying nightmare.
“Great-Grandmother, you must hold on! Brother Yan’s hired ancient physician will arrive tonight…”
Shen Shuzhen seemed to hear Cui Yu’s voice, and her complexion eased slightly.
But at that moment, someone reported loudly,
“The Yu and Wei families’ forces have begun to ascend the mountain! The corpse-trapping formation set up by Mr. Yan and Zhong Yan has also been activated! Everyone, prepare yourselves!”
This voice was like the tolling of a death knell. Everyone understood that escape was no longer possible.
The sun, which had been climbing the sky, was now setting, and the area below the mountain was already shrouded in darkness.
Since escape was impossible…
Let them fight to the last moment!
We were born in Qiantang, raised in Qiantang. Now we fight for Qiantang, and we will die for Qiantang!
In this lifetime, we have no regrets!