Chapter 12: Two Teams?

This rhyme was never meant to teach anyone how to find dragon veins or explore grand tombs. Yet, many unskilled Tomb Raiders once believed it to be true. How could something so profound that some people spend their entire lives trying to understand be condensed into just a simple rhyme?

The original purpose of this rhyme was to introduce the unique skills of each master among the Five Masters. It was meant to guide those who found themselves lost when determining the auspicious location for a dwelling. In fact, the version I learned from my grandfather went like this:

“Seek the dragon at Tan’s eye, find water at Liu’s willow, observe the sand at Gan’s sweetness, set direction at Tian’s field, the golden lock and jade gate traverse yin and yang, to determine the spot, look to Nine Springs Road.”

The meaning of the entire rhyme is quite clear. Simply put, if you’re looking for dragon veins, seek out the Tan family; they have the sharpest eyes. For tombs with water or related to water, turn to the Liu Family; every generation of Yu Jingzi has unparalleled expertise in water.

Our Gan Family has always dealt with the land. My grandfather spent his early years crouching in the fields, making us sensitive to both surface and underground matters. The Tian Family has long studied divination, able to determine direction with just a hand gesture.

“Nine Springs Road” refers to Lu A’yao’s family. It’s rumored that they only operate at midnight, and their ancestors could recognize ghost messengers and negotiate with the King of Hell, stories that sound almost mythical.

I regard these tales as nothing more than mythic stories. After all, the era of the Five Masters has long passed, and many techniques are lost to time. So, when He Yu used this rhyme against me, it clearly lacked persuasive power.

The convoy stopped at the Yuwan Border Service Area for a break. After using the restroom, I returned to find the crew inspecting the vehicles. Leaning against the car, I munched on a biscuit and soon spotted Lao Gen getting out of another vehicle.

Lao Gen called out, “Check everything carefully, fill up the tanks. We’re on a tight schedule, and no vehicle can afford to break down. Each car should have two people, alternating between day and night shifts.”

“Lao Gen, where’s the next rest stop?” asked our driver, handing him a cigarette.

“At Dingbian South,” Lao Gen replied. “We’ll resupply there. The first team has already found a guide and is preparing to go deeper. We need to hurry too.”

I averted my gaze but kept my ears open. Tian Yuqing was clearly hiding a lot from me, and I could no longer trust him.

This conclusion wasn’t just based on Lu A’yao’s words, but on Tian Yuqing’s behavior and state, which were increasingly problematic. Moreover, the team he brought was equally strange.

A team must have a leader. Normally, if Tian Xiao isn’t around, Tian Yuqing should be in charge. However, Tian Xiao had no authority within the team. It was clear he had been sidelined, seemingly less influential than Lao Gen, creating a strange atmosphere that puzzled me.

Ignoring He Yu’s hints about the Tian brothers fighting over family assets, in a typical family structure, even if the old master loses control to the next generation, his status doesn’t diminish much. Age commands basic respect from the crew.

Yet, in this team, I saw no such respect. The crew did nothing for Tian Xiao beyond moving him out of the car, leaving him to fend for himself, which was not how one treats a “retired emperor.” This was particularly odd for a traditional family like the Tian’s.

The crew deliberately spoke behind my back. After listening for a while, Lao Gen led the driver away from me, just as they had done on previous stops.

Growing impatient, I tossed away the biscuit crumbs and yanked open the car door, startling He Yu in the backseat. “What are you doing?” he exclaimed.

“I can’t take it anymore. I’m going to find Tian Yuqing and get some answers.” I grabbed the box containing the Nine-Ring Jade Casket from beside his leg.

Lu A’yao stretched lazily, ignoring me, and turned to sleep against the window. I considered asking him to join me, thinking his presence might be intimidating, but his actions clearly said, “Leave me alone, don’t disturb my sleep.”

Not one to force myself on others, I decided not to ask him. Feeling more confident, I marched toward the first vehicle, box in hand. He Yu called after me several times, but I didn’t stop.

Before I could reach the door, Lao Gen blocked my path. “Young Master Gan, if you need anything, just ask me. The bosses are resting. It’s not good to disturb them after a long journey.”

This old fox was slick. He’d used my manners against me before, keeping me in check. If I were like Rogue Tan, I’d have kicked open the car door by now.

So this time, I ignored Lao Gen, raised my voice, and shouted into the car, “Tian Yuqing! Come out and explain things to me. You can’t just drag me to Gansu without an explanation. That’s kidnapping a college student, which is illegal, you know!”

My shout caught attention. As cars streamed into the service area, people began to glance our way. This was exactly what I wanted. If I couldn’t get in the car, I’d make Tian Yuqing come out himself.

Hearing no response from the car, I prepared to escalate, drawing out my words, “Are you coming out or not? If you don’t, I’ll call the police!”

Seeing me reach for my phone, Lao Gen panicked. “Oh dear, young master, there’s no need for this.”

“Lao Gen,” the car door opened automatically, and Tian Yuqing stepped out, wrapping his coat around himself. He gestured to Lao Gen, “I’ll handle this. Go about your business.”

Lao Gen obeyed and left.

Seeing me with the wooden box, Tian Yuqing smiled and patted my shoulder, gesturing toward the last two cars. “I know what you want to ask. It’s noisy here; let’s find a quieter place to talk.”

Tian Yuqing had a commanding presence, his words carrying an undeniable elegance. My newfound confidence quickly evaporated, and for a moment, I feared going alone with him, worried he might harm me.

Still, I followed him into the last luggage car, clutching the box. The driver stepped out to give Tian Yuqing space, and I circled to the passenger seat. As soon as I sat, Tian Yuqing started the car, leisurely driving to the nearby gas station.

“Lu A’yao should have told you what he could. You can trust him. Your Gan Family has been kind to him; he won’t harm you,” Tian Yuqing said.

“Fill it up,” he instructed the station attendant after getting out.

I watched as he paid and refueled, then returned to the car, parking in a secluded spot.

I couldn’t hold back my questions. “Is my Fourth Brother not in Gansu? Are you not here to support him? What’s going on? And what is the first team?”

Tian Yuqing lit a cigarette, taking a drag. “I know you have many questions. I’ve been in contact with your Fourth Brother; he’s fine, so don’t worry. But this situation is complicated.”

He paused, contemplating before continuing, “Since we’re here, it’s necessary to explain, but I have a condition. You’ve seen how we’ve traveled with all this equipment without issue. This matter is extensive. If you want to know everything, you must fully participate. Until it’s over, I can’t have you causing a scene like before.”