Chapter 5: The Land of the Dragon Vein

I spoke calmly to the father and daughter from the Liu family sitting before me.

I would take charge of their family’s matter.

This was not only for their sake but also for my own.

From the divination I performed last night, I clearly understood that my calamity lay within the Liu family.

Though I wasn’t certain how or why, I knew I had to make a trip to the provincial city.

My father knew well the depth of my expertise in physiognomy, and he understood that Grandfather had imparted almost all of his secret techniques to me.

As long as I intervened, the Liu family’s misfortune should be averted.

At this moment, the straightforward and passionate nature of Northeasterners shone through.

“July, handle things swiftly. Don’t disgrace your grandfather’s name in the big city,” my father said seriously as he blew a smoke ring from his mouth.

Like my uncle, he longed to learn the “Qingma Physiognomy” from Grandfather.

Yet, for some unknown reason, Grandfather had never accepted either of them as disciples, nor had he revealed anything about Qingma Physiognomy to them.

Still, that didn’t deter Dad from his desire to learn it.

He often asked me questions about physiognomy, but I never answered.

Grandfather once warned me that pursuing Qingma Physiognomy meant a life of wandering and loneliness.

My father’s face was honest and kind; his fate was one of wealth and honor.

Studying Qingma Physiognomy would only bring him harm.

I was different. My destiny had flaws that required mending.

Therefore, it was most fitting that I pursue Qingma Physiognomy.

Grandfather arranged the childhood betrothal with the Liu family to help mend my fate.

But just yesterday, they had broken off that engagement.

This meant that if I wanted to change my fate now, I could only rely on my own efforts.

After a simple breakfast at home, I went to my room to pack the talismans and tools I might need.

For my first trip out, it was better to be well-prepared.

As I gathered my items, Liu Qingqing entered my room.

“July, let me help you pack. I happen to be free,” she said shyly, her cheeks flushed.

“No need. I’ll finish packing soon. You can wait in the back; we’ll leave shortly,” I replied coolly, turning away.

Since we had broken off the betrothal, it was better to keep some distance—better for both of us.

That way, there would be no complications later.

Qingqing looked a bit hurt at my words, but quickly composed herself.

“Alright then, I’ll wait outside,” she said before leaving the room.

I continued packing my talismans and other necessities, feeling no discomfort at her departure.

It wasn’t that I disliked Qingqing—she was beautiful and lively.

But she was no longer my fiancée; keeping distance was the right choice.

Once my backpack was ready, I stepped outside.

At that moment, I knew the world of physiognomy was opening before me.

My mother, a genuine Northeastern woman with little education, seemed transformed when she saw me with my pack.

“Go, July. Don’t disgrace your grandfather,” she said firmly.

I nodded and walked out of the yard.

This trip to the big city was not just about myself.

“Dad, Mom, you should go back. I’ll come home once I’ve settled everything. Don’t worry,” I said to my parents behind me, tears welling in my eyes.

In over twenty years, this was my first time leaving the mountains alone.

What lay ahead was unknown.

But for the fame of Qingma Physiognomy not to be forgotten, I was willing to press forward relentlessly.

“July, get in the car. Sit in the back; it’ll be more comfortable,” my father said.

“Qingqing, sit in the back and talk to July for a while.”

“I’ll drive,” Liu Sihai said as he started the car.

After bidding farewell to my parents, we left the village.

To prevent any mishaps, I gave Liu Sihai and Liu Qingqing each a talisman paper packet.

I had made them myself, based on my grandfather’s “Demon-Slaying Manual.” They protected the wearer’s spirit and energy from possession by evil spirits.

Perhaps worried about his wife’s condition, Liu Sihai drove fast.

“Uncle Liu, slow down. Auntie will be fine,” I said after glancing at him. The dark aura on his forehead had mostly dissipated—likely the effect of the talisman.

“July, thank you for coming to save our family. On behalf of everyone, I’m deeply grateful,” Liu Sihai kept thanking me as the car sped along. At that moment, he seemed to see Grandfather’s shadow in me.

“No need to thank me. I didn’t come to the provincial city just to save you,” I said, signaling him not to be overly grateful.

Hearing this, Liu Sihai smiled awkwardly.

After several hours, we finally entered the provincial city.

Surrounded by towering skyscrapers, I was once again struck with awe.

“July, we’re home,” Liu Sihai said after four or five hours of travel, bringing me to his residence in the city.

As the car door opened, I was deeply shocked by the sight.

No wonder Liu Sihai clung to his wealth; his estate was enormous.

Even though I had prepared myself, seeing this grand mansion was still overwhelming.

It was too vast—more of a manor than a villa.

But thinking that all this was a gift from my grandfather, my expression grew serious.

“July, this is my home in the city. It’s the only place I live now,” Liu Sihai said with some sadness.

Since breaking off the engagement with our family yesterday, his fortune had plummeted.

First came the strange business troubles, his bank accounts frozen, and all the family savings vanished.

Then his wife went mad, threatening to kill him and their daughter.

These calamities proved that his luck had run out.

Only now did he remember that I, rejected by them today, was the heir of the Qingma lineage.

Feng shui geomancy and physiognomy—finding dragon veins—had always been the Qingma family’s specialty.

His wealth owed all to the Qingma family’s blessings.

Otherwise, with his appearance, he was destined to live unnoticed.

“Qingqing, go open the door. Let’s invite July inside,” Liu Sihai said, signaling Qingqing forward.

His wife was still deranged at home; I wondered if her condition had improved at all.

“July, is there anything wrong with this house? Why have I been so unlucky these days?” he asked anxiously, clearly trusting my skills.

“This place you live is excellent. It’s a treasure basin that attracts wealth. A good location,” I said after surveying the terrain and layout.

The feng shui master Liu Sihai hired before was quite capable to have chosen such a prosperous spot.

No wonder he had become wealthy.

An ordinary feng shui master might not have chosen this place.

Though the site was near a dragon vein, it couldn’t harness the dragon’s power.

Living here might have destroyed its resident by the dragon’s energy.

But the clever feng shui master advising Liu Sihai knew a different approach.

Instead of relying solely on the dragon’s energy to gather wealth, he had created an artificial lake near the dragon vein.

This lake absorbed the accumulated energy, which was then channeled to Liu Sihai.

This technique was extraordinary—nowadays, even I might struggle to replicate it.

His feng shui was of a caliber beyond ordinary comparison.

“To be honest, July, this layout was guided by your grandfather when he was alive. Now that he’s gone, I can only place my hopes on you,” Liu Sihai said sincerely, his eyes full of hope.

Now, I was the only one who could save him.