Chapter Sixteen: The Treasure Hunt at Grand Hollow Ridge, Part Two

The title of the previous chapter was incorrect; it should have been called “Jesting Between Men and Women.” Since published chapters cannot be changed, this one will have to be called “Treasure Hunt at Big Pit Ridge 2.” Well then, thanks to all my readers for their support; as long as there are clicks and recommendations, I’ll be motivated to keep writing. Your encouragement is my driving force.

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With He Zhixing’s help, the three of them quickly filled a large basket with river fish. River fish from the mountains are rarely found in cities, and though small, they are exquisite delicacies. In the rivers of Five Towns Village, there are generally four or five types: one with three-colored blue, white, and gold belly scales, another with white-gold belly scales and an entirely white body, also small enough to fit between two or three fingers, another resembling a loach but with a dusky white hue, one that clings to rocks in the water, and lastly, a gray-white mottled fish.

All these fish are delicious. Once home, simply squeeze out the innards, dry them on the pan, and make fragrant dried fish. When ready to eat, toss them with green peppers, onions, and garlic for a dish so flavorful it would rival any mountain delicacy, far beyond what a city’s five-star restaurant could offer. Sweet, fragrant, and spicy, it’s a taste that lingers in the memory of families accustomed to city life.

By the time those in charge of catching medicinal fish arrived, they had already vanished without a trace. He Zhixing took a generous portion for himself, left a small bowl for his great-uncle’s family, and gave most of the basket to Miss Xiao’s family.

The credit mostly belonged to He Zhixing. The siblings, being young and one a girl, could only catch so much. As the beauty departed, she cast him a grateful glance.

A few days later, the report cards were released. Even before the awards and certificates were distributed at the end-of-term gathering, He Zhixing’s name had spread throughout the school: ranked first, with marks far above the previous top student. His great-uncle was deeply gratified.

During this time, Vice Director Xiao came to congratulate him, as did Elder Chen and Elder Ye. He Zhixing kept busy, frequently seeking Elder Chen’s guidance on feng shui, the Book of Changes, the Eight Trigrams, and fortune-telling. Elder Chen shared his research and allowed He Zhixing to read his collection; he treated him almost like a disciple, imparting his knowledge wholeheartedly.

Elder Chen often helped people select sites based on feng shui, with He Zhixing following him each time. Elder Chen possessed a treasured compass, a complete set of Five Emperors’ copper coins, and a handwritten copy of the sixty-four hexagrams of the Book of Changes—his essential tools for outings.

One day, Elder Chen took him to survey a site for the Qiu family, located at Big Pit Ridge. It wasn’t far—just past the elementary school toward the county, down from the old reservoir, then left onto the mountain path. The ridges stretched for hundreds of li, ending in steep mountains, beyond which, far away, was Cave Village, nestled behind the middle school.

Big Pit Ridge’s undulating mountains were being reforested. Many went to help, with the township government contracting the forest protection team and local farmers for a large-scale afforestation project. At the time, people were working at Beautiful Ridge, clearing miscellaneous woods that couldn’t form forests and replacing them with practical cedar groves.

Because the vegetation was being cut, the Qiu family worried that the feng shui of their chosen site might be disrupted. They invited Elder Chen to inspect it and perform a “dragon point” survey, locating the precise spot.

After climbing several mountains, they reached a gently sloped mountainside. He Zhixing immediately sensed the feng shui was promising—a small Black Tortoise site. The dragon vein faced the township government’s forest, with an open hall stretching toward the distant reservoir, its river and mountains reaching as far as Foggy Mountain and even the city. The outer mountain formed a screen, and sand paths wound with the dragon vein, with several sand shapes encircling the front.

Having accompanied Elder Chen on several feng shui site visits, He Zhixing had learned how to properly search for dragon points and identify excellent feng shui, aided by the carved wooden maiden. She seemed like a mystical treasure, always attuned to esoteric matters; whenever He Zhixing channeled his energy through her at auspicious times and places, he would sense a connection.

Elder Chen quickly found the dragon point, adjusted his compass slowly, and He Zhixing observed beside him. He gazed into the distance and suddenly noticed an even more exceptional location—a gentle, sloping “Sleeping Dragon” spot on the right. He told Elder Chen he wanted to go have a look, and Elder Chen agreed.

He Zhixing said, “Elder Chen, I’ll be back soon…”

He crossed a mid-sized mountain and descended, discovering a vast stretch of fields. He hadn’t expected anyone to venture so far to clear land and plant rice; the farmers’ dedication was remarkable, traveling hundreds of li for food, and he felt their greatness.

He Zhixing continued to the end of the farmland on the slope, passing several large rocks and winding through mountain terrain. Up ahead was the highest, gently sloping mountain, surrounded by small peaks. At a hollow in the center, an elusive spot, he surveyed the area: wasn’t this a classic “Green Dragon White Tiger” rocky formation?

He immediately channeled energy through the carved maiden, and a mysterious feeling arose. It pointed him toward a turtle-shaped stone’s small earthen hollow. There was no cave, just a depression, with a clump of grass-covered earth protruding nearby. The mystical energy seemed to focus there.

He surmised there must be treasure beneath the grassy mound, and this thought made He Zhixing secretly rejoice.