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Chapter 24: The Mysterious Ceremony
🕑 Added 2025-02-09 10:34:22 +0000 UTCThe water wasn’t still; a copper pipe extended from the wall, and a small stream of water flowed through it into the pool. The sound of the water splashing echoed, and the golden fish became even livelier, their fins fluttering as the aquatic plants swayed with the current. There was a hidden outlet at the bottom of the pool where the flowing water silently drained away through a concealed channel, preventing it from ever overflowing.
Such delicacy and charm were rare sights. Several people paused to watch for a while, only realizing their purpose when someone else entered the room.
Pang Hemu had no idea how long they’d been standing there. Smiling, Pang Hemu addressed the group, “How do you find the goldfish in this pond?”
The others, embarrassed by their earlier lapse, couldn’t quite figure out Pang Hemu’s intent. Only Sheng Hui, the owner of Sheng’s Antique Shop, gave a half-smile, saying, “I didn’t expect Mr. Pang to indulge in such a refined pastime. I thought you’d be quite busy recently.”
Pang Hemu laughed it off, “No matter how busy, one should always have some leisurely hobbies. Please, come inside. There’s excellent tea and snacks awaiting you in the back garden.” His obvious reluctance for them to linger around the pond puzzled the group, but they quickly dismissed it. There were more important matters at hand. If things went as planned, they would have the last laugh at Pang Hemu’s expense.
Once Pang Hemu and the others entered, and with no one left to admire the stone pool, they felt reassured. He still recalled the words Chen Xiao had spoken when the pond was first set up.
That day, Chen Xiao had called it a “Feng Shui pond,” cautioning him not to move it lightly and to restore it to its original state if absolutely necessary. Chen Xiao’s serious tone had made Pang Hemu listen attentively, a solemnity settling over him.
Pang Hemu had no idea what a Feng Shui pond was, but Chen Xiao had explained, “Water brings wealth. This pond is designed to attract fortune. The water must flow clearly when it comes and be hidden when it leaves, symbolizing wealth flowing in openly, while the outflow is subtle, ensuring it stays.” He then pointed to the lively goldfish swimming in the pool, adding, “With the goldfish, it symbolizes prosperity and abundance. This Feng Shui arrangement is known as the ‘Golden Jade Prosperity’ setup.”
As the owner of an antique shop, Pang Hemu believed this “Golden Jade Prosperity” setup was perfect for his business, but he couldn’t understand how this arrangement would make the bronze tripod show its peculiar qualities.
Chen Xiao had confidently said, “Once the Feng Shui is in place, it creates its own energy field. When the bronze tripod is placed in the right position, it will activate the energy and reveal the special patterns on the tripod.”
Though the purpose of the bronze tripod remained unclear, Chen Xiao was sure it was no ordinary item. Feng Shui and the tripod’s energy didn’t seem compatible. When these conflicting energy fields collided, it triggered the strange phenomenon that day when Xi Yunqing, from the Chongxuan Sect, fell from the sky, her aura clashing with the one from Fancun causing a disturbance in the air.
This anomaly, it seemed, was enough to prove the tripod was extraordinary. If the external help Pang Hemu had invited could push things further, it would surely humiliate Sheng Hui and his associates, who would have to avoid Pang Hemu in the future.
Dressed in the uniform of the shop assistants, Chen Xiao stood with the others, ready to move the bronze tripod as soon as Pang Hemu gave the signal.
With so many assistants stationed in the yard, even though most of Sheng Hui’s people were present, they dared not mock or provoke Pang Hemu openly.
Sheng Hui eyed the unfamiliar faces gathered in the area, then sneered. He walked over to Pang Hemu and said, “Mr. Pang, you have quite a number of guests today. Why not introduce them? After all, I’m an old neighbor, and I should play the gracious host.”
Pang Hemu gave a hollow laugh, replying with a forced smile, “Since you mention it, I was just about to introduce these distinguished guests. Come, come, let me introduce Mr. Zhao from Xiangfu Sheng’s in the capital, and Mr. Hong from Jingtai Zhai…” Pang Hemu proudly introduced the well-known figures from famous antique shops in the capital, some of whom he had invited, while others had come on their own after hearing about the gathering.
Sheng Hui, unable to stand Pang Hemu’s smugness, pretended to be surprised. “So many esteemed guests? I’m honored. What a coincidence, I’ve brought a few guests myself. I hope Mr. Pang will not mind.”
Pang Hemu’s smile froze. “Of course not! I’m just a humble newcomer, hoping you’ll introduce me to some of these respected individuals.”
Sheng Hui then walked forward, proudly introducing several people who stepped out from the crowd. Their names were just as impressive as those introduced by Pang Hemu. Pang Hemu’s face turned pale, and he struggled to keep his composure, barely stopping himself from dropping his smile.
He hadn’t expected Sheng Hui to bring so many external guests. Now, he wasn’t sure if he could keep up with Sheng Hui in terms of influence. After all, most of the local collectors in the county were aligned with Sheng Hui, leaving Pang Hemu feeling outnumbered.
Frustrated and regretting that he had spent too much time focusing on Chen Xiao’s Feng Shui arrangements instead of gathering more support, Pang Hemu stood frozen. Sheng Hui, however, didn’t miss the opportunity. Completely disregarding the tension between the two sides, he bypassed Pang Hemu and led his group to speak with the others.
Though some of the groups had arrived at different times, they were all from the same city. The difference in invited guests didn’t prevent them from interacting. Those who knew each other struck up conversations, introducing others they had just met. As collectors from across the region, this rare opportunity to gather together sparked lively exchanges and friendly discussions. The competitive, tense atmosphere that was supposed to dominate the event soon gave way to camaraderie.
Chen Xiao immediately sensed that the situation was turning unfavorable. Boss Sheng’s maneuver was ruthless by stirring things up like this, the gathering had shifted in nature. Regardless of their original intent, the local collectors would never risk souring their relationships over an outsider like Pang Hemu. As a result, the tension between the two sides had diminished, and with it, Pang Hemu’s advantage. His side had effectively lost a significant portion of its momentum.
Pang Hemu wasn’t foolish; he quickly understood Sheng Hui’s malicious intent. However, since the two factions were already engaged in conversation, he couldn’t just step in and separate them, nor could he bluntly declare their opposition. That would be far too rude and disrespectful.
Chen Xiao glanced at the time and decisively stepped forward, murmuring to Pang Hemu, “Master, if we don’t start now, we’ll miss the right moment.”
Only then did Pang Hemu snap out of his thoughts. At this point, he could only rely on Chen Xiao’s plan and hope it worked. Raising his voice, he called out, “Ladies and gentlemen—”
As the crowd’s attention turned to him, he clasped his hands in greeting. “I sincerely appreciate all of you taking the time to visit my humble establishment and witness this grand occasion. Today, we have gathered to observe a rare and precious treasure—the bronze tripod. The daylight is at its best, making this the perfect time for a close inspection.”
Someone in the crowd immediately shouted, “We’ve been waiting long enough!”
The one who spoke wasn’t a planted supporter but a genuine collector who had previously been denied a viewing of the tripod. Hearing this, Pang Hemu’s expression brightened slightly. Smiling, he responded, “Then, without further delay, let us present the Hundred Beasts Floral Treasure Bronze Tripod. Please, take your time to examine it.”
Chen Xiao, along with a few other shop assistants, entered the storage room and carefully carried out the bronze tripod. The crowd stirred slightly, but everyone remained composed. No one rushed forward; they all waited for the assistants to place the tripod down before stepping closer.
Unexpectedly, Chen Xiao and the others didn’t set the tripod down immediately. Instead, they began moving around the courtyard, taking deliberate and measured steps. Their slow, careful movements left the onlookers restless.
“What’s the meaning of this? Are they stalling on purpose?” Boss Sheng remarked loudly, his words inciting murmurs and complaints from the crowd.
“Yeah, what’s with all the theatrics?”
“Is there something wrong with the tripod?”
“Are they just trying to buy time?”
Chen Xiao was merely following the prearranged plan, ensuring that they moved in specific patterns. When he had agreed to this method earlier, he hadn’t anticipated such a tense atmosphere.
Pang Hemu, seeing the rising agitation, knew he couldn’t let the crowd’s frustration grow. If Sheng Hui succeeded in riling them up, they might interrupt the ceremony before it was completed, leading to a complete failure.
Stepping forward, Pang Hemu laughed and said, “Patience, everyone! We all know this bronze tripod is an ancient artifact with ties to immortals. It cannot simply be placed out in the open without due respect. This ritual is a sign of reverence.”
Someone near Boss Sheng scoffed, “We don’t even know if it truly has any connection to immortals, yet here they are making such a grand show of it. If it turns out to be nothing special, won’t that be embarrassing?”
Pang Hemu’s temples throbbed, but he forced a smile. “It won’t take long. I ask for just a moment of your patience.”
Not everyone sided with Sheng Hui. Some long-time collectors and antique enthusiasts were willing to trust Pang Hemu. They reassured him that they didn’t mind waiting, which allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, a few seasoned collectors who had been invited couldn’t take their eyes off the bronze tripod. Their fascination overrode their impatience. Though they didn’t disrupt Chen Xiao and the others, they couldn’t help but discuss the intricate patterns on the tripod from a respectful distance.
Despite the earlier tension, the two factions had not directly clashed. Even when their opinions differed, they maintained a veneer of civility.
Pang Hemu had deliberately refrained from mentioning the crucial clue Chen Xiao had provided. He feared that if he revealed he was relying on the insight of a mere shop assistant, these experienced collectors might question his judgment instead. If they dismissed Chen Xiao outright, it would only work against him.
Because of this, while the experts acknowledged the uniqueness of the tripod’s ornate design, they hesitated to confirm its authenticity. Their cautious conclusions left Pang Hemu feeling disheartened, while Sheng Hui grew even more smug.
The only reason Pang Hemu placed his trust in Chen Xiao was due to their previous conversation. Learning that Chen Xiao had witnessed an immortal sect’s disciple selection firsthand and had even spoken with an immortal master gave Pang Hemu confidence in his knowledge.
At this point, Pang Hemu had no choice but to place all his hopes on Chen Xiao’s method. Inwardly, he prayed that it would work.
Chen Xiao had no time to concern himself with the crowd’s reactions. He and the other assistants struggled forward, each step feeling heavier than the last. He had anticipated some resistance from the tripod clashing with the shop’s Feng Shui arrangement, but he hadn’t expected it to be this intense.
As they moved, they felt an unseen force pushing back, as though they were wading through deep mud. Every step drained their strength.
Though it was only May, the assistants were dressed in light clothing. Yet sweat poured from their foreheads, soaking their jade-green uniforms, leaving dark patches that were starkly visible and deeply unsettling to onlookers.
Finally, someone in the crowd murmured, “The tripod isn’t that heavy, is it?”
Just then, an inexplicable gust of wind swept through the courtyard, sending a hush over the gathering. All eyes were on Chen Xiao and his team as they took the final step, finally reaching their designated position. The assistants, exhausted, carefully began to lower the tripod.
However, their arms had long since given out. At the last moment, their wrists went weak, and they lost their grip.
“Boom!!”
A deep, resonant crash echoed through the courtyard. The sheer force of impact sent people staggering backward, some even tumbling to the ground like rolling gourds.
