Although it wasn't as grand as the Meng Family Manor, Xia Liang only needed one glance to tell which was superior. It was like comparing two villas: decorating the larger one might cost one Yuan, while decorating the smaller one cost ten. The principle was the same.

"This Patron Xue is a very famous returnee in Qingyun City," Monk Ruoshan explained to Xia Liang as they walked. "After coming back to China, he's done many good deeds. He has donated to and built numerous Hope Primary Schools, and many other public works wouldn't exist without his help. Taoist Priest Cha once divined that Patron Xue's great fortune is the result of accumulating virtue and performing good deeds over his past five lives."

The path was lined with lush, verdant trees. Though it was midsummer, the air was cool and refreshing. The tree-lined path felt quiet and elegant.

"This place is indeed excellent!" Xia Liang surveyed his surroundings. "The moon shines through the pines, and a clear spring flows over the rocks. Living here year-round would add years to one's life!"

A short while later, they arrived in front of a small building. Not far from the villa was a pond, where a middle-aged man in casual attire and hemp shoes sat fishing.

"Patron Xue!" Monk Ruoshan pressed his palms together and called out softly.

The plainly dressed middle-aged man was presumably Xue Ren.

At that moment, the float on the water's surface trembled slightly, indicating a fish had taken the bait.

Without turning his head, Xue Ren said, "Wait! Let me reel this fish in first."

As he spoke, he gently pulled the fishing rod while simultaneously letting out the line, clearly playing the fish.

A few minutes later, the fish was exhausted. Xue Ren then swiftly pulled on the rod, hoisting the fish from the water.

"Ah, Master Ruoshan, you're here!" Xue Ren finally said. He then removed the hook from the fish's mouth and released it back into the water.

Xia Liang chuckled to himself. This Xue Ren is indeed a good man. He hadn't even performed a divination yet, but he had already come to this conclusion after seeing that Xue Ren's hook was barbless. A person like that regarded fishing purely as a recreational pleasure. A barbless hook wouldn't cause significant injury to the fish's mouth.

When Xue Ren saw Xia Liang, he paused slightly. "And this is...?"

Monk Ruoshan replied with a smile, "This is Heavenly Master Xia Liang. His skills far surpass those of this useless monk!"

"A Heavenly Master?" Xue Ren's eyes brightened as he shook hands with Xia Liang. "I don't believe anyone in Qingyun City has been granted such a title, have they? I never expected Heavenly Master Xia to be so young and have already earned such a title. Truly talented and promising!"

With a smile, Xia Liang said, "I didn't expect Boss Xue, a man of business, to be so knowledgeable about Daoist affairs."

Despite his words, Xia Liang's heart felt heavy. He had already seen Xue Ren's past and future. Although Boss Xue was truly a great philanthropist, building this museum would not be so simple.

Xue Ren's keen eyes did not miss the hint of seriousness in Xia Liang's expression. He asked, looking puzzled, "Heavenly Master Xia, is something bothering you?"

Xia Liang, momentarily startled, waved his hand. "It's nothing. I was just a bit distracted."

He had seen the truth, but now was not the time to reveal it. After all, talk is cheap, and no one would believe him simply based on his word.

Xue Ren, harboring no suspicion, gestured to the surroundings and said, "Gentlemen, I plan to build a public museum nearby. What do you think?"

"Amitabha. Patron Xue, the feng shui here is certainly not an issue," Monk Ruoshan said. "But who is this public museum intended for?"

"For students, of course," Xue Ren replied without hesitation. Then, after a moment's thought, he added, "Master Ruoshan, rest assured. Although this location is a bit far from the city, there will be free shuttle buses."

Just then, Xia Liang let out a soft chuckle. "Boss Xue, since you've already consulted an expert, why did you come to us?"

At these words, both Xue Ren and Monk Ruoshan were taken aback. Monk Ruoshan, in particular, was perplexed. In his view, the location's feng shui was simply excellent. Even if one were to build a crematorium with its heavy yin energy here, the site's feng shui would neutralize it.

A moment later, however, Xue Ren chuckled lightly. "Heavenly Master Xia, you are truly formidable. How did you know?"

With that, he effectively confirmed it, which took Monk Ruoshan even more by surprise.

"Is the Great Monk puzzled?" Xia Liang said with a grin.

Monk Ruoshan nodded, unable to comprehend the meaning behind it all.

Xia Liang pointed outside. "Master Ruoshan, what formation do you see here?"

"This place is surrounded by water on three sides, which allows it to conceal wind and gather qi," Ruoshan replied without hesitation. "Most importantly, the stream is clear, not murky. This is a classic 'Jade Belt Around the Waist' feng shui formation, which is beneficial for one's career, business, and wealth. It perfectly complements the water on the three sides and, what's more, it's a naturally occurring formation, not man-made."

He spoke with confidence, having seen such formations before and believing he could not possibly be mistaken.

Xia Liang smiled. "However, have you considered why a museum specifically should be built here, Great Monk, instead of some other public building?"

Monk Ruoshan pondered for a long while before shaking his head. A moment later, he smiled. "Heavenly Master Xia, please don't make things difficult for this poor monk. Just tell me directly."

"Soldiers carry an aura of metal, and students carry an aura of vitality!"

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