Fraser needed to find a way to get rid of the self-proclaimed geomancy master and Antonio.
But how? He glanced at the villagers of White Orchid Village and had an idea. Since this guy claimed to be a geomancy master, Fraser would use his own knowledge of geomancy to crush him and enhance his reputation among the villagers. At the same time, he would expose this guy as a fraud who spouted nonsense.
With his plan in mind, Fraser put on a fake smile and turned to Leo. “You’re right,” he said. “There have been some strange illnesses in the Village lately. If you can solve these problems, please enlighten us.”
Fraser was polite on the surface but inwardly disdainful towards Leo. What could this young man possibly know about geomancy that he didn’t?
Leo replied nonchalantly, “It’s simple. Just demolish the ancestral hall.”
Fraser’s eyes flashed with cold light while Bentley and Caelan clenched their fists tightly at those four words: demolish the ancestral hall.
In truth, whether or not they demolished it made no difference to Fraser; all he cared about was what lay beneath it.
Underneath the ancestral hall was a nearly 500 square meter underground factory used for processing geomancy props and antiques.
The antiques produced by the White Orchid Village residents were only semi-finished products that were sold at agreed-upon prices before being processed by Fraser’s factory located beneath the ancestral hall.
These post-processing steps included assembly, coloring, antique imitation treatment etc., turning these semi-finished products into genuine articles after being labeled with Fraser’s brand name.
In addition to various geomancy products and town artifacts, Fraser’s business could be described as making a fortune.
It can be said that the underground factory beneath the White family ancestral temple was Fraser’s money tree. If the ancestral temple were to be demolished, the underground factory would surely be discovered. Since the factory had no permits or licenses, the municipal government would definitely intervene and shut it down, cutting off Fraser’s economic lifeline.
Therefore, Fraser was determined to protect the White family ancestral temple at all costs. To achieve this, he went to great lengths to turn the ancestral temple into a cultural heritage site.
Caelan glanced at Leo with suspicion and said, “Don’t bring up geomancy. It’s none of your business whether the geomancy of the ancestral temple is good or not. You have a hidden agenda if you’re so determined to demolish it. Fellow villagers, don’t be swayed by him and drive him away!”
The villagers standing in the courtyard of the villa were mostly beneficiaries of the current situation. After much consideration, they decided to maintain the status quo. After all, they had families to support and couldn’t afford to lose their source of income.
Upon hearing Caelan’s words, the villagers became agitated. They knew they couldn’t catch Leo, so they resorted to shouting insults, “Outsider, get out! Outsider, get out!”
Hearing such harsh insults, Leo remained composed on the surface, but he couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable inside. He wasn’t harming them in any way, yet they were stubbornly refusing to understand. If it weren’t for his pride, he would have left long ago.
Seeing that Leo showed no signs of giving up, Fraser decided to implement his planned strategy.
Fraser raised his hand to silence the crowd, and then he spoke loudly, “Fellow villagers, this outsider not only came to White Orchid Village to provoke us but also dares to attempt the demolition of the ancestral temple. Shouldn’t we teach him a lesson?”
“Yes, we must teach him a lesson and let him know that the people of White Orchid Village are not to be trifled with!” The crowd echoed in agreement.
Fraser sneered at Leo and said, “Since you claim to be a geomancy master, words alone are not enough. You must show us your true abilities. How about we compete in geomancy?”
“How will we compete? And what will be at stake?” Leo asked.
Fraser pondered for a moment and replied, “Best out of three rounds. If you lose, you must kowtow nine times in front of the ancestral temple, slap yourself nine times, and loudly proclaim three times, ‘I am a fraud!’ After that, you must leave White Orchid Village!”
“What if you lose?” Leo countered.
Bentley interjected disdainfully, “What a joke! You think you can win against Fraser? Dream on!”
Fraser glared at him and barked, “Shut up!”
Bentley shrank his neck in annoyance.
“If I lose, didn’t you just say you wanted to demolish the ancestral temple? Well, if you win, you can demolish it!” Fraser declared confidently. “Fellow villagers of White Orchid Village, any objections to this competition?”
“None!”
“Chief, teach these arrogant outsiders a good lesson!”
The villagers expressed their agreement and joined in the commotion.
Watching the spectacle unfold, Leo remained unusually calm and asked, “Where will the competition take place?”
“It will be in front of the ancestral temple!” Fraser exclaimed, waving his hand. “Fellow villagers, lead the way!”
The crowd rushed energetically toward the location of the ancestral temple. Along the way, more and more villagers from White Orchid Village joined, causing the procession to grow larger. By the time they reached the ancestral temple, several hundred people had gathered, including some from the Golden Blade Village.
The ancestral temple was much grander than the ancestral temple in Golden Blade Village. Roughly estimating, the White family ancestral temple was at least three times larger.
The ancestral temple was a large tower-like structure with three floors, facing north and south. Its massive entrance gate rivalled that of a palace.
Not only that, but there was also a large square in front of the ancestral temple, with a giant statue standing in the center.
The statue depicted an old man dressed in a robe, with a flowing beard, looking forward, and holding a compass in his hand.
This statue was the White family ancestor, a well-known geomancy master.
Due to the spaciousness of the square in front of the ancestral temple, the large crowd didn’t appear crowded.
“Fraser, I also want to participate in the competition!” Bentley wanted to make a name for himself.
Fraser nodded and said, “Alright, you can compete in the first round.”
The villagers formed a large circle, eagerly waiting for the competition to begin.
On the side of White Orchid Village were Fraser, Caelan, and Bentley.
On the other side stood Leo.
Antonio, the chief of Golden Blade Village, served as the witness.