The ancestral grave of the Rocco family was as extraordinary as expected. It sat atop a prosperous dragon vein, perfectly aligned in hierarchical order. The layout was both dignified and auspicious, surrounded by natural contours that embraced the site. Burying one’s ancestors in such a place was believed to bring endless fortune, harmonious descendants, filial piety, and an abundance of blessings and longevity for future generations.
Finding such an ideal location was no easy task. The art of geomancy, or Seclela mysticism, was a complex and ever-changing practice. Even the most skilled practitioners risked miscalculations or unforeseen events that could lead to disastrous outcomes. But here, it was evident-this was a place of prosperity. It was no wonder the Rocco family had enjoyed wealth and success for generations.
However, this ancestral grave wasn’t easily disturbed. After all, it had a dedicated caretaker. As soon as they arrived at the site, an elderly man named Mr. Brooks came forward to greet them.
“Master, are you here to pay your respects? What day is it today?” Mr. Brooks asked, his tone filled with curiosity.
Mr. Brooks appeared to be an honest and simple man. He wore a pair of cloth shoes, carried a sickle in one hand, and had a blind eye. His pants were muddy, as if he had just returned from working in the fields.
Jaxon Rocco replied casually, “Nothing much, just here to take a look. You can go back to your work.”
With a wave of his hand, Jaxon dismissed the old caretaker.
Turning to Kayden, Jaxon asked, “Mr. Scott, are you certain the problem lies with my family’s ancestral grave? Are you saying someone has tampered with it?” He gestured toward the large burial mound before them.
Kayden nodded slightly and said, “Yes, it was disturbed-and not recently. It happened over ten years ago.”
Jaxon shook his head in disbelief. “That’s impossible! Mr. Brooks has been guarding this grave for fifty years. If it had been tampered with, he would have informed me.”
“You’ve seen him yourself,” Jaxon continued. “Mr. Brooks is a simple man who’s spent his entire life on this mountain.”
Kayden chuckled coldly and said, “We’ll know for sure once we dig it up.”
Jaxon glanced at the younger members of the Rocco family who had accompanied him. His third son, Lennox, stepped forward and asked, “Mr. Scott, are you absolutely certain? Disturbing the ancestral grave is no small matter. If we dig it up, it risks offending the peace of our forebears. The consequences for our family could be severe.”
Kayden’s response was firm. “Dig it up. I’ll take full responsibility. This grave was already disturbed over a decade ago. Digging it up now will only help your ancestors rest in peace and restore the flow of your family’s fortune.”
“Father!” Lennox hesitated, looking at Jaxon for confirmation.
Jaxon, after a brief moment of contemplation, nodded resolutely. “We’ll trust Mr. Scott this time. Dig it up!”
At his command, a group of bodyguards began digging.
Before they could make much progress, the frail voice of Mr. Brooks rang out. “Master, what are you doing?!”
Mr. Brooks, the ever-dutiful caretaker, was alarmed.
Jaxon reassured him, “Mr. Brooks, there seems to be an issue with the grave. We’re opening it up to take a look.”
“Oh no!” Mr. Brooks exclaimed, stomping his foot in distress. “Master, you can’t just dig up the grave like that! It will disturb the peace of the departed. The old master has been resting here for so many years. What could possibly be wrong?”
“Mr. Brooks, there are things you may not understand. This isn’t your concern. Step aside and rest,” Jaxon said, trying to dismiss him.
But Mr. Brooks was insistent. “Master, I’ve guarded this grave for decades. If something was wrong, I’d know about it! Over the years, I’ve even picked up some knowledge of geomancy. Disturbing the grave will anger the spirits. The Rocco family will face great misfortune if you proceed! Please, don’t dig it up!”
Jaxon remained silent, his gaze steady on Mr. Brooks. Finally, he asked, “Old man, did you know this grave was tampered with over ten years ago?”
“I spit on that nonsense!” Mr. Brooks snapped, pointing at Kayden. “What does this young man know? Who says it was tampered with? I’ve been here all along-if it had been disturbed, I’d know! He’s trying to frame me! Master, how can you believe the words of this child? He knows nothing! Don’t listen to him, please don’t dig!”
Mr. Brooks’ voice trembled with urgency, as though it were his own family’s grave being disturbed.
Jaxon glanced at Kayden, uncertain.
Kayden’s voice was unwavering. “Dig. Keep digging!”
Jaxon, seeing Kayden’s determination, hesitated for only a moment before commanding, “Dig! Continue!”
Mr. Brooks let out a cry of despair. “Master, you’re going to cause a disaster! How can you dig up the grave of your ancestors? Oh, heavens!”
“Enough, Mr. Brooks!” Jaxon shouted. “Go rest. This matter doesn’t concern you.”
Though Mr. Brooks seemed ready to argue further, he eventually shook his head in resignation and retreated to his small metal shack. Moments later, he reemerged, carrying three sticks of incense and five sheets of paper. Kneeling by the grave, he began burning the offerings, muttering, “Forgive us, ancestors. Forgive us.”
His hands and legs trembled as he performed the ritual, his unease apparent.
Mrs. Rocco muttered under her breath, “Such superstition.”
For a simple rural man like Mr. Brooks, superstition and tradition were deeply ingrained. The act of digging up a grave was nothing short of sacrilege in his eyes.
The digging continued. Before long, one of the men shouted, “Master! We’ve uncovered the coffin!”
Kayden stepped forward to inspect it. The coffin was of exceptional quality, remarkably well-preserved despite the passage of time. The surrounding area showed no obvious signs of disturbance. It didn’t appear to have been tampered with.
Kayden’s expression remained sharp as he said, “Open it.”
“Open the coffin?” Jaxon hesitated. “Are you certain?”
“Open it,” Kayden repeated firmly, without the slightest hesitation. His tone carried the weight of certainty, as if he already knew what lay inside.
Jaxon, though reluctant, was swayed by Kayden’s conviction. After a brief pause, he gave the order. “Open the coffin!”
The men exchanged uneasy glances but obeyed. With careful effort, they pried the lid open.
“Master!” one of the diggers exclaimed. “There’s something red inside-something strange!”
Everyone rushed forward to look. What they saw left them frozen in shock.
Inside the coffin was a bright red, three-legged toad.