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This describes a ridge shaped like an official’s hat—high in front, low in back, like a drum or a camel’s hump. Two parallel spurs extend downward, flanking a "Martial Star" peak. Such a formation indicates two noble dragon lines branching from the same ancestor, each with distinct character.

A greedy wolf den is shaped like a nipple. A giant gate den is found in a hollow. A martial tune den is sought in a hairpin or clamp. A salary and modest den resembles comb teeth or a plowshare. A literary tune den lies flat on open ground, or high up like a palm center. A broken army den is like a halberd, with both sides drawn in.

In a flat residential site, a gentle slope for water flow is essential—just one inch of elevation creates a proper boundary. Many designers overlook this, searching blindly for mountain features like dragon and tiger ridges. They insist on rounded peaks for good fortune, not realizing that when mountain energy settles into flat land, the ideal dwelling site lies in that very plain—unmatched in value.

A winding, layered mountain range signals a wealthy site; a sparse one only suits a bell tower. All nine star forms include broken and flawed types, but the three auspicious shapes are supported by gentle, protective forms. Parallel, bead-like ridges indicate prosperity; jagged, dragging shapes bring ruin. Under a lucky star, all is fortunate; under an unlucky one, misfortune remains.

This passage describes how broken, branching landforms create uneven energy, resembling knives, swords, snakes, or weaving shuttles. However, when such forms align with the "Six Auspicious" directions, their harshness is transformed. The "Six Energies" shift into the "Six Auspicious," neutralizing even harmful stars. In residential design, this means that unfavorable terrain can be corrected by proper orientation.

A central water channel called the Imperial Moat winds through the city. The celestial patterns above are incomplete—only the Purple Forbidden Enclosure is fully present, while the Heavenly Market and Supreme Subtlety are partial. Not all facing orientations reveal true forms, yet the waters converge toward the city like a clustered court. Thousands of hills and streams flow inward, curling nine times into the city's embrace.

To find the true dragon in a landscape, strip away the coarse features to reveal subtle traces. Recognize the true dragon and its supporting formations by observing the "cap shape"—the peaks' varying heights. If a supporting star acts as the dragon itself, its true form remains hidden. When the three auspicious stars form the dragon, its shape shifts and differs from the norm.

A square walled enclosure is called the Supreme Palace Enclosure, with four gates named the Heavenly Market. Outside the Purple Forbidden Enclosure are front and back gates, guarded by Canopy and Three Terraces. A water channel called the Imperial Moat winds through the city. The Purple Forbidden Enclosure contains many stars, while the Heavenly Market and Supreme Palace have fewer.

In flat plains like the Huai River region, even seemingly uniform land has low-lying areas where water gathers. Heroes may dwell there, and tombs or homes exist. Water channels and flows define the landscape—where two streams converge, a dragon’s spine (a central ridge) is formed.

A greedy wolf-shaped site forms a nipple-like cave. A giant gate-shaped site requires a nest-like hollow.

A large gate should be positioned by seeking a hollow or recessed space in the terrain. This principle advises placing the main entrance where the land naturally curves inward, creating a sheltered, receptive spot that gathers energy rather than exposing it outward.

A curved, embracing landform like a hairpin or pincer is ideal for a dwelling site. This shape channels energy inward, creating a protected, harmonious space.

The text describes a traditional principle for arranging residential spaces: align the main door, kitchen, and well in a straight line, like teeth of a comb or a plow blade. This layout was believed to channel energy efficiently through the home, promoting order and prosperity.

A curved path leads to a flat area for building, and even a high spot feels like the palm of a hand—enclosed and secure.

A burial site shaped like a broken army resembles a dagger-axe. Both left and right sides must be enclosed. There should be two mountains guarding it, or else a single river must flow across in front.

A star-shaped site with a central main point resembles a swallow's nest viewed from below. On high ground, it looks like a hanging lantern. In low, flat areas, it appears as a chicken nest—even if the mound is rounded, the center will still be slightly hollow.

A true dragon means a true cave; if the dragon is false, there are few true caves. In spatial design, the "dragon" represents the vital energy or main form of a site. Only when this core force is authentic and strong will the ideal location—the "cave"—naturally emerge. Without that genuine energy, the right spot cannot be found.

To locate a good dragon vein, follow classic texts and carefully distinguish star peaks. The dragon's movement should align with the three auspicious stars, ensuring generations of wise and virtuous descendants.

A dwelling site needs a gentle slope and distinct joints to support a burial mound. The hidden energy flows, seeking a suitable cavity. Under a lucky star, the joints are wondrous; under an unlucky star, they are flawed. The most powerful joints are those formed by collapsed flood channels, where the energy veins remain connected without interruption.

A dragon-shaped ridge should be answered by a true peak. The female mountain is low and weak, while the male mountain stands stronger and more dominant.