The mural actually depicted a formation.
It could manifest human-like phantoms and unleash immense power.
This intricate formation amazed both Lao Mo and me.
Yet, it had nearly cost me my life.
Taking a deep breath now, I calmed my nerves.
Lao Mo looked at Daoist Master Liuyun and asked,
"Master, what’s going on?"
Daoist Master Liuyun's face was grim.
"I’d like to ask you two the same thing. The Zhenwu Formation only activates when it senses malevolent energy.
Do either of you possess any unholy treasures?"
He then scrutinized Lao Mo and me.
His gaze, however, lingered more on me.
The human phantom had primarily focused its attacks on me.
Hearing his words, I immediately thought of the Purple Bone Vine bracelet.
And the twelve demon souls attached to it.
Could it be that they, along with the Purple Bone Vine, had triggered this Zhenwu Formation?
Lao Mo and I exchanged a glance, a suspicion dawning on us.
But before we could speak, several people rushed in from the entrance.
"Junior Brother, what happened? Why was the formation activated?"
An elder's voice echoed.
The speaker was True Master Cangsong, clad in a purple daoist robe.
Behind him stood several other elders and disciples of the Wudang Sect.
My martial uncle was also among them.
"Xiao Mo, Xiao Qin!"
"Martial Uncle!"
"Master!"
Daoist Master Liuyun hurried forward, cupping his fists.
"Sect Leader Brother, the Zhenwu Formation was unexpectedly activated moments ago.
Under duress, I had no choice but to temporarily deactivate it..."
Then, Daoist Master Liuyun recounted the events of him leading us to the secret chamber to claim the prize.
My martial uncle stood beside me, and I whispered,
"Martial Uncle, could it be..."
I didn't finish, instead showing him the Purple Bone Vine on my left wrist.
My martial uncle nodded slightly.
"It's alright, I'll handle it!"
With that, my martial uncle, reeking faintly of alcohol, walked towards True Master Cangsong.
He then gestured for True Master Cangsong to step aside for a private conversation.
True Master Cangsong didn't hesitate, moving to the side of the side hall in front of everyone.
My martial uncle whispered a few words.
True Master Cangsong glanced back at me, his brow clearly furrowed slightly.
After a moment, they walked back.
Then, we heard True Master Cangsong say,
"It's alright now, everyone disperse!"
True Master Cangsong offered no explanation, and the Wudang disciples who had gathered didn't question him further.
They all cupped their fists, saying, "Yes, Sect Leader," before exiting the side hall.
Afterward, he turned to me and said,
"Nephew, the Zhenwu Formation has been sealed.
It will take at least a week to reactivate.
Therefore, your prize cannot be claimed for now.
Why don't you stay at Wudang Mountain for this week?
You can collect your reward after your injuries have healed."
My martial uncle nodded at me.
It seemed that was the only course of action.
The formation had been sealed; they wouldn't destroy it, would they?
I could only cup my fists and say,
"I will follow Senior Cangsong's arrangements."
True Master Cangsong, with a kind smile, continued,
"Nephew, your astonishing display this time has shaken all the sects in the Dao Alliance and made your name known far and wide.
If Long Teng were aware of this, he would surely be proud of you!"
I smiled but didn't reply, deeply missing my Master.
Then, my martial uncle said,
"Alright, the prize cannot be obtained now.
You two should go back and rest well!
Cangsong Brother and I have important matters to discuss.
Oh, and take care of our junior sister, Xiao Yao!"
"Yes, Master!"
"Understood, Martial Uncle!"
Lao Mo and I responded.
Then, my martial uncle, along with True Master Cangsong and a group of Wudang elders, turned to leave.
I thought my martial uncle truly had urgent business.
However, just a few meters after they walked out, I heard my martial uncle say to True Master Cangsong,
"Cangsong Brother, you didn't finish that cup of wine earlier.
I haven't forgotten, so don't renege later!"
Followed by True Master Cangsong's hearty laughter...
Lao Mo and I watched our departing martial uncle, rolling our eyes.
Damn it, no urgent business at all, they were just off to drink.
With no other options, I cupped my fists towards Daoist Master Liuyun.
Saying, "Apologies for the disturbance," Lao Mo and I turned and left the side hall, heading back to our quarters.
Upon returning to the small courtyard, we found Chen Yao there, and Xia Qiuxi was also present.
Seeing us return, they both stood up.
Xia Qiuxi's eyes widened with curiosity as she asked,
"Did you get the items?"
We both shook our heads, and I spread my hands.
"What happened, Senior Brother? Weren't you going to get your prize? Does the Wudang Sect refuse?"
Sighing, I recounted what had happened.
Xia Qiuxi also immediately thought of the Shouju Purple Bone Vine on me.
After all, that item collected the life force of ghosts.
In essence, it gathered Yin and malevolence.
It was highly likely the Purple Bone Vine had provoked the Zhenwu Formation.
Although the prize couldn't be obtained immediately, Xia Qiuxi still comforted me,
"It's okay, just wait a few more days.
Anyway, our Qingcheng Sect also has to wait a few days before leaving.
We can keep each other company during this time!"
I smiled and nodded.
Meanwhile, Chen Yao went into the house and brought out the medicinal tray again.
Together with Xia Qiuxi, they helped me change my dressing.
During this time, Lao Mo also gave me some of the rewards he had received the previous day, such as Qi replenishing pills and blood replenishing pills.
Lao Mo was truly a loyal friend.
These items were extremely precious, mind you.
Ordinary people couldn't refine them, and each one used meant one less.
But he showed no hesitation.
If Xia Qiuxi hadn't stopped him, preventing me from taking too much medicine,
He would have probably tried to force all dozen or so pills in his hand into my mouth...