At that moment, a long table had already been set up in the courtyard. Brushes, ink, an inkstone, and silk cloth lay upon it. The ink had been ground from premium natural cinnabar powder. An incense burner stood in the center with three sticks of incense inserted into it, while two candles burned beside it. Several plates of pastries sat on either side, along with chicken and duck as offerings.
Jiang Hao looked at the bright full moon in the sky, then slowly walked to the table. With a lift of his hand, a sword suddenly appeared, startling everyone so badly that they thought their eyes were playing tricks on them.
Jiang Hao swept his gaze over the people standing nearby and said, "I am about to invoke the gods and pray for blessings. Stand solemnly on both sides and do not show any disrespect."
The others were somewhat puzzled when they heard this, but they still did as he said, standing on either side of Jiang Hao. The atmosphere in the courtyard immediately became even more solemn.
Did Jiang Hao have some deeper meaning in doing this?
No.
It just made him seem more impressive.
Sometimes, putting on a good show was important. Really, really important.
"Revered Dao Ancestor above, your disciple Jiang Hao has encountered a plague ravaging the people today. I ask the Dao Ancestor to bestow blessings and ease the suffering of the common folk."
After Jiang Hao finished speaking, he circulated all the spiritual power in his body. He gripped a brush soaked in cinnabar and swiftly drew across the silk cloth. As he drew the talisman, he chanted an incantation under his breath. Before long, a Plague Dispelling Talisman was complete. Jiang Hao took out the Celestial Master Seal and stamped it onto the