Inside Zhao Family Village, doors and windows were shut tight, the lanes lay empty, and even the sounds of chickens and dogs were nowhere to be heard.
Though it was broad daylight, an icy chill permeated the village. Branches and leaves swayed gently in the sinister wind, their rustling making this village all the more silent.
More than ten young martial heroes entered Zhao Family Village. Mingzhu, who led them, saw a faint mist rising all around and knew their plan had already been exposed. They had received news of Yellow Springs Dao, and Yellow Springs Dao had received news of them as well.
Mingzhu was not surprised in the slightest. With dozens of people involved, it would have been strange if not a word had leaked.
Everything was within the plan. They only needed to proceed steadily and surely.
Suddenly, a sinister wind swept in, accompanied by a succession of resentful wails from vicious ghosts. The tightly shut doors and windows opened one after another. There was cooking smoke, people walking about, and children laughing as they chased and played. The deathly silent village came alive.
"Evil ghosts cloud the eyes. There are many fierce ghosts here, so everyone, be extra careful. Do not let them deceive you."
Mingzhu pressed his palms together and chanted Buddhist sutras to guard his spiritual platform. A faint golden light cleaved forth from his body, dispersing the surrounding mist and chill, making the ghosts and specters afraid to approach.
Some sharp-eyed young martial heroes who knew their stuff recognized that they had stepped into an array set up by Yellow Springs Dao disciples. Following the array-breaking methods taught by their sects, they silently recited formulas and trod their footwork. After a few turns, they vanished from sight.
Soon after came a pained, furious