"Crack!"
Amid the sound of the jade talisman shattering, a wisp of dark, ghostly light expanded from Little Round's palm, draping everything in the room in a black veil.
The scene within the room began to warp. The tables, chairs, wine, and delicacies all vanished. Plain stone tiles replaced the carpet, a coffered ceiling painted with Buddhas and bodhisattvas replaced the ceiling overhead, and bright candle flames burned in tranquil stillness.
They had arrived in a spacious, brightly lit Buddhist hall, antique and austere.
Almost instinctively, everyone looked toward the Buddha statue that reached all the way to the coffered ceiling. It held a flower and lowered its gaze, clad in gold. At first glance, it looked kind and benevolent, but a viciousness lurked within its half-lidded eyes.
No changes. Everyone murmured to themselves before turning their attention to the figure in green monastic robes seated cross-legged beneath the statue.
Looks like everyone is as afraid as I am that Master Wuhen will lose control. The first thing they do upon entering is check the Buddha statue. Zhang Yuanqing noticed that many more prayer cushions had appeared in the hall—exactly enough for everyone present.
At the front left stood a full-length mirror framed in bronze carvings.
Its surface was completely blurred.
"Amitabha." Master Wuhen's deep voice, strained with pain, echoed through the hall. "Please stand before the mirror. Know your heart, see your nature, and behold your true self."
"Yes, Master!"
Little Round pressed her palms together and bowed. She was the first to walk toward the full-length mirror.
The moment she stood before it, the blurred surface abruptly cleared, reflecting Little Round's appearance.
Her features were delicate, with gentleness hidden in her bright eyes. A smile curved her lips, as though she were full of hope for the future.