The remaining few also focused their attention there, watching the radiance shift constantly, stroke by stroke condensing into shape. They were clearly individual brushstrokes, which ultimately formed the two characters: "Nine Palaces."
Yet the spiritual resonance within those two characters was not something ordinary people could withstand. Even cultivators found it difficult to bear the many transformations within them. The youngest among them in particular let out a muffled groan, his body swaying as though he were about to collapse.
At that moment, the hand seals of the mirror-bearer changed in rapid succession, and the strokes formed by the radiance immediately dimmed considerably. Then they heard him say, "Now! Seize the chance, each hold one position, and form the array!"
As soon as his words fell, the others all responded. Even the youngest one forcibly endured his discomfort, circulated his blood and strength, flipped through the air, and landed in position.
At once, the five stood in separate directions, equally spaced apart. Each formed different hand seals, their muscles and bones trembling as they poured their blood into the seals in their hands.
Dust flew beneath the five of them, while ripples spread across the ground, connecting with one another, their auras joining. Even their strength and blood showed signs of merging!
Seeing this, the leader knew the moment had come. Thoughts turning in his mind, he murmured a subtle incantation, like a person talking in his sleep, then tossed the bronze mirror into the air!
Whoosh!
After rising into the air, the bronze mirror did not fall back down. The reverse side bore a relief carving, clearly resembling moonlight and merging with the moonlight itself. Its front surface shifted with color, releasing wisps of moonlight that fell upon the ground.
The next moment, all five gave a low shout.