Joining Forces

"Fellow Daoist Tian, are you certain you understand this Magic Formation? Our lives are at stake. We can't afford to be careless," the elderly scholar asked uneasily.

"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Fang. I've studied Magic Formations. In the Cloud-Drooping Formation, the first change of the Guard Formula shifts from Kun to Zhen, the third change of the Entrapment Formula from Li to Qian, and the fifth change of the Annihilation Formula from Xun to Dui. Is that right?" Shen Luo said with a faint smile.

"Haha! Fellow Daoist Tian truly is well versed in Magic Formations. I'm impressed. In that case, there's no time to lose. Let's go." The elderly scholar paused in surprise, then burst out laughing.

The six of them immediately set off down the passage ahead.

The elderly scholar led the way, moving swiftly through passage after passage. Nearly half a day later, they reached an ordinary stone chamber.

Two passages at the back of the chamber led in other directions, but the elderly scholar ignored them and went straight to a corner.

A black stone protruded from the wall there. Apart from a few dark red marks on its surface, it looked unremarkable.

"This is it. Second Brother, proceed as planned." The elderly scholar studied the stone, excitement showing on his face, then turned to the young man in white.

The young man answered at once and produced a dark red leather pouch. It held some liquid that gave off a pungent smell of blood.

Shen Luo frowned slightly at the sight.

"The path to the rear hall is blocked by a seal inside this black stone. It's called the Blood Yin Seal, and it only appears when blood is poured into it," the elderly scholar explained.

Shen Luo nodded slowly.

The young man tipped the