In a secluded courtyard within the Market Ward, everyone looked expectantly at the three disciples of the Incense Accumulation Sect.
They were all people who had believed the three disciples' claims and come here to appreciate the Fragrance of Wisdom.
Now that the money had been paid and everyone had arrived, all that remained was for the disciples to fulfill their promise, display the Fragrance of Wisdom, and bestow an opportunity.
The local power brokers, who were also senior figures in this Market Ward, looked rather expectant as well. "Fellow Daoists, if there is nothing else, please begin as soon as possible."
"Indeed, we all intend to broaden our horizons."
"Of course. We won't keep you waiting."
Having spoken, the three Incense Path Disciples immediately had everyone sit in the hall, while they went into the courtyard and performed a shamanic dance together, chanting praises aloud: "The Old Ancestor passes down renowned incense, bestowing blessings upon his disciples. We recite the mantras of the Curse Arts, raising our petitions in reverence amid curling smoke..."
"Heaven, grant your blessing; earth, grant your blessing. True Lord, Old Ancestor, manifest your presence. We bow and beseech the Old Ancestor to descend in divine form..."
Thin smoke curled up out of nowhere, and a deep fragrance resonated with heaven and earth. As a strange, mind-clearing scent spread, everyone's consciousness was drawn along, as though ascending straight to the gates of heaven.
There were the Cloud Firmament Palace, peach-blossom jade maidens, palaces and towers, and divine hosts of the Immortal Dao. For a time, they felt buoyant enough to become immortals, without knowing why.
None of them had imagined that the Fragrance of Wisdom these disciples brought would manifest in such a way. Before they knew it, their souls seemed to slip into dreams, drawn