"Boom...!"
Outside the Inner Court of the Qingyao Jade Mansion, a cloud of gray mist enveloped the entire Inner Court, including Xu Taiping's Dragon-Trapping Tower, amid a succession of Qi Explosions.
Hovering on her sword, Qu Chao Ci glanced down at the Grand Formation below and immediately let out a long breath. Then she turned to Fairy Xiahou beside her with a smile and said:
"Fairy Xiahou, your formation-laying skills truly are remarkable. In less than an incense stick's time, you've laid down such an intricate Grand Formation."
Xiahou You smiled at Qu Chao Ci and said:
"Much of the credit goes to those magic artifacts of yours, Fairy Chao Ci. If I'd used only low-grade magic artifacts, it would have taken at least another incense stick's time."
Qu Chao Ci smiled and said:
"You're too modest, Fairy Xiahou."
Qu Chao Ci knew perfectly well how much help those few magic artifacts of hers could offer.
"Boom...!"
Just then, another Qi Explosion suddenly sounded far away on the outskirts of the Qingyao Jade Mansion.
Both women looked toward the sound and saw another pillar of light blaze into the sky from the mansion's outskirts.
Upon making out that pillar of light, Qu Chao Ci's face lit up with delight.
"It looks like Fellow Daoist Qingzhu is nearly done over there too!"
Xiahou You also nodded with delight on her face.
Then she swept her gaze around once more and continued:
"Seven of the twelve formation nodes of the Qingyao Jade Mansion's Grand Formation restrictions have now been activated. They should all be activated in another half an incense stick's time."
Qu Chao Ci nodded repeatedly, then looked toward the Inner Court and said:
"I remember you saying there were three more formation nodes in the Inner Court, Fairy Xiahou?"
Xiahou