Only when a crystalline teardrop flowed from Guzhen's left eye, slowly traced across his somewhat rough face, and gathered at his chin did Xiao Hua's suspicions finally vanish completely. Xiao Hua truly had not dared to believe a Buddhist sect disciple who cultivated to serve as a guardian—Han Zhu had been a typical example. Yet Guzhen's genuine feelings had been laid bare. The story of his missing younger brother was probably true, and his purpose in entering the formation was therefore only natural.
Guzhen's chanting was gentle and sorrowful, utterly unlike the sutras ordinary monks recited while conducting rites. Xin Xin and Ci Hui also felt desolate within their hearts and stood there silently. At this moment, Xin Xin did not urge Guzhen to hurry. Instead, she repeatedly examined the ice wall covered in white bones. She knew that before it had frozen over, this ice wall must have been the formation's water curtain. Since these bones had not rushed into the Sage River but had remained within the water curtain, they must have been imprisoned. She feared that Guzhen's power of faith might stir the bones and trigger the restriction.
Fortunately, after half an incense stick's time, Guzhen's voice gradually fell silent, and the ice sealing around the bones did not change in the slightest. Only then did Xin Xin let out a long breath! Guzhen also breathed a sigh of relief. Having finished reciting the Rebirth Mantra, he rose to his full height and chanted "Amitabha" nine times in succession. It was as though he had laid down a burden weighing a thousand jin, and a trace of life returned to his eyes, which had previously brimmed with Baleful Intent.
"Congratulations, Master Guzhen, on resolving the knot in your heart," Xin Xin said with a smile.
"Many thanks