Chapter Nineteen: The Spirit-Sealing Array
“If she is not from the Wuhou Kingdom, then her origins warrant closer scrutiny. Beyond the Wuhou Kingdom, the power dynamics are intricate and entangled. If she comes from another faction, she likely has ulterior motives.”
A flicker of caution flashed in Chen Hu’s eyes.
Bai Huaiwu nodded, speaking with a casual tone:
“When I first encountered Chu Yao of the Southern Gate, it was in an alley where she was fighting a stray dog over a steamed bun.”
Bai Huaiwu sipped his tea and continued:
“Later, I brought her back to the Bai Residence to serve as a personal maid to the former Eighth Prince. It was during the period when we suspected the Eighth Prince had been possessed that I noticed the girl showed some talent in martial arts. So, I arranged for her to participate in that examination.”
...
The next morning, Star Feather Sect was bustling with activity. Disciples practiced their morning exercises as usual, sword qi streaked across the training ground, and spiritual energy fluctuated rhythmically. Bai Jingyan stood among the crowd, his gaze steady as he swung his long sword, the sword qi forming a radiant arc that drew admiring glances from nearby disciples.
After the morning practice, Wu Yaoqing gathered all the outer sect disciples to announce a new arrangement: “Recently, the sect has been busy with many affairs. To ensure safety, from today onwards, all disciples will take turns standing night watch. Group leaders will organize the watch shifts.”
Just then, a slightly plump, smiling middle-aged man approached. Dressed in the attire of an outer sect elder, he was the newly arrived elder Sun Fuyou. Sun Fuyou nodded happily at Wu Yaoqing, then addressed the disciples: “Everyone, the night watch is crucial to the sect’s security. Please take it seriously. Report any abnormalities immediately.”
As the third group leader, Bai Jingyan swiftly assigned the night watch duties within his group. Chu Yao of the Southern Gate was assigned to the same shift. The two exchanged a glance, understanding each other without words.
...
Under the deep night, Star Feather Sect was quiet. Bai Jingyan, Chu Yao, and another young disciple named Li Qing patrolled the sect’s small paths together on their night watch. Moonlight draped over them, casting three slender shadows.
Suddenly, Li Qing stopped, eyes alert, whispering: “Senior Brother Bai, Senior Sister Chu, look over there... is that something?”
Following his gaze, Bai Jingyan and Chu Yao saw a complex formation etched into the ground not far ahead. At its center lay a crystal-clear spirit stone, surrounded by densely inscribed runes emitting a faint, eerie glow.
“A... Spirit Lock Formation?” Bai Jingyan murmured, surprise flickering in his eyes.
...
Bai Jingyan thought to himself, “Yes, it’s a Spirit Lock Formation. Such a formation can seal the flow of spiritual energy within its range, even suppress the cultivation of practitioners. The sect setting this up here clearly has other intentions.”
Li Qing frowned, unease coloring his voice: “Senior Brother Bai, should we report this to the elders immediately?”
Chu Yao glanced at Bai Jingyan but said nothing. After a moment’s contemplation, Bai Jingyan spoke slowly: “Li Qing, this matter is significant. Reporting rashly might alert the enemy. I will inform Elder Wu discreetly and have him investigate. For now, don’t make a fuss to avoid unnecessary trouble.”
Li Qing nodded, still somewhat doubtful but trusting Bai Jingyan’s judgment: “You’re right, Senior Brother Bai. I didn’t think this through. We will follow your plan.”
Bai Jingyan patted Li Qing’s shoulder reassuringly: “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. You and Senior Sister Chu continue patrolling; I’ll go find Elder Wu.”
Li Qing responded with a nod and resumed patrol with Chu Yao. Bai Jingyan watched them leave before quickly heading to Wu Yaoqing’s residence.
...
Wu Yaoqing’s residence was in a secluded corner of the sect. Bai Jingyan arrived smoothly and knocked softly. After a moment, the door opened, and Wu Yaoqing stood there, eyes tinged with curiosity: “Bai Jingyan, it’s late. What’s the matter?”
Bai Jingyan nodded and lowered his voice: “Elder Wu, I have something important to report.”
Wu Yaoqing stepped aside to let him in. Bai Jingyan entered and closed the door behind him. Candlelight flickered inside, casting shadows over their serious faces.
“What’s so urgent?” Wu Yaoqing asked.
Bai Jingyan took a deep breath and said slowly: “While on night watch with Chu Yao and Li Qing, we discovered a Spirit Lock Formation set up in the forest.”
“A Spirit Lock Formation?” Wu Yaoqing frowned, surprise flashing in his eyes. “Are you sure?”
Bai Jingyan nodded firmly: “Yes, I saw it with my own eyes. Star Feather Sect must be plotting something significant. I suspect their target is not just the Wuhou Kingdom.”
Wu Yaoqing pondered for a moment, voice laden with meaning: “Your judgment is accurate. The appearance of a Spirit Lock Formation means Star Feather Sect’s plan has entered a critical phase. We must act cautiously to avoid alerting them.”
Bai Jingyan nodded silently: “Elder Wu, I’ve told Li Qing to keep this quiet for now. How should we proceed?”
...
Wu Yaoqing considered carefully, then said slowly: “I will investigate the formation’s range and purpose covertly. You continue to monitor Star Feather Sect’s movements. Report any abnormalities to me immediately.”
Bai Jingyan nodded solemnly: “Rest assured, Elder Wu, I will act with caution.”
Wu Yaoqing patted Bai Jingyan’s shoulder with approval: “Well done. We must expose Star Feather Sect’s conspiracy quickly to prevent a greater crisis.”
Bai Jingyan’s eyes gleamed with resolve: “I understand, Elder Wu. No matter how dangerous the path ahead, I will not back down.”
...
After leaving Wu Yaoqing’s residence, Bai Jingyan quickly returned to the night watch post. Chu Yao and Li Qing were waiting. Chu Yao whispered, “Brother Jingyan, what did Elder Wu say?”
Bai Jingyan replied softly, “Elder Wu knows. He will investigate secretly. For now, we keep quiet and continue our watch.”
Chu Yao nodded, still harboring doubts but trusting Bai Jingyan’s decision. Li Qing glanced at Bai Jingyan, worry flickering in his eyes but remaining silent.
“This formation seems to be just a prototype; otherwise, we wouldn’t have approached so easily,” Bai Jingyan thought.
If it were a genuine Spirit Lock Formation, the formation’s core would be far more than a simple spirit stone.
Moreover, if that’s the case, the person behind this formation must have established it not only in the outer sect but also have the ability to move freely between the inner and outer sects. Their rank must be at least that of an inner sect disciple or higher!