Wang Cheng’an’s mouth quivered, and he burst into tears. Sobbing, he shouted, “Yaya, save me—wah—” His cries shook the heavens, yet despite being so close to Wang Ya, he didn’t dare take a single step.
Wang Ya frowned and said, “Dad, stop crying. I’ll find a way to get you all out.” With her father protected by the Big Dipper Seven Stars Formation, escaping alone wouldn’t be hard, but taking Old Tang and Huang Qi with him was the challenge. She didn’t ask why they’d dismantled the bracelet woven from the Ghost Collecting Bell and Ancient Copper Coins to form the array. Wearing it as a bracelet protected only Wang Cheng’an; laid out as a formation, it could temporarily shield all three. But it was only temporary—they were surrounded by these roots and ghost monsters, trapped to death here.
Wang Ya knew these roots were just the tip of the iceberg. Soaked in thick Yin Qi, these plants that had grown by devouring animals and developed demonic aura after unknown years were no ordinary things. Looking at the impenetrable Ghost Shadows filling the air, she had no doubt about the peril. She figured these demonic ghosts weren’t attacking her because of the demonic power and Demonic Aura of the Yellow Springs Other Shore Flower Demon within her, just like those winged monsters on the plank road earlier.
Wang Ya handed the talismans in her hand to Wang Cheng’an. “Each of you take two ancient bronze coins for protection. Huang Qi, take an extra one. Dad, hold these talismans. If any demons or ghosts attack, strike them down with the talismans.”
Wang Cheng’an wiped the tears from his face, said “Oh,” and took the talismans from Wang Ya.
Wang Ya pinched the Yellow Springs Other Shore Flower Seal in readiness, watching as Old Tang and the others reached for the ancient bronze coins laid out in the formation.
As the Big Dipper Seven Stars Formation was dismantled, the Supreme Yang Astral Qi dissipated into nothingness, leaving only faint scorching Yang Gang Qi emanating from each coin. The surrounding Plant Roots and the dense Ghost Shadows in the air immediately went berserk, lunging toward the three.
In an instant, yin wind raged, demonic aura surged, and killing intent enveloped them. Their vision was blocked by the overwhelming demons and ghosts, and Wang Ya, who had been so close, vanished from sight.
Old Tang cried out in horror and alarm: “We’ve been tricked—reform the array!”
Just as Old Tang’s voice rang out, the glow of a Vermilion Bird Burns Evil Talisman erupted, illuminating the darkness before them. Sheets of White Tiger Evil-Breaking Talismans flew out, with White Tigers formed from talisman patterns pouncing in all directions.
Wang Ya’s voice sounded: “Follow me and charge out!” Her hands formed seals, blasting toward the oncoming demons, roots, and evils.
Wang Cheng’an hurled the thick stack of talismans like throwing away scrap paper. Sky and ground alike blazed with the power of burning Vermilion Bird Burns Evil Talismans, while White Tiger talisman lights surged outward with unmatched ferocity.
Wang Ya, clearing the path ahead, suddenly felt a pang of panic from the surging talisman pattern forces—as if they were aimed at her. Sensing the approaching danger, she didn’t hesitate and bolted outward. These talismans specialized in subduing demons and evils! With Wang Cheng’an throwing them all out indiscriminately, Wang Ya truly feared friendly fire. After all, her Demonic Aura outweighed her human qi, as evidenced by her reaction to the Big Dipper Seven Stars Formation.
Wang Ya moved like lightning, with Wang Cheng’an and Old Tang charging swiftly behind.
The cave filled with the strangling power of talisman patterns. Screams and shrieks echoed throughout, who knew how many ghosts and evils met their end.
Wang Ya burst out of the cave in one breath, not stopping until she reached the steps outside. Only then did she look back in lingering shock. She didn’t think these talisman forces could kill her, but she had no doubt they would severely injure her. In this moment, Wang Ya couldn’t help but ask herself: “Am I human or demon?”
Wang Cheng’an ran the fastest, bursting out first.
Old Tang and Huang Qi followed close behind.
But trailing them was a Green Shadow that charged out too! It nearly collided with Zhang Qingshui waiting at the entrance, but at the last instant, it rebounded as if hitting a glass door.
Old Tang, Wang Cheng’an, and Huang Qi rushed up the steps and looked back in shock. Old Tang, pale-faced, asked, “What was chasing us?”
Huang Qi collapsed to the ground, trembling all over, murmuring, “Did we escape?”
Zhang Qingshui had been scared back several steps by the charging Green Shadow. She thrust her Azure Dragon Vine forward defensively, staring warily into the cave. When the rebounding Green Shadow reappeared less than a meter from the arched gate, she retreated to the steps as well.
The Green Shadow halted just below the arched gate, less than a foot away.
Everyone finally saw its appearance clearly.
Wang Ya, upon seeing its form, instinctively wanted to slap it with a White Tiger Evil-Breaking Seal. Its body seemed composed of countless barbed Plant Roots, topped with an Evil Ghost-like head—green-faced with fangs, hideous and ferocious. Roots at its feet and behind it surged like octopus tentacles, rolling toward the entrance. Amid them, pale bones and countless Ghost Shadows struggled in agony, each ghost shadow tethered to a root. The Ghost Shadows reached out toward them in pain, as if begging for rescue—or to drag them into the roots.
Wang Ya thought of “puppets.” These plants devoured those who fell here, then controlled their souls, trapping them forever without release.
