Chapter 6, The Master of Hidden Revelation

As I slightly turned my head, the yellow cloth tent was already in the distance. It seemed that I had been moved out from under the cover of the yellow cloth. Yet, the objects on the yellow cloth, resembling both characters and paintings, were still emitting a faint red glow. At that moment, I felt an inexplicable surge of deep fear within me, and I clearly understood that I was actually afraid of the things depicted on the yellow cloth. Why was this the case?

Having finished speaking, Mr. Wu put down his hands and made a helpless expression, at which point everyone in the room was thrown into a state of panic

"Mr. Wu! How is the situation? Have you thought of a solution yet?" Uncle Zhou's voice came anxiously from a distance. Soon after, Uncle Zhou approached Mr. Wu and noticed some gray marks on his face. He was momentarily taken aback but did not dwell on it, tears streaming down his face. "That child, Xiuchao, has been sitting dazed on the bed since she was rescued this morning, and she hasn't eaten a single bite yet. If the child in her womb is still there, then... then it will surely be detrimental to the baby sooner or later. Alas..."

Tianshi Seal ... ... malevolent energy. ... ... What are these things? Also, what did Mr. Wu mention earlier about the turtle blood nail? I do not understand any of this, and I cannot comprehend it further. From Mr. Wu's words, I can only gather that my current situation is a result of his carelessness. To put it plainly, I see that he has been flipping through that old book for the past two days, indicating that he is not very skilled with these matters; otherwise, he would not keep making mistakes.

Mr. Wu pointed at the yellow cloth, resembling a small tent, and said solemnly: "Old Zhou and the books, this matter may become increasingly serious, so I believe it is time to tell you some things!"

Seeing him so frustrated, I found it inappropriate to continue. Once his breath calmed down, I told Mr. Wu, "Fortune teller, what is it that you drew on that yellow cloth? Why does it emit a red glow? I feel as if that red light is going to kill me"

I woke up again, and the excruciating pain throughout my body made it impossible for me to breathe deeply. With each inhalation and exhalation, if I exerted even a little more strength, not only did my head feel like it was splitting, but every limb in my body was also in extraordinary pain. Although I felt very uncomfortable holding my breath, I could only breathe cautiously.

I know where Mr. Yang is! I suddenly recalled what Mr. Yang said before he left: if I couldn't hold on, I should go south to find him. Therefore, the south he mentioned should not be far away.

"Why? Isn't there the Heavenly Master Seal assigned by the great master here? Can it not be maintained for even a month?" Uncle Zhou asked excitedly

A voice that was extremely familiar emerged from the charcoal-like face, and it surprisingly belonged to Mr. Wu: "What are you making such a fuss about! If I hadn't pulled you out, my altar wouldn't have exploded, and my face wouldn't have ended up like this!"

It turns out to be Mr. Wu, whose words are filled with a strong sense of complaint. It seems that something must have happened during the time I was unconscious!

Mr. Wu let out a sigh and said: "The Tortoise Blood Nail can only be deciphered by a true disciple of the Maoshan lineage. However, due to the gradual decline of the Maoshan sect over the past few centuries, multiple factions have emerged. Currently, only two major branches of the authentic Maoshan disciples can resolve this situation, namely the Exoteric and Esoteric sects, which are vying for the strongest position within the Maoshan orthodoxy. It is rumored that the Exoteric sect leader, Gu Tan, is in seclusion at Maoshan, while the Esoteric master, Yang Yuanshan, remains hidden from the world, having traveled extensively across the land for many years. To see his esteemed face, one must rely on fate. Apart from these two individuals, no one else can decipher the Tortoise Blood Nail. However... if we were to rush to Maoshan to invite Master Gu Tan, it would likely take at least a month. Even if we manage to invite Master Gu Tan or Mr. Yang Yuanshan, the Tortoise Blood Nail... if we were to rush to Maoshan to invite Master Gu Tan, it would likely take at least a month. Even if we manage to invite Master Gu Tan or Mr. Yang Yuanshan, the Tortoise Blood Nail... but time waits for no one!"

Mr. Wu's eyes nearly popped out as he unusually came to my side, grabbing my hand and shaking it, saying: "Chuqii, did you really see Mr. Yang? It turns out he has already been here, it turns out... Hahaha! Old Zhou, your family is saved! By the way, Chuqii, where is Mr. Yang now? Why didn't you keep him here?"

"Sir, which two individuals are you referring to? May we invite them?" Uncle Zhou's face turned as pale as death, and he became even more respectful towards Mr. Wu.

Mr. Wu Da, upon seeing Yang Yuanshan, immediately became excited and clasped his fists, saying: "Indeed, it is Master Yang of the Maoshan Esoteric Sect. Master Yang, it is truly wonderful that you could come!"

No need to search any longer, fellow villagers, I apologize for keeping you waiting for so long. Suddenly, the voice of the middle-aged man from last night slowly echoed behind Mr. Wu Da.

As Mr. Wu Da said, I looked up at the sunlight, and it was surprisingly not the usual glaring brightness, but a blood-like red, almost deep crimson. I hurriedly glanced at other things, including the leaves, flowers, and the clothes worn by the people around me, all of which were strikingly red, glaringly red, and red to the point of instilling fear. I gradually felt goosebumps all over my body and hurriedly averted my gaze

Mr. Wu pointed at me and loudly criticized, "You! You are more of a hindrance than a help! If it weren't for Mr. Yang's rescue, the Zhou family would have faced a great disaster!"

Mr. Wu took out a white handkerchief and kept wiping the black smudges off his face. When he heard me finish speaking, he suddenly stopped, looked at me deeply for a moment, then turned his face away and abruptly said: "Because your eyes are about to turn into blood beads, don't you see that everything looks red to you!"

There is no need to elaborate further, as everyone can guess the rest, but I still listened attentively. Mr. Wu paused for a moment and then said: "The world is filled with treacherous charlatans, and what evil deeds will they not commit in order to earn ill-gotten gains? What could originally be a sharp weapon used for righteous purposes to dispel evil, in the hands of wicked individuals, naturally becomes a tool for harm. The making of the tortoise blood nail is quite simple; if the power is relatively small, it only requires soaking in tortoise blood for forty-nine days, followed by reciting incantations for empowerment. However, the method to break it is elusive and insubstantial. Unless there are two individuals capable of breaking it, as for me... sigh! I can only reach this level as depicted in the *Illustrated Book*... sigh! I can only reach this level as depicted in the *Illustrated Book*..."

Uncle Zhou Er immediately nodded and said, "It's already this late, if the esteemed gentleman has something to say, please speak plainly!"

As that person approached, I recognized him at once as Mr. Yang whom I had encountered last night. I noticed that Mr. Yang was holding a small cloth bag made of coarse fabric, which had a black and white yin-yang fish design on it. This... I did not see him holding it last night.

Mr. Wu and Uncle Zhou both looked pleased at the same time and asked, "Where is Mr. Yang now?"

Mr. Wu immediately stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the coffin of Old Master Zhou, resembling a wise and esteemed figure. Although still covered in dust and dirt, he exuded a unique charm. After a moment of contemplation, Mr. Wu spoke: "I have read about the 'Turtle Blood Nails' in the 'Xuan Yi Method.' The nine-nail coffin was referred to as a forbidden technique in ancient Taoist circles, for any family whose head is placed in a nine-nail coffin will inevitably face separation and disaster within seven days, leading to the destruction of their family. Whether it be wandering sorcerers, loose practitioners, or esteemed figures from orthodox Taoist sects, all avoid such forbidden techniques, as they are exceedingly malevolent. If one cannot break the spell, they will suffer a backlash, not only amplifying the power of the technique but also significantly shortening the lifespan of the one attempting to break it, even... sigh. It is said that later, a master from the Maoshan sect, based on one of the eight treasures of Maoshan, the 'Shangqing Dading Secret Scrolls,' fed the four-inch and nine-tenths nails with the blood of a spiritual turtle, thus becoming known as 'Turtle Blood Nails.' From then on, Turtle Blood Nails became a powerful tool for slaying demons and subduing evil spirits, driving away calamities. However... sigh. It is said that later, a master from the Maoshan sect, based on one of the eight treasures of Maoshan, the 'Shangqing Dading Secret Scrolls,' fed the four-inch and nine-tenths nails with the blood of a spiritual turtle, thus becoming known as 'Turtle Blood Nails.' From then on, Turtle Blood Nails became a powerful tool for slaying demons and subduing evil spirits, driving away calamities, but..."

Ah! Hoo~~ Hoo~~ Suddenly, a face as black as coal, emitting black smoke, looked at me. In a moment of panic, I couldn't help but scream, followed by excruciating pain throughout my body that made it impossible for me to breathe. I could only gasp softly.

Mr. Wu glanced at my expression and seemed to understand that I had verified his words. He sighed deeply and said: "On the seventh day of the first month, I originally thought that the Tianshi seal I drew according to the book could temporarily suppress the ferocity of the Turtle Blood Nail, and even the malevolent energy within your body could be subdued. However, I did not expect... Although the malevolent energy around the Turtle Blood Nail was somewhat suppressed, it all entered your body. This was my momentary oversight. I should have realized that a coffin is lifeless, while a person is alive. With each breath you took, you inhaled all the malevolent energy surrounding the coffin into your body, and now the malevolent energy within you has increased. Alas..."

Mr. Wu shook his head repeatedly and sighed helplessly, saying: "It is difficult, very difficult..."

Recalling the words of that person from last night, he immediately discerned my unfortunate fate, exhibiting the same fortune-telling demeanor as Mr. Wu. Coupled with what Mr. Wu had said, it now evokes a sense of the ethereal and transcendent as described by the elders. No wonder such a gaunt figure exuded an air of vitality; it seems that this person must indeed be the so-called Master Yang Yuanshan mentioned by Mr. Wu.

Yang Yuanshan ... ... Is his surname Yang? Mr. Yang? ! Could it be ... ... '' I suddenly widened my eyes and exclaimed urgently: `` Uncle Zhou, I have met Mr. Yang! ''

I... I didn't recognize him as a master at that time; I thought he was just passing by on a dark road. I lowered my head shyly and muttered.