Chapter 92: When Did Exorcism Talismans Become So Powerful?

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As soon as Zhao Lu and the others entered the passage, they immediately positioned themselves to protect Tang Ailian in the center. Guards surrounded her from all sides, with White Consultant naturally by her side.

Thus, the twenty-eight people were visibly divided into two groups: the fifteen "experts" led by former president Zhang, and the thirteen people centered around Tang Ailian.

The fifteen experts from the Jianghu world considered themselves superior and didn't hold Tang Ailian's group in high regard. They believed that those accompanying Tang Ailian were merely here to monitor them, lacking any real knowledge of Taoist arts or mystical powers. They thought that in a true crisis, they would be nothing more than cannon fodder.

On the other hand, the guards were not particularly fond of Tang Ailian's group due to their previous attitude. However, they decided to ignore their disdain.

Though there was likely no immediate danger in the tomb passage, the darkness created an unsettling feeling of the unknown. Moreover, the ancient tomb felt colder than the outside world in a way that seemed to seep into one's bones.

Tang Ailian sensed this and gripped Zhao Lu's hand tightly, thinking he was comforting her. "Don't worry, this whole passage should be safe. It's when we enter the tomb chamber that things might change," he reassured her. His warm hand in hers provided comfort.

So far, the primary danger they faced in the passage was the presence of Yin energy. Tang Ailian had already taken care of that, so Zhao Lu didn't anticipate too much risk on this trip.

Tang Ailian nodded in agreement and added via her telepathic communication, "Here, even though my eyes can't see, my psychic abilities can sense. So, Brother Lu, please trust me and stay close. Don't wander off too far."

Zhao Lu paused for a moment, then smiled. "You know telepathy, and you're a night-vision expert here? Maybe you're even safer than I am." He felt a bit relieved hearing this.

After Tang Ailian's comment, someone expressed impatience. "I've said it before; this isn't a market. It could be dangerous. Bringing a child along only adds a burden."

It was the female Daoist from Maoshan Mountain who had spoken.

Seeing that Tang Ailian and Zhao Lu remained silent, she continued, "This passage might be fine, but once we're inside the tomb chamber, who knows what dangers we'll face? They won't be able to protect themselves."

"That's right, in a crisis, if you can't even take care of yourself, who will look after you?" added Zhang Tian Master.

Former president Zhang also chimed in, "Once we're inside, everyone must follow orders. Especially you guards, don't make rash moves. Some things can't be dealt with just because you have wooden cudgels."

This meant they would follow his orders, right?

He was right, though. If there were any entities inside the ancient tomb, they were most likely malevolent, and the guards' brute strength might not be sufficient. People from the Jianghu world were more experienced in such matters.

Yue Hao nodded and said, "We'll follow Captain Zhao's lead."

Shang Jiang added, "We'll listen to Captain Zhao."

Several flashlights were pointed in Zhao Lu's direction, suggesting they would heed his advice. After a moment of consideration, Zhao Lu said, "Our primary mission is to protect Tang Xiaoyi. Listen to her."

What? Listen to that little kid? Did this mean the guards would no longer follow their commands?

Former president Zhang was displeased but also a bit wary of Tang Ailian. A five or six-year-old girl making these grown men listen to her was extraordinary. He had underestimated her earlier.

However, she was still just a young girl. With some persuasion, they could regain control of the situation. That might actually be more advantageous.

"Little Tang, you're very young, and there's a lot you don't understand. Stick close to me once we're inside," former president Zhang offered.

"Thank you, but I'll stay with White Consultant," Tang Ailian replied.

Former president Zhang snorted but didn't press further.

He was somewhat wary of White Consultant, not only because of his close ties to the authorities but also due to his reputation as a fortune teller with a significant following overseas.

Even though they had entered the passage halfway up the mountain, they had been descending all along. After a while, they sensed a slight increase in humidity and a growing intensity of Yin energy.

While the Yin energy was dense around them, it couldn't enter their bodies, so they felt somewhat relieved. The Revival Soup they had consumed before entering seemed to be working.

Because of this, people began to think differently about Tang Ailian, realizing that her presence wasn't such a burden after all.

Suddenly, the female Daoist from Maoshan Mountain pointed at Yue Hao and the others. "What are you all wearing?"

The experts from the Jianghu world turned their attention to the guards, who were surrounded by a faint golden glow, repelling the Yin energy.

These "experts" in the occult could tell that the guards must be wearing some powerful protective items. No wonder the factory director had sent them in to monitor them – they had items capable of warding off malevolent forces.

These experts' eyes sparkled with curiosity.

However, such powerful protective items were rare. How could each person have one?

Tang Ailian found their reactions odd. Since they were experts in the occult, shouldn't they recognize exorcism talismans? She thought, "They're just using exorcism talismans. What's so surprising about that?"

Tang Ailian didn't realize that when others drew talismans, they relied on their own spiritual energy, which was limited. In contrast, she used ancient shamanic techniques that harnessed the power of nature. The energy infused into her talismans was practically boundless, constantly absorbing natural energy to function.

"Exorcism talismans? Since when did exorcism talismans have such powerful effects?" exclaimed the Daoist from Maoshan Mountain. As a practitioner of Taoist magic, she was astounded because she had never seen exorcism talismans with such potent effects.

(The End of Chapter 92)