After I asked that question.
Old Mo beside me also nodded slightly.
Both of us were quite aware of our martial uncle's strength and cultivation.
But today's situation was clearly an over-performance from our martial uncle.
Moreover, it was an over-performance by a significant margin, which was obviously different.
We both looked at our martial uncle with doubt, wanting to get his answer.
Martial Uncle took a deep breath and smiled strangely:
"It must be that medicinal wine!"
"Medicinal wine?"
My martial uncle and I said in unison, both looking surprised and a little confused.
I then recalled the scene from earlier that day when Martial Uncle was preparing the wine for himself.
Maca, Cynomorium, Velvet Antler, Epimedium...
All of them were potent traditional Chinese herbs for boosting male vitality and nourishing men.
"Martial Uncle, is it that aphrodisiac wine you made?"
I asked with surprise.
Martial Uncle nodded slightly:
"Yes! Besides these, I also added a bit of purple bone vine powder to the wine.
And several treasured pills I've kept for years.
I also tempered it with Taoist energy for an hour.
I didn't expect the effect to be so good.
What's more, after performing the 'Invoking Spirit' technique, I unexpectedly discovered that it could enhance the spell's effect, substitute for my own vital blood, and unleash strength beyond my normal capabilities.
It's just, just that the after-effects.
They seem, seem to have become much more severe..."
As he spoke, Martial Uncle kept panting.
He looked very, very tired.
It should be known that in the past, when Martial Uncle performed the 'Invoking Spirit' technique, if the battle could be resolved within twenty minutes.
Besides a slight panting, it generally did not affect his normal speech or activities.
But this time, Martial Uncle's appearance to the end lasted only five minutes.
Yet, it left him so exhausted, drenched in cold sweat.
It could be seen that the extraordinary release of power had caused great depletion and exhaustion to Martial Uncle himself.
Hearing this, Old Mo and I finally understood the reason.
Looking at Martial Uncle's body, besides the cold sweat, his face was still flushed, and his vital energy was surging intensely.
"Martial Uncle, you should take a moment to regulate your breathing first."
"That medicinal wine is too potent, Master. You shouldn't drink it anymore; I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it."
As soon as Old Mo finished speaking.
He was slapped by Martial Uncle:
"What do you mean I can't handle it? Your master is in excellent health..."
Old Mo rubbed his head, not daring to retort, looking wronged.
I held back my laughter and stayed there for a while.
Then Martial Uncle asked me and Old Mo to leave.
He told us not to reveal his condition upon returning, and to say that he was meditating and to ask everyone to wait.
After that, we left the bamboo forest.
The fire was still burning, and the corpse cat's body had been burnt, smelling extremely foul.
Black smoke billowed.
As we were waiting for Martial Uncle, Master Yun Qing looked at Old Mo and me, smilingly saying:
"The younger generation is to be feared. Both of you are doing very well.
With the alliance meeting approaching, you should exchange more with the young people from various sects.
In the future, you will surely be able to go far on this path..."
We had heard before that Yunxia Gu and her companions had come to invite Martial Uncle to the Taoist Alliance meeting held every five years.
Now, hearing "alliance meeting" again, Old Mo and I became curious.
"Senior Yun Qing, what kind of grand occasion is this alliance meeting?"
"Senior, is it like the martial arts assembly described in wuxia novels?"
We both asked.
Master Yun Qing chuckled a few times:
"Something like that!
The alliance meeting held every five years has continued to this day.
Each convening is a grand event for the Taoist orthodox cultivation world.
Now in the internet age, this biennial alliance meeting has become even more lively.
Various sects and factions, and even fellow cultivators from around the world, will come to participate.
Everyone can exchange ideas, trade magical artifacts, and jointly discuss major matters of eradicating evil in the world.
In short, it's very exciting..."
Hearing this, Old Mo and I felt a sense of anticipation.
Having entered this circle, naturally, we wanted to attend its biggest gathering.
Old Mo asked excitedly:
"Senior Yun Qing, when will the alliance meeting be held?"
"The fifteenth of next month, at Mount Wudang, within the Wudang Sect."
Master Yun Qing replied.
Hearing it was the Wudang Sect, both Old Mo and I became solemn and respectful.
The Wudang Sect had a long heritage, rumored to be the place where the True Warrior Emperor ascended.
It was a place of abundant talent and spiritual energy, a blessed land.
And it was also heard that the current leader of the Taoist Alliance was from the Wudang Sect.
"I want to go, but I don't know if Master will agree."
Old Mo murmured to himself.
Unexpectedly, Yunxia Gu beside him chimed in:
"He will agree. The Taoist Alliance's invitation this time is sincere.
Besides the alliance exchanges, the main purpose is to discuss the matters of the Black Demon Cult, the Longevity Society, and the Netherworld Cult, the three evil sects that have been causing chaos in the martial world."
Hearing Yunxia Gu say this, I frowned slightly.
It seemed that this Taoist Alliance meeting was not a simple gathering.
It also had its principles and objectives.
Thinking of this, Martial Uncle finally finished resting and walked over from a distance.
"My apologies, I had a stomach upset last night."
Martial Uncle said nonchalantly, appearing as if nothing was wrong.
On the surface, there was no sign of any discomfort in Martial Uncle.
Only Old Mo and I knew that Martial Uncle was trying to maintain his composure.
"It's nothing.
Brother Huxiao, the past deeds of the Black Demon Palace were renowned throughout the land.
This time, my junior sister Yunxia and I, entrusted by the Taoist Alliance,
Have come specifically to invite you to the alliance meeting on the fifteenth of next month to jointly discuss dealing with the three evil cults."
Martial Uncle was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.
Then he said:
"Alright!
I've rested enough over the years.
It's a good opportunity to take these two brats out into the martial world, to broaden their horizons..."