Pretending To Be Wounded

After putting some space between themselves and the red leaf forest, the seven of them stopped for a rest. Because they were prepared ahead of time, the red leaf ants, though fierce, did no actual harm to them. Only Madam Feng looked pale as if she had consumed excessive spiritual aura. Perhaps the cultivation technique she used with incense was special. 

Daoist Kumu asked, "Madam Feng, are you alright?" 

Madam Feng swallowed a medicinal pill and shook her head. "I'm fine; it's just that I'm running out of my spiritual aura. I'll be okay after regulating my breaths." 

"Good." Daoist Kumu looked at the others. "Let's take turns adjusting our breaths. There's going to be many dangers ahead, and we need to keep our spiritual aura replenished."

Half a day passed, and all of them finished regulating their breaths at last. They continued to march on. 

After passing a rocky slope, they entered a dark wood.