The man let out a piercing scream as the flame arrow pierced his body, sending him crashing to the ground. A mouthful of blood spurted forth. He writhed on the floor, frantically slapping at the flames engulfing him, yet the fire proved unquenchable. Soon, the sound of charred flesh mingled with his agonized screams echoed throughout the courtyard.
"Who goes there!"
Though the three in the rear courtyard bore wounds, none were fatal. In contrast, Old Predecessor Guo and Old Predecessor Yu lay barely clinging to life, forced to endure. Both had been knocked to the ground, utterly defenseless. Just as the three prepared to finish them off, the messenger who had come to report was consumed by a burst of flames.
"Grandfather Guo!" Yue'er cried out, seeing the old man covered in blood.
Gasping for breath, Old Predecessor Guo lay on the ground, too weak even to respond. His vision was already blurring.
