But Owl Fer-de-lance, resolved to die, mustered his last bit of strength. Relying on his burly figure, he bear-hugged the Taoist. His legs, firm as bedrock, dug securely into the ground, vowing not to let the Taoist break free.
An opportunity!
Ruan Tian's and Ruan Di's eyes lit up. They smashed their hands into the ground, shouting, "Bind!"
The fish tattoos on their backs emitted a hazy red glow, drawing blood from their bodies. The crimson, blood-red light flowed down their arms and into the ground, spreading all the way to the Taoist's feet, where it transformed into thick chains, each as wide as a child's arm, binding the Taoist's feet.
"Scholar Xiao!" Ruan Tian shouted hoarsely with all his might.
"I know!" Scholar Xiao's eyes flew wide. He frantically waved his bloodstained fingertips, finishing the last stroke of the Talisman in midair, and roared, "Meld the two Qi, unify into truth! In the mists of change, the thunderbolt swift and fierce! Thunder, come forth!"
