Tian Lei stood still, sword in hand, watching the serpent rise higher from the water. It let out a low, grinding hiss. The sound made the air vibrate.
Yuxin twirled her crescent blades once to loosen her wrists. "So… plan?" she asked.
"Keep it busy," Tian Lei said. "I'll disable it."
"Great. I'll try not to get eaten."
The serpent lunged first. Its head shot forward like a giant arrow, jaws snapping shut on the space they had been standing on. Yuxin leapt sideways, light as air, and landed on a bent tree root. The bite crushed the wood behind her like it was paper.
Tian Lei moved at the same time, rushing straight at its flank. His sword flared with faint Soulforce as he slashed down across the serpent's side. The blade hit hard, sending a splash of green light scattering from its scales. It didn't cut deep—just enough to get its attention.
