The white flash collapsed like a dying star.
Its afterglow lingered for only a breath—then reality slammed back into form.
CLAAAAANG!
A shriek of steel rang through the corridor like thunder cracking inside a tomb.
Elder Feng Yu staggered back, boots carving twin trenches into the stone floor. His sword vibrated violently in his hands, light glinting off the cold steel as he steadied himself.
A massive crimson arrow—formed not of wood or metal but pure murderous intent—splintered into red sparks against the blade.
The sparks fell like dying fireflies, their glow briefly illuminating the vast corridor of ancient stone.
But respite did not follow.
Whoosh!
Another arrow—this one entirely silent—materialized out of the darkness behind him.
Elder Hua's figure blurred into existence with perfect timing. Her robes fluttered softly as her sword traced an elegant arc, striking the projectile with a whisper-light touch that redirected its lethal aim.
