The trial world grew eerily silent, the oppressive pressure thickening as the Shadow Phoenix's will intensified. Xiao Ming's defiant roar had barely dissipated when the projection flared once more with a renewed, devastating force.
Waves of black and crimson energy swept outward, rending the skies and ground alike, the sheer might of the will threatening to tear Xiao Ming apart at his core.
Xiao Ming's knees caved in, his spiritual defenses flickering like a candle in a storm. Blood sputtered from his mouth in a violent manner, staining the cracked earth beneath him.
His arms trembled, his breaths coming in ragged gasps, but his spirit remained unyielding.
Xue Mao, watching from the sidelines, could no longer contain its growing alarm. The little snow cat, normally brimming with playful arrogance, now looked pale and fraught with worry.
