As the bandits approached, Alex spotted an opening. He darted out from behind the boulder, surprising one bandit with a swift strike to the leg, sending him tumbling to the ground.
"Nice one, Alex!" Mei cheered from her position, taking out another bandit with a well-placed kick.
But the odds were still against them, and the remaining bandits pressed harder. Lianhua charged out, her sword shining as she faced the remaining attackers. "We will not back down! For the Kingdom of Huanshan!" she shouted, rallying her companions.
With renewed vigor, Alex followed Lianhua, dodging blows and striking back with determination. Together, they fought as a unit, using their training to outmaneuver the bandits.
Just as victory seemed within reach, the largest bandit, wielding a menacing sword, emerged from the shadows. "You think you can defeat us?" he bellowed, glaring down at Alex. "You'll pay for your insolence!"
With a battle cry, he swung his sword toward Alex, who barely managed to dodge. "Okay, this is way more intense than dodgeball!" Alex yelled, scrambling back.
"Alex, focus! You can't let fear control you!" Lianhua shouted, rushing to assist him.
As the battle reached its climax, Alex felt a surge of adrenaline. Drawing on everything he had learned, he remembered Master Zhi's words about using strategy. He feigned a strike to the left, causing the large bandit to overextend himself.
"Now!" he shouted, swinging his sword to catch the bandit off guard.
With a loud crack, the wooden sword connected with the bandit's side, sending him stumbling away. "I can't believe that worked!" Alex exclaimed, astonished.
"Good job! Keep pressing!" Mei encouraged, joining the fray with renewed enthusiasm.