The figure was standing at the door. More than just creepy, it was powerful, and heavy in the air, making it hard to breathe. Bai Cheng's heartbeat increased as he gazed at the figure. Something was wrong, he felt. The figure did not move right away. It just stood there quiet and threatening.
Then, it made a sudden burst of spiritual pressure.
There is also a strong force that one feels nearly to fall, under the impact of a great storm. At the same time, the air around him is heavy, and his body is shaken as if the atmosphere were pushing on him, something he had never felt before.
It looked like a god had gone to descend to earth, full of wrath. His legs buckled under him, and for a moment he made a supreme effort to stand on his feet. **This… this is not the same.**
Gerald, however, did not blink. He would shift his stance under pressure. He blew out quickly; with a growing force, he heaved against the unseen weight. In one swift move, Gerald vanished and disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Just when everyone thought it was all over, Gerald appeared behind the figure. The bizarre figure didn't flinch.
You are brave to come here," Gerald said, both funny and cautiously. But you will see I am not someone you can easily bother."
The figure turned slowly, its eyes shining like hot coals. "Brave? No. I'm here to complete what was begun."
Bai Cheng watched in awe: the scene was like a battle between giants. Gerald and the other figure were weaving around each other, the tension, as if there were static electricity between them.
She moved first. She clicked her fingers, and a sizeable snake slithered out from the darkness, with a glow in its eyes. Its scales beamed with the shine of black stone, and it curled around the figure in defense.
What. is that?" Bai Cheng's eyes opened wide.
"A summoned beast," Gerald answered, barely glancing at him. His gaze stayed focused on the figure, his body coiled, ready for the attack. "It's not just any beast either. It's a high-tier spiritual creature. Not something you'll see every day."
The snake hissed and then swung its jaws open far too quickly, but Gerald was already well ahead. He ran forward fast, like a lightning flash, and Bai Cheng could not follow. He stood face-to-face with the snake, dodging its deadly strike and slamming into the body of the snake. The snake retracted with a hiss but did not catch its breath.
"I didn't think you'd bring a pet," Gerald teased, sounding very sure of himself. "But you should know—my tricks are much more enjoyable."
The figure squinted. "No more tricks, Gerald.
The figure raised his hand, and in a flash of darkness, the air was filled with black energy. The change was noticed in the atmosphere, the space that was around them curved as the figure called upon another power.
Opening on the ground below them, the snake grew, getting bigger, with longer and sharper fangs.
I'll show you what real power looks like," she sneered.
Bai Cheng felt a chill as the snake entwined its massive form around the figure, and dark energy rippled out in waves. Then it sprang at Gerald with one swift motion.
He smiled to himself-it didn't bother him. He reached out a hand and the world froze in place. His energy was created as a wave, dimpling every particle of air around him.
"Pay attention, Bai Cheng," Gerald said loudly. "This is how you win a battle."
And, suddenly, the prodigious absorption of energies transformed. Aura changed; bright fire lit his eyes. The ground opened under his legs, and in the free space, appeared a huge fiery legendary phoenix; wings on the fire. The magical bird let out a scream and made a flight to the snake, where the flame touched the edge of its wings.
The snake made a loud hissing sound, its eyes filled with anger as it jumped forward to attack. But before it could, the phoenix swooped down, its hot claws stretching out very fast.
In a burst of light and heat, the phoenix hit the snake, sending strong waves through the air. Bai Cheng could hardly stay steady as the ground shook under him.
The snake turned in the air, moving around, trying to get away from the phoenix's fire attack. But Gerald was not done. With a swipe of his hand, the phoenix's claws cut down on the snake, leaving burn marks on its dark skin.
You are not going anywhere," Gerald's voice was cold, full of control.
The snake uttered one last shriek of fright and vanished into space as the flame of the phoenix engulfed it. The figure did not move, but Bai could see the anger shining in the eyes.
"You. want to hurt my beast?" the figure said, their voice full of anger.
Gerald grinned and dabbed at his forehead. "I don't just break things, I tell them who's boss.".
But the figure was not conquered. With a fluid motion, he went to raise his hand again. The air seemed more congested; Bai Cheng could feel it. The figure's stance was no longer playful. It was serious this time. Gerald's face turned serious; his eyes were sharp. He stood firm, placing himself between the figure and Bai Cheng. Get ready," Gerald whispered, his voice growing stronger.
"You are about to see the real me. Before Bai Cheng could ask what that meant, the figure pulled back his hood. The cape moved as he showed his face—cold, smart, and full of anger.
Then, in a voice that made the air sound cold,
Gerald said a name.
"Mei Feng ."