Ice shards splashed down along the altar's edge, and the blue light flashed out in an instant. The black figure landed steadily, snow still clinging to his cloak, while the pitch-black token at his waist had already caught Chen Wuya's eye.
Three cracks spread in the shape of claws.
A Demonic Cult Protector.
Chen Wuya sidestepped, shielding Bai Zhi behind him. Mo Feng swiftly retreated half a step, his mechanism compass pressed tightly to his palm as its needle spun wildly. The air within the altar instantly congealed. The Heart of Extreme Cold, hidden against Chen Wuya's chest, still felt faintly hot.
The Protector did not attack at once. He raised a hand, a wisp of black qi coiling around his fingertips as he slowly pointed toward Bai Zhi.
"Hand over the Heart of Extreme Cold. And her." His voice seemed to rise from underground. "You cannot protect that child."
Bai Zhi's breath caught, and her fingers immediately settled on her sword hilt. She said nothing. Her toes edged forward half an inch, her body sank slightly, and her flexible sword silently slid three inches from its sheath. Pale blue Sword Qi spilled from the blade, forming a slowly revolving ring around her.
Selfless Sword Intent.
The sword ring spun faster and faster, drawing the chill together to form an invisible barrier around her abdomen. The fetus moved lightly within, then quieted down.
The Protector let out a cold laugh. "Using Sword Intent to protect your fetus? How long do you think that little qi of yours can hold?"
He suddenly spread both arms, and black qi surged wildly. Like an arrow released from its bow, he shot toward the center of the altar, targeting the Heart of Extreme Cold in Chen Wuya's arms.
Chen Wuya had no time to