Qian Ying and Zhou Zixing did not waste any time. Working together, they immediately began dismantling the building. This time, they were no longer in the same situation as before. Martial Artists holding flames covered them from around, an endless supply of wood stood ready at their sides, and with confidence in their hearts, their movements became even sharper.
Qian Ying's Xiantian Short Sword flashed rapidly. Every strike swiftly weakened the protective Barrier over the building. Amid flickering light, the Barrier shattered after a dozen or so strikes. Zhou Zixing's palm blade followed, cutting the wood that had lost the Barrier's protection into pieces convenient for carrying.
The two worked in perfect coordination, quickly and efficiently tearing down the windows, doors, and other sections of the Great Hall's walls before them.
The moment Qian Ying and Zhou Zixing tore down any wood, it was immediately set alight on the spot, expanding the range and area of the flames. The orange-red glow gradually spread, bit by bit forcing back the darkness.
Then, as more wood became available, some people entered the Great Hall and began carrying out its furniture, screens, and every other wooden object to burn as fuel. This ancient building had now become fuel for everyone's survival, turning to ash in the flames.
Yet no one felt any regret. Before life and death, all external possessions were worthless.
As more and more wood was gathered, smiles gradually curled up on everyone's faces. At last, they could see hope.
But many times, events would not unfold so smoothly. They would absolutely not develop as they had imagined.
In the darkness, those Black Shadows seemed to grow restless as well. If they delayed any longer, the humans before them would become increasingly difficult—or even impossible—to deal with.
Thus, all the Black