Amid a swirl of distorted crimson light, Ao Yu's figure split into two, then four, then eight!
Eight identical figures stood shoulder to shoulder in the center of the hall. Each radiated Soul Power fluctuations at the five-hundred-thousand-year level, and each held a crimson Molten Fire Longblade.
Sea Spider's enormous compound eyes darted rapidly as he assessed the balance of strength between the two sides. He issued an order in a deep voice that echoed through the hall like muffled thunder: "Follow my command! Those below four hundred and fifty thousand years, form groups of five and tie down one clone! Those above four hundred and fifty thousand years, form groups of three and finish off one clone as quickly as possible!"
The chiefs sprang into action. Figures crisscrossed the hall and Soul Power surged. In the blink of an eye, eight encirclements had formed, pinning down Ao Yu's seven clones and his true body within their respective bounds.
Ao Yu's eight figures moved almost simultaneously.
Eight figures, eight longblades, eight searing blasts of Blade Aura swept toward the enemies before them like eight roaring fire dragons.
The trio of Sea Spider, Gray Catfish, and Thorny Sea Urchin faced Ao Yu's third clone from the left.
The clone's gaze was icy, his face expressionless. His Molten Fire Longblade trailed a crimson flame as he slashed straight at Sea Spider's waist in the center of the trio. Before the blade even reached him, the scorching blast of air had already heated the shell covering Sea Spider's body.
Sea Spider pushed off with all six legs at once. His massive body rolled sideways with an agility utterly at odds with his size, narrowly evading the vicious slash. The Molten Fire Longblade skimmed the shell along his side, leaving a charred scorch mark