The Shrine Guard appeared out of nowhere, like ghosts stepping off an ancient battlefield.
They carried no modern electronic devices. Their weapons were the oldest—and deadliest—kind: cold steel.
Clearly, the electromagnetic pulse from Thunder God's Wrath had not affected them.
At their head stood a tall, gaunt old man with a shaved forehead and topknot.
He wore a black Montsuki Haori Hakama, with a long sword and a short sword tucked into his sash. His hawklike gaze locked onto Yue Xiaofei.
"Dragon Kingdom scum! How dare you run wild here!"
The old man slowly drew his long sword. Its blade gleamed coldly in the dim light.
"This is sacred ground. You will not defile it!"
"All Shrine Guard members, hear my order! Kill these invaders where they stand! Spare no one!!!"
"Yes, sir!"
The dozens of samurai and ninja behind him answered in unison, their voices thick with fanaticism and bloodlust.
They were their country's most loyal hounds, war machines steeped in bushido spirit since childhood.
In their world, there was only obedience and slaughter.
"Well, look at that. A bunch with a death wish."
Wild Chicken's voice came over the comms again.
This time, though, he sounded less flippant and more wary.
"Xiaofei, these guys look like trouble. Every one of them looks ready to kill, like they just clawed their way out of a grave."
"Just a pack of worthless rabble."
Yue Xiaofei snorted. There was no fear in his eyes.
He knew the real fight was only just beginning.
"Everyone, listen up!"
Yue Xiaofei's voice rang clearly over the channel. "Ugly Ox, White Tiger, keep them pinned down. Don't let them break our formation!"
"Spirit Snake, Stone Monkey, take care of the rats hiding in the shadows!"
"Sister Duoduo, keep watching the perimeter. Make sure they don't