"Give up. You can't beat him. Look at you—you're already badly wounded, and it's barely been any time..."
"Use the terrain. Close the distance!"
"Another half an incense stick at most, and you're finished..."
"Give me your body. I spent my life campaigning north and south with General Luo and never lost a battle. Perhaps I can find a way to win."
"Give up. This Revived is toying with you. Stop giving this sicko what he wants. I suggest you taunt him a few times so winning won't feel good, either..."
"Give me your body!"
"That half an incense stick is almost up... Still hanging on?"
"..."
Time passed little by little. Jiang Lai remained silent and kept fighting.
His opponent was a disciple of the Rune Sect, a rare sight in this age. With each wave of his hand, golden Runes shot out, streaking through the dim forest. Jiang Lai could only twist his body with all his strength to dodge them.
Half an incense stick passed.
A full incense stick passed.
His body grew more battered, wounds piling upon wounds.
Again and again, he fell. Again and again, he rose and struck back. Though he had no power to resist, not once did he consider giving up.
The Azure-Robed Swordsman had fallen silent.
The Rune Sect disciple's low, hoarse voice came from the forest. "A mere Martial Artist. Let's see how much longer you can last..."
Whoosh!
Thousands of talismans flew from his hand, weaving a golden net through the forest. Even the thickest trunks were severed the instant they touched its golden threads.
The net of golden threads descended.
Along with it came a shower of red Runes.
Jiang Lai still said nothing. He gathered every last bit of Spirit Power in his body and punched upward.