Lightning flashed before them from time to time, and Yang Qing and the others braced themselves to risk their lives against it.
But just then, something unexpected happened.
The altar beneath Yang Qing and the others suddenly split in two down the middle.
After splitting apart, the altar slowly began to sink.
At the same time, the two strangely glowing rings wound around their feet lit up again.
Just as Yang Qing and the others looked down, a bolt of lightning struck at them with astonishing speed.
The lightning hit the swords they held aloft. Some of its power was channeled into the ground, but far more struck their bodies.
"This lightning is no ordinary lightning."
Yang Qing tilted his head back and saw that the lightning was red throughout, with black edges.
It looked as though it would claim lives the instant it fell.
In response, the two glowing rings around their feet also began to shine red.
With a crash, the lightning struck Yang Qing and the others full in the head and face.
A blaze shot into the sky.
Yang Qing and the others caught fire, becoming figures of flame.
Watching the flames soar from the altar, the elder standing beside Hardway revealed a look of madness.
"Chieftain, do you see it? The Blood Sacrifice has begun."
"Before long, the curse upon us will be lifted completely!"
Hardway still could not move. The only part of his body he could move was his mouth.
"Great Elder, if you treat human life so lightly, could you live with a clear conscience even if the curse truly were lifted?"
The Grand Elder laughed. "Chieftain, after all these years, I never imagined you would still have such a woman's tender heart."
"If they don't die, we will."
Seeing sorrow flash