The Ghost King stood in the middle of the hallway, the black mist around him growing thicker and heavier. He opened his mouth and let out an earth-shaking roar that made the entire building tremble.
Chen Siyao had been locked in combat with the Ghost King for well over ten minutes, and her strength was gradually giving out.
Her breathing grew more ragged, sweat streamed down her cheeks, and her arms ached so badly she could barely lift them. The Peachwood Sword in her hand had slowed considerably.
"Yaoyao." Chen Hao's voice came from behind her, calm as though he were discussing something perfectly ordinary. "Press the button in the middle of the hilt."
Chen Siyao looked down. Sure enough, there was a tiny bump on the hilt, almost impossible to notice without looking closely. She pressed it with her thumb.
The Parasol Wood Sword gave a clear, ringing hum. Every rune on the blade lit up, golden light spreading from hilt to tip. The entire sword looked as though it had been set ablaze, burning with golden flames.
Chen Siyao could feel the sword vibrating, as though something inside it was awakening.
The Ghost King lunged again. Chen Siyao swung her sword—
A golden arc of Sword Aura shot from its tip, slicing through the air with a piercing whistle. Wherever it passed, black mist tore apart and the air ignited. Two deep gouges opened in the walls on either side of the hallway.
The Sword Aura struck the Ghost King head-on, drawing an earth-shattering scream. A long gash split his chest, and black mist poured out like blood. He staggered backward into the door behind him, which cracked with a sharp snap.
"Y-you... what kind of sword is that?" For the first time, fear crept into the Ghost