As the Abyssal Troll fell, the lesser flame demons following behind him began to fall into disarray.
The Abyssal Troll was their bonded leader. With their leader dead, they lost their spiritual pillar. Their once-ferocious assault began to falter, some still charging forward while others turned to flee.
The City Guard and the cultivators of the various families seized the opportunity to counterattack. Ranged spiritual power attacks from the Wind Snow Family rained relentlessly into the flame demons, the Huyan Family's sword-and-shield troops advanced in compact formations, and the Winged Dragon Family's inscription masters kept launching weakening talismans and Explosive Talismans from the rear.
Xiao Ning'er did not join the pursuit. She flew higher, hovering in midair with her Wind-Thunder Wings as her gaze swept across the battlefield.
The remaining flame demons were being cleared away layer by layer. The battle line advanced steadily, and the rhythm of battle cries and clashing weapons had eased considerably.
She turned back to look toward Ye Zong and Nie Li.
Trapped within the light barrier of the Ten Thousand Demons and Spirits Array, Black Fiend's face was livid. He raised his hand and hammered it with another punch. The barrier shuddered but still did not break.
He had already struck it more than a dozen times in succession, expending an enormous amount of spiritual power. His breathing was ragged, and the fabric across his back was soaked with sweat, clinging to his skin.
Ye Zong stood outside the barrier, in no hurry to attack. He simply watched Black Fiend in silence, the wind and snow spiritual power around him circulating steadily. Nie Li stood atop the tower with both hands pressed against the array's core, his calm gaze resting on Black Fiend.
Then something changed.
A dark red light shone from a crack