"Bang, bang, bang, bang..."
For a time, although hundreds upon thousands of sparks struck the golden pillar of light, Xu Taiping remained unharmed within it.
However, under the sparks' relentless assault, the pillar formed by the runes was still dimming at a rate visible to the naked eye.
"Pat!"
Just as the pillar of light was about to fade completely, Xu Taiping's feet finally touched the water.
Seeing Xu Taiping safe and sound, Dongfang Yuejian, her face as pale as paper, immediately let out a long sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness we made it!"
Xu Taiping looked at Dongfang Yuejian, then at Master Xuanzhi, whose forehead was likewise covered in sweat, and immediately thanked them.
"Sorry for the trouble."
Xuanzhi pressed his palms together and shook his head.
"Brother Taiping, there's no need for such courtesies between us."
Dongfang Yuejian also rose to her feet.
She turned to look at the enormous fireball that was still spewing sparks, then frowned.
"My Geng Metal Protective Array Talisman might not last until that fireball bursts completely."
Xu Taiping glanced at the blade in his hand. Then, using the Body Tempering Method of qi and blood to turn this physique's arms and torso bronze, he raised his long blade.
"When these runes shatter, I'll block the remaining sparks. Miss Dongfang, you and Master Xuanzhi should go first."
Xuanzhi immediately shook his head.
"There's no need for such trouble, Brother Taiping."
As he spoke, he pressed his palms together and drew a deep breath. Then, his face taking on the aspect of a Wrathful-Eyed Vajra, he declared:
"Open!"
The instant his voice fell, a dazzling Body-Protecting Golden Light enveloped all three of them.
Xuanzhi then smiled.
"Though this humble monk's Body-Protecting Golden Light cannot last long, it will have no trouble shielding us from