Wind and rain howled in their ears.
Nine figures sprinted desperately across the muddy wasteland.
The girl in green ran in the middle, gasping for breath. Her feet slipped several times, and only her companions pulling her along kept her from falling.
The sullen young man led the way, glancing around from time to time. Only after confirming that the black-and-gold spinning monster had not turned back to pursue them did he breathe a little easier.
"Pick up the pace! There's a stone forest ahead. Once we get through it, we can rejoin the main group!"
Everyone gritted their teeth and forced their remaining spiritual energy into their legs, increasing their speed once more.
The edge of the stone forest was already within reach, its jagged black rocks looming through the curtain of rain.
Just as they were about to rush into a gap between the stone pillars-
A dazzling mass of golden light suddenly slammed down from the cliff to their side.
Boom!
The enormous impact crushed the bedrock underfoot. Muddy water sprayed in every direction, and the shock wave hurled the two Rain Clan disciples in front straight to the ground.
An enormous golden lion blocked the entrance to the stone forest.
Eight lion heads were held high, and gleaming golden scales covered his body. On his leftmost neck was a hideous severed stump, still oozing faintly golden blood.
A black-haired boy stood on the lion's back.
The boy had his arms folded across his chest, an Ancient Treasure Mirror in his hand.
He looked at the nine people before him and grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.
"Who are you, and why did you set up a formation to ambush us?"
"The Nine-Headed Lion!" The sullen young man's pupils contracted sharply as he cried out in