Before the words had faded, the copper hammer came again.
Sha Wujing floated in midair with the two children in his arms. The wind from the hammer was already bearing down on his head.
He twisted aside.
Boom!
Half the wall behind him shattered and crashed into the black water.
Great King Linggan stood on the black water in the courtyard, his golden helmet and armor reflecting a cold gleam.
The Nine-Petal Red Copper Hammer turned slightly in his hand. Droplets spun off its head and landed on the roof tiles, hissing into white vapor.
The second blow swept across.
This one was faster.
It went straight for Guan Bao'er and One Tael of Gold in Sha Wujing's arms.
Sha Wujing's gaze darkened. He secured Guan Bao'er with his left arm, shielded One Tael of Gold with his right hand, and twisted his waist to take the blow head-on.
Clang!
The red copper hammer struck his shoulder.
The blow landed solidly.
Sha Wujing was driven three steps backward through the air.
The two children huddled in his arms without a sound.
Sha Wujing glanced down.
Guan Bao'er's face was pale.
The phantom of the White Jade Divine Elephant still stood behind Sha Wujing.
The elephant's eyes were lowered, fixed intently on the two children in his arms.
A low rumble sounded.
Sha Wujing's chest tightened.
Before he could think further, Sanzang's voice came down from above again.
"Wujing, quickly hand the children to me."
This time, he sounded even more urgent.
Sha Wujing looked back. Sanzang sat on the tiger's back, one hand resting against the tiger's neck, the other already outstretched.
Great King Linggan stood on the water with his red copper hammer hanging at his side and a smile on his lips, seemingly in no hurry to stop