"Clang!"
The spectral blue blade aura collided head-on with the dark gold Iron Cudgel.
A terrifying shock wave rippled outward in a ring, centered on the two of them.
The remaining stone pillars of Boyue Cave collapsed one after another, and rubble rained down from the vaulted ceiling.
Kui Mulang had abandoned all defense.
Blood streamed from his eyes. He swung the Soul-Reaping Life-Taking Blade in sweeping arcs, every strike an attempt to drag his opponent into death with him.
His chest lay wide open, utterly unguarded.
Wukong held his cudgel in one hand, his golden eyes narrowing slightly as golden light flickered within them.
Was Kui Mulang seeking death?
Wukong darted through the flashing blade, casually plucked a hair from the back of his head, chewed it between his lips, and blew out a breath of immortal qi.
"Go!"
Countless phantoms wielding Golden Cudgels instantly surrounded Kui Mulang.
Kui Mulang roared and slashed wildly, but every blow struck an illusion.
In the half-breath when his movements faltered, Wukong's true body appeared above his head out of thin air.
The Golden Cudgel tore through the air with a string of piercing whistles, but avoided his vital points and struck the backs of Kui Mulang's knees.
"Crack!"
The sound of shattering bone set teeth on edge.
Kui Mulang's knees shattered instantly. His massive body slammed uncontrollably onto the bluestone slabs, gouging two deep pits beneath him.
The long blade flew from his hand and lodged at an angle in a distant stone wall, giving off mournful ringing cries.
"Brother Monkey! Hold back!"
With that urgent shout, a whirlwind of black wind swept into the stone chamber.
Dragging the Nine-Toothed Rake, Bajie rushed up, panting for breath.
Wukong's raised Golden Cudgel hovered barely an inch above the crown of Kui Mulang's head.