After saying his piece, Sage hurried away with the Seven Outstanding Disciples of the Sage. Zhan Qisheng, Weaver Girl, Yingning, and the others composed themselves and sat down where they were, quietly awaiting the visitors in the sky.
Meanwhile, Du Yu led the Seven Outstanding Disciples of the Sage across the Dragon Ancestor's island, nearing its center.
"Du Yu!" Xiao Qi cried out. "Those people in black are about to reach your island!"
"I know," Du Yu said coldly.
Shiranui Jinkuro and Liu Ling were the first to detect the many sinister presences approaching. They were about to turn around when Du Yu stopped them.
"Nobody look back. Just keep moving. We're no match for them right now," Du Yu told them, keeping his eyes fixed straight ahead.
The others nodded slightly, but all readied themselves for battle.
Xie Yujiao took a number of Array Flags from inside her robes and dropped them along the path.
Liu Ling also took out a jar of Du Kang liquor and drained it in one go.
Shiranui Jinkuro and A-Xiang took out a number of talismans as well, keeping them close at hand.
A Can and A Kui shielded Xiao Nian behind them. The eight quickly formed an impenetrable formation, guarding against enemies who might attack at any moment.
Before long, Du Yu and the others finally reached the island's center. To their surprise, the densely forested island had an enormous plaza at its heart.
A giant dragon lay coiled in the center, dozing lightly.
This giant dragon was quite unlike those in legends. Its entire body was covered in gleaming golden scales, a pair of multicolored wings grew from its back, and it had five claws beneath its body. Auspicious radiance surrounded it.
Lying there, it resembled an enormous building, its oppressive