Sage gripped his axe tightly, killing intent blazing in his eyes as terrifying power gathered in his hands.
He knew the enormous High Mountain before him was now their only opening.
Zhan Qisheng, Liu Ling, Shiranui Jinkuro, A Can, and A Kui surrounded Sage, blocking countless attacks for him.
Seeing that Sage still could not break through despite his relentless assault, the Dragon-Subduing Arhat grew anxious and kept sending Black Monks as reinforcements. Had he not been locked in combat with the Flame Emperor, he would likely have taken the field himself long ago.
Zhan Qisheng panted heavily. His sleeves had been torn open, exposing his powerful arms, and his black clothes were stained with blood.
Some of that blood was bright red, mixed with pitch-black blood.
It seemed both he and the monks opposing him had been wounded. There was no telling who would be the last one standing.
Zhan Qisheng's hand trembled slightly as he touched his chest. During the melee, someone had carved a ghastly wound across it.
"Zhan Qisheng, don't push yourself so hard," Shiranui Jinkuro said, looking at him with concern. "Step aside and recover first!"
"No need!" Zhan Qisheng said coldly. "I won't die here."
With that, he was about to leap forward again, but Liu Ling caught his wrist.
"What are you doing?" Zhan Qisheng asked, looking back.
"You're in terrible shape. You can't keep fighting." Liu Ling swayed, breathing out a waft of alcohol. "Sage finally got to see you again. Find a way to stay alive, then go have a chat with him."
"Sage... wants to talk to me?" Zhan Qisheng asked, puzzled.
"Yes." Liu Ling nodded. "We've been with Sage all these decades, and he's mentioned you countless times. He must have plenty he wants to say to you."
Zhan