A sea of fire filled the sky and reddened the sun; alas, the Phoenix would never rise again.

Facing certain death, A Tai swayed, yet still struggled to remain standing.

He kept everyone firmly protected behind him.

Just as he had said back at the Ink Academy: "As long as I'm alive, I'll always protect you..."

"Kill them. Make it quick."

"I keep feeling that fellow is a little dangerous."

The Demon Lord at their head spoke coldly, unwilling to waste any more time on these people.

A Tai drew a deep breath, a trace of regret showing in his eyes, and turned his head slightly to look at everyone behind him...

"Who dares touch my students!!!"

An enraged voice rang out behind the Demon Lords!

When they reacted and turned, all they saw was a sea of fire!

A scorching sea of fire!

A Phoenix's cry rang out.

These sudden flames caught them off guard!

Especially since they were still standing together!

Several Demon Lords not known for their defenses let out agonized howls, their bodies covered in flames as they fell to the ground.

The remaining Demon Lords were scattered as well.

Xu Yuanqing stood panting before A Tai. He gave everyone only a cursory glance before turning to face the Demon Lords.

"Kill my students..."

"Did..."

"Did you ask me?"

Though he, too, was covered in wounds, though his body was not powerfully built, at that moment he was like a raging tiger, his presence so intimidating that the Demon Lords actually hesitated at first, not daring to approach.

"Xu Bighead..."

Zhao Zicheng was wedged entirely within a crack in the rocks. Seeing this, he struggled desperately, but even after a long while, he still lacked the strength to get up and could only keep gasping for breath.

"If you... if you die..."

"Who... who am I supposed to make money off afterward..."

Xu Yuanqing