Panic flashed across Mu Yi's face as the phoenix crashed into him.
A vivid red force-field shield erupted around him in an attempt to block the attack, but the phoenix tore straight through it.
The impact blasted Mu Yi backward, sending him flying across the street and straight into a row of houses. The buildings shattered as he slammed through them, rubble collapsing on top of him.
The phoenix circled once before returning to Ningyan, hovering protectively in front of him as its massive wings beat against the night air.
Ningyan's eyes glowed the same brilliant white-gold as the phoenix's.
Both moved in perfect synchronization.
The fiery creature was not separate from him. It was his astral projection, formed from his own qi and beast soul.
Months of relentless training had led to this moment.
Every day he had forced his body to synchronize more deeply with his qi, strengthening himself through meditation and endless practice in the spirit pool.
