Long Qingxuan and Long Niu stared, stunned for a moment. Then, understanding dawned.
Yue Bingyao had not lost thoroughly. She had seen the inevitable outcome and had chosen her moment of defeat to be her ultimate act of strategy. She had sacrificed the moon itself, and her own manifestation, to create this last, desperate line of defense.
Nian Shi's cold smile vanished, replaced by a snarl of fury. "Another barrier?!" he roared, raising his Blade of Eternity. "You think this will stop me?!"
He took a step forward, intent on shattering the new moonlight barrier immediately.
But Long Qingxuan and Long Niu were already moving. Their grief crystallized into unshakable resolve. They rose to their feet, their bodies battered but their spirits burning brighter than ever.
They exchanged one last, look of perfect understanding. There were no words needed. They knew what they had to do.
