Ling Yu ignored both. Her grip on her weapon tightened.
"Xian Yu," she said without looking back, "keep me alive. Heal every wound, no matter how deep. Can you do that?"
Xian Yu's pale face was taut with fear, but his eyes were steady.
"Yes," he whispered, voice trembling but firm. "I'll heal you. No matter what."
"Good."
The Alpha Ape bellowed again and charged.
The ground cracked with every thunderous step as the beast lunged straight for the group. Its massive fist swung like a boulder, slamming down toward the terrified survivors.
"Scatter!" Ling Yu barked.
She darted forward, faster than any ordinary human could track. Her blade flashed upward, slicing into the ape's forearm just as the fist smashed down. Blood gushed, but the creature only roared louder, swatting at her like a fly.
The impact sent her skidding across the ground, boots digging furrows in the dirt.
