"Wait until it rises."
The zombie's chest expanded.
A crack opened along its ribs.
Instead of flesh healing, a pale crystal structure emerged from the wound. It grew like roots, reaching toward the creature's throat and spine.
Yan Cijin whispered, "That is disgusting."
"Very."
The zombie opened its eyes.
But it did not attack them.
It looked at the golden tree.
The creature staggered upright and walked toward the barrier.
Bai Li watched.
It reached the invisible line.
The barrier rejected it.
The zombie screamed.
The crystal growth in its chest shattered.
Bai Li understood immediately.
The tree was drawing the energy from its failed regeneration.
The zombie was trying to feed itself.
The tree was feeding on it instead.
Bai Li raised Whisperfang.
"One more."
The zombie turned.
This time the creature was weaker.
Bai Li approached calmly.
It swung.
She ducked.
Whisperfang cut through its arm.
The arm dropped.
The creature regenerated halfway.
