"Gao, get everyone into the deeper tunnels," Xiaochen said. His voice was a rasping, hollow echo.
"We're not leaving you, kid!" Gao roared.
"You can't help me with this!" Xiaochen screamed. "If you stay here, you're just more fuel for him! Go!"
He didn't wait for an answer. He launched himself into the air. He didn't use wings. He used the repulsion of the Void. He flew straight up, a tiny black speck against the golden god.
The giant raised its hand. It didn't use its sword. It just pointed a finger.
A needle of light shot out. It moved faster than thought.
Xiaochen swung Pedang Neraka. He met the needle of light with a wall of black negation.
The impact was like a star collapsing.
Xiaochen was thrown backward, his clothes burning away, his flesh searing. He crashed through three
