That blazing golden streak could only be Goldwing. But even his sudden dive failed to deal a real blow—the Yin–Yang Demon Empress clawed her way up from the ground, dust swirling around her, and shot Goldwing a contemptuous look. "Not bad, your speed’s impressive," she sneered, voice dripping with arrogance. "This Empress just happens to be short a flying mount. You’ll do nicely."
Goldwing didn’t even bother answering the Empress. Instead, he turned to Shadow with a teasing grin. “You alright, big guy? How’d you end up getting rekt by her? Honestly, I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it myself!”
“Can it with the trash talk, Goldfeathers. That woman’s power is off the charts. You better watch yourself, or you’ll be the next one eating dirt.” Shadow grumbled, tail flicking in embarrassment. Losing face in front of Goldwing stung more than the wound itself.
“Alright, alright, I get it. She’s a monster—no denying that. I went all out and didn’t even scratch her. Maybe only Boss Evan can handle a freak like that.” Goldwing shrugged, sounding half impressed, half annoyed.
“You’re not wrong. Old Goldwing, get Nolan Nangong and Jade Qin out of here. Leave this monster to me!” Evan’s voice boomed from overhead, echoing across the battlefield. As his words fell, his figure appeared in midair, radiating an overwhelming presence.
The moment Evan appeared, the Yin–Yang Demon Empress’s eyes narrowed. “Well, well, I didn’t expect you to break the curse so fast. Looks like the Immortal Realm’s got some decent healers after all. Not that it’ll matter—today you die, and this Empress will claim your body!” Her words dripped with menace and twisted anticipation.
Evan met her gaze, eyes burning with defiance. “Is that so? Then let’s see if you’ve got what it takes! This time, it’s do or die—either you fall, or I do!”
Goldwing swooped down in front of Nolan Nangong, morphing into his human form in a flash. He scooped up Jade Qin with practiced urgency, ready to get her out of harm’s way. As for Nolan, he could fly on his own—Goldwing didn’t need to worry about him.
Shadow’s wounds had finally stopped festering, the corrosion slowly knitting together. "Boss, her attacks are loaded with some freakish corrosive force. You better keep your guard up—one slip and you’ll be in real trouble."
“Don’t worry about me, Shadow. I know what I’m doing!” Evan called back, gripping the Frostbane Divine Sword. In a flash, he unleashed Divine Cleave—the blade howled through the air, Evan now at Immortal Emperor late-stage peak. His attack power was monstrous, and he was sure he could take down the Empress; at least, she hadn’t reached Heavenly God Realm yet.