Golden light illuminated the dark, rainy sky above Tower Bridge.
Chu Lingxiao soared into the midnight gale like a shooting star ascending from the earth. Her crimson skirt fluttered behind her in the cold draft, completely dry and untouched by the falling London rain.
The Nine-Phoenix Immortal Sword hummed softly in her slender grip. Ancient solar fire surged along the razor-sharp edge of the celestial blade, crackling with pure, righteous power that cut through the darkness like a beacon.
Up on the high stone parapet of the bridge tower, Duke Malakor shrieked with unbridled fury. His remaining black wing-feathers smoked in the intense heat, hissing as raindrops evaporated against the glowing barrier surrounding the girl.
“Kill her!” Malakor roared, pointing a trembling, clawed finger at the rising sword cultivator. “Impale the Huaxia brat on your lances! Do not let her complete her sword stance!”
Thirty Vampire Blood-Knights plunged through the heavy storm clouds in a tight, wedge-shaped formation. Their barbed steel lances aimed straight at Chu Lingxiao’s chest and throat. Dark crimson lightning crackled between the spearheads, whistling through the freezing wind like a flock of diving birds of prey.
Inside the armored passenger bus below, Dr. Eleanor Vance pressed her face against the thick glass, her hands trembling with anxiety.
