Pei Jing drew Chaos Qi through the Governing and Conception Vessels as he fell. He covered thirty-five feet in less than one point two seconds. His knees took the weight when he landed behind the first crossbowman. The floor gave a soft thud. He slipped the chipped cleaver back through his belt so he could use both hands.
Pei Jing struck with Iron Sand Palm. The guard dropped without a cry.
“Behind us!” the second man shouted.
He fired two silver-plated bolts from eight paces away. One tore through the cloth beneath Pei Jing’s arm. The other hit his shoulder. The point flattened and spun away into a beam.
“Monster—”
Pei Jing crossed the space between them. A quick blow sent the guard down beside the wall. Four seconds had passed since he landed.
“Formation!” Meng Kui shouted. “Spears, keep him back.”
Two guards came forward with hooked spears. Behind them, the last two sent short flying swords through the side aisles. The blades glowed blue.
