That evil force surged ever more violently, like a berserk giant beast roaring wildly as it sought to crush everyone to pieces completely. Under the impact of this power, the surrounding scenery was reduced to ruins; dust flew and blotted out the sun. Towering mountains cracked and collapsed, and huge boulders rolled down with a deafening roar. Lush forests instantly turned to scorching earth as raging fires burned and billowing black clouds shot straight up into the sky. Rushing rivers dried up, their beds splitting open with cracks as if the earth had been torn by countless wounds.
Looking at this nearly invincible power, Zhang Zhi felt his heart filled with unwillingness. "Can it be that today we truly are to be buried here? No, I am not resigned to this; I still have so many things left unaccomplished. I once vowed to save the common people—how can I fall so easily here?" The flames of unyielding spirit burned in his gaze as he gripped his sword tightly, his knuckles turning white from the exertion.
Lin Wan'er had tears swirling in her eyes, her voice trembling with despair. "Are we truly without hope? I do not want to die; I still wish to live on with everyone." Her delicate body trembled uncontrollably, her usual gentleness and grace now replaced by terror and helplessness.
Chapter 31