Qi streamed from Tian Bao's body in massive waves, the force pushing against the ground around him. His legs buckled, forcing him to kneel as white smoke hissed out of his body through what left of his armor. The sound of metal creaking filled the air as his body trembled.
Mei Lan shifted her weight, muscles tensing as she prepared to strike. Her blade gleamed in the dim light, but before she could leap forward, threads of energy erupted from the earth beneath her feet. The white chains wrapped around her ankles, binding her in place with supernatural force.
"Let me go!" Mei Lan struggled against the glowing restraints.
Mei Ling's voice cut through the air. "Hollow Crane Slash!"
The ethereal blade of energy struck the chains, but instead of breaking them, the attack caused the threads to multiply. New strands branched out like roots, spreading rapidly across the ground toward the kneeling Tian Bao.
