Chapter 148: Grim, Wait!
The creature’s roar of pain and rage was answered by its companions, and suddenly the coordinated nature of their assault became even more apparent. The black dragons weren’t just fighting individually—they were supporting each other, covering retreats, setting up combination attacks.
Ao Shun was being pressed hard by his opponent, the corruption in the black dragon’s claws eating away at his ice defenses like acid. Each strike that connected left dark marks on his scales, and Grim could see the Dragon King’s strength beginning to falter.
"Father needs help!" Lin called out, sending spears of ice toward Ao Shun’s attacker. The black dragon avoided most of them, but the distraction gave Ao Shun a moment to recover his footing.
Bi’an had managed to break free from his opponent’s coils, but not without cost. His tiger-striped hide bore multiple cuts, and one of his wings hung at an awkward angle. The black dragon circled him like a predator, looking for an opening to finish what it had started.
"You always were too eager, little tiger," the black dragon spoke, its voice was deeper than expected. "No patience. No planning. Just charge ahead and hope for the best."
"At least I fight with honor," Bi’an snarled back, feinting left before striking right with his good wing. The dragon avoided the attack easily, laughing as it did so.
Suanni’s battle with the whale-creature had devolved into a grappling match, both combatants locked together as they rolled across the ancient plaza. The lion-dragon’s flames continued to wash over his opponent, but the creature’s corrupted hide was proving remarkably resistant.
"This isn’t working!" Suanni called out, his voice strained as he struggled to avoid the creature’s snapping jaws. "Its corruption is protecting it from my fire!"
Xu Wu was being driven back by his two opponents, their coordinated assault leaving him little room to maneuver. Ice barriers formed and shattered under their relentless attacks, and it was clear he couldn’t maintain this defensive pattern much longer.