Memories and illusions mingled with reality. She bit her tongue to maintain her rationality.
Zhulan gasped for air. Her mind clouded, her body reacting instinctively. She drew her sword in a fluid motion and lunged at BaiShe.
He had only an instant to perceive Zhulan's aura, now saturated with hostility. Her attack was swift but lacked precision. With a simple sidestep, BaiShe dodged the blade that slashed mere inches from his chest.
He did not retaliate immediately. His eyes analyzed her movements. She was still weakened, but her Qi had grown erratic, uncontrollable. Her breath was short, her pupils dilated.
'The illusions have trapped her?' BaiShe furrowed his brow.
She charged again, her blade slicing in a wide arc. BaiShe parried with the back of his hand, deflecting the sword's trajectory before pivoting. His foot struck Zhulan's sternum directly, momentarily disarming her.
She was thrown, crashing violently into a nearby tree. He seized the opening.
