Pinnacle: The Secrets Unfurl

Just as the Phantom Assassin's blade closed in on Yixing, the Chinese hunter, despite the surprise, managed to conjure a multi-layered elemental shield. But a jolt of pain tore through his chest, followed by a crimson stain blooming on his mouth. "Impossible!" he gasped.

The Phantom Assassin, silent despite his open mouth, merely tilted his head in response. He lunged again, but a crackle of energy interrupted him. Alexander materialized beside him, spitting forth a torrent of searing lava that clung to the creature like a fiery shroud.